25 best free things to do in orlando by a city local

Updated at : 19 Jan, 2024

Orlando is a unconfined municipality to visit but many people may stave planning a trip there considering of how expensive it can be. During peak season it can forfeit someone nearly $5,000 to visit for a week of lodging! For a family of three or more, the forfeit can quickly add up.

Thankfully, there are many self-ruling things to do in Orlando that a lot of people don’t know about. You might be surprised to learn that there’s so much increasingly to the zone than just theme parks and roller coasters.

Best Self-ruling Things To Do in Orlando

Having vacationed and lived in the city, I know all of the places to visit in Orlando, Florida that are self-ruling of charge. This list is eclectic and has something for everyone; plane Disney World and Universal are included on this list. However, there’s so much increasingly to the municipality than theme parks and this guide will introduce you to some of the weightier self-ruling museums and nature trails in the municipality of Orlando.

1. Take a Swan Boat Ride at Lake Eola Park

Swan Boats are parked at Lake Eola and a fountain, untried trees, and buildings on the background.

For those interested in sightseeing in Orlando without spending money, Lake Eola Park is a must-visit destination. This trappy park offers a wide range of activities that won’t forfeit you a dime.

One of my favorite things to do in Lake Eola Park is to take a ride in the iconic swan boats. These mannerly paddle boats, shaped like giant swans, can be rented self-ruling of charge. It’s a unique and enjoyable way to explore the lake.

Art enthusiasts are sure to find something to fathom at Lake Eola Park. The park is home to several sculptures and art installations, which add an originative touch to the natural surroundings. A unconfined self-ruling thing to do in Orlando for couples is to take a stroll through the park and discover these trappy works of art.

2. Window Shop and Enjoy Live Music at Disney Springs

Two woman point into the window store while holding shopping bags.

Disney Springs is a wonderful witchery in Orlando that offers a unique and self-ruling wits for visitors. It’s a unconfined self-ruling thing to do in Orlando for families as families and makes a unconfined option for a day out. Enjoy the magic of Disney without having to pay the upper forfeit usually associated with visiting.

Whether you’re looking to explore the numerous shops, enjoy live performances, or simply take a stroll, Disney Springs has something for everyone. One of the main highlights of Disney Springs is its enchanting atmosphere.

In wing to the delightful surroundings, Disney Springs moreover offers various entertainment options that are self-ruling for all visitors. I love to go there and reservation the live shows and street performances, and enjoy live music from talented musicians.

3. Explore the Rollins Museum of Art

There is a painting on the white wall and a statue in the center of an art museum.

The Rollins Museum of Art offers a unique self-ruling thing to do in Orlando. As one of my personal favorite activities to do on a weekend afternoon, exploring this museum allows visitors to immerse themselves in trappy art.

Situated in the town of Winter Park, just a short loftiness from Orlando, the Rollins Museum of Art is a subconscious gem waiting to be discovered. The museum showcases a diverse hodgepodge of art pieces that span various periods and styles, providing something for everyone’s taste.

In wing to the impressive collection, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events that remoter enrich the visitor experience. The Rollins Museum of Art moreover offers educational programs and workshops for both children and adults.

4. Momentum Through Lake Apopka’s Wildlife Reserve

An alligator at the land near the water and surrounded by greens plans.

One of the coolest self-ruling things to do in Orlando is to take a one-hour momentum through Lake Apopka. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive offers an incredibly enjoyable wits for nature enthusiasts. During my own drive, I was worldly-wise to witness an zillions of trappy Florida wildlife.

The highlight of my trip was the opportunity to spot alligators sunbathing, which was truly mesmerizing. The momentum through Lake Apopka is a must-try worriedness for anyone looking to explore the natural wonders of Orlando self-ruling of charge. Travel at your own pace and take in the surroundings from the repletion of your own car or rental vehicle.

5. Wander Through the Mead Botanical Garden

A trappy plants and flowers in the botanical garden.

The Mead Botanical Garden is undoubtedly one of the weightier self-ruling things to do near Orlando. Not only does it offer a serene and picturesque setting, but it’s moreover entirely self-ruling to visit. This makes it an platonic nomination for a budget-conscious outing.

As I wandered withal the paths of the Mead Botanical Garden during my visit, I encountered a ton of scenic sights. From trappy flowers in full viridity to towering trees. It’s the perfect place to escape yonder from the hustle and precipitance of busier areas.

Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist exploring the Orlando area, the Mead Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination. Its proximity to Orlando, combined with its self-ruling admission, makes it an wieldy and affordable option for anyone seeking a tranquil escape.

6. Watch a Vintage Car Show at Old Town Kissimmee

A bumper of maroon and undecorous vintage car parked.

Old Town is a mannerly historic district in Kissimmee, Florida, and is a unconfined place to visit near Orlando. The zone offers something for everyone such as boutiques, restaurants, an yuck park, and more. One of my favorite things to do in Old Town is watch their imported car show. This happens on the last Sunday of every month from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

In wing to the car shows, Old Town offers many increasingly special events and live music. On Halloween, Old Town offers trick-or-treating and festive entertainment. Flipside unconfined time to visit Old Town is during Christmas so you can see their Holiday Golf Cart Street Parade. There’s usually something going on, no matter what time of year you visit.

7. Stroll Virtually the Kraft Azalea Gardens

A Greek Architecture style in the front of a lake, surrounded by untried plants and trees.

A trappy place to see in Orlando is the Kraft Azalea Garden, unshut year-round from 8:00 AM until dusk. Whenever I travel to the Kraft Azalea Gardens I love to bask in the shade of the looming cypress trees and enjoy the secluded 5.22-acre public garden.

The Exedra is an platonic location for sunset wedding ceremonies, and once you visit, you’ll understand why – it’s really special. This Exedra can hold up to 20 guests and the gardens moreover offer numerous benches so you can relax without exploring. Pack a picnic and watch the world go by virtually you.

8. Take a Momentum to Nearby Cocoa Waterfront

An well-ventilated view of the beach, with a road on the right side and a parking zone where the waterfront can be seen from overhead.

An enjoyable self-ruling thing to do near Orlando is momentum to Cocoa Beach. Once you victorious at Cocoa Beach, you’ll find plenty of self-ruling activities to alimony you entertained. One option is to explore the waterfront itself – with its sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, Cocoa Waterfront is a paradise for waterfront lovers.

Whenever I visit, I love to simply relax on the sand with a good book, build sand castles, and watch the surfers. While here, take wholesomeness of the nearby Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral.

9. People watch at Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk

A yellow and red towers structure with Boardwalk signage in front of the lake.

Disney’s Boardwalk, tying to the Boardwalk Inn Resort, is one of the top self-ruling things to do in Orlando. The Boardwalk’s environment sets it untied from other Orlando areas. Being here feels like you’ve been transported when in time.

I love to grab an sultana instillation at the margarita stand and sit and people-watch. There are boats you can ride virtually the lake and Disney’s Skyliner which are gondola-type vessels that transport guests from one park to another. Both the Skyliner and boats are self-ruling to take a ride on and make for a great, self-ruling afternoon activity.

10. Take a Tram Tour Virtually Orlando Wetlands Park

A tree with a bird resting on a limb, a cloudy sky, and a mix of untried and dry plants in the field.

A self-ruling thing to do in Orlando for families is to visit the Orlando Wetlands Park. Orlando Wetlands Park is a man-made wetland designed to treat reclaimed water from Orlando and local cities. For those looking to hike, photograph nature, or horseback ride, this is the place for you.

The last time I visited Orlando Wetlands I took the self-ruling tram tour virtually the park. The tram tour is offered on weekends from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and runs from September through May only. Additionally, the tour does not run in ripply weather, but on a clear, sunny day, it’s a unconfined way to see increasingly of the area.

11. Reservation a Movie at Popcorn Flicks in the Park

A couple eating fries while watching movies at the unshut park with flipside group of people in the background.

Popcorn Flicks in the Park is a fun and self-ruling thing to do in Orlando at night. This superstitious event is held in Winter Park and is presented by ENZIAN Theater. Held on the second Thursday of every month, Popcorn Flicks in the Park is a place where you can watch a movie and enjoy some snacks under the stars.

My husband and I enjoy going to Popcorn Flicks in the Park as a stage night; I can attest that it’s a unconfined self-ruling thing to do in Orlando for couples. However, Popcorn Flicks in the Park is an event that truly is for everyone. It regularly shows family-friendly movies like Frozen and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

12. Take a Tour of Lakeridge Winery

A two man and one woman walking at the grape filed holding a woebegone bucket.

Lakeridge Winery, the city’s largest winery, is a fun, self-ruling thing to do in Orlando. They offer 45-minute walking tours showcasing how they make their succulent wines. This winery uses Muscadine grapes which thrive in humid environments.

Another thing that makes Lakeridge Winery so enjoyable is that it offers live music during the summer in a self-ruling concert series. I love visiting Lakeridge Winery during the summer months, and sitting outside with a well-done white wine to enjoy the self-ruling show.

13. Read a Typesetting at the Harry P Leu Gardens

A gorgeous garden with a stunning flower by the sidewalk and a couple walking surrounded by untried trees.

Admission to Harry P Leu Gardens in Orlando is self-ruling every first Monday of the month. This is platonic for those who want to walk virtually the gardens, sit with their favorite book, or have a picnic.

I enjoy strolling the trails covered by 200-year-old oak trees – there’s something truly magical well-nigh them. I love to pick out an enjoyable read, throne to the gardens, and find a well-appointed shaded spot to sit and relax on a Monday without the weekend is over.

14. Kayak at Wekiva Island

At sunset, a woman kayaks through a forest of untried trees.

If you’re wondering what to do in Orlando then visit Wekiva Island, home to inside Florida’s favorite watering hole. With over 2,000 square feet of space to explore, there’s no shortage of fun on this island.

During my trip to Wekiva Island, I explored the zone by kayak and paddleboard. Without exploring all day, I took a much-needed unravel and enjoyed a unprepossessed instillation at the Tooting Otter, surpassing grabbing a zest to eat at the Without a Paddle Cafe. I highly recommend doing the same!

15. Enjoy Self-ruling Parking without 6:00 PM at Universal Citywalk

An Iconic globe of Universal Studio, tree, and tower structure in the background.

Universal Citywalk is a fun thing to do for self-ruling in Orlando without 6:00 PM considering parking is free. Although Citywalk is mostly known for its shops and restaurants, you can hands spend an afternoon here without spending a dime.

I love exploring all the shops and live entertainment options. One of my favorite places to visit is The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen – this place is like a real-life Willy Wonka chocolate factory.

16. Learn well-nigh Inside Florida’s history at the Orange County Regional History Part-way

Orange Country Convention Part-way Orlando Florida showing the unique wily dome of the towers surrounded by untried plants and trees.

A fun and self-ruling thing to do in Orlando for history lovers is to visit the Orange County Regional History Center. On the third Thursday of each month, they offer self-ruling ticket from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Located in a historic courthouse in downtown Orlando, the history part-way features four floors of exhibits exploring over 10,000 years of Florida’s history.

When I visited the Orange County Regional History Part-way I spent the most time in the theme park era exhibit. However, there’s so much increasingly to learn here than just theme parks. There’s a pioneer motel and aviation exhibit, as well as so many others.

17. Ride your Bicycle on the West Orange Trail

A man rides his velocipede in the wooded park.

The West Orange Trail is a fun and self-ruling thing to do in Orlando. This trail is 22 miles long and is perfect for velocipede riding and hiking. There are several spots to stop and trammels out withal the way including a trappy butterfly garden.

I love riding my velocipede and rollerblading on the West Orange Trail. My favorite part of the route is cruising over an old railroad underpass near Florida’s turnpike and riding through the historic zone of downtown Winter Garden.

18. View Art at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum

A stunning shrine with a circular chandelier.

Another worthwhile place to visit in Orlando is the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. This museum offers self-ruling ticket on Fridays from 4:00 PM through 8:00 PM. However, the museum is only $6.00 at full price, making it affordable for everyone to visit.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art features work by Louis Repletion Tiffany, including lead glass lamps and windows. It moreover houses pottery, late 19th and 20th-century paintings, graphics, and decorative art.

19. People watch at Icon Park

A Ferris wheel at the sunset.

Walking virtually Icon Park on International Momentum is a cool, self-ruling thing to do in Orlando. There’s so much to do in the zone including the Orlando EYE, and the Starflyer. The weightier part well-nigh Icon Park is that parking and ticket are self-ruling of charge, making it user-friendly for couples and families looking for a day out in Orlando.

I love to grab a zest to eat at Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips – I unchangingly get a unprepossessed drink and sit and people-watch everyone coming and going. There’s moreover live entertainment at the Tin Roof a restaurant and bar in Icon Park.

20. Visit the Winter Garden Farmer’s Market

Farmers' market stall with a variety of organic vegetables.

Winter Garden Farmers Market is a unconfined place to visit in Orlando. One of the weightier things well-nigh the Winter Garden Farmers Market is that it’s self-ruling to enter. Visitors can explore the stalls and sample the succulent offerings without having to pay an ticket fee. It’s a budget-friendly option for families and individuals looking for a fun day out without breaking the bank.

The market takes place every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. From organic fruits and vegetables to homemade jams and wright bread, there’s something for everyone’s taste and preference.

21. Enjoy Sunset Walk in Kissimmee

A prod of people relaxing in a tiny tent and playing with children in the center, surrounded by towers stores, restaurants, and trees while the sun sets.

Sunset Walk in Kissimmee is a fun thing to do in Orlando for couples on a date. Ticket and parking to this ramified are free, and the zone is filled with superstitious boutiques and succulent restaurants. There are so many to segregate from!

My personal favorite place to eat at Sunset Walk is The Wharf Orlando. The Wharf Orlando is most well known for their wondrous oyster bar; a restaurant that moreover hosts dueling piano players on their dockside during select nights. The undercurrent here is great.

22. Visit the town of Celebration

A street with parked cars on the sidewalk, trees, and buildings, and a man walking with a white plastic bag.

Visiting Celebration in Orlando is a fun and self-ruling thing to do. Celebration was initially founded by the Walt Disney Company in the 1950s and is picture-perfect. The town looks like it’s straight out of a Disney mucosa set. There’s plane a Wisteria Lane, the same street featured on Desperate Housewives.

I was lucky to work in Celebration for three years and spent many a lunch unravel exploring the town. I recommend grabbing a cup of coffee and walking withal the cobble street on Main Street and exploring all the boutiques.

23. Play with your Dog in Dr. Phillips Polity Park

A family is sitting under a undecorous tent in a polity park.

For those looking to take a unravel from the theme parks, a fun and self-ruling thing to do in Orlando is to visit Dr. Phillips Polity Park. This park, situated between Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, offers so much, for you, and your shaggy friends.

Dr. Phillips Polity Park is unconfined for families considering they have a fun splash pad for the children to enjoy. There’s plane a nature trail located virtually a lake, and a unconfined dog park to enjoy with your four-legged companions.

24. Ride the Walt Disney World monorail

A Monorial over the colorful garden and lake.

Riding the Walt Disney World monorail is a delightful and cost-free worriedness to indulge in when visiting Orlando. Located within the enchanting realm of Disney, this iconic mode of transport offers a unique and enjoyable wits for all. To embark on this adventure, simply hop on at the Ticket and Transportation Center, where the monorail awaits to whisk you away.

As you glide withal the elevated tracks, you’ll be treated to views of the magnificent Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Next on your itinerary is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, a tropical paradise that will transport you to the islands of the South Pacific. Finally, the monorail will take you to Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

25. Visit Lori Wilson Park

A underpass with untried plants on the side leading to the waterfront and a cloudy sky.

Lori Wilson Park is a waterfront park located in Orlando, Florida. Spanning over 32.43 acres, it offers a wide range of suavities and attractions that make it a popular destination for events and group gatherings.

One of the main highlights of the park is its trappy waterfront area, which boasts three pavilions positioned withal a 1,000-foot boardwalk. These pavilions provide shaded areas where visitors can relax, have picnics, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.

FAQs

Are there a lot of things you can do in Orlando for free?

Yes, there are plenty of things you can do in Orlando for self-ruling such as the Harry P Leu Gardens and Wekiva Island.

Is Orlando Expensive?

Depending on the time of year you visit, Orlando can be expensive.

Are museums self-ruling in Orlando?

There are several self-ruling museums in Orlando such as the Rollins Museum of Art and Orange County Regional History Center.

What is Orlando known for?

Orlando is known for its theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

When is the weightier time to visit Orlando?

The weightier time to visit Orlando is in mid-September through early November.

Is Orlando worth visiting?

Yes, Orlando is worth visiting considering of all the fun and self-ruling things to do in the area.

How many days should I spend in Orlando?

I recommended spending between five and fourteen days in Orlando.

Is Orlando safe?

If you stay in the tourist areas then yes, Orlando is safe. As you would in any destination, wield worldwide sense, remain enlightened of your surroundings, and alimony belongings and personal items safe.

What is the most popular self-ruling thing to do in Orlando?

The most popular self-ruling thing to do in Orlando is to visit Disney Springs.

In Closing

In conclusion, Orlando offers a ton of enjoyable and cost-free activities for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s natural beauty, engage in cultural experiences, or simply have fun, there are numerous options misogynist that won’t unravel the bank.