10 Things to Do in Orlando in October

Culinary festivals, Halloween celebrations, theater shows or strolls through dreamy gardens are some of the activities that make Orlando a great destination in October.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

8 min read

10 Things to Do in Orlando in October

Vista del globo de Universal |© Aditya Vyas

Thanks to its impressive mix of art and culture, natural beauty and great attractions, Orlando has become one of the favorite destinations for thousands of travelers from all over the world. And October is the best time to visit, since not only are there far fewer tourists, but prices are also lower.

In addition, to all that Orlando usually offers, there are activities, parties and events exclusive to this time of year. Highlights include, for example, the celebration of Halloween, commemorative events at the Kennedy Space Center or simply strolling through the gardens to enjoy the colors of autumn.

1. Enjoy a spookily fun experience at Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights|©The Nuge
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights|©The Nuge

Orlando is known for its theme parks, filled with special events. If you've been traveling in October and are a fan of thrills and terror, Halloween Horror Nights is the event for you.

This annual celebration transforms Universal Studios in October into a world of terror, mystery and fun for adults. During this party you will be able to enjoy themed mazes, live shows, dinner with terrifying characters and dozens of spooky attractions. In addition, there are many unique food and drink options offered exclusively as part of this event.

The best thing about Halloween Horror Nights is the atmosphere and ambiance. Everything is decorated in detail: spooky music and special sound effects to create an atmosphere of terrifying fun.

So now you know, if you plan to travel to Orlando during the month of October, be sure to book your tickets in advance so you don't miss the scariest party in town.

Buy your tickets for Universal Orlando

2. Have fun with the haunted magic of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Pumpkin Head|©MSummersPhotography
Pumpkin Head|©MSummersPhotography

For years now, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party has become a spookily charming tradition in Orlando. This special event, held at the Walt Disney Kingdom during October, offers a unique experience for those looking for family fun celebrating Halloween.

During Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, the park is transformed into a realm of shadows and surprises. You'll enjoy parades of Disney characters dressed in spooky costumes, themed shows and a variety of hilariously terrifying activities.

But best of all is the Trick or Treat Trail, where kids and adults can collect treats throughout the park. Imagine the delight of seeing iconic Disney characters distributing candy!

The festive atmosphere and ambiance make this celebration a must-do if you're looking for what to do in Orlando with kids. To get there, my advice is to do so aboard the city's tourist streetcar, which also tends to be very appealing to the younger members of the family.

Book your I-Ride Trolley Tourist Tram Pass

3. Discover paradise at the 'Harry P. Leu Gardens'.

Harry P. Leu Gardens|©Colin McDonald
Harry P. Leu Gardens|©Colin McDonald

While you'll find plenty of activities in Orlando designed to get your adrenaline pumping (like visiting Gatorland to see the big alligators), sometimes you might prefer something a little quieter: in October, there's nothing like strolling through the Harry P. Leu Gardens.

During this month, the gardens become a spectacle of warm, vibrant colors. As the leaves change hues, the landscape transforms into a mosaic of reds, oranges and yellows.

October is also a special month at the Harry P. Leu Gardens because of themed events. You can participate in gardening workshops, seasonal plant talks and enjoy outdoor art exhibits. In addition, there are options to celebrate Halloween in the garden, such as pumpkin carving festivals and fall-themed family events.

Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own garden, want to enjoy a leisurely stroll outside or simply appreciate the natural beauty, the Harry P. Leu Gardens is the perfect place to get lost among the flora and connect with nature in the heart of Orlando.

Buy your ticket to Gatorland in Orlando

4. Feel like an astronaut at Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States|©Farid Char
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States|©Farid Char

Are you passionate about space and exploration? If so, you can't miss the opportunity to take a trip to the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando. In October, you will also find special activities to commemorate important events such as the launch of the 'Hubble' telescope or the arrival of the 'Voyager' probe to Saturn.

During the tour, you will learn about the history of space exploration at the Space Museum, witness a simulated space shuttle launch and visit the impressive launch pad and Mission Control Center, where you might have the opportunity to meet astronauts and hear their exciting stories.

Book a tour of Kennedy Space Center

5. Attend October's special events at the Orlando Science Center

Orlando Science Center Wedding|©Orlando Science Center (Meetings and Events)
Orlando Science Center Wedding|©Orlando Science Center (Meetings and Events)

If you're looking for an educational and entertaining experience in Orlando during the month of October, you can't miss the Orlando Science Center. This science center offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, with interactive exhibits, science experiments and more.

During October, the Orlando Science Center offers special programming for all ages, including Halloween and Day of the Dead themed events. Some of the most popular activities include laser shows in the Planetarium, chemical explosion demonstrations, and the robot lab.

It also has a permanent exhibit on space technology and innovation, as well as other life science topics.

To complete this experience, I recommend that you also visit the Orlando Museum of Illusions. Although it is not as didactic, its exhibits are really worthwhile.

Buy your ticket to the Museum of Illusions

6. Feel like in Germany celebrating Oktoberfest at Icon Park

Oktoberfest Musikanten|©Scott Hanko
Oktoberfest Musikanten|©Scott Hanko

One of the advantages of traveling to cities like Orlando is that you will find activities of all kinds. Some of them will even make you feel like you are on the other side of the world. This is the case of Oktoberfest, the traditional German beer festival, which also has its version in this Florida city.

Although events are held all over the city, the best place to feel like a real German is Icon Park. In this theme park you will be able to taste authentic German beer, as well as taste the food and enjoy various shows.

Highlights, for example, include Bavarian-style musical performances, as well as the typical dances of this German lander. The party lasts several hours, making it one of the best things to do in Orlando at night.

Of course, you will have time to enjoy the attractions of the park, especially the big Ferris wheel that is its main symbol of identity.

7. Surprise yourself contemplating the sunset from the heights from a hot air balloon

Balloon in the air|©ActionVance
Balloon in the air|©ActionVance

If you are looking for a unique experience during the month of October, you can not miss the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride. This activity will allow you to enjoy breathtaking views from the air of what you will have already seen if you have taken a guided tour of Orlando.

In this air balloon ride you can experience the tranquility and serenity that floating in the air gives you and see the city from a completely different perspective, being October the perfect time to do it since the temperature is pleasant and the weather is stable.

There are several options of companies that offer hot air balloon rides in Orlando, and many include options for breakfast or champagne toast after the flight. Alternatively, if you're feeling more adventurous, you can also book a helicopter ride over the theme parks.

Book a guided tour of Orlando

8. Try new flavors at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival|©zannaland
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival|©zannaland

"A foodie paradise that delights the senses of its visitors," is the best way to describe the 'Epcot International Food & Wine Festival'. This gathering, which celebrates culinary diversity from around the world, is an annual event that offers visitors the opportunity to savor an impressive variety of international dishes and beverages.

From Mediterranean specialties to Asian dishes, from French wines to German beers, they are served by expert chefs and sommeliers from around the world.

In addition to food and drink, Epcot also offers entertainment in the form of live concerts, celebrity chef presentations, wine seminars and cooking demonstrations. Visitors can learn culinary techniques, discover wine pairings and enjoy live music by renowned artists. To participate in the festival, all you need to do is purchase a ticket to Disney World's Epcot park.

9. Take a boat ride on the calm waters of Winter Park's lakes

Orlando, Winter Park|©VISIT FLORIDA
Orlando, Winter Park|©VISIT FLORIDA

In October, one of the best ways to relax in Orlando is to take a boat ride on the waters of the Winter Park lakes. This enchanting destination, located 10 kilometers outside of Orlando, offers natural beauty that becomes even more breathtaking during the fall.

The Winter Park lakes river tour is a wonderful way to explore the area and admire the local vegetation and wildlife. The approximately one-hour boat ride takes you past tranquil lakes, meandering rivers and tree-lined canals lined with autumn-colored leaves.

Along the way, you'll see beautiful waterside mansions, stone bridges and magnificent local birds, such as herons and ospreys.

Another option for river and swamp lovers is to book an airboat ride in Orlando. The feeling is totally different, as well as the swampy landscapes you can ride through.

Book an airboat ride in Orlando

10. Relax at Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola park in Orlando|©ashish.brahma
Lake Eola park in Orlando|©ashish.brahma

October is the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing ride at Lake Eola Park. This dreamy park, located in the center of the city, is an oasis of tranquility in the middle of the urban bustle.

During this month, the weather is pleasant and refreshing, which makes walking around the lake ideal. The well-maintained trails will take you along the shores of the lake, offering panoramic views of the water and the iconic swan fountain.

In addition to its beauty, the park offers other activities for visitors. You can rent a swan-shaped boat and cruise the lake, or simply relax on the benches and take in the scenery while listening to the sounds of nature.

In October, the month of Halloween celebrations, the park may also be decked out with seasonal decorations, such as pumpkins and fall colors, adding a festive touch to the atmosphere.

Orlando temperatures in October

Orlando October|©Eddie De Obaldia
Orlando October|©Eddie De Obaldia

Being low season and retaining its characteristic warm weather, October is a good time to visit Orlando.

Although it can feel chilly on some days, the weather drops about 6 degrees during October, and rain becomes a possibility, the temperature drops from an average of 32 degrees in September to 26 degrees in October.

Prices in Orlando in October

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort|©Inside the Magic
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort|©Inside the Magic

October is an economical month to visit Orlando compared to other times of the year, since it is low season, you will find discounts on hotels, as well as airline tickets at affordable prices.