Orlando ain’t cheap. Just a single day at the theme parks can quickly become expensive when you add up the cost of tickets, parking, and food. But if you want to explore the city without spending a lot of cash, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many free things to do in Orlando.
From beautiful parks to educational museums and tours, here are 25 fun, free things to do in Orlando.
1. Third Thursdays
Third Thursdays takes place in downtown Orlando every third Thursday of the month. This event offers free admission to the Orange County Regional History Center from 6-8pm, a reception at the CityArts gallery, live music, and a makers’ market.
2. CityArts
CityArts in downtown Orlando contains seven galleries of modern art from local and international artists. They also hold various special events and presentations each month.
You can find CityArts in the historic Rogers-Kiene Building (rumored to be haunted) at the corner of Magnolia Avenue. Whether you’re a fan of art, architecture, or spooky history, this spot is ideal for a free night out.
Address: 37 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
3. Lake Nona Sculpture Garden
For even more art, head over to the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden. This outdoor space spans 50,000 square feet and features sculptures from one of the world’s largest private art collections.
TIP: While you’re there, stop by the adjacent Wave Hotel. This high-tech hotel has a sophisticated modern design that’s worth checking out.
Address: 6714 Tavistock Lakes Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827
4. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is one of the coolest free things to do in Orlando. It’s a self-guided 11-mile drive that gets you up close and personal with Florida wildlife.
Over 360 bird species and many other animals live at Lake Apopka. As you drive along the route, you can pull over at designated spots to get a closer look. Just watch out for gators!
Note that the speed limit is 10 miles per hour. It takes about 1-3 hours to complete the drive, depending on the number of visitors and how many stops you make.
Address: 2850 Lust Road, Apopka, FL 32703
5. UCF Arboretum
The University of Central Florida Arboretum is an oasis of calm amid the bustling university campus.
Located behind the L3 Harris Engineering Center, the UCF Arboretum includes hiking and biking trails, a boardwalk, and gardens where you can wander among nature.
The arboretum is open on weekdays from sunrise to sunset. Navigating the sprawling UCF campus can be a bit tricky, so here are driving and parking directions for the arboretum.
Address: 4312 Scorpius Street, Orlando, FL 32816
6. Blanchard Park
Blanchard Park, located in East Orange County, spans 80+ acres. With its many amenities, this park has something for everyone.
Blanchard Park’s flat terrain makes it perfect for biking, skating, and trail walking. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and various sports fields available. The Little Econ River running through the park offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking, while the playground keeps the kids entertained. There’s even a YMCA here.
Address: 2451 N. Dean Road, Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32817
7. Downtown Historic District Architectural Walking Tour
Looking for historic free things to do in Orlando? On the first Friday of the month from October-May, the city offers a free guided tour of the Downtown Historic District. During this tour, you can discover the stories behind some of Orlando’s oldest buildings.
The tour starts at 9:30am and runs about 1.5 hours. If you happen to miss it, you can also take a self-guided tour.
Address: 201 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 102, Orlando, FL, 32801
8. Free Days at Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens normally charges an admission fee. However, on the first Monday of each month from January-July, you can enjoy this lush botanical garden for free. With nearly 50 acres of gardens to explore, Leu Gardens is always lovely no matter the season.
Address: 1920 N. Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
9. Lake Eola Park
There’s a reason Lake Eola Park is one of the most popular free things to do in Orlando. Its crystal blue lake, iconic fountain, and elegant swans make it a local landmark.
You can often find free events happening at Lake Eola Park, such as concerts and free movies. And the park hosts a popular farmers’ market on Sundays from 10am-3pm.
Address: 512 E. Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
10. Universal CityWalk
You can have fun at Universal CityWalk without spending a dime. The theme park entertainment complex is free to visit. And if you arrive after 6pm, you can park for free in the Universal parking garage.
At CityWalk, you can enjoy live music and street performers, browse the shops, visit the Epic Universe Preview Center, or people-watch the hordes of tourists. You can also hotel-hop to the Universal resorts by taking the water taxi from CityWalk.
Address: 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
11. Disney Springs
Like Universal CityWalk, Disney Springs is another theme park entertainment complex where you can have fun without breaking the bank. Admission and self-parking cost nothing. It’s one of the best free things to do in Orlando.
There are plenty of free activities you can do at Disney Springs:
- Get a free sample at the Ghirardelli store
- Test out bath products at Basin
- Check out the Lego sculptures at the Lego Store
- Watch live bands and performers
- Window shop at the huge World of Disney store
- Watch the glass artisans working at Arribas Brothers
- Take your kids to the splash pads near Earl of Sandwich and the Christmas store
- Search for hidden Mickeys
The park also offers experiences such as Wellness Month and the Christmas Tree Stroll, which include free activities. Disney Springs is so large that you can spend hours exploring without spending anything.
Address: 1486 E. Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830
12. Resort Hopping
Usually, you can only park at the Disney World resorts if you’re a guest or you have a dining reservation.
However, you can park at Disney Springs and take the free bus to any of the resorts. If you go to the back of the Marketplace area at Disney Springs, you can also catch the ferry to Port Orleans Riverside and the French Quarter.
Disney World has more than 20 resorts, so you can make multiple itineraries. You could do a loop of the three monorail hotels, explore the EPCOT hotels, or check out the live animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Or you could head over to my personal fave, Wilderness Lodge, to bask in the cozy vibes and rustic details.
Each Disney hotel has its unique charms, making resort-hopping one of the best free things to do in Orlando.
13. Downtown Celebration
Located just a short drive from the theme parks, the town of Celebration boasts a cute downtown area.
It has unique shops, picturesque houses, and well-planned streets that give off a charming (if calculated) small-town feel. This town was built by Disney, after all.
While you’re there, relax in the rocking chairs at Lakeside Park, walk one of the town’s nature trails, or explore the downtown area. Downtown Celebration holds a farmer’s market on Sundays and hosts events and festivals throughout the year.
(Pro tip for next holiday season: Celebration also has great Christmas light displays.)
14. Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town Kissimmee may be a tourist trap, but it’s honest about it, which gives it a sort of weird charm. The entertainment complex offers a surprising number of free events.
Old Town is known for its classic car cruise held on Saturday nights. If you’re a car enthusiast, you might also enjoy the other car-centric events they hold, such as muscle car shows.
If you’re looking for some music instead, Old Town hosts live acts 3-4 days a week. And if you’re feeling brave, you can belt out some tunes during their free karaoke nights on Tuesday and Thursday.
Address: 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34746
15. Tibet-Butler Preserve
Escape the chaos of the theme parks and enjoy the natural beauty of Tibet-Butler Preserve, located near Disney World. Spanning over 400 acres, this preserve showcases a variety of Florida habitats, from scrublands to marshes.
Make sure to check out the animal exhibits at the Vera Carter Environmental Center before you hike the 3+ miles of trails. Just be aware, the trails can get flooded during storms, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
Address: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32836
16. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
Zora Neale Hurston’s impact on Eatonville is undeniable. If you’re ever in the area, you can visit the museum named after the famous author.
The Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts showcases the work of African-American artists. The museum switches up their exhibitions a few times a year, each one kicking off with a reception. Both the museum and the receptions are free, although donations are welcome.
Address: 227 E. Kennedy Boulevard, Eatonville, FL 32751
17. Mead Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for free things to do in Orlando, I highly recommend Mead Botanical Garden.
Located just outside the city in Winter Park, this lush, 47-acre garden offers a stunning botanical oasis. You can enjoy the nature trails, stop by the butterfly garden, or have a picnic in one of the pavilions.
Mead Botanical Garden also holds various events, such as outdoor concerts and art shows. And it’s a short drive from all the other free things to do in Winter Park.
Address: 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789
18. Orlando Urban Trail
Hit the Orlando Urban Trail near downtown Orlando. This 3-mile bike trail runs from Lake Highland through Loch Haven Park to Mead Botanical Garden. The trail goes around six lakes, providing a scenic view of Orlando.
TIP: While you’re near Loch Haven Park, stop by the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, and Mennello Museum. Every third Thursday of the month, you can get into the Orlando Museum of Art for free. And if you have a Bank of America card, you can get into all three museums for free on the first weekend of the month through the Museums on Us program.
19. Orlando Fire Museum
If you’re a history buff or have a kid who’s fascinated by firefighters, check out the Orlando Fire Museum.
This free museum, located near the Orlando Museum of Art, is staffed by ex-firefighters. The museum houses vintage firefighting equipment and covers the history of the Orlando Fire Department.
NOTE: Call ahead to schedule a tour.
Address: 814 E. Rollins Street, Orlando, Florida 32803
20. Downtown Sanford
Downtown Sanford, located about half hour east of Orlando, is a charming historic town with plenty of things to do for free.
Start your journey at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, where you can find maps and information about the area. From there, you can:
- Visit the Sanford Museum for some history
- Check out the Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery for some truly unique art
- Browse the shops
- Admire the historic buildings
- Take the RiverWalk along Lake Monroe
Sanford is a close-knit community that loves throwing free events and festivals. One of the most popular is Sanford Porchfest, a yearly music festival that happens in February on the porches of Sanford’s historic homes. There’s also a farmer’s market in Magnolia Square on Saturday mornings.
TIP: Hop on the free trolley to get around downtown Sanford.
21. Greenwood Cemetery
Strolling through a cemetery may sound like something only a teenage Goth would do, but Greenwood Cemetery is actually quite lovely. Over 40,000 people are buried in this cemetery near downtown, including many prominent Orlando figures.
You can explore the cemetery’s well-kept grounds and learn about its residents on a free self-guided walking tour. It’s one of the most unique free things to do in Orlando. The cemetery is massive, so you could easily spend an afternoon here.
Address: 1603 Greenwood Street, Orlando, FL 32801
22. Downtown Public Library
The downtown branch of the Orlando Public Library is one of the best free things to do in Orlando.
They offer a variety of events during the year—concerts, guest speakers, kids’ activities, and more. Many of these are open to anyone, not just Orange County residents.
But if you happen to be an Orange County resident, you’re in luck. You can take free classes on everything from sewing to using a flight simulator. You can also get free admission to local cultural attractions through the Local Wanderer program.
If you’re not using the public library, you’re missing out. Really, that goes for any Central Florida library. Look up the nearest branch and see what’s going on.
Address: 101 E. Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32801
23. Roller Skating at Barber Park
If you own a pair of roller skates, roll on down to Barber Park.
This park in southeast Orlando offers a free skating rink for you to enjoy. The rink is outdoors but covered, so you can skate without wilting in the Florida sun.
The Barber Park skating rink is open on weekends during the day. The park hosted its first nighttime event in November 2024, complete with a DJ and food trucks, so keep a lookout for future events.
Address: 3701 Gatlin Avenue, Orlando, FL 32812
24. Cranes Roost Park
Cranes Roost Park is arguably the heart of suburban Altamonte Springs. With its dancing fountain and winding boardwalk, the park provides a peaceful escape from the chaos of nearby State Road 436.
Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of free festivals, concerts, and movie nights. However, even on quieter days, Cranes Roost Park remains a great spot to unwind. It’s one of the best things to do in Altamonte Springs.
Address: 274 Cranes Roost Boulevard, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
25. Econ River Wilderness Area
Experience the beauty of nature at the Econ River Wilderness Area. Located near UCF, this 240-acre property offers roughly 3 miles of trails that wind through diverse Florida habitats.
Despite being close to civilization, you feel like you’re immersed in the forest. It’s one of the most peaceful free things to do in Orlando.
Address: 3795 Old Lockwood Road, Oviedo, FL 32765
Conclusion: 25 Free Things to Do In Orlando
Orlando doesn’t have to be expensive. From exploring beautiful parks and gardens to enjoying cultural attractions and events, there are lots of free things to do in Orlando. So if you’re on a budget but still want to have fun, check out some of the activities on this list.