Seasonal travel
Katie Sagal
Things to Do in Orlando in Summer 2018 - Attractions, Activities & More
While it’s true that Florida can be a bit humid in the summer, it’s still a great time to enjoy all of the wonderful seasonal events and attractions that cities like Orlando have to offer visitors. From free festivals to topnotch theme parks, you’ll find that the summer fun never ends in Florida. If you’re planning a visit and looking for things to do in Orlando in the summer 2018, check out our list of the top attractions and activities going on this year, including...
- ICON Orlando (formerly Coca-Cola Orlando Eye)
- LEGOLAND Florida
- Boggy Creek Airboat Tours & The Everglades National Park
- SeaWorld Orlando Electric Ocean
- Special Events at the Kennedy Space Center
- Fun Spot America's 20th Birthday Celebration
- and more...
Save on Summertime Activities
Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the Go Orlando Card. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all Orlando tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of these special Summer events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go Orlando Card.ICON Orlando (formerly Coca-Cola Orlando Eye)
Discover the magic of Orlando from 400 feet above it all at ICON Orlando. Take in breathtaking 360 degree views of the surrounding central Florida area like you’ve never seen before. This is the tallest observation wheel on the entire east coast of the United States and really a must-do for anyone coming to Central Florida. Spending more time in the I-Drive area? Check out our post on other fun International Drive attractions. Getting In: ICON Orlando Eye tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card. LEGOLAND®
What better place for the kids than this magical, wondrous place where their favorite toys spring to life? LEGOLAND® Florida is filled with life size replicas, scale models, rides, slides, and even opportunities to play with LEGOs. If you happen to be in the area for the 4th of July, be sure to check out their Red, White, and Boom event, featuring a striking fireworks display over Lake Eloise and a group construction project that aims to build the American flag out of LEGOs - what's not to love? Later in the summer, they may also have extended hours and other special events, so keep an eye on their event calendar! Getting In: LEGOLAND Florida tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card. SeaWorld Orlando & Electric Ocean
Kennedy Space Center Special Events
Space lovers of all ages delight in a visit to the inimitable Kennedy Space Center year round. This summer, there is a wonderful series of special events lined up to make your visit just that much better. Scattered throughout the summer you'll find rocket launches, opportunities to meet astronauts in the daily "Astronaut Encounter," and even the chance to board the Shuttle Launch Experience alongside a real retired astronaut in their "Fly With An Astronaut" series! Getting In: Kennedy Space Center tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card. Most events are included with general admission; the "Fly with an Astronaut" series is separately ticketed and is not included with the pass. Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World
There’s nothing more quintessentially Floridian than Gatorland, the Alligator Capitol of the World. It’s a lively, festive animal park that features theme park elements, a petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, a nature preserve, and animal sanctuaries. You absolutely must see their gator wrestling shows! Getting In: Gatorland tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card. Fun Spot America
Visitors looking for some classic amusement park action will love Fun Spot America. Although there are some gentler rides like the Ferris wheel and a tea cup ride, the majority of the action at Fun Spot is designed to be in the extreme – extreme coasters, extreme go karts, extreme bumper boats, you name it. There's also an expansive arcade for those of you looking for more summer fun -- play against family and friends and see who wins the most prizes! For those of you who will be in Central Florida on June 9, stop by Fun Spot to help them celebrate their 20th birthday! Enjoy rides all day and fireworks in the evening. Getting In: Fun Spot America tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card. Boggy Creek Airboats Scenic Nature Tour
If you’d prefer to spend your summer days enjoying a bit of fresh air on the water, then scenic nature tours like those offered by Boggy Creek Airboats are a good choice for you. Venture into the Central Florida Everglades on this informative and fascinating cruise and catch glimpses of the local wildlife, from gators and turtles to birds and more. It's certainly one of the top attractions in the entire state, and a favorite of ours. Getting In: Boggy Creek Airboat tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
If you happen to be in the charming historical suburb of Winter Park, then this scenic tour is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon. Glide through twelve miles of lakes and canals on this hour-long cruise while you work on your tan and listen with one ear to the guide’s narration. After your boat tour, be sure to spend some time exploring Winter Park itself, with its charming boutique shops, wine bars, gastropubs, and much more. Getting In: Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card. Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise
Prefer something a bit more exciting that the whole family will love? Then hop aboard the Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise for the ride of your life! Located in the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg area, this hour and fifteen minute long cruise proceeds at super fast speeds, combining exhilarating fun with the chance to see the dolphins who love to race along in the boat’s wake. Getting In: Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Summer Music Series
Clermont, FL July 2018
If you're in search of fun free entertainment that's perfect for families or groups of adults, this summer music series is a safe bet. Each Saturday in July Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards hosts a free music series, including live bands on an outdoor stage and solo acts inside. These musicians represent the best local talent in Central Florida, and are sure to delight all visitors. While you're there, why not sample a few of their wines and tour the facilities? That's free, too! Getting In: The Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Summer Music Series is free to attend.CAHM Festival
Fashion Square Mall June 24, 2018
A festival celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month is a great cultural event for attendees of all ages to enjoy. You'll have the chance to sample Trinidadian, Guyanese, Jamaican and Haitian food before rocking out to music from the islands of Grenada, St. Lucia and the Bahamas. For the 21-and-older crowd, there will be an opportunity to taste the fermented flavors of Caribbean beers like Prestige, Kalik, Red Stripe, Banks, Carib and Presidente. Getting In: The CAHM Festival is free to attend.Orlando Food Truck Bazaar
Multiple dates & locations, summer 2018 The original traveling food truck event in the U.S., the Food Truck Bazaar generally features 10-15 mobile eateries serving up gourmet food, ethnic dishes, and good old-fashioned BBQ. It’s recommended that you save room for dessert and bring something to sit on (because the event typically takes place in a parking lot). Consult the food truck website for specific dates and locations. Getting In: The Food Truck Bazaar is free to attend, but food is separately priced.Let's Recap
So there you have it. Our picks for some of the top things to do in Orlando in the summer. Please note, the summer events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Orlando Card. Plan to visit some of these top attractions during your trip. Whether you are traveling with your family or a couple of friends, we're sure you will have a great time.