Things to do near me for memorial day weekend

What is there to do in Orlando this Memorial Day?

Memorial Day weekend is almost here!  Are you ready?  Do you have need some curated, uber-cool ideas about how to spend the Memorial Day holiday?  Here are 22 cool ideas (off the beaten path!) about how to spend your Memorial Day holdiday!

1. Watch Memorial Holiday Fireworks

Book a Memorial Weekend getaway at one of our fabulous local resorts and enjoy the added bonus of holiday fireworks displays. Grande Lakes Orlando (Sunday at 9pm), Orlando World Center Marriott (Sunday at 9pm followed by laser light show at 9:15 pm) and Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate (Saturday at 9pm) will all have festive displays for resort guests.

2. Orlando Fringe

Take in a few shows at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival which is back this year from May 17 – 30, 2022, perfect for something fun to do the Memorial Day weekend. This 14-day art festival features hundreds of shows throughout multiple venues in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Shows range from comedy to burlesque, music to drama, and everything in between.

3. Outdoor movies

Catch a flick at a local drive-in movie theater this Memorial weekend, or watch an outdoor movie.

4. Bike ride Memorial Weekend date

Rent bikes this Memorial Holiday Weekend and cycle the West Orange Trail. We love starting at Killarney Station and ending in Downtown Winter Garden. Oakland Nature Preserve is a notable stop along the way, with a boardwalk to Lake Apopka and free admission. The Cross Seminole Trail is another option.

5. Have lunch on a farm

Memorial Day weekend is the last day to enjoy lunch under the gorgeous oak tree at Bountiful Farms Bistro. The farm will close for the season at the end of May, and will reopen in October. Current hours are Wednesday – Saturday from 11am – 3pm. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 352-409-3204.

6. Float down a river in a tube this Memorial Day

Soak up the sun at one of Central Florida's natural lazy rivers. Two of our favorite spots are Kelly Park and KP Hole. FYI: Kelly Park will fill up to capacity. Get there early to get in line if you're hoping to get in.

7. Go on a safari

For an activity that's just as suitable for a date day as a family outing, check out a local safari experience. Wild Florida has an awesome drive-thru Safari Park with animal feeding experiences available as an add-on. Plus, the park will be celebrating its annual Gator Week May 23 – 28, with free admission for all. Giraffe Ranch is another option.

8. Wekiva Island

Laze the day away at Wekiva Island. Private cabanas are available for rent and there's live music every Saturday evening.

9. Munch Your Way through a Local Farmer's Market

Pick up something delicious and locally grown at one of our local farmer's markets. Then take it home to create a delicious meal combining local produce with your favorite meats on the grill. Try the Windermere (Friday), Winter Park (Saturday), Winter Garden (Saturday) or Lake Eola Farmer’s Market (Sunday).

10. Pick your own Blueberries and Peaches

Blueberry season is in full swing in Florida but it won’t last long! The season typically winds down near the end of May/early June, so get out there and visit a local u-pick farm like Southern Hill Farms while you can. Farms are also offering u-pick sunflowers, wildflowers, peaches and more.

11. Take a Hike

Some of our local favorites include Lake Lotus Park, Lake Louisa State Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, and Flat Island Preserve. Or, try one of these natural parks near the theme parks.

12. Brewery Hop

Orlando has a fantastic craft beer scene and there are new craft breweries popping up around town. Our Beer Lover's Guide to Breweries in Orlando has them all. And if the kids need to come along, check out 10 Kid-Friendly Orlando Breweries.

13. Go kayaking

There are so many kayaking experiences near Orlando. Explore Rock Springs Run in a clear kayak, paddle the headwaters of the Everglades from The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek (in Kissimmee), or try a nighttime paddle with A Day Away Kayak Tours.

14. Visit Downtown Celebration

Get out and enjoy the sunshine with a lunch date and a walk around Downtown Celebration. Share truffle fries and flatbreads paired with wine at Imperium, get a scoop (or two) of gelato from Le Macaron, rent bikes, or explore the paved pathways on foot.

15. Make your own pancakes

Eat DIY pancakes at Old Spanish Sugar Mill at DeLeon Springs. This open air eatery is THE reason De Leon Springs State Park needs to be added to your bucket list. For just a few bucks you get all-you-can-eat pancakes, made by you. Be prepared for a wait no matter what time of day you visit, as this is a popular activity.

16. Pack a picnic

Nothing says summer quite like lazing the day away on a picnic blanket in a local park. Go on a romantic picnic with our favorite spots as your guide.

17. Book a Staycation

Book a local staycation at Orlando World Center Marriott which is hosting a Memorial Weekend celebration with BBQ/live DJ & Fireworks on Sunday 5/29.

Alternatively,  Grande Lakes Orlando (Sunday at 9pm) and Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate (Saturday at 9pm) will all have festive displays for guests staying overnight at the resort.

18. Hop on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Make Memorial Day weekend the time you finally take the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. Tours run daily on the hour from 10am – 4pm and tickets are $16. Combine this with a double date for Prato and gelato.

19. Dine outdoors

See how many of these 75+ restaurants with great outdoor seating you can make it to in the span of the long weekend.

20. Spend the day at a resort pool

You don't have to be an overnight guest to spend the day by one of Orlando's best resort pools. Many hotels and resorts offer day passes through Resort Pass or grant access to locals for the day with a qualifying spa appointment. Memorial Day weekend in Orlando is the perfect time to spend the day together poolside.

21. Try an Only in Florida adventure

There are some things you just can’t do anywhere else. Enjoy a unique experience by trying one of these only in Florida adventures.

22. Icon Park

Memorial Day Weekend at The Wheel at ICON Park will be shining red, white and blue and there will be a variety of specials available to active and retired military members at ICON Park. Enjoy delicious food or stop by some of Orlando's top attractions at a discounted rate.

Some specials include the first 100 active and retired military members who visit Museum of Illusions on Memorial Day will receive a free gift. This is in addition to the discounted admission military members and veterans are offered year-round.

Also, The Wheel will be offering a free ticket to all active and retired military personnel and a 50 percent discount to their accompanying family members.

ICON Park has a full list of Memorial Day specials.

23. Check out some Memorial Day Events in Orlando

In addition to our curated list, here’s a few events happening this holiday weekend for you to check out:

Weekends at the Winery
Saturdays and Sundays through May
Lakeridge Winery

Come out and enjoy the expansive vineyard green, including delicious food, live entertainment, and Lakeridge wines by the glass at the outdoor bar. Bring your own lawn chairs.  FREE Admission

Sunset Walk Memorial 4 Day Weekend
May 27 – 30, 2022 (Times Vary)
Promenade at Sunset WalkBands, DJs, Street Performers, Car Show, & More. View website for full schedule.  FREE

Freestyle Fever Summer Dance Party
Friday, May 27, 7pm
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona BeachMake your way to the oceanfront Avalon Terrace for a freestyle summer dance party by the beach! Featuring performances by your favorite freestyle artists and DJs.  $25 – $50

Memorial Day Salute
Saturday May 28, 9:45am
209 Holden Avenue, Orlando
This family-friendly event will serve to honor and remember all our veterans.

Rock N’ Blues Concert & Car Show
Saturday, May 28, 4pm
Lake Concord ParkView more than 100 classic cars ranging from Camaros to Chevelles to Mustangs, plus food trucks and live music. FREE Admission

Lake Concord Park Casselberry | Dani Meyering

Mem Day at Boxi Park
Monday, May 30, 12pm – 10pm
Boxi ParkFeaturing live music and BBQ specials.
No cover, price of food and beverage varies

Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 30, 10am
Clermont Waterfront PavilionFeaturing a guest speaker, musical tributes, a rifle salute, military displays and much more. FREE

Electric Ocean
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, May 27 – Sept. 5
SeaWorld OrlandoWhen the sun goes down, the night fires up at SeaWorld’s Electric Ocean. Join playful, glowing sea creatures and world-class DJs for a family-friendly dance party beneath the waves. Then end the night with Ignite, a fireworks and fountains spectacular. Theme Park admission required.

Feature image credit: Orlando World Center Marriott

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