Free Things To Do In Orlando
(cc: photo credit: Flávio Cruvinel Brandão)
Who doesn’t love a free lunch, a free ride, a free anything. Especially in this day of higher prices, finding ways to entertain your family or even just yourself, for free, on a trip to Orlando can be nothing but good for the budget. After all, they say money isn’t everything, so lets see what’s free in Orlando and the surrounding areas.
A World of Orchids is a show in itself if you love flowers. The 22,500 square foot conservatory displays orchids and other exotic flowers. You’ll find natural exhibits of flowers from Indonesia, Australia, Southeast Asia and Central and South America. Although it’s closed on Sundays, it’s FREE.
Big Tree Park is home to the “Senator.” the oldest tree in Florida. The bald cyprus tree is estimated to be 3,500 years old and is 118 feet tall. There are plenty of picnic tables, so bring along a deli lunch and help out your vacation budget even further. Big Tree Park is open daily from 8 am to sunset and admission is FREE.
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens was the home of an internationally acclaimed Czech born sculptor. The course of the year brings alternating sculptures, photography and art within the museum. You’ll view his award winning sculpted piece entitled “Man Carving His Own Destiny.” Then enjoy walking the paths of the exquisite gardens. They are open Thursday through Sunday, September to June. Admission is, of course, FREE.
Bach Festival Society of Winter Park holds special occasion concerts. Two of them are Christmas in the Park and July 4th Celebration in the Park. Music could be provided by the youth choir, orchestra, regular choir or the young at heart chorale (seniors who love singing the standards). Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket for a romantic or family evening of music and fun for FREE.
Popcorn Flicks is held every second Thursday of the month for movies such as Ghost Busters and Miracle on 34th Street. This is one of Winter Park’s many entertainment venues. Pop several bags of popcorn and bring it along with an ice chest of soft drinks and a blanket or lawn chairs for an evening of classic movie watching. It almost reminds you of the old drive-in movie theaters of earlier days. The whole family will have a blast and it’s FREE.
Friends of the Bandshell have been playing free concerts since 1937. They play country and classic music and everything in between. An outdoor performing arts center, it has hosted entertainment such as Percy Sledge, Michael English and the U.S. Air Force Academy Band with Fortunate Son on the future docket. With 4,000 seats there’s room for everyone to enjoy an evening of live music for FREE.
University of Central Florida Arboretum offers a day full of fun for the family. With over 600 plant species for your review, you might think it would make for a stuffy day with kids whining within 20 minutes from the start. Not so. There are at least eight natural ecosystems including a swamp habitat. Bike or walk around the nine acre lake, eat your picnic lunch and then have fun playing a game of disc golf to finish off the day compliments of UCF and it’s all FREE.
Knightly Spirits offers up one of their 700 beers every other Thursday night from 6pm to 9pm for free tasting. And there are four locations throughout Orlando, so one should be close by. They also carry other liquor, wines and liqueurs. Among their many ales are 13 Abbey Dubbels, 6 Amber Ales and 10 American Strong Ales. Lagers include 7 Weizen Bocks, 15 Pale Lagers and 9 Pilseners. Be adventuresome and take a sip or two of some of their 15 fruit beers.
Florida Trail Association, Central Florida Chapter, has over 600 members who regulary maintain and hike central Florida’s walking trails. Become a member if you live in Florida and join them. Otherwise all trails are free to hike on your own. You might consider Little Econ State Forest trails. The American Hiking Society named it one of the top “Family Friendly Hikes” in the U.S. It spans a bit over 7 miles along the Econlockhatchee River. If you’d like to try something a bit shorter but just as scenic, try the 1.9 mile trail at Wekiwa Springs State Park. They also offer a 7.2 mile trail through cypress and hardwood forests. This will give a choice for the “real” hikers and the “short timers” in your group. It’s all FREE.
Lynx Busses will take you anywhere in downtown Orlando for free. Why spend money on expensive cabs or rental cars. Whether you are a resident or an out-of-towner, it’s fun and handy to take Lynx around town for shopping, visiting museums or restaurants. Locals save a bundle taking Lynx to work and back every day.
Lake Eola Park is full of walking trails for enjoying the surrounding beauty without having to commit to a rigorous hike. This 43 acre park is right smack dab in the middle of Orlando, kind of like a Florida Central Park. There is a playground for the kids. Bring plenty of extra bread to feed the swans. For a small fee you can rent a swan-shaped paddle boat or electric gondola and enjoy the lake. If you are so inclined, the park makes a beautiful backdrop for a wedding. If you forge to bring a picnic, you can pick up a bite to eat at Eric’s at Eola.
Orlando’s Free Fun
You can visit Orlando on a budget. If you’ve spent most of your money at Disney, but still have days left in your vacation, your family will never suspect when you fill their itinerary with these free fun filled activities, especially if you plan ahead. How fun is it for kids to feed swans or go on a hiking adventure? Then, settle in for a free classic movie while sitting under the sparkling starry sky of Orlando.
Another money-saving tip: book discounted hotel rooms in Orlando at Hotels Cheap.
Categories: Travel on the Cheap
