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:
Independence Day Weekend at TradeWinds Resort on St. Pete Beach
Friday-Sunday, July 4 – 6, 2025
Celebrate Independence Day weekend with stars, stripes, and sunshine at TradeWinds! Enjoy festive pool parties, watermelon contests, tie-dye crafts, and a giant American Flag towel display. On Saturday, July 5th, our signature Star-Spangled Celebration lights up the beach with games, live music from #NOFILTER, and a beachfront fireworks finale. Elevate your evening with the Taste of Freedom Surf & Turf Buffet—featuring coastal cuisine, two complimentary drinks, and premium seating for the show. In addition, red, white and WOW!, enjoy 20% off at Beach Life Boutique at RumFish Grill!
2. 4th of JULY FIREWORKS
Fireworks at the Fountain
When: Friday, July 4, 2025 from 4-10pm (Fireworks at 9:10pm)
Where: Lake Eola Park
Cost: FREE
This year marks the 48th Annual Fireworks at the Fountain celebration in downtown Orlando at our city's iconic Lake Eola Park. The fun kicks off at 4pm 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.
The epic fireworks display will begin at 9:10pm. 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 the 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 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 the Falls Lagoon pool deck or from your private pool view balconies.
End the weekend with a literal bang by watching a fireworks display on Friday, July 4. 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 Friday, July 4 at 9pm.
3. 4th of July EVENTS
AdventHealth July 4th Watermelon 5k
Friday, July 4, 7:30am
Park Avenue, Winter Park
Join friends, family and neighbors for a morning celebration with ice-cold watermelon and American pride.
$35 – $50
City of Winter Park 4th of July Celebration
Friday, July 4, 9am – 11am
Central Park, Winter Park
Bring the family over to enjoy a Kids Zone with carnival games, balloon artist, and bounce slides provided by Parks & Recreation Family Fun Program.
Orlando Red White and Brew Bar Crawl
Friday, July 4, 4-10pm
Elixir Kitchen and Bar
9 West Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Gather your friends, don your most patriotic outfits, and hit the town for this thrilling bar crawl experience. As you move from one vibrant venue to the next, each bar will greet you with unique drink specials designed to commemorate the day. The Red, White, and Brew Bar Crawl is an opportunity to explore the best local hangouts, make new friends, and celebrate the USA in an environment brimming with enthusiastic revelers.
$25
July 4th Bike Parade
Friday, July 4, 5:30pm
Lake Avalon – Avalon Park
Line up at YMCA at 5pm with decorated bikes, strollers, and wagons. Line up at 5pm, parade at 5:30pm. Pre-register if you want to participate
July Fourth Family Fun Weekend
July 3-6, 9am-5pm
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
A Fourth of July celebration isn’t complete without games to play outdoors! All holiday weekend long, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will host several outdoor activities. Try your swing at mini golf, aim for the win in corn hole, and get four in a row in one of our large party towers. All activities will take place rain or shine and are included with admission.
Themed Nights at Red Coconut Club
July 5-6, 2024 (2025 Details TBA)
The Red Coconut Club, Universal Citywalk
Head to the Red Coconut Club on Friday for the silent disco or on Saturday for their Y2K party!
View the FULL LIST of 4th of July Events in Orlando
Things to do for the 4th of July
4. Outdoor movies
Catch a flick at a local drive-in movie theater this 4th of July weekend, or watch an outdoor movie.
5. Bike ride 4th of July date
Rent bikes this 4th 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 Farmers' Market
Pick up something delicious and locally grown at one of our local farmers' 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), Maitland (Sunday), or Lake Eola Farmers' Market (Sunday).
10. Brewery Hop
Orlando has a fantastic craft beer scene, and there are new craft breweries popping up around town. Our Beer Lover's Guide to Breweries in Orlando has them all. And if the kids need to come along, check out 10 Kid-Friendly Orlando Breweries.
11. Take a Hike
Some of our local favorites include Lake Louisa State Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, and Flat Island Preserve. Or, try one of these natural parks near the theme parks.
12. 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.
Check out King’s Landing's Summer Nights Kayak Adventure! Summer Nights Kayak Adventure is perfect for those looking to explore the run during the most peaceful time of day! (2025 Details TBA)
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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 $20. Combine this with exploring Park Avenue.
16. 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.
17. 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 ResortPass 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
BONUS IDEA: Check out one of the last weekends of Bite30 to try a new-to-you restaurant!
21. 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.
22. Relax in a spa
We've made it past the halfway mark of 2025, which means you need a break. Make an appointment to enjoy one of the best Orlando spas for couples.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. Happy Hour on Friday
One big benefit of the 4th of July falling on a Friday is that you can still take advantage of some of the amazing Happy hour options around town. Our local's guide to happy hour can help steer you in the right direction!
Feature image credit: Orlando World Center Marriott
