While your trip to Orlando likely includes non-negotiable, pricey attractions like Walt Disney World, there is so much to do and see here that won’t break the bank. From hiking trails to campfire sing-a-longs, here's our edit of the best free things to do in Orlando. It's designed to round out your vacation itinerary (and save your wallet!)
1. Orlando Brewing
First things first, let's grab a drink. As Orlando’s only certified organic brewery, Orlando Brewing offers a refreshing variety of beers that they distribute to more than 500 different locations throughout Florida. You can also tour their South Downtown Orlando brewing facility for free. It's a great place to tour with friends.
Fun fact: the majority of their beers adhere to the classic German Purity Law for beer, which dictates that beer should be made of only four ingredients – water, yeast, hops, and malted barley.
2. March Of The Ducks
You might have heard of Duck Boat tours in other places across the country, but Orlando has its own tradition involving our quacking, web-footed friends. Since it opened in 1986, the Peabody Orlando has continued the traditional March of The Peabody Ducks every day in unbroken succession. At 11am, five North American mallard ducks – four hens and one drake – descend from a special elevator and then proceed to stride around the lobby, accompanied by John Philip Sousa’s “King Cotton March.”
The march concludes when the ducks plop into a magnificent, orchid-crowned fountain, where they remain for the rest of the day before marching back to the elevator promptly at 5pm. Although this may sound like something at a ticketed circus, it’s completely free.
3. Kraft Azalea Garden
Open year-round on a daily basis, the 5.22-acre Kraft Azalea Garden has a secluded, serene location on the shore of Lake Maitland. That's why many people know it as Winter Park’s secret garden. Although it is sometimes used for sunset wedding ceremonies and other private functions, the beautiful public garden is surrounded by colossal cypress trees that offer plenty of free shade from the hot Florida sun.
4. Lake Eola Park
This popular local attraction is an 80-foot sinkhole-turned-lake. Located in downtown Orlando, it’s the perfect thing to do for an active traveler. Run, jog, or bike along the path that circles the lake. Feed the iconic swans and other birds that populate the park, enjoy the views of the charming flowers, or pack a picnic. It’s a refreshing respite from urban Orlando with over 40 acres to explore.
5. Cornell Fine Arts Museum
Located on the campus of Rollins College, this intimate Winter Park museum boasts an impressive collection of several thousand works of art. You’ll find items from classical antiquity, all the way up to contemporary art movements. The Old European Masters collection is remarkable and is the only collection of its kind in Orlando. Admission to this beautiful art museum is totally free year-round.
6. University of Central Florida Arboretum
If you love visiting botanical gardens or exploring the great outdoors, this well-regarded arboretum should be a must-see on your list. Constructed to contain eight distinct ecosystems, this park features more than 600 different plant species throughout the park’s 80 acres. You can explore the diverse ecosystems on foot, bike around the several trails, or even play a round of disc golf.
7. Walk the galleries at CityArts Factory
Stroll through the six galleries and 8,000 feet of performance space that make up the largest arts center in downtown Orlando. CityArts Factory showcases both local and international works of art. You'll be able to watch some local artists at work in their studios as you walk through this vibrant art haven. Admission is free Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 6pm. Depending on the events calendar for the Factory, you may also get to enjoy live music, new exhibitions, holiday-themed events, comedy shows among more.
8. FleaWorld
If you’re a bargain hunter, you won’t want to miss a visit to the largest Flea Market in the United States. While you will have to shell out a few dollars for anything you’re interested in buying, admission to the market itself is free. With more than 1,700 vendors hawking their wares, we promise you can find practically everything your heart desires at this diverse Flea Market.
9. Relive history at Fort Christmas
Twenty minutes east of Orlando in Titusville, you'll find Fort Christmas Historical Park, a full-size replica of the original Fort Christmas. The fort was originally built for the Second Seminole Indian War in the mid-1800s. Now the park offers several free events throughout the year like pioneer demonstrations, musket and cannon firings, and craft fairs. The Park is closed on Mondays and holidays.
10. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
This museum honors the heritage of one of America’s most iconic African American authors with a diversity of materials and exhibits. Learn all about African and African American culture in the United States and in the diaspora as you trace the development of various artistic movements. You’ll find everything from oil paintings to architectural sculptures and more. Although they don’t charge admission, even a small donation is appreciated.
11. Harry P. Leu Gardens
At the magnificent Leu Gardens, you can explore an incredible 50-acre botanical haven. Located just a few minutes from downtown Orlando, you get to enjoy 3 miles of walkways, butterfly gardens, rose gardens, ancient oak trees, sweet air aroma, and more. Admission is free on the first Monday of every month, so you have to plan your visit time for a chance to see it at no cost. The gardens are also a beautiful place to take photos and even hold a wedding.
12. Disney Springs
Free things to do in Orlando and Disney are not that common. However, at Disney Springs, there are several free and fun things to do at your disposal. You can visit and explore the World of Disney store; an experience that is a world of its own. You can also take your kids for some incredible fun time at the LEGO Imagination Center where they can enjoy free LEGO building stations and a nearby playground. In addition, there are many events at Disney Springs to enjoy throughout the year like the Festival of the Masters.
13. Little Big Econ State forest
Technically, this State forest is not exclusively free because various trailheads around the forest request you to make donations of only $2 per person. However, children under 6 are charged nothing. This venue offers you the true worth of Florida wilderness. You can enjoy hiking on beautiful and scenic nature trails, go mountain biking, bird watching, and spot other wildlife such as river otters, deer, raptors, and bobcats on your way for free.
14. Tibet-Butler Preserve
If you're looking for a day hike close to Disney World, the Tibet-Butler Preserve is just the ticket (although there's no need for one, seeing as it's free admission!) There are 3.6 miles of trails to explore here and the paths take you on an adventure through different Florida habitats, including pine forests, scrubs, and swamps. On the weekends, there's an EcoSaturdays program - check the website and find out what's going on. Bring good walking shoes and your camera.
15. Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards
Florida’s premier winery receives more than 160,000 visitors annually. It sits atop some breathtaking and gently rolling countryside, offering guests the best of vineyard views. You can get to enjoy free tours of the winery, free tastings, and many free festivals and events. Every day, Lakeridge runs free tours and tastings every 20 minutes or so. They will start you off with a short film about the winery’s history, then take you for a spectacular view of the vines, and wind up the tour in the tasting room.
16. The Town of Celebration
The Town of Celebration is a Disney-made town offering scenic views of striking houses, well-groomed compounds, lush green parks, and the delightful Disney style of living. Admire the unique architecture and atmosphere as the kids play in the interactive fountain. You can also stop by the farmers market on Sundays and even experience (fake) snow falling if you visit during the winter months.
17. Disney’s Boardwalk
We couldn’t post this list without mentioning the charm of Disney’s Boardwalk when looking for free things to do in Orlando. Take your family out on a stroll along the boardwalk, which is a re-creation of a 1930s-style Atlantic coastal village. This quarter-mile venue along Crescent Lake is popular for its nightclubs and a wide range of entertainment options. However, you can get to enjoy street musicians, entertainers, and spectacular water views of Crescent Lake for free.
18. Chip n’ Dale’s campfire sing-a-long
Your family, especially the kids, will surely love this one. Head over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for a fun campfire sing-a-long. A classic Disney duo leads the fireside cowboy sing-a-long to delight all ages. As darkness turns in, all participants get treated to a classic Disney movie on a giant screen beneath the Florida stars. Benches to sit on are provided for free so you just need to carry some warm blanket to keep you toasty.
19. Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs offers you the opportunity to relax in a beautiful natural setting, take a swim in the cool spring, enjoy a picnic and more. Each September, the state park honors International Literacy Day by offering free entrance to those who bring their library cards, show a checked-out library book, or donate a book. You will also get to enjoy the nature trails around the park, engage in fishing, campfires, hiking, cycling and explore a nature museum.
20. Enzian Theater
Visit the Enzian Theater during its Popcorn Flicks show (which occurs once per month during the summer) and enjoy a free movie in the company of friends and family. The movie is shown outdoors as stars twinkle above and the warmth of centuries-old live oaks around the property engulfs the area. There is a kitchen and bar for you to grab some food or drinks; both soft and hard. Check the Enzian website beforehand to see what’s playing.
21. Winter Park Farmer's Market
If you love strolling through booths of fine local produce, lovingly handcrafted souvenirs, organic toiletries, and fresh bread, then the Winter Park Farmer's Market is just the place for you. While you will of course need to pay for any purchases, you can simply choose to enjoy this festive place for locals to gather and soak up the energetic vibes. The market is held every Saturday morning from 7 am to 1 pm and is held in a historic train depot.
22. Cocoa Beach Skate Park
If you're traveling with adventure-loving teens who know their way around a skateboard, then head to nearby Cocoa Beach to enjoy their free skate park. It's open every day of the week with extended hours on the weekends and holidays. Please be aware there is no attendant on duty at any time, so all skaters should be careful.
23. The Grand Bohemian Gallery
For art lovers, there's no excuse not to visit the Grand Bohemian Gallery. Located in the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando, this frequently-rotating collection of fine art features both new and traditional artwork. You'll find pieces by internationally renowned artists alongside local favorites, including works such as painting, sculpture, craftwork, drawings, and much more. They also have periodic special events like trunk shows by local jewelry designers. Admission to the gallery is totally free.
24. West Orange Trail
This 22-mile paved biking and hiking trail winds its way from Winter Garden near Walt Disney World to Apopka, to west Orlando city. The majority of the trail has been converted from railroad tracks and passes by a whole bunch of gorgeous green spaces, woodland, and lakesides, ideal for pitching up with a picnic. You can also find many bike rental stores along the route if you haven't got your own.
25. Kelly Park, Rock Springs (small fee)
We couldn't resist including this stunning park in our list, even though admission to this gorgeous, 248-acre park comes with a small fee. It’s totally worth the meager price of admission to explore the bounty of flora and fauna that populate the park. There are plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, observing wildlife, swimming in natural springs, and participating in plenty of fun recreational activities like volleyball, Frisbee, and more. Be sure to pop in the famous Rock Springs to cool off!
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