A-to-Z Summer Break Bucket List: Alphabet-Inspired Fun for Orlando Families
School is out for summer! And that means that Orlando families up to tackling an epic summer bucket list. Creating a summer break list is as easy as the ABCs… because, well, we’ve done most of the planning for you. This playful A-to-Z summer bucket list won’t just keep boredom at bay; it’ll help combat the “summer slide” by keeping young minds curious and engaged. Ready to explore Orlando one letter at a time? You alpha-betcha!
Also, anytime you need ideas for things to do with your kids, we have an events list we update each week!
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
A-To-Z Summer Break Ideas for Families
A is for: Animal Encounters
Even with extremely hot temperatures, Orlando families can enjoy the coolest animal encounters. Feel the breeze as you soar on the Screamin’ Gator Zipline over green giants at Gatorland, which also has an awesome splash pad and cute petting zoo.
Tap into your nocturnal instincts on a Night Hike at the Central Florida Zoo; or blast your air conditioning while having a blast driving the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.
B is for: Boat Rides
Central Floridians are not land locked. Make a splash on local waterways via airboat with Black Hammock Airboat Rides in Oviedo; a CatBoat Tour to explore the Harris Chain of Lakes (seven lakes in Mount Dora area); guided bass fishing excursion at Walt Disney World Resort; or just take the free ferry from Walt Disney World Boardwalk.
Speaking of Disney, check out what’s happening this summer at Walt Disney World.
C is for: Crayola Experience
With over 20 hands-on stations, the Crayola Experience (located at the Florida Mall) is a colorful explosion of indoor fun for summer break, where kids can melt, mold, and name their own crayons.
D is for: Dinosaur Discovery
Did you know that dinosaurs still roam in Cocoa Beach? The Dinosaur Store is more than a souvenir shop. It’s home to the Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures. Discover 20,000 square feet of prehistoric treasures, including fossils, cast skeletons, and a mineral cave. Plus, at the museum’s Adventure Zone, find arcades, science stations, and live reptile exhibits.
Read more: Things to Do at Cocoa Beach (besides the beach)
E is for: Escape Room
Think of this as the ultimate family teamwork experience. Partake in an escape room challenge to test your collaborative problem-solving skills. Escapology on International Drive provides a “Kids Mode” for players aged 7–14. And, for those seeking whimsical themes, Edge Escape Rooms offers “Save The Magic School” and “Wonderland,” both designed with family bonding in mind.
F is for: Feline Friends
When it comes to making adorable memories with kids, Orlando Cat Café is the cat’s meow. This cute coffeehouse boasts a Cat Play Area where fun can be had alongside feline friends.
G is for: Go-Karts
Hit the gas for fast-paced fun. Orlando offers a variety of family-friendly go-karting experiences that cater to all ages and skill levels. K1 Speed Orlando, for example, provides an indoor track with electric go-karts suitable for kids and adults, along with arcade games and party packages. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games features a multi-level track and offers “Mini Mario Races” for children aged 4–6, as well as junior races for older kids.
For outdoor racing, Fun Spot America has multi-level tracks where children as short as 36 inches can ride with an adult in double-seater karts.
H is for: Harry Potter
Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park officially opened on May 22, 2025, introducing five immersive worlds, including the highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. The centerpiece attraction, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry,” is a groundbreaking dark ride featuring omnidirectional lifts and animatronics, where visitors join Harry, Ron, and Hermione in a thrilling pursuit of Dolores Umbridge.
And even if the line is too long for that epic Harry Potter ride during summer break, the entire land is beautiful with wand interactions and even a talking portrait ready to chat with passersby.
I is for: Ice Cream
Beat the heat by sampling your way through local favorites like Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, The Greenery Creamery, and Ginther’s Swirls. I scream for ice cream!
J is for: Jumping at a Trampoline Park
Places like Sky Zone and Altitude Trampoline Park encourage kids to bounce off their energy—literally. Great for a rainy or super-hot afternoon.
Read our tips for visiting a trampoline park with your kids.
K is for: Kennedy Space Center
Only an hour from Orlando, this out-of-this-world facility offers interactive exhibits, rocket garden tours, astronaut encounters, and all things space. A great mix of education and fun for summer break.
L is for: Lake Eola Swan Boats
In the heart of The City Beautiful, pedal across the iconic Lake Eola in downtown Orlando and feed the real swans nearby. Bring bread crumbs, your camera, and all the giggles!
M is for: Mini Golf
Add some friendly competition to your summer bucket list. Orlando is home to several fantastic family-friendly miniature golf courses that blend whimsical themes with fun challenges.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf in the heart of International Drive offers swashbuckling fun with cascading waterfalls, treasure caves, and pirate ships. Congo River Golf adds extra excitement with its jungle setting, gator feeding, and gem mining. For a touch of Disney magic, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf near EPCOT features enchanting scenes from Fantasia, ideal for younger kids and Disney fans alike.
N is for: Nature Walk
Early birds can enjoy shady hiking trails throughout Greater Orlando and beyond, including some within state parks. Personally, Oakland Nature Preserve, just beyond Winter Garden, is a go-to for my family.
O is for: Orlando Science Center
From dinosaurs to space exploration, OSC offers four floors of hands-on fun, live shows, and interactive exhibits perfect for curious minds. This is yet another indoor activity to beat the summer heat.
P is for: Playground
Recess all day… why not? Check out picks for “10+ Fun Playgrounds with Shade for Sunny Days in Orlando.” Oh, and don’t forget about toddler-friendly indoor playgrounds.
Q is for: Quick Trip
Check out our ideas for summer break day trips so you can be quickie town tourists. Think about including one main activity, a park, and lots of snacks.
Discover: “7 Affordable Summer Break Day Trips from Orlando with Kids”
R is for: Reading
Orlando-area libraries have awesome kid-focused events scheduled throughout the summer. Of course, check out the book selection too to combat the “summer slide,” which refers to the learning loss that many children experience during the summer months when school is out. Combatting summer slide often involves encouraging reading, educational games, and participation in summer learning programs.
S is for: Splash Pads
Cool off at free and/or affordable splash pads around town. Need some recommendations? Here are the “Top 10 Splash Pads Around Orlando to Keep Your Kids Cool.”
T is for: Tubing
Orlandoans are so lucky to have many natural springs nearby. Kelly Park/Rock Springs Run in Apopka is a local favorite, known for its crystal-clear, gentle current and lush surroundings—perfect for a relaxing float. Ichetucknee Springs State Park, a bit farther north near Fort White, is famous for its scenic, spring-fed river and wildlife sightings.
Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon also offers a beautiful tubing experience with vibrant blue waters and picturesque views.
U is for: Under the Stars
Have a starry-eyed adventure at our local planetarium. The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium, located on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus of Seminole State College, is a family-friendly destination that brings the wonders of the universe to life.
With its state-of-the-art Digistar full-dome projection system, the planetarium offers live, interactive shows and immersive video presentations that captivate audiences of all ages. From exploring the current night sky in “Central Florida Nights” to delving into cultural astronomy in “Stories of the Night Sky,” each program is designed to educate and inspire.
V is for: Volunteer
Strengthen your family bond this summer by giving back to the community. Pick a cause your family is passionate about and volunteer your time. Doing good together will make you feel great!
W is for: Water Play
Zoom down waterpark slides, relax in resort lazy rivers with a day pass, day trip to the beach, or just have an old-fashioned water balloon fight in the front yard. It’s bathing suit season for a reason. As you can see, Orlando has plenty of places to go swimming.
X is for: eXperiment with a DIY Craft Day
Break out the glue, paint, and recyclables for a creative day indoors. Try making bird feeders, tie-dye shirts, summer journals, or whatever your hearts desire. My boys are always amazed by simple science experiments.
Y is for: Yahtzee Game Night
Summer family game nights are a perfect way to unwind and reconnect after long, sunny days. Whether gathered around a board game (like Yahtzee) on the porch, playing charades by the fire pit, or competing in friendly backyard tournaments, these simple moments create lasting memories filled with laughter and fun.
The warm evenings and relaxed summer schedules make it easier to slow down, turn off screens, and enjoy quality time together.
Z is for: Zipline
Take a short drive north to Ocala. The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park is where you’ll find Florida’s longest zip line—soar over canyons, cliffs, and lakes for a thrill the whole family will remember.
We hope you enjoy our recommendations to create your ideal A-to-Z summer! Enjoy the summer fun.
