A few months back, I was hanging out on a Saturday with some friends, and we were waiting for a food pop-up that didn’t start until 6 p.m., but we still had hours until that started. We did the usual coffee shop hang, but we still had hours to kill, and we didn’t know what to do. More eating and drinking wasn’t an option because we didn’t want to spoil our appetites.

I pulled out my phone and searched Google and Instagram and still came up short of good ideas, except for a vintage warehouse and a comic book shop nearby.

It was then that we commiserated that Orlando, outside of the theme parks, hasn’t fully embraced experiences, because honestly, we can only eat and drink so much. Yet, mainly only bars and restaurants continue to open.

From that frustration, I decided to put together a list of things that you can do when you feel like I did on any given free day in Orlando.

EXPERIENCES

Lukas Nursery Butterfly Encounter

Walk through this butterfly and bird conservatory. As you journey through it you’ll see all sorts of plant life, and come across exotic finches, and Chinese button quail. You get to enter an enclosed space where you can hold and feed butterflies from your fingertips!

1909 Slavia Road Oviedo, FL

While you are near here: Go eat at Sushi Pop

Artifact Candle Foundry

A bar with no booze! At Artifact Candle Foundry you can pull up a stool and create a signature scent to take home. Create a candle, room spray, or diffuser and choose from almost 100 natural fragrances.

2 Summerlin Avenue Orlando, FL 32801

While you’re near here: Hit up Craft + Common and bring your drink to the DIY bar .

Host a workshop at Piante Design

This one will take some forethought and planning, but Piante Designs hosts regular workshops throughout the year, but you can also plan your very own. All you have to do is gather friends and chose your activity like building your own terrariums.

While you are near here: Grab a latte at Barnie’s Coffee or dine at Prato.

Walk the Springs Hammock Preserve Trail

This public trail in Seminole County is heavily shaded and has easy terrain for non-hikers like me. The 3-mile loop has a network of trails through a swampland and the jewel on your journey is the pretty watering hole you’ll come across. Leashed dogs are welcome.

2985 Osprey Trail, Longwood, FL

Visit the Citrus Tower

Leave the city and head for the hills. Yes, the hills of Clermont have local places to explore including this historic landmark. On the bottom floor, you’ll find a coffee shop and arcade, and when you take the lift to the observation deck you can map out parts of Orlando.

141 North Hwy 27 Clermont, FL 34711

While you are near here: Go to the Energy Lab Cafe and Clermont Brewing.

Build a bouquet at Dahlias Flower Truck

Dahlias Flower truck travels around the city, and chances are if you find it you will probably stumble into a local event or festival. Bring friends and create your own bouquets. You’ll have to track this truck down, so follow their Instagram.

Play glow in the dark putt-putt golf at Putting Edge

Putt-Putt indoors is always a good idea in Florida, but a psychedelic course that completely glows in the dark is something everyone should do at least once. It doesn’t hurt that popular music from the 90’s and 2000’s blasts you through the course allowing for dance breaks while you wait for the teams to play through. Cost is $12.99 for ages 9 and up.

5250 International Drive, Orlando, Florida

While you are near here: Check out the Vault 5421 bar inside Gods + Monsters.

Orlando Cat Cafe

Grab a coffee from Axum and visit with cats that need a forever home. The cost is $8.00 per adult/$4 for children under 9, per hour. 

532 Cagan Park Avenue Clermont, FL 

Take the Apopka Wildlife Drive

The wildlife drive in Apopka is a one-way 11-mile drive that largely hugs the perimeter of Lake Apopka. The drive is home to many types of animals but is widely known for bird watching, and 369 different bird species have been recorded on the propety. Whether you go for sightings, to get some nature photography, or just to take a digital detox and enjoy the outdoors, this this a free and easy way to enjoy the afternoon.

While you are near here: Grab a latte from Canon Coffee before you head on your journey.

Explore and shop at Florida Cactus

This cactus farm is serene and all sorts of magical. Go shop for your next plant babies and take in the beauty found in each greenhouse. They are only open during the week, so no exploring on the weekends.

2542 Peterson Rd, Apopka, FL

While you are near here: Eat at the Southern Deli.

Visit Old Town

Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but it’s colorful, quirky, and fun. It’s ok to embrace the touristy things in Orlando once in awhile.

5770 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, FL

While you are near here: Check out Citrus World for some very tacky touristy photos.

See what’s playing at the Garden Theater

Tired of movies? Try the theater! The Winter Garden Theater is a great place to take in local production.

160 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL

While you are near here: Explore Plant Street Market.

Visit the Orlando library downtown

Remember the library? The location downtown hosts a variety of events and classes thanks in part to the Melrose Center. The resources there for Orlando residents who sign up and take the orientation is quite rich. Or you can just enjoy the building and check out some books. Get your library card!

101 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801

While you are near here: Visit Deeply Coffee or get ice cream at Greenery Creamery.

Play at Arcade Monsters

One of Central Florida’s largest arcades is found in Oviedo. $12 gets you all-day play, and you can choose from a wide variety of consoles, VR games, pinball, and more. Hit up the snack bar, take pics, and play inside all day.

15 Alafaya Woods Blvd. Oviedo Florida, 32765

While you are in the area: Go eat at Sushi Pop.

Play at Player One Arcade

This arcade is packed with retro games and screens over the bar to play newer console games. A $5 coverage charge gets you unlimited play, but you need to patron the bar. After 6pm it’s 21 and up.

8562 Palm Parkway Orlando, FL

While you are near here: If you time it right, go eat at Susuru next door.

Learn how to blow glass at Old Kinderhook Glass

Learn a new artistic skill over at Old Kinderhook Glass in Apopka. They teach you the art of glass blowing in a small, safe, and controlled setting.

3030 E Semoran Blvd Unit Apopka, FL

Go to an Orlando Roller Derby event

This non-profit, skater-run, skater-operated league hosts indoor events where they compete against other teams. The new season is about to start and the tickets are only $10. This is a great way to support a female sport locally!

Play board games at Cloak and Blaster

If you love board games, but want to get out of the house and into a different environment to play them Cloak and Blaster is a great spot to bring your group. It’s got a pub feel, and with 500 board games, you can play and eat for as long as you’d like. You can even bring your own game as long as you purchase food and drinks.

875 Woodbury Road #108, Orlando, FL

While you are in the area: Hit up Vespr for a craft cocktail.

FOOD + DRINK

Create a one-stop foodie tour with friends at East End Market

The fun of East End is creating a culinary feast that includes several vendors all at once. From healthy bowls, charcuterie boards, decadent cookies, sandwiches, and even plant-based goods you can take in several local eateries with ease. Now with the addition of Dochi doughnuts and Royal Tea, you can create a full foodie tour in one local hub without leaving.

3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL

While you are near here: Take a foodie break across the street at Park Ave CDs.

Visit the Isla de Frappe Truck

This food truck makes some of the most decadent drinks you’ll find in town. You might be overwhelmed by the menu bored which is filled with options based on different candies, but I highly recommend a chocolate base. It’s definitely an experience worth trying out at least once, but it will probably hook you.

7401 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL

A la Cart

Located in the Milk District you can hang out in the Florida sunshine and try different local food trucks all in one chill and kid-friendly atmosphere. Local brews from Florida are on tap and great local food (and desserts) are all just steps apart.

609 Irvington Ave. Orlando, FL 32803

When you are near here: Grab a treat from Se7enbites, and take a spooky stroll through what’s left of the Fashion Square Mall.

Take a self-guided doughnut tour

From East Orlando to West Orlando, you will find yourself passing a doughnut shop so why not finally try all of them instead of just making fake plans to. Visit Valkyrie, Dochi, DG Doughnuts, Donut King, Donuts To Go, or Sip ‘n’ Dip (there are more) and create a circular shaped route of sugary bliss.

Get a drink from a cute air stream

Yes, you could just go inside the Guestroom’s bar, but on a beautiful day why not pull up to the airstream and get a drink from their window. It’s a very Florida thing to do, and drinks and sunshine just go together so well.

1321 Mills Ave N Orlando, FL

While you are near here: Absolutely go next door to eat at Black Rooster

Bust open a chocolate piñata at Uncle Julio’s

If you find yourself near International Drive, it’s worth a stop at Uncle Julio’s for a unique dessert. It’s literally a hanging ball of chocolate filled with homemade churros and fresh fruit. You get the honor of swinging a mallet and breaking it open. The chocolate piñata can easily treat 4-6 of your friends and could cure a sugar craving in a more entertaining fashion than just stopping for ice cream. Touristy? Yes, but oh so tasty.

8409 International Dr, Orlando, FL

Channel your inner Parisian at Financier Patisserie

If you aren’t rich, you can’t hop to Europe for months at a time, so why not do a little role-playing at Financier Patisserie. This beautiful French cafe has a full menu or you can just grab a pastry and cappuccino.

212 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL

While you are near here: Go plant shopping at Piante Designs.

Go to Lotte Market

This Korean market is so much fun to explore, it’s a great way to add in some new types of food into your at-home repertoire. If cooking isn’t on your mind, it’s worth visiting for the food court filled with a great variety of different Asian fare.

3191 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL

Shiraz Market

This small but mighty International Market has products from all over including the Middle East, Persian, Turkish, Indian, Egyptian, Asian, and the Mediterranean. The food is quite delicious as well, and it’s a known local spot to order for take-out, but there are two tables inside the market if you wish to dine in while you shop. Legend has it, on some days they have saffron ice cream.

185 S Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood, FL

Visit Sourglass Brewing

Sour beer lovers, did you know there’s a brewery just for you? They experiment with fermentation to bring locals the good pucker-up beers they love. The space is cute and can be rented out for parties. Outside food is welcome.

480 S Ronald Reagan Blvd Suite 1004, Longwood, FL

When you are near here: Go get wings next door at Papa Bees. I promise you, it’s so good.

Visit Sideward Brewing

Sideward is a family-owned brewery, taproom, and kitchen so you can eat and drink and only leave when you’re ready. They also have a Sunday brunch menu! If you don’t drink, they have local cold brew on tap.

While you are near here: Visit Etoile Boutique and Echo Base Collectibles.

ART APPRECIATION

Go Mural Hunting in Kissimmee

Downtown Kissimmee has been introducing a lot more local art to its walls. If you do some mural hunting, there is also a newer cafe and some good eats around to make a whole half-day adventure.

Visit the Thornton Park Garage

Art in a parking garage? Yes! If you are downtown, head to the Thornton Park Garage between Summerlin and Eola and check out the local art on the bottom floor. Several local artists hand-painted portions of the walls.

120 N Eola Dr, Orlando, FL

Visit the iconic Lake Eola Bandshell

If you like taking pictures, nothing is quite as fun or vibrant as getting all the angles of the colorful bandshell. On a day where the sky is clear blue, it doesn’t get any prettier.

While you are near here: Hit up Craft + Common for a signature latte or tempt fate at Epic Axe Throwing.

Visit the City Arts Factory

This gallery space hosts several events and is a part of 3rd Thursdays Gallery Hop downtown.

39 S Magnolia Ave Orlando, FL

Visit the Orlando Museum of Art

We may not have the largest art museum, but the OMA still gets cool exhibits if you keep up with their rotating schedule. Their policy on taking pictures inside has gotten relaxed (depending on the gallery), so you can enjoy the art and even get a few pics in if you want.

2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL

While you are near here: Go eat at The Strand.

Visit the Morse Museum

The world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany is here in Orlando and it only costs $6 for admission. Even if it’s not your favorite style of art, it’s still beautiful and could inspire your own creative juices to start flowing. Other exhibits do rotate in this museum.

445 North Park Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789

While you are near here: Eat at the Winter Park location of Sushi Pop.

Visit the Modernism Museum in Mt. Dora

This small but mighty museum in downtown Mt. Dora currently has a very cool exhibition. You can view the ultimate David Bowie Memphis Collection which includes items from his personal estate.

145 E. 4TH Ave., Mt. Dora

While you are near there: Grab a coffee at Allyson’s Bakeshop.

Explore the art behind United Against Poverty in SODO

Off Michigan Street you’ll find a stretch of colorful art that was sponsored by United Against Poverty as a part of a #thebeautifulcityproject. It’s lesser known because its a little hidden, and not easily accessed other than by foot, but there is some great art to see.

150 W Michigan St, Orlando, FL 32806

While you are near here: Go eat at the Fresh Kitchen.

Visit the Lake Mary mural alley

Spearheaded by local business owner, Kristin Koldenhoven, the artist alley was created to help attract more people to the area and make it a destination. Artists include: Jill Jordan (@jilljordanartist), Ronni Villanueva (@villanrme), Brooke Stefanelli (@brooke_illustrations)

Off 4th Street in Lake Mary. Turn left on W Lakeview Avenue to park in the lot directly behind the alley.

Go to Lake Nona and take pictures of the Code Wall

Even though it’s technically a parking structure, it’s definitely a work of art. The functional installation is just one of a few pieces of art located in Lake Nona’s Town Center that add to its appeal.

While you are near here: You can visit Boxi Park or check out Chroma or Canva restaurant.

Visit the Chris Uphues mural

If you didn’t know, Chris Uphues is a nationally recognized artist and muralist, with pieces in cities like L.A., Chicago, and NYC. It was a HUGE deal to get him to create a mural for us in Orlando. It’s my favorite mural in the whole city, and it’s waiting for your colorful and positive photoshoot.

Infusion Tea - 1600 Edgewater Dr Orlando, FL

While you are near here: Walk across the street and visit Naked Bar Soap Co.

RETAIL THERAPY

Warehaus Orlando

Right now it’s only open on Saturday, but what’s more fun than a random warehouse full of bohemian and mid-century modern furniture and decor? Boho babes, this place is for you.

While you are near here: Go try LaKuma Coffee.

Shop at one of Orlando’s oldest Vintage boutiques

Not only does Orlando vintage have a massive collection of goods to sort through, but you can also see where styles that have been used in movies and television have come from locally! Looking to rent a costume? You can do that too!

1500 Formosa Ave, Winter Park, FL

While you are near here: Head over to Deja Vu Vintage clothing for more shopping.

Vintage hunt at Orange Tree Antique

Peacefully stroll row after row of booths that house clothing, art, toys, home goods, and you just might find a piece of your childhood or something perfect for the present.

While you are near here: Take a hop and skip down Orange to Buttermilk Bakery.

Shop local at the Lovely Boutique Market

This market houses several local makers and small business goods from home decor and furniture to clothing and gifts. It’s fun to explore and often offers up some inspiration for the home or closet.

2906 Corrine Drive Orlando, FL

While you’re near here: Grab goodies from P is for Pie and keep shopping down at Owls Attic.

Bargain hunt at OMG Thrift

One of Central Florida’s largest thrift stores is always color coordinated making it easier than ever to spot something in your favorite hue. Shop sustainable and find hidden gems here.

1442 State Road 436 Casselberry, FL

While you are near here: Hit up Donut King.

Shop for vinyl at Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven

Music lovers can search the city for their favorite album and chances are they will find it here. Not to mention bargain albums starting at $1, stickers, shirts, and more.

1814 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL

While you are near here: Visit Paper Goat Post.

Shop at Miscellaneous Market

This shop in Ivanhoe has a little bit of everything. Bath + body products, accessories, kitchen and entertaining items, planners and cards, and so much more. It’s definitely my guilty pleasure for a treat yourself shopping trip.

1903 N Orange Avenue Orlando, FL

Visit Orlando’s Smallest Boutique Yay! Tiny Shop

At only about 200 sq. ft. Yay Tiny Shop is filled it to the brim with goods, that as her Instagram bio suggests, are #Thingsthatmakeyousayyay. From pins, books, jewelry, home goods, travel accessories, party goods, art prints and notebooks, Stacy’s shop has an impressive variety of options nestled nicely together in a very cozy setting.

1211 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL

This is just a small list of places and things to do, of course, it’s not inclusive to every experience or small business Orlando has. No entity asked to be put in this list, and no content is sponsored. All images are mine unless taken otherwise stated and I’ve personally visited almost all the places listed. Please DO NOT steal my content for your own local sites. Support your local businesses and patron them for yourself!