23 Free Things to Do in Orlando (By a Local)
👉 Jump to: Best Free Things to Do | Outdoor Activities | Family-Friendly Activities | For Adults
When you’re planning a trip to Orlando, the full list of Orlando attractions can easily become overwhelming (especially for your wallet).
However, visiting the theme parks and hitting the top attractions can put a big dent in your wallet. By taking advantage of the free things to do in Orlando, you can keep yourself on budget while still having a fantastic and memorable vacation.
After years of exploring Orlando (my home city), I’ve put together this list of the best free things to do in Orlando. These are the activities my family does when we are trying to save some money.
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Best Free Things to Do in Orlando
Disney Springs
Experience the magic (but with free parking and admission).
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 939-5277 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm daily, until 11:30 pm Fri & Sat
Disney Springs (previously known as Downtown Disney) is a shopping and entertainment district located in Walt Disney World. Parking and admission are always free.
You can find shops, restaurants, and entertainment offerings with varying price points. Check out my list of the best things to do in Disney Springs for more information.
Throughout the year, Disney Springs hosts many free festivals and events. Kids can experience all the magic of Disney, like the LEGO Imagination Center and T-Rex Restaurant, without needing theme park admission tickets.
See my guide to the Best Months to Visit Disney World to maximize your time (and therefore, money) by avoiding crowds and peak pricing.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
See local wildlife, including migratory birds and alligators (with the comfort of A/C).
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 am – 3 pm Fri- Sun (and federal holidays), closed Mon-Thu
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is one of the best locations to see Florida wildlife up close. The north shore of Lake Apopka, where the drive is located, was once decimated by over-fertilization from farms. Thanks to local campaigning, the area is being cleaned up. Migratory birds and alligators can be seen in abundance.
👉 Love Seeing Animals? Florida is full of opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitats. Our list of the Best Things to Do in Florida contains some of our favorites, like kayaking through the Everglades and swimming with manatees.
Celebration Town Center
Stroll quaint small-town streets and take a break from the craziness of the theme park crowds.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Originally founded by the Walt Disney Company, Celebration is a small town to the south of Disney. In the heart of the village is a quaint downtown area with restaurants and small businesses.
Walk along the lake, play in the interactive fountain, and just enjoy the small-town atmosphere. Visiting Celebration Town Center is a calm break from the craziness of the theme parks and Orlando attractions.
Lakeridge Winery Tours
Discover local winemaking just 30 minutes from downtown.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 1 (352) 394-8627 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 5 pm Sun
The Lakeridge Winery vineyards are located 30 minutes west of downtown Orlando. Every day, they offer free tours and wine tastings from 10 am – 4 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, they also host Weekends at the Winery, where you can enjoy free live music, an outdoor wine bar, and food offerings.
Harry P Leu Gardens
Meander through 50 acres of well-maintained beds of local and exotic plants at Orlando’s favorite botanical garden.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 246-2620 | Website | Hours: Open at 8 am, closing varies by season
Another one of Orlando’s beautiful parks, Leu Gardens, located minutes north of Downtown Orlando, comprises 50 acres of well-maintained beds of local and exotic plants.
Admission is free on the first Monday of each month (otherwise admission is an affordable $15 for adults). The park is divided into multiple themed gardens, including the butterfly garden and the tropical stream garden, so you can enjoy wandering amongst the foliage and discovering beauty around every corner.
Free Outdoor Activities
West Orange Trail
Get active and head outdoors on this 22-mile trail.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 877-0600 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to sunset
The West Orange Trail runs 22 miles from Winter Garden to Apopka, just west of Orlando. You can rent bicycles at Killarney Station and Winter Garden Station.
Since the trail is multi-use, feel free to bring your skateboards, rollerblades, Onewheels, or just two walking shoes. Don’t miss a stop in historic downtown Winter Garden, where you can find Crooked Can Brewery and some scrumptious restaurants.
The West Orange Trail connects to the South Lake-Lake Minneola Scenic Trail (an additional 13 miles) to cover a large portion of Central Florida. Check out my other favorite Things To Do and See in Central Florida.
Lake Eola Park
This park in the heart of downtown Orlando is one of the most underrated attractions in the city.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – midnight daily
No trip to the City Beautiful is complete without a stop at Lake Eola Park, located in the heart of downtown Orlando. I think this is one of the most underrated places in Orlando.
Lake Eola Park surrounds its namesake lake with a historic fountain. On the water, you can see swans of all kinds: both feathered and paddleboats move through the lake.
👉 Pro Tip: Art lovers should make the short walk from Lake Eola Park to the Grand Bohemian Hotel. The Grand Bohemian gallery has an eclectic selection of art and even features exclusive pieces from world-renowned artists.
Dr. P. Phillips Community Park
Get away from the lines and crowds at this family-friendly spot.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 254-9038 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm summer, 8 am – 6 pm winter
If you and the family need a break from pushing through crowds and waiting in lines at the theme parks, head over to Dr. P. Phillips Community Park. The park is just 4 miles away from Disney Springs and 8 miles away from Universal Orlando.
Kids can play in the splash pad, and the entire family can enjoy a nature trail along the lake. If you brought your furry friend on vacation with you, they can get out the zoomies at the dog park.
Kraft Azalea Garden
Relax and admire the beauty of the 5 acres of gardens along Lake Maitland in Winter Park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 599-3397 | Website | Hours: 8 am – dusk daily
The gorgeous Kraft Azalea Garden covers 5 acres along Lake Maitland in Winter Park. Take the family here for a relaxing walk and beautiful views. Extend the outing by bringing a picnic or grabbing food from one of the many trendy Winter Park restaurants.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for some special keepsakes from your trip to Orlando, hire a local photographer and take family photos in the garden. Local photographers love this spot; it is one of their best-kept secrets.
University of Central Florida Arboretum
Landscaping and natural spaces meet a college campus.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Sunrise – sunset
Believe it or not, the UCF Arboretum spans the entire campus! When the Arboretum was created in 1983, the decision was made to include all campus landscaping instead of maintaining a separate garden. In addition to the landscaping, the UCF Arboretum also maintains an organic edible garden and miles of natural trails.
Big Tree Park
Discover natural history 3,500 years in the making.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 665-2001 | Website | Hours: 8 am – dusk daily
Big Tree Park is where adults can take in a piece of history and children can get out their energy on a playground. The park is located in Longwood, north of Orlando.
It was once home to “The Senator,” a 3,500-year-old bald cypress tree that was burned down in 2012. The stump and informative sign remain. In addition, you can see “Lady Liberty”, a 2,000-year-old bald cypress tree, and “The Phoenix,” which is a clone of “The Senator.”
Hontoon Island State Park
Get lost on the island in the middle of the St Johns River.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (386) 736-5309 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 1 am daily
Hontoon Island is a state park located in the middle of the St. Johns River. It is one of the best free things to do in Orlando, but be sure to bring some cash to tip your ferry boat driver.
Enjoy over 3 miles of biking and hiking trails or rent a kayak from the Island Store. If you want an extended visit, book one of the rustic cabins for an overnight adventure.
Family-Friendly Free Activities
Disney’s Boardwalk
Good old-fashioned fun – the perfect place to stroll and enjoy the ambiance.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 939-5277 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 10 pm
Disney’s Boardwalk will transport you back to a simpler time. It is located next to the Boardwalk Inn and connects to Epcot and four other hotels. There are a handful of restaurants and shops to enjoy, but the true appeal is the ambiance.
I love to grab a drink, walk around the water, and explore the hotels. A new addition to the Boardwalk is the Skyliner, a gondola that connects to Hollywood Studios and other resorts.
🚗 How to Get There: Without a hotel or dining reservation, it is a 50/50 shot that the security guards will let you park at the Boardwalk Inn. You can avoid that hassle by taking Disney transportation from Disney Springs or a Disney park.
Old Town
Listen to live music and admire classic cars.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 396-4888 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 11 pm daily
Visiting Old Town is one of the best free things to do in the city because there are so many entertainment options in one place.
In addition to free admission, you can enjoy free car shows, free live entertainment, and free events. You can window shop, grab a bite to eat, and ride one of the many attractions.
Walt Disney World Monorail
Zoom above the parks for a low-key afternoon or rainy day fun.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Hours vary
Considered a rite of passage for locals, touring the Magic Kingdom resorts on the monorail is a fun way to spend an afternoon or a rainy day. The monorail makes stops at the Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, and the Ticket & Transportation Center.
For those over 21, this can also be a “Monorail Bar Crawl”. Each hotel has themed decor, unique restaurants, and fun bars to explore. Plus, you can’t beat the views of Cinderella Castle.
🚗 How to Get There: To access the monorail, you will need to pay to park at the Ticket & Transportation Center (Magic Kingdom parking), take a bus to one of the hotels from Disney Springs, or park at one of the resorts along the path. Typically, you need a dining reservation to park at a Disney hotel, but occasionally, a friendly security guard will let you in without one.
Winter Garden Farmers Market
Support local artisans at this weekly market.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 1 pm Sat
The Winter Garden Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 8 am – 1 pm. You can stroll the brick streets and see what the local food trucks, farmers, and artisans are selling. Next to the market is the downtown strip of even more shops and restaurants.
👉 Pro Tip: Many local neighborhoods host farmers’ markets. The Winter Park Farmers Market and the Downtown Orlando Farmers Market are two other fun options.
Dinky Dock Park
Hang out like a local at this popular park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 599-3397 | Website | Hours: 8 am – dusk daily
⚠️ Closure Note: Dinky Dock Park is temporarily closed due to renovations until further notice.
To spend an afternoon like a Central Florida local, head to Dinky Dock Park in Winter Park. You can swim in Lake Virginia or just hang out along the shores.
To get out on the water, rent a kayak from the nearby business. The park is close to Park Avenue, a strip of hip restaurants and boutique shops.
👉 Pro Tip: You can assume that every body of water in Florida has alligators in it. Don’t worry, though, the gators tend to avoid swimming areas with lots of people.
Free Things to Do for Adults
Universal CityWalk
Enjoy food and fun times right next to the theme park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 363-8000 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 12 am daily, until 1 am Fri-Sat
CityWalk is Universal’s dining and entertainment area, and it is located next to the theme parks for quick and easy access. There are several restaurants and shops to explore. Universal hotels offer free transportation to CityWalk and the theme parks, so they are some of my recommended picks for the best places to stay in Orlando.
For adults, CityWalk comes alive at night with plenty of bars and clubs. To get free parking at CityWalk, arrive after 6 pm or purchase two movie tickets from Universal Cinemark (for reimbursement).
The Mall at Millenia
Wander through high-fashion stores and try out one of the restaurants.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 363-3555 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am – 9 pm Sat, 11 am – 7 pm Sun
The Mall at Millenia is more than just a shopping destination. It is a place to enjoy window shopping for the most luxurious brands (while still being able to hit your favorite stores too).
Admission is totally free, but you’ll still need to pay for any purchases you just can’t leave without. Around the mall, you’ll find tons of restaurants to make a full day of your visit.
The mall can get busy during the peak tourism season. Check out my guide to the Best Time to Go to Orlando to find out when you can avoid the crowds.
ICON Park
Entertain the entire family at this park that is home to the Orlando Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and Madame Tussauds wax museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 601-7907 | Website | Hours: Vary by attraction
ICON Park is another entertainment district in Orlando. It is located on International Drive and is home to the Orlando Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and Madame Tussauds wax museum.
Around ICON Park, you can find plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars. I recommended making your own walking tour along International Drive for lots of entertainment, live music, and delicious food and drink.
If you’re traveling with kids, SEA LIFE Aquarium and the Orlando Eye are two of my favorite Things to do With Children in Orlando.
Fort Christmas Historical Park
Take a walk through hundreds of years of Florida’s history.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 254-9310 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm winter, 8 am – 8 pm summer
Fort Christmas is located on the east side of Greater Orlando. It is totally free to visit the park and walk through the visitor’s center and replica homes.
The main attraction is the replica of Fort Christmas, which was originally built during the Second Seminole War. Visiting Fort Christmas will allow you to learn about hundreds of years of Florida history.
👉 Love History? Take a drive up to St. Augustine, the oldest city in America, and one of many Epic Day Trips from Orlando.
Historic Walking Tour of Winter Park
Appreciate the architecture and history of this charming area.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 647-2330 | Website | Museum Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tue-Fri, 10 am – 2 pm Sat, Closed Sun & Mon
The Winter Park History Museum has put together a free self-guided walking tour that can be completed anytime during your visit. You can pick up the brochure at the museum and begin exploring Winter Park’s history. Many of the stops along the tour were built before 1930 and add to the historic charm of the city.
👉 Loving Winter Park? Head over to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art to see the most comprehensive collection of belongings and art from Louis Comfort Tiffany. Enjoy free admission to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum on Fridays from 4 pm – 8 pm (November-April).
CityArts
Admire local and international works at multiple art galleries.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 648-7060 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm daily, Closed Mon
Take in multiple art galleries at CityArts in downtown Orlando. You can visit the venue for free from Tuesday – Sunday. There are different art galleries, and most of the pieces are available for purchase.
👉 Love Street Art? Orlando’s art scene is always growing, but Florida is full of local artists who are sharing their art through murals. Sarasota and Miami are two of the Best Places to Go in Florida, and they have stunning murals around each city.
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You can easily have an action-packed and memorable vacation without breaking the bank. Looking for more budget travel tips? Not only do I have an entire guide to doing Orlando on a Budget, but I also highlight affordable options in my Where to Stay in Orlando guide.
