5 Outdoor Activities for Chilly Days in Orlando
Okay, so we don’t really have a lot of chilly, autumn days here in Orlando. But when that cooler weather does roll around, I jump at the chance to be outside and experience the beautiful weather. Luckily for us here in Central Florida, there is a ton to see and do. When the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to explore all the great outdoor activities that Orlando has to offer!
From visiting the manatees at Blue Springs State Park to checking out the corn maze at Long and Scott Farms, there is no shortage of things to do when it rains in Orlando!
Best Unique and Fun Things to do in Orlando during the Fall Season
While we have theme parks at our fingertips here in Orlando, there are some amazing attractions outside of the mouse ears. Check out 5 places you’ll need to be on your bucket list this fall.
See the manatees at Blue Spring Park
Located in Orange City, it’s less than two hours from Orlando, you’ll find Blue Springs Park. Blue Spring State Park is a great place to see manatees. The park is open year-round and offers a visitors center, boat ramp, picnic shelters, overnight camping and playgrounds, hiking trails and so much more!
Manatees need warmer water so during the colder winter months, Blue Spring State Park becomes a popular gathering spot for these beautiful creatures.
Admission fee is based per vehicle at $6 (2-8 people per vehicle) when entering the park. Additional fees and pricing can be found here.
Spend the afternoon at Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park is located just south of the city of Apopka and offers a variety of outdoor activities. It’s open from 8:00 AM to sundown year-round, though some facilities operate under different hours depending on the season.
The park features a 10-mile trail system that winds through hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods and cypress swamps. There are also two lakes where you can go fishing or enjoy nature from the shoreline.
Wekiwa Springs is open year-round so don’t let chilly weather stop you from enjoying this scenic park!
Admission fee is based per vehicle at $6 (2-8 people per vehicle) when entering the park. Additional fees and pricing can be found here.
Walk through the gardens at Leu Gardens
If you want to escape the cold, but still want to be outdoors, Leu Gardens is a great place for that. The gardens are beautiful, and there are plenty of photo opportunities. Join one of their guided tours or just walk around on your own—either way you’ll see the park’s unique plant life, as well as some of Orlando’s historic landmarks (such as the old Orlando City Hall building). If you’re looking for an activity that will get two or more people out of the house to do something fun together, this is an excellent choice! It’s also great if you’re trying to impress someone by showing off what Orlando has to offer!
From November 28 to January 2, they have their annual Holiday Blooms where you can find thousands of poinsettias and other seasonal flowers throughout the gardens, as well as a Mistletoe Station!
It can get crowded at Leu Gardens during peak hours but if you go early enough before noon or late enough after 3pm there won’t be too many people in your pictures.
Admission fee for Leu Gardens is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-17, children younger than 3 are free and active military and veterans (ID is required) is $10. Additional admission information can be found here.
Take a Brewery Tour around town
Beer is a big deal in Orlando, with at least twenty breweries in the area. Some breweries to check out are:
- Redlight, Redlight
- Cask & Larder
- Park Pizza & Brewing Company
- Ten10 Brewing Company
- Dead Lizard Brewing Company
- Hourglass Brewing
- Oviedo Brewing Company
- Sanford Brewing Company
- Deviant Wolfe Brewing
- Tactical Brewing Company
Check out the corn maze at Long & Scott Farms
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with the family, look no further than Long & Scott Farms. This farm offers acres of corn mazes, hayrides and other great fall attractions.
This fall, they’re opening their corn maze for all to explore! The maze is 7 acres big and will require visitors to use their minds and bodies in order to navigate it successfully. The maze is open from October through December, so don’t miss out on this chance to get lost in a really big field! Follow their Facebook page for updates.
Hours and admission details can be found here.
Spend some time outdoors in Orlando this fall
With such beautiful weather year round, it’s easy to see why Orlando is a popular vacation spot. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to take advantages of the cooler weather when fall rolls around. We aren’t limited to the theme parks here when it comes to having a good time. There are so many beautiful parks to explore, some delicious restaurants with outdoor dining (I’m looking at you Park Ave!) and much more!
Until next time,
