If you want to save some money during your next vacation, here is a list of 14 free things to enjoy in Orlando, Florida.
1. Celebration Town Center
Celebration Town Center is the “perfect city”. It was designed by Disney and it’s full of pastel-colored houses and white fences. Many people visit to enjoy the pleasant views and walk around the lake. The city center houses a large number of restaurants, entertainment options and shops. Stay on top of upcoming events, such as exotic car shows and art walks. One of the main attractions on the list of 14 Free Things in Orlando Florida that you can do!
2. Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens has a free entrance from 9 a.m. at 5 p.m. the first Monday of each month. Known as the “secret garden ” of Orlando, this 5.25-acre garden ( Kraft Azalea Gardens ) is located on Lake Maitland in Winter Park and opens from 8 am at sunset. Best of all, it’s free .
3. University of Central Florida’s Arboretum
University of Central Florida’s Arboretum is home to more than 600 species of plants on an 80-acre property. Visitors can walk at their leisure to admire the huge number of native plant species.
4. Winter Park Farmer’s Market
The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is held in the former train depot, located at 200 West New England Avenue, which has been restored to a historic landmark. It’s now the headquarters of the fruit and plant market in Central Florida. The market takes place every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. at 1 p.m. and it’s a popular community gathering place that offers fine products, plants, baked goods and much more.
5. Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is considered one of the best “natural” playgrounds in Orlando (that is, one that doesn’t involve Disney or Universal): a nice place in the center for picnics, exercising, rowing boats or simply escaping from the nearby high mountain. The 23-acre site, located along East Washington Street, has a walkway nearly a mile long around the perimeter of the lake, as well as an amphitheater for events, a playground, a bright Chinese pagoda and a famous fountain.
Visitors can snack on the shores of the lake, enjoy many free concerts at the amphitheater, feed the swans and shop at the “Farmer’s Market” on Sundays.
6. Fort Christmas Historical Park
If you decide to go to the beach, stop by Fort Christmas Historical Park on your way there. Built during the Second Seminole War, the site has a full-size replica of Fort Christmas and seven historic “Cracker-style” houses. Listen to the video presentations before enjoying a picnic in one of the pavilions. Check for free events, such as the Annual Bluegrass Festival in March and Cracker Christmas in December.
7. Kraft Azalea Garden
This 5.22-acre public garden is located on the shores of Lake Maitland and is open year-round from 8 a.m. until nightfall. On the shores of the lake, isolated and unique, Kraft Azalea is the secret garden of Winter Park. This beautiful park is shaded by huge cypresses that add to the ancient Florida charm of the 13-acre property. The Exedra is near Lake Maitland and is ideal for those wedding ceremonies at sunset. It’s an ideal place to walk or get married that makes it part of the 14 Free Things in Orlando Florida you can do!
8. Ocala National Forest
Enjoy a walk in the second National Forest in Florida and the oldest National Forest to East of the Mississippi River . Here you can see Silver Glen Springs, a spring of crystal clear water where you can swim and dive.
9. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
Do you want a real taste of Florida? And maybe a buzz? Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is located on a 127-acre estate in Clermont, Florida, and serves award-winning wines. A tour and a tasting are free. Also, pay attention to upcoming events, such as the free summer music series or the grape treading competition, in which children can participate for free and love it. Free wine samples place it among the 14 Free Things in Orlando Florida for adults!
10. Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park has a variety of outdoor activities and includes a visit to a natural history museum. Tickets are FREE through September if you carry a book or library card with you. Normal entry costs $ 6-7 dollars per car with 4 people. And, best of all, it’s located in Orlando!
11. Kelly Park Rock Springs
Kelly Park is a favorite for tubing. Kelly Park has a natural free-flowing spring (Rock Spring – 68 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year) that emanates from a vertical rock cliff. Rock Springs Run, a clear and fast stream, is popular with tubers. The parks have springs with waters that run freely and feature activities such as tube floating, camping, diving and much more.
12. Popcorn Flicks in Central Park
Outdoor movies in Orlando are very popular … and for good reason. On a beautiful night, there is nothing better than watching a movie under the stars on a giant screen with your friends and family. It is likely that you can find a movie for the whole family playing near you at least once a month and many of them are free.
13. Old Town
A very original entertainment and shopping center. Old Town comes alive on Saturdays with the parade of old cars starting at 1PM. On Wednesday nights, a band called The Dukes plays songs from the 50s and 60s and directs the audience with fun dances from that time.
14. Servicio de Transporte Gratis a Orlando Premium Outlets
The service known as “ The Orlando Premium Outlets Hotel Shopper Shuttle ” (operated by Mears Transporation) has 50 passenger seats and FREE Wi-Fi . Transportation is FREE from 38 round-trip hotels to The Orlando Premium Outlets .
