Places To Visit In Orlando For Free

When most people think of Orlando, Florida, the first thing that comes to mind is the abundance of theme parks and attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. However, there are plenty of places to visit in Orlando for free that are just as exciting and memorable. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking to experience something new, here are some of the best free things to do in Orlando.

1. Stroll Through Lake Eola Park

Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a beautiful urban oasis nestled around a sparkling lake. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and swan-shaped paddle boats that visitors can rent for a small fee. The park is also home to a weekly farmer’s market and several events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts and cultural festivals.

One of the main attractions of Lake Eola Park is the iconic Lake Eola Fountain, a 1950s-era fountain that shoots water over 100 feet in the air. The fountain is lit up at night and is a popular spot for photos and selfies. Visitors can also take a scenic walk around the lake on the .9-mile Lake Eola Pathway, which offers stunning views of the park and the downtown skyline.

2. Explore the Harry P. Leu Gardens

If you’re a fan of nature and botany, the Harry P. Leu Gardens should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Orlando. The gardens are located in the Audubon Park neighborhood and feature over 50 acres of lush landscaping and exotic plants. Visitors can explore the various gardens, including a rose garden, a butterfly garden, and a vegetable garden.

The highlight of the gardens is the Leu House Museum, a historic home built in the late 1800s that has been restored and furnished to reflect the style of the time period. The museum is open for self-guided tours and offers a fascinating look at life in old Florida. Admission to the Harry P. Leu Gardens is free on the first Monday of every month.

3. Visit the Cornell Fine Arts Museum

The Cornell Fine Arts Museum is located on the campus of Rollins College and features an impressive collection of over 5,000 objects from ancient to contemporary times. The museum is free and open to the public and offers a range of exhibits and educational programs throughout the year.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art, which was donated to the museum by Rollins College alumni Barbara and Ted Alfond. The collection features works from some of the most renowned contemporary artists in the world, including Kara Walker, Damien Hirst, and Cindy Sherman.

The Cornell Fine Arts Museum is a great place to explore the intersection of art, culture, and history and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the arts.

4. Take a Tour of the City Arts Factory

The City Arts Factory is a downtown Orlando art complex that features seven different galleries, each with its own unique theme and aesthetic. The galleries are free and open to the public and showcase a diverse range of artwork, including painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.

In addition to the galleries, the City Arts Factory also offers workshops, classes, and events throughout the year, making it a hub of creativity and community engagement. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the galleries or attend one of the many events on the calendar, such as art exhibitions, live music performances, or film screenings.

5. Experience the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is located in Winter Park, just a short drive from downtown Orlando. The museum features the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s works and is home to the restored Tiffany Chapel, a breathtaking 19th-century chapel that was originally created for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Visitors to the museum can explore a vast collection of Tiffany’s stained glass, pottery, and jewelry, along with a variety of other American art and decorative objects. The museum is open to the public and offers free admission on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm, making it an ideal destination for an evening cultural excursion.

While Orlando is known for its thrilling theme parks and attractions, there are plenty of places to visit in Orlando for free that offer a different kind of excitement. Whether you’re interested in art, nature, or culture, these five destinations are sure to provide a fun and enriching experience for visitors of all ages and interests. So the next time you’re in Orlando, don’t miss out on the chance to explore these hidden gems and discover everything the city has to offer.

What are some free outdoor places to visit in Orlando?

Orlando has an array of outdoor places that you can visit for free. Here are some of the top picks:

1. Lake Eola Park – This park entails a beautiful lake surrounded by a walking path, picnic areas, swan boat rentals, and a playground.

– Offers stunning views of downtown Orlando and the iconic fountain, which changes colors at night.

– Multiple events are held here, including farmers markets and music festivals.

2. Harry P. Leu Gardens – This botanic garden boasts 50-acres of landscaped gardens and lakes.

– Houses a museum that features the history of the Leu family, who donated the gardens.

– Free admission to visitors on the first Monday of each month.

3. Wekiwa Springs State Park – This state park features natural springs, forests, and wildlife unparalleled to other Orlando attractions.

– Offers hiking, camping, swimming, and picnicking.

– A pier available for fishing enthusiasts.

What are some free indoor places to visit in Orlando?

If you are looking for air-conditioned places or places to visit when it’s raining, Orlando does have some free indoor places as well.

1. Cornell Fine Arts Museum – This museum displays art and photography from across the continent.

– A chance to explore the permanent collections and rotating exhibitions.

– Free admission on Tuesdays from 5 pm to 7 pm.

2. Orlando Brewing Company – This brewery provides free tours on Fridays and Saturdays.

– Explore the facility and witness the beer-making process.

– Taste some of the brewery’s products for free.

3. East End Market – There are several vendors at this indoor marketplace that offer free samples, including craft beer, local produce, and fresh seafood.

– A chance to support small businesses while experiencing Orlando’s culinary scene.

– Offers a chance to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs.

What are some free attractions to visit in Orlando?

If you want to explore iconic Orlando attractions without spending a single penny, you are in luck.

1. Disney’s Boardwalk – This waterfront promenade is located within the Walt Disney World Resort and is open to the public.

– Offers street performers, carnival games, stores, and eateries.

– A great spot to watch the sunset over Crescent Lake.

2. Universal CityWalk – Similar to Disney’s Boardwalk, Universal CityWalk does not require theme park admission.

– Offers unique restaurants, clubs, bars, shops, and live music.

– A chance to explore the famous Universal Orlando Resort and enjoy the vibes.

3. Celebration Town Center – This outdoor shopping center has a European small-town feel, and no visit to Orlando is complete without a stop here.

– Plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as free concerts, movies, and other live entertainment.

– Shops offer souvenirs and unique gifts popular among tourists.

Are there any free museums to visit in Orlando?

Yes, Orlando has some free museums that you can visit to experience art, history, and culture without costing anything.

1. Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center – This museum narrates the history of the Holocaust using photographs, artifacts, educational programs, and exhibits.

– A perfect opportunity to understand the Holocaust and learn valuable lessons.

– Offers guided tours to enhance the visitor’s experience.

2. Wells’ Built Museum – This museum represents the history of the African American community in Orlando.

– Showcases the contributions and life of many African American individuals who made a difference in Orlando.

– The museum conducts occasional events, including documentary screenings and guest speakers.

3. Museum of Military History – This museum showcases the history of military conflict in a comprehensive way using artifacts, archives, and historic photographs.

– A chance to learn about the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who served in military conflicts.

– Offers trips to Civil War battlefields and discount admission days for veterans.

What are some free events and festivals in Orlando?

If you plan your trip to Orlando to coincide with some of the free events and festivals, you will enjoy your time without spending a dime.

1. Winter Park’s “Music in the Park” – This family-friendly event offers free concerts by various artists in a picturesque outdoor setting.

– Visitors can bring their chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy the shows.

– Held on the second Thursday of each month, typically from March to November.

2. Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities – This festival celebrates the life, literature, and legacy of one of America’s most renowned writers.

– Cultural events include literature readings, concerts, plays, storytelling, and seminars.

– The event typically takes place in January and attracts visitors from all over the world.

3. Orlando Museum of Art’s First Thursdays – This event is perfect for art lovers.

– Visitors can explore art collections, exhibitions, and galleries.

– Held on the first Thursday of every month from 6 pm to 9 pm.

– Offers live music, food trucks, and a cash bar.

To wrap up, Orlando is not just a destination for expensive theme parks, live shows, and attractions. The city boasts an array of free places, activities, museums, and festivals for visitors to enjoy. The above-mentioned places are just a few examples, make sure to check out the city’s tourism office to discover other free attractions and events.

Wrong Assumptions About Places To Visit In Orlando For Free

Misconception 1: Orlando’s free attractions are not as good as the paid ones

One of the most common misconceptions about Orlando’s places to visit for free is that they are not as good as the paid ones. Many people believe that they will only get to experience sub-par attractions if they opt for the free ones.

However, this is far from the truth. Some of the city’s top attractions can be enjoyed without spending a dime. For example, the Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical garden that visitors can explore for free. The gardens feature over 40 different collections of plants, a museum, and a butterfly garden.

Another popular free attraction is the Orlando Balloon Rides Launch Site. Visitors can watch hot air balloons take off and land, which is an experience that is unique to the area.

Misconception 2: There are not many free attractions in Orlando

Another misconception is that there are not many places to visit in Orlando for free. Many people believe that they will need to spend a lot of money to enjoy the city’s attractions.

However, there are plenty of free attractions to choose from. For example, Lake Eola Park is a 43-acre park located in the heart of downtown Orlando. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk around the lake, watch local artists perform, and even rent a swan-shaped paddleboat.

Another popular free attraction is the Winter Park Farmers Market. The market is open every Saturday and features vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

Misconception 3: The free attractions are always overcrowded

Many people also believe that the free attractions in Orlando are always overcrowded. They think that they will have to fight the crowds to enjoy the experience, which can make the visit less enjoyable.

While it’s true that some free attractions can get crowded, visitors can avoid the crowds by planning their visit outside peak hours. For example, the Harry P. Leu Gardens is a popular attraction, but it’s usually less crowded during the week.

Visitors can also consider visiting less known attractions. For example, the Greenwood Urban Wetlands is a hidden gem that offers visitors the chance to explore a 19-acre park that features a boardwalk, wildlife observation tower, and nature trails.

Misconception 4: The free attractions are not suitable for families

Another misconception is that the free attractions in Orlando are not suitable for families. Many people believe that they will need to pay for expensive theme parks to keep their children entertained.

However, there are many family-friendly free attractions that are perfect for children. For example, the Orlando Science Center offers free admission on select days of the year. The center features a hands-on learning experience for children of all ages, with exhibits on topics such as space, dinosaurs, and Florida’s environment.

Another family-friendly attraction is the Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district. While shopping and dining can be expensive, there are plenty of free activities, such as live entertainment and a splash pad for children.

Misconception 5: There’s no need to plan ahead for a visit to a free attraction

Finally, many people believe that there’s no need to plan ahead for a visit to a free attraction. They think that they can simply show up and enjoy the experience without any preparation.

However, planning ahead can make the visit more enjoyable by ensuring that visitors have enough time to explore the attraction fully. It can also help visitors avoid the crowds and plan their visit during off-peak hours.

Additionally, visitors should check the attraction’s website before their visit to make sure that they are aware of any restrictions or changes to the schedule. For example, some attractions may have limited hours or be closed on certain days of the week.

In conclusion, there are many misconceptions about the free attractions in Orlando. However, visitors can enjoy a fun and memorable experience without spending a lot of money. By planning ahead and choosing the right attractions, visitors can enjoy everything that Orlando has to offer without breaking the bank.