Budget-Friendly Gems Near LEGOLAND Florida

The LEGOLAND fun doesn’t have to stop at the gate! Discover these free attractions nearby.

LEGOLAND Florida

Whether you’re fresh off a day of brick-building, rollercoaster riding, and high-fiving costumed LEGO figures at LEGOLAND Florida, or you’re simply searching for a wallet-friendly adventure near Winter Haven, there’s a surprising world of free things to do nearby. Central Florida’s sunny heart is packed with local color, natural escapes, and quirky history—all yours to explore. We’ve tracked down the top free experiences that will add an extra sparkle to your LEGOLAND getaway, so you can stretch your travel funds further (without cutting back on fun). 

Our favorite free things to do near LEGOLAND Florida include: 

  • Lake Eva Park 
  • Chain of Lakes Trail 
  • Downtown Winter Haven Murals 
  • Historic Bok Tower Gardens (Free Visitor Center & Nature Trails) 
  • Street Markets and Events in Winter Haven 
  • Lake Mirror Promenade 
  • Florida’s Natural Grove House Visitor Center 
  • Auburndale TECO Trail 

Lake Eva Park  

Lake Eva Park is Winter Haven’s local playground, and it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of theme park thrills. Lush lakeside lawns, paved walking trails, and a splash pad for kids make this a favorite gathering spot for both visitors and locals. Wander the path along the lake and you’ll spot ducks and herons paddling peacefully, or try out the free public courts for a game of basketball or tennis. 

If you’re visiting on a weekend, check the park’s calendar—a free community concert or festive event might be happening under the shady pavilions. The park’s location, just a short drive from LEGOLAND, makes it an easy stop for families looking to cool off, work out, or simply watch the sunset dance across the water. Pack a picnic and you’ve got the ultimate zero-cost afternoon. 

Chain of Lakes Trail  

Stretch your legs on the scenic Chain of Lakes Trail, running right through the heart of Winter Haven. Whether you walk, jog, or bike, this paved trail winds alongside picturesque lakes, shady trees, and quaint neighborhoods—perfect for a bit of fresh air and Florida sunshine after a day in the theme park. 

Along the way, you’ll find benches for lakeside daydreaming, playgrounds for energetic kids, and the occasional fisherman hoping to land tonight’s supper. Locals love this trail for birdwatching too, so bring binoculars if you’re keen to spot an egret or osprey gliding overhead. With plenty of entry points and peaceful stretches, it’s easy to enjoy nature just minutes from LEGOLAND’s gates. 

Downtown Winter Haven Murals  

Colorful, quirky and totally free, Winter Haven’s downtown mural scene delivers a dose of creativity that’s hard to miss. Scattered across building façades and alleyways, these murals showcase everything from playful LEGO tributes to scenes of Central Florida life—not to mention a few unexpected surprises! 

Grab your camera and set out on a self-guided mural hunt, snapping shots with bright botanicals, whimsical animals, or bold geometric patterns as your backdrop. It’s an outdoor art stroll the whole family will enjoy, filled with photo ops and fun facts about the city’s creative side. Don’t forget to look for hidden details—local artists love to tuck little secrets into every scene. 

Historic Bok Tower Gardens (Free Visitor Center & Nature Trails)

Bok Tower Gardens

While entry to the famous singing tower requires a fee, the Bok Tower Gardens welcome everyone to their free visitor center and the adjacent Pine Ridge Nature Preserve trails. The visitor center’s exhibits explore the region’s unique landscape design and wildlife, offering cool air and shady spots to unwind. Pick up a trail map, then wander through habitats brimming with native Florida wildflowers, butterflies, and birds. 

The Pine Ridge Trails are a favorite for spotting gopher tortoises and enjoying the quiet of longleaf pine forests. You won’t hear the tower’s carillon during this visit, but you’ll get a wonderful taste of the serene spirit that makes Bok Tower Gardens so special—without spending a dime. 

Street Markets and Events in Winter Haven  

Winter Haven’s vibrant calendar delivers free fun all year, from lively farmers markets loaded with local goodies to classic-car cruise-ins and outdoor movie nights. Many of these gatherings are held in Central Park or along the streets of downtown, providing a festive vibe and a real feel for the local scene. 

Stroll among produce stands, chat with artists, and sample the live music that often fills the air on weekends. Whether you visit for a seasonal festival or simply stumble across a pop-up craft market, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect with Winter Haven’s creative, friendly community. 

Florida’s Natural Grove House Visitor Center  

Here’s a must for citrus fans! Just outside Winter Haven, the Florida’s Natural Grove House Visitor Center offers free exhibits on the local citrus industry, from orange grove history to a peek at how your juice gets from tree to table. Interactive displays keep kids and adults busy, and you can sample Florida’s Natural juices with all sorts of sweet twists (mango! pineapple!). 

Don’t miss the outdoor porch for views of live groves and fun photo opportunities with vintage farm equipment. Check the small schedule of free talks and monthly events for even more hands-on discovery, all at zero cost. 

Lake Mirror Promenade

Lake Mirror Promenade

Lake Mirror Promenade in nearby Lakeland is like a step back to the 1920s, with elegant balustrades, flower-filled gardens, and walking paths tracing the curve of the lake. This free city park is a local gathering place, perfect for an evening stroll or a lazy afternoon in the sun. 

Don’t miss the Hollis Garden next door—it’s open to the public and bursting with seasonal color, from fragrant roses to tropical palms and flowing fountains. You might catch a yoga class or swing band concert serenading the promenade, but anytime you visit, the ambiance is calm, the views are lovely, and the price is always right. 

Auburndale TECO Trail  

If cycling or hiking is your thing, the Auburndale TECO Trail stretches out for nearly 7 miles of peaceful Florida wilderness. This rail-trail follows an old train route, offering smooth terrain for families, walkers, joggers, and bikers of every skill level. 

Palm trees and pines provide shade, while wide-open skies set the stage for birdwatching and butterfly spotting. There’s plenty of parking and several rest stops along the way, making this a superb spot to get out and active for free. Bring your wheels or your walking shoes—either way, the Central Florida landscape is yours to explore. 

 

And that’s just the start! Free fun does not end when you leave LEGOLAND Florida’s front gate—Winter Haven and its neighbors are full of creative energy, local color, and sunshine-ready escapes made for memory-making. Whether you’re traveling with a crew of kids or adventuring solo, there’s always one more local secret left to discover. Happy exploring! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do with Pre-Schoolers in Orlando or the Best Picnic Spots in Orlando 

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Best Museums in Orlando

Orlando is consistently ranked amongst the most popular tourist destinations in the United States – and it’s easy to see why. Whilst the city is perhaps best known for its famous theme parks, you may be surprised and delighted by its wide variety of cultural institutions. The best museums in Orlando run the gamut – from super fun to highly educational. For creative types, the Orlando Museum of Art is the perfect stop. If science is more your thing, then the Kennedy Space Center is well worth the visit. Or, if you’re looking for something a little different, the Museum of Illusions provides a mind-bending experience like no other. Check out this list of some of our favorites, and be sure to schedule a visit whilst you’re in the area! Fun for all the Family Have you ever wanted to see a NASA rocket close up? Well, now you can! A museum for curious minds, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides an engaging and educational experience with a focus on technology, aviation and human flight. Delve into the wonders of space travel, touch a piece of moon rock, and strap in for a simulation of a space shuttle’s take-off into orbit! In addition, you can attend talks and seminars held by real veteran astronauts. Dedicated to bringing the world of space travel to a broader audience, the institute provides a one-of-a-kind experience quite like no other. Whether you’re scientifically-minded or just plain curious, the Orlando Science Center works to feed inquisitive minds. As fun as it is educational, the institute works to demystify and break down complicated ideas through its exciting displays. Spread across six whole floors, the museum features exhibitions on everything from space travel and gravity to the development of the natural world - it’s really all up to you to choose your area! In addition, there’s a special spot just for kids, with engaging skill-based and learning activities and excitement around every corner. We love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Learn Something New If you’re looking for innovation and culture in the City Beautiful, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Founded by a group of art enthusiasts in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art works to encourage intellectual curiosity and creative thought. Its collection is equal parts impressive and fascinating, spanning from the 18th right through to the 20th century. Walking through the museum, you’ll be able to view seminal pieces from American and international artists, ranging from recognizable classics to pivotal modern works. Highlights include influential works by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Georgia O’Keeffe. As exciting as it is educational, the institution delivers an unmissable cultural experience for all art lovers. A trip to the museum is so much more than just a great way to spend a low-key afternoon in the city; you can also view items of huge cultural significance. Originally, the Wells’Built Museum served as a hotel and entertainment venue for African Americans visiting Orlando. It was even host to many now-famous performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Ray Charles. Since then, the building has been transformed into an educational facility dedicated to social past, present and future. Inside, you’ll find memorabilia of the city’s black community, displays on the Civil Rights movement, and some African art and artefacts. Trace human history and culture and leave having learned something new. Another one of our favorite cultural institutes in the city has got to be the Orlando Fire Museum. Built into a restored 1926 firehouse, this place showcases the rich and proud background of the area’s fire department. For anybody who loves history, the museum’s comprehensive collection is sure to spark intrigue. Within its permanent repository, you’ll find tools and apparatus from as early as the 1900s, including hoses, uniforms, lithographs, and more. As you make your way around the building, you’ll get to hear more about the history of the field from retired firefighters themselves. Still, the star of the show is of course the institute’s fascinating collection of antique fire engines. Bringing a fascinating part of the past to life, this cultural gem highlights the valuable work that firefighters do. Try Something Different Anybody who’s travelling with family might just appreciate the next item on our list. As the name suggests, the Museum of Illusions presents an immersive brain-twisting experience for you and your loved ones. Sure to blow you away, the institute offers a wholly unique experience that works to test your perspective and trick the mind. With over 50 captivating exhibits to choose from, the fun never quite ends here. Upon entrance, you’ll find everything from kaleidoscopes and holograms to tilted and reverse rooms. See if you can work out how some of the displays work, and definitely don’t forget to take some snaps for Instagram! The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum is one of the top places to visit in Orlando for artsy types. As a speciality institute, this place is best known for housing the largest collection of the American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. Touring the museum is a total treat for the eyes, with each work more vibrant and detailed than the last. Still, that isn’t all there is to see here. Also noted for its wonderful Art Nouveau collection, the museum features works by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, William Morris and Louis Sullivan. Utterly captivating and unique, this hidden treasure works to showcase the development of modern American art. Not to knock the theme parks, but Orlando has way more to see beyond Disney World. With specialities ranging from important works of art to scientific discoveries and other family-friendly educational experiences, there’s a little something for everybody here. One thing that all of these places have in common is that they’re sure to take your breath away. And now, you don’t have to miss a thing - to get the most out of your trip, try Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Christmas in Orlando

You might think of Orlando as the place to be during the warmer months, but trust us when we say that you won’t want to miss out on Christmastime in the city. We’re talking exciting seasonal experiences, spectacular light displays, and awesome winter villages. Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned visitor, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. If you’re travelling with family, be sure to check out the special events held at some of the city’s most famous theme parks. For something a little more traditional, head over to the annual Winter Park Christmas Parade. Or, if you want something a little more low-key, the lights at Harry P. Leu Gardens are well worth the visit. And, if you're still struggling to come up with ideas for what to do during the most magical time of the year – don't worry! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite things to see and do during the holiday season. Hit the Classics A trip to Orlando just wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at Magic Kingdom – and what better time to visit than the holidays? A total American classic, the park is often dubbed the happiest place on earth – and it’s easy to see why. Favorite mainstays include It’s a Small World, Space Mountain, and of course, the iconic Cinderella Castle. Magic Kingdom not only impresses throughout the year with an abundance of famous rides and attractions to be enjoyed – it also happens to offer special events around Christmastime. When visiting during the month of December, be sure to check out the seasonal parades, firework displays, and magical ‘’snowfalls’’, transforming the park into an enchanting winter wonderland. Thoroughly whimsical and joyful to boot, this one should rank at the very top of everyone’s itinerary! With the cooler weather and smaller crowds during the holiday season, it’s a great time to check out some of Orlando's world-class adventure parks. Standing out as a unique celebration of human achievement, Epcot is a go-to for many first-time visitors to the city. Spanning over 300 acres and encompassing over four different ‘’neighborhoods’’, each with their own theme, there’s a lot to see and do here for every type of traveller. During the festive season, the park brings the wow factor with its International Festival of Holidays – a fantastic celebration showcasing various traditions from cultures across the globe. We love this idea because it’s interesting and presents a little something for everybody. Don’t miss it! Find Fun Activities Located along the tropical Southeastern coastline, Orlando is home to many wonderful green spaces just waiting to be explored. Established way back in the 1800s, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a beautiful site to visit any time of the year. In the early days of the park’s development, the Leus travelled all over the world, bringing back a wide variety of exotic greenery to fill their gardens. Today, the plot is open to the public all year round, with special events being held for certain holidays. For the ultimate Christmastime experience, be sure to check out the Dazzling Nights display, running all throughout the month of December. With beautiful lighting installations, music, and food, this stop is sure to put a smile on your face. Always well worth the visit, Legoland is forever brimming with fantastic things to delight the whole family. Named after the popular toy brick company, this place ranks way up there with Magic Kingdom as one of our all-time favorites. Living up to its slogan ‘’Built for Kids’’, the park offers around 30 child-friendly rides and attractions for ages 2-12 – but that’s no reason that we shouldn’t get involved! Christmas is an especially great time to visit, since you’ll get to enjoy all of the regular attractions, but with a little added holiday cheer. During the month of December, the park goes all out, with special light shows, pantomimes, and of course, a Lego tree and Santa Claus. Well, what else would we expect? Soak Up the Atmosphere If you’re looking for spectacular light displays, look no further than the Night of a Million Lights. Billed as the ‘’Number One Thing to Do In December In Orlando’’, this fantastical winter wonderland is bursting with holiday spirit. Despite its name, the event runs for 52 nights, and with over 3 million lights donated by local theme parks, it’s quite a show. Still, the outdoor exhibitions aren’t the only thing to see here. Enjoy festive snacks as you walk. Take a train ride through the village. Browse the stalls at the Christmas market. Situated at the Give Kids The World Village, this traditional boardwalk is much more than just a great seasonal stop; buying a ticket will go towards helping families in need. Incredibly charming and atmospheric, there’s no place that captures the spirit of Christmas quite like this one in the city. For those looking for a traditional way to celebrate the holidays on vacation, head over to the annual Winter Park Christmas Parade. Standing as the oldest continuous holiday celebration in Central Florida, this flamboyant event is a total must-see if you’re the type to get uber-excited around December 25th (we know we are!) A longstanding favorite for locals and visitors alike, the parade offers a quintessential seasonal entertainment experience quite like no other. With over 80 participating organizations, you’ll be able to enjoy marching bands, animated displays, and of course, Santa Claus! Incredibly wholesome and full of life, we don’t recommend skipping out on this one. Just be sure to arrive early so you can catch a great view! There are a lot of ways to get into the holiday spirit in Orlando. From dazzling light displays to exciting events, you’ll find that there are countless ways to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year in the city. Trust us when we say, you most certainly run out of things to do here during the festive season. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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