Orlando, Florida: Easily the top choice for playground fans as one of the 50 million or so visitors each year.
Yes, Disneyland and Universal Studios aren’t going anywhere and by all means go! But there are plenty of other free activities to fill a totally Disney-free long weekend.
Whether you call Orlando home or you are a budget minded traveler, include these free things to do in Orlando on your vacation. Below is an extensive catalog of 40 things to do in Orlando free of cost, making sure you have the time of your life without going broke.
Exploring Orlando’s Unique Attractions
1. Downtown Disney Marketplace & Boardwalk:
Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace & Boardwalk. Enjoy free festivities and explore the vibrant marketplace, offering a taste of Disney magic without the theme park admission.
2. Lake Eola Park:
Discover the beauty of Lake Eola, an 80-foot sinkhole nestled in the heart of Orlando. Attend free concerts, plays, and the Sunday farmers market while soaking in panoramic views of the Orlando skyline.
3. Harry P. Leu Gardens:
Escape to the enchanting Harry P. Leu Gardens, boasting a butterfly garden, tropical steam garden, and a historic house museum dating back to the 1880s. Enjoy free admission on the first Monday of each month.
4. Town of Celebration:
Step into the charming Town of Celebration, originally designed by Disney architects. Explore its unique blend of historical and technological elements, offering a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls.
5. Enzian Theater/Eden Bar:
Experience cinematic delights at Enzian Theater/Eden Bar in Maitland. Attend the weekly Wednesday Night Pitcher Show, weather permitting, for a unique outdoor movie experience.
6. Ocala National Forest:
Explore the wilderness of Ocala National Park; known for trails, springs and lush greenery.
7. Cornell Fine Arts Museum:
Cornell Fine Arts Museum, a hub of some impressive paintings and exhibitions that gives us a sneak-peek into the world art and culture. Students free with valid ID.
8. Grand Bohemian Gallery:
Discover flavors and sights at the Grand Bohemian Gallery with a local contemporary perspective that mingles splendidly with exhibitions of European paintings in one visually arresting journey through Orlando’s artistic culture.
9. A World of Orchids:
Discover the living greenhouse of A World of Orchids with beautiful flowers from all over the world. Dive in to the colorful blooms and scents of South East Asia, Indonesia and beyond.
10. Big Tree Park:
Find space to picnic among the ancient cypress at Big Tree Park although the park was saddled with an iconic 118-foot-tall cypress tree that was vandalized, it remains a calm retreat for quiet contemplation and picnicking.
11. Fleaworld and Funworld:
Get a sense of Fleaworld, the biggest flea market throughout the USA, with oddities almost endless in number. Check out the acrobatic displays and magic shows at Fun world on weekends.
12. Legend of Spook Hill (Lake Wales):
In a local version of sorcery and optical illusions gone mad, outside Spook Hill cars appear to roll up the hill in the absence of any downward impetus whatsoever.
13. Kissimmee Old Town:
Go on a whimsical journey through time at Kissimmee Old Town and enjoy the cozy ambience surrounded by free entertainment, live music beginning daily after 7:30 p.m., and even special nights in which they pay tribute to rock-n-roll of the 50s and 60s every Saturday.
14. Snowhill Mountain Bike Trail:
Snow Hill Mountain Bike Trail Address: Little Big Econ State Forest Why You Need To Go: Its expansive trails & suspension bridges offer thrills for your adventurous side and provide necessary exercise facilities to the nature lover in you.
15. Bradlee-McIntyre House:
Bradlee-McIntyre House (last Queen Anne-style cottage in Orange and Seminole counties) Discover more about its storied past and architectural appeal on the Logwood Historical Trail.
16. Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida:
Honor the past at the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center, where displays of artifacts and educational events work to remember the tragedy of the Holocaust.
17. Museum of Seminole County History:
Delve into the history of Seminole County at the museum bearing its name with over a hundred; artifacts, furniture and memorabilia to give you an insight into the area’s roots.
18. Orlando Brewing Company:
Check out Orlando’s craft beer community at the Orlando Brewing Company, which is Florida’s only certified organic brewery. Relax with weekend free tours and live entertainment while diving into a local beer scene at full boil.
19. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts:
Celebrate African-American culture and creativity at the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, featuring a diverse collection of artistic works dedicated to the legacy of Zora Neale Hurston.
20. Black Hammock Adventures:
Black Hammock Adventures offers free alligator shows, bird exhibits and live music every weekend so you can enjoy a look at Florida’s wildlife, but it also has airboat rides, a gift shop and drinks. Wrap yourself in the quiet beauty of Lake Jessup and its environment.
21. Children’s Library:
The Children’s Library serves a wide variety of family-friendly activities and events including substitute readings, arts and crafts programs, movie nights, and musical performances.
22. March of the Peabody Ducks:
The Peabody Hotel in Memphis is known for its ducks that walk to and from the Royal Duck Fountain twice a day, creating a much-loved tradition among children of all ages.
23. Club Firestone:
Club Firestone Orlando’s top electronic club offers free admission on Thursdays with free beer till 11 p.m. Dance the night away to pumping beats and experience firsthand what all the nightlife hype is about.
24. Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens:
Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Albin Polasek at his namesake museum and sculpture gardens. Explore the tranquil grounds adorned with captivating sculptures and artistic creations.
25. Chamberlin’s Market & Cafe:
Discover the tastes of Chamberlin’s Market & Cafe, which offers free classes, speakers and seasonal events like the Fall Harvest Festival at an organic compound that provides samplings and ‘taste’ experiences.
26. Wekiwa Springs State Park:
Immerse yourself in nature at Wekiwa Springs State Park, where you can enjoy a vast selection of outdoor activities as well as visit the natural history museum. Bring a book, library card or park book and enjoy free admission to the Park in September. Get out and explore the serine beauty of the Park!
27 Knightly Spirits:
Knightly Spirits – Enjoy a free tasting of 700 variety beers and savor the tastes of Orlando. Discover the wide variety of craft brews available and enjoy a sampling experience that is second to none.
28 Fort Christmas Historical Park:
Fortress-like Time Traveled back in time at Fort Christmas Historical Park with structures from pioneer days and re-enactors from the Second Seminole Indian War-era. Living history, frontier Florida heritage.
29. Kelly Park, Rock Springs:
Swimmers can cool off in the clear headwaters of Rock Springs at Kelly Park with a natural spring to float, plus hiking trails. Spend quality time away with the family doing outdoor activities in a beautiful location.
30. University of Central Florida Arboretum:
Open to students as well, the University of Central Florida Arboretum spans over 80 acres of trails and learning resources with more than 600 plant species and eight natural ecosystems. Challenge yourself at the disc golf courses, sloth around on a bike path and swamp it up in nature with the plants of native Florida.
31. Howl at the Moon:
Howl at the Moon- A high-energy dueling piano bar; free happy-hour parties when you rent Howl in advance. Indulge in free buffet from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. and let go with some live music expressed musically
32. Farmers Market:
Enjoy the rich vibe of Winter Park’s Farmers Market with a critical choice of neighborhood sellers and handcrafted strengths. Venture into new fruits, bakery lines and local goodies with the sights of a busy market.
33. Fred Stone Theater:
Discover the world of performing arts at the Fred Stone Theater, offering free performances as part of its “Second Stage Series.” Enjoy a variety of theatrical productions on Thursday through Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
34. Popcorn Flicks in Central Park:
Enjoy Popcorn Flicks in the Park, a free outdoor movie screening of classic films under the stars. Join us a Winter Park Pines for amazing family movies at the heart of the community.
35. Morse Museum of American Art:
Get your cultural fill of all things American art at the massive Morse Museum of American Art, which boasts a massive collection including work by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Every Friday, November through April, get free admission to the museum and be wowed by their exhibitions.
36. Universal Orlando Resorts CityWalk:
Another non-park option is the bustling atmosphere of City Walk at Universal Orlando Resorts, which includes attractions and entertainment on the sidewalk that are open to all without a need for paid theme park admission. Take in the atmosphere and vibes of this vibrant entertainment district as Murda Beatz guides us through the ART & CULTURE.
37. Mall at Millenia:
Mall at Millenia offers a shopping paradise for those who have the money burning in their pocket. Browse designer boutiques and storefronts from classics like Gucci and Coach, all in the high-end atmosphere of this storied shopping Mecca.
38. Florida Mall:
Feel the pulse of the bodies as you go to Florida Mall, where there are over 250 shops in addition to dining set up. Window shopping will turn into people-watching in no time, making the Florida Mall worth your while, with over 270 stores to keep you engaged.
39. Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando:
Step inside Italian luxury at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, which has nightly performances of Italian music. Relax to gentle tunes and soak up the ambient atmosphere of this fairy-tale hotel.
40. Natura Coffee and Tea:
Mellow out at Natura Coffee and Tea, live music in an intimate setting from local musicians. With jazz nights and open mic sessions, Natura Coffee and Tea offer a soulful atmosphere to enjoy the live music in Orlando.
Conclusion
Orlando in Florida has tons of free things to do and reasonably priced attractions available to cater for all tastes without costing the Earth. Orlando is an incredibly lively city, be it its arts and culture scene, parks and gardens or culinary delicacies and nightlife scene the adventures in Orlando are endless, all without spending a dime. Then get ready, pack your bags and head to the sunny center of Florida’s fun capital!
