While rainy days aren’t all that common in Orlando, especially days with so much of the wet stuff that it ruins outdoor plans, that doesn’t mean it will never happen. The good news is sunny skies are sure to reappear soon and in the meantime, you’ll find plenty to do indoors. From fascinating museums to spas, there’s sure to be something that sparks your interest on this list.
Challenge Yourself with The Escape Game
What Is It? The Escape Game is a fun experience that challenges your wit and skills. You might decode a secret mission, solve a crime, or break out of prison.
Why Do It? It’s not only fun, but it’s also educational and can help support brain health by boosting cognitive skills while encouraging teamwork to strengthen relationship bonds.
Good to Know: There are five challenges to choose from, like “the Heist” and “Mission: Mars.”
Relax at the Four Seasons Resort Spa
What Is It? If you’re in need of relaxation or stress relief, Orlando is home to many luxurious spas that offer the opportunity for an entire day of indulgence.
Why Do It? Who cares if it’s raining when you’re enjoying a deep tissue, Swedish, or couples massage in your own private spa bungalow at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, open to guests and non-guests alike. Or maybe you’ll want the “Healing Honey” treatment, which uses local honey that serves as the primary massage medium.
Good to Know: If the rain lets up by the time you’re done, stick around to enjoy an al fresco meal at PB&G, the resort’s lakeside restaurant.
Check Out the Exhibits at the Orange County Regional History Center
What Is It? The Orange County Regional History Center is one of the most kid-friendly museums in Florida with a focus on Central Florida history.
Why Do It? If you’re a history buff, you’ll love touring this institution and, as it’s family-friendly, the kids can learn while having a good time too. Themed lessons include storytime, exhibit exploration, and engaging activities targeted toward young historians so they can dig in and get hands-on.
Good to Know: The exhibits highlight everything from aviation to theme parks, African American history, and the natural environment. Learn all about the Old World in the 16th century, how indigenous peoples lived for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans, and much more.
Learn About Space in an Interactive Way at the Kennedy Space Center
What Is It? The Kennedy Space Center is an institution that focuses on space travel and its history in the U.S. with lots of interactive and informative exhibits.
Why Do It? With so many fascinating things to do, this is a venue for all ages that provides the chance to experience the thrill of the space race, experience the wonder of the Apollo Moon landings, and view all sorts of artifacts, including an actual Apollo spacecraft and Alan Shephard’s spacesuit that still contains visible moon dust.
Good to Know: Learn more about NASA’S current and future space endeavors at Cosmic Quest. Here you can launch a rocket to Mars, build a Martian habitat, perform scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station, and more.
Play the Rainy Day Away at WonderWorks
What Is It? Besides being one of best kid-friendly things to do in Central Florida, WonderWorks is an “amusement park for the mind” featuring indoor “edu-tainment” in 35,000 square feet of space.
Why Do It? A fun and interactive experience, it offers arcade-style games, fascinating exhibits, the chance to build your own roller coaster, conduct science experiments, and much more.
Good to Know: You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a building that looks like it’s been turned upside down after being blown over by a terrifying tornado.
Explore the Orlando Museum of Art
What Is It? The Orlando Museum of Art is an iconic Orlando cultural institution that features both ancient and contemporary collections with a wide range of works.
Why Do It? It’s a must-do for visitors and locals alike who want to learn about the city’s rich history while enjoying historical and modern works of art.
Good to Know: In addition to the permanent exhibitions, with highlights like the African art collection, there are rotating temporary exhibitions as well as programs on art education for all ages that can make for a great rainy day experience.
Brave the Simulated Sky Diving Experience at iFly
What Is It? iFly is a thrilling indoor skydiving experience and the perfect thing to do on a rainy day in Florida.
Why Do It? This is your chance to feel what it would be like to jump out of a plane without actually doing it. It’s the rush of a lifetime, yet it’s done in a safe environment, with everyone from 3 to 103 able to enjoy the experience. It uses vertical wind-tunnel technology to create a wall-to-wall cushion of air which simulates the feeling of flight.
Good to Know: The bizarre building that iFly sits within is impossible to miss when driving down the Interstate with its bends and curves. Plus, nearly a quarter of the façade opens and exposes the flying tunnel to the sidewalk.
Shop 'Til You Drop at Orlando's Malls and Outlets
What Is It? Orlando is one of the best shopping cities in the U.S., with many different shopping venues from malls to outlet stores, including the Orlando International Premium Outlets and Pointe Orlando to name a few.
Why Do It? A rainy day is ideal for taking advantage of the wide range of shopping opportunities in Orlando, including the discounted prices at the outlet malls.
Good to Know: Shop for discounted brand-name items at multiple outlet stores, including the Orlando International Premium Outlets which is so highly rated it’s earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Orlando Premium Outlets and Pointe Orlando are well worth a visit, while The Florida Mall includes a huge M&M’s store that’s a ton of fun. The Mall at Millenia is known for its more upscale items although you’ll find goods at a wide range of price points.
Experience the Oddities of Ripley's Believe It or Not!
What Is It? Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a famous museum with all sorts of kitschy oddities.
Why Do It? Visitors of all ages can expect to find plenty of fascinatingly bizarre items to keep them entertained, including everything from rare animal skeletons and shrunken human heads to authenticated dinosaur eggs and 16 unique and interactive galleries.
Good to Know: At this Orlando location, you can now explore the new Weird Florida Exhibit where you’ll discover that the truth is even stranger than fiction.
Learn Something New at the Orlando Science Center
What Is It? The Orlando Science Center, one of Florida’s must-see museums, is a science center with hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and a giant screen that shows 3D films aiming to provide experienced-based learning.
Why Do It? It’s fun for all ages and features interactive exhibits like a hands-on engineering experience where visitors can even design a prototype and test the product.
Good to Know: It’s located next door to the Orlando Museum of Art, making it easy to enjoy both institutions in one rainy day.
Catch a Show at SAK Comedy Lab
What Is It? SAK Comedy Lab is an improvisational comedy theater located in the downtown area of Orlando.
Why Do It? You can escape the wet weather and enjoy laughing until your cheeks hurt with comedians that encourage audience participation. It’s been named among the country’s best comedy venues and is one of the best places for entertainment in Orlando.
Good to Know: There are shows for every budget, with some requiring no cover charge at all. Actor Wayne Brady is one of SAK’s most notable alumni and he’s made guest appearances in several shows, even after being so well-known in TV shows like “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
Face Off Against Friends and Family at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
What Is It? Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is an “indoor fun center” with go-karts, virtual reality games, laser tag, racing simulators, bowling, a ropes course, and dining.
Why Do It? There may be no better indoor activity than this venue with so many different things to do. The electric go-kart races include hairpin turns, up and down elevation changes, and long straightaways.
Good to Know: Be aware that bad weather days are especially popular here, making it important to reserve go-karting and other activities in advance.
Cheer On the Orlando Magic or Take in a Show at The Amway Center
What Is It? The Amway Center is the main arena in Orlando, home to both the NBA Orlando Magic and the ECHL (mid-level professional ice hockey league) Orlando Solar Bears, providing both sports and entertainment experiences.
Why Do It? You can cheer on a local team or catch a fun event like a concert or comedy show.
Good to Know: Inside you’ll find multiple sit-down restaurants, lounges, and bars. One80 Lounge is at the top of the arena and opens up at the conclusion of games and events, remaining open until 2:30 a.m. every night.
Learn to Make Creative Cocktails at The Courtesy
What Is It? The Courtesy, one of Florida’s most epic bars, offers a class that will teach you the proper way to mix your favorite cocktails while revealing the history behind them.
Why Do It? It’s a quick lesson that will allow you to make classic drinks just like your bartender does. Plus, you can sit down and enjoy them afterward in a speakeasy-like environment.
Good to Know: The 90-minute class is held on the first and third Saturdays of the month and includes the lesson, materials, three full-size cocktails that you’ll make yourself, and gratuities.
