Florida is popular to so many residents and visitors for its fall, winter and spring seasons. When it comes to summer, the heat and humidity can make it challenging to enjoy the outdoors. Other than the beach or the nearest swimming pool, it can be difficult to find ways to entertain yourself and your family without melting in the heat and humidity.
To help plan your summer, we decided to come up with five ideas of summer activities that you can throw into the mix to have a fun, cool, enjoyable summer.
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill - Deleon Springs State Park
North of DeLand is the Old Florida Sugar Mill inside Deleon Springs State Park. The Sugar Mill is a unique restaurant where each table is equipped with a griddle. The staff will bring your table a pitcher of pancake batter, allowing you to cook your own pancakes on the spot. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that is fun for all ages. You will be required to pay a $6 fee per car to enter the park, so you might as well bring your swim suite to enjoy the cool 72 degree water for the rest of the day.
Disappearing Island
For this one, you will have to own a boat or personal watercraft (PWC/ jet ski), or at least know someone who does. During low tide every day, an island appears as the water recedes at the inlet where Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna almost meet. When it does, boaters from all around come to play on the pure sandy land. The island is a short drive from area boat ramps. When you arrive, simply carry your chairs, grills, coolers, etc on the beach and enjoy the day! You may even make new friends through a game of bean bag toss or horseshoes.
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill - Deleon Springs State Park
North of DeLand is the Old Florida Sugar Mill inside Deleon Springs State Park. The Sugar Mill is a unique restaurant where each table is equipped with a griddle. The staff will bring your table a pitcher of pancake batter, allowing you to cook your own pancakes on the spot. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that is fun for all ages. You will be required to pay a $6 fee per car to enter the park, so you might as well bring your swim suite to enjoy the cool 72 degree water for the rest of the day.
Disappearing Island
For this one, you will have to own a boat or personal watercraft (PWC/ jet ski), or at least know someone who does. During low tide every day, an island appears as the water recedes at the inlet where Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna almost meet. When it does, boaters from all around come to play on the pure sandy land. The island is a short drive from area boat ramps. When you arrive, simply carry your chairs, grills, coolers, etc on the beach and enjoy the day! You may even make new friends through a game of bean bag toss or horseshoes.
Dessert at the Gaylord Palms Resort
The Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando is an amazing hotel with a lot of different things to offer. But, you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy some of the amenities. The resort has several different restaurants including a steak house, seafood restaurant, mediterranean restaurant, sports pub and more. Come for dinner or dessert, and walk around enjoying the sites inside their air-conditioned atrium. Take in the amazing aquariums, sculptures and other exhibits representing various regions throughout the state of Florida. You might even get to see an alligator or fish feeding before heading home.
The Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando is an amazing hotel with a lot of different things to offer. But, you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy some of the amenities. The resort has several different restaurants including a steak house, seafood restaurant, mediterranean restaurant, sports pub and more. Come for dinner or dessert, and walk around enjoying the sites inside their air-conditioned atrium. Take in the amazing aquariums, sculptures and other exhibits representing various regions throughout the state of Florida. You might even get to see an alligator or fish feeding before heading home.
Ride the SunRail to Winter Park for Dinner
The SunRail is the commuter rail service that travels through the Orlando area. For a minimal fare, many riders board at the Debary station and ride the train to the Winter Park Station at Park Ave. When exiting the train station, you will see many shops and restaurants within walking distance on Park Ave. At sunset, enjoy dinner at one of many restaurants with outdoor seating, soaking in the local culture. Make sure you check the train schedule before returning home to make sure you don’t miss the last train!
The SunRail is the commuter rail service that travels through the Orlando area. For a minimal fare, many riders board at the Debary station and ride the train to the Winter Park Station at Park Ave. When exiting the train station, you will see many shops and restaurants within walking distance on Park Ave. At sunset, enjoy dinner at one of many restaurants with outdoor seating, soaking in the local culture. Make sure you check the train schedule before returning home to make sure you don’t miss the last train!
Marine Science Center and Ponce Inlet
Experience local marine life at the Marine Science Center at Ponce Inlet. The center displays various marine habitats that are interactive for the entire family. Get your hands wet – literally – at the aquatic touch pool that features cownose stingrays and hermit crabs. Also, get a tour of the turtle rehabilitation center. Guests can overlook seven turtle hospital pools from the Turtle Terrace, located in front of the main facility. These pools house sick and injured sea turtles, hatchlings, and washbacks under rehabilitation. All turtles are released back into the wild after full rehabilitation. Stay for the day and tour the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse or enjoy the beach and fishing pier inside Lighthouse Point Park.
Experience local marine life at the Marine Science Center at Ponce Inlet. The center displays various marine habitats that are interactive for the entire family. Get your hands wet – literally – at the aquatic touch pool that features cownose stingrays and hermit crabs. Also, get a tour of the turtle rehabilitation center. Guests can overlook seven turtle hospital pools from the Turtle Terrace, located in front of the main facility. These pools house sick and injured sea turtles, hatchlings, and washbacks under rehabilitation. All turtles are released back into the wild after full rehabilitation. Stay for the day and tour the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse or enjoy the beach and fishing pier inside Lighthouse Point Park.
Photo Courtesy of Orlando Sentinel.
Although this is just scratching the surface of many things to do locally, hopefully these tips will help you discover a fun summer despite the warm temperatures.