When you picture Orlando, Walt Disney World likely springs to mind.
That’s understandable. While Disney is undeniably a highlight, Orlando — The City Beautiful — has plenty to offer beyond the theme parks. There are numerous free activities to enjoy in Orlando: attractions, walking tours, family-friendly outings and other experiences that won’t cost you a small fortune to enter.
Free Activities in Orlando
Whether you live in Orlando or are mapping out a visit, here are no-cost ways to fill your itinerary.
1. Lake Eola Park
Right in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park delivers picture-perfect vistas, a 0.9-mile lakeside path and some impressively large swans. (Seriously — they’re enormous.) If you’re there on a Sunday, don’t miss the market.
Throughout the year the park hosts many free offerings (including outdoor movie nights), so save this events page for reference.
2. Disney Springs
Previously called Downtown Disney, Disney Springs is a waterfront promenade of shops, eateries, bars and entertainment.
You don’t need to spend a dime to soak up the energetic outdoor scene. Enjoy plenty of window shopping and hop on the water taxi that ferries you from one end to the other. Best of all, parking is complimentary — a rarity in Orlando.
Bonus: The Lego Store is here, a block-lover’s paradise that captivates kids and adults alike. You don’t have to pay to explore!
3. Disney’s Boardwalk
Located between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Boardwalk channels the feel of 1920s Coney Island.
Stroll along Crescent Lake, watch street performers work their tricks and savor the smell of funnel cakes. Depending on timing, parking may be reserved for hotel or dining guests only, but rideshare drop-offs at the Boardwalk are an easy workaround.
4. Grand Bohemian Gallery
If you love art, make time for the elegant Grand Bohemian Gallery — you don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit.
Downtown parking can be a challenge; use ParkMe to locate the cheapest garage (for instance, the $2 City Commons Garage).
5. Orlando Brewing
Take advantage of a complimentary tour of Orlando Brewing, offered Monday through Saturday at 6 p.m. After you learn how their brews are made, reward yourself with a taste.
6. Tasty Tuesdays
The Milk District (so-called because of its proximity to T.G. Lee Dairy) hosts Tasty Tuesdays, a weekly meetup of local food trucks every Tuesday from 6:30–10 p.m. Bring kids or pets and enjoy live music and neighborhood vibes.
7. Universal CityWalk
After 6 p.m., parking is free and you can absorb the bright energy of Universal CityWalk, which has a Vegas-like feel — minus the gambling.
Kids can cool off at a splash fountain, and during summer months you might catch no-cost concerts.
8. ICON Park
You can pay to ride The Wheel at ICON Park, but parking and admission are free, so you can wander the 20-acre complex and enjoy people-watching among shops and eateries. Stay until dusk to see the 400-foot Wheel’s nightly light display.
Free Things to Do Near and Around Orlando
Venture beyond Disney’s shadow and you’ll uncover a wealth of complimentary experiences across this scenic region of Florida.
9. Winter Park
This charming Central Florida town sits about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando. Home to Rollins College and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park also has more than 70 parks and hosts many free events and festivals year-round.
One favorite is Mead Botanical Garden, featuring trails, native plants, a butterfly garden and free admission.
The Morse Museum showcases an expansive collection by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the renowned lampmaker and artist. The museum typically charges a small fee, but children under 12 enter free.
Pick up a free walking-tour brochure at the Winter Park Historical Museum (located in the farmers market building) to explore 21 curated stops, including the Winter Park Railroad Station, Knowles Cottage and the Colony Theatre.
10. Winter Park Farmers’ Market
Visit the Winter Park Farmers’ Market at the historic train depot each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to browse local vendors.
Note: The market pauses on the third Saturday in March for the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, one of the nation’s longest-running and largest outdoor art shows — and it’s free to enjoy.
Afterward, stroll Park Avenue, lined with boutiques, cafes, museums and theaters.
11. Cornell Fine Arts Museum
On Rollins College’s scenic campus, the Cornell Fine Arts Museum contains over 500 paintings plus numerous artifacts and archaeological pieces. The museum offers complimentary tours — booking ahead is recommended.
(Keep in mind it’s closed on Mondays and select holidays.)
12. Kraft Azalea Garden
Kraft Azalea Garden sits on the shore of Lake Maitland in Winter Park. Bring a picnic and relax beneath towering cypress trees, then break out binoculars to spot local birds.
13. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
Craving a true taste of Florida — and perhaps a little buzz? Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards spans a 127-acre Clermont estate and produces award-winning wines. They provide free tours and complimentary tastings for visitors.
Check their schedule for special happenings like summer music series or grape-stomping contests, which often include free activities for kids.
14. Old Town in Kissimmee
Free to enter and wander, Old Town is a retro Florida destination with rides, souvenir shops and numerous dining options.
On Friday and Saturday nights grab a curbside seat and watch classic and muscle cars cruise down Main Street.
15. Big Tree Park
This park was once known for The Senator, a 3,500-year-old bald cypress that tragically burned in 2012. Although The Senator is gone, its memorial remains alongside its roughly 2,000-year-old counterpart, Lady Liberty.
The park also features a pleasant trail, a playground and plenty of shade to escape the Florida sun.
16. Celebration Town Center
Designed by Disney, this “picture-perfect town” showcases pastel homes and white picket fences. Many visitors come simply to admire the scenery and stroll around the lake.
The town center hosts a variety of dining, entertainment and shopping options — keep an eye on events during your trip, such as exotic car shows and art walks.
17. Winter Garden
About 20 minutes west of Orlando, this former citrus hub is a calm retreat from the busy theme parks. Downtown Winter Garden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Free activities in Winter Garden include a popular farmers market, art galleries, live music and family-friendly events around the picturesque plaza.
18. Black Hammock Adventures
Black Hammock Adventures sits on Lake Jesup, home to one of the highest densities of alligators in the U.S. While exploring the outdoors you may see bald eagles, wild boars, bobcats and other Florida wildlife.
Their website notes a free gator exhibit; if you want to splurge you can book an airboat ride.
19. Cocoa Beach
The nearest shoreline to Orlando is Cocoa Beach, roughly an hour away depending on your starting point.
Parking at the popular Alan Shepard Park costs $15, but nearby Lori Wilson Park offers free access.
There’s also a dog park if you want to bring your pup along.
20. Fort Christmas
On your way to the beach, consider stopping at Fort Christmas Historical Park.
Constructed during the Second Seminole War, the site features a full-size Fort Christmas replica and seven historical “Cracker-style” homes. Enjoy interpretive videos before settling in for a picnic under one of the pavilions.
Admission is free, and the park hosts additional no-cost family events such as a bluegrass festival in March and Cracker Christmas in December.
21. Spook Hill
For a quirky outing head south to Lake Wales. Around 600 N. Wales Dr., you’ll find signage for “The Legend of Spook Hill.”
Pull over, read the tale and follow the instructions — if done correctly, your car appears to roll uphill.
Reviews on TripAdvisor vary, so don’t go too far out of your way unless you’re curious.
Bonus: Wekiva Island
Enjoy this eco-friendly haven on the Wekiva River for $2 per person. Lounge on the dock or float while local bands play.
If you feel adventurous, rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard — a half-day rental is typically under $40. When you’re ready to refuel, visit the Tooting Otter for snacks and a craft beer.
Note: Although resort pool-hopping is tempting, many hotels frown on it, so we’ve omitted that suggestion to avoid encouraging unwelcome behavior.
Alex Martin is a travel contributor at Savinly. Additional reporting by Jordan Lee and editor Dana Rivers updated this article.
