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When you think of Orlando, you probably imagine expensive vacations at Walt Disney World or Universal Studios. Luckily, there are plenty of free or budget-friendly activities you can enjoy.
Whether it’s before or after your theme park visit, or simply because you’re stopping over in Orlando, here are some fun and completely free ideas:
1. Stroll Through Disney Springs
Are you a Disney fan but don’t want to spend a fortune on tickets to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom? Good news: you can visit Disney Springs for free and shop for your favourite Disney items at the gigantic World of Disney store.
Access is free, and what’s rare in Orlando is that parking is also free. At Disney Springs, you’ll enjoy lovely water fountains surrounded by iconic stores like LEGO and M&M’s. There’s even a cinema showing the latest Disney movies, though tickets are required.
Food is surprisingly affordable, so don’t miss the pizza of the day—a must-try for budget travellers. You can visit Disney Springs during the day or in the evening.
During the day, a fun activity is renting bikes to complete the loop around the pond. Remember to bring water and snacks to enjoy the live performances taking place in the afternoon.
2. Explore Universal Studios CityWalk
If you love thrills and action movies, dive into the atmosphere of Universal Studios CityWalk. Access is free, but parking fees apply.
Once there, you can take free water taxis to explore the area. In the evening, the lighting and store displays create an incredible vibe.
During holidays and celebrations, head to the Red Coconut Club lounge to enjoy live performances. Thanks to the CityWalk Rising Star karaoke bar, you can fulfil your dream of performing on stage with a live band and even have your own backup singers!
It’s worth visiting for the Chocolate Factory and the Hard Rock Café, a massive, coliseum-shaped venue that offers free events on its terrace on Friday and Saturday nights.
3. Visit Old Town Kissimmee
For a taste of retro Florida, plan a visit to Old Town. This quintessential Florida spot, featuring replicas of historic buildings, offers a nostalgic fairground experience.
Next to Fun Spot, you’ll find food trucks, vintage car shows (especially the stunning Saturday night showcase), music, karaoke, rides, and arcades. While it’s a touristy spot, entry is completely free.
4. Picnic at Lake Eola Park
Orlando can feel overstimulating, which is why you’ll love this nature haven in the heart of downtown. A leisurely walk around the lake takes just 10 minutes. It’s a serene spot to relax while watching turtles, ducks, squirrels, and swans. There are even machines to purchase bird food.
If you visit in the evening, you’ll capture stunning night photos of Orlando’s skyline reflected on the lake.
Bonus: Visit Lake Eola Park on Sundays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the Orlando Farmers Market (also free), where you can shop for local artisan goods, sample food, and discover fresh, local produce.
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5. Have Fun at ICON Park
For a lively atmosphere, head to ICON Park, a favourite destination for Orlando tourists. Access to ICON Park is free, as is parking in the garage (available at no charge on levels 4 to 7).
Plan your visit mid-week to avoid large crowds. Everything centres around the Orlando Eye (offering incredible views) and the Orlando StarFlyer. Digital photos make for fantastic souvenirs.
If you want to do an activity, you’ll need to pay for attractions like the 7D Motion Theater, SEA LIFE Orlando, or fun museums like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (for photos with celebrities) or the Museum of Illusions.
Travel tip: Save money with the ICON Park Play Pass if you plan to do more than two paid attractions.
No matter the time of day, ICON Park offers a unique experience. The atmosphere is more relaxed during the day, while sparkling lights create a festive vibe at night.
6. Discover a Sculpture Garden at Lake Nona
You’ll be surprised to learn you can visit this incredible outdoor sculpture museum in Orlando for free. Just 15 minutes from the airport, behind the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, you’ll find this accessible, open-to-all location. This vibrant spot dazzles with garden sculptures, nature-inspired art, and works by internationally renowned artists.
You’ll likely only explore part of the park, as it spans a vast 50,000 square feet of nature and modern art, including towering palm trees. Even more surprising, you don’t need to stay at the hotel to visit the garden. For refreshments, just head to the hotel bar.
7. Take a Walk Through Mead Botanical Garden
Strolling through the Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park is a great way to spend time outdoors for free. This true oasis of wild plants enchants visitors with Florida’s vibrant and tropical colours.
Beautiful dirt paths invite you to wander through the garden, near the stream, and along a boardwalk that leads through marshy areas where you can spot numerous birds.
In addition to hiking trails and boardwalks, t’s the perfect spot for a family outing or a romantic date.
If you bring your own bike to Mead Botanical Garden, you can hop on the Orlando Urban Trail and ride back and forth to downtown.
Discover the Magic of Orlando Without Spending a Dime!
As you can see, it’s possible to find free activities in Orlando with a bit of research and planning.
And don’t forget, good preparation is also key to arriving at your destination relaxed and ready to enjoy the sunshine! Be sure to get your travel insurance with a quick quote from soNomad well before your departure to check this off your to-do list!
