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Orlando One-Day Family Adventure: Outdoor Activities & Nightlife for Locals

Orlando, Florida

1 days

Drone shot of the downtown skyline
Orlando eye and fountain at night
50th Anniversary celebration at the Disney World Magic Kingdom theme park
Universal Studios globe at the entrance of the theme park
Orlando skyline

About Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida, is a world-class destination known for its thrilling theme parks, vibrant nightlife, and diverse dining options. Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld, it offers endless entertainment for families and thrill-seekers. Beyond the parks, explore Orlando's lush landscapes through golfing, boating, or hot air balloon rides. Experience the city's cultural side with its numerous art galleries, museums, and live performances. Indulge in shopping at premium outlets or enjoy the local cuisine at food festivals. With its year-round sunny weather, Orlando is a perfect getaway for all ages. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a magical experience, Orlando, Florida, promises an unforgettable vacation.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

A Day of Family Fun and Nightlife in Orlando

Morning

Start your day with a visit to a popular theme park. With a variety of rides and attractions suitable for all ages, it's a great place for family fun. Don't forget to check out the wildlife exhibits and interactive shows.

Lunch

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at a local eatery. Orlando is known for its diverse food scene, so you can find everything from classic American fare to international cuisine. Remember to try some local specialties.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring one of Orlando's beautiful parks. Take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or engage in some outdoor activities like frisbee or soccer. It's a great way to relax and enjoy Florida's beautiful weather.

Dinner

For dinner, head to a popular local restaurant. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, steak, or vegetarian options, you'll find something to satisfy your palate. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and excellent service.

Evening

End your day with a visit to a vibrant nightlife district. Enjoy live music, dance performances, or a comedy show. It's a perfect way to unwind and experience Orlando's lively evening scene.

Attractions in Itinerary (1)

Orlando Park

1
Orlando Park

A beautiful urban park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.

Parks

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Cuban Sandwich

Cuban Sandwich

A popular sandwich in Orlando, Florida, made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread.

Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie

A classic Floridian dessert made from Key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a pie crust. The pie originated in the Florida Keys.

Gator Bites

A unique Floridian delicacy, these are bite-sized pieces of alligator meat that are typically deep-fried.

Conch Fritters

A popular appetizer in Florida, made from conch meat, bell peppers, onions, and a variety of spices, then deep-fried to a golden brown.

Stone Crab Claws

A seasonal delicacy in Florida, these crab claws are usually served chilled with a side of mustard sauce.

Florida Rock Shrimp

A local seafood delicacy, these shrimps have a sweet, lobster-like flavor and are often served in a variety of dishes.

Florida Oranges

Florida is famous for its juicy and sweet oranges, which are a must-try when in season.

Fish Tacos

A popular dish in Orlando, these tacos are typically made with grilled or fried fish, cabbage slaw, and a creamy sauce.

Florida Spiny Lobster

A local seafood delicacy, this lobster is known for its sweet, tender meat and is often served grilled or in a variety of dishes.

Orange Blossom Honey

A local product, this honey is made from the nectar of orange blossoms, giving it a unique, citrusy flavor.

Florida Grapefruit Juice

A popular drink in Florida, this juice is made from locally grown grapefruits and is known for its sweet and tangy flavor.

Cuban Coffee

A strong, sweet espresso drink that's popular in Orlando due to its large Cuban population.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Orlando, Florida is typically from March to May. This is when you'll find the most pleasant weather (mid-60s to high 80s most days) and the least amount of tourists. Another great time to visit is from September to mid-November. During these months, you'll also enjoy manageable crowds and temperatures that range from the high 50s to high 80s. Keep in mind that the summer months are usually quite crowded with families making their annual trip to Orlando.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 15

Mon

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 19

Mon

Presidents' Day

May 27

Mon

Memorial Day

June 19

Wed

Juneteenth

July 4

Thu

Independence Day

September 2

Mon

Labor Day

October 14

Mon

Columbus Day

November 11

Mon

Veterans Day

November 28

Thu

Thanksgiving Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Orlando. It provides flexibility and convenience, especially for those planning to visit multiple attractions spread out across the city. Most major car rental companies have offices at Orlando International Airport and in the city center.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Orlando. They can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage. These services can be accessed through their respective apps.

Orlando's public transportation system, operated by Lynx, offers bus service throughout the city and surrounding areas. The bus system can be a cost-effective way to travel, but it may not be as convenient or fast as other options. Lynx also operates a commuter rail service called SunRail, which runs through several counties in Central Florida.

Orlando is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and trails. Bike rentals are available throughout the city, and there's also a bike-sharing program called Juice Bike Share. Biking can be a fun and healthy way to explore the city, especially the downtown area.

Taxis are readily available in Orlando, especially in the downtown area and at major attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. While taxis can be convenient, they can also be more expensive than other transportation options.

Many hotels and resorts in Orlando offer shuttle services to and from major attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld. Some also offer shuttle services to and from Orlando International Airport. It's worth checking with your hotel to see if they offer this service.

In downtown Orlando, you'll often see pedicabs - essentially, bicycle taxis. These can be a fun and eco-friendly way to get around, especially if you're not in a hurry. Just remember that pedicab drivers work for tips!

Walking can be a pleasant way to get around, especially in pedestrian-friendly areas like downtown Orlando and the theme parks. However, keep in mind that Orlando is a large city, and many attractions are spread out, so walking may not be practical for longer distances.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ USD

Time zoneUTC-5

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone911

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage120 V

Things to know about Orlando, Florida as a first time visitor

1

Orlando is located in Central Florida and is known for its warm, humid subtropical climate.

2

The city experiences two main seasons: a hot, rainy season from May to September, and a cooler, dry season from October to April.

3

During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 92°F (33°C), while in the winter, temperatures can drop to around 50°F (10°C).

4

Orlando is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET) and observes daylight saving time.

5

The city is a major hub for rental cars, so consider renting a car for convenience.

6

Public transportation is available through the Lynx bus system and the SunRail commuter train.

7

Orlando is a very spread out city, so plan your itinerary accordingly to minimize travel time.

8

The city is known for its numerous golf courses, so pack your clubs if you're a fan of the sport.

9

Orlando is home to many lakes, so activities like fishing, boating, and paddleboarding are popular.

10

The city has a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.

11

Orlando has a diverse food scene, with options ranging from food trucks to fine dining.

12

The city is known for its shopping, with options ranging from outlet malls to high-end boutiques.

13

Orlando is home to several professional sports teams, including the Orlando Magic (NBA) and Orlando City SC (MLS).

14

The city has a number of parks and gardens, perfect for picnics or leisurely strolls.

15

Orlando is a multicultural city with a large Hispanic population, so you'll find a variety of Latin American cuisine.

16

The city is very pedestrian-friendly, especially in areas like downtown Orlando and Winter Park.

17

Orlando has a number of museums and cultural institutions, including the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center.

18

The city is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Central Florida, one of the largest universities in the U.S.

19

Orlando has a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

20

The city is a popular destination for conventions and business meetings, with the Orange County Convention Center being one of the largest in the U.S.

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimwear

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat

  • Raincoat or umbrella

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-size shampoo

  • Travel-size conditioner

  • Travel-size body wash

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Valid ID

  • Credit and/or debit card

  • Cash

  • Health insurance card

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Theme park tickets

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Portable power bank

  • Camera

  • Memory card for camera

  • Headphones

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Travel guidebook for Orlando

  • Backpack

  • Travel pillow

  • First aid kit

Weather Conditions

Orlando, Florida, is known for its warm, tropical climate. The city experiences high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, with the average temperature ranging from 60°F (15°C) to 90°F (32°C). If you're planning a trip to Orlando, it's important to keep in mind that the summer months, from June to August, are the hottest and most humid. This is also the peak of the hurricane season, so it's advisable to check the weather forecast regularly and plan your activities accordingly. During the summer, it's recommended to stay hydrated and wear light, breathable clothing. Don't forget to apply sunscreen regularly, as the sun can be quite strong, especially between 10 am and 4 pm. The winter months, from December to February, are relatively cooler with temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21°C). These months are also drier, making it a great time to visit the theme parks and other outdoor attractions. Rainfall is common in Orlando, especially from June to September. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat with you, and consider indoor activities, like visiting museums or shopping malls, on rainy days. Despite the weather, Orlando offers a variety of attractions that can be enjoyed year-round. Just remember to plan ahead and prepare for the weather conditions during your visit.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

25° / 10°

January is a mild month in Orlando, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to visit if you prefer cooler weather.

February

26° / 11°

February is slightly warmer than January, with temperatures ranging from 11 to 26 degrees Celsius. It's still a comfortable time to visit.

March

28° / 13°

March sees a rise in temperatures, ranging from 13 to 28 degrees Celsius. It's a good time to visit before the summer heat kicks in.

April

31° / 16°

April is a warm month in Orlando, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 31 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to visit the theme parks.

May

34° / 20°

May is the start of the hot season, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 34 degrees Celsius. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy hot weather.

June

36° / 23°

June is a hot month in Orlando, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 36 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to visit the water parks.

July

37° / 24°

July is the hottest month in Orlando, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 37 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to visit the beaches and water parks.

August

37° / 24°

August is as hot as July, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 37 degrees Celsius. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy hot weather.

September

35° / 23°

September sees a slight drop in temperatures, ranging from 23 to 35 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to visit after the summer crowds have left.

October

32° / 19°

October is a mild month in Orlando, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 32 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to visit the theme parks.

November

28° / 14°

November sees a further drop in temperatures, ranging from 14 to 28 degrees Celsius. It's a good time to visit if you prefer cooler weather.

December

25° / 11°

December is a cool month in Orlando, with temperatures ranging from 11 to 25 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to visit for the holiday festivities.

Did you know?

Did you know that Orlando, Florida is known as 'The Theme Park Capital of the World' due to its numerous theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando?

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