Orlando is an ever-growing city with new fun events and places popping up. What I bet you didn’t know is that Orlando has a lot of free activities and events to offer to its residents and visitors. When people think of Orlando they think of our big attractions like Disney World, Universal or Sea World but there is a lot more our city has to offer. Let’s take a look at some of the best local free things to do in Orlando!
Enzian Popcorn Flicks in the Park
My husband is the one who first took me to this one. Once a month in Winter Park, Florida Enzian host an outdoor in the park. The movies are always family-friendly, for example, we watched Harry Potter. These movies are 100% free and open to the public! Movies start around 7 pm or 8 pm depending on the time for sunset. For a list of upcoming movies check out their website!
Orlando Brewing Company
Did you know Orlando had its own brewing company? Another plus is it is a certified organic brewing company! Their beers can be found at over 500 locations throughout Florida. Monday – Friday at 6 pm you can take a tour of their facility FREE of charge! These tours are first come first serve. For more information visit their website.
Disney Boardwalk
Various street performers can be found nightly on Disney’s Boardwalk. Acts include magicians, juggling, and more! For big celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, we like to dine If dancing is more your style you can head down to the Atlantic City Dance Hall or Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar.
If you are hanging around here at night, check the time that Epcot will be showing it’s firework show you can catch some of the fireworks while walking around the boardwalk.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs has so much to offer for everyone in the family. The Town Center section has so many neat boutiques mixed in with stores you already known and love to shop at. Take your kids over to the Lego Imagination Center where they can build legos to their heart’s content. If there is a little princess in the family you have to check out the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where she can be transformed into her own storybook fantasy. Not to mention Disney Springs is home to several other items that made our list. For a complete listing of stores and restaurants check out Disney Springs official website.
Universal CityWalk*
I was torn about adding this one to the list. It cost $20 to park here but there are a few ways to avoid your parking fees. First is to be a Florida resident and visit after 6 pm. or you could park at a Universal resort hotel eat there and get your parking pass validated as well. Once into CityWalk, there is a whole host of entertainment for you to enjoy.
Lake Eola Park
Race or walk around the 0.9-mile sidewalk that encircles the lake while enjoying breath-taking views of Orlando, Florida. Other activities available to park visitors include renting swan-shaped paddle boats, feeding the live swans and other birds inhabiting the park.
Town of Celebration
Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida
This unique museum is located in Orlando. As a one-of-a-kind Holocaust memorial, the Holocaust Center houses both permanent and traveling exhibits to communicate the history and lessons of the Holocaust. Visit the museum free of charge.
Farmers Market
The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is held inside of their old historic train depot. At The Winter Park Farmers’ Market you will find a wide selection of plants, produce, baked goods, and so much more. If you would like to attend the market takes place every Saturday morning from 7 am to 1 pm City of Winter Park Website
Mall of Millennia
Camp with Chip & Dale
Hang with Chip and Dale and roast up some s’mores. After the sing along you will want to stick around for a Disney movie under the stars. This surely will be a night your family won’t soon forget.
Lakeridge Winery and Vineyard
We have a little piece of wine country here in central Florida. Lakeridge offers complimentary Winery tours and wine tasting are offered 7 days a week; Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday, 11:00 am – 5 pm. Last tours are offered at approx. 4:00 pm.
If you want some more ways to score free experiences read our list of The Best Free Finds At Walt Disney World.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
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