With an ever-expanding lineup of attractions at Disney World and Universal, the City Beautiful ever has something exciting to offering. Just in that location's much more than to Florida's tourism hotspot than big-ticket amusement. There are heaps of inexpensive and free things to do in Orlando, and they are merely every bit fun every bit the theme parks.

Whether y'all want to moisture your whistle at the city's simply organic brewery, discover Orlando'south great outdoors or take in the iconic skyline at Lake Eola, hither's a listing of things to do on the inexpensive!

*Please comport with u.s.a., we are working hard to be accurate but these are unusual times, so check your plans before heading out!

  • Fun and entertainment
  • Parks and nature
  • Window shopping
  • Day trips and tours
  • Historical sights
  • Hitting the beach
  • Museums and galleries
  • Food and potable
  • Music and theater
Rediscover that vacation feeling in Orlando

Family activities in Orlando

Fun and amusement

1) Check out Universal'southward Citywalk
Information technology may price to become into the theme parks simply you tin can visit Universal'due south Citywalk entertainment complex and y'all but have to pay for parking. Citywalk is a mix of shopping, restaurants and nightlife, with enough of free music and amusement. Depending on the month of the yr there may be additional free family unit activities throughout the complex.

2) Stay in a cheap villa with themed rooms
If y'all're looking for cheap adaptation, Orlando is home to a huge range of affordable vacation rentals with astonishing themed rooms. Whether your little ones dearest princesses, pirates, wizards or video games, there'due south a themed bedroom simply for them. What's more, they're cheaper than you retrieve! You can book a holiday rental with themed rooms like the ones below from as little as $fourscore per dark – see the Top Villas website for more details.

Cheap vacation rentals with themed rooms in Orlando

3) Visit Disney Springs
Things to exercise in Orlando Fl don't go much improve than this. Disney Springs complex at Walt Disney Resort offers plenty of low-cost and totally complimentary means to spend the day. This bustling waterside promenade is packed with unique boutiques, 1-of-a-kind eateries and cutting-edge entertainment including live music and specialty acts. Niggling ones will dearest the Lego Imagination Centre, where they can custom build their own Lego figures for free.

4) Hang out at I-Drive 360
The swanky $250m entertainment destination is home to some awe-inspiring sights. In that location's the 400-foot Orlando Center observation wheel, a Madame Tussaud'due south, a Sealife Aquarium, and an Animals Unveiled 'museum'. The attractions require tickets but entry to the circuitous is free, and in that location are plenty of restaurants, shops, confined and free amusement.

5) Watch America's almost famous motorcar cruise
Take a stroll through the Erstwhile Town entertainment park in Kissimmee and you'll observe great shopping, dining and family entertainment. Located on Route 192, just minutes from Disney, this retro walking commune is a recreation of a classic Florida town and offers a welcome break from the larger theme parks. On Saturday nights there's a classic car cruise, one of America'south well-nigh famous, featuring hundreds of classic cars and costless entertainment for all ages.

6) Come across ghostly goings-on at Spook Colina
No list of things to practice in Orlando would be complete without mentioning Spook Hill. Each year visitors from far and wide are fatigued to this unique spooky attraction at Lake Wales, around an hour'south drive southward of Downtown. Visit Spook Hill, park your car in neutral, and be amazed every bit it appears to gyre uphill without any form of momentum. Is the hill haunted, like some local people propose? Or is it simply an optical illusion?

Parks & nature

seven) Soak up the sights at Lake Eola
This 43-acre oasis in the heart of Downtown offers spectacular views over the urban center'southward iconic skyline. You can swallow a picnic side by side to the lake, feed the resident swans, enjoy i of the many free concerts at the amphitheater, or pop by the farmer'due south market place on Sundays.

8) Kick dorsum in the Harry P. Leu Gardens
For family unit activities in Orlando for the whole family, head to Orlando'due south most beautiful gardens. Dwelling house to an array of cute landscaped gardens and the fascinating Leu House Museum, this gorgeous spot is a slap-up style to spend the day learning about plow-of-the-century living for the families who once called this residence home. Archway is around $3 for children, $x for adults and free for children historic period 4 and nether.

nine) Have a hike
Things to do in Orlando Fl tin be more relaxing than you might think. Escape the city at Mead Botanical Garden, an immaculately manicured manor run by the Metropolis of Winter Park. Located just a few miles from the downtown business commune, at that place's a butterfly garden, citrus trees, a lake, and acres of shady picnic spots. There's as well a swamp boardwalk, a pretty hiking trail and an old amphitheater. Entrance is free of charge.

10) Visit a wild animals oasis
A wildlife haven just a stone'southward throw from Disney Earth, Tibet Butler Preserve boasts miles of well-maintained hiking trails for hours of family unit fun – all for costless.

11) Go manatee spotting
Bluish Spring Land Park is a dedicated manatee refuge where you tin spot Florida's famous manatee during the winter months. Located west of the metropolis, effectually 40 minutes' drive from Orlando, the park is a popular tourist destination where you can also get canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, wildlife watching and swimming.

12) Learn to swim like a mermaid

If you're staying at Encore Resort, you can use the huge aqua park for free, plus your little ones can join the resort's incredible Mermaid Academy. They accept mermaid tails for all ages, and classes are on a offset come up, beginning served ground. For other mermaid-inspired fun, caput to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park where you can see live mermaid shows – there's too a waterpark and boat rides.

Encore Resort Orlando is a fantastic family resort

13) Go tubing at Kelly Park
A top spot for family activities in Orlando, Kelly Park features a free flowing natural spring and a crystal clear creek where you tin float the days away. Along with hiking trails, y'all'll find volleyball courts and a playground. Yous tin bring your own tubes or rent ane just outside the park. Entrance is around $5 per vehicle for 3-8 people.

14) See a sinkhole
1 of the well-nigh unique and fascinating forests in the state, Ocala National Forest is known for its huge areas of pino scrub forest, its natural pools and its canoe runs. There are hundreds of trails to explore including one that runs by a sinkhole and the remains of 19th-century homesteads.

15) Go mountain biking
Every outdoor enthusiast will love the Snowhill Trail, also known as Piffling Big Econ State Forest. Hailed as the urban center'southward largest trail system, mount bikers can savor all 24-hour interval use of the trails for just $two per person. Not only is information technology i of the cheapest things to do, it'll also keep yous entertained for hours.

Window shopping

16) Visit Orlando's most pop shopping mall
With more than 20 1000000 visitors a year the Florida Mall is i of the near popular tourist destinations. At that place are more than than 250 stores and restaurants, besides as a free kids' play surface area. You can explore the impressive array of shops, or just window shop and admire the mall'due south superbly styled interior.

17) Take a trip to The Mall at Millenia
No list of things to do in Orlando Fl would be complete without mentioning shopping. You'll exist every bit amazed past the architecture as you are past the designer stores at the Mall at Millenia. Located merely off Interstate 4 at Conroy Road, this uber-modern mall boasts a dazzling choice of exclusive brands in an exquisite environment, adorned with gorgeous art, relaxing fountains and breathtaking glass ceilings.

eighteen) Grab a bargain at the Premium Outlets
Y'all tin can buy designer brands at extraordinary prices with savings of up to 65% at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, located in Vineland and along International Bulldoze.

Day trips and tours

nineteen) Gloat in the  town of Celebration
Visit the Disney-made town of Commemoration and marvel at gorgeous gardens, huge houses and all the magic of Disney living. Children can play in the interactive fountain plus, depending on when you visit, yous tin can see artificial snow or falling leaves.

20) Chill at a secret garden
Dubbed Florida'due south 'cloak-and-dagger garden', the 5-acre Kraft Azalea Garden is located on the shore of Lake Maitland and is open all year circular from 8am until dusk. Unique, secluded and picturesque, a day trip here is 1 of the best things to do in Orlando if you're looking to but arctic.

Things to do in Orlando for families

21) See where 10,000 alligators live
Located in Oviedo, just a rock's throw from the busiest attractions, Lake Jesup is home to more than 10,000 alligators too as turtles of all sizes and thousands of species of birds. Black Hammock Adventures runs a gratis live gator exhibit, plus airboat tours for around $30 per person.

22) Play games (and more) at the local library
The Orlando Public Library is open to all, and hosts a variety of events including special readings, arts and crafts, family movie nights, lath games, and musical events. This is a smashing options if yous're looking for things to do in Orlando Florida – for free.

23) Explore the Everglades National Park
Located in southern Florida, a few hours' drive away, the Everglades National Park offers up-close views of alligators and crocodiles, also as walking tours, airboat tours, wheel trips and canoeing excursions. Entrance per car is around $twenty and is valid for 7 consecutive days.

Step back in time

24) Take a wander through Fort Christmas Historical Park
Fort Christmas was congenital in present day Christmas, past US army soldiers and Alabama volunteers during the Second Seminole War. Today you can see a full-scale replica of the fort, located just southward of Christmas Creek, less than a mile from its original location. There's as well a small museum at the site, along with several restored 'Florida Cracker' houses depicting rural Florida life from the 1870s through the 1930s. Entrance is free.

25) Explore Church Street
The historic downtown district is home to some of America'south oldest houses and prettiest neighbourhoods. You can see ane of the frequent concerts on the bandstand at nearby Wall Street Plaza, and take advantage of the regular drinks offers and seasonal specials at the surrounding restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

26) Visit the Singing Belfry at Bok Tower Gardens
Located in the rolling citrus hills in celebrated Lake Wales, Bok Belfry Gardens is habitation to acres of must-run across scenery and a gothic 205-pes Singing Tower housing 1 of the world'southward finest carillons. At that place are immaculately manicured gardens and walking trails to explore, plus daily carillon concerts that can exist heard throughout the gardens. Entrance is $15 for adults and $5 for children, and gratuitous of charge for nether-5s.

27) Experience 'Big Tree Park'
Pace back in time at Big Tree Park and curiosity at the 'Senator' site, in one case domicile to the oldest and largest cypress tree in the world. Unfortunately the tree was destroyed past burn down, just a memorial has since been developed effectually its massive stump, and a huge clone tree has been planted nearby.

28) Wander through the Bradlee-McIntyre House
Built in 1885 for noted Boston architect Nathaniel Jeremiah Bradlee, the Bradlee-McIntyre House is the only surviving Queen Anne-manner cottage in the Orange and Seminole counties. The three-story, 13-room wintertime vacation house features an octagonal belfry and "ginger-bread" trim typical of the flamboyant houses of the menses.

Hit the beach

29) Picnic at Cocoa Embankment
The beach will always be one of the best family activities in Orlando, and of the beaches that Orlandoans nearly love is Cocoa Beach, located just east of the city straight downwardly the Land Road 528. Facilities include a 300-acre parking lot, large picnic pavilions, picnic tables, walkways and a bathhouse with outdoor showers and restrooms. It's around an 60 minutes's drive; all you demand to pay for is the gas.

Free things to do in Orlando

30) Go swimming at Daytona Beach
An 60 minutes'due south drive from Orlando, Daytona is one of the few Florida beaches where you can drive onto the sand. This traditional Atlantic Ocean beach also boasts a boardwalk and a pier, plus child-friendly attractions like a dazzling water park and a family unit entertainment middle. Nearby y'all'll find the Daytona International Speedway, historic St. Augustine and the lovely New Smyrna Embankment.

31) Hit the Gulf Coast
You might not expect beaches to make the list of things to practise in Orlando, but they're piece of cake to get to from the city. It may be a longer drive than the east coast beaches but Clearwater is well worth the endeavour. Three miles of powdery sands and an affluence of family unit attractions await in this reawakening one-time Florida town along the Gulf Coast. Once you're there you'll notice enough of affordable eateries and embankment shops.

Museums & galleries

32) Explore Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Located in Winter Park, this fascinating art museum houses the earth'due south best collection of works past designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. There's also a major drove of American pottery, and fine collections of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings, graphics and decorative arts. Admission is just a few dollars for adults and gratis for under 12s.

33) Get inspired at the Grand Maverick Gallery
For cultural things to do where meliorate to caput than this? Hailed every bit one of the most eclectic and visually stimulating art galleries in America, the Yard Bohemian is habitation to awe-inspiring local contemporary art and jewellery, along with European paintings from the 19th century.

34) Visit the Museum of Seminole County History
Situated in Sanford, this museum offers a glimpse of Seminole County history through a broad variety of exhibits, including maps, photographs, documents and mementos that tell the stories of Seminole County's inhabitants, their lives, lineages and local legends.

35) Exist wowed at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum
The Cornell Fine Arts Museum has one of Florida's finest collections of fine fine art, including works past Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Thomas Moran, among others. Entrance is costless and you tin also enjoy a free xxx-minute tour of the museum.

36) Check out Orlando'due south Museum of Fine art

The Orlando Museum of Art showcases American, African and aboriginal American fine art, with a discovery middle, a shop and gratuitous parking. Entrance is $fifteen for adults, $5 for children and free for ages three and under.

37) Capeesh African American art at the Hurston Museum
Located in Eatonville, the Hurston Museum takes you on a journey through history starting with the acclaimed writer Zora Neale Hurston's apprehensive ancestry. From 19th-century furniture crafted by slaves to contemporary paintings by urban children, the museum showcases the work of many African artists. Entrance is free.

38) Visit the Holocaust museum
This sobering Holocaust museum at Maitland, around 15 minutes' bulldoze from Downtown, is dwelling house to a big collection of artefacts from the Holocaust. It's open every day except Saturdays.

39) Go gallery hopping at Urban center Arts Factory
This funky fine art gallery is a must-see during your vacation, featuring the largest drove of galleries in downtown Orlando. At that place are local and international works of art rotated on a monthly basis, set against a behemothic manufacturing plant background. Archway is free Tuesday through Saturday from 11am until 6pm

Food and drink

40) Pig out at a fun farmers' marketplace
I of the most popular family activities in Orlando – get a great deal on fresh local produce at the weekly Winter Park Farmers' Marketplace. Held in a vintage train depot, just off Park Avenue, this humming farmers' marketplace is a top spot for perusing and purchasing a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal foods and plants. It takes place every Sat from 7am until 1pm, all year round.

41) Endeavor local vino at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
A sprawling land estate some 25 miles west of the metropolis, Lakeridge ranks every bit Florida's largest premium winery. Complimentary tours and wine tasting are offered 7 days a week and there are many complimentary festivals and events throughout the yr.

42) Bout Orlando's just organic beer brewery
Check out the giant fermenting vats and learn how organic beer is brewed on a tour of Orlando's but organic beer brewery. Every weekend the Orlando Brewing Visitor offers costless brewery tours and free live entertainment on the outdoor stage.

43) Visit Earth of Beer for happy hour
Overlooking Lake Eola in downtown, World of Beer is a top spot to watch the sun set over the city. There's a daily happy hour, plus great value pub chow and free live music shows.

Affordable things to do in Orlando

44) Get good for you at Chamberlin's Market
Located across the city, these wellness markets offering free wellness workshops, guest speakers and free samples of organic food.

45) Grab a bullpen of beer at the Eden Bar
The Eden Bar outside the Enzian Theater in Maitland offers daily drinks specials including happy hour and Wednesday nighttime beer pitchers for around $nine.

46) Endeavour running for beer
Mix running with pleasure with Running for Brews, Orlando's most famous beer-based running guild. Runners meet upwards at Graffiti Junktion every Midweek night at 7pm so proceed to run a 5km route around the neighborhood. At the cease in that location are cold craft brews for free.

Music and theater

47) Fred Rock Theater
The Fred Rock Theater at Rollins College in Winter Park is home to a pupil-produced Second Stage Series. All performances are free and open to the public.

48)The Yard Bohemian

The K Maverick Hotel on S Orange Avenue has a posh jazz lounge where you can sip a cocktail and bask some of Orlando'southward only alive jazz music. It'south habitation to an Regal Chiliad Bosendorfer piano, one of simply a handful in the globe. So if nothing else, grab a cocktail of selection, bank check out the pianoforte and and relax for a while.

49) Become free audition tickets
An array of popular American television shows are often filmed in Orlando, and if y'all're in boondocks during filming it'southward really easy to go free audience tickets. To go tickets visit On Camera Audiences and search the area to meet what shows are on, and what times and dates you can sign up for. Recent shows have included 'Family Feud' and 'American Ninja Warrior'.

50) Howl at the Moon
Sing, dance and howl along as the state's most talented musicians perform all your family songs at this part-bar, part-concert venue. Located at International Drive, all it costs is the price of a potable.

51) Popcorn Flicks in Winter Park
Held on the 2d Thursday of each calendar month in the Fundamental Park surface area of Winter Park, the Popcorn Flicks series features classic films for the whole family, and they are free for anyone to nourish. Shows typically kickoff at around sunset and are dependent on the weather.

52) Orlando Fringe

Hailed as one of the all-time cheap things to do in Orlando, the Orlando Fringe festival is a major event featuring amazing theater, music, trip the light fantastic toe and fine art productions. During the festival at that place are dozens of shows on for kids and adults alike. Tickets range in toll from costless – $12.

53) Immerse

Each yr Orlando'south Artistic City Project hosts its almanac Immerse issue where local artists and performers bring the heart of the 'Metropolis Beautiful' to life. Whether it's a ragtag group pushing a concert pianist through downtown on a wheeled contraption, or Cirque du Soleil performers dangling higher up City Hall, you'll bask an array of experiences. Basic tickets are free. For updated details about Immerse check their website.

54) Orlando Film Festival

The Orlando Moving picture Festival is also well worth visiting; it features a lot of quirky, independent movies. Information technology's not gratuitous but information technology'south cracking value for what you get. A ane-day laissez passer is $20 and you'll get access to films, music events and interactive activities. Cheque the website for updates!

55) Tanqueray's

For music lovers, Tanqueray's bar in Downtown which is a true gem. Information technology has live music every night of the calendar week from some of Orlando's best bands like Christian Ryan, The Groove Orient, Ancient Lord's day and Daniel Heitz. In that location's no entry fee so it will just cost you the price of a beverage.

56) The Melrose Middle

The Melrose Center in Downtown offers classes in various subjects including music and art to name a few. There's no shortage of knowledge you tin can gain, all at no toll to an Orlando resident besides a library bill of fare.

57) The Orlando Ballet

If trip the light fantastic toe is your scene you really can't crush the Orlando Ballet. You tin can come across honey classics such as The Nutcracker and Carmina Burana, or new creations similar Mad Tales of the Hatter and other performances. Regular tickets price effectually $200 however subscribers and families tin get cheap tickets that kickoff from $xv.

58) See an Irish dance evidence

All the family unit are invited to frolic inside the simply authentic Irish gaelic pub, Raglan Road. Information technology was congenital entirely in Ireland then shipped lock, stock and barrel to Disney Springs.  Archway is costless, and the menu offerings are all great value. While you lot're dining you'll savor fantastic live music and honor-winning Irish gaelic trip the light fantastic toe shows. If you are in town for St Patrick's 24-hour interval exist sure to stop by the Mighty St Patrick'southward Day Festival. Entrance is gratis.

59) Get inexpensive tickets to a basketball game

You tin can see Orlando Magic at the Amway Center for as piffling equally $15 if y'all book seats in Game Tier seven at Promenade B. Alternatively, if you lot opt for Ultimate seats in Game Tier 7 you'll pay around $167 but yous'll benefit from up-close views of the game every bit well every bit access the Ultimate Lounge with all-inclusive food and beverage. Cheque with their website for up-to-the-infinitesimal updates and opening times.

lx) Take coffee with a true cat

At the Orlando True cat Cafe you can relax with a steaming cup of coffee while watching the playful antics of cats and kittens. The venue is the get-go of its kind to open in Key Florida and is both a cozy java house and a true cat play/adoption center. You can purchase premium tea, java and pastries in the primary cafe which has cats roaming freely, or for a small fee you tin pet and cuddle feline residents in the designated Cat Play Zone – or fifty-fifty prefer one

61) Bike the West Orange Trail
Running all the manner from Lake Minneola in Clermont, through celebrated Winter Garden and Apopka, the West Orange Trail is a must for cycling fans. The popular 22-mile route is used for all types of biking, besides every bit skating, running and walking. Cycle rentals are available from W Orange Bikes and Blades from $eight per hour/$thirty per day.

Can yous call up of whatsoever more free or cheap things to do in Orlando Florida? Let the states know in the comments beneath and we'll add them to the guide!

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