Ways to beat the heat
Escape rooms, museums, arcade bars are just some indoor activities during dog days of summer.
hot out there, folks, with Florida summer temperatures frequently reaching the low to mid-90s and humidity levels above 90 percent.
Good news: We’ve got plenty of ways to cool off indoors (or at least in the shade) for the dog days of summer (July 12-Aug. 20) in Central Florida. Here are some ideas for you.
Escape Rooms
Escape the heat in one of Orlando’s several escape rooms. Over the last several years, escape rooms have proven to be a popular new attraction in cities far and wide. Options here in Orlando include The Great Escape Room, America’s Escape Game Orlando, Lockbusters Escape Game, The Escape Game Orlando, Dare 2 Escape, Breakout Escape Rooms, American Escape Rooms Orlando, Escapology, The Escape Company, The Escape Effect and Escape Goat.
A quick Google search will give you all of the information you need to craft your perfect escape experience. Prices vary based on location, number of people and room choice, but generally average $20-$30 per person.
Arcade bars and more
Orlando also features a number of bars that double as arcades. Apparently there’s something appealing about drinking and playing video games at the same time. Sounds fun, right?
The main options in Orlando include JoyIt’s sticks Arcade Lounge downtown and Player 1 near Disney Springs.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly alternative, try Dave & Buster’s on International Drive or the nearby Andretti Indoor Karting and Games.
Binge Watch Your Favorite Netflix Shows
Enjoy your couch and the comfort of the AC while binge-watching your favorite Netflix shows. And this summer, the popular streaming service has a lot to offer.
“Stranger Things” season three comes out July 4. “Dead to Me,” “Russian Doll,” “The
Crown,” “When They See Us” and “Wanda Sykes: Not Normal” are other suggestions for your summer streaming enjoyment.
Don’t forget about other services such as Hulu and HBO GO, both of which offer free trials.
SAK Comedy Lab
Get ready for some laughs while enjoying a show at the SAK Comedy Lab in downtown Orlando. The venue regularly hosts improv comedy shows and workshops to help budding comedians develop their talents.
Find a schedule and more information at sakcomedylab.com.
Learn something new at a museum, science center or library
Orlando has no shortage of “funducational” opportunities for families and children. Visit one of Orlando’s museums to learn more about art and history. Your options include the Orlando Museum of Art, The Mannello Museum of American Art, The Morse Museum of American Art, The Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Skeletons: Museum of Osteology and Orange County Regional History Center.
In addition, visit the Orlando Science Center in Loch Haven Park or head to any Orange County Library System location for more fun activities and learning opportunities.
Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has unique exhibits on the past, present and future of American space exploration as well as live rocket launch viewing on a regular basis. Some exhibits are immersive, such as the Astronaut Training Experience — which allows kids and adults to step into the shoes of a space explorer in training. In addition, the center offers summer camp opportunities for children and teens ages 7-16.
On July 20, the nation and world will join in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is hosting a number of special events surrounding the anniversary of the historic event.
Later this month, visit the newly re-imagined Saturn/ Apollo V Center and enjoy Apollo 11 exhibits and experiences. Find more information at kennedyspacecenter.com.
Planet Obstacle (1150 Emma Oaks Trail, #100, in Lake Mary) claims to be the world’s largest indoor obstacle park in Lake Mary with an aerial ropes course, a zip line, an adult ninja course, a rock wall and other kid-friendly activities. Find out more at planetobstacle.com.
WinterClub
Strap on your ski or snowboard boots and hit the (indoor) slopes at WinterClub (2950 Aloma Ave. in Winter Park). The indoor facility features two “infinite slopes,” which are large treadmills with an AstroTurf-type surface that try to replicate the feeling of skiing down a real, snow-covered slope.
The Winter Park business offers summer ski and snowboard camps and gives snowsport enthusiasts a chance to practice and refine their technique in the off season. Although technically, outdoor skiing is never in season in Florida. Find more information at winterclubski.com.
I-Drive area experiences
International Drive has no shortage of fun, indoor activities for your out-of-the-sun enjoyment. Experience Wonderworks, Zombie Outbreak, the WhirlyDome, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Madame Tussauds, the Chocolate Museum & Cafe, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium and several dinner show options. You can also take a ride in an air-conditioned capsule with The Wheel at ICON Park.
Do you have other ideas for summertime indoor activities? You can find me on Twitter (@PConnPie), Instagram (@pconnpie) or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.