Explore 17 Free Things to Do in Orlando

Whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando — two of the world’s most popular theme park resorts — or simply wanting to explore the city, there’s a myriad of attractions and experiences waiting for you in Orlando. However, if you’re mindful of your budget, you might find that admission prices to the top attractions can be rather steep. Admission to both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks starts at over $100 for a single day, making it essential to find cost-effective ways to enjoy your visit.

Fortunately, Orlando boasts a wide variety of free activities, including public parks, art galleries, and diverse shopping and dining options, allowing you to savor your time in Florida without spending a fortune. Below, we highlight the top 17 things to do in Orlando for free.

1. Visit Disney Springs

Located within Walt Disney World, this shopping, dining, and entertainment district is worth checking out during your next trip to the resort. Even though it’s on Disney property, you don’t have to pay to visit Disney Springs, and self-parking is complimentary. You can experience the magical Disney vibes without spending a dime. With around 100 shops, over 60 eateries, and nearly two dozen attractions, shows, and events, there’s much to see and do here. Whether you prefer window shopping or indulging in Disney merchandise and dining, you have plenty of choices.

2. Check Out Universal CityWalk

Universal Orlando’s CityWalk provides an adjacent dining, shopping, and entertainment hub conveniently located near the theme parks. Known as “The Epicenter of Awesome,” CityWalk features unique dining venues, attractions, and shops. While standard parking costs $30 per vehicle during the day, you can enjoy free parking after 6 p.m. on most nights, making it a perfect option for a budget-friendly evening out.

3. Go for a Stroll in Lake Eola Park

Located in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is an ideal place for those seeking tranquility in the city’s hustle. Enjoy a picturesque stroll around the lake on the near one-mile-long sidewalk loop, offering lovely views of the water and the city skyline.

4. Birdwatch along Shingle Creek Trail

Explore the scenic Shingle Creek Trail, also known as the “Northernmost Headwaters of the Florida Everglades.” Keep an eye out for fascinating bird species, including bald eagles and peregrine falcons, that inhabit the area.

5. Browse Art at CityArts

Immerse yourself in the local art scene at CityArts, which comprises seven galleries under one roof located in the Downtown Arts District. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., it is free to enter. Expect to find a rotating lineup of intriguing exhibitions and events that will appeal to art enthusiasts.

6. See Vintage Cars in Old Town in Kissimmee

Travel a short distance down I-4 to Old Town, an entertainment district in Kissimmee, where you can enjoy classic car shows and live music at no cost. Each Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, car enthusiasts display their cherished antique cars, hot rods, and muscle cars while local bands perform on the main stage.

7. Hike in the Tibet-Butler Preserve

Tackle a 3.6-mile hike through a preserved piece of Florida wilderness at the Tibet-Butler Preserve. Despite being close to Walt Disney World, this park is a serene escape into nature — a great spot for observing local wildlife.

8. Head to the Beach

Relax on beautiful Cocoa Beach, just about an hour’s drive east from Orlando. Lori Wilson Park offers free parking and admission, providing facilities like restrooms and outdoor showers to enhance your beach experience.

9. Unwind in Kraft Azalea Garden

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle at the scenic Kraft Azalea Garden located in Winter Park. Like all the attractions on this list, it’s free to enter, allowing you to take in the beautiful views of Lake Maitland while enjoying the shade of majestic cypress trees.

10. Check Out Icon Park

Located just south of Universal Orlando Resort on busy International Drive, Icon Park is a vibrant entertainment district bustling with attractions, shops, and restaurants. Entry to the complex is free, allowing you to explore, shop, and enjoy live music while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t forget to take photos of The Wheel at Icon Park, the impressive Ferris wheel soaring 400 feet above Orlando, especially during its evening light shows.

11. Unwind at the UCF Arboretum

The UCF Arboretum, located on the campus of the University of Central Florida, is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Orlando. Open from sunrise to sunset, this tranquil space allows you to take self-guided tours, explore the landscapes, visit the greenhouses, and navigate through the nature trails with no admission fee.

12. Go on a Florida-style Safari

Discover the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive to take part in a free DIY-style audio tour. This self-directed experience provides a unique opportunity to learn about local birds and alligators while appreciating various agricultural and restoration initiatives — all from the comfort of your vehicle.

13. Hunt for Murals in the Mills 50 District

Art enthusiasts should not miss the colorful murals in Orlando’s Mills 50 District, focused around North Mills Avenue and East Colonial Drive. Here, you can photograph stunning murals painted on numerous structures throughout the neighborhood. Explore the website to view the 44 murals along with their locations, enhancing your mural-hunting adventure.

14. See the City from the Orlando Urban Trail

Explore the Orlando Urban Trail, which stretches for three miles from Lake Highland Park to Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park. The trail leads you past beautiful sculptures, diverse architecture, and six of the city’s scenic lakes. Whether you walk or bike, it’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Orlando’s neighborhoods and enjoy the outdoors.

15. Admire Works at the Rollins Museum of Art

Just a 15-minute drive north of downtown Orlando in Winter Park, the Rollins Museum of Art includes an impressive collection of over 700 paintings, encompassing American, European, and contemporary art from the 14th to 21st centuries. You’ll find more than 2,000 photographs, drawings, and sculptures, alongside rotating exhibitions that delve into themes such as globalization and compassion.

16. Take a Free Brewery Tour

Craft beer enthusiasts will love Orlando’s thriving brewery scene, with many breweries offering free tours upon request to understand the brewing process better. At Ivanhoe Park Brewing, you can often request a quick peek behind the scenes during quieter hours, while Deadwords Brewing Company offers free tours on weekends — just ask the staff. Meanwhile, Brewlando provides daily tours between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

17. Watch a Free Movie in the Park

If you’re looking to relax, consider enjoying a free movie under the stars. À La Cart Orlando screens classic films on Mondays, complete with on-site food trucks and wine bars for your convenience. Films typically start at dusk or 7 p.m., whichever is later, and run for about two hours.