With an ever-expanding lineup of attractions at Disney World and Universal, the City Beautiful always has something exciting to offer. But there’s much more to Florida’s tourism hotspot than big-ticket entertainment. There are heaps of cheap and free things to do in Orlando, and they are just as fun as the theme parks.
Whether you want to wet your whistle at the city’s only organic brewery, discover Orlando’s great outdoors or take in the iconic skyline at Lake Eola, here’s a list of things to do on the cheap!
If you’re visiting Orlando and want a vacation home near to the best things to do, take a look at our selection of luxury Orlando vacation rentals, perfect for families and groups of all sizes.
- Fun and entertainment
- Parks and nature
- Window shopping
- Day trips and tours
- Historical sights
- Hit the beach
- Museums and galleries
- Food and drink
- Music and theater
Cheap and free fun things to do in Orlando
1) Check out Universal’s Citywalk
It may cost to get into the theme parks but you can visit Universal’s Citywalk entertainment complex and you only have to pay for parking. Citywalk is a mix of shopping, restaurants and nightlife, with plenty of free music and entertainment. Depending on the month of the year there may be additional free family activities throughout the complex
2) Stay in a cheap villa with themed rooms
If you’re looking for cheap accommodation, Orlando is home to a huge range of affordable vacation rentals with amazing themed rooms. Whether your little ones love princesses, pirates, wizards or video games, there’s a themed bedroom just for them. What’s more, they’re cheaper than you think! You can book a vacation rental with themed rooms like the ones below from as little as $86 per night – see the Top Villas website for more details.
3) Hang out at I-Drive 360
The swanky $250m entertainment destination is home to some awe-inspiring sights. There’s the 400-foot Orlando Eye observation wheel, a Madame Tussaud’s, and an Animals Unveiled ‘museum’. The attractions require tickets but entry to the complex is free, and there are plenty of restaurants, shops, bars and free entertainment. With more than $4 billion in investment also planned for I-Drive’s future, this world-class visitor destination promises to offer world-class fun for generations to come. Visitors looking to stay on I-Drive should check out our brand-new Villatel Orlando Resort, with luxury on-site waterpark and beautiful vacation rentals with private pools to soak up and enjoy.
4) See ghostly goings-on at Spook Hill
No list of things to do in Orlando would be complete without mentioning Spook Hill. Each year visitors from far and wide are drawn to this unique spooky attraction at Lake Wales, around an hour’s drive south of Downtown. Visit Spook Hill, park your car in neutral, and be amazed as it appears to roll uphill without any form of momentum. Is the hill haunted, like some local people suggest? Or is it just an optical illusion?
Parks & nature things to do in Orlando
5) Soak up the sights at Lake Eola
This 43-acre oasis in the heart of Downtown offers spectacular views over the city’s iconic skyline. You can eat a picnic next to the lake, feed the resident swans, enjoy one of the many free concerts at the amphitheater, or pop by the farmer’s market on Sundays.
6) Take a hike
Things to do in Orlando Fl can be more relaxing than you might think. Escape the city at Mead Botanical Garden, an immaculately manicured estate run by the City of Winter Park. Located just a few miles from the downtown business district, there’s a butterfly garden, citrus trees, a lake, and acres of shady picnic spots. There’s also a swamp boardwalk, a pretty hiking trail and an old amphitheater. Entrance is free of charge.
7) Visit a wildlife haven
This country park offers a wildlife haven just a stone’s throw from Disney World, Tibet Butler Preserve boasts miles of well-maintained hiking trails for hours of family fun – all for free, making it one of the top fun free cheap things to do in Orlando!
8) Go manatee spotting
Blue Spring State Park is a dedicated manatee refuge where you can spot Florida’s famous manatee during the winter months. Located west of the city, around 40 minutes’ drive from Orlando, the park is a popular tourist destination where you can also go canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, wildlife watching and swimming. The State Park entrance fees are $6 per vehicle (2-8 people), $4 for single-occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians, cyclists and extra passengers in a vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
9) Explore Shingle Creek
Nature fans and those looking to launch a kayak will love exploring the Shingle Creek Regional Park Steffee Homestead in nearby Kissimmee. With no entrance or parking fee, come and make the most of the short 3/4 mile hiking trail, bike trail, free historical museum and public kayak launch site at Shingle Creek Steffee Landing (kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals and guided tours are also available here).
10) See a sinkhole
One of the most unique and fascinating forests in the state, Ocala National Forest is known for its huge areas of pine scrub forest, its natural pools and its canoe runs. There are hundreds of trails to explore including one that runs past a sinkhole, one that actually goes into a huge sinkhole (descend a staircase on the 1.8-mile loop Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail for a truly unique experience) and trails past the remains of 19th-century homesteads.
11) Go mountain biking
Every outdoor enthusiast will love the Snowhill Trail, also known as Little Big Econ State Forest. Hailed as the city’s largest trail system, mountain bikers can enjoy all day use of the trails for just $2 per person. Not only is it one of the cheapest things to do, it’ll also keep you entertained for hours.
Window shopping in Orlando
12) Visit Orlando’s most popular shopping mall
With over 20 million visitors a year, Sunshine State’s largest shopping center, Florida Mall is easily Orlando’s #1 shopping destinations. Located just minutes from Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport, you’ll find more than 250 stores and restaurants, as well as a free kids’ play area. You can explore the impressive array of shops, or just window shop and admire the mall’s impressive interior, for a cheap free thing to do in Orlando.
13) Extend your shopping trip!
No list of things to do in Orlando Fl would be complete without mentioning more shopping. Head to the 150+ designer stores and restaurants at the uber modern and picturesque Mall at Millenia, located just off Interstate 4 at Conroy Road, or the vibrant Championsgate Resort – home to more than 250 stores and 25 restaurants. Other great must-see shopping destinations include Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, Orlando International Premium Outlet and of course the iconic shopping and entertainment districts of Disney Springs and Universal’s City Walk.
Day trips and tours in Orlando
14) Celebrate in the town of Celebration
Visit the Disney-made town of Celebration and marvel at gorgeous gardens, huge houses and all the magic of Disney living. Children can play in the interactive fountain plus, depending on when you visit, you can see artificial snow or falling leaves.
15) Chill at a secret garden
Dubbed Florida’s ‘secret garden’, the 5-acre Kraft Azalea Garden is located on the shore of Lake Maitland and is open all year round from 8am until dusk. Free to enter, its unique, secluded and picturesque setting offers one of the most scenic, cheap and free things do in Orlando, if you’re looking to just chill.
16) See where 10,000 alligators live
Located in Oviedo, just a stone’s throw from the busiest attractions, Lake Jesup is home to more than 10,000 alligators as well as turtles of all sizes and thousands of species of birds. Black Hammock Adventures runs a free live gator exhibit, plus 30-minute airboat tours for around $37+ tax per adult and $32+ tax per child, with differently priced individual group packages available. Local Florida residents enjoy a great discount ticket price too!
17) Play games (and more) at the local library
The Orlando Public Library is open to all, and hosts a variety of events including special readings, arts and crafts, family movie nights, board games, and musical events. This is a great options if you’re looking for things to do in Orlando Florida – for free.
18) Explore the Everglades National Park
Located in southern Florida, a few hours’ drive away, the Everglades National Park offers up-close views of alligators and crocodiles, as well as walking tours, airboat tours, bike trips and canoeing excursions. Entrance per car is around $35 and is valid for 7 consecutive days.
Historical cheap and free things to do in Orlando
19) Take a wander through Fort Christmas Historical Park
Fort Christmas was built in present day Christmas, by US army soldiers and Alabama volunteers during the Second Seminole War. Today you can see a full-scale replica of the fort, located just south of Christmas Creek, less than a mile from its original location. There’s also a small museum at the site, along with several restored ‘Florida Cracker’ houses depicting rural Florida life from the 1870s through the 1930s. Entrance is free.
20) Explore Church Street
The historic downtown district is home to some of America’s oldest houses and prettiest neighbourhoods. You can see one of the frequent concerts on the bandstand at nearby Wall Street Plaza, and take advantage of the regular drinks offers and seasonal specials at the surrounding restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
21) Visit the Singing Tower at Bok Tower Gardens
Located in the rolling citrus hills in historic Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens is home to acres of must-see scenery and a gothic 205-foot Singing Tower housing one of the world’s finest carillons. There are immaculately manicured gardens and walking trails to explore, plus daily carillon concerts that can be heard throughout the gardens. Entrance is $20 for adults and $10 for children (ages 6-17), and free of charge for under-5s. Dogs are $10. Visitors looking to tour the historic mansion of El Retiro during their trip can purchase a combo admission for $30 for adults and $15 for children (ages 6-17), with children aged 5 and under going free.
22) Experience ‘Big Tree Park’
Step back in time at Big Tree Park and marvel at the ‘Senator’ site, once home to the oldest and largest cypress tree in the world. Unfortunately the tree was destroyed by fire in 2012, but a memorial for the 3,500-year old tree has since been established around its massive stump. A huge clone tree named ‘Phoenix’ has been planted nearby and you’ll also be able to see the 2,000-year old Lady Liberty Tree – which is an impressive sight in its own right.
23) Wander through the Bradlee-McIntyre House
Built in 1885 for noted Boston architect Nathaniel Jeremiah Bradlee, the Bradlee-McIntyre House is the only surviving Queen Anne-style cottage in the Orange and Seminole counties. The three-story, 13-room winter vacation house features an octagonal tower and “ginger-bread” trim typical of the flamboyant houses of the period. The entrance fee is just $5 per person, with kids under 5 going free.
24) Explore an Orlando flea market
Head to one of Orlando’s fantastic weekly flea markets, and find out what treasures you might discover there. There are several to choose from, including the East Colonial Outdoor Flea Market that takes place on Colonial Drive, or the OBT Flea Market on Orange Blossom TRL, which offers clothing, furniture, and food amongst other things.
Hit Orlando’s beaches
25) Picnic at Cocoa Beach
The beach will always be one of the best family activities in Orlando, and of the beaches that Orlandoans most love is Cocoa Beach, located just east of the city straight down the State Road 528. Facilities include a 300-acre parking lot, large picnic pavilions, picnic tables, walkways and a bathhouse with outdoor showers and restrooms. It’s around an hour’s drive; all you need to pay for is the gas and parking ($15 for cars and recreational vehicles).
26) Go swimming at Daytona Beach
An hour’s drive from Orlando, Daytona is one of the few Florida beaches where you can drive onto the sand. This traditional Atlantic Ocean beach also boasts a boardwalk and a pier, plus child-friendly attractions like a dazzling water park and a family entertainment center. Nearby you’ll find the Daytona International Speedway, historic St. Augustine and the lovely New Smyrna Beach.
27) Hit the Gulf Coast
You might not expect beaches to make the list of things to do in Orlando, but they’re easy to get to from the city. It may be a longer drive than the east coast beaches but Clearwater is well worth the effort. Three miles of powdery sands and an abundance of family attractions await in this reawakening old Florida town along the Gulf Coast. Once you’re there you’ll find plenty of affordable eateries and beach shops.
Cultural cheap and free things to do in Orlando
28) Explore Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Located in Winter Park, this fascinating art museum houses the world’s best collection of works by designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. There’s also a major collection of American pottery, and fine collections of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings, graphics and decorative arts. Admission is free on Fridays from 4pm – 8pm, November through April and otherwise is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors (60+), $1 for students (with valid ID) and free for under 12s.
29) Get inspired at the Grand Bohemian Gallery
For cultural things to do where better to head than this? Hailed as one of the most eclectic and visually stimulating art galleries in America, the Grand Bohemian is home to awe-inspiring local contemporary art and jewellery exhibitions, along with a collection of European art and paintings from the 19th century.
30) Visit the Museum of Seminole County History
Situated in Sanford, this museum offers a glimpse of Seminole County history through a wide variety of exhibits, including maps, photographs, documents and mementos that tell the stories of Seminole County’s inhabitants, their lives, lineages and local legends. Tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for seniors, the military and children 5+. Under 4s go free!
31) Be wowed at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum
The Cornell Fine Arts Museum has one of Florida’s finest collections of fine art, including works by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Thomas Moran, among others. Entrance is free and you can also enjoy a free 30-minute tour of the museum, making it one of the top free cheap things to do in Orlando.
32) Check out Orlando’s Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art showcases American, African and ancient American art, with a discovery centre, a shop and free parking. Entrance is $20 for adults, $10 for students (with valid ID) seniors $12 (60+), $8 for children (ages 6-17) and free for ages 5 and under. Family in search of cheap free things to do in Orlando can make the most of the budget-friendly Family Bundle! ticket for $45, for 2 adults and up to 3 children. Active-duty military, veterans and first responders also go free (with valid ID).
33) Appreciate African American art at the Hurston Museum
Located in Eatonville, the Hurston Museum takes you on a journey through history starting with the acclaimed author Zora Neale Hurston’s humble beginnings. From 19th-century furniture crafted by slaves to contemporary paintings by urban children, the museum showcases the work of many African artists. Entrance is free, with donations welcome.
34) Visit the Holocaust museum
This sobering Holocaust museum at Maitland, around 15 minutes’ drive from Downtown, is home to a large collection of artefacts from the Holocaust. It’s open every day except Saturdays. Entrance is free, although tickets reserved online will incur a $1 transaction fee.
35) Go gallery hopping at City Arts Factory
This fun and accessible art gallery is a must-see during your vacation, featuring the largest collection of galleries in downtown Orlando. There are local and international works of art rotated on a monthly basis, set against a giant factory background. Entrance is free.
Cheap food and drink things to do in Orlando
36) Try local wine at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
A sprawling country estate some 25 miles west of the city, Lakeridge ranks as Florida’s largest premium winery. Complimentary tours and wine tasting are offered 7 days a week and there are many free festivals and events throughout the year.
37) Tour Orlando’s only organic beer brewery
Check out the giant fermenting vats and learn how organic beer is brewed on a tour of Orlando’s only organic beer brewery. Every weekend the Orlando Brewing Company offers free brewery tours and free live entertainment on the outdoor stage.
38) Visit World of Beer for happy hour
Overlooking Lake Eola in downtown, World of Beer is a top gastropub location in Orlando to watch the sun set over the city. There’s a daily happy hour, plus great value tavern grub to accompany the 500+ global beers, craft drafts and free live music shows.
39) Get healthy at Chamberlin’s Market
Located across the city, these health markets offer free wellness workshops, guest speakers and free samples of organic food.
40) Grab a drink at the Eden Bar
The Eden Bar outside the Enzian Theater in Maitland offers daily drinks specials, including specials on dog-friendly Mondays, $1 off the entire Tiki Cocktail menu on Tuesdays, $4 house wines on Thursdays, select $6-8 cocktails on Fridays and select $5-6 double Mimosas, Smirnoff Bloody Marys and more over the weekend.
41) Try running for beer
Mix running with pleasure with Running for Brews, Orlando’s most famous beer-based running club. Runners meet up at Graffiti Junktion every Wednesday night at 7pm and then proceed to run a 5km route around the neighborhood. At the end there are cold craft brews for free.
Music, theater and quirky things to do in Orlando
42) The Annie Russell Theater
The Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College in Winter Park is home to an annual program of ticketed main stage shows, plus a student-produced Stage Series, which is free and offers seats on a first-come-first-served basis.
43) The Grand Bohemian
The Grand Bohemian Hotel on South Orange Avenue has a posh jazz lounge where you can sip a cocktail and enjoy some of Orlando’s only live jazz music. It’s home to an Imperial Grand Bosendorfer piano, one of only a handful in the world. So if nothing else, grab a cocktail of choice, check out the piano and and relax for a while.
44) Get free audience tickets
An array of popular American television shows are often filmed in Orlando, and if you’re in town during filming it’s really easy to get free audience tickets- for one of the best unique free things to do in Orlando. To get tickets visit On Camera Audiences and search the area to see what shows are on, and what times and dates you can sign up for. Recent shows have included ‘Family Feud’ and ‘American Ninja Warrior’.
45) Howl at the Moon
Sing, dance and howl along as the state’s most talented musicians perform all your family songs at this part-bar, part-concert venue. Located at International Drive, all it costs is the price of a drink for some high-energy entertainment!
46) Orlando Fringe
Hailed as one of the best cheap things to do in Orlando, the Orlando Fringe festival is a major event featuring amazing theater, music, dance and art productions. During the festival there are dozens of shows on for kids and adults alike. Tickets range in price from free – $12, with 100% of ticket sales going directly to the artists.
47) Orlando Film Festival
The immersive Orlando Film Festival is well worth dipping into; with plenty of quirky, independent movies to keep film buffs happy. It’s not free but it’s great value for what you get. A one-day pass is $20 and you’ll get access to films, music events and interactive activities. Those looknig to experience the Orlando Film Festival in full can take advantage of a 7-day festival pass ($100) or one of the 2-tier VIP passes available (priced from $150-300). Check the website for updates!
48) Tanqueray’s
For music lovers, Tanqueray’s bar in Downtown is a true gem. This iconic no frills venue offers live music every night of the week from some of Orlando’s best bands like Christian Ryan, The Groove Orient, Ancient Sun and Daniel Heitz. There’s no entry fee so it will just cost you the price of one of their drinks (this live music venue offers drink specials and shots, with domestic beers around $3).
49) The Orlando Ballet
If dance is your scene you really can’t beat the Orlando Ballet. Here at Central Florida’s only residential professional ballet school you’ll be able to see beloved classics such as The Nutcracker and Carmina Burana, or new creations like Mad Tales of the Hatter and other performances. Regular tickets cost from $39, whilst VIP ticket packages are available for $200 per 2-person and $1,100 4-person group. Subscribers also enjoy special offers and savings of up to 20% off, whilst Florida residents enjoy a 10% discount with code FLRESIDENT.
50) See an Irish dance show
All the family are invited to frolic inside the only authentic Irish pub and restaurant, Raglan Road. It was built entirely in Ireland and then shipped lock, stock and barrel to Disney Springs. Entrance is free, though table reservations are strongly recommended. The menu offerings are all great value and while you’re dining you’ll be able to enjoy fantastic live Celtic music and award-winning Irish dance shows. If you are in town for St Patrick’s Day be sure to stop by the Mighty St Patrick’s Day Festival. Entrance is free, making it easily one of the most popular free things to do in Orlando!
51) Get cheap tickets to a basketball game
You can purchase preseason tickets to watch Orlando Magic at the Kia Center for as little as $26 per person, with best seats costing up to $123 each. Check with their website for up-to-the-minute updates and opening times.
52) Have coffee with a cat
At the unique Orlando Cat Cafe you can relax with a steaming cup of coffee while watching the playful antics of cats and kittens. The venue is the first of its kind to open in Central Florida and is both a cozy coffee house and a cat play/adoption center. You can buy premium tea, coffee and pastries in the main cafe which has cats roaming freely, or for a small fee you can pet and cuddle feline residents in the designated Cat Play Zone – or even adopt one
53) Enjoy some hip-hop
Into hip-hop? Reserve a spot and head to Euphoria in Downtown Orlando, for one of the city’s best-loved hip-hop nights at Penthouse Saturdays. Entry is free!
How to book an Orlando vacation
If you’re booking an Orlando vacation and you’re looking for affordable accommodation check out our wide range of villas in Orlando. Simply browse through our villas and condos, then use the filters to select the price range, number of bedrooms and any other amenities you’d like to add. Once you’ve found your perfect home, you can book online safely and securely, or call us for personalized help and advice.
