15 Best Things to Do in Altamonte Springs (FL)

Located in central Florida’s Seminole County, Altamonte Springs is a suburb of Orlando and is regarded as one of the most competently managed cities in the state.

It boasts one of the state’s lowest tax rates, is debt free, and is a center for technical innovation and entrepreneurship, making it a popular destination for many of the area’s business-minded residents.

With a population of just more than 40,000, Altamonte Springs still retains much of its original quaintness but is close enough to a variety of attractions to make it anything but boring.

Below are 15 things to do in and around Altamonte Springs.

1. Altamonte Mall

For many travelers, malls rank near the top of their ‘must-miss’ lists. But in Florida, where the summer weather can be downright miserable, they can be valuable options to keep in your back pocket for when the outside conditions aren’t cooperating.

Featuring retail stores like Vans, Apple, and Swarovski, the mall has options for those with varied interests and budgets. There are full-service restaurants and a food court too for those looking to replenish expended calories or just take a load off.

There’s plenty of free parking, wonderful air-conditioning, baby changing facilities, and a multi-screened movie theater as well.

2. Wekiwa Springs State Park

Located just up the road in Apopka, Wekiwa Springs State Park is an easy drive from Orlando and Altamonte Springs, and the home of the headwaters of the Wekiva River.

Offering visitors a variety of outdoor recreation options, Wekiwa Springs State Park is unique in that it gives guests the ability to create their own activity itineraries.

Options include professionally and self-guided tours, cycling, fishing, kayaking, and nature walks.

Of course, the park is most well-known for its cool springs, so if you’d rather just submerge and relax, that’s okay too.

Don’t expect to have the place to yourself if you go during peak times.

3. Casselberry Golf Club

The par 69 course at Casselberry Golf Club is an area favorite due to its reasonable greens fees, scenic holes, and moderately challenging layout that’s appropriate for golfers of most levels.

The course is located on Triplet Lake Drive and is shorter than most, making it an attractive option for retirees and those who’d rather not spend four or five hours in the sun.

The onsite pro-shop offers all the things you’ll need, like tees, balls, and hats. Like most Florida courses, if you plan on playing during peak times on holidays and the weekends, it’s wise to reserve your tee time in advance.

4. The Winey Wench

Wenches and wine go together like peanut butter and jelly, and with six locations in the Altamonte Springs area, you’ll never be far from either.

The idea is simple – offer guests an impressive selection of wine, give them the art material they need and a little guidance, then turn them loose to imbibe and create their own masterpiece.

Sessions last 2 ½ hours and no art experience is necessary.

It’s an utterly unique activity for a group of old friends catching up, a birthday party, or a corporate outing, and everyone walks away with the painting they’ve just created.

5. Planet Obstacle

Much more than just another glorified indoor playground, at 45,000 square feet, Planet Obstacle claims to be the world’s largest indoor park of its kind.

Though that hasn’t been independently confirmed, there’s no doubt that the facility offers a fantastic variety of activity options that are perfect for families traveling with kids.

There are children’s and adult’s ninja courses, balance beams, climbing walls, and more ropes and nets than a commercial fishing vessel.

Don’t come on an empty stomach, as you’ll need lots of energy to experience the facility to its fullest.

Planet Obstacle is located on Emma Oaks Trail in nearby Orlando.

6. Orlando Science Center

Founded in 1955, the Orlando Science Center has evolved into one of the country’s most impressive science related attractions and is especially popular with those traveling with children.

Many family-friendly destinations seek to entertain only, but Orlando Science Center is unique in that in addition to doing that, it also engages and entertains young minds.

It’s another one of those valuable indoor activities that many families choose to visit during the oppressive midday heat, so if you’d rather avoid the hordes, consider visiting in the morning or on a weekday.

Amenities include interactive exhibits, live shows, instructional programs, and 3D movies.

7. Enzian Theater

Featuring only one screen, you won’t mistake the Enzian Theater for the national movie house chains that are usually lacking in the character department, but therein lies its uniqueness and charm.

Dedicated to offering the public an alternative to mindless action films and cheesy love stories, the Enzian Theater is all about indie films; they host the annual Florida Film Festival, which is a big hit with the artsy crowd.

The theater offers classic, retro, and new release films, and there’s an onsite bar that’s known for its tasty cocktails.

Check out their website for the complete schedule of upcoming movies.

8. Winter Park Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s markets are fun, wholesome, and free places to explore when visiting a new area.

Full of locally grown and produced items you won’t find elsewhere, you’ll get to rub elbows with lots of civic-minded farmers, artists, and craftspeople in the process.

Located on West New England Avenue in Winter Park, the farmer’s market is open every Saturday from 7 AM until 1 PM and includes lots more than just fresh produce.

Though it’s most popular in the cold fall and winter months, the market is open year-round.

Some vendors take only cash while others accept credit cards too, so come prepared.

9. SAK Comedy Lab

The theater at SAK Comedy Lab features 250 seats, and in addition to being ranked as one of central Florida’s most popular live performance attractions, it’s also considered by many comedy aficionados to be one of the best venues of its kind in the country.

Not surprisingly, tickets can go quickly; to avoid a sold-out situation, it’s wise to buy them in advance of your trip.

The comedy club has been around since the early ‘90s, and though some of the content is strictly for adults, some performances are more family-friendly. If that’s a concern, give them a call beforehand.

10. Park Avenue Shopping District

Winter Park’s Park Avenue has been an exclusive shopping destination for decades. Even as far back as the 1880s, it was an exclusive retreat of the area’s rich and famous.

The district is bordered by a park that hosts a variety of live entertainment, festivals, and fairs. There are a number of eating and drinking establishments and some highly regarded art galleries within a stone’s throw too.

Consider visiting the Saturday farmer’s market, stopping for a light breakfast, or taking a stroll and doing a little shopping, but be warned, things are on the expensive side – what else would you expect from a place called Park Avenue?

11. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art has the distinction of housing the world’s most extensive collection of works by famous artisan Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Though he’s most well-known for his glass lampshades, Tiffany also dabbled in jewelry, pottery, and paintings, and all his surviving pieces are immensely valuable.

Many of the museum’s pieces have made the journey from Tiffany’s Long Island home and studio. For those interested in art, history, and culture, there’s no better place to spend a few morning or afternoon hours.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on all major holidays.

12. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Winter Park’s beautiful chain of lakes is a wonderful place to explore, and there’s no better way to do it than by a guided pontoon boat tour.

Featuring boats that seat up to 18 passengers, the tours last about an hour and wind their way through a dizzying array of manmade canals that link many of the area’s lakes.

Kind of like Venice but in central Florida, tours include a variety of amazing views that incorporate elements of the manmade and natural worlds.

Towering palms, cultivated gardens, and college campuses are all found among the waterways, as are some amazing homes in rather exclusive neighborhoods.

13. Cornell Fine Arts Museum

Located on the campus of Rollins College, the Cornell Fine Arts Museum offers visitors an impressive collection that consists of more than 5,000 individual pieces.

Considered one of the most extensive collections of its kind among college museums, it’s the perfect place to spend an hour or two soaking up some culture.

From the renaissance classics to contemporary works in a variety of mediums, the museum’s collection is diverse. In addition to their permanent exhibits, they often host temporary ones as well, so if you visit more than once, you’ll likely see something a little different each time.

14. The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park

Winter Park’s Bach Festival Society is focused on preserving the music of one of the greatest composers of all time.

The Winter Park Bach Festival is the third oldest of its kind in the county and attracts music aficionados from all over the nation; many of them have been attending the event for years.

Though the society’s musicians and performers are all volunteers, they’re professional–grade too, and many longtime guests consider the performances at the festival to be the best they’ve ever experienced.

Other events are offered at different times of the year, so check online to see what’s on the horizon for when you’ll be visiting.

15. Popcorn Flicks in the Park

Popcorn Flicks in the Park is another of Winter Park’s popular, family-friendly attractions that usually draws a crowd.

Movies are typically held on the second Thursday of each month. Though they generally start at 8 PM, they’re occasionally delayed until the sun has completely set.

There’s no admission charge, so plan on bringing a blanket or a few folding chairs and a picnic basket full of sandwiches, chips, and drinks.

Lots of local restaurants offer carry-out deals on movie nights, so check them out if you’d rather let someone else do the cooking.

Shows are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.