Orlando Sentinel21%
Beat the heat: 10 ways to stay cool in the Florida summer 12%
By Patrick Connolly12%
7/30/2026, 7:00:15 AM
BS Summary: This article contains 18 faulty reasoning types, including Unattributed Quote, Optimism Bias, and Biased Writer Voice, with Attempt to Sell a Product or Service as the most egregious example at 27.9% saturation with 319 hits. Analysis detected 1,324 faulty-reasoning hits from 1,144 analyzed words, generating a BS Score of 25.8% and a BS Rank of 12% (20,882 of 23,696 articles). This article is better (less manipulative) than 88.10% of the article peer group.
We are amid the dog days of Florida’s sweltering summer season, and hunkering down inside a building with air conditioning seems like a brilliant idea.
And that is certainly one option, but trips to springs, water parks, beaches, museums and ice cream shops also provide affordable ways to avoid the oppressive heat in Central Florida.
Here are some suggestions for ways to stay cool, most without breaking the bank.
Florida is known for its abundant freshwater springs, which number more than 1,000 around the state.
These natural gems present visitors with an opportunity to cool down in refreshing 72-degree waters that are often crystal clear.
Within about an hour’s drive from Orlando, visit Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Wekiwa Springs, De Leon Springs, Blue Spring, Rainbow Springs and Rock Springs.
Silver Springs doesn’t allow swimming but offers its famous glass-bottomed boat tours and scenic paddles.
Most state parks only charge a $6 per car admission fee, making a trip to the springs affordable for the whole family.
It’s worth noting that within the Florida State Parks system, Blue Spring, Wekiwa Springs and Rainbow Springs now require visitors to book day-use reservations online and pay in advance.
In Ocala, Alexander Springs and Silver Glen Springs also require reservations ahead of time.
Away from the theme parks, Orlando has a thriving arts and culture scene filled with live performances and world-class museums.
The Mennello Museum of American Art showcases portraiture and art from across the nation.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art specializes in glass art, jewelry, pottery and paintings by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Nearby in Winter Park, the Rollins Museum of Art and the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens each have unique arts offerings.
In addition, the Orlando Science Center offers a range of activities and exhibits for visitors of all ages.
Visit Orange County Regional History Center to delve into thousands of years of Central Florida history.
Visitors flock from all over the country and the world to visit the Sunshine State’s sandy beaches and bask in the sun.
Within driving distance of Orlando, visit Cocoa, Daytona or New Smyrna beaches — or head further south to Paradise, Melbourne and Vero beaches.
On the Gulf Coast, make the trip to Clearwater Beach, Anna Maria Island or Siesta Key.
Other than perhaps a nominal fee for parking, a visit to the beach can be an affordable way to cool off and have fun in the sun.
Sometimes the best way to cool down is with a sweet treat, and the Orlando area has no shortage of ice cream options to help.
Find delectable desserts at Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, The Greenery Creamery, Twistee Treat and The Soda Fountain, just to name a few.
Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery is now accepting votes through Aug. 10 for one of five flavors that will be chosen to celebrate the Orlando Sentinel’s 150th birthday.
Ice cream aficionados can sample and vote in-store at 3213 Curry Ford Road in Orlando.
Central Florida’s water parks provide another chance to cool down with fun for the entire family.
Find waterslides, lazy rivers and tubing opportunities at a number of venues.
Visit Island H2O Live, Universal’s Volcano Bay, Aquatica Orlando, CoCo Key or Disney’s Blizzard Beach for water park recreation.
ResortPass can help Central Floridians access 400 hotel pools, spas and amenities in Florida with day passes available at a range of price points.
Alternatively, public pools provide an affordable alternative and may offer free admission for residents of the city or county where the pool is located.
Otherwise, the entry fee is fairly small.
Looking for ways to stay in shape but can’t stand the heat?
Indoor fitness classes can save the day, giving exercise enthusiasts a chance to keep working out without passing out.
Central Florida offers no shortage of fitness classes at a variety of venues.
The YMCA of Central Florida has a variety of classes and equipment at multiple locations, as does F45 Training and Orangetheory Fitness, just to name a few.
Some specialize in dancing exercises, such as Impactful Dance, Motiv Dance and Salsa Heat Dance Studio.
Blue Swan Boulders, Aiguille Rock Climbing Center, High Point Climbing and Fitness, Central Rock Orlando and DynoClimb offer indoor rock climbing and bouldering in the absence of outdoor slabs to climb in Florida.
Whether it’s on a motorized vessel or some form of paddlecraft, explore one of Central Florida’s many lakes, rivers and spring runs.
Urban options include Lake Ivanhoe and the Winter Park Chain of Lakes.
Take a cruise down a spring run at Rock Springs, Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Silver Springs, Rainbow Springs and Blue Spring.
Other scenic paddles include the Econlockhatchee River and Wekiva River.
If heading out but opting for the indoors, consider visiting one of Central Florida’s Tiki bar hangouts.
These unique venues take inspiration from Caribbean and Polynesian cultures and offer cold, stiff drinks served in eclectic mugs.
Find a warm atmosphere and cool air conditioning at Aloha Beautiful, Aku Aku, Suffering Bastard and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
If looking for even more chill, take a trip to Icebar Orlando, an International Drive venue featuring 70 tons of carved ice and temperatures below freezing, at least in part of the bar.
Coats and gloves are provided.
Sometimes it helps to make the most of sluggish summer months by finding a unique Florida adventure.
Consider jumping out of a plane at Skydive DeLand or head out on an airboat ride with a number of outfitters.
Embark on a high-flying adventure with The Canyons Zip Line in Ocala or visit one of Orlando’s two PopStroke locations for outdoor professional mini golf with fans around the course and drinks delivered to each hole.
These may range in affordability, but state parks generally offer the least expensive adventures.
Alternatively, many local public lands are free to the public for hiking and outdoor recreation.
In the Panhandle, take a trip to Florida Caverns State Park to go underground in a cave system millions of years in the making.
On the tour, cool off in the caves, which stay below 70 degrees year-round.
While many northerners are stuck inside during cold, snowy winters, Florida is the opposite.
When mild winter temperatures give way to muggy, humid days that top 90 degrees, being outside in the Sunshine State becomes less appealing.
One way to beat the heat is by hunkering down in the air conditioning.
Build a puzzle, watch TV, play games with loved ones or work on household projects while turning down the thermostat.
It’s a surefire way to stay cool.
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
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