Free & Cheap Things To Do In Orlando
- Mead Gardens is a FREE 47-acre park with an amphitheater, butterfly garden, boardwalk and bike trail.
- Winter Park Boat Tour: float through the canals and lush landscape of Winter Parks waterways on a tranquil Scenic Boat Tour. The hour-long tour is $14 for adults.
- Lake Eola features a playground, art sculptures and swan boats .
- Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical oasis boasting a rose garden, butterfly garden, and vegetable garden. $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 4-17, free for kids age 3 years and younger.
- Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is an 11-mile drive with a chance to view native animals in their natural habitat including 174 bird species. The drive is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
- Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter is home to one of the largest native butterfly conservatories in the state of Florida.
Take a relaxing stroll. There is nothing cheaper or more relaxing than a scenic walk. We have plenty of nice paths to stroll at local parks, county trails and picturesque gardens. Most of the walking paths near Orlando are completely free unless otherwise noted.
Ride your favorite rollercoasters . Pretend you are in the middle of all the theme park excitement!
Spend An Afternoon At The Wekiwa Springs
The Wekiwa Springs offers visitors the opportunity to relax in its beautiful setting, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim in the cool spring. For those adrenaline junkies out there, you can get your fix by partaking in a myriad of water activities like canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, as well as other activities like hiking and cycling.
Parks Gardens & Forests
The Orlando area is home to numerous parks, state forests and gorgeous gardens with free entry. In downtown Orlando, for instance, the 43-acre Lake Eola Park offers relaxation, concerts and events, and even outdoor yoga on Sunday mornings.
Learn more: Top Public Parks in Orlando
Close to SeaWorld® Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort, Dr. P. Phillips Community Park features a splash pad and a nature trail. And 20 minutes east of downtown Orlando, Blanchard Park has an 8.1-mile paved road for bicycling, running, rollerblading and walking, as well as fishing spots and playground equipment.
About an hour and a half north of downtown Orlando, Ocala National Forest is home to the worlds largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. You can enjoy activities such as swimming, picnicking, fishing and even hunting, although youll need a permit for the latter. And 25 minutes east of downtown, the 80-acre University of Central Florida Arboretum offers biking and self-guided tours through more than 600 plant species.
In Winter Park, about 25 minutes from downtown Orlando, Mead Botanical Garden features scheduled hikes and educational activities. Nearby, Kraft Azalea Garden is great for picnicking, hiking, and fishing. Last but not least, Harry P. Leu Gardens near downtown has free admission on the first Monday of select months.
Learn more: Winter Park
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Indulge At The World Of Chocolate Museum
About an hour east of Orlando is the famous Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. Although theyre not always launching rockets , the Kennedy Space Center is still a pretty cool place to visit. Learn about NASAs early space programs, and find out what they plan for the future on a guided tour. You can make a day out of Cape Canaveralafter the space center, head to Playalinda Beach, which is right down the road.
Ride The Movies At Universal Studios
If youre not into fairytales and happily ever afters then Universal Studios is the perfect place to visit.
A theme park revolving around movies and television, youll find your favorite characters come to live in thrilling 3.D. rides, simulators and rollercoasters.
From Transformers and Revenge of the Mummy to Harry Potters Diagon Alley, your adventurous side will be satisfied at Universal Studios.
If you are a Potterhead, to enjoy both of the Harry Potter worlds you must purchase a two-park ticket to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
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Be Captivated At Blue Man Group
Rock out, laugh until your stomach hurts, and dance till you cant anymore at the incredible Blue Man Group show.
Its a wildly entertaining show with no dialogue and captivates the audience with lights, sounds, and interactive choreography and physical jokes.
The show is so loved that its performed at venues worldwide and even does traveling tours.
But its really hard to describe in words what Blue Man Group is. Therefore you must go see and experience it for yourself!
You and your family will leave delighted and with memories, theyll never forget!
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Free Fall At Ifly Indoor Skydiving
Have you always wanted to try skydiving but too afraid to jump out of a plane?
Now with state of the art wind tunnels, at iFly Indoor Skydiving, you can experience the thrill of free-falling without having to jump out of an airplane.
Its so similar to real skydiving that the experts use it for training! A vertical wind tunnel in a glass dome creates a cushion of air on which you float.
Anyone from ages 3 to 103 can safely enjoy the thrill of flying at iFly.
- Address: 8969 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
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Feed The Residents At Giraffe Ranch
Zip around the nature preserve on foot, Segway, or camelback whatever your preference, youll have the chance to feed lemurs and giraffes and learn all about the animals that call this place home.
Unlike some zoos, animals at Giraffe Ranch are given enormous expanses of land to roam, so you know that their health is the top priority.
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
PJ_Photography / Shutterstock
Besides theme parks, Florida is famous for its marshy spots and mangrove forests- and Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is here to capitalize on that!
Just four hours away from Orlando is the Everglades National Park a 32-acre lakeside park that is home to all sorts of wildlife, like alligators and turtles!
Visitors get to sit on an airboat skimming above the water at an exhilarating 45 mph, all in the search of Orlandos native creatures.
Families seeking an adrenaline rush will find these trips to be perfect though if that is not your cup of tea, you can also consider renting a bike to explore the park instead.
Sunset cruises and private trips are also possible options for those seeking a more intimate experience.
For the more intrepid explorers, there are sessions that allow you to try driving the airboat yourself!
Address: 2001 E Southport Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746, United States
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Eat At The Citys Best Restaurant: The Melting Pot
If youve only got time for one dine-in restaurant, make it The Melting Pot, a venue famous for its specialty cheese, chocolate, and broth fondues.
Impressively, this revered eatery holds the coveted title of Orlandos very best restaurant , as voted by thousands of happy customers.
For a cheesy overload, the Quattro Formaggio awaits.
Universal’s Islands Of Adventure
Universals Islands of Adventure provides an epic adventure around every corner, with heart-stopping rides, tummy-turning roller coasters, interactive attractions and unique experiences with some of the worlds favorite storybook and comic strip characters. Become your favorite Super Hero in the fight against good and evil on Marvel Super Hero Island get up close and personal with the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park take a journey back in time to The Lost Continent or get wet with your favorite cartoon characters on exciting water rides at Toon Lagoon. Harry Potter fans will delight in the state-of-the-art attraction called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that brings the famous wizard and his world to life. Hop on the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station to visit the mysterious Hogwarts Castle and stock up on wizarding gear from the stores in the little town of Hogsmeade. Enjoy pulse-racing rides like the Dragon Challenge or Flight of the Hippogryff and dine on authentic British fare at the Three Broomsticks Restaurant or the Hogs Head pub.
6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32819, Phone: 407-363-8000
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Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Nestled in lush, tropical foliage, the Central Florida Zoo is home to 23 acres of native gardens and more than 500 animals. It also features an insect zoo, a reptile house, a childrens area with animals you can feed and pet, a splash playground, and the Seminole Aerial Adventures zip-line attraction. The zoo is located in Sanford, about 40 minutes north of our main tourism districts.
Cocina 214 Orlando Fl
Located in Winter Parks charming Historic District, Cocina is a trendy Tex-Mex restaurant that works nicely for a romantic date, a power lunch, or an evening out with the family. The menu has everyones favorite Tex-Mix dishes such as tacos of all kinds, quesadillas, fajitas, and many delectable small plates like fried avocado bites and queso fundido. With 12 types of margaritas, Cocina 214 is a popular Happy Hour spot. Cocinas take out menu is diverse and extensive, so it is tempting to stop by on the way home from work to pick up a treat for the family.
151 E. Welburne Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789, Phone: 407-790-7997
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Meet Celebrities At Madame Tussauds
Trick your friends into thinking youve just bumped into a few holidaying celebrities with a visit to Madame Tussauds famous wax museum.
If youre strapped for time, opt for a skip-the-line pass to squeeze more into the day. Or, if youre pinching pennies, grab a ticket that includes access to Sea Life and/or The Wheel for the best overall value.
College Park Main Street
Orlando is one of several U.S. cities with a College Park area. But whereas most are designated as such because theyre close to a college, ours derives from the fact that many of its streets are named after famous colleges. While youre there, see if you can find your own alma matter!
Learn more: College Park Main Street
The college-named streets are not the only quirky aspect about this traditional, walkable, neighborhood commercial district, which pairs a hometown, close-knit community feel with superb dining, shopping and cultural opportunities, just 10 minutes from downtown Orlando. Famed author Jack Kerouac liked the area so much that he started writing The Dharma Bums while living in College Park from 1957 to 1958, which is the same period during which On the Road was published. Today, the historic home gives burgeoning writers a place to live and hone their craft as part of The Kerouac Project.
College Park has much for shoppers, too, including one-of-a-kind finds at Driftwood Market, Bijous Boutique, Ritzy Rags and Top Drawer Consignments. Youll also find everything you need for bicycling at Orange Cycle, hip music and clothing at Foundation, handcrafted bath and body products at Naked Bar Soap Co., and even cosplay gear at Embellish FX.
Learn more: Neighborhood Shopping
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Ride An Airboat At Boggy Creek Adventures
Boggy Creek
Its loud and noisy, but theres no other way to experience the Central Florida Everglades than by an airboat, and Boggy Creek is the best in the business. Choose from one of their many tour options, including private tours, night tours, or rent your own airboat and set off onto the river looking for alligators, birds, and turtles. While youre waiting for your tour, visit the Native American village or the gemstone and fossil mine, there is a restaurant and tiki bar on site as well.
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A public golf course located in Winter Park, complete with a full practice facility including a driving range along with additional practice areas for chipping and putting.
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Driving range and Putting green
Winter Pines Golf Club
Driving range and Putting green
Stoneybrook Golf Club
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Saint Petersburg Sunken Gardens
Located in Saint Petersburg, the Sunken Gardens is one of the most unique things to do in Florida, as there arent many gardens like it .
The Sunken Gardens are 4-aces of botanical gardens that have existed for more than a century. They are one of the oldest attractions in the U.S., let alone Florida.
This paradise located in the city is a great living museum that has a vast amount of tropical plants, meandering paths, waterfalls and more. The gardens also offer tours, special events, and horticultural programs if it interests you!
Where To Stay In Saint Petersburg!Downtown Apartment: Check Rates on VRBO
Central Florida Zoo And Botanical Gardens
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Look no further than the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens!
The zoo itself is home to over 500 animals spanning across 205 different species, like llamas, lizards, giraffes, rhinos, and even leopards!
Even without the animals and the various opportunities to learn about them, the Central Florida Zoo has plenty to do and to see.
Consider checking out the aerial adventure course, or tramping about in the splash ground to cool off.
There is also the Barnyard Buddies Childrens Zoo, a petting zoo that is perfect for younger children hoping to feed and pet-friendly animals.
The zoo also houses an insect zoo and a herbarium, which itself is home to the largest venomous and non-venomous snake collection in the southeast.
And this whole experience is only 20 minutes away from Orlando itself!
Address: 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
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The Top 12 Things To Do With Kids In Orlando
Most of us think of Orlando has the theme park capital of the worldand for good reason! Home to the worlds renowned theme parks, Orlando has become one of the biggest tourist destinations on the planet. But if you dont want to deal with crowds and long lines, Orlando has plenty of other family-friendly activities, too.
From beautiful, recreation-quality lakes and natural springs, to fascinating science and art museums, to super fun arcades and attractions, to professional sporting events, theCity Beautiful has something for everyone. Check out these 12 must-do activities for kids in Orlando and start your vacation planning.
Hontoon Island State Park
Get lost on the island
Hontoon Island is located along the St. Johns River
Map It: 2309 River Ridge Rd, DeLand, FL 32720 | Phone: 736-5309 | Website | Hours: 8 am one hour before sunset
Hontoon Island is a state park located in the middle of the St. Johns River. It is one of the free things to do in Orlando but bring some cash along 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.
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Learn And Eat At The World Of Chocolate Museum
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Not only will you learn everything this is to know about the history and making process of chocolate, youll also satisfy your cravings with plenty of samples of tasty treats from all over the world!
Visit The World of Chocolate Museum and dont miss the sculpture section, a photo-worthy exhibition of world-famous landmarks reconstructed with cacao goodness!
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Orlando Florida
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is a family-friendly dinner show aboard an authentic replica of a 46-foot-long and 18-foot-wide 18th-century Spanish galleon. The ship is located in a 300,000-gallon indoor “lagoon” with lighting that simulates the night sky. A six-sided showroom surrounds the lagoon, the pirate ship and six more ships, in which audience sits and has a three-course dinner. Aboard the pirate ship is a kidnapped princess, her court, and vicious pirates. There are a lot of cannon blasts, swashbuckling fights, swishing swords, smoke and fire, and fun for all. Occasionally, guests are included in the action, making some kids very happy. Guests who come early can enjoy cocktails with the pirates, watch a magician, and listen to the storyteller spin his yarn of ancient seafaring lore.
6400 Carrier Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, Phone: 407-206-5100
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