Orlando's best indoor activities for when it's too hot or too rainy

It's here once again: that kind-of spring, kind-of summer time of year that's either unbearably hot or nearing a torrential downpour. In…

By Chloe Greenberg

Visit Orlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton St., Orlando
If you want to experience some naturally occurring thrills while learning about the world around you, Orlando Science Center has it all. With options and exhibits fit for all ages, it's a great spot to take the kiddos or enjoy with a group of friends.
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26 summer bucket list activities to do in Orlando

All of us true Floridians know it's really never not summer in the Sunshine State. But with June just around the corner,…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Glide the waters of Legoland's new Pirate River Quest
Become a pirate (or a Lego brick) for the day and ride this park's newest attraction. It's pretty mellow, so it's a great activity for a more chilled-out thrill in Orlando.
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The 18 worst decisions you can make in Orlando

Orlando is a beautiful place if you play your cards right. We love it here, but we all know there are some…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Ride the Lake Eola Swan Boats in the rain
You'll probably get pelted by the rain and see nothing interesting. Save it for the sunshine.
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PHOTOS: First look at Pipeline, SeaWorld Orlando’s new stand-up roller coaster

SeaWorld's newest "surf-themed" roller coaster, Pipeline,  is almost open as Orlando patiently waits for the stand-up thrill. Pipeline's official opening date is May…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

PHOTOS: First look at Pipeline, SeaWorld Orlando’s new stand-up roller coaster
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The best decisions you can make in Orlando right now

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Orlando's the place to be. But, we'll admit, it's even better if you…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Get an Express pass at Universal
Time is money. Or, in this case, more opportunities to get a little queasy on really fun rides.
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15 charming Florida towns worth a weekend road trip from Orlando

The temps are rising and summer is on its way in Florida — and that means it’s road trip season. Embrace all…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Sanford
30 minutes from Orlando
Nestled along the southern shores of Lake Monroe, Sanford is about 40 minutes due north of Orlando on I-4. The former hub of Central Florida is coming back into its own with annual festivals, such as Sanford Porchfest and Love Your Shorts Film Festival, providing plenty of reasons to plan a visit. Grab savory schnitzel and beers by the boot at Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe or some booze-infused handmade marshmallows from Wondermade.
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‘Haunted Cellblock’: Twitter roasts DeSantis’ ‘prison next to Disney’ idea

In his latest attacks on Walt Disney Co. (and, effectively, Florida's LGBTQ+ communities), Gov. Ron DeSantis attempted to assert his dominance in a…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

‘Haunted Cellblock’: Twitter roasts DeSantis’ ‘prison next to Disney’ idea
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Orange County Animal Services offers $10 adoptions for ‘ready to go’ pets this week

Orange County Animal Services is dropping its adoption fees to only $10 for more than a hundred pets, for just one week.…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Paris
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New beginnings at Gatorland: baby goats, rescue gator and Croc Rock

Spring really is the season of renewal at Gatorland, where new beginnings are hitting this decades-old reptilian theme park. The nearly 74-year-old,…

By Reina Nieves

New beginnings at Gatorland: baby goats, rescue gator and Croc Rock
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Historic ‘Sparkman House’ B&B, now for sale in Central Florida, is drenched in grandma glam

A historic luxury bed and breakfast is now on the market in Central Florida — and it's completely decked out in grandma…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

New Slideshow
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Here are the 24 best beach camping spots across Florida

Love those long, beautiful, sweaty Florida beach days that come every spring? Well, what if you kept the party going and took…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Grayton Beach State Park
357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach
Looking for somewhere to camp at night and paddleboard, canoe or kayak during the day? Grayton Beach State Park is nearly 2,000 acres and consists of 59 camping sites. Visitors can bring their RVs or tents, and campers have the option to stay overnight in modern cabins or full-facilities campgrounds.
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Everything we saw at Tron Lightcycle/Run's official opening at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

Our local Mouse house has finally unveiled a very long-awaited addition: Tron Lightcycle/Run roller coaster, the Magic Kingdom's fastest ride ever. Tron Lightcycle/Run,…

By Seth Kubersky

Everything we saw at Tron Lightcycle/Run's official opening at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
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Everyone and everything we saw at MegaCon, Orlando's biggest fandom fest

MegaCon, the city's biggest annual fandom fest, returned to Orlando's Orange County Convention Center for four days that were seemingly bigger and…

By Matt Keller Lehman

MegaCon happened at the Orange County Convention Center from March 30-April 2
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More than 20 Central Florida roadside attractions worth a weekend trip

With all the oddities and oddballs that call Florida home, the state sure does deliver on home-grown weirdness. Alligator farms, mermaids, skunk…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve located right here in Orlando, along South Orange Blossom Trail. The spot was founded 73 years ago by Owen Godwin on former cattle land, and has ever since been a wildlife adventure and adventure park.
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A guide to Orlando's best thrift stores

Times are tough, once again. But don't we all deserve a little retail therapy now and then? Sustainable fashion is on the…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Avalon Exchange
745 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park
Sell your threads to an audience that appreciates not only your eccentric style but also your thoughtful sustainability. They'll give you cash on-site, but chances are you won't make it out the door with it once you peek around at their incredible selection, so opt for the store credit.
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Orlando’s most essential woman-owned businesses and restaurants

As equal rights icon Jo March would say: "Women!" With March being Women's History Month, we thought it'd only be right to…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Etoile Boutique
2424 E. Robinson St., Orlando
Milk District’s own Etoile Boutique is a vintage dream shop offering a range of clothing, accessories, furniture and more. Owner Falon Quillen opened the shop in 2006 and has named her boutique Orlando’s resident original style hub, and rightfully so.
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Universal Studios Hollywood opened Super Nintendo World and it is a glorious geek kingdom

One glorious Hanukkah nearly 40 years ago, alongside the usual assortment of socks and chocolate coins, I received the holy grail of…

By Seth Kubersky

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood
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21 day-trip destinations outside Orlando that feel like a fever dream

With all its oddities and giant mouse-themed commercialism, Florida truly is one of a kind. Whether you're new here or are looking…

By OW Staff

Ziplining
1 hour and 12 minutes from Orlando
Who knew Florida is home to some actually cool ziplining? Zip the Canyons, located in Ocala, takes its bravest guests flying over natural springs as (they say) Florida's only true canopy zip tour. The adventure park offers a variety of ziplining packages, including a late-night ride, as well as horseback riding and kayaking.
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Vintage photos of Daytona Bike Week and its badass bikers through the years

As this year's Daytona Bike Week flies by us, we're looking back on all the tricked-out bikes and bikers that make the…

By OW Staff

New Slideshow
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Sing your heart out at Orlando’s best karaoke bars

Drinking, singing, watching drunk people sing while drinking — what could be better? Karaoke bars, the meccas of wholesome sloppy fun, are…

By OW Staff

Aloha Beautiful
69 E. Pine St., Orlando
A tropical-themed karaoke bar in the heart of downtown Orlando. You’ll get access to a themed karaoke room (like the Captain’s Quarters room) as well as personal bar service.
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Spring Guide 2023: Don’t miss the best events Orlando has to offer

Spring is in the air, and if you're looking for some Orlando-area-centric things to do during this time of year, look no…

By Reina Nieves

The Florida Strawberry Festival
March 2-12
Eleven full days of strawberries, shortcake, big name concerts, rides, stage shows, attractions, food galore, exhibits, displays, contests, competitions and a berry sweet time for the whole family. Florida Strawberry Festival, 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City; $10; flstrawberryfestival.com.
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Every gator, coot, moor hen and roseate spoonbill we saw at the Orlando Wetlands Festival

Orlando Wetlands Park hosted their annual free Festival over the weekend, giving locals the opportunity to soak up some outdoors Central Floridian…

By Michael Lothrop

Every heron, gator, cypress knee and roseate spoonbill we saw at the Orlando Wetlands Festival
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Learn to twerk, yield a lightsaber and more with Orlando’s wildest classes and workshops

It's never too late to be a student in the grand game of life we're all playing. Whether you need a new…

By OW Staff

Goat Yoga
Various locations
Anyone can take a regular old yoga class any day of the week. If you really want to spice up your meditation, breathing and exercise experience, add some goats with one of the many goat yoga providers in Orlando. Alaska Farms Goat Yoga, for example, wants you to harmonize with yourself and nature (goats).
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Love yourself first with these date ideas for singles in Orlando

It's that time of year again; Romance is on everyone's mind. But whether you're coupled or not, self-love should always be a…

By OW Staff

Indoor skydiving
8969 International Drive, Orlando
Fly far, far away (figuratively) at iFly Orlando’s indoor skydiving park. It’s the thrill of skydiving without all the hassle or, you know, fear.
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Steamy photos from the return of Nude Nite to Orlando (NSFW)

Nude Nite — the city's steamiest art show — returned to Orlando showcasing the best in local art, both bodily and otherwise. The night was full…

By Michael Lothrop

Steamy photos from the return of Nude Nite to Orlando (NSFW)
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Orlando food festival face-off: Everything we ate at SeaWorld, Universal and Epcot's latest grand events

The past month has been filled with huge happenings in the theme park festival world: Epcot's Festival of the Arts, Universal’s Mardi…

By OW Staff

Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
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Comedian Nikki Glaser bared everything (in her heart) at Orlando's Hard Rock Live

Comedian Nikki Glaser returned to Orlando on Saturday for a set at the Hard Rock Live. She performed a personal set that…

By Gianna Aceto

Nikki Galser
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Meet the Florida Fire Drakes, a team of Orlando athletes putting the ‘hurt’ in the medieval combat sport of buhurt

Orlando Weekly had the chance to visit the UCF-area training grounds for the Florida Fire Drakes, the premier buhurt team for the state…

By Mauricio Murillo, Victor Rodriguez

Middle Ages meets MMA in the medieval combat sport of buhurt
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20 Orlando area dates under $25 for Valentine's Day, or any day

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, so whether you’re tight on a budget or low on ideas, here are some cheap and easy…

By OW Staff

Silver Moon Drive In
4100 New Tampa Highway, Lakeland
Get a little retro this V-day with a movie at Lakeland’s Silver Moon Drive In. There’s two massive screens showing double features seven nights a week, all for only $7 per ticket.
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Orlando's wildest fantasy Airbnbs you can stay in now

Orlando has no shortage of thrills and chills fit for the whole family. But for those of us who crave a truly…

By OW Staff

TreeHouse in the (Saint) Cloud
Saint Cloud, $164 per night
A private treetop getaway perfect for couples. Includes a full bathroom and kitchenette, as well as complimentary fresh carrots to feed the horses on property. 

Photo via Airbnb
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