Free and Low-Cost Activities in Orlando That Aren't Theme Parks
Free and Low-Cost Activities in Orlando That Aren't Theme Parks!
There are so many budget-friendly things to do in Orlando, and some you’d never expect! Like riding a giant swan boat on Lake Eola, practicing archery, or making your way through an earthquake simulator at WonderWorks!
So, if you’re taking a day trip to the city, are a local looking for fun things to do nearby, or want some non-theme-park ideas for your next vacation, this guide is for you.
What Are Some Free or Low-Cost Things to Do in Orlando Besides Visiting the Theme Parks?
Orlando has many free and low-cost activities great for solo travelers, couples, and families. You can enjoy time outdoors appreciating Florida’s warm climate and wildlife, tour museums and botanical gardens, shop at some of the best malls in the state, and enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences at some of Orlando’s top spots.
Free Activities in Orlando
You don’t have to spend money to have fun. There are plenty of free things to do in Orlando that will bring a smile to your face and keep the kids entertained!
Nature Walks and Parks
1 | Lake Eola Park | Iconic Lake Eola Park offers a beautiful nature retreat in the heart of Downtown Orlando.
Founded in 1888, this historical lake was originally a sinkhole that now reaches depths of 80 feet and is home to over 50 swans.
Rent a scenic swan boat to paddle across the water, have a picnic, or stroll along the 0.9-mile Lake Eola Loop.
Pro tip: If you’re nearby in the evening, there’s a beautiful fountain show at 8:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801 | WHO: (407) 246-4484
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2 | Orlando Urban Trail | This three-mile-long trail in Downtown Orlando is 85% off-street and contains mostly asphalt and concrete, so it’s great for biking through the city.
The trail runs from Magnolia Avenue to Dorchester Street, through Loch Haven Park to Winter Park.
There are great views spanning across six lakes and two bridges, offering views of beautiful oak trees and some of Orlando’s nicest neighborhoods.
WHERE: N Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32804 | WHO: N/A
3 | Mead Botanical Garden | Explore a 47-acre park filled with thousands of flowers, a butterfly garden, amphitheater, boardwalk, and even a bike trail.
This gorgeous garden in Winter Park invites guests to relax and destress. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to enjoy the natural beauty. You can also schedule a guided hike to learn more about the plant life that makes the garden so spectacular.
There are also special events throughout the year, so check the official website to plan your visit!
WHERE: 1300 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789 | WHO: (407) 622-6323
Shopping
1 | The Florida Mall | There are over 250 stores waiting for you at The Florida Mall! This regional mall on the southeast corner of the Orange Blossom Trail is also close to Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld. Inside, you’ll find The Crayola Experience for kids to tap into their creativity.
You’ll find designer department stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s, plus iconic names like Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, and A/X Armani Exchange.
When it’s time for lunch, swing by the massive dining pavilion and grab some quick, cheap food if you can’t wait to get back to shopping, or treat yourself to one of the full-service restaurants. There’s everything from Five Guys burgers to a Mexican cantina.
WHERE: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809 | WHO: (407) 851-6255
2 | The Mall at Millenia | Located on the northern end of International Drive, this iconic Orlando mall has been open for over 20 years.
With over 150 stores, it’s a premier shopping destination for locals. There is a Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Neiman Marcus department store onsite. You’ll also find popular brand-name stores like Apple, Lululemon, Coach, Under Armour, and Billabong.
Level one has more everyday stores you expect in a mall, while level two is home to more designer brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and Giuseppe Zanotti.
WHERE: 4200 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32839 | WHO: (407) 363-3555
3 | Orlando International Premium Outlets | Shopping on International Drive is amazing because you can score 25-65% off your purchases!
The premium outlets are cheaper because the inventory is bought directly from manufacturers rather than through a supplier. This means customers can score amazing discounts on everything from clothes to designer handbags.
A trip to the outlets is bound to put a smile on your face! There are over 170 stores to choose from, including staples like H&M, Marc Jacobs, and Polo Ralph Lauren. For kids (and kids at heart ), the Disney store outlet is a must-visit.
WHERE: 4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 352-9600
4 | Disney Springs | This Disney-themed shopping district is a nice change of pace from the parks.
You can enjoy a leisurely visit strolling through unique boutiques filled with Disney merch like hoodies, sweatshirts, plushies, and jewelry. With 96 shops and 70 dining options, including quick-service and full-service restaurants, you can easily spend hours exploring the Springs.
There are also dine-in movie theaters playing your favorite Disney flicks, live music performances, and a luxury bowling alley to make your trip a blast.
WHERE: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | WHO: (407) 939-5277
Outdoor Events
1 | Celebration Farmers Market | Take a short drive from Orlando to enjoy a Sunday morning at this popular farmers market. It’s open every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Indulge in a variety of fresh produce, foods, and handmade crafts at this familial local market. You can find plants or flowers, artisan breads, personalized gifts, and more.
The Celebration Farmers’ Market has a great selection of vendors and makes for one of the top family-friendly day trips from Orlando.
WHERE: 631 Sycamore St, Kissimmee, FL 34747 | WHO: (407) 460-8337
2 | Orlando Farmers Market | This beautiful lakefront market near Thornton Park has a variety of seasonal produce, handmade goods, and local delicacies from small business owners.
Treat yourself to some tasty treats or handmade crafts. You can also buy some gifts for your loved ones.
As a local gem, the Orlando Farmers Market is one of the most popular Central Florida farmers markets among residents who attend every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: 20 N Eola Dr, Orlando, FL 32801 | WHO: N/A
3 | Winter Park Farmers Market | Winter Park hosts a farmers market every Saturday. You’ll find it near Central Park West Meadow, packed full of vendors’ booths and stalls selling food, produce, and handicrafts.
Whether you want to try some locally made baked goods or stock up on some Florida-grown fruits and veggies, you’ll find an array of wonderful options at affordable prices.
WHERE: 150 N New York Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 | WHO: (407) 599-3341
4 | Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival | As one of the nation’s oldest outdoor art festivals, this Winter Park market is a haven for art lovers and collectors.
Browse rows of beautiful paintings, sculptures, and prints by local artists. Every purchase you make supports a local creator’s passion and business.
With mixed media, watercolors, digital art prints, and every other type of art you can imagine, you’re bound to find a new favorite to decorate your space.
The festival takes place one weekend a year, usually in spring, so check to see when the event is happening and if it coincides with your visit to Orlando.
WHERE: 328 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 | WHO: (407) 644-7207
5 | Mount Dora Arts Festival | This arts festival in historic Mount Dora celebrates art, culture, and vibrance with food, entertainment, cocktails, and more.
Over 300 fine artists display their work from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the festival dates.
WHERE: 138 E 5th Ave B, Mt Dora, FL 32757 | WHO: (352) 383-0880
Low-Cost Activities
Save money by visiting some of Central Florida’s best museums. They’re great low-cost activities that can make it easy for you to expand your mind while enjoying a peaceful afternoon on the town.
Museum Visits
1 | Orlando Museum of Art | The acclaimed Orlando Museum of Art has been open since 1924, and it’s celebrating over 100 years of culture, artistic expression, and imagination.
The rotating exhibitions feature an array of mediums, like photography, oil paintings, and illustration. This museum has a wide range of collections spanning American and African art, as well as contemporary and ancient pieces.
There are also family programs, such as its monthly Art Adventures, that offer fun, hands-on activities for children ages 2-10.
WHERE: 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 | WHO: (407) 896-4231
2 | Orlando Science Center | This thrilling science museum is the STEM center of Orlando. Explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through interactive exhibits.
From DinoDigs to solar system exploration, children and adults alike can both learn about the natural world and incredible universe.
There’s also a cool Tiny Green House, which highlights the future of environmentally conscious technology and even has a farm-to-table cafe.
WHERE: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803 | WHO: (407) 514-2000
3 | The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art | For fine art in Orlando, visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.
Explore the largest collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, an American artist from the 19th century, renowned for his art nouveau style and stained glass works.
From the interior of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition to a diverse collection of jewelry, glass, paintings, and pottery, this makes a phenomenal date activity or solo afternoon trip.
Don’t miss Friday Nights at the Morse for live musical performances that enhance your viewing experience.
WHERE: 445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 | WHO: (407) 645-5311
4 | Rollins Museum of Art | Rollins Museum of Art is actually completely free thanks to generous donors! From admissions to tours, lectures, and family programs, you can enjoy everything this teaching museum has to offer without spending a penny.
This museum is one of the four museums accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in Florida, plus the only teaching museum in the greater Orlando area.
The diverse collections range from contemporary to classic works, painting an artistic journey that connects the past to the future.
WHERE: 1000 Holt Ave Box 2765, Winter Park, FL 3278 | WHO: (407) 646-2526
Indoor Activities
While there are tons of great beaches near Orlando, sometimes, you want a break from the sun to enjoy some indoor activities. And when you’re visiting Florida during the rainy season, having these locations in mind will ensure you can still have fun while staying dry!
1 | Dave and Buster’s | Dave and Buster’s is an iconic arcade franchise that spans the nation. The Orlando location is a family fun zone packed with all the games and activities you could imagine.
From Skee-Ball to basketball, you can play games, earn tickets, and cash them in for fun prizes at the end of your stay. Plus, the built-in sports bar serves amazing chicken wings, truffle fries, and other bar bites that you’ll love.
WHERE: 8986 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 541-3300
2 | WonderWorks | WonderWorks blows your mind from the moment you arrive! It’s hard not to be impressed by the enormous upside-down mansion in the middle of Orlando.
From a weather zone to a space exploration area, visitors of all ages can have a blast putting their minds to work as they explore science and technology.
WHERE: 9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 351-8800
3 | SEA LIFE Aquarium | The beautiful SEA LIFE Aquarium in ICON Park brings thousands of fish and marine animals to Orlando.
After making your way through Florida’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel, you can explore over nine interactive zones that reveal the ocean’s secrets.
A day at SEA Life will teach you about marine conservation through fun facts and digital displays.
WHERE: 8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (855) 450-0680
4 | TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition | Step back in time and find yourself aboard the world’s most famous ship.
TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition unveils the inner workings of the magnificent Starliner that tragically sank in 1912. With over 300 artifacts, costumed period actors, and full-scale suites recreated from the actual ship, you’ll feel like a part of history as you explore.
Pro tip: Book one of the first-class dinners and get dressed up in your Edwardian best and enjoy an after-hours tour of the ship, a catered meal, and interactions with the crew.
WHERE: 7324 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 248-1166
5 | Ripley’s Believe It or Not! | Robert Ripley traveled the world to gather stories, but along the way, he gathered a vast collection of strange artifacts. Today, they belong to the famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museums.
At the Orlando Ripley’s location, you can touch a 3,197-pound meteorite, examine a mysterious Sasquatch footprint, or transport yourself through time and space in the Vortex Tunnel.
This is a trip full of strange oddities and fascinating curiosities, so prepare to be amazed!
WHERE: 8201 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 345-0501
6 | Museum of Illusions | Step into the Museum of Illusions and find your way through over 50 mind-boggling displays. This puzzling palace is full of optical illusions that seem to alter reality before your eyes!
Both kids and grown-ups love how this museum makes them see the world differently. Plus, there are tons of great photo ops that you’ll love.
WHERE: 8375 International Drive Icon Park | WHO: (833) 276-9182
7 | Dezerland Park | This indoor adventure park has everything from glow-in-the-dark mini golf to a flight simulator!
You can spend hours going through the 20+ attractions, then catch a flick at Cinemark, the built-in movie theater.
Bowling, bumper cars, and a laser tag blaster arena await, it’s time to get your game on!
WHERE: 5250 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (321) 754-1700
8 | Crayola Experience | Make your own crayon, see fun performances, and unleash your creativity at the wonderful Crayola Experience in Orlando! While this is an attraction geared toward kids, adults wind up having a blast, too.
You can cartoon yourself, bring drawings to life at the Adventure Lab, and witness Crayola magic in the making at a factory show.
Kids can explore the playground while parents relax, and for lunch, you can all enjoy a tasty meal at Cafe Crayola!
WHERE: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809 | WHO: (407) 757-1700
Outdoor Activities & Wildlife Interactions
1 | Gatorland | From creepy-crawlies to adorable wild cats, Gatlorland is a fun adventure for the whole family. Hundreds of Florida gators call Gatorland home, where you can watch feeding shows and learn about these powerful reptiles.
The 110-acre theme park has many other animal encounters as well, like Meet a Capybara, a Night Shine gator expedition, and a Parrot Playground.
Pro tip: If you’re up for some thrills, sign up for the Gator Gauntlet to zip line through the park!
WHERE: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837 | WHO: (407) 855-5496
2 | Wild Florida | This drive-thru wildlife safari lets you witness wild zebras, giraffes, oryx, and more!
If you want to double the fun, go on the walking tour through the gator park! You can see over 200 species of animals on display, including Florida gators, adorable baby animals, and a petting zoo.
For those who prefer to sit back and relax, there are airboat tours available that drive through the Florida Everglades on U.S. Coast Guard-approved boats.
WHERE: 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739 | WHO: (407) 957-3135
3 | Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens | The Central Florida Zoo opened in the 1920s, and over the last century, it’s grown to be home to over 350 animals and more than 100 species.
With a zip line course, a petting zoo barnyard, keeper chats, and optional private experiences, this is one of the best Orlando activities for families.
From cheetahs to bald eagles, you’re bound to spot your favorite animals.
WHERE: 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771 | WHO: (407) 323-4450
4 | Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo | Let out your inner cowboy at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo.
From archery and skeet shooting to airboat and horseback rides, there’s something for everyone at the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi!
Even if you aren’t staying at the resort, you can visit the horses, play at the petting zoo, go to the Cowboy Adventure Park, and book horseback riding lessons!
This is one of the best day trips from Orlando that offers hours of outdoor entertainment on a beautiful, scenic ranch.
Pro tip: Visit on a Saturday and stick around for the authentic Saturday Night Rodeo! And, of course, don’t forget your boots!
WHERE: 3200 River Ranch Blvd, River Ranch, FL 33867 | WHO: (863) 692-1321
5 | Harry P. Leu Gardens | Imagine a beautiful garden escape in the middle of Orlando. The Harry P. Leu Gardens is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Filled with exotic flowers from around the world, this botanical attraction welcomes guests of all ages to experience the natural wonders of plants. Rest under the shade of nearly 200-year-old oak trees or explore a flowering forest of camellias.
Don’t forget to visit the Historic Leu House Museum as well to learn more about the history of the family that created the famous gardens.
WHERE: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 | WHO: (407) 246-2620
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Skip the Theme Parks and Explore What Else Orlando Has to Offer
There are tons of free and low-cost things to do in Orlando for families that don’t want to break the bank.
If you’re a returning visitor who wants to explore beyond the theme parks or you’re looking for a less expensive way to enjoy an Orlando vacation, this list will help you have fun and experience all the excitement this city has to offer.
From the best brunches to the most beautiful beaches, get more tips and tricks to experiencing Orlando like a local on the Westgate Resorts Travel Blog!
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Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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