Guide to Best Free Things to do in Orlando

Your vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando can carry a hefty price tag, sometimes even topping off near $10,000. The theme parks, which are the main attraction, can be very pricey, and dining, accommodations, and extras for a family of four can add up quickly.

Most visitors don't realize that the destination of Orlando is packed with value, and there are many free activities and experiences for adults and kids alike. Orlando is ranked by USA Today as the #1 most affordable destination among U.S. cities. Savvy travelers will discover tons of free things to do in Orlando, including events, parks, art venues, museums, festivals, nature activities, and lots of world-class entertainment. Our Guide to the Best Free Things to Do in Orlando will help you pack value and fun into your visit to this magical destination. 

First off there are plenty of family activities in Orlando that won't cost you anything. Skip the big-ticket theme parks, at least for a few days, and discover all that Orlando has to offer. You can still have a touch of magic without entering the theme parks, explore the great outdoors of Florida or have lots of LEGO fun without spending a dime. These are some of our favorite things to do in Orlando for free.

Let's face it. There's a good chance you came to Orlando for the magic and the epic theme parks. That doesn't mean you have to visit the parks every day, or even at all, to get the flavor and excitement of the top two - Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. Tickets to the theme parks adds up quickly for a family of four, but that doesn't mean your trip to Orlando needs to break the bank. Pick your favorite park(s) and visit for a day or two. Then cash in on the many free opportunities to enjoy the architecture, entertainment, and excitement of Disney, Universal, and the other parks. 

First off Disney Springs is Disney's shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Admission to Disney Springs is free, and so is the parking. This is a great chance to experience the fantastic architecture that Disney is famous for and to enjoy plenty of family fun, including live entertainment and performance. Don't miss the LEGO store, where the kids can build figures to their heart's content. Watch the Amphibicars float by or hop on the free bus to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios and back, even if you don't have tickets to the parks. 

Next Disney's Boardwalk is a lovely replica of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City. Stroll the Coney Island-style boardwalk and catch the free entertainment that may include jugglers, jazz ensembles, comedians, and fire-eaters. Disney’s Boardwalk is connected to Disney's complimentary ferry system. Stroll along Crescent Lake and watch for a glimpse of the Epcot's nightly fireworks show. 

Universal CityWalk is Universal Orlando Resort's 30-acre entertainment complex, featuring restaurants, nightclubs, shopping, and entertainment. You may catch a free dance party set to a live D.J., enjoy the splash area for kids, and the water taxis that travel between Universal CityWalk and the Universal theme parks. This is a great place for selfies. Parking is free after 6 pm, and they have plenty of attendants to direct you. Admission is free. 

Whether it's sipping the latest vintage at a local winery, cuddling up to watch the fireworks, or shopping 'til you drop, Orlando is definitely not just for kids. Add a visit to Downtown Orlando eateries and bars or a day or evening to the lovely community of Winter Park to your itinerary. 

Visit this microbrewery for a fun adult experience. They offer behind-the-scenes tours for free Monday through Saturday at 6 pm. It is first-come, first-serve, and a great way to kick off your evening with a beer tasting. The brewery is certified organic and offers a personalized tour through the warehouse and brewery. Learn all about the beer brewing process and sample some of their best brews. 

If you're in the mood to sip some wine, visit The Lakeridge Winery. They offer complimentary wine tours and tastings all week. The free tastings are available from Monday- Saturday starting at 10 am and on Sunday at 11 am. The winery sits on a 127-acre estate just 25 miles west of Orlando and features over 80 acres of planted vineyards. 

If you're not in the Magic Kingdom, you can still view the fireworks from several areas. You can park in the main lot and take the free tram to the Transportation and Ticket Center for great views of the nightly fireworks. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, take the free monorail to the Magic Kingdom entrance to watch the show. Some other great viewing spots - Disney's Contemporary Resort, the beach at Disney's Polynesian, or the right side of the marina at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. 

Certainly, getting away from the crowds and the activity of the theme parks and attractions is on the list. You can quickly get out and discover this oasis right in downtown Orlando. Enjoy the natural beauty as you stroll the park along the lake amongst weeping willows. Bring a picnic lunch and find a shady spot. Try out the pedal-powered swan boats and watch the majestic families of swans. The amphitheater offers concerts and other entertainment. Check their schedule for what's happening during your visit. Every Sunday, the park comes alive with the Lake Eola Farmers' market featuring live music, local vendors, and great food. 

This 50-acre park offers three miles of paved scenic walkways, a butterfly garden, a two-acre tropical garden, bamboo and palm gardens, and a house museum dating back to the 1880s. On the first Monday of each month, the Gardens offer free storytelling for young kids. Children under 18 months are welcome at 10 am, toddlers at 10:20 am, and three to five-year-olds at 10:40 for storytelling in the park. 

Explore 47 acres of hiking trails, creeks, and a butterfly garden at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park. There are plenty of hidden pathways and peaceful shady nooks. Enjoy the babbling brooks and unwind. You're on vacation!

During your stay why not get into some local culture? The Greater Orlando area is home to many great museums and art galleries. A few of them offer free admission on certain days of the week or through certain seasons. Art and culture fans will want to dig into these world-class venues. 

The Morse Museum is one of the top museums in the Orlando area. It is located on gorgeous Park Avenue in the heart of lovely Winter Park and contains the most extensive collection of stained glass, sculptures, and paintings from Louis Comfort Tiffany. Yes, that Tiffany of Tiffany and Co. You can enjoy this stunning collection for free every Friday from November to April, starting at 4 pm and ending at 8 pm. 

Next, for true art lovers, the Cornell Fine Arts Museum is a must-see. The Cornell Museum, located on the campus of Rollins College in Winter Park, offers free admission. You'll enjoy the rotating exhibitions and their extensive permanent collection of over 5,600 objets d'art that cover centuries, beginning with ancient art and artifacts to contemporary pieces. Take their walking sculpture tour, or browse the collections. Most of the permanent collection is two-dimensional with over 700 paintings from the 14th through 21st centuries, over 200 prints, drawings and photographers, and plenty of culture and archaeological artifacts. They specialize in European, American, and contemporary art from the Renaissance to today. 

For a fun art hop, visit the CityArts Factory, home to seven separate and very diverse galleries showing local and international art. The eclectic exhibitions rotate monthly, and you can attend art show openings at multiple galleries from 6 pm - 9 pm on the third Thursday of each month. Enjoy free admission Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm. You'll be charged $5 per person for the art hop, but it is well worth the spend. And even if you're not staying at the Grand Bohemian Gallery, stop by for a visit at no cost. You'll see everything from European paintings of the 19th and 20th century to local contemporary jewelry and art glass.

While there are no natural beaches in Orlando, many of Florida's epic beaches are located within an hour or so of Orlando. The beach has always been a great free, family experience. Beautiful Cocoa Beach is located on the east coast of Florida, and its facilities make it a favorite. They offer a 300-acre parking lot, picnic pavilions and tables, walkways, and a bathhouse with outdoor showers and restrooms. It's all free but the gas! 

Epic Daytona Beach is also an hour's drive from Orlando. This is one of the few Florida beaches where you can drive on the beach. They have a traditional boardwalk and pier and lots of kid-friendly attractions like a water park and a family entertainment center. Daytona Speedway is located nearby for racing fans. 

Gulf Coast beaches to the west are a slightly longer drive but well worth the trip. Visit the miles of sugar sand beaches and lots of old-school eateries and shops. 

Our Guide to the Best Free Things to Do in Orlando barely scratches the surface. There are dozens of day trips that will show you the best of the Sunshine State. The shopping is world-class, and special events abound. Start planning now to bring value and excitement to your Orlando vacation.