Things to do

25 Free Things To Do In Orlando, Florida

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Are you wondering about free activities to do in Orlando? Worry not; we have got you covered in this article. There are lots of free places to visit in Orlando, including public parks, galleries, and malls to shop and eat.

You can first start to explore by visiting CityArts, then Disney Springs, you can relax at Kraft Azalea Garden and stroll around various parks while understanding about the history of Florida. To learn more, check the list of 25 free things to do in Orlando, Florida:

1. Explore Artwork At CityArts

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One of the top things to do in Downtown Orlando is to explore the beautiful boutique art gallery at CityArts. Here, you will find interesting and unique exhibits with great lighting.

You can even bring your kids here if they are interested in artwork. The best part is if you like any of the exhibits, then you can also make a purchase there. This place is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and consists of 6 different art galleries.

Address: 39 South Magnolia Avenue

2. Visit Disney Springs

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Disney Springs is another perfect thing to do in Orlando with kids and family. You can also go for a date night that is free if you are a Walt Disney World Resort hotel guest.

While some attractions have a cost, there are affordable options to entertain the kids. And if you are someone who loves shopping, then don't forget to visit the shopping center here which is considered as one of the best Orlando Mall for retail therapy.

Address: 1486 Buena Vista Drive

3. Relax At Kraft Azalea Garden

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Kraft Azalea Garden is a magical and unusual spot that will offer you a tranquil retreat free of cost. This place will remind you of scenes that you would see in a movie with very large trees.

This lovely and peaceful garden has many different areas to take photos of and benches to sit and be still. If you are lucky enough, you will also encounter Ergets flying around. With a picnic area and a view of the river, this garden is ideal for families.

Address: 1365 Alabama Drive

4. Check Out Icon Park

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Explore Icon Park's attractions, shops, and restaurants on a cost-free adventure. Here, you can craft your walking tour, savoring window shopping and free live music.

You can also capture moments at a 400-foot Ferris wheel and stay for the nightly light show at sunset. With free parking and entry, Icon Park offers a budget-friendly, entertaining experience for those seeking a dynamic outing in Orlando.

Address: 8375 International Drive

5. Enjoy A Free Movie Screening In The Park

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If you are someone who loves watching movies, then you should not miss the opportunity to enjoy a free movie screening in the parks of Orlando. Go for a movie night under the stars at A La Cart Orlando on Mondays, complete with on-site food trucks and wine bars.

Cranes Roost Park, Lake Eola Park, and Ivanhoe Park Brewing also host complimentary film screenings. It's a perfect outing with friends and family, and while the movies are free, you can splurge on drinks and food for added enjoyment.

6. Go To The Universal CityWalk

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If you are planning to visit here, then you must know that the Universal Citywalk is your one-stop shop for food and souvenirs. In this Orlando brunch spot, you will find a lot of choices for food with a super fun atmosphere.

Make sure to grab some VooDoo donuts here, they are super tasty and the marketing is hilarious. Hence, this activity is perfect for you if you are looking for free things to do in Orlando, Florida with family.

Address: 6000 Universal Boulevard

7. Observe Art At The Rollins Museum Of Art

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Explore artistic legacy within the Rollins Museum of Art, located in Winter Park on the territory of the Rollins College. The museum has no fees and it houses archeological and history collections of more than 560 places and periods from prehistoric to the modern.

You can look into more art by visiting other paintings that are at The Alfond Inn which is also owned by Rollins. If the art gates attract you, then take a round inside the beautiful campus; it is also cheap and cultural.

Address: 1000 Holt Avenue Box 2765

8. Discover Murals In The Mills 50 District

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Don't forget to visit Mills 50 District, where most buildings around North Mills Avenue and East Colonial Drive have had portions painted with colorful art. To learn more about street art in the city and to find out that twelve murals from the presented list of 44 are located in the city.

Share the ideas of the colorful spirit and try to photograph other examples of public art projects. It is a free, fresh, and colorful approach to observing the variety of artistic scenes in Orlando.

Address: North Mills Avenue

9. Stroll Around Lake Eola Park

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If you are planning to visit here, then you must know that Universal Citywalk is your one-stop shop for food and souvenirs. You will find a lot of choices for food with a super fun atmosphere.

Make sure to grab some VooDoo donuts here, as they are super tasty and fulfilling. Moreover, this park is perfect for those families with kids, they will enjoy each and every amneties of this place. So, enjoy your family time here in Eola Park!

Address: 512 East Washington Street

10. Tours And Tastings At Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

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You can get 45 minutes of free tours with tastings and a structural design film in Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards.

To enhance the experience, attend their summer and winter concerts or the holiday house open house that is free. Situated in Clermont, 35 minutes west of the tourism areas, this is an unrestricted experience for wine and music lovers.

Address: 19239 US Highway 27

11. Visit The United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus

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Experience tennis excellence at the USTA National Campus, boasting top-notch facilities, 100 fully-lit tennis courts, and free-to-attend events.

Enter the sport, including pickleball, with open access to Nemours Family Zone’s 60- and 30-foot courts for people of all ages, but participants must pre-register.

Located in Lake Nona, this dynamic facility offers a thrilling and accessible tennis experience in the heart of the community.

Address: 10000 USTA Boulvard

12. Nightly Opera At Loews Portofino Bay Hotel At Universal Orlando

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While adding to the list of free things to do in Orlando, remember this is free only for guests of the hotel and not to the public. This opera Performance usually takes place in the hotel’s courtyard, but it is best to ask for directions from the staff.

Besides the Opera, this popular hotel also offers other activities, such as Club Lounge with complimentary breakfast, access to the fitness center, and evening beer and wine. So, if you are planning to stay at this hotel, don't miss out on these activities.

Address: 5601 Universal Boulvard

13. Walk Throuigh Lake Nona Sculpture Garden

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Another beautiful garden that you should not miss while exploring Orlando is Lake Nona Sculpture Garden. This 50,000 square feet of lush garden is filled with sculptures from The Lewis Collection, one of the world's largest private collections of this type.

You will also see an elegant and inviting canopy of verdant palms and fragrant flowers there in the garden. This free garden is open for everyone who loves sculpture and is located alongside the Lake Nona Wave Hotel.

Address: 6100 Wave Hotel Drive

14. Stop By The Promenade At Sunset Walk

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Promenade at Sunset Walk is an awesome place to visit in Orlando, Florida. Here, you can find restaurants, bars, live music bands, Coldstone ice cream, and many more entertaining things.

Regular free events and entertainment are available here, including festive holiday celebrations. But you must pay for the activities you do here individually only the entry is free.

Some of the popular activities to do here are axe-throwing contests, escape rooms, water parks, and slingshots.

Address: 3251 Margaritaville Boulevard Kissimmee

15. Learn History At Winter Park History Museum

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Discover Winter Park's history at the city's historic Farmers' Market building, which features a photo timeline and themed exhibits. Dive into the past with a walking tour highlighting 20 sites, complete with a complimentary audio-tour CD, CD player, and a day-use map.

Get an insight into the history and culture of Winter Park as you go through these historical and culture tours of the city which are proved to be interesting and are free of charge.

Address: 200 West New England Avenue

16. Hike In The Tibet-Butler Preserve

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Tibet-Butler Preserve is a nice, quiet area to roam around, away from the busy city and amusement parks. This hidden gem will offer you beautiful hiking trails, mesmerizing wild animals, and an educational nature center - all completely free.

Before you start your hike, go to the visitor center to grab the interpretive Trail Guide. This guide includes a map of all trails along with the information about the wildlife and plant species which you will find along the way.

There are some short and some long loops, butterfly gardens, and sufficient parking for visitors. You can also take your kids along with you on this hike.

Address: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Road

17. Have Fun At Orlando Wetlands Park

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If you are someone who loves hiking and looking for wildlife, then this is the best free thing to do in Orlando, FL. This is the first wetlands park created in Florida, which is located in the town of Christmas.

On your visit here, you will get to see many birds, alligators, and even some harmless snakes. It is also a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Here, you can also enjoy taking pictures and going for a quick hike.

However, fishing, hunting, boats, and drones are strictly prohibited here. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

Address: 25155 Wheeler Road

18. Enjoy At Old Town Entertainment District

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If you are still wondering about what to do in Orlando then visit Old Town, Kissimmee, an amusement park that transports its visitors to the past and does not charge for admission. This town is just 15 minutes from Disney World.

Not only does Old Town have its paid attractions, dining, and shopping options, but it also features a list of fun-free things to do in Orlando. These are events like classic car demonstrations and entertainment brisk that offer you a glimpse into the old Florida towns.

Address: 5770 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway

19. Take A Tour Of The UCF Arboretum

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UCF Arboretum is an area that is unknown to most tourists, it is great for birding, hiking, and walking. The best part is that you will see a lot of crowds here and can spend your time in peace.

You will be able to encounter gorgeous flowers in October, and it is lovely even during the rainy weather in Orlando. During your time here, you will be able to see animals like deer, rabbits, gopher tortoises, snakes, lizards, and raccoons.

Address: 4312 Scorpius Street

20. Hike And Bike Along The West Orange Trail

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This well-paved trail extends from Winter Garden near Walt Disney World to Apopka, situated west of Orlando's primary tourism districts. The trail, perfect for hiking and biking, is free to use and includes amenities like playgrounds.

No bike? No problem. Rent one from West Orange Trail Bikes & Blades Co., with convenient hotel delivery options, and embark on a leisurely journey along this scenic route.

Address: 501 Crown Point Cross Road

21. Take A Ride Through Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

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For those who enjoy the outdoors, consider taking a pleasant 11-mile drive along the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, which is home to gators and many Florida wildlife and birds.

It's best to arrive early in the morning and then have breakfast at Mary's County Kitchen. It costs nothing to enter, and the one-way trip should take around an hour.

For a more rewarding time in nature, use the official website's guided audio tour and the map that is supplied to explore at your own pace.

Address: 2850 Lust Road, Apopka

22. Enjoy A Date Night At Sanford Art & Jazz Night

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Don't miss out on a charming date night in historic Downtown Sanford. Experience the magic of Sanford Art & Jazz Night, 3rd Thursday, a free celebration of arts, music, and spirits at various venues.

For a quarterly treat, join the lively Alive After 5 street party on the second Thursday, featuring diverse themes, live music, and opportunities to indulge in food and drinks. It's a casual and cost-free way to enjoy vibrant evenings in this historic gem.

Address: 214 Sanford Avenue

23. Stroll Through Harry P. Leu Gardens

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You will surely love your visit to Leu Gardens along with your family or friends. It is a mesmerizing 50-acre green oasis full of birds and butterflies, even in January. Here, you can walk through the lush gardens, relax in the shade of beautiful oak trees, and smell the varieties of roses.

However, free entry is offered only on select Mondays throughout the year and is always free for 3 and under age childrens. Moreover, during Mother’s and Father's Day, admission is free for moms and dads. But remember you arrive early on free days as it gets quickly packed. 

You can check Leu Gardens' official website for free entry days in 2025.

Address: 1920 North Forest Avenue

24. Roam Around Disney's BoardWalk

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Disney’s BoardWalk is located close to the EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studio Park. This mid-century attraction with a boardwalk similar to Coney Island is free of charge and inspired by Atlantic City.

Take your time to be entertained at night by juggling, comedians, fire eaters, and many other performers for free. From the Ferris wheel to the park, the BoardWalk Villas, located near the water transportation facility, make the last stroke in Disney style.

Address: Friendship Launch, Disney's Boardwalk Resort, Epcot Resorts Boulvard

25. Free Family Fun Day At Mennello Museum

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Mannello Museum is a great little museum that offers free family fun days on selected days of the month. Always remember to check the calendar of events before visiting there as they are packed most of the time.

This museum features the art of Earl Cunningham; you can also listen to his life and artwork, which is quite popular among visitors. We also recommend you walk outdoors to see various amazing sculptures, which will take you about an hour.

This is a beautiful place to stroll and be at peace. Parking here is pretty limited, so reach the place in time to enjoy the free parking in a small lot next to the museum.

Address: 900 East Princeton Street