Florida summers are hot, like, really hot. And humid.

In Orlando, the average July temperature is 92 degrees Fahrenheit. And that’s not factoring in the humidity.

Orlando’s outdoor attractions are still tons of fun in the summer. But sometimes you need a break from the heat (or refuge from the daily 3 p.m. rainstorm). Luckily, there are many ways to explore the great indoors.

Here are nine of the best indoor attractions in Orlando.

1.      Catch a Blockbuster at an Orlando Movie Theater

Movie houses have drawn huge summer crowds since the 1930s as they were among the first buildings to have air conditioning. Some film buffs think the advent of A/C is what made Hollywood so successful.

So, why not do as generations have done and see a movie?

Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs both have theaters. Regal Pointe Orlando is an IMAX and 4D-equipped theater in the heart of International Drive. On Wednesdays in June and early July, West Orange Cinema in the western suburb of Ocoee will have $2 screenings of kids’ movies.

If indie films, cult classics, family films, and music documentaries are more your thing, head north to Maitland and visit the Enzian Theater.

2.      Go for a Strike at Splitsville

Spare yourself the Florida heat with a day spent bowling.

Located within Disney Springs, Splitsville Luxury Lanes combines ‘50s nostalgia with modern touches. Rates for walk-in bowlers range from $20-$24 per guest. A lane can be reserved for an additional $10 per bowler. Full-service, lane-side dining is available. The menu includes freshly rolled sushi, flatbread pizzas, salads, and burgers.

Or skip bowling and make a standalone dining reservation. Yes, you’ll still get to enjoy the great food, plus Splitsville’s pool tables, live entertainment, and craft cocktails.

3.      Get Cultured at the Orlando Museum of Art

Photography by Wikipedia User:MrX, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) is the perfect place for those seeking cooler temperatures.

OMA is in Orlando’s scenic Loch Haven Park. The 80,000-square-foot museum’s permanent collection houses American paintings, African textiles and pottery, ancient metalwork, and pop art.

Temporary exhibits in 2022 include early works by famed street artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, portraits of Floridian artists and writers, photos of the Everglades, and post-impressionist paintings.

Make your own art on select Wednesdays and Fridays when OMA offers studio workshops for adults and youth, respectively. All art supplies are included, making the classes great for vacationing families.

4.      Enjoy Some Weird Science at WonderWorks

If the summer has you feeling topsy-turvy, head to WonderWorks Orlando to cool off.

This Pointe Orlando attraction has a little bit of everything, all under one foundation. See, the building that houses all of Wonderworks’ unique attractions is upside-down.

Want to know what an earthquake or Cat 1 hurricane feels like? Check out the Extreme Weather Zone.  Have you always dreamed of floating in orbit? Try the space simulator. Traveling with active kids? They’ll love the ropes course, laser tag, and shadow art dance floor. Got the urge to reenact the piano scene from Big? You can do that here, too.

End your day with reservations at the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. Admission to the interactive show includes unlimited pizza, salad, and soda, plus wine and beer for audience members over 21.

5.      Take off at iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Take your search for the perfect summer breeze to extreme heights at iFLY Indoor Skydiving.

This unique attraction is located on Orlando’s International Drive. Guests 3 and over are invited to float upon a smooth column of air — no jumping out of a plane required. Visitors do not need prior skydiving experience, but beginners must attend training before they take flight. First-Time Flyer packages start at $64.99. Admission includes your training session, flight suit and goggles, guidance from an instructor, and a flight certificate.

6.      Get Geeky at Gods & Monsters

If sitting down with a great comic book or tabletop game is your favorite way to beat the heat, check out Gods & Monsters on International Drive.

Orlando Weekly readers have voted it as Orlando’s best comic book shop for 6 years in a row, and it’s easy to see why. The store is jam-packed with graphic novels in every genre imaginable. It also sells local artwork, miniatures and dice for tabletop gaming, and pop culture collectibles like Funko figurines and Star Wars memorabilia.

Gods & Monsters is also home to Vault 5421, a post-apocalyptic themed bar with everything from craft beer to great mock-tails. This unique venue features arcade games and often hosts DnD nights, movie screenings, and cosplay parties.

7.      Make Your Mark at Crayola Experience

Staying cool is an art form at Crayola Experience, located in the Florida Mall.

The 70,000-square foot space features interactive shows, arts and crafts, a fun obstacle course, digital art zones, and a create-your-own crayon station. After you’re done letting your imagination run wild, be sure to visit the gift shop. It boasts the largest selection of Crayola products in the world. Merch includes precious plushies, colorful apparel, and customizable crayon and marker boxes.

While Crayola Experience always welcomes walk-ins, tickets are cheaper when purchased online.

8.      Strike a Pose at Wall Crawl

Let’s face it: from sun glare to frizz-inducing humidity, summer weather doesn’t always lend itself to the best photos. But if you don’t get a couple great photos from your Orlando trip, did it even happen?

Get your picture-perfect vacation moment at Wall Crawl in downtown Orlando. With 4,500 square feet of studio space, professional lighting, and fun backdrops painted by local artists, your trip to Wall Crawl is sure to produce some unique pics.

And thanks to central A/C, you can bet that all the smiles will be genuine.

Before you go, be sure to sign up for an hour-long timeslot online. General admission starts at $25, with options to rent a tripod or book time with a professional photographer.

9.      Shop ‘til You Drop at an Orlando Mall

Maybe it’s the scents of perfume samples and Cinnabon wafting around you. Or maybe it’s the central air. Whatever it is there’s still something satisfying about shop-hopping at a mall.

Orlando has plenty of great malls with something for every type of shopper.

Miosotis Jade, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Florida Mall features mall standbys like Sears, JCPenney, Macy’s, Old Navy, and H&M. The Mall at Millenia has stores at every price point, but is known for upscale shopping options like Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Prada.

Cool Down at Rosen Hotels & Resorts

Film isn’t the only industry made possible by air conditioning. Florida’s bustling tourism sector also owes a lot to the invention.

Between central air, the top indoor attractions in Orlando, and Rosen Hotels & Resorts, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable (and fun!) Orlando vacation any time of year.

Our four Rosen Inn properties offer affordable comfort and convenience, making them a perfect place to rest after exploring the many indoor attractions in Orlando. Our Orlando hotels offer many ways to beat the heat. Take a refreshing dip in an on-site pool. Sip an ice-cold drink at one of our bars or restaurants. And at the end of the day, return to your cozy guestroom to enjoy your individually controlled A/C.