You are currently viewing 25 Free Things to Do in Orlando FloridaPin

25 Free Things to Do in Orlando Florida

Visiting Orlando on a budget? Here is a list of free things to do!

When I think of Orlando, I think of the most expensive vacation that my parents planned to the happiest place on earth. We would mainly spend all of our time (and money) at the theme parks, not knowing the ample amount of free things to do in the city.

Today, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite things to do in Orlando for free.

25 Free Attractions in Orlando Florida You Can't Miss // Local Adventurer #orlando #floridaPin

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: December 25, 2023

25 Free Things to Do in Orlando Florida

1. East End Market

3021 Corrine Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 map

East End Market is a trendy, neighborhood market that features goods from top local artisans. It’s a delightful cluster of shops to peruse through. There’s something for everyone here from daily baked bread, organic juices, to bold soups and delicious sushi. Sit outside by the fruit and veggie garden and enjoy the community space. We also loved hanging out at the picnic tables with a good book and a cookie from Gideon’s.

See More: 101 Things to Do in Orlando Florida – Your Ultimate Orlando Bucket List

Pin
Pin

2. Disney SPrings

1486 Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830, map

Some of you guys might remember this entertainment district as the old Downtown Disney. It’s now bigger and better than before and it’s a one of the locals’ favorite free attractions in Orlando. There are always live musical performances and a ton of free family activities. Take a boat ride from one end to the other while enjoying pretty sights and sounds. Kids will also love playing at the Lego Imagination Center for free.

Local Tip: Self-parking in the parking garages and surface lots is complimentary.

See More: The Ultimate Disney Springs Date Night

3. Universal Citywalk

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, map

Universal City Walk is one of our favorite spots to walk around after dinner to soak up the night lights with tons of photo ops and shops to browse. There’s also live music and bunch of areas to sit down and listen.

Local Tip: Go after 6pm when self-parking is free and there are plenty of parkings attendants to direct you.

Universal Studios City WalkPin

4. Baldwin Park First Fridays

2055 Lake Baldwin Ln, Orlando, FL 32814, map

On the first Friday of each month, visitors can enjoy a free, family and pet friendly sidewalk festival. Over 70 vendors and local artisans set up shop between 5:30pm and 9:30pm, many of them displaying art, playing live music and selling local goods.

See More: First Fridays Las Vegas Art Walk

5. Cornell Fine Arts Museum

1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, map

Cornell Fine Arts Museum is a small museum on the campus of Rollins College with free admission. They have impressive rotating exhibits as well as a wonderful permanent collection.

Pro Tip: Hook up your phone to their free audio tour.

Cornell Fine Arts Museum Orlando + Free Museums in OrlandoPin

6. Alfond Inn In-House Art Tours

1603 Greenwood St, Orlando, FL 32801, map

Definitely stop by this hotel for their remarkable contemporary art collection on display. They offer free guided tours every Sunday at 1pm, as well as a happy hour tour on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm. No reservations are required.

7. Kraft Azalea Garden

1365 Alabama Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789, map

This is a quaint neighborhood park with beautiful views of Lake Maitland. Pretty foliage and trees line the park, making it an especially nice spot for a picnic or a perfect photo op.

Pro Tip: Go in the spring to see colorful azaleas.

Kraft Azalea Garden + 25 Free Things in Orlando You Shouldn't MissPin

8. Orlando Brewing

1301 Atlanta Ave, Orlando, FL 32806, map

Orlando Brewing Company offers free brewery tours from Monday to Saturday at 6pm, first come, first serve. They also have a ton of other free events, from concerts to yoga sessions. Your fur baby can also attend some of their dog friendly events. Check out their events calendar for more info. It’s not free, but this is also a great place for special events. If you want to schedule a bigger event, reach out to this email address.

Orlando Brewing + 25 Things to Do in Orlando for FreePin

9. Free Yoga at Crescent Park

1486 Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830, map

Enjoy an hour long free yoga session on the lush lawn of Crescent Park on Saturday mornings. Personally, it’s not for me. Namastay in bed.

10. West Orange Trail

501 Crown Point Cross Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787, map

This 22-mile scenic trail spans downtown Oakland, Winter Garden, and Apopka. It’s well-paved and is perfect for biking, running, or a nice stroll. There are several trailheads with free parking, bathrooms, and water fountains (fill up your reusable water bottles here).

Local Tip: Make a pit stop in downtown Winter Garden on your way through. So many charming restaurants and shops!

West Orange Trail Orlando FloridaPin

11. Orlando Critical Mass

900 E Hampton St, Orlando, FL 32803, map

This is every cyclist’s dream. Hundreds of cyclists shut down the streets and gather together for a mass bike ride. It starts at Downtown Orlando’s Loch Haven Park and ends at Nora’s Lake. The entire loop is about 8 miles and cyclists of all skill levels can participate for free.

12. Lake Eola Park

512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801, map

Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, this notable park is a great spot to hang out under a shady tree and have a nice picnic. A wide sidewalk circles the lake, offering an easy walk and a fun view of resident swans, birds, and turtles. Enjoy the sculptures surrounding the park and the farmer’s market that is held on Sundays.

Pro Tip: There are tons of metered parking along the park, but we noticed that parking is free on Eola Drive on the east side of the lake.

Lake Eola Park + 25 Free Attractions in Orlando FloridaPin

13. Celebration, FL

851 Celebration Ave Celebration Ave, Celebration, FL 34747, map

In 1994, the Walt Disney Company created an inhabited town. Visitors will find rows of Disney-esque homes and shopping centers, perfectly lined up in village clusters. All of the buildings in the community look like they are part of Disney World. It’s worth checking out, especially if you’re into Disney architecture.

Pro Tip: Check out the interactive fountain – the kids will love running through it.

Celebration Florida Homes + Free Stuff to Do in OrlandoPin

14. Old Town Kissimmee

5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746, map

Only five miles away from Walt Disney World is Old Town Kissimmee. It’s a 10-acre outdoor walking district with amusement rides, restaurants, and kitschy shops. In addition to daytime fun, they also hold a really cool classic car parade on Saturday nights. Admission and parking are both free.

Old Town Kissimmee Florida + 25 Fun Things to Do in Orlando for FreePin

15. Oakland Nature Preserve

747 Machette Trail, Oakland, FL 34760, map

Oakland Nature Preserve is a beautifully kept nature preserve. You’ll find a long boardwalk over the marsh that leads towards Lake Apopka. There are plenty of covered areas where you can sit and enjoy the wildlife, and there’s a good chance you’ll see some gators.

16. Mead Botanical Garden

1300 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789, map

Take a walk on the nice boardwalk around the park or grill out at one of the shady pavilions. We definitely enjoyed getting away from the theme park noise by surrounding ourselves in pretty botanicals and the butterfly garden (Esther would be terrified!).

Pro Tip: Self-parking in the parking garages and surface lots is complimentary.

17. Big Tree Park

930 N Thornton Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, map

Big Tree Park is a small but interesting park with a long history. The largest, oldest bald cypress tree in the world, The Senator, was once located here before it was burned down. But don’t miss Lady Liberty, a tree over 2,000 years old and stands 40 feet tall, and The Phoenix, a clone of The Senator. In addition to the scenery, there’s also a great playground for the kids.

18. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

19239 US-27, Clermont, FL 34715, map

Lakeridge Winery offers complimentary tours and wine tastings seven days a week. First, you also get to watch a cool video presentation on how the wine is harvested, made, and bottled. And finally, you get to try several of their wines. This is a perfect cheap date in Orlando away from the kids!

Florida Wineries + 25 Free Activities in OrlandoPin
photo: Lakeridge Winery

19. Wekiva Island

1014 Miami Springs Dr, Longwood, FL 32779, map

Just a short drive from Orlando, you can find a calming escape in Florida’s flora and fauna. It’s the perfect oasis for relaxing under private cabanas, swimming in the river, and some adult bevvies. They also offer paddleboard and kayak rentals for a small fee. This is where all of the locals go, so you know it’s a hot spot.

Pro Tip: Get there early morning since it gets pretty crowded during prime hours.

20. Moonlight Walking Tours at Greenwood Cemetery

1603 Greenwood St, Orlando, FL 32801, map

Take a stroll through the historic Greenwood Cemetery with Moonlight Walking Tours. You’ll get to visit over 100 graves of distinguished Orlandoans and learn about the city’s rich history. Be sure to register here to schedule a tour date and time.

Pro Tip: Each tour is sponsored by a different charity and donations are appreciated.

Greenwood Cemetery Orlando + Best Free Things to Do in Florida // Local Adventurer #orlando #freeGreenwood Cemetery Orlando + Best Free Things to Do in Florida // Local Adventurer #orlando #freePin
photo: VinceFL

21. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

3212, 445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, map

Stunning glass and art pieces by Louis Comfort Tiffany of Tiffany & Co. are on display. Don’t miss the incredible chapel, with its original lamps and lighting. Admission is free on Fridays from November through April, from 4-8 pm.

22. Mils 50 Mural Tour

N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, map

If you’re in the Mills 50 district, you’ll notice the abundance of bright murals lining the streets, all of which embody Orlando’s colorful character. Click here for locations to go on a self guided tour.

Local Tip: Use #OrlandoMurals on Instagram to find even more murals around town.

Mills 50 Orlando Florida // Local Adventurer #orlandoPin

23. Fort Christmas Historical Park

1300 N Fort Christmas Rd, Christmas, FL 32709, map

We love visiting the life-size replica of the original Fort Christmas. It was originally built during the Second Seminole Indian War. There are also several restored pioneer homes and exhibits you can roam through. Check out the old artifacts, architectural designs, military displays, and more.

Local Tip: If you love American history like we do, definitely shovel out at least two hours for this place.

Fort Christmas Historical Park + 25 Things to Do in Orlando for FreePin

24. Disney Boardwalk

2101 Epcot Resorts Blvd Kissimmee, FL 34747, map

Disney Boardwalk is a walkable promenade for live entertainment, shopping, dining, and more. During non-peak times, you can park on the property for free for up to 3 hours and watch performers like jugglers, mimes, and magicians. If you stick around well into the evening, you can catch a decent view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Disney Boardwalk + 25 Free Things to Do in Orlando FL // Local Adventurer #disney #orlandoPin

25. Plant Street Market

426 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787, map

A great market to people watch, enjoy the nice Florida weather, and listen to free, live music. Plant Street Market also features local, organic, artisan specialties, and other natural goods. Some shops will offer you free samples if you ask politely. There is limited seating indoors, so grab a seat outside. We loved the chill atmosphere.

Plant Street Market Winter Garden + Free Activities in OrlandoPin

More Free Orlando Attractions

  • Harry P. Leu Gardens (1920 N Forest Ave, 32803, map) – Admission is free on the first Monday of every month beginning February 2019. See rose gardens, a butterfly garden, ancient oak trees, and more.
  • Grand Bohemian Gallery at the Grand Bohemian Hotel (325 S Orange Ave, 32801, map) – An artsy hotel showcasing painting, sculptures & other work by local and global artists.
  • Ocala National Forest (Ocala National Forest, 32179, map) – The largest national forest east of the Mississippi.
  • Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts (227 E Kennedy Blvd, 32751, map) – cultural and historical African American artifacts that celebrate Zora Neale.
  • Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida (851 N Maitland Ave, 32751, map) – Excellent Holocaust-related visual art and more.
  • Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens (633 Osceola Ave, 32789, map) – Features work of one of America’s most prominent sculptures. Admission to the sculpture gardens is always free.
  • Spook Hill (Lake Wales, 33853, map) – An optical illusion road. Your car may seem to roll back up the hill.
  • Knightly Spirits (various locations, map)- Free tastings of over 700 different beers.
  • Winters Park Farmers Market (200 W New England Ave, 32789, map) – Popular farmer’s market located outside a vintage train depot.

Best Places to Stay in Orlando

What’s Nearby

  • New Smyrna Beach (55.4 mi NE, 55 min, map)
  • Kennedy Space Center (46 mi E, 55 min, map)
  • Cocoa Beach (60.3 mi E, 1 hr 5 min, map)
  • Sarasota (131.4 mi SW, 2 hr, map)
  • Miami (244 mi S, 3 hr 45 min, map)

Planning Checklist

Have you done any of these free things to do in Orlando? Which ones were worth your time and which ones weren’t?

DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER

SEE MORE Free Things to Do

⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

about-josh-macyPin

Josh + Macy

Josh and Macy are creative southern kids who love exploring local and international cultures. They’ve long believed that traveling is about getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things. They are currently based out of Atlanta.

Follow along on Instagram (J + M), YouTube, and Pinterest.