Looking for Things to Do in Orlando When it Rains? Despite being known worldwide as The Sunshine State, it rains here in Orlando, especially in the Summer.

And I mean torrential rain. Tropical storm, bucket-down, zero visibility torrential!

But don’t worry, bursts are generally short and soon dry up. And there’s always plenty of things to do in Orlando when it rains. Come rain or shine, these Orlando attractions offer some great fun things to do in when it’s raining.

You’ll hardly notice the grey skies and rain.

Hit the Parks and Dance in the Puddles

Who needs blue skies and sunshine? The kids won’t care. Just pack a poncho and go splash. Flip flops are perfect for sploshing around in and it’s still wonderfully warm.

The parks will be much quieter on a rainy day in Orlando and lines will be a lot less.

Disney Imagineers certainly knew Orlando had rain when they designed the parks. Many attractions are covered or indoors and there’s only a handful that close during a downpour.

Don’t worry about missing that magical parade at Magic Kingdom on a rainy day. A few raindrops never stopped Disney dosing out the magic. They created the Rainy Day Character Cavalcade especially for visitors who brave the rain in Orlando.

Dancers grab their galoshes, a few characters climb into vehicles and the rest splash through the puddles along the parade route as happy as ever. It’s always smiles and pure magic at Disney, rain or shine.

The only park most people avoid on a rainy day is Animal Kingdom because it’s virtually all outdoors. But that can actually be a great park to visit in the rain. The animals love the rain, they won’t be heading indoors anytime soon, so make the most of a quiet park and enjoy up close animal encounters without the crowds.

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure also have plenty of indoor attractions.

So don’t worry, there are tons of things to do in Orlando when it rains in the parks.

Get Out of The Rain and Get Selfies with Celebs

Hanging out with celebs is one of the fun things to do in Orlando when it rains. Be the envy of your friends and relatives with a selfie of you and Johnny Depp, Ariana Grande, Tiger Woods, David Beckham, Abraham Lincoln or good old Walt Disney himself.

A host of famous icons from around the world are poised and ready for you and your camera at Madame Tussauds Orlando. There are multiple zones featuring sport icons, historical figures, super heroes, music stars, movie and tv stars and an A-list party.

Discover the Depths When it Rains in Orlando

SeaLife Orlando
With 9 detailed exhibits, young and old alike will enjoy learning all about our oceans and fintastic friends.  Walk along Florida’s only 360 degree ocean tunnel surrounded by more than 5,000 sea creatures including sharks, stingrays, octopus and turtles. Visit the Interactive Rockpool to touch and learn more about the inhabitants of our shores. Watch the divers feed the ocean creatures.

If you want to explore even further, a Behind the Scenes Tour is a fascinating look at the backstage area. You’ll learn all about the feeding, care and workings of the aquarium. Plus you’ll get a top level view of the aquarium below. It’s just $10!

Madam Tussauds and SeaLife Aquarium are located at Icon Park and combo tickets are available for both attractions. Plus you can add The Wheel too.

Explore all ticket options at Icon Park.

Don’t Just Fly, Soar!

You don’t have to stay at ground level in Orlando when it’s raining!

iFLY Indoor Skydiving is a state of the art wind tunnel that will give you lots of free-falling fun. It’s open to ages 3 and up, so virtually the whole family can join in.

Icon Orlando offers panoramic views from 400 feet up in the air in this slow-moving, observatory wheel. This attraction gives perfect views overlooking Orlando and beyond. We went on a rainy day and the view was still pretty good even with the cloud. If you go on a clear day, you’ll be able to see right over to the coast to Kennedy Space Center.

Jazz Up Your Instagram at Orlando Wall Crawl

Looking for a snazzy Instagram feed? Bored with photo’s at home? Orlando Wall Crawl is just for you. There’s a variety of insta-worthy interactive walls and a range of props where you can snap away.

Over 20 walls, and they change seasonally.

Get Wet in Orlando When it Rains

Head for one of the amazing Orlando waterparks. You’re wet anyway, so what does it matter if it’s raining? It’s one of the fun things to do in Orlando when it rains. The water parks will be quieter on a rainy day and lines for slides and rides will be shorter. Even when it rains in Orlando it’s still hot, so it’s a great way to cool down! As long as it’s not a storm with lightning, the waterparks stay open.

Do Be Aware: If storms do threaten lightening, your safety will always be the main concern for any of the water parks. If there’s a lightening storm within a few miles, they will close some attractions and pools. They will open back up as soon as it’s safe enough to do so. You may be instructed to take cover, so make sure you always follow the directions and instructions of lifeguards and park staff.

Escape the Rain in Orlando

Escape games have exploded in Orlando recently. Hugely popular with all ages, it’s one of the fun things to do in Orlando when it rains.

There are several escape games in Orlando, so take your pick. Each one offers unique escape games with various themes. Ever tried to break out of prison? Or been involved in a crisis at 1600? Had to find an antidote to save the world? If the answer to all is nope, then this is your chance.

Make an escape one of your things to do in Orlando when it rains. Check out our Guide to Escape Games in Orlando.

Yummy Things to do in Orlando When it Rains

Chocolate! The perfect way to brighten any rainy day. And one of the tastiest things to do in Orlando when it rains!

Chocolate Kingdom offers interactive tours on the hour from noon through 4pm. See how the basic bean transforms into that morsel of delicious delight.

World of Chocolate Museum & Cafe, on International Drive, offers guided museum tours and takes you right back to the origins of chocolate. There are 25 solid chocolate sculptures of world-famous landmarks. Then you reach the tasting room. Mmmmmmm.

Staying with chocolate as one of the many things to do in Orlando when it rains, M&M’s World Orlando is a candy filled paradise with over 7000 unique M&M products to chomp your way through.

The Color Mood Analyzer will brighten up any rainy day. NASCAR® fans will love the racing merchandise.

M&M’s World is located in Florida Mall, so there’s plenty of indoor retail therapy.

There’s an M&Ms store located at Disney Springs too. Design and print your own unique M&Ms!

Chase the Blues Away with Desserts!

Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs and Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Orlando both offer super indulgent shakes. These tasty treats are sure to satisfy cravings and chase away any rainy day blues. Or you could take a trip to the most instagrammed restaurants chain in the USA. Sugar Factory on International Drive offer an explosive array of jaw dropping treats.

And we all know calories don’t count on vacation, right? Shall we just roll with that?

Get Sporty with Indoor Activities in Orlando

Dezarland Park is Florida’s larges indoor attraction and offers 800,000 square feet of fun. Go karting, Bowling, Pinball, Trampoline Park, Game Arcade, Bumper Cars, 4D Motion Simulators, Axe Throwing, Glow in the Dark Putting, Play Shooting and more. It’s also home to the largest museum in Orlando, The Auto Experience, perfect for car enthusiasts.

As if 30 bowling lanes wasn’t enough, Splitsville at Disney Springs also offers 5 bars, billiards, live music and excellent food in the full service restaurant and sushi bar. The decor is cool and classic and celebrates the golden age of bowling.

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games have a ton of things to escape rainy days in Orlando.

• Electric Karting around hairpin bends and long straitways
• Arcade featuring old time classics to life size apps
• Sky Trail suspended rope course with curved zip line
• 7D Dark Ride to take your senses on a thrilling journey
• Racing Simulators – train like a pro
• Laser Tag – test your skills in this black light battleground
• Bowling – boutique upscale bowling lanes
• Hologate – Virtual reality with the ultimate in sensory immersion
• Dine – Andretti Grill offers a varied menu

Airheads Trampoline Arena offers a gigantic trampoline area for lots of bouncy fun. There are also arcade games.
Burn calories for adults and burn energy for kids. What’s not to love?

Grand Prix Orlando This air-conditioned, 70,000 square foot indoor go-cart arena is perfect for rainy days. Take hairpin bends up to 45 miles per hour and it’s eco friendly too. Grand Prix Orlando is open to novice and experienced drivers. Adult kart height minimum is 4ft 10in and junior racers must be 4ft or taller.

Orlando Paintball – There are 8 indoor and outdoor combat zones, so come rain or shine, you can go get messy. This is Florida’s largest facility and they offer both paintball and laser tag.

Things to Do in Orlando When it Rains: Mooch About in a Museum

How about educational things to do in Orlando when it rains? It might sound boring, but its easy to get lost in history and time will fly!

Presidents Hall of Fame was once described by Ronald Reagan as a “true national treasure”. This fascinating exhibition in Clermont is jam packed with artifacts and memorabilia of US Presidents. There’s mini replicas of Mt Rushmore and the Lincoln Memorial and in incredibly details replica of the White House.

The White House replica is huge and you can peer into individual rooms decorated down to tiniest detail. The replica has been created by hand by owners John and Jan Zweifel. The White House replica has toured the world and has also been on display at the Smithsonian.

Orlando Science Center is so much fun, the kids will hardly notice they are actually learning something! Close up interactions, live demos and lots of exhibits. Florida’s largest public refractor telescope is here too in the Crosby Observatory. Exhibit Halls include NatureWorks, DinoDigs, Our Planet, Science park and KidsTown.

Amongst other things, the Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park is the most comprehensive collection of Tiffany works in the world. Exhibits include pottery, paintings, leaded glass lamps and windows and the designers personal jewelry.

Winter Park is a great place to visit and if the rain stops, stroll around the quaint streets or take the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour when the rain stops.

Although not strictly a museum, Stetson Mansion is the “grandest home ever” built in 1886 by John B Stetson as his winter retreat. Flagler built a private railway to the Estate and Edison installed the electric. There’s not many homes can boast that! This private residence offers guided tours through the fully restored home.

The Auto Experience is Orlando’s largest museum, located at Dezerland. It features over 2000 vehicles in multiple lounges, including:

• The Bond Museum
• Cars of The Stars
• Movie Cars
• Buckingham Palace
• The Gatsby Lounge
• Military Pavilion
• Thunderbird Lounge
• Harley & Vespa Lounges

Get Your Game On in Orlando When it Rains

GameTime, located at Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Orlando, is a 24,000 square foot Mega Arcade with a ton of indoor activities. There are over 100 new, retro and interactive arcade games. And if you’re looking to catch a game, there are over 60+ HDTV’s plus a full service restaurant and bar.

Main Event offers a wide of family entertainment, perfect for any rainy day in Orlando. Or a dry day for that matter! Located at Pointe Orlando on International Drive, Main Event offers:

• Bowling – Pro level lanes & Beginners + laneside food service
• Billiards – Every type of pool you can think of
• Gaming Hall – Classic, modern & VR games for all ages
• Gravity Ropes – Obstacles, beams, ropes and more 20 feet up
• Dining options & full bar services

Dave & Busters is a full service restaurant jam-packed with video games. There’s a great selection of good, old-fashioned arcade games, but they specialize in the latest technology too. Keep in mind this isn’t a kid’s arcade – there are no age restrictions but all kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times. They can’t play the games without adult supervision.

Dewey’s Indoor Golf & Sports Grill is Orlando’s premier sports grill and offers a variety of indoor sports simulators. Adults can hone skills on a variety of games and kids can try out new sports. Simulators include golf, soccer, football and hockey. There’s also a full service restaurant offering steaks, seafood, burgers, wings and a whole lot more.

Things to Do in Orlando When it Rains: Check Out Some Mind Bending Illusions

Image Credit: Museum of Illusions in Orlando

Indoor Things to Do in Orlando when it Rains – Get Cool & Unique!

Beat the rain and stay cool! Ice Skating in Orlando is great fun. The RDV Ice Den is home to events and competitions, so do check the website schedule for public skating hours. It changes all the time.

Roller Skating is just as much fun. Lets Skate Orlando offers roller skating to energizing music that pops with lighting effects. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Machine Gun America
Got some lockdown frustrations to unleash? Head to Machine Gun America where you can shoot fully-automatic machine guns and legendary firearms.

Epic Axe Throwing
If shooting guns isn’t your thing, perhaps a little axe throwing? Epic Axe Throwing is open from 5pm through 10pm. Operating at 50% capacity, a maximum of 10 per group will be allowed and groups will be separated by 6 feet. Face masks recommended and advanced reservations highly advised.

Go on a Hidden Mickey Hunt

Not sure what a Hidden Mickey is? It’s an image or silhouette of Mickey Mouse that has been subtly concealed within the design of something in Walt Disney World.

Disney Imagineers have gone to great lengths to build these Hidden Mickeys into rides, restaurants, stores and resorts.

You can do a hunt yourself, anywhere within Disney. There are books you can buy and apps you can download to help you along.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge provides a ready-made Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt. Look at walls, floors, furniture, picture frames, displays, paintings, carvings, shelves.

Hidden Mickeys could be anywhere and everywhere.

Call at the lobby and ask for the hunt. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a great resort to explore, the kids and adults will love it.

Wear the Kids Out

Monkey Joe’s is a soft play area where the kids can climb, slide and bounce about on inflatables or play arcade games. The inflatable play area is suitable for children up to 12 years of age while the Mini Monkey Zone is for toddlers 3 and under.

The kids might not appreciate the cleanliness and safety precautions at Monkey Joe’s, but parents can relax that they are in good hands.

Image Credit: Monkey Joes

Weird and Wonderful Indoor Things to Do in Orlando When it Rains

Ever seen a shrunken head? Or a vampire killing kilt? Or a decorated Tibetan skull? You don’t know what you’re missing. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium in Orlando is the place to go.

10,000 square feet of weird and kooky to keep all ages amused.

WonderWorks in Orlando is as famous for the zany exterior as it is for the wonders inside. They boast “35,000 square feet of edu-tainment”.

There are 6 zones with something for everyone: Natural Disasters, Physical Challenge Zone, Light & Sound Zone, Space Discovery, Imagination Lab and the Far Out Art Gallery. There’s also an Indoor Rope Challenge, 4D Simulators and a Lazer Tag Arena.

Give Yourself Some Space when it Rains in Orlando

Ok, so heading over to the coast isn’t really classed as “things to do in Orlando when it rains” but who’s checking 🙂
Space Shuttle Atlantis is on display at the Kennedy Space Center where you can experience ‘the world’s most realistic simulation of a space shuttle launch’.

Lunch with an astronaut and listen to incredible first-hand experiences. Take a seat in the IMAX Theater to view space from the astronaut’s perspective. Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted is an entertaining educational experience.

So too is the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, the History of Space Exploration and Astronaut Training Experience. For youngsters, there is a Children’s Play Dome where they can let off steam and burn off some energy.

Catch a Movie

If watching a movie while chomping burger and fries, washed down by a glass of chilled chardonnay, exotic cocktail or a cool beer is your thing, then Fork & Screen at AMC Disney Springs 24 with its Dine-In Theaters is the place to be.

AMC has 24 screens offering regular movies and Fork & Screens, so there’s something to suit everyone.
Movies start as early as 11.05am with final showings as late as 10.30pm. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

You’re in for a treat if you’ve never been to an IMAX theater. The IMAX Experience on International Drive uses the highest resolution cameras in the world to give you a movie experience like no other. The screen is larger than your field of vision, so you are fully immersed in the movie.

Studio Movie Grill located at Sunset Walk at Margaritaville in Kissimmee also offers dining with a movie. The theater features custom luxury recliners and rockers, laser projection, and Q-SYS sound systems. The American Grill menu features burgers, salads, flatbreads and pizzas, and a selection of entrees. There a full service bar too.

If you’re in Universal when it rains, you can catch a movie there too. AMC Universal Cineplex features 20 state of the art screens and an immersive IMAX. There are snacks available and a bar with a full liquor license too.

Buff up on Your History

Titanic the Experience is a museum and attraction rolled into one. Relive the sights and sounds and emotions of the doomed voyage. Become a passenger then find out what happened to your namesake.

Authentic artifacts and period costumes are in abundance throughout full-scale recreations. See the iconic Grand Staircase, First Class Parlor Suite and the Promenade Deck. Educational, moving and interesting.

Museum of Military History is dedicated to educating and increasing awareness of the American military experience. It’s a tribute to those who served America.

Kissimmee has a deeply rich heritage dating back to Native Americans and early settlers. There are four indoor habitats showcased at the Osceola County Historical Society: Swamplands, pine flatwoods, oak hammock and lakefront. And if the rain stops, you can head outside to explore Pioneer Village and Shingle Creek.

Learn about Orlando & Florida history at the Orange County Regional History Center. Housed in a 1920s courthouse, visitors can journey through 12,000 years of Central Florida history. The kids will love learning about the Indian Settlements and cattle ranches.

Things to Do in Orlando When it Rains: Unleash Your Inner Artist

Crayons and clay in the hands of children could be a recipe for disaster but this is positively encouraged at the Crayola Experience Orlando.

This family bonding creation area has 25 attractions for budding artists to discover the wonder of color and let their imaginations run wild. Creativity and having fun are the all important factors. Who knew you had a Michelangelo in the family?

Pottery Party – If crayon is not your thing, how about choosing a piece of pottery and painting it? Whatever color you like. Then you leave it to be glazed and fired and they’ll call when it’s ready.

Brighten Up a Rainy Day in Orlando with Some Retail Therapy

There’s no shortage of shopping in Orlando and we have two great indoor malls perfect for a rainy day in Orlando.

Florida Mall is Central Florida’s largest mall and attracts over 20 million visitors a year. Plenty on offer for fashion, fun and dining. There are over 250 stores in 1.85 million square feet of retail space.

Mall at Millenia is another indoor shopping mecca. With over 1.12 million square feet and 150 stores, there’s something for everyone here. Serious shoppers will find a dazzling array of brands. Once you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, stop for a bite to eat, there’s plenty on offer.

Indulge in a Spa Day

This is one of our favorite indulgent things to do in Orlando when it rains. We all deserve a little me time, right? Enjoy world-class pampering, rejuvenate your senses and recharge those batteries. There are plenty of amazing spa facilities in Orlando.

Blue Harmony Spa Wyndham Grand Orlando ©Wyndham

St Somewhere Spa at Margaritaville Orlando
Blue Harmony Spa at Wyndham
Mokara Spa at ChampionsGate
Waldorf Astoria Spa
Mandara Spa at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort
Walt Disney World Four Season Resort Spa
Ritz Carlton Spa
Senses Spa at Walt Disney Grand Floridian
Mandara Spa at Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay

And Finally, Last but Not Least

Stay Home, Cozy-Up and Hang Out

After endless days at the parks and lots of activities, you might be feeling a little jaded. Why not use the rain as an excuse to stay home and recharge those batteries? This is the beauty of staying in a vacation home. You have all that space to hang out and lots of things to do in Orlando when it rains in your own vacation home.

All our Orlando vacation homes have lots of board games, plenty books for adults, Disney books for kids and books for all ages. Wii and Playstation will keep everyone occupied and in happy mode.=

If you’re staying in Serendipity, you’ll have the hot tub – it’s kind of cool sitting in the hot tub in the pouring rain! Stay out of the hot tub and pool if lightening storms are close by.

There’s a game rooms too in Serendipity – slate bed pool table, air hockey and foosball.
Game on!

We have 65 inch in Sleepy Hollow and a 75 inch TV in Serendipity. Lots of DVDs provided and complimentary Netflix too, so you can all snuggle up together and watch a Disney classic.

You know you can never see Frozen too many times. And it will take you almost 20 hours to watch all the Harry Potter movies back to back. Get the popcorn out.

Hang out and enjoy indoor things to do in Orlando

The kitchens in our vacation homes are wonderfully stocked, so why not bake some cookies? That wafting aroma will cheer everyone up a treat.

There’s Plenty of Things to Do in Orlando When it Rains – have you got any other ideas to add? We’d love to hear your comments below.

Did you know Orlando gets 14.4 more inches of rain than the national average? That’s 36% more! Florida is the 5th wettest State in the USA.

Who knew!

But all is not lost. Just look at the temperatures in Orlando – it certainly makes up for a few spots of rain.

Thankfully the rain in Orlando is usually a quick downpour that doesn’t last long. It’s pretty much like clockwork in the afternoons. And the heat dries everything so quickly, you’ll hardly even notice.

You’ll learn to love the rain in Orlando. It brings cloud to give us a break from the intense sun and it lowers humidity. And the rain clouds form the backdrop for some pretty spectacular sunsets.

Sometimes the rain is in for the whole day. No need to pack all-weather gear though. All our Orlando vacation rental homes provide plenty of poncho’s, so you’re good to go.

If you really don’t want to splash in puddles and dance in the rain, then the driest months are during the winter.
Come visit Orlando in the drier months of mid October, November, December, March or April. June and July are the two wettest months and the rainy season generally runs late May to mid October. Check out the weather in Orlando for full details.