Orlando is one of the cheapest places to travel and you can enjoy so many amazing FREE Things To Do in Orlando without breaking the bank.
Whether you're planning a vacation to Orlando or your a local looking for things to do throughout Central Florida, there is an endless number of things to do on Orlando.
The only downside is that enjoying the theme parks and hitting the top attractions can put a big dent in your wallet, but because there is so many free things to do here in Orlando, you can keep yourself on budget and enjoy so many fantastic and memorable experiences that won't cost a cent!
Check Out Our Guide To The Best Free Things To Do In Orlando
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a wonderful place to waste away a few hours or more, and it's free to visit, and parking is free too.
Stroll through Town Center at Disney Springs to view vibrant displays from talented artists at the Art Walk, let the kids enjoy the interactive fountains, while everyone will love checking out a unique collection of stores including The Coca Cola Store, M&M's World, Lego Imagination Center and more.
You can take a break at The Welcome Center with air conditioning, comfy chairs and freeice water.
Enjoy the free entertainment atmultiple locations where individual musicians and bands perform in the evening, plus House of Blues frequently offers free live music at its Front Porch Bar, Raglan Road usually has free live music on their patio, and on a Saturday morning there is even a free kids club with lots of entertainment!
Disney's Boardwalk
Disney’s BoardWalk is gorgeous, built around a lake and is beautifully themed to be reminiscent of Cape May or Coney Island in the 1940s.
It’s free to enter and fun just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere, in the evening you can enjoy street performers (jugglers, comedians, fire-eaters, jazz ensembles, etc.), and at any time of the day or nigh you can take a trip on a friendship boat!
Walt Disney World Monorail Transportation
You can take three different Monorail rides at Walt Disney World, all for FREE.
The inner Monorail circles the three Monorail resorts, Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian. You can get off and explore each resort, or just enjoy the ride and the view, as often as you wish, altho at night you might just want to stop at the Contemporary and enjoy the spectacular view of the fireworks from the balcony, and yes its free.
You can also ride the express Monorail that just goes between the Ticket and Transportation Center and the Magic Kingdom for the same view, but no stops at the resorts, although this can get very busy!
The third option is the longest, and the Monorail from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Epcot is also a nice trip with great views of the resort, and you get to ride through the inside of Epcot for a great view of the park.
Walt Disney World Water Transportation
All of the water transportation options at Walt Disney World are free, and offer a relaxing way to enjoy the resort from the water, and is amazing day or night.
Options include taking a friendship boat and cruising the loop around Crescent Lake, which visits Epcot, Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club, Swan/Dolphin, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios without going into the parks.
Take the boat that visits the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness, or the boat that visits the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom.
Or another great option is the Water Taxi from Disney Springs to Port Orleans or Old Key West and back, along the Sassagoula River.
Disney Skyliner Transportation
You can ride the Disney Skyliner cable-car system for free, and this is a great option to get some great views of Walt Disney World from above.
You can get on and off at Art of Animation/Pop Century Resorts, Caribbean Beach Resort, Riviera Resort and at Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
In addition to taking a scenic ride, you can get off at one of the Skyliner resorts and take a stroll and explore for free.
Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is a lively entertainment complex just before the entrance to Universal Studios and Islands Of Adventure, it’s FREE to enter and there is so much to do.
Parking is costly during the day, but at most times of the year, parking after 6 pm is free.
At CityWalk you can stroll, take in the atmosphere and simply enjoy people watching, or you can ride the free water taxi to the resorts and explore, a must do is the opera filled Italian piazza at Loews’ Portofino Bay Hotel.
Back at CityWalk the kids will enjoy cooling off in the splash pad, and the adults will love the free nightly entertainment including outdoor DJ, stilt walkers and more.
ICON Park Orlando
Located in the heart of Orlando's International Drive, ICON Park offers attractions, dining, shoppings, entertainment and more.
Not only is there a ton to see and do at ICON Park, admission to the complex is always free, plus parking is free too!
It's a great place to stroll or simply sit back, relax and enjoy nightly light shows and people-watching on the central green, all without spending any money.
Parks, Gardens and the Great Outdoors
Orlando is blessed with an abundance of parks, gardens, and the chance to escape the tourists and enjoy the great outdoors where you'll get the chance to become one with nature.
The variety of parks, gardens, nature trails, bike trails and more here in Orlando is breathtaking, get outside and enjoy!
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is a must visit, located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, with a sidewalk that circles the lake 0.9 miles in length, making it easy for visitors to keep track of their walking or running
Relax amid beautiful flower beds and a spectacular view of Orlando’s skyline and the gorgeous Lake Eola, enjoy the swans and other birds inhabiting the park, or you can check out a free concert, movie or a play in the Walt Disney Amphitheater.
Harry P Leu Gardens
Explore an amazing botanical oasis nearly 50-acres minutes from Downtown Orlando. Harry P Leu Gardens features landscaped grounds and lakes, with walking trails all shaded by 200-year-old oaks and forests of camellias. Free entry days at Leu Gardens are offered on select Mondays throughout the year, check the website for details.
The UCF Arboretum
The Arboretum of the University of Central Florida is located on the main campus of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, United States. Covering 80 acres, it contains more than 600 species of plants, including more than 100 bromeliads, in cultivated gardens.
Lake Lotus Park
Lake Lotus Park is the City of Altamonte Springs’ nature preserve. The total area is approximately 150 acres, including 120 acres of woods and wetlands. The park is a diverse, natural habitat that provides limitless natural encounters with flora and fauna.
Oakland Nature Preserve
West of Orlando, just 30 minutes from the attractions and nestled between Winter Garden and Clermont in the beautiful Town of Oakland, lies a "hidden gem." Oakland Nature Preserve is a150-acre preserve offering environmental education and ecotourism activities for visitors of all ages.
Mead Botanical Garden
With 47 acres to explore in Winter Park, your senses will come alive with the sights, sounds, and scents of the garden. Mead Botanical Garden offers hiking trails, creek, boardwalk, tall pine trees, greenhouse, butterfly garden, and pond that’s home to turtles, fish and wading birds.
Kraft Azalea Garden
This 5.22-acre public garden is located on the shore of Lake Maitland and is open year round from 8 a.m. until dusk. Kraft Azalea Garden is a beautiful park is shaded by enormous cypress trees that add to the old Florida charm of the 13-acre property
Orlando Urban Trail
The Orlando Urban Trail is located near Downtown Orlando and is considered the spine of Orlando’s trail network.
The trail is approximately three miles long and runs from Lake Highland through Loch Haven Park, to Mead Garden in Winter Park. Highlights include connections to six lakes, Orlando Cultural Park, and the Gaston Edwards Trail.
West Orange Trail
The West Orange Trail is a 22-mile long multi-use rail trail. The paved trail passes through downtown Oakland, Winter Garden, and Apopka with most of its length built on old railroad alignments.
Lake Nona Sculpture Garden
The Lake Nona Sculpture Garden is a 50,000 square-foot outdoor space designed for the exploration and discovery of a distinguished selection of sculptures from one of the world’s largest private art collections, The Lewis Collection.
Orlando Wetlands Park
The Orlando Wetlands Park is a man-made wetland designed to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water from the City of Orlando and other local cities. The Park is 1650 acres in size and located in Christmas, Florida. Visitors can visit the Park seven days a week, between sunrise and sunset, to enjoy primitive and passive activities including, Photography, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, and Guided Tours
Cranes Roost Park
Cranes Roost Park is at the heart of Uptown Altamonte surrounding Cranes Roost Lake. The lake is encircled by one mile of continuous walkway with benches and covered seating areas. Within the 45-acre park is a European-style plaza including a choreographed fountain show, a 62-foot picturesque tower and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater which features stadium-style seating and a one-of-a-kind floating stage.
The Seminole Wekiva Trail
The nearly 14 mile Seminole Wekiva Trail is a paved recreational trail that has been designated as one of Seminole County's Showcase Trails because of its length, beauty, and accommodation of many users.
The section of the trail that runs west of the I-4 trail overpass to the County line at the Wekiva River is also a designated part of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
Dr. P. Phillips Community Park
Dr. P. Phillips Community Park provides a range of amenities for the whole family to enjoy, including playgrounds, splash pad, plus sports fields, picnic areas & a dog run
Wekiva Island
Central Florida’s favorite watering hole Wekiva Island. Located just north of Orlando, Wekiva Island offers visitors the chance to experience the incredible natural springs in Florida. Explore the pristine Wekiva River and its fascinating Florida wildlife with more than 2,000 square feet of Island fun.
Museums and Galleries
Orlando has a long list of museums, gardens and cultural attractions, many are free, while others offer designated free admission days.
Rollins Museum of Art
The Rollins Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions, ongoing programs, and an extensive permanent collection that spans centuries, from examples of ancient art and artifacts to contemporary art.
Open to the public free year-round, its holdings include the only European Old Master paintings in the Orlando area, a sizeable American art collection, and a forward-thinking contemporary collection.
Mennello Museum
Paintings of American Impressionism and Realism from the Mennello Museum collection alongside important works from prestigious Florida museums. Every second Sunday of the month, Mennello Museum offers free admission to the galleries during Free Family Funday.
CityArts
Funky gallery collective with monthly, varied exhibitions from local & international artists. CityArts in downtown Orlando is th Downtown Arts District's flagship venue containing six galleries, presentation and events spaces, as well as home to Curate Cafe.
Orange County Regional History Center
The Orange County Regional History Center housed in a historic courthouse in the heart of downtown Orlando, offers four floors of exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Central Florida’s rich heritage. Enjoy free entry the 3rd Thursday of the month, 6 pm to 9 pm.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The Morse Museum in Winter Park is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of dazzling works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. A visit is complimentary during Friday Nights at the Morse scheduled November through April from 4 pm to 8 pm.
The museum is also free on Independence Day, Easter weekend, Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival weekend, and Christmas Eve.
Art & History Museums of Maitland
You can enjoy free admission on the last Wednesday of every month to the current exhibition of the Maitland Art Center Gallery.
Open House At The Casa
Casa Feliz, or "Happy House," is the signature work of noted architect James Gamble Rogers II. The Andalusian-style masonry farmhouse has significantly influenced the architectural and cultural aspects of the community and served as a gathering spot for cultural discussion and education. Enjoy an open house on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon
The Alfond Inn Art Tours
Meet in The Alfond Inn lobby for a free tour with a Rollins Museum of Art staff member every first Wednesday of the month, which lasts about 60 minutes.
Artlando
Grab a map from the DT Orlando Information Center and go on a self-guided tour of downtown Orlando's streets to discover the contemporary sculptures which are Art Orlando. Not only will you get to know Downtown as you walk around, you’ll be seriously impressed by these stunning works of art.
Orlando Murals
Take a walk through downtown Orlando, and you’ll discover art in unexpected places, including larger-than-life butterflies, a vintage Orlando postcard, hanging gardens, even a parking garage covered with murals, and the latest downtown mural, Unbelievable Real!
Promenade at Sunset Walk
If you've not been to the Promenade at Sunset Walk yet, why not? The Promenade is a beautiful outdoor entertainment district that is free to visit, and is home to a variety of regular free events and entertainment, all set against a backdrop of eateries, fine dining, retail shops, and more.
Check out the regular free weekly events:
Tuesday thru Sunday:
Live Music on the Promenade Plaza Stage
Thursday:
Promenade Plaza Thursdays Featuring the best art and décor vendors from across Central Florida.
Saturday:
Show Car Saturday Nights
All makes and models are welcome and displayed along Margaritaville Boulevard.
Car enthusiasts will enjoy the music of DJ Scotty B and the best live bands while admiring an amazing collection of classic to modern automobiles.
Sunday:
Artisan Street Market
Featuring local artisan, craft, and specialty vendors from across Central Florida
Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town in Kissimmee is a much loved and very popular free entertainment district featuring unique shopping, dining, rides and more with free weekly events, live music, and of course, Old Town's legendary car shows.
Check out the regular free weekly events here:
Wednesday:
Wednesday Night Themed Car Show
A unique car show featuring show-quality specific types, models or makes of cars and trucks. As long as you own that type of vehicle, you can be a part of the show. It’s free to participate or attend and features live music. Check here for the latest themes.
Friday:
Friday Muscle Car Show & Cruise
The Friday Muscle Car Show features show-quality muscle and factory-performance cars from 1964 and newer and classics from 1985 and older. Cars will cruise at 8:30 pm and all cars registered can participate.
The Muscle Car Show & Cruise is free for car owners and free for the public to attend.
Saturday:
Saturday Classic Car Show & Cruise
The Old Town Classic Car Show has been a local tradition for over 30 years, it is one of the premier weekly car shows in Central Florida. The Saturday Classic Car Show welcomes show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. Cars will cruise at 8:30 pm and all cars registered can participate.
The Classic Car Show is free for participants and free for the public to attend.
East End Market
The East End Market is a neighborhood market & food hall in the Audubon Park Garden District of Orlando featuring a vast array of artisanal vendors in one marketplace, from bakers to pasta makers to coffee roasters.
Church Street Station
The unofficial centre of Downtown Orlando, Church Street really is the place to go for first-timers wanting to get to know the city a little better. It’s home to some of the city’s best restaurants, a bustling nightlife scene and the iconic Railroad Depot (that now sits alongside the newly-built ‘SunRail’).
For more than 100 years, Church Street has been the heart of downtown Orlando. The revitalized Church Street Station continues this tradition, offering an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, retail and business for locals and tourists alike.
Discover several clubs, theatres, shopping dining and more!
Plus, check out the iconic ad historic Railroad Depot, that sits alongside the modern SunRail station.
USTA National Campus
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus located in Lake Nona is the home of American Tennis.
Open to the public for match play, casual tennis and lesson instruction, the flagship home for American tennis houses 100 floodlit courts, including two championship courts and a 12-court collegiate center. The result is a world-class facility for players and coaches of all levels, from first-time players to touring professionals.
The facility is free to visit, and The USTA National Campus is now offering a great way for new players in the Orlando area to get started in tennis, pickleball or padel. This new initiative includes a free 30-minute hitting session with one of the campus’ teaching pros for any player who has never participated in USTA National Campus programming. Players of all ages and abilities can take advantage of this new offer, as it is designed to create a more personalized introductory experience for those participating in campus programming for the first time.
The 30-minute session will include tips and evaluation and at the conclusion of the session, the teaching pro will recommend classes and programs based upon the players’ skill and interest. For children, the pro can also discuss with the parents different programming options based upon the player’s desired pathway in tennis, pickleball or padel.
Free Orlando Movie Nights
Living in the sunshine state we are blessed with perfect evening weather to catch an outdoor movie, and there truly is something magical about watching a movie under the stars, therefore it's not surprising that there is a great choice of parks and locations throughout Orlando where you can snuggle on a blanket, enjoy a picnic and watch a great free movie!
MoviEola at Lake Eola Park
Select Nights
Enjoy free outdoor movies on the East Lawn, Lake Eola Park.
Popcorn Flicks in the Park
Second Thursday Of Each Month
The Enzian Theater presents classic films for the whole family in Central Park, Winter Park.
Sunset Cinema at Crane's Roost Park
Select Saturdays
Bring your chairs and blankets to watch movies in Cranes Roost Park!
Outdoor Movie Monday at À La Cart
Mondays
FREE outdoor movies at th
e social dining experience À La Cart, downtown Orlando.
Movie in the Park Oviedo
Select Evenings
Enjoy free movies at Center Lake Park, Oviedo Amphitheater.
Movie Under the Stars Avalon Park
Select Evenings
Catch a free movie at Town Park, Avalon Park
Movie in the Park Longwood
Select Fridays FREE outdoor movie in Reiter Park.
Movies in the Park, Maitland
Select Saturdays
FREE outdoor movies at Independence Square, downtown Maitlan
Celebration Town Center
Travel back in time to find the town of Celebration in Kissimmee, a planned community originally developed by the Walt Disney Company.
This is a pedestrian-friendly, wonderful small town where you can explore the old-fashioned downtown, including Market Street, and Lakeside Promenade, or you can enjoy the miles of walking paths and nature trails.
On Market Street there is various events throughout the year including craft festivals, antique car shows, and a wonderful holiday event where it snows on Market Street every night. Check out the events calendar for more details.
Old Orlando
Mixing architecture and history is a great way to spend the day and learn more about downtown Orlando with a self-guided Historic Districts Walking Tour.
You’ll learn about structures that were designed and built when horses were still clopping along Church Street and see how they’ve been adapted for modern uses.
The Downtown Orlando Historic District Self-Guided Walking Tour gives you the opportunity to experience Orlando history first hand.
This self-guided walking tour is available online.
Thornton Park
Just east of the central Lake Eola, you’ll find this cool and quiet neighbourhood that really feels like you’ve escaped the city for an out-of-town suburb.
This charming neighborhood is home to some of Orlando's best restaurants, hip cafés, cool galleries and a few bistros, all set around some ever-so-quaint old cobbled streets.
Well worth a few hours to stretch your legs and take in the sights and sounds of Thornton Park.
Campus Tour At Rollins College
From the sparkling waters of Lake Virginia to the energy of the residential halls, Rollins College’s 80-acre campus really has to be seen to be believed.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the campus by booking a spot on one of the daily campus tours or by signing up for one of the special on-campus events
Art After Dark in Lake Nona
Every Friday night, Art After Dark takes over Lake Nona Town Center from 6 pm.
Perfectly nestled between Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen and Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine of Lake Nona, Art After Dark is a perfect free evening out for the whole family.
Enjoy a stroll through the Town Center as you explore hand crafted artisan products, and tasty cuisine. Be sure to grab a glass a wine, stay a while to enjoy the art displayed on the six story art installation, The Beacon.
Dinky Dock
Spend a day at the beach in Winter Park. Dinky Dock is a 1.56-acre year-round park and offers a fishing pier and boat ram.Yes there is a beach and swimming is permitted.
Winter Park
The Orange County city of Winter Park, situated north of Orlando, was once considered a winter resort. Today, the arts- and culture-filled city of Winter Park includes Rollins College and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Natural Art.
Winter Park is also is a nature lover's destination. In Winter Park you'ill find more than 70 parks, all home to various events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year, plus don't miss the dining, shopping, the arts and more in the Park Avenue District.
Winter Garden
Nestled on beautiful Lake Apopka about 20 minutes west of Orlando, this former citrus town established in 1908 is known for its many recreational amenities, events and historical assets.
Winter Garden is home to the Garden Theatre, the SoBo Gallery and Art Center, several museums and the Downtown Pavilion, which is home to the Winter Garden Farmers Market that is held every Saturday morning.
Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team
The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team perform free ski shows throughout the year in Winter Haven, the show is held on the 3rd Saturday of every month on Lake River in Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Winter Haven.
From the pyramid to one ski, to even barefoot, the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team pulls out all the tricks on Lake Silver. A world famous show that started at the old Cypress Gardens theme park in 1943 and continues on in Winter Haven to this day.
Sanford Art & Jazz Night
Join Historic Downtown Sanford on the 3rd Thursday of the Month in Historic Downtown Sanford for Sanford Art & Jazz Night 6-9pm and every 3rd Thursday!
Enjoy a special evening celebrating the arts, music & spirits at multiple venues! Free event.
Musica della Notte at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Get swept up in the "music of the night" at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Each evening at sunset (weather permitting), the Harbor Piazza comes alive with a choral celebration inspired by the romance and charm of Italy. Catch this impressive performance of classic opera, festive melodies, and "popera" favorites to end your night on a high note.
Lakeridge Winery Tours
FREE Guided Tours and Tasting are offered 7 days a week starting at 10:00 am each day, with the last tour offered at 4:00 pm.
Tours usually run every 30-40 minutes and begin with a 10 minute video presentation, which guides you through the entire wine making process and the history of Florida wine.
Your personal Tour Guide will then show you the winemaking area and the spectacular view of the vineyards where the grapes are grown and harvested.
The guided Wine tasting offers a selection of award winning wines ranging from dry to sweet, and also sparkling. The winery tour and wine tasting lasts approximately 45 minutes and is educational for the whole family!!
WineART Marketplace in Lake Mary
This monthly event is in Central Park and includes food trucks, local artisans, live entertainment in the Gazebo, and refreshing craft adult beverages in the beer & wine Garden.
The event is free to attend and parking is complimentary along 4th Street and Lakeview Avenue, with additional lots behind both streets.
Orlando Area Farmers Markets
If you’re looking for fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, honey, meats and other foods, the best place to visit is a local Central Florida farmers market.
Discover a variety of locally grown foods, handmade crafts, seasonal plants and much more.
Winter Garden Farmers Market
The Winter Garden Farmers Market is your hometown market open every Saturday from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. in beautiful Historic Winter Garden.
Winter Park Farmers Market
The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is one of the best produce and plant markets in Central Florida which takes place every Saturday morning from 8 am - 1 pm in Central Park.
Lake Mary Farmers Market
The Lake Mary Farmers Market features local vendors of produce, plants, baked goods, and arts and crafts. The market is open every Saturday, from 9 am - 1:30 pm at Lake Mary City Hall.
City of Longwood Farmer's Market
Visit every Saturday at the City of Longwood Farmers Market at Reiter Park from 9 am - 2 pm, with locally sourced seafood and produce to handmade crafts and more.
Lake Nona Farmers Market
Join in every Saturday morning in Lake Nona, the Lake Nona Farmers Market takes place in the beautiful Town Center from 11 am - 3 pm, shop local with the freshest produce and more.
Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park
One of the most popular farmers markets in Central Florida, Orlando Farmer’s Market is located in the heart of Orlando at Lake Eola park, and takes place Sundays 10 am - 4 pm.
Celebration Farmers Market
Every week at Celebration Farmers Market there are multiple vendors here selling everything from fresh food and produce, to local crafted jewelry, and much more, with a beautiful backdrop of Lakeside Park, this is a must go to farmers market on Sundays, 9 am - 2 pm.
East Orlando Farmer's Market
The popular East Orlando Farmers Market offers hand selected produce, creative local small business owners, along with botanical varieties to chose from. Every Sunday 11 am - 4 pm.
Clermont Farmer's Market
Clermont Farmer's Market features over 60 vendors selling seafood, organic produce, and other household items, this popular market is the place to go on Sundays 9 am - 2 pm.
Downtown Mount Dora Village Market
Mount Dora’s open-air Mount Dora Village Market in Sunset Park is open Sundays from 9 am – 2 pm offering fresh products from over 50 market vendors.
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