There is a lot to see and do in Orlando, whether you are planning to visit Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, two of the most well-known ,free things to do in orlando besides theme parks, or you are simply hoping to explore the city. However, seeing the city’s main attractions can be expensive on a tight budget. When visiting the city, you’ll want to look for methods to cut costs because admittance to the theme parks at Universal Studios and Walt Disney World starts at more than $100 for a single day, and other local attractions can also be pricey. With so many public parks, art galleries, and exciting places to shop and eat, Orlando offers many free activities that will allow you to enjoy the Sunshine State without going over budget. The top 17 free places to visit in orlando are listed here.
free things to do in orlando
Visit Disney Springs
When you’re next visiting Walt Disney World, be sure to check out this resort area for food, shopping, and entertainment. Despite being on Disney property, Disney Springs is free to enter and self-park, so you may experience the magic of Disney without spending any money. There’s plenty of stuff to see here, including over 60 restaurants, about 100 stores, and nearly two dozen attractions, performances, and events. You can choose to splurge on new Disney stuff and a nice meal out, or you can keep it affordable with window shopping and a fast supper at a counter-service restaurant.
Check Out Universal CityWalk
Steps from the theme parks, Universal Orlando’s CityWalk is another dining, retail, and entertainment center near a theme park with lots to see and do. The resort refers to it as “The Epicenter of Awesome,” it features several distinctive eateries, activities, and retail establishments. Standard parking during the day costs $30 per car, but most evenings after 6 p.m., parking is free for visitors. Take in the atmosphere for a free evening out, or stop by one of the numerous eateries for a bite.
Take a stroll through Lake Eola Park
This public park, which lies in the city’s heart, is perfect for anybody seeking quiet time. Enjoy water and skyline views while strolling around the almost one-mile-long sidewalk loop that encircles the lake.
Birdwatch along Shingle Creek Trail
Water from Shingle Creek, known as the “Northernmost Headwaters of the Florida Everglades,” originates in the city and flows into Lake Tohopekaliga, which is close by, before entering the Everglades. Investigate the trail and watch for local birds, such as peregrine falcons and bald eagles.
Browse Art at CityArts
Visit CityArts, a group of seven galleries housed under one roof in the Downtown Arts District, to get a sense of the local art scene. It is free to visit and open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Art enthusiasts visiting Orlando should take advantage of this since it features an ever-changing schedule of fascinating exhibitions and events.
See Vintage Cars in Old Town in Kissimmee
For free vintage car displays and live music, take a quick trip down I-4 to Old Town, a nearby Kissimmee entertainment center with a throwback vibe. Owners proudly display their muscle vehicles, hot rods, and antiques every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, frequently with live music on the main stage.
Hike in the Tibet-Butler Preserve
Take a 3.6-mile stroll at this park through a conserved section of Florida wilderness. Despite being close to Walt Disney World, you can still enjoy the outdoors and possibly even see some animals.
Head to the Beach
Beautiful Cocoa Beach, about an hour’s drive east of Orlando, offers surf and sand. In addition to free parking and entry, Lori Wilson Park has amenities, including outdoor showers and restrooms, that will enhance your beach day.
Unwind in Kraft Azalea Garden
Take a stroll in the picturesque Kraft Azalea Garden, which is situated in Winter Park, just north of Orlando, to get away from the bustle of the city. Why not visit it to take in the views of Lake Maitland while relaxing under the shade of cypress trees? It’s free to access, just like everything else on our list.
Check Out Icon Park
Just south of the Universal Orlando Resort on busy International Drive lies an entertainment district called Icon Park. Parking and complex access are free, and the area has many attractions, shops, and restaurants. Make the walking tour that takes you between points of interest, go window shopping a lot, take in free live music events, and people-watch till you’re satisfied. Remember to take pictures of The Wheel at Icon Park, the 400-foot-tall Ferris wheel overlooking Orlando. If you’re lucky, you can also see its nightly light show, which takes place at dusk.
Unwind at the UCF Arboretum
Situated on the University of Central Florida campus, the UCF Arboretum provides tourists a serene environment for strolling in nature, only twenty minutes away from downtown Orlando. Free entry and self-guided tours are welcome, and guided educational tours are also offered for an additional charge. The attraction is open from sunrise to dusk. This 82-acre natural treasure has been open since 1983. Spend some time strolling the grounds, seeing the greenhouses, the community garden, and the nature trails.
Go on a Florida-style Safari
From the comfort of your car, the St. Johns River Water Management District provides a free do-it-yourself audio tour of its Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. This tour allows visitors to learn about the local alligator and bird populations and various agricultural and restorative projects taking place in the area.
Explore the Mills 50 District for Murals
The vibrant murals that cover numerous buildings in the city’s Mills 50 District, which is concentrated on the intersection of North Mills Avenue and East Colonial Drive, are a sight for art enthusiasts to see and capture on camera. View the 44 murals and their locations on the website, along with any other art projects accessible to the public while you’re in the area.
See the City from the Orlando Urban Trail
Discover the three-mile Orlando Urban Trail from Lake Highland Park to Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park. Along the way, you’ll see six of the most picturesque lakes in the city, the sculptures at Loch Haven Park, and Orwin Manor’s unique architecture. It’s a fun way to get outside and stroll through Orlando’s neighborhoods, whether by bicycle or on foot. Before you leave, make sure to review the website’s trail map.
Admire the Rollins Museum of Art’s Collection.
The Rollins Museum of Art is located in Winter Park, just a 15-minute drive north of Orlando’s downtown. Its permanent collection comprises over seven hundred paintings spanning the fourteenth to the twenty-first century and blends American, European, and modern art. It also houses several sculptures and over 2,000 pictures, sketches, and prints. Here, you may view several Andy Warhol pieces, and there are often changing exhibitions covering subjects like globalization, the future, kindness and compassion, and the world as experienced by women, transgender people, and non-binary people.
Take a Free Brewery Tour
Fans of craft beer, rejoice! Orlando has a thriving craft beer culture, and many of them provide unofficial, free things to do in orlando florida, behind-the-scenes tours upon request, so you may learn more about making your favorite bubbly beverage. For example, larger parties at Ivanhoe Park Brewing require reservations, but you can typically ask the personnel behind the bar for a short peek whenever it’s not too busy. Free tours are offered only on weekends at Deadwords Brewing Company, another well-liked location; inquire with the bartender or waitress. In contrast, Brewlando gives free tours daily from 4 to 6 p.m.
Watch a Free Movie in the Park
If all else fails, seeing a free movie under the stars is a great option, whether traveling with loved ones, friends, or family. Mondays at À La Cart Orlando are dedicated to classic films, accompanied by movie-ready snacks from on-site wine bars and food trucks. Movie screenings start at dusk or seven, depending on which ends first, and usually run for two hours.
