Orlando is recognized primarily as a tourist destination that offers numerous entertainment centers such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and the like. As you can see, there are plenty of great free attractions to visit in Orlando, but do you know that there are equally numerous wonderful free things to do in Orlando as well? So, if you are going to be here soon and you are in the process of making some great budget cuts, you will want to check out the following top free things to do in Orlando, the free Orlando attractions, free activities free Orlando events, and interesting free sights!
Take a look at one of the most famous and charming streets of Winter Park – Park Ave in winter.
Winter Park is the next town from Orlando north of central, it is a very nice and well-to-do suburban town that hosts Rollins College. Stroll along the famous Park Avenue to look into the sparkling retail outlets or else visit the art galleries, museums, and cafeterias. Take a walk on the oak trees, and red-bricked paved sidewalks amid the town and it will amaze you how it is completely different from the atmosphere felt in the theme parks. Don’t forget to explore the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour and also the Interactive Fountain/Scenic Boat Tour – they provide a free boat ride every single day at 10 am.
Visit Leu Gardens
Transport yourself out of the city’s bustle when you visit these beautiful 50-acre botanical gardens; some of their features include nearly 3000 rose bushes, oaks, camellias, azaleas, and others. Six gardens include the butterfly garden, herb garden, tropical stream garden, and many others the flamboyant flowers. There is also an old-growth forest near Lake Rowena and more shaded trails if the Picketts want a break. Adults can enter the park for just $10 while children below the age of 12 years are allowed to enter free of charge.
Check Out Downtown Orlando
It may sound quite strange but aside from the fact that the theme parks themselves are considered major attractions, strolling around the downtown is quite refreshing. A free attraction that visitors should not miss is Lake Eola Park which is a popular park and recreational area with a massive fountain and a loop to walk. Other attractions include strolling through petite Thornton Park with its large number of stylish coffee shops and bistros or visiting the Museum of Art which has free Thursday night admission from 4 until 9 PM. Last but not least, indulge in some scrumptious sweets at the rising Milk District.
Go for a Nature Preserve to Recharge
There are always moments when you feel like you need some time to be all alone or at least away from the crowd and Central Florida does not disappoint because it is filled with nature reserves and parks. Near Orlando, Moss Park consists of cypress swamps, open prairies, and oak hammocks over 500 acres, and volunteer-guided walks occur on the weekend at no charge. In St. Cloud, there is the beautiful Lakefront Park and there are trails that encompass the outer edges of the lake, playgrounds, splash pad, and fishing piers, and all these facilities are offered for free.
Enjoy Free Festival Fun
The year-round Orlando has lots of marvelous free festivals and events to offer to the people. The biggest of these is the Funk Fest Orlando held in April highlights R&B, soul, reggae, and more at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Immerse Fest held in September is an art and creativity festival featuring interactive light installations located in Downtown Orlando. And shining Epcot goes back to the International Food & Wine Festival from July to November and guests have a chance to try foods from more than 30 countries.
Nature Preserve is a place where people can relax and enjoy the natural environment.
If you do not want to go deep into the city to see Florida’s untamed natural beauty, simply visit Hal Scott Preserve and Split Oak Forest outside Orlando. Both provide hiking/biking by trail for scores of miles through beautiful scrub, sandhill, forest, and wetland habitats in Florida. Take food with you for lunch in one of their quiet picnic areas after your quiet wilderness rambling.
Soak Up Local History
Exploring Orlando’s early settler history you can visit such attractions as Fort Gatlin Historic Site where Orlando indeed began or even orange grove pioneer Josiah Ferris’ homestead. Down in Sanford, take a full-blown dive into African American history in the area through the Goldsboro Westside Historical Museum or check out the Victorian Sanford Museum.
Tour Area College Campuses
There are several Universities in Orlando and most of them allow visitors to just walk around and appreciate the beautiful scenes. Beautiful places include Knowles Memorial Chapel which is in Rollins College which has a gothic style or even the Mc Cullock courtyard which is in the University of Central Florida. Stetson University encourages the company of the guests to visit the ELCE or Environmental Learning Center located on a pure wetland.
Bar-Hop Around Ivanhoe Village
The fairly casual Ivanhoe Village area is home to an array of trendy gastropubs, any number of dive bars, and microbreweries – perfect for a budget bar-hopping adventure. Start the night off at a relatively new restaurant and brewery Bluebird Brewhouse to grab a drink and some good food then make our way to a place that was once a glass warehouse and now a bar and free arcade games place called Lucky Lure. To finish up, savor some scrumptious fare and munchies and drinks from Lil Indies Bar which will be offering drink specials through the night. There isn’t much one has to spend their money on since no cover charges are involved; it’s pretty much a free day of entertainment!
Hopefully, this list provides a lot of cheap, memorable things to do in Orlando, and I wish you a great stay in this fabulous city! As worldwide famous theme parks take up the definition of tourism in Orlando, one might spend his or her whole vacation allowance on the entry fees to these parks. However, do not miss the opportunity to discover more of the natural shores, Orlando culture, parks, and communal districts to get a feel of our city. This is the end of the list; however, I hope that you will enjoy your visit, whatever site you decide to visit.
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Are there really free things to do in Orlando?
Absolutely! While Orlando is known for its theme parks, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy.
Can I save money on a trip to Orlando by doing free activities?
Definitely! Incorporating free activities into your itinerary can significantly reduce your travel expenses.
What are the best free outdoor activities in Orlando?
Enjoy the beautiful Florida weather at Lake Eola Park, explore the scenic Winter Park Chain of Lakes, or relax on the beaches of nearby Cocoa Beach.
Are there any free museums or art galleries in Orlando?
Yes, several museums offer free admission or free days. Check out the Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum of American Art for potential free entry.
What is the best time of year to enjoy free outdoor activities in Orlando?
The best time is during the cooler months, from November to April, when the weather is pleasant.