Best Things to Do in Orlando for FREE
Orlando is famous for its world-class theme parks, restaurants, and annual events. If you are looking for things to do in Orlando but are on a tight budget, you might be taken aback by the price for these attractions.
Although the experience may be well worth it, if you go on an unplanned splurge on just any attraction that suits your fancy or get carried away shopping for souvenirs or dining in restaurants, you might end up going over your budget or going home with a huge credit card bill.
Orlando is filled with lots of fun things to do - FOR FREE - if you just know where to look.
Here is a list of the top free things to do in Orlando today:
Parks and Gardens
Orlando is naturally beautiful with amazing landscapes where everyone can enjoy the sun and the great outdoors. There are lots of parks and gardens in Orlando that offer free admission on some days, while some are open to the public everyday.
1. Harry P. Leu Gardens
You can plan your visit on the first Monday of each month to get free admission from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Delight in natural flora and other exotic plants like azaleas, bromeliads, cycads, and philodendrons, and some harder to pronounce names from A to Z. Aside from the plants and flowers, sculptures also abound in this garden. Guided tours to the Leu House Museum are available on the hour and half-hour.
2. University of Central Florida’s Arboretum
Walk on a self-guided tour on this 80-acre property where you can find more than 600 plant species as well as plants native to Florida.
3. Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is a 43-acre recreational area found in the heart of Orlando. There are plenty of activities and things to do in Lake Eola - have a picnic along the shore, feed the swans (bird-food dispensers are available near the playground), jog or walk by the lake, enjoy the free concerts at the amphitheater, or check out the Sunday farmer’s market. At the center of the lake is a gorgeous cascading fountain with light shows synchronized to music twice nightly.
4. Black Hammock Adventures
Located on Lake Jessup, Black Hammock Adventures offers live alligator and bird exhibits free of admission! You can join the party every Friday and Saturday night and listen to live music for free at the Lazy Gator Bar.
Get a glimpse of Old Florida at the Fort Christmas Historical Park, which is located 20 miles east of Orlando. This Park is home to 7 restored “Cracker” homes which represent the architecture from the years 1835-1842. Admission is free so you can enjoy all its hiking trails, the playground, and massive shady trees. Picnic pavilions for large gatherings are available for rent.
6. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Almost everyone enjoys a good old-fashioned campfire while roasting marshmallows. Bring the kids and join Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at 7:30PM, where the classic Disney Duo will lead a fireside cowboy sing-a-long activity and marshmallow roast. As it gets dark, you can enjoy a classic Disney movie under the stars for free! Benches will be provided but you can bring a blanket or camping chairs to make the experience cozier and more memorable for you and your family. Since this is an outdoor activity, the event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Call 407-939-7529 for movie schedules.
7. Little Big Econ State Forest
Although not entirely free (there are several boxes in different trailheads requesting honor donations of $2 per person), children ages 6 and under can get in for free. Your $2 is well worth the awe and wonder you will experience as you witness the majesty of the natural Florida wilderness. A variety of activities await from hiking to biking, canoeing, horseback riding, and viewing the wildlife along the rivers like river otters, wading birds, raptors, deer, bobcat, and many more. If you are looking for peace and want to feel closer to nature, this is the perfect place.
Arts and Culture
You’ll never run out of free museums, art viewings, and cultural venues in Orlando:
1.CityArts Factory
CityArts Factory is downtown Orlando’s largest eclectic collection of art galleries featuring local to international artists. Admission is free from Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00AM-6:00PM. Approximately 50,000 visitors tour this 20,000-square-foot destination yearly. Live music and holiday-themed events also happen here like the Dia del los Muertos Exhibit, which features live performances, art, and entertainments. There’s also a comedy group in the same building.
2. Cornell Fine Arts Museum
Located in the Rollins College campus, this museum boasts of the works of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Thomas Moran, among other world-renowned artists. Admission is free if you show a valid student ID.
3. The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida
This is a great venue for those who want to learn more about the history of the Holocaust, which also serves as a memorial to its victims. There are also many educational events, seminars, and films in the center. Admission is free but they accept donations.
Food & Wine
Florida boasts not only of world-famous attractions and big events but great food and wine too! A large variety of options for wining and dining await in Orlando, and the best part of it is some are free!
1.Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
50,000 gallons of wine come out of Florida’s largest vineyard each year. This is an 80-acre land just north of Orlando which offers free tastings and tours as well as free events and festivals all year-long complete with food, photo-ops, and crafts. Free tours and tastings happen on a daily basis every 20 minutes. The tour takes about 45 minutes. You can buy your favorite bottle of wine on your way out.
2. Orlando Brewing Company
This is the only USDA-certified organic brewery located in downtown Orlando. There are free brewery tours and free live entertainment every weekend. The beer is not free but the tours of the brewery are and they are held everyday from Monday through Saturday at 6:00PM. Families are welcome so you can bring your kids along on Friday and Saturday nights to enjoy a game of darts, board games and live music.
Orlando has something for everyone, even for those on a tight budget. So check out these free attractions and see more of what’s happening in Orlando Fl.
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