When you think of fun summer activities in Orlando, visiting Disney World is usually on the top of the list. However, there’s so much more to explore in the area beyond theme parks, including plenty of recreational activities that appeal to older adults. Orlando is an ideal retirement destination offering a variety of year-round and summer activities for seniors. It’s also a perfect vacation spot for friends who come to visit!
Looking for some fresh and exciting ideas for summer fun near Orlando? We’ve put together a list of our favorite summertime events, attractions, and activities for seniors in Orlando and Oviedo, FL:
1. Go hiking or biking around Oviedo.
Enjoy hiking and biking on the best trails in Oviedo. The Econ River Wilderness Area Red Loop is an easy 2.6-mile hiking trail that’s mostly shaded through Florida. The Cross Seminole Trail is a wide paved trail that’s great for biking, with many sights to see along the way. The western leg of the Cross Seminole Trail connects riders from Oviedo to Orlando with a 6.6-mile section of trail.
2. Discover blooms and butterflies.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, stop by the Lukas Nursery and Butterfly Encounter in Oviedo. The 4,000-square-foot butterfly conservatory is open year-round and offers the chance to mingle among a variety of native butterflies — and feed them right from your hand! While you’re there, stop by the Lukas Nursery, a fantastic destination for Central Florida gardeners with a large selection of plants and garden supplies.
3. Enjoy a tranquil retreat at a nature preserve.
Explore the natural beauty of one of Orlando’s largest conservation areas, the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve. With more than four miles of interpretive trails and elevated boardwalks, it’s a great place for bird-watching, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the scenic view of the surrounding cypress forests and freshwater marshes. The Vera Carter Environmental Center features more ways to learn about some of the area’s wildlife in live exhibits.
4. Shop local at the Orlando Farmers Market.
Stop by the Orlando Farmers Market in Lake Eola Park for seasonal farm-fresh produce, baked goods, gelato, and more. Enjoy live music and meet local vendors with booths featuring local artwork, handcrafted jewelry, handmade candles, and other unique gifts.
5. Watch a movie under the stars.
If you have fond memories of drive-in movie theaters, you’ll love Popcorn Flicks in the Park, a cinema series featuring outdoor screenings of classic films in Winter Park. Bring a lawn chair or beach blanket to these free showings sponsored by the City of Winter Park and Enzian Theater.
6. Visit the Orlando Science Center.
Enjoy hands-on learning and stretch your mind watching educational films on a domed giant-screen theater. With four floors of interactive exhibit halls, labs and workshops, theaters, an observatory, and experiences that change with the seasons, the Orlando Science Center is a place that inspires a love of learning for life! Take a seat in one of the state-of-the-art theaters to view educational films and embark on a giant-screen science adventure.
7. Unleash your inner artist.
Spend an afternoon browsing the extensive collections and current exhibitions featured at the Orlando Museum of Art. Enjoy a docent-led tour of the highlights of the collection, attend gallery talks presented by museum curators, or sign up for a variety of studio programs for adults.
8. Taste food and wine from around the world.
Indulge all your senses when you visit the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, an immersive global marketplace where you can sample cuisine from six continents. Be prepared to wear your walking shoes for this fun adventure; if you have mobility concerns, you can rent an electronic conveyance vehicle (ECV) to help you move through the park with ease. This event usually runs from July to October.
9. Plan an outing to Disney Springs.
If you want a Disneylike experience without the large crowds, a fun afternoon at Disney Springs in Orlando might be right up your alley. You’ll find a variety of restaurants and specialty shops, plus a movie theater, bowling alley, live music at House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, and much more.
10. Attend UCF cultural and educational events.
As a Legacy Pointe resident, you’ll have access to concerts, theater productions, and other live performances hosted by UCF’s College of Art and Humanities. You’ll have the opportunity to experience unique cultural events and entertainment both at our community and on the UCF campus, with free shuttles to select university events.
Enjoy an Active Lifestyle at Legacy Pointe
If you’re looking for a retirement community known for a vibrant lifestyle with a host of activities to inspire lifelong learning, you’ll fit right in at Legacy Pointe at UCF. With a robust calendar of activities for seniors on campus, every day is a new adventure. Plus, our campus location makes it easy to take advantage of local attractions and activities in the Orlando and Oviedo area. We invite you to contact us to learn more about independent living at Legacy Pointe and schedule a tour.
