Orlando in September

Published: July 18, 2024

Wondering what to do in Orlando? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you’ve never been to Florida, there's no better place to start! The entertainment capital of the South is packed with everything from world-famous theme parks and waterparks to fantastic shopping destinations and museums. The city is also home to many beautiful parks and wilderness reserves to be discovered. Come autumn time, the area has a lot of exciting activities and events, so be sure to check those out! So, if you’re planning to make the visit, have a read through our list of the best things to see and do in the area. Wherever your interests may lie, there’s sure to be something for you.

Explore the Area

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In September, Orlando can get pretty hot, and well... humid. If you’re looking to get away from all of the heat, why not head over to the Orlando Museum of Art? Founded by a group of art enthusiasts in 1924, the institute works to bring seminal pieces to a broad audience. Upon entrance, visitors can view an impressive collection of over 2,400 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more. These works span from the 18th to 20th century and come from a broad spectrum of acclaimed international artists. We recommend setting a good few hours aside for this one since there’s a lot to see here.

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Since Florida is known for its beautiful tropical weather, it only makes sense that the state is home to some of the best nature reserves just waiting to be explored. Part of Everglades National Park, the Disney Wilderness Preserve stands out for its entirely unique ecosystem. No, really – this habitat is the only one of its kind currently found on earth! A total nature lover’s haven, the park has over 1,000 species of plants and animals on-site. At the park, you can take scenic strolls or off-road buggy tours to learn more about the environment and the animals which thrive there. Just remember to wear your comfiest walking shoes!

Find Fun Activities

Looking for something a little different? Well, look no further than the Museum of Illusions! Breaking away from the typical museum experience, the institute offers a totally unique sensory experience where nothing is quite as it seems. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to explore over 50 immersive exhibits which play with motion, color, shape, and space to twist the mind. Fan favorites include kaleidoscopes and holograms and tilted and reverse rooms. Don't forget to bring your phone so you can capture some snapshots of the incredible exhibits!

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If you’re looking to get into the true Florida spirit, what better place to be than Repticon Kissimmee? Taking place in late September, this two-day reptile show is a total must for any animal lovers in the area. Held in over 50 cities and 20 states, the festival recognized as one of the biggest animal expos of its kind. At the event, you’ll be able to get up close with a wide array of exotic reptiles in a safe and considerate way. In addition, you can attend live seminars and demonstrations to learn more about the animals and the different habitats which they come from. As fun as it is engaging, the festival provides a totally one-of-a-kind experience to remember.

Those who are travelling with family might be interested in the next item on our list. Spanning over 50 acres of gorgeous greenery, Harry P. Leu Gardens is an unmissable sight any time of the year. Standing out from other green spaces in the city, these tropical gardens showcase a wide array of exotic plants, thanks to founders Mr. And Mrs. Harry P. Leu, who scoured the world for unusual vegetation to bring back from their excursions. In early September, the park transforms into a magical forest with its Fairy Doors exhibition. At the event, you’re tasked to spot the beautiful wooden doors hidden around the park on some of the centuries-old trees. Bringing magic to life, this event would make the perfect family day trip.

Relax!

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Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of September in Orlando is checking out the Lakeridge Wine and Cheese Festival. Now over 10 years old, the event celebrates local artisan vendors and outstanding winemakers on the beautiful grounds of their lush vineyard. Culinary offerings cover a wide variety of cuisines and can be meat and seafood-forward, though Lakeridge also offers many alternatives for those with special dietary requirements. Throughout the weekend, there are outdoor performances, activities, winery tours and wine tastings to be enjoyed. If the aim of the game is to spoil you, then the festival sure does its job.

If you want to indulge your inner foodie, then Magical Dining might just be the festival for you! Running the whole way throughout the month, this event gives diners the opportunity to try out some local favorites at lowered prices. Living up to its name, the event offers delectable dishes across a wide array of cuisines from around the globe. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a quiet romantic date spot, or something a little more casual, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Explore the best that the city has to offer, with no holding back! Oh, and the best part? For every magical meal bought, $1, is donated to charity, so everyone benefits.

Orlando is known as ‘’The City Beautiful’', and with good reason. Spend a day in the area, and it defies you not to fall in love with it. Fall is a fantastic time to visit since the crowds will have thinned out, whilst the weather will still be summery. The best things to do there run the gamut – it‘s just up to you to choose! Looking for great family day trips? Head the Museum of Illusions for the ultimate day of fun. Or, discover the city’s artsy side at the Orlando Museum of Art. If you’re an outdoorsy type, spend a day at the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Whatever your pleasure, the city provides a wide array of attractions, activities, and festivals to be enjoyed. 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
Go City Travel Expert

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Discover Free Gems Close to Lion Country Safari Adventure

Lion Country Safari may promise giraffes, rhinos, and the ultimate drive-thru animal adventure, but the fun doesn’t have to stop at the park gates. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Palm Beach County and within easy reach of the wider South Florida playground, this area boasts free experiences for every taste and travel style. Whether you’re channeling your inner wild child, a nature buff, or you just crave a slice of authentic local life, the less-traveled paths around Lion Country Safari deliver. Get ready for peaceful parks, quirky museums, vibrant street art, and even waterfront bliss—all waiting to fill your itinerary and your camera roll, but not magically empty your wallet.  Ready to fill your trip with free adventures? Our favorite free things to do near Lion Country Safari include:  Peaceful Waters Sanctuary  Mounts Botanical Garden (Free Times)  West Palm Beach Waterfront & Clematis Street  Grassy Waters Preserve  Norton Museum of Art (Free Admission Days)  Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park  Coral Sky Amphitheatre (Free Community Events)  Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens (Select Days)  Downtown Lake Worth Street Art Tour  Loggerhead Marinelife Center (Admission Free, Donations Welcome)  Mounts Botanical Garden (Free Times)  If you think a tropical paradise like the Mounts Botanical Garden comes with a hefty price tag, let us share a secret: you can stroll these gorgeous 14-acre gardens free during select days and special events, just a short drive from Lion Country Safari. Expect winding trails that lead past towering palms, lotus-filled ponds, fragrant rose beds, and playful art sculptures.  Mounts Botanical Garden’s themed gardens will wow your senses—there’s a butterfly garden that feels alive with fluttering wings, a rainbow-hued tropical fruit garden, and even a scented herb maze. Labelled plantings make every walk a living classroom, and water features offer a spot to chill under the shade. Whether you’re a true botany buff or you just want an hour of peaceful exploration, you’ll find something cool under the canopy.  On occasion, Mounts hosts family days, garden festivals, and nature workshops, where admission is complimentary and local music adds a festive touch. Don’t rush your visit—bring a picnic, settle near the shade of the giant ficus, and let the kids roam the Children’s Maze or feed koi at the pond. Check their schedule online to confirm the next free entry day—sometimes it lines up with your trip! You’ll leave with the scent of jasmine in your hair and plenty of garden inspiration for home.  West Palm Beach Waterfront & Clematis Street  Swap safari grasslands for saltwater breezes and city views on the West Palm Beach Waterfront. Clematis Street stretches just over 30 minutes east of Lion Country Safari and is totally free to explore—perfect for impromptu strolls, people watching, and lively local energy.  The wide public promenade hugs Lake Worth Lagoon, where luxury yachts bob beside pastel-painted buildings, and big shady palms keep things blissfully cool. Wander down Clematis Street and you’ll encounter vibrant sidewalk art, historic architecture, and plenty of charming picnic spots. The Centennial Square fountain bursts into life for kids (and grown-ups) to splash in, especially during Florida’s sunny afternoons.  On Thursday nights, the waterfront comes alive with Clematis By Night, a free festival of live music, pop-up food vendors, and happy crowds. Pop over to the lively GreenMarket on weekends for local produce and family vibes. Throughout the year, the area hosts parades, art walks, and a boat parade all for free! Soak in sunset views, take Instagram-worthy shots by the tall Royal Palms, and experience Palm Beach culture—all with zero admission fees.  Grassy Waters Preserve  Grassy Waters Preserve is one of those rare places where wild Florida feels untouched—an Everglades-like expanse just north of West Palm Beach, and totally free to roam. This 23-square-mile preserve is a haven for nature fans craving cypress swamps, serene marshes, and close encounters with herons, ibis, and even elusive bobcats.  The trails here range from shaded wooden boardwalks to easy-dirt routes, so you can tailor your experience from a ten-minute amble to a half-day adventure. Educational kiosks along the boardwalks share fun tidbits about wetland wildlife, native flora, and the role this place plays in South Florida’s natural water filtration. Bring your water bottle—the walking is gentle and meditative. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself joined by a sunbathing alligator glimpsed from afar!  Families love the guided nature walks (always free but check the schedule), scavenger hunts for kids, and ample birdwatching. Settle on a quiet bench to spot turtles surfacing in the lily pads or snap a photo of the dramatic sunset reflected in the water. If tranquility and a pinch of wildness sound like your thing, Grassy Waters is a must.  Norton Museum of Art (Free Days)  If cooling off among Picasso sketches or Chihuly glass sounds like fun, make time for the Norton Museum of Art—especially during its no-cost admission days and special community events. One of the top-ranked art museums in South Florida, the Norton is just about 30 minutes’ drive from Lion Country Safari and is filled with world-class art.  Wander cool, sunlit galleries housing works by American masters, Impressionist icons, vibrant contemporary creators, and classic Chinese sculpture collections. The design is airy and modern, with giant windows welcoming in the Florida light. The best part? On Thursdays and certain holidays, entry is free for everyone!  Even the outdoor sculpture garden invites a wander, with lush landscaping and intriguing installations peeking around every bend. Free family art classes and hands-on workshops are often held during free days, making this a win for creative explorers of all ages. Whether you spend an hour or a full afternoon, the Norton is a cultural side quest you’ll remember. Check their event calendar to plan your no-cost visit!  iTHINK Amphitheatre (Free Community Events)  Think “amphitheatre” and your wallet might twitch, but iTHINK Amphitheatre—just over a 20-minute drive from Lion Country Safari—hosts plenty of free-to-enter community festivals, kids’ concerts, and movie nights throughout the year. Set against wide-open skies and lush green lawns, the atmosphere here makes for memorable alfresco evenings.  Bring your own blanket or camping chairs, kick back on the spacious lawn, and let the rhythms of live local bands or a feel-good family film soundtrack your night out. Food trucks and free activities for kids often log on during festivities, lending a lively neighborhood vibe. Even outside formal events, the adjacent park areas offer shaded paths and perfect-for-picnics viewpoints.  Check the amphitheatre’s online schedule or the local tourism board’s event listings—spring and autumn are especially packed with no-cost experiences that offer culture, music, and warm community spirit. If your goal is big energy without big spending, Coral Sky’s free nights fit perfectly.  Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens (Special Days)  Palm Beach is packed with gardens, but the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens win hearts for their whimsical outdoor art, dramatic brick studio, and, on select community and garden day festivals, free admission. Tucked away on historic Flagler Drive, these lush two acres showcase the monumental sculptures of Ann Norton, plus rare tropical palms and bamboo groves.  What’s rarely matched is the peaceful, almost secret-garden vibe you’ll find here. Roam shaded paths while discovering gigantic stone figures, abstract bronze shapes, and charming garden nooks filled with orchids or ferns. During special art days or local charity events, everyone’s welcome to wander without a ticket—follow their social media for the current schedule.  Inside, the sculpture studio’s brick walls tell the story of Ann’s creative life and Florida’s artistic legacy. Outside, sculpture lovers, daydreamers, and green-thumbed travelers will find ample inspiration among the leafy tunnels and koi-filled ponds. It’s a pocket paradise with a twist of culture—no wallet required on the right day!  Downtown Lake Worth Street Art Tour  If you love your travel with a side of color and free-spirited creativity, carve out time for a DIY tour of Downtown Lake Worth’s street art and murals. This artsy neighborhood—just 40 minutes from Lion Country Safari—is shaped by a love of all things quirky and independent, making it the perfect spot for no-cost sightseeing.  Tour the blocks around Lucerne and Lake Avenue on foot or by bike, and you’ll spot bold public murals by local artists, often spotlighting themes of diversity, hope, or sunny Florida life. Pop into the free cultural plaza (which regularly hosts community art fairs and dance events) and pause at eclectic outdoor sculptures for the perfect photo op.  Chill under the palms with a coffee from a family-run café (many offer free samples!) or browse the rotating pop-up markets that dot the street on weekends. Don’t rush—every corner hides a new splash of paint or clever public installation. Bring friends and an open mind, and let the street art tell Lake Worth’s story in color.  Loggerhead Marinelife Center (Admission Free, Donations Welcome)  Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach is the perfect finale for your free-spirited Palm Beach adventure—and it’s just a short drive from the safari gates. Admission is always free (funded by generous donations) and the experience is unforgettable, especially for animal-loving families.  Step inside to explore lively, kid-friendly exhibits on sea turtle rescue, conservation, and coastal ecosystems. Visit the outdoor hospital tanks, where rescued loggerheads and other turtles receive care before being released back to the wild. The center’s friendly volunteers are happy to answer questions and share rescue stories that tug at the heartstrings.  Kids can peek into the hospital, race rubber turtles, and follow interactive trails that teach about ocean conservation—all at no charge. The adjacent boardwalk leads down to one of the area’s prettiest beaches, perfect for a picnic or sandy toes stroll. Don’t skip the butterfly garden and native plant walk outside—turtles (and people) feel right at home.    The sun may set on your Lion Country Safari adventure, but the exploration doesn’t have to end. With lively city streets, wild wetlands, curated gardens, and free family festivals all in easy reach, Palm Beach County proves you don’t have to spend big to make lasting memories. From peaceful sunrise walks to art-filled evenings or hands-on animal experiences, this corner of Florida has you covered, wallet happily untouched.    Like this? Check out our guide to magnificent mornings in Orlando, and discover brilliant birthdays in the city  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 

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