Orlando can be expensive especially if you're visiting the theme parks and major attractions, but not everything is going to break the bank, and in fact there is a ton of activities that will not cost a dime!
With guaranteed great weather, lots of sunshine, and sizzling hot heat, Orlando is great place to have fun in the summer, yes we get rain, but usually it never lasts too long, and anyway, there is so much to do you might not even notice!
Whether your visiting or your a local, having fun in Orlando can be costly, but it doesn't have to be, and there is lots to do that is 100% free, and here at Gotta Go Orlando we have compiled a list of over 50 of the best free things to do in Orlando this summer the won't put a dent in your bank balance.
Cool Off In An Orlando Splash Pad
When it comes to the hottest months of the year, you just gotta cool off, and one of the best free things to do in Orlando during the sizzling hot days of summer is to cool off in a splash pad!
Many parks in the area have free splash pads, which are an awesome place to have lots of fun. Downey Park Splash Pad in East Orlando is a beautiful park that includes a splash playground, and an inclusive playground for kids with special abilities, Fort Mellon Splash Pad in Sanford is located at First Mellon Park and features a splash pad for anyone to come and cool off, and also has a a playground fit for all ages.
The City of Oviedo Splash Zone in Oviedo is located at the Oviedo Aquatic Center and features a huge outdoor splash zone. There is two spas pads in Winter Springs, The Splash Playgrounds are open each year from April through October and are located at Torcaso and Trotwood Parks.
In Orlando's Bithlo Community Park the kids will love Bithlo Splash Pad, and in Capehart Park, Orlando there is a splash pad, and a tot lot playground.
Another Orlando splash pad is located at Dr. P. Phillips Community Park, Orlando, while over in Kissimmee the kids will love the El Yunque Splash Pad featuring over 30 splash pad elements from bubblers to a 250-gallon dump bucket.
Chill Out At Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a wonderful place to waste away a few hours or more on a hot summers day, and it's free to visit, and parking is free too.
Stroll through Town Center at Disney Springs to view vibrant displays from talented artists at the Art Walk, while everyone will love checking out a unique collection of stores including The Coca Cola Store, M&M's World, Lego Imagination Center and more.
You can take a break at The Welcome Center with air conditioning, comfy chairs and free ice water before enjoying the free entertainment at multiple locations throughout Disney Springs, with musicians and bands perform in the evening, plus House of Blues frequently offers free live music at its Front Porch Bar, oh and Raglan Road usually has free live music on their patio most nights.
The kids will love the interactive fountains, perfect to run through and cool off on a very hot summer day! Plus, on a Saturday morning there is even a free kids club with lots of entertainment to keep the kids happy.
Another great free things to do is jump on the free Water Taxi from Disney Springs to Port Orleans or Old Key West and back, along the Sassagoula River.
Walk Around Disney's Boardwalk
Disney’s BoardWalk is gorgeous, built around a lake and is beautifully themed to be reminiscent of Cape May or Coney Island in the 1940s.
It’s free to enter and fun just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere, in the evening you can enjoy street performers (jugglers, comedians, fire-eaters, jazz ensembles, etc.), and at any time of the day or night you can take a free trip on a friendship boat!
Hang Out At Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is a lively entertainment complex just before the entrance to Universal Studios and Islands Of Adventure, it’s FREE to enter and there is so much to do.
Parking is costly during the day, but at most times of the year, parking after 6 pm is free.
At CityWalk you can stroll, take in the atmosphere and simply enjoy people watching, or you can ride the free water taxi to the resorts and explore, a must do is the opera filled Italian piazza at Loews’ Portofino Bay Hotel.
Back at CityWalk the kids will enjoy cooling off in the splash pad, and the adults will love the free nightly entertainment including outdoor DJ, stilt walkers and more.
Visit ICON Park Orlando In The Heart Of I-Drive
Located in the heart of Orlando's International Drive, ICON Park offers attractions, dining, shoppings, entertainment and more.
Not only is there a ton to see and do at ICON Park, admission to the complex is always free, plus parking is free too!
It's a great place to stroll or simply sit back, relax and enjoy nightly light shows and people-watching on the central green, all without spending any money.
Explore Orlando's Parks, Gardens And The Great Outdoors
Orlando is blessed with an abundance of parks, gardens, and the chance to escape the tourists and enjoy the great outdoors where you'll get the chance to become one with nature.
The variety of free parks, gardens, nature trails, bike trails and more here in Orlando is breathtaking, get outside and enjoy!
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is a must visit, located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, with a sidewalk that circles the lake 0.9 miles in length, making it easy for visitors to keep track of their walking or running
Relax amid beautiful flower beds and a spectacular view of Orlando’s skyline and the gorgeous Lake Eola, enjoy the swans and other birds inhabiting the park, or you can check out a free concert, movie or a play in the Walt Disney Amphitheater.
Harry P Leu Gardens
Explore an amazing botanical oasis nearly 50-acres minutes from Downtown Orlando. Harry P Leu Gardens features landscaped grounds and lakes, with walking trails all shaded by 200-year-old oaks and forests of camellias. Free entry days at Leu Gardens are offered on select Mondays throughout the year, check the website for details.
The UCF Arboretum
The Arboretum of the University of Central Florida is located on the main campus of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, United States. Covering 80 acres, it contains more than 600 species of plants, including more than 100 bromeliads, in cultivated gardens.
Lake Lotus Park
Lake Lotus Park is the City of Altamonte Springs’ nature preserve. The total area is approximately 150 acres, including 120 acres of woods and wetlands. The park is a diverse, natural habitat that provides limitless natural encounters with flora and fauna.
Oakland Nature Preserve
West of Orlando, just 30 minutes from the attractions and nestled between Winter Garden and Clermont in the beautiful Town of Oakland, lies a "hidden gem." Oakland Nature Preserve is a150-acre preserve offering environmental education and ecotourism activities for visitors of all ages.
Mead Botanical Garden
With 47 acres to explore in Winter Park, your senses will come alive with the sights, sounds, and scents of the garden. Mead Botanical Garden offers hiking trails, creek, boardwalk, tall pine trees, greenhouse, butterfly garden, and pond that’s home to turtles, fish and wading birds.
Kraft Azalea Garden
This 5.22-acre public garden is located on the shore of Lake Maitland and is open year round from 8 a.m. until dusk. Kraft Azalea Garden is a beautiful park is shaded by enormous cypress trees that add to the old Florida charm of the 13-acre property
Orlando Urban Trail
The Orlando Urban Trail is located near Downtown Orlando and is considered the spine of Orlando’s trail network.
The trail is approximately three miles long and runs from Lake Highland through Loch Haven Park, to Mead Garden in Winter Park. Highlights include connections to six lakes, Orlando Cultural Park, and the Gaston Edwards Trail.
West Orange Trail
The West Orange Trail is a 22-mile long multi-use rail trail. The paved trail passes through downtown Oakland, Winter Garden, and Apopka with most of its length built on old railroad alignments.
Lake Nona Sculpture Garden
The Lake Nona Sculpture Garden is a 50,000 square-foot outdoor space designed for the exploration and discovery of a distinguished selection of sculptures from one of the world’s largest private art collections, The Lewis Collection.
Orlando Wetlands Park
The Orlando Wetlands Park is a man-made wetland designed to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water from the City of Orlando and other local cities. The Park is 1650 acres in size and located in Christmas, Florida. Visitors can visit the Park seven days a week, between sunrise and sunset, to enjoy primitive and passive activities including, Photography, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, and Guided Tours
Cranes Roost Park
Cranes Roost Park is at the heart of Uptown Altamonte surrounding Cranes Roost Lake. The lake is encircled by one mile of continuous walkway with benches and covered seating areas. Within the 45-acre park is a European-style plaza including a choreographed fountain show, a 62-foot picturesque tower and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater which features stadium-style seating and a one-of-a-kind floating stage.
The Seminole Wekiva Trail
The nearly 14 mile Seminole Wekiva Trail is a paved recreational trail that has been designated as one of Seminole County's Showcase Trails because of its length, beauty, and accommodation of many users.
The section of the trail that runs west of the I-4 trail overpass to the County line at the Wekiva River is also a designated part of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
Dr. P. Phillips Community Park
Dr. P. Phillips Community Park provides a range of amenities for the whole family to enjoy, including playgrounds, splash pad, plus sports fields, picnic areas & a dog run
Wekiva Island
Central Florida’s favorite watering hole Wekiva Island. Located just north of Orlando, Wekiva Island offers visitors the chance to experience the incredible natural springs in Florida. Explore the pristine Wekiva River and its fascinating Florida wildlife with more than 2,000 square feet of Island fun.
Escape The Heat At Orlando's Museums and Galleries
Orlando has a wonderful selection of museums, gardens and cultural attractions, many are free, while others offer designated free admission days.
Rollins Museum of Art
The Rollins Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions, ongoing programs, and an extensive permanent collection that spans centuries, from examples of ancient art and artifacts to contemporary art.
Open to the public free year-round, its holdings include the only European Old Master paintings in the Orlando area, a sizeable American art collection, and a forward-thinking contemporary collection.
Mennello Museum
Paintings of American Impressionism and Realism from the Mennello Museum collection alongside important works from prestigious Florida museums. Every second Sunday of the month, Mennello Museum offers free admission to the galleries during Free Family Funday.
CityArts
Funky gallery collective with monthly, varied exhibitions from local & international artists. CityArts in downtown Orlando is the Downtown Arts District's flagship venue containing six galleries, presentation and events spaces, as well as home to Curate Cafe.
Orange County Regional History Center
The Orange County Regional History Center housed in a historic courthouse in the heart of downtown Orlando, offers four floors of exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Central Florida’s rich heritage. Enjoy free entry the 3rd Thursday of the month, 6 pm to 9 pm.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The Morse Museum in Winter Park is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of dazzling works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. A visit is complimentary during Friday Nights at the Morse scheduled November through April from 4 pm to 8 pm.
The museum is also free on Independence Day, Easter weekend, Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival weekend, and Christmas Eve.
Art & History Museums of Maitland
You can enjoy free admission on the last Wednesday of every month to the current exhibition of the Maitland Art Center Gallery.
Open House At The Casa
Casa Feliz, or "Happy House," is the signature work of noted architect James Gamble Rogers II. The Andalusian-style masonry farmhouse has significantly influenced the architectural and cultural aspects of the community and served as a gathering spot for cultural discussion and education. Enjoy an open house on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon
The Alfond Inn Art Tours
Meet in The Alfond Inn lobby for a free tour with a Rollins Museum of Art staff member every first Wednesday of the month, which lasts about 60 minutes.
Artlando
Grab a map from the DT Orlando Information Center and go on a self-guided tour of downtown Orlando's streets to discover the contemporary sculptures which are Art Orlando. Not only will you get to know Downtown as you walk around, you’ll be seriously impressed by these stunning works of art.
Stroll Along The Promenade at Sunset Walk
If you've not been to the Promenade at Sunset Walk yet, why not? The Promenade is a beautiful outdoor entertainment district that is free to visit, and is home to a variety of regular free events and entertainment, all set against a backdrop of eateries, fine dining, retail shops, and more.
Check out the regular free weekly events:
Tuesday thru Sunday:
Live Music on the Promenade Plaza Stage
Thursday:
Promenade Plaza Thursdays Featuring the best art and décor vendors from across Central Florida.
Friday:
Fired-Up Fridays
A free Car & Truck Show event with all makes, models, and years welcome of show car quality. Featuring music by DJ Scotty B and Company, plus live bands.
Saturday:
Show Car Saturday Nights
All makes and models are welcome and displayed along Margaritaville Boulevard.
Car enthusiasts will enjoy the music of DJ Scotty B and the best live bands while admiring an amazing collection of classic to modern automobiles.
Sunday:
Artisan Street Market
Featuring local artisan, craft, and specialty vendors from across Central Florida
Go Back In Time At Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town in Kissimmee is a much loved and very popular free entertainment district featuring unique shopping, dining, rides and more with free weekly events, live music, and of course, Old Town's legendary car shows.
Check out the regular free weekly events here:
Wednesday:
Wednesday Night Themed Car Show
A unique car show featuring show-quality specific types, models or makes of cars and trucks. As long as you own that type of vehicle, you can be a part of the show. It’s free to participate or attend and features live music. Check here for the latest themes.
Friday:
Friday Muscle Car Show & Cruise
The Friday Muscle Car Show features show-quality muscle and factory-performance cars from 1964 and newer and classics from 1985 and older. Cars will cruise at 8:30 pm and all cars registered can participate.
The Muscle Car Show & Cruise is free for car owners and free for the public to attend.
Saturday:
Saturday Classic Car Show & Cruise
The Old Town Classic Car Show has been a local tradition for over 30 years, it is one of the premier weekly car shows in Central Florida. The Saturday Classic Car Show welcomes show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. Cars will cruise at 8:30 pm and all cars registered can participate.
The Classic Car Show is free for participants and free for the public to attend.
Visit The Town That Disney Built, Celebration
Travel back in time to find the town of Celebration in Kissimmee, a planned community originally developed by the Walt Disney Company.
This is a pedestrian-friendly, wonderful small town where you can explore the old-fashioned downtown, including Market Street, and Lakeside Promenade, or you can enjoy the miles of walking paths and nature trails.
On Market Street there is various events throughout the year including craft festivals, antique car shows, and a wonderful holiday event where it snows on Market Street every night. Check out the events calendar for more details.
Waste Away The Day At Dinky Dock
Spend a day at the beach in Winter Park. Dinky Dock is a 1.56-acre year-round park and offers a fishing pier and boat ram.Yes there is a beach and swimming is permitted.
Hit The Beach
Of course, when you think of the Sunshine State, two things spring to mind, theme parks and beaches, and thanks to Orlando's central location, you don't have to choose, pretty awesome we think, plus a day or a few days at the beach ain't gonna cost a dime!
Orlando is practically in the middle of both the historic east coast beaches and the stunning gulf coast beaches in the west coast of Central Florida, so whether you want a day at the beach or a weekend away, get ready to soak up the sunshine here in Central Florida this summertime.
East Coast Beaches
The world's most famous beach is just an hour from downtown Orlando, Daytona Beach is all about the cars, a place to catch a NASCAR race and even drive your own car right on the beach.
Free summer concerts with movies and fireworks are offered May through October at the Bandshell, and there's plenty of entertainment and fun at the nearby boardwalk and fishing pier.
For a quieter corner, head to Ponce Inlet and climb to the top of Florida's tallest lighthouse, built in 1835. Plus, for shopping and dining, a visit to Beach Street is a popular choice.
New Smyrna Beach is a hot spot for surfing, quirky shops, and delightful eats, plus you can drive your car onto this beach’s wide, compacted smooth sand! A must do for sure!
Once you’ve gotten your fill with paddle boarding and sunbathing, check out Flagler Avenue with Old Florida shops, local boutiques and casual eateries.
Orlando's closest beach is well known for its surfing culture with Cocoa the home of the world's largest surf shop, Ron Jon Surf Shop at 52,000 square feet.
Open 24 hours a day, the huge store features everything under the sun, from T-shirts and seashells to beach bikes, paddleboards, and of course, surfboards.
The Cocoa Beach Pier area is fun with lot's of beach activities, while many families like the quiet of Lori Wilson Park where you'll find free parking, restrooms and outdoor showers.
West Coast Beaches
America’s number one beach, Clearwater is definitely a renowned hot spot, complete with shopping, dining, live entertainment, and a revitalized downtown area. White sand and clear, shallow waters make this beach a destination that can’t be beaten for families.
Don’t miss the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and the awesome sunset celebration that is held nightly at the always fun Clearwater Beach Pier. Don't miss it!
At Madeira Beach, the sun, the white sand beaches and emerald turquoise waters invite swimming and sunning, be a beachcomber, or just sit and watch the world go by from the shade of a beach umbrella.
Set sail on a sunset cruise or a daylong fishing excursion or just stroll the wooden boardwalk and check out the waterfront shops and dining options.
The main draw here is three miles of sparkling white, sandy beaches on shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
Go swimming, shelling, sunning, snorkeling, parasailing and more, or simply walk the beach and take in one of the most stunning and memorable sunsets that you will ever see.
Hang out at the world's longest waterfront bar, Gators Cafe & Saloon, to catch the sunset and enjoy the atmosphere at the surrounding beach bars, for live music and dancing.
With miles of beaches, surf shops and boutiques, along with dining and water sports for all ages, it's easy to see why St. Pete Beach is voted one of the best beaches in the U.S.
At the heart of St. Pete Beach is the historic pink palace, the Loews Don Ce Sar Hotel, built in 1928 at the heart of America's Jazz Age. It's worth a visit to soak up the nostalgic, Gatsby-like atmosphere.
Check Out The Orlando Area Farmers Markets
If you’re looking for fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, honey, meats and other foods, the best place to visit is a local Central Florida farmers market.
Discover a variety of locally grown foods, handmade crafts, seasonal plants and much more.
Winter Garden Farmers Market
The Winter Garden Farmers Market is your hometown market open every Saturday from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. in beautiful Historic Winter Garden.
Winter Park Farmers Market
The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is one of the best produce and plant markets in Central Florida which takes place every Saturday morning from 8 am - 1 pm in Central Park.
Lake Mary Farmers Market
The Lake Mary Farmers Market features local vendors of produce, plants, baked goods, and arts and crafts. The market is open every Saturday, from 9 am - 1:30 pm at Lake Mary City Hall.
City of Longwood Farmer's Market
Visit every Saturday at the City of Longwood Farmers Market at Reiter Park from 9 am - 2 pm, with locally sourced seafood and produce to handmade crafts and more.
Lake Nona Farmers Market
Join in every Saturday morning in Lake Nona, the Lake Nona Farmers Market takes place in the beautiful Town Center from 11 am - 3 pm, shop local with the freshest produce and more.
Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park
One of the most popular farmers markets in Central Florida, Orlando Farmer’s Market is located in the heart of Orlando at Lake Eola park, and takes place Sundays 10 am - 4 pm.
Celebration Farmers Market
Every week at Celebration Farmers Market there are multiple vendors here selling everything from fresh food and produce, to local crafted jewelry, and much more, with a beautiful backdrop of Lakeside Park, this is a must go to farmers market on Sundays, 9 am - 2 pm.
East Orlando Farmer's Market
The popular East Orlando Farmers Market offers hand selected produce, creative local small business owners, along with botanical varieties to chose from. Every Sunday 11 am - 4 pm.
Clermont Farmer's Market
Clermont Farmer's Market features over 60 vendors selling seafood, organic produce, and other household items, this popular market is the place to go on Sundays 9 am - 2 pm.
Downtown Mount Dora Village Market
Mount Dora’s open-air Mount Dora Village Market in Sunset Park is open Sundays from 9 am – 2 pm offering fresh products from over 50 market vendors.
Want more free things to do in Orlando?
Plus, check out our guide to free things to do every weekend in Orlando!
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