Planning out the ideal date night activity can be daunting, but don’t let it stop you from having a great time! Whether you’re going solo or looking for a shared experience, we have an exciting list of 25 fun date ideas in Orlando North to help set you in motion for your next adventure! Keep this handy list in your back pocket to use throughout the year for future inspiration.
1. Feed Butterflies from Your Fingertips
If a special someone is giving you butterflies this season, pay the favor back with a one-of-a-kind experience at Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter. This unique butterfly and bird conservatory offers year-round educational classes and special encounters with their local birds and butterflies. You can learn something new or just admire the beauty of the flora and fauna of one of the 25 largest tourist attractions in Central Florida as named by the Orlando Business Journal.
2. Make New (Animal) Friends
At the Central Florida Zoo, you can feed your curiosity and a whole farm’s worth of not-so-wild animals when you stop by and visit with the alpaca, chickens, goats, Harlequin sheep and llama! This hands-on experience allows visitors to get up close with our Barnyard Buddies. Make sure before you leave you say hi to PJ the rhino and share a few snacks with the fan-favorite giraffes. If you’re looking for an extra special experience, you can check the Zoo’s event page to see which exciting event they’re hosting next.
3. Romantic Picnic at Oviedo on the Park
Nothing impresses quite like a prepared picnic with beautiful views. Luckily, Oviedo on the Park is a one-stop shop for everything you need for a romantic evening — you can pack your own meal or grab something to eat at one of the many popular restaurants that call this town center home.
4. Paddle Wekiva River with Paddleboard Orlando
Test your balance and explore your surroundings when you hit the water with Paddleboard Orlando’s paddleboard rentals. This activity has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years as everyone from nautical novices to water sports pros try their hand at paddling through Wekiva River’s scenic views. Shake up your dinner and a movie routine and add some adventure into your next outing.
5. Movie Night on the Lawn in Altamonte Springs
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and claim your spot at the next Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema. Watch crowd-favorite movies set against the gorgeous backdrop of this Altamonte Springs staple and make sweet memories with your family and friends underneath the stars. Did we mention the event is completely free to the public?
6. Stroll Through the Local Farmer’s Market
Head down to Lake Mary’s quaint Central Park for their idyllic farmer’s market on any Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and experience the best local vendors have to offer from unique cuisines to beautiful floral arrangements. In our opinion, the best way to experience the market is with a cup of freshly brewed coffee from New City Coffee Co., conveniently located across the street from the park.
7. Have a “Blind Date with a Book”
The best love stories are still waiting to be written, but there are a few great ones already penned that make for a good read. At Spellbound Bookstore, you can shop local while picking up a new book to get lost in this season. Located in a beautiful historic home in Sanford, you can scan the shelves for your next read or take a risk and go on a “blind date with a book” for Valentine’s Day.
8. Get Creative with a Group Painting Class
Unleash your inner artists and try out a group painting class at Calliope Street, where they host frequent painting events for attendees of all skill levels. With a unique selection of wines from all over the world and skilled painters to help you unlock your artistic potential, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
9. Take a Bike Ride Through Sanford
Get a breath of fresh air and explore iconic Sanford views with bike rentals available in the downtown area. Ride down the Sanford RiverWalk that hugs the shores of Lake Monroe and cruise through the city center to admire the historic buildings and beautiful parks that have put Sanford on the map.
10. The Theater is Calling
Will you answer? At the Ritz Theater at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, you can help them ring in their 100th anniversary as you enjoy one of their countless entertainment experiences — from classic musicals to emerging comedy act, there is truly something for everyone at this longstanding entertainment destination.
11. Set Out on a Private Horseback Trail Ride
Located in the Lake Jesup Conservation Area, owner Beki Herrbach’s Hidden Palms Ranch provides couples with private trail rides in the area. Saddle up and let Beki guide you through her favorite places, including peaceful tree-canopied trails and waterfront expanses.
12. Hands-on Fun with Farm Animals
Teaching animal care and connection, Cheyne Ranch in Oviedo, FL, gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about some of the sweet creatures that call Orlando North, Seminole County home. Find one of their many events or check out their year-round programs to see how you can make friends with these friendly farm animals.
13. Drink and Learn on a Craft Beer and History Tour
One of the area’s most popular experiences, this guided tour takes you through the district’s popular east-side craft breweries while the guide gives you an enrapturing account of the area’s history during the prohibition era. During this 90-minute tour, you’ll get to sample a curated selection of brews as you enjoy a memorable evening with your significant other.
14. Wine your way through Winter Springs
Started by locals who are passionate about savoring sips and making memories with loved ones, Spill Wine & Craft Beer Bar is the perfect place for you to connect with someone over great wine, cold beer, and live entertainment.
15. Plan a German-Inspired Date Night
Be transported to the German countryside as you impress your date with a night at Hollerbach’s German restaurant. Grab an authentic bite and maybe even a souvenir at the nearby German clothing store for you to remember your experience.
16. Stay the Night at a Unique Airbnb
Nothing is better than a sweet staycation, and with this tiny houseboat located on Lake Monroe, you can see a new side of Sanford as you float along with your favorite adventure partner.
17. Laugh It Off at a Comedy Show
Whether it’s your first or fiftieth date, sometimes you still get a little nervous energy when you’re with someone special. We recommend breaking the ice and laughing off any remaining nerves at a stand-up comedy show.
18. Listen to Live Jazz
There’s something classically romantic about listening to live jazz on your big night out. If you’re looking for a performance that will impress, check out The Sanford Jazz Ensemble’s next event and mark your calendars for a night of great music and good vibes.
19. Expand Your Mind, Body and Soul
Looking for a relaxing bonding experience? Relieve your stress and try something new as you try your hand at yoga. Visit CabaYoga for an exciting twist on the traditional yoga experience with horse yoga or warm up in the cool weather with hot yoga at SoFlo Yoga in Lake Mary.
20. Explore New Heights
Reach new heights with Seminole Aerial Adventures’ zipline courses. You can take flight and view the world from above while navigating through the trees and obstacles that will challenge every muscle!
21. Perfect Your Golf Swing
A little competition makes any date more playful! Put your swing to the test at Topgolf Lake Mary. Whether you’re on a first date, a double date, or wanting to work on your solo-swing, TopGolf Lake Mary offers lots of laughs, entertainment, and delicious food and beverage options to keep the night going.
22. Cruise along the St. Johns River
Put a twist on your run-of-the-mill dinner date and take your partner on a romantic cruise along the St. John’s River. With carefully prepared cuisines and live music, this date night will be one for the books.
23. Test Your Axe Throwing Skills
While axe throwing may not be your typical idea for a night out, this increasingly popular activity allows visitors to get their hearts racing and try something new. You can find one of these experiences at District Eat and Play, Hourglass, or Elev8 Sanford.
24. Party on the Water
Party on the water in Orlando’s only pedal-powered party boat operating on beautiful Lake Monroe in Sanford. Perfect for you and your date, or groups up to 26 people, if you’re looking for a beautiful, relaxing excursion on the water, Pedal Cruise has your next date covered.
25. Kick Things into Gear
Take part in some healthy competition as you battle your date for first place at Elev8 Fun Sanford’s Go-Kart track. A little friendly competition always makes things more interesting! And there are always other games and activities to try your hand at if you’re going for the best two out of three.
No matter what Orlando North, Seminole County hotspot you choose for your next night out, you’re sure to have a blast as you explore our corner of the sunshine state.