We’ve all been there. You’ve spent weeks researching and planning the perfect sunny vacation to Florida. You’ve been looking forward to this getaway, and having some much-needed relaxation.
You get on the plane, buzzing with anticipation about all the glorious sunshine you’re going to be able to soak up in Florida. You get off the plane and disaster strikes. No sun. Or even worse – rain!
What do you do now? How do you make the most out of your vacation time in Orlando when the good weather decides to take its own vacation?
Luckily, Orlando’s weather tends to be generally nice throughout most of the year (the one exception being hurricane season which typically peaks between September through November), so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about it.
However, if that’s the only time you can book a vacation, or perhaps you’re considering buying a house in Orlando, then the following tips should keep you and your family occupied even when the forecast is less than perfect.
Things to Do in Orlando When it Rains
Take Advantage of Hotel Facilities
Orlando has some truly exceptional hotels, many of which have fun indoor facilities. Find the best hotels in Orlando (or Airbnbs) on this map:
Go Surfing (Indoors)
Did you know that the nearby town of Kissimmee has its very own indoor surfing experience?
Stop by Fantasy Surf and learn how to ‘hang 10’. Of course, you’ll still be getting wet, but at least you’ll be escaping the worst of the storm!
Feel the Need for Speed
Are you a gearhead, or is someone in your family obsessed with cars? Why not have your own mini Indianapolis 500 at K1 Speed Orlando?
It’s $20 per race, and there are height and clothing requirements, but this indoor track is a fantastic way to get the thrills of the racetrack and escape the bad weather at the same time.
Under the Sea
Down here all the fish are happy…and so will you be when you visit the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium!
With more than 5,000 different sea creatures inside, this aquarium is the perfect antidote to a gloomy day in the rain. Be on the lookout for sea turtle, sea horses, sharks, and more!
Indoor Skydiving
Have a fear of heights and jealous of your friends who have those amazing skydiving photos? Don’t worry, iFLY Orlando is here to help you get that thrill and feeling of weightlessness, without having to actually throw yourself out of an airplane.
Flights start at just $69.95 for two flights. Each flight includes a pre-flight training session, flight gear (suit, helmet, goggles), instruction from a certified flight guide, and a personalized post-flight certificate.
Now that’s something that should look amazing on your Instagram feed!
Get Frozen
Ok, ok…we know that you probably decided to visit Orlando to get away from the cold, but when the weather just isn’t cooperating it’s time to think outside the box.
Stop by RDV Sportsplex Ice Den for the ultimate winter wonderland. Be sure to dress warm and check the public skating schedule, but this indoor ice skating rink is guaranteed to help pass a few hours (or days) when the weather gets stormy in Florida.
Out of this World
Is space the final frontier? At the Kennedy Space Center it definitely is!
At this hands-on space museum, groups can watch an IMAX film, interact with educational exhibits, and meet a veteran astronaut. From flight simulators to historic space shuttles, there are hours of entertainment that’s educational as well!
Get ‘Bowled’ Over
When the weather gets stormy, a trip to Orlando’s Splitsville is in order! This ain’t your daddy’s bowling alley though … no musty, sweaty shoes and soggy french fries.
Splitsville has two floors of entertainment, 30 bowling lanes, two billiard tables and five bars serving a menu unlike any bowling alley food you’ve ever tasted. Located at Disney Springs (formerly known as Downtown Disney), this bowling alley will be a perfect strike with your family and friends.
WhirlyBall
Love bumper cars and basketball? Then Whirlyball is going to be right up your alley. But what exactly is this game?
Basically, it’s a cross between basketball, bumper cars, and jai alai played on a special court between two teams. Best of all it’s pretty cheap at just $8 per person, per game.
Whirly Dome also has an arcade, Laser Tag, Laser Frenzy, bowling, and a race car simulator available at reasonable prices. Just FYI, you must be at least 5’4″ tall to participate.
Meet the Stars
Well, you might not actually rub shoulders with Michelle Obama or Kim Kardashian, but a near identical wax replica is pretty much the same thing, right?
Stop by Madame Tussauds Orlando and don’t forget your selfie stick to grab some great photos of you and your favorite celebrities.
Image: m01229 (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
Get Close to Something Gross
Love the unusual or unexpected? Then Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Is the perfect place for you to visit when trying to escape the rainy weather in Orlando.
The building itself looks like it’s sinking into the ground and somehow manages to keep everyone entertained (or maybe just grossed out) for a few hours.
A Titanic Entertainment
If you’re a history buff, then the Titanic Artifact Expedition is the perfect place for you to get lost in while the rainy weather passes.
Filled with over 100 authentic artifacts from the Titanic, as well walk through experiences of the ship, this exhibit is both a haunting and beautiful reminder of this marine disaster.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
What better way to beat rainy day boredom than with a trip to a chocolate factory?
Live out your Willy Wonka dreams at the Chocolate Kingdom Factory Tour where you can learn how chocolate is made and then transformed into your favorite candy bar.
Don’t worry, there’s plenty of free samples to go around.
Can You Escape?
With escape rooms only growing in popularity, it’s no surprise that Orlando recently got its own. Visit Escapology, where you or your family will use teamwork and skill to solve puzzles and break out!
This activity is recommended for ages 7 and up due to the potential complexity of the challenges.
You’ve put loads of time and effort into planning the perfect Orlando vacation so don’t let a little rain get in the way of you and your group having a blast! With so many fun things to do when the weather gets less than agreeable, the hardest part will be choosing which activity you want to do!
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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.
Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.
4 Comments
Fantasy Surf is a really cool place to go to have lots and lots of fun. Wether you’re with friends or family you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful, fun and memorable time.
One of our favorite spots :D Thanks for reading :)
Orlando is a place full of Island and lakes. So, another activity that you can add to your list is Paddleboarding. Also, you can swim with the happiest and friendly whales.
Great tip, thanks Shally :) I do love paddleboarding, maybe not when it’s raining out, but when the weather is good, absolutely!