Fun Things to Do in Orlando for Active Adults

Aerial view of an Orlando beach shoreline, one of the fun things to do in Orlando for active adults
Aerial view of an Orlando beach shoreline, one of the fun things to do in Orlando for active adults

There are so many fun things to do in Orlando for active adults and retirees, and amusement parks are just one part of all this sunny city offers. Orlando spans three counties, which means plenty of space to explore and attractions to visit, so new homeowners and longtime locals alike have no problem filling their days with great activities. Get ready for a life of adventure and exploration with this list of things to do in Orlando, FL, for active adults! 


Summary:

  • Fun Things to Do in Orlando for Active Adults Overall

  • Orlando Indoor Activities for Adults

  • Things to Do at Night in Orlando for Adults

  • Best Things to Do in Orlando for Seniors

  • Conclusion


Fun Things to Do in Orlando for Active Adults Overall

Many of the Orlando, Florida, activities for adults center around being outside and enjoying that glorious Sunshine State weather, which is often one of the main reasons people retire in Florida. This list of some of the most popular fun stuff to do in Orlando for adults looks beyond the iconic theme parks the city is known for and takes a deeper dive into spots that are hidden gems and local favorites:


  • Get outside: Florida is called the Sunshine State for a good reason, and with warm weather almost all year, there are plenty of great Orlando activities for adults who enjoy being outdoors. Spend your morning picking up fresh groceries from the Orlando Farmers Market. Browse Downtown Winter Park for a day of shopping at local boutiques. You can also kayak on crystal clear waters at Rock Springs, only 25 miles from one of the Del Webb® 55+ communities in Minneola


  • Go biking: Orlando has an intricate bicycle network, spanning 45 miles of trails around the city and surrounding areas and offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. It’s one of the top things to do in Orlando, FL, for active adults. 


  • Explore nature preserves: Orlando is a paradise for nature lovers and is surrounded by several nature preserves and state parks, including Shingle Creek Regional Park (part of the Florida Everglades), Wekiwa Springs State Park, and Bill Frederick Park. Lakes of various sizes are also sprinkled throughout the city, many of which have adjacent parks and hiking trails.


  • Drive to the beach: While Orlando is part of central Florida, beachgoers can still enjoy easy access to beautiful coastal beaches and secure their spot along the Atlantic coastline for a day in the sun. Several beaches near Orlando include Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Daytona Beach. Check out one of our active adult communities in Melbourne, FL, just 15 miles from Cocoa Beach.


Orlando Indoor Activities for Adults 

Need a break from the summer sun or a fun way to spend a rainy day? These indoor Orlando attractions for adults offer culture, opportunities to learn, and ways to help keep you entertained:


  • Orlando Museum of Art: Founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) offers self-guided tours and a robust events calendar. Check out the rotating exhibits or immerse yourself in the museum’s permanent collections, which include American, African, and contemporary art, plus much more. 


  • Mennello Museum of American Art: Less than one mile from OMA, this museum features revolving exhibits of artwork from American artists, a permanent collection of paintings from Earl Cunningham, guided tours, and special events. 


  • Orlando Science Center: You’re never too old to learn something new, and visiting the science museum is one of the more unique things to do in Orlando for adults. In addition to its interactive exhibits, the Orlando Science Center has a theatre for lectures, films, and events, plus an on-site cafe. Plus, visitors aged 55 and over enjoy a discount on tickets.


  • The Florida Mall®: Sometimes one of the best things to do in Orlando for adults is to spend the day shopping, and this mall is a go-to destination for residents. Offering a wide variety of well-known stores and popular brand names, The Florida Mall also has numerous dining options. Our 55+ communities in St. Cloud, FL, are within 23 miles of The Florida Mall, so get ready to treat yourself to something new and fabulous!

A couple on bikes ride along a trail, one of the fun Orlando, Florida, activities for adults
A couple on bikes ride along a trail, one of the fun Orlando, Florida, activities for adults

Things to Do at Night in Orlando for Adults

When the sun goes down in this exciting city, you’ll find even more fun things to do in Orlando for adults at night:


  • Visit a theme park after hours: While adults can always enjoy the rides and entertainment at Walt Disney World®, Universal Studios®, or any of Orlando’s parks, visiting these iconic places at night becomes even more magical with their special after-hours events. For example, at Walt Disney World Epcot Park, you could get dinner in one country, enjoy drinks or dessert in another country, and then stay for the fireworks show. Plus, Florida residents can get discounts on tickets at several parks. 


  • Explore Orlando’s culinary scene: Orlando has a variety of restaurants serving quirky takes on classic dishes, vegetarian and vegan spots, and fine dining for special occasions. The city also has a thriving food truck scene. If you’re looking for something new, Orlando Weekly often covers new restaurants opening and particularly popular spots.


  • Watch a movie under the stars: Enjoy a picnic and a movie at Enzian Theater in Maitland. This single-screen cinema shows independent, foreign, and classic films. The theater works with the city of Winter Park for a monthly Popcorn Flicks in the Park on the lawn of Central Park—and it’s free! 


  • Experience Lake Eola Park: Whether you’re winding down after a night out for dinner or just want to relax by the water, Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando is the place to be. Stroll the sidewalk that wraps around the lake, take in the Lincoln E. Allen Fountain light show, or enjoy a concert or play at the Walt Disney Amphitheater.


Best Things to Do in Orlando for Seniors

These things to do in Orlando, Florida, for retirees offer a slower pace while also promoting an active and engaging lifestyle:


  • Go golfing: If you want to spend a day on the green, Orlando has dozens of public golf courses, and there are several country clubs you can join with private courses for honing your game, too.


  • Join a recreation center: Rec centers are great places to meet new people and expand your social circle. The city also offers discounts for seniors at six fitness centers and two senior centers, per the city website, as of January 2025.


  • Explore nearby gardens: When it comes to fun activities in Orlando for adults, spending the day at one of the city’s breathtaking botanical gardens is a must. Leu Gardens is less than three miles from the heart of Orlando, spanning almost 50 acres and offering classes, tours, and special events throughout the year. There’s also the Mead Botanical Gardens in Winter Park, which has a butterfly garden, and the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens.


Conclusion

New residents will have no problem finding fun things to do in Orlando, Florida, for adults, whether you’re looking to relax or experience a new adventure. From spending time in nature and exploring your local community to museum exhibits, theme park thrills, and biking trails, there’s a little something for everyone in this beautiful city, helping make it an appealing place to begin a new life chapter.


Explore active adult communities in Orlando, FL, today, or browse more Del Webb blogs



Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist and Former Orlando Resident

Last Updated: 5/22/25