The best things to do in New Smyrna

“For UCF folks in Deltona who want more than a treadmill, UCF Recreation and Wellness Center delivers intramural sports, group exercise, personal training, and aquatics, plus Outdoor Adventure trips with a climbing tower and challenge course, even certifications from CPR to lifeguard to SCUBA.”

From the Apopka newsletter, September 6, 2026

“3 All Star Jam on Sunday, August 23. It is also home court for UCF hoops and volleyball and the Orlando Valkyries... meaning your group chat finally has zero excuse to be bored.”

From the Oviedo newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Because your yard's not a putting green, Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf brings the island energy with two music-filled 18-hole courses, tropical vibes, and just-enough challenge to settle family bragging rights. Finish with a cold drink and raid the giant candy stash from the clubhouse.”

From the Four Corners newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing that perfect plushie, a rare figurine, or just the sweet thrill of the grab, Mirai Arcade brings the Japanese claw game vibe with rows of gachapon and prizes from plushies to figurines. Make it your midweek unwind, then flex your haul to the group chat.”

From the Winter Park newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Spruce Creek Country Club blends a Golf Digest-noted 18-hole track with lit Har-Tru tennis, lively pickleball, and a full-service clubhouse for post-round bites. Limited public tee times mean you can sneak in a nearby round this week... and maybe spot a plane on final approach.”

From the New Smyrna newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Sugar Mill Country Club blends a 27-hole Joe Lee original with smart Ron Garl updates, delivering three distinct nines in an Audubon-recognized setting. Add tennis and pickleball, a legit fitness center, and a social dining calendar, and you’ve got a clubhouse that feels like home.”

“Adventure-themed mini-golf course with waterfalls, gator feedings, scavenger hunts & arcade games.”

“Paranormal tour company offering historical ghost tours led by passionate guides, featuring equipment and haunted buildings.”

“If you want a faster round that still makes you think, Hidden Lakes Golf Club delivers with a par-69 layout weaving through oaks, estuary views, and the occasional osprey flyover. Tune up in the Scoring Zone or the Toptracer range, then celebrate at the 19th Hole pub-style spot because birdies deserve actual beverages.”

From the New Smyrna newsletter, September 20, 2026

“When you want a change from your usual loop, the Mike Dasher design at North Shore Golf Club winds through Orlando wetlands with two distinct nines, playable for newbies and sneaky tough for sticks. Solid practice options and lessons make it an easy day trip when the swing needs a reset.”

From the Port Orange newsletter, August 31, 2026

“When your group chat needs an easy win, AMF Sky Lanes delivers classic bowling energy, an arcade stacked with nostalgic favorites and new hits, plus a sports bar vibe for decompression between frames. A low-stress, high-fun hang that’s perfect for this week’s plans, no overthinking required.”

From the Apopka newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Cypress Head Golf Club in Port Orange is an 18-hole Arthur Hills/Mike Dasher design with wide fairways that’s fun without being a pushover. Warm up on the practice facility and grass-tee range, browse the shop, then debrief at Flagsticks Bar & Grill... leagues and lessons keep the routine fresh.”

From the Daytona Beach newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Pirate-themed mini-golf chain with 18-hole, landscaped courses set among waterfalls & caves.”

“Whether you're chasing a challenging public round or a relaxed after work bucket, The Club at Venetian Bay delivers with forgivingly wide fairways, a proper driving range, and a clubhouse and pro shop that keep things easy. Solid spot to sharpen the game without leaving New Smyrna vibes behind.”

From the New Smyrna newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Ventura Country Club Golf Course is a semi-private, guest-welcoming 18-hole Mark Mahanna design with Champion Bermuda greens and tour-quality roll, winding through natural wetlands where ospreys and the occasional bald eagle supervise. Sneak in a round this week, then toast it at the 19th Hole Restaurant.”

From the St. Cloud newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Whether your swing is dialed or definitely not, PGA TOUR Superstore Orlando has PGA-certified instructors for lessons, precision club fittings, and indoor practice bays so you can groove it in perfect conditions. Drop into a clinic or a virtual 9-hole this week and keep the golf vibes rolling.”

From the Kissimmee newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Created by mosaic artists Jennifer Kuhns and Cherie Bosela, Diversity Mural Orlando is a vibrant memorial to the Pulse victims made from over 1,000 mosaic hearts sent from around the world. It’s a heartfelt community landmark that rewards a quick art detour when you need a reminder that love is louder.”

From the Port Orange newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Touchstar Cinemas - Southchase 7 brings the luxury vibe without the fuss, with reserved recliners or cozy daybeds, food delivered to your seat, and a full bar so your blockbuster comes with a proper drink. Pick something new, sink in, and forget the group chat for two hours.”

From the Orlando newsletter, August 18, 2026

“When you want a goofy-night-out detour from Deltona, Hollywood Drive-In Golf turns putt-putt into a 1950s double feature with two 18-hole courses, The Haunting of Ghostly Greens and Invaders From Planet Putt, plus giant spiders, alien robots, space worms, and glow-y effects for true late-night play at Universal…”

From the Kissimmee newsletter, September 5, 2026

“This week, when you want a course that actually moves, MetroWest Golf Club delivers a Robert Trent Jones Sr. par-72 with elevation changes you don’t see much in Florida. It’s public, playable, and legit challenging, and you can celebrate the round at the onsite restaurant.”

From the Wesley Chapel newsletter, August 23, 2026

“, packing 7,000,000 sq. ft. for everything from industry expos to youth tournaments.”

From the Deltona newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Designed by the Arnold Palmer Design Company, Shingle Creek Golf Club brings 18 championship holes with rolling fairways by the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Tee it up, practice your swing, then unwind at Rosen Shingle Creek’s spa if the putts misbehave.”

From the St. Cloud newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Indoor venue for trampoline jumping, laser tag, bowling and an arcade.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“The Preserve at Turnbull Bay winds an 18-hole, par-72 track through a legit nature preserve, with Bermuda fairways and smooth-rolling Seashore Paspalum greens, plus Toptracer Range bays for dialing in distances or playing virtual Pebble Beach with friends. A solid reset when the week gets loud.”

From the Daytona Beach newsletter, August 12, 2026

“If the summer slump has you craving a jolt, iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Orlando lets first-timers and seasoned flyers float in a wind tunnel with friendly pros guiding every move. It’s great for kids and ridiculously fun for group get-togethers, birthday parties, or team bonding.”

From the Clermont newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Whether you’re chasing a low round or just want to groove the swing after work, Rio Pinar Golf delivers a legit 18-hole parkland track plus a floodlit TrackMan range, indoor studios, and a lively racquet scene. Bonus bragging rights, the course’s tour pedigree goes back to the Florida Citrus Open.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Beat the heat this week and step into Madame Tussauds Orlando, an interactive indoor playground where you can selfie it up with Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Lionel Messi, Dwayne Johnson, and 90+ eerily lifelike figures. Try Wax Hands and a Justice League scene, then humblebrag in the group chat.”

From the Orlando newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Golf club featuring an 18-hole course, plus a shop, a restaurant & GolfBoard rentals.”

“New Smyrna Lanes is the kind of family-owned spot that's kept locals rolling since 1960, now with a newly remodeled 16-lane setup and state-of-the-art tech. Grab open play or join a league, then refuel with pizza, burgers, and a cold beer after those gutter saves.”

From the New Smyrna newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Need an easy weeknight plan that isn’t just scrolling? Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center packs classic lanes, an all-ages arcade, billiards, and that lights-down, music-up Cosmic Bowling that basically turns into a mini nightclub. Gather the crew, claim bragging rights, then refuel at the bar and grill.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, August 19, 2026

“New Smyrna Golf Club is the municipal go-to for 18 holes that balance friendly fairways with enough water and sand to keep you honest. The staff is easygoing, locals host tournaments here, and the on-site restaurant serves Italian comfort... a solid post-round reward.”

From the New Smyrna newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Swap the same-old weekend for neon putts and playful bragging rights at Orlando Putting Edge. Their glow-in-the-dark mini golf and arcade turn chill hangs into low-stress competition that’s actually fun, perfect for after-work friend nights, kid energy burn, or a quirky date this week.”

From the Celebration newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Chain of theaters known for stadium seating and recliner chairs (some leather), with some locations featuring 3D screens.”

“Two story-driven courses wind through lush tropical trails and caves, complete with artifact hunts for the lavender diamond and golden idol. Lost Caverns Adventure Golf keeps locals entertained with legit challenges, playful theming, and yes, gator feedings if you want bragging rights.”

“Ventura Country Club is a Mark Mahanna designed 18 hole course with Champion Bermuda greens that roll true, over 50 sand traps, and canals or wetlands guarding 15 holes. Three tee locations keep it playable, and the natural setting means you might share a fairway with an osprey or a bald eagle.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Craving a quick midweek reset? Ripley's Crazy Golf delivers playful, Ripley’s-weird energy in an easy, low-stakes round that’s more giggles than grinding. Grab a couple friends, settle a friendly bet, and turn a random Tuesday into bragging rights.”

“Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons.”

“Adventure-themed mini-golf course with waterfalls, gator feedings, scavenger hunts & arcade games.”

“Pirate-themed outdoor miniature golf course with waterfalls & lush tropical landscaping.”

“A Harrowing Escape builds cinematic, story-driven, 60-minute rooms in New Smyrna Beach that feel more like mini movies than puzzles. Family owned since 2017, they’ve got original adventures and adjustable intensity, perfect for weeknight hangs, team bonding, or birthday squads that actually start on time.”

“Orange Tree Golf Club is a family owned and operated, membership-only club with Joe Lee pedigree, excellent greens, and “The Loop” final three holes many call Florida’s best, so bring your nerve. S. Open Local qualifying site.”

From the Orlando newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Expansive operation offering American-style pub grub, plus ax throwing, karaoke & darts facilities.”

“The Escape Ventures Orlando - Waterford Lakes builds movie-quality, story-driven escape rooms that actually make you forget you’re in East Orlando. Pick your chaos this week...”

From the Alafaya newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Aqua Park is a volunteer-run community swim spot in Edgewater with an indoor pool kept around 87-88°F, plus outdoor lanes when the weather behaves. Sign up for water aerobics, swim lessons, or even a pool party and give your routine a laid-back splash of local fun this week.”

From the New Smyrna newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Need a quick reset that doesn’t involve I-95? Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club serves up meticulously kept greens, friendly vibes, and an easy excuse to book a tee time, then linger at Crane’s Roost Restaurant. Perfect for sneaking in nine after work or making Saturday feel like vacation.”

From the Port Orange newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Gator Golf Adventure Park keeps things classic with an 18-hole course that loops around Gator Lagoon, home to over two hundred alligators, plus animal exhibits. You can feed the gators, catch a live show, and settle bragging rights with friends in one unexpectedly wild round.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Grande Vista Golf Club keeps it stress free with a Ron Garl designed 9-hole, par 32 layout of par-3s and par-4s beneath oaks and cypress. Come for the breezy loop, stay to level up at the Marriott Golf Academy, TrackMan Range and True Spec fitting.”

From the Poinciana newsletter, September 3, 2026

“The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes brings a nearby Greg Norman designed 18 with an all-grass range, sharp practice greens, and a pro-level Caddie Concierge, plus Fairways Pub for the 19th hole. It hosts the PNC Championship, so your weekend round comes with bragging rights.”

From the Winter Garden newsletter, September 13, 2026

“When the Florida sun starts pickin' fights, Splash Pad at Fun Spot is the perfect mid-day pit stop, with interactive sprays, soft slip-resistant flooring and no height requirement, so little ones can go wild while big kids cool off then jump back to go-karts, coasters and games.”

From the Sanford newsletter, September 8, 2026