With summertime here, there is so much to do in Orlando. And 4th of July Weekend has no shortage of fun. There’s no better way to spark fireworks with your date than to go and watch the real thing! Head out to one of the July 4th fireworks in Orlando for a spectacular display! If you’re looking for other things to do on 4th of July weekend, we’ve got plenty of ideas right here.
1. Plan a weekend getaway:
Take 2 Package at AC Hotel Tampa
Make it a date night at the AC Hotel Tampa with our Take 2 Package, which includes 2 tapas & 2 cocktails in our AC Lounge and a 2pm check-out! Explore 4th of July festivities around Tampa and then relax in our luxurious guest rooms, soak up the sun at our pristine outdoor pool and unwind by the fire pit to complete your stay. Book your romantic getaway today! *Available through 12/31/22
AC Hotel Tampa
2. 4th of JULY FIREWORKS
Fireworks at the Fountain
When: Monday, July 4, 2022 from 5-10pm
Where: Lake Eola Park
Cost: FREE
This year marks the 45th Annual Fireworks at the Fountain celebration in downtown Orlando at our city’s iconic Lake Eola Park. The fun kicks off at 5pm with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and food/drinks available for purchase from on-site vendors. You’re allowed to bring picnic blankets, chairs, and a cooler filled with your favorite snacks and nonalcoholic drinks to enjoy. Dogs are welcome, too.
If you want to make a day of it, arrive earlier in the day and check out World of Beer Downtown Orlando’s Red, White & Booze brunch beginning at 11am. Highlights include specialty cocktails and firecracker sliders. (2022 date has not been announced)
The epic fireworks display will begin at 9:15pm. The finale will include a dazzling display set to a patriotic performance from the Orlando Concert Band.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Disney Fireworks
When: July 3 and July 4
Where: Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Cost: Included with theme park admission
Nightly fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom and Epcot are magical any time of year. But during 4th of July weekend, patriotic magic is added! You can catch the display at Magic Kingdom each night, or head to Epcot for the nightly show including fireworks, music and special lighting effects.
Make 4th of July in Orlando unforgettable with a Disney Fireworks Cruise. Cruises leave from Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort and chart a course to the International Gateway near World Showcase Lagoon for a celebration including fireworks, lasers and synchronized audio. There are also a few options in the Magic Kingdom resorts area.
If you’re on a budget, check out one of these spots for viewing Disney fireworks outside the parks.
View the FULL LIST of 4th of July Fireworks in Orlando
4th of July Fireworks at Orlando Resorts
Want to go all out with a long weekend getaway? Several Orlando resorts host fabulous 4th of July fireworks displays that are exclusive to resort guests.
At Orlando World Center Marriott, Explore the all new River Falls Water Park with Falls Lagoon Pool, 7 thrilling waterslides, kids splash zone, 575ft. lazy river and daily activities. Join them every evening at 9pm and watch the laser light show from Falls Lagoon pool deck or from your private pool view balconies.
End the weekend with a literal bang by watching a fireworks display on Sunday, July 3. Upgrade to the special fireworks package for extra perks like a $50 resort credit and late checkout at 2pm.
Or, book a swanky weekend staycation at Grande Lakes Orlando, home to JW Marriott Orlando and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Lawn games for the family and special dining menus at Highball & Harvest and Knife & Spoon are a few of the perks. Spend your days exploring the expansive property and participating in guided outdoor adventures like fishing, kayaking, and falconry. The weekend culminates in a fireworks display for overnight guests on Monday, July 4 at 9pm.
3. 4th of July EVENTS
AdventHealth July 4th Watermelon 5k
Monday, July 4, 7:30am
Park Avenue, Winter Park
Join friends, family and neighbors for a morning celebration with ice cold watermelon and American pride.
$33 – $43
July 4th Bike Parade
Lake Avalon – Avalon Park
Monday, July 4, 5:30pm
Line up at YMCA at 5pm with decorated bikes, strollers, and wagons. Line up at 5pm, parade at 5:30pm. Preregister if you want to participate
July 4th Watch Party
Monday, July 4, 6pm
The Veranda at Thornton Park
Watch party from the streets of Thornton Park, balconies available for rent, head to verandaevents.com or (407) 408-6804 for more info
View the FULL LIST of 4th of July Events in Orlando
4. Outdoor movies
Catch a flick at a local drive-in movie theater this 4th of July weekend, or watch an outdoor movie.
Date night at the Silver Moon Drive-in in Lakeland
5. Bike ride 4th of July date
Rent bikes this4th of July 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.
6. Float down a river in a tube this 4th of July
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 very early to get in line if you’re hoping to get in.
Here are more places to go tubing in Florida.
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. 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. 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.
Brownie Wise Park | Image credit: Dani Meyering
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Hop on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Make 4th of July 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 exploring Park Avenue.
15. 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.
The Yardery in Sanford is kid-friendly | Dani Meyering
16. 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.
17. Orlando Happy Hours
If you’re lucky enough to be able to leave the office early on the Friday of 4th of July weekend, make the most of it by visiting one of Orlando’s happy hours. And some venues even offer happy hour on the weekends.
18. Dine at a dog-friendly restaurant
4th of July means it’s the dog days of summer, so bring your pooch along and enjoy a meal together at one of the many dog-friendly restaurants in Orlando.
19. Try a new cuisine
One of the best ways to connect with each other is to try a type of cuisine you haven’t had before. Cook your own food together at one of the Korean BBQ restaurants in Orlando, or get your fill at an Orlando Brazilian steakhouse.
20. Cheap Date Ideas in Downtown Orlando
4th of July weekend is a great excuse to get to know Downtown Orlando, and you can do so without overspending thanks to these Budget-Friendly Downtown Orlando Dates Under $30.
21. Relax in a spa
We’ve made it past the halfway mark of 2022, which means you need a break. Make an appointment to enjoy one of the best Orlando spas for couples.
Couples Room Blue Harmony Spa by Wyndham Bonnet Creek | @datingindisney
22. Spark romance at these experiences
From leisurely boat tours to beautiful gardens and intimate dining, the City Beautiful is full of romantic escapades for couples.
23. Do something for free
Trying to save a little money? You don’t need a huge budget in order to plan a memorable 4th of July with your partner. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite free things to do in Orlando.
24. Toast the holiday weekend at a rooftop bar
These rooftop bars & restaurants in Orlando invite you to nibble and toast your way through date night while enjoying spectacular, starlit views.
25. Satisfy your sweet tooth
Making the most of the 4th of July weekend is pretty sweet, but you can make it even sweeter at one of these restaurants with over-the-top desserts in Orlando.
Feature image credit: Orlando World Center Marriott