No matter if you are taking a trip to Orlando or live in Central Florida, there is so much to do and see here, especially for adults. Though Mickey Mouse may be the unofficial mascot, this city offers a lot more than kid-themed attractions! In this blog post, I wanted to share all my favorite things to do in Orlando for adults.
This guide has fifty ideas that make for a fun experience in Orlando without kids. I have broken it up into unique, relaxing, active, theme park and budget activities so there are plenty of options. Save this guide for the next time you are in Orlando and need a date night, friend hang out, or vacation activity idea for adults!
Table of Contents
Unique Things to Do
First I want to start out with some uniquely Orlando things for adults to do. These are quintessential Florida experiences that every adult should try at least once! Start with these ten ideas when looking for a fun, adult-friendly Orlando activity.
1. Plan a Downtown Orlando Brewery Crawl
There are so many amazing Orlando breweries, that I recommend beer lovers spend some time downtown and try a few. You can quickly get from Persimmon Hollow to Motorworks to Broken Strings and order a flight at each! If you don’t want to have a designated driver, go on Saturdays and take the Orlando Ale Line Brew Bus!
2. Attend a Match
With four major sports teams right in Orlando, this is the ideal place to catch a game. Head to either the Amway Center or the Exploria Stadium to watch a soccer, basketball, or hockey game.
3. Swim in a Freshwater Spring
The freshwater springs of Central Florida are a sight not to be missed! If you want to spend some time in nature, it is worth it to take a drive to the springs. There you can explore, kayak, or swim with your friends and family. Here are the best springs near Orlando for adults:
- Blue Springs State Park in Orange City
- Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka
- De Leon Springs State Park in De Leon Springs
4. Spend a Day at the Central Florida Zoo
Seeing animals of all types is the most fun thing to do in Orlando! The Central Florida Zoo is home to giraffes, bears, sloths, crocodiles, and more, which can be viewed at any time of day. Along with learning about the different animal species, there are also exhibits about the animal’s natural habitats. This zoo offers tons of unique experiences for adults, as well as a botanical garden to explore.
5. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
See Orlando from above with a hot air balloon flight! Disney Springs offers fifteen-minute experiences for only $25 per person and you can see Walt Disney World Resort from above. If you really want to splurge, you can also book a private hot air balloon tour over Orlando for $425 for a couple!
6. Go Backstage on a Theme Park Tour
All the Orlando theme parks offer backstage tours that provide a unique perspective instead of riding rides. Some of my favorites include the Keys to the Kingdom or the Wild Africa Trek Tour at Disney World and the Penguin Up-Close Tour at SeaWorld. They are an additional cost after park admission, but if you have an annual pass it can be a unique Orlando experience for adults!
7. Taste Your Way Through the Chocolate Museum
If you have a sweet tooth, visit The Chocolate Museum & Café for a decadent birthday. You can start with a tour to learn about the origins and history of chocolate, followed by seeing how chocolate is made and some remarkable sculptures made out of chocolate. Of course, the tour ends with samples of all different kinds and a chance to purchase more in the café! Bring a few friends on the tour to celebrate or book a private tour for a chocolate party!
8. Play Some Games at the 1-Up Barcade
For adults that want to relive the 80s, the 1-Up Arcade bar offers all your favorite arcade games to enjoy in a bar setting. You can sip on co*cktails, beer, and mocktails while playing games like Ms. Pac-Man, Air Hockey, and Donkey Kong Junior. It’s open every night for a retro way to spend your evening in Orlando.
9. Go to a Food Hall
Another delicious experience for adults in Orlando is going to Plant Street Market. This is an indoor food hall (though lots of seating is outside), where you can try all sorts of cuisines. I love ordering a dish from multiple booths to have my own unique meal. You can also get craft beer from one of Orlando’s best breweries, Crooked Can here, and find live music on weekends.
10. Pick Fresh Fruit
There is nothing sweeter than spending the day picking fruits and berries! Orlando is surrounded by a variety of farms that offer pick-your-own blueberries, strawberries, or citrus, depending on what is in season.
Active Things to Do
Next, I have ten active things to do in Orlando for adults when you want an adrenaline-pumping experience. This includes experiences for both thrill seekers and casually active types. With options indoors and out, there are lots of ways to have an exciting time in Orlando.
11. Play a Round of Golf
Orlando is home to some of the best golf courses in the country and avid players need to take advantage of that! Plan a round of golf at resorts like The Waldorf Astoria and the Ritz Carlton or a public course like Panther Lake.
12. Race Go-Karts at Andretti Indoor Karting
One of my favorite things to do in Orlando any day is race go-karts at Andretti! This is one of the best go-karting courses in Florida and you can race around the track as many times as you like.
In addition to go-karts, Andretti also has all sorts of stuff to do inside including laser tag, arcade games, and an obstacle course that will keep you busy on a rainy day. They even offer parties for adults that can include unlimited arcade play and refreshments.
13. Try a Watersport
If you want to cool off on the water, a jet ski or water skis rentals can be an exciting way to do it! There are tons of places to rent jet skis, like Buena Vista Water Sports, where you can zoom through the water. Orlando Watersports Complex is also a fun Orlando attraction for adults with water skiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding rentals or lessons.
14. See Gators on an Airboat Ride
For an exhilarating trip through the swamp, visit Wild Florida for an airboat ride. Here you can take an hour-long airboat ride and get up close and personal with alligators, birds, and the rest of the wetlands. Afterward, you can explore the drive-through safari and check out the animal encounters as well!
15. Play Some Golf at TopGolf
One activity near Icon Park I love is TopGolf. This is an awesome activity day or night in any weather, thanks to the covered and temperature-controlled bays. You can bring up to six people for bay and take turns playing games on the interactive driving range. There is also a restaurant to have a meal, or you can order food and drinks while you play!
16. Take a Tree Trek Course
Another exciting thing to do in Orlando for adults is to take a tree trek. Orlando’s Tree Trek Adventure Park has ziplines, Tarzan swings, suspension bridges, and all sorts of climbing for an epic experience. You and a friend can book a tour, or you can even do a private trek for an adventurous party
17. Escape from Prison at the Escape Game Orlando
Orlando is home to many escape rooms and even an escape hotel! One favorite is The Escape Game where you have to figure out how to break out of prison, among other games. Even if you have done one before, there are always new challenges that make it worth checking out for adult activity. With the ability to add up to twelve people in a room, it makes for a fun party idea too!
18. Go Rock Climbing at Aiguille Rock Climbing Gym
If you are looking for a grown-up activity that burns some calories, rock climbing gyms are a great way to test your upper body strength and do some climbing. Aiguille Rock Climbing Center has both rock walls and bouldering walls that offer a variety of challenges. This is fun and challenging alone or with friends.
19. Go Bowling at Splitsville
In my opinion, the best bowling alley in Orlando is Splitsville at Disney Springs. Not only do they have colorful lanes and popular music playing, but you can also eat a top-notch meal while playing! Adults can enjoy bowling, sushi, a game of billiards, and more for a fun night.
20. Experience Glow in the Dark Paddleboarding
I usually find paddleboarding to be relaxing, although it is a challenge to balance the first time you do it. If you are feeling confident, try a glow paddle tour with Epic Adventures. You get to experience paddleboarding in the dark while on light-up boards.
Relaxing Things to Do
For adults in need of some me-time, Orlando has you covered with a variety of relaxing activities. I have found ten things to do that do not take much effort and will leave you feeling refreshed. Whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors or treat yourself to an indulgence, here are some great things to try in Orlando.
21. Stroll Through the Harry P. Leu Gardens
For a beautiful and affordable day outside, plan a visit to the Leu Gardens. There are 12 different areas to explore, each with a variety of plant species to see. This is ideal for a relaxing adult experience.
22. Soak at the Orlando Beer Spa
You can enjoy libations and a hot tub at the Orlando Beer Spa! A day here is perfect for adult couples who want to relax and enjoy a brew! This beer spa offers hot tubs with treatments that moisturize and exfoliate the skin. Best of all, there is unlimited local beer to drink while soaking up the suds!
23. Have a Pool Day at a Resort
If you want to relax by a pool but do not feel like staying at a hotel for the night, Orlando has plenty of resorts that offer Resort Pass! This allows you to book a pool day and use the resort amenities starting at just $20 per person! You can even get a cabana for all your friends and bottle service if you want to splurge.
24. Catch a Show at the Dr. Phillips Performing Center
Orlando has some of the best theater in the state, and Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando is the perfect place to see it. For a night out, I love getting tickets to see a Broadway show or concert. You can find the full lineup online, and be sure to plan a nice meal in Downtown Orlando before or after the show.
25. Visit the Quantum Leap Winery for a Tasting
Wine enthusiasts can visit Florida’s only sustainable winery, Quantum Leap for a tasting. The taproom in Winter Park is open Tuesday through Saturday for tastings on afternoons and weekends. You can also host a party here in a private room for thirty-five people or less.
26. Visit the Orlando Museum of Art
For those who want to get the creative vibes flowing, a visit to the Orlando Museum of Art is sure to provide that. This expansive gallery features an array of exquisite art from many cultures, that offers so much to learn about. Taking a walk-through is a peaceful and informative experience.
27. Take a Dirty Pour Painting Class
For a hands-on experience, a painting class is a fun adult activity. You can try painting a canvas at Painting With a Twist, pottery with Super Awesome Cool Pottery, or fluid painting with The Dirty Pour Project. This is another option for going on your own, with a friend or booking a private party.
28. Lake Nona Sculpture Garden
New to Lake Nona, The Wave Hotel has a free sculpture garden open daily for the public to visit. This outdoor exhibit offers a gorgeous, winding path through famous sculptures such as The Charging Bull and Upright Motive No. 9. There is everything from modern to ancient sculptures and you can spend at least an hour here exploring the space.
29. Go on a Scenic Boat Tour
Relaxing on the water is a lovely way to spend an afternoon and the vibe of Winter Park makes it even better. I recommend taking the afternoon boat tour here, where you can see the sights and learn about the history of the area.
30. Take a Yoga Class
You can also find affordable yoga classes often on the weekend, with the most popular being the weekly $10 Sunday Yoga in Lake Eola Park. Blue Moon Yoga also has a few different weekend class options on weekends for $10.There are even aerial yoga classes at Elevate Yoga Center.
Theme Park Things to Do
If you are taking a vacation to Orlando, it is worth visiting a theme park for at least one day to get a taste o the full Orlando experience! And even if you live here, everyone could use a day of rides and entertainment. In the next section, I am sharing my recommendations for adults visiting each of the major Orlando theme parks so you can have plenty of fun without dealing with kids!
31. Have a Magical Day at Walt Disney World
With four different theme parks, Walt Disney World has so many unique things for adults to do. Magic Kingdom is the classic option, especially for those who love princesses or movies. Spend the day here riding the rides and finish off with fireworks and ice cream in front of Cinderella’s Castle.
As for the other four parks, Epcot is definitely the best for adults. Drinking around the world is always a challenge for those who want to try all sorts of libations the celebrate. Hollywood Studios is ideal for the daredevil crew with some of the craziest rides, as well as those who love Star Wars and Toy Story. Lastly, don’t underestimate Animal Kingdom as a fun theme park for adults, especially for nature lovers.
32. Ride the Coasters at Universal Orlando Resort
Whether you spend your day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventures, it’s sure to be a wild time. Both have plenty of roller coasters and their own Wizarding World of Harry Potter for wizards of any age. Thrill seekers should head to Islands of Adventure to ride the Hulk and the Velocicoaster, whereas movie buffs, should check out the Despicable Me and The Mummy at Universal Studios.
33. Seize the Day at SeaWorld
Another great theme park for adults to visit in Orlando is SeaWorld Orlando. This park has some crazy roller coasters, water rides, and tons of aquatic exhibits. Whether you like animals or thrills, SeaWorld is perfect for an exciting day.
34. Go for a Ride at Icon Park
A big attraction on I-Drive is Icon Park, which I would say is similar to a theme park. It is free to visit and walk around and get some food. However, if you are not afraid of heights, you can pay for admission to ride the giant Ferris Wheel or spin on the swings. They also have an aquarium and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum for an indoor experience.
35. Slide Down Waster Slides at a Water Park
There are four water parks in Orlando (Volcano Bay, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Aquatica) and all of them are so much fun for adults! You can ride on tube slides, wade in the lazy river, and soak up the sun at a water park.
36. Relax in Paradise at Discovery Cove
This next one is a splurge but is sure to be an amazing experience. Entry to Discovery Cove includes swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with fish and rays, relaxing on the lazy river, and unlimited food and drinks. They have everything you need for a fun-in-the-sun day!
37. Have a Meal at Disney Springs
For those who rather not purchase a theme park ticket, Disney Springs is a great way for adults to get a taste of the Disney magic! There are so many fabulous restaurants with a variety of cuisines. Raglan Road, Boathouse, or Jaleo are my picks for an adults-only dinner.
Then you can spend the rest of the night checking out unique bars like Wine Bar George, listening to live music around the Springs, or even going to a concert at The House of Blues! With so many hotels close by, you can book one for the night and not worry about driving either.
38. Enjoy Dinner and Drinks at CityWalk
Locals and tourists alike love CityWalk at Universal Orlando for a night on the town. This nightlife spot has all sorts of themed restaurants and bars for adults to check out. For dinner, go to Big Fire for a classic steak dinner or Toothsome Chocolate Emporium for a sweet and savory meal. Make sure to make reservations in advance!
Afterward, hit the bars for a night of drinks and dancing. Rising Star is a hit for karaoke and the Red Coconut Club has Latin music and dancing. Even if you just want to relax with a margarita and easy listening you can visit Margaritaville. There is some type of bar for everyone!
40. Blast off at the Kennedy Space Center
Though it’s a bit of a drive, I always recommend adults take a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. Here you can see rockets, and space shuttles and learn about the space race. If you time it right, you can even catch a rocket launch and get a front-row view!
41. Visit FunSpot America
For a more affordable theme park experience, yet still plenty of thrills, adults will enjoy going to FunSpot America. Both the Orlando and Kissimmee locations have tons of fast roller coasters, crazy drop rides, games, and go-karting! With tickets only costing $60 per person, you can have lots of fun for a lot cheaper than the major theme parks.
Affordable Things to Do in Orlando for Adults
In this last section, I want to highlight ten free or low-cost Orlando activities perfect for an adult outing. These activities provide a taste of the city without breaking the bank. No matter if you are trying to save money or just looking for a no-frills experience, these ideas offer something for everyone.
42. Check out the Winter Park Farmers Market
Winter Park is a lovely place to spend the day and if you do it on Saturday, you can experience the free Farmer’s Market. There are tons of vendors with everything from produce to plants to art and you are sure to see plenty of dogs. You can easily spend a few hours strolling through here and getting a little treat.
43. Go to a Comedy Show
If you want ta laugh, Orlando is home to many comics that do gigs throughout the week. One of the notable free comedy nights takes place at Bynx Orlando with free shows on the first Wednesday of every month. However, the Milk District, Bitters and Bottles, and Grumpy’s Underground all have free open mic nights that cost less than $10 to attend as well.
44. See an Outdoor Movie
There are so many places to catch a free outdoor movie each weekend in Orlando. Some of my favorite locations include Winter Park, Ivanhoe Park Brewing, and Avalon Park. Bring some snacks and drinks and use this as an opportunity to relax under the stars!
45. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
For a nature experience, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is one of the best free options in Orlando. This is an 11-mile drive filled with opportunities to see wildlife and includes a free audio tour. Keep an eye out for alligators and expect to see tons of birds. There are even places to pull over and walk around for better views.
46. Take a Monorail Crawl
Most people do not realize that you can visit Disney Springs, the Boardwalk, and Disney Resorts for free. I think one of the most fun things to do in Orlando is parking at the TTC and taking the monorail around and stopping at each resort.
You can also enjoy a walk on the Boardwalk or a surrey ride rental. For an adult experience at the resorts, I recommend making a dinner reservation and then taking a monorail or a skyline ride! If you time it right, you can even see the fireworks while you are there!
47. Take a Mural Tour through Mills 50
Orlando is right behind Miami with some of the best street art in the state. Whether on foot or by car, make your own self-guided mural tour of Orlando and see how many colorful murals you can spot! Make sure to get some pictures!
48. Walk Around Lake Eola During a Weekend Festival
Not only does Lake Eola Park have a weekly farmers market every Sunday, but also frequent festivals. I find that coming here on a Sunday is an event itself with music, food and art vendors, and all sorts to see. Bring a picnic blanket and relax in the sun after trying some kettle corn and other treats from the vendors!
49. Go to The Beach
Though not in Orlando, you can get to a variety of nearby beaches in less than an hour! Most of these have free parking, including beaches in Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Clearwater. On a beautiful day, there is nothing better than relaxing in the sands with friends or loved ones!
50. Visit a Museum for Free
If you are a Bank of America customer, you can visit four Orlando museums for free the first weekend of every month! This promotion has been going on for over a year and allows Bank of America customers to enter the Orlando Museum of Art, Science Center, Orange County Regional History Center, and the Mennelo Museum for free. A valid bank account or credit card is required per person, so consider adding your spouse as an authorized user to get in as a couple.
Know Before You Go: The Best Things to Do in Orlando for Adults
Though some may be surprised, Orlando offers plenty of fun things to do for adults. From art and culture to food and wine, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Before choosing one of these things to do in Orlando for adults, be sure to keep these tips in mind!
- Keep an eye on the weather when planning an activity in Orlando. Florida weather can change quickly, especially in the summer with storms popping up. It also is much hotter here than on the coast, so do not plan to be outside all day in the summer.
- If you are looking to visit any of the theme parks, make sure to look for Florida Resident deals! Kelly, this blog’s trusted travel agent, can help you find the best rates!
- You will have to pay for parking in the city and near tourist locations. Pretty much most places in Downtown Orlando and on I-Drive have a small parking cost. If you are concerned, look it up ahead of time or take an Uber.
- Avoid I-4 during rush hour as much as possible. This is where there is the worst traffic! Traffic in the city is bad all around between 4 PM to 7 PM most days though.
- If you are looking for a place to grab a meal after experiencing one of these attractions, check out my complete Orlando restaurant guide.
Did I miss one of your favorite things to do in Orlando? Let me know in the comments if you have any other ideas!
For more ideas for things to do in Central Florida, check out my Central Florida Attractions Guideand my Central Florida Date Ideas!
