Orlando is home to some of the best theme parks in the world, but what if you’re tired of forking out dollars at Disney World or Universal Studios? Can you do anything in Orlando without it costing you a small fortune? You certainly can! We searched high and low and came up with some cool activities that won’t cost you anything. Of course, if you’re a visitor, Disney and Universal are must-sees, but you can stretch your holiday budget by adding some free activities to your itinerary. Here are some of your sure-fire options.
In this guide...
Out and About
Stroll and Picnic at Lake Eola Park
What’s to be done with an 80-foot sinkhole full of water? Turn it into a park, of course! There are swans on the lake, great views of the city skyline, and Sunday markets to add to the vibe. If you’re in luck, there’ll be free entertainment at the amphitheater. See more »
Get into Harry P. Leu Gardens Free
This superb park filled with themed gardens and home to a beautifully maintained museum house from the 19th century is free to see from 9:00 am till 5:00 pm on the first Monday of every month. If your schedule doesn’t work well with that, consider it anyway. The entry fee is cheap! See more »
See the Kraft Azalea Gardens
You’ll want to see the Winter Park on Lake Maitland. This part of the park covers over 5 acres, and needless to say, it’s at its best when the Azaleas are in bloom. However, it is a beautiful and tranquil spot at any time of the year. See more »
University of Central Florida’s Arboretum
Whether you adore plants or just like a nice, green environment, you’ll enjoy a stroll through this arboretum. It holds over 600 plant species and covers 80 acres. See more »
The Winter Park Farmer’s Market
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the farmer’s market on Saturdays and try resisting temptation at all the tempting stalls. It may be hard to do, but hey, buy yourself a snack at the very least. It’s still cheaper than any theme park visit! See more »
Fort Christmas Historical Park
Take a journey back through time. Apart from the outdoor areas of the park, there are also a historical fort and historic homes to visit. Kids love letting their imaginations run wild here. See more »
Big Tree Park, Sanford
Sadly, the big tree after which it is named was destroyed by vandals, but the park itself is still there, and the setting is still beautiful. See more »
Feed Your Culture Vulture
Cornell Fine Arts Museum
See world-famous masterpieces at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum – but entry is only free to visitors with student cards. See more »
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Discover a large collection of artworks by some of America’s greatest artists for free. Time your visit for Fridays between 4:00 and 8:00 pm – but remember, this offer is only valid from November to April. See more »
The Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
A superb collection of works by African American artists awaits you! Admission is always free, but the museum accepts donations. See more »
The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center
If you are ready to face one of the evilest events in human history, take a respectful look through the exhibits at the Center. Free films and lectures are often scheduled. Entry is free, but the center appreciates any donations. See more »
Visit City Arts Factory
See works of art by US and overseas artists at this collection of galleries situated in downtown Orlando. It’s open from Tuesday to Saturday. See more »
The Grand Bohemian Gallery
Don’t be put off by the plushness of the Grand Bohemian Galleries in downtown Orlando and Celebration. Admission is absolutely free, and you’ll see a wide variety of exhibits that extends beyond paintings and sculpture and into glassware and even jewelry. See more »
Brewery and Winery Tours
Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards
Leave your credit card at home and go for a winery tour with free wine tasting at Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards. There are several free tours daily. See more »
The Orlando Brewing Company
This brewery makes beer the old-fashioned way with a bit of help from modern technology. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay for any drinks, but the brewery tours on weekends are free of charge. See more »
A Free Taste of Disney
Enjoy Disney’s Boardwalk
Imagine yourself in a different era on the picturesque waterfront boardwalk with its 1930s style buildings. It’s a hotspot for free street entertainment at night. Bring your camera! See more »
The Disney Town of Celebration
If you think that a real Disney town will be too perfect for words, you’re right! The buildings are beautiful, and there’s an interactive fountain for kids to enjoy. Don’t forget to throw in a visit to Lakeside Park. See more »
Disney Downtown Marketplace
The kids will love the marketplace, and despite its name, there are loads of free activities and spectacles. The Lego Imagination Center is a firm favorite with the junior crew, and adults will enjoy watching glassblowers at work at Arribas Brothers. See more »
See the Fireworks
There is no way the Magic Kingdom can hide its fireworks displays. Find a good vantage point, and you don’t have to pay for a great view of this spectacle.
Family Fun
Roll Uphill at Spook Hill
We have absolutely no idea how this works, but thousands of people say the legend of Spook Hill is true. In fact, there is even a demarcated spot where you should stop your car, put it into neutral, and see if your car rolls uphill. See more »
Vintage Cars at Old Town
Yes, the Old Town has its paid rides, but there are also free sights to enjoy. On Saturdays, care enthusiasts parade their vintage cars at 1:00 pm, and on Saturdays, there’s free live music from the 50s and 60s. See more »
Join Orlando Children’s Library Activities
From storytelling to movie nights, board game events, and arts and crafts, the Orlando Children’s Library offers a slew of free activities. Find out what’s on the program when you’re in town. See more »
The Fred Stone Theatre at Rollins College
Performing arts students need performance practice, and they do just that from Wednesdays to Saturdays at their own special theater. See the stars of tomorrow for free! See more »
Popcorn Flicks for Free
From Late November to December, you can spread a blanket in Winter Park and watch a classic movie for free. Don’t forget to bring your own popcorn! See more »
Friends of the Bandshell Events
Free music concerts are always welcome, and this venue has hosted some of the greats. You’ll have to drive for about an hour to get to Daytona Beach, but where else will you see a whole music concert for free? See more »
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