Visiting Orlando on a budget! Sounds weird, right? Most vacationers come to the theme park capital for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando and paying for admission to these venues can get pretty pricey. But most visitors don’t realize that the city has plenty of free things to do in Orlando that are packed with value. From events, parks, art venues, museums, festivals, and nature activities, Orlando caters to all budget travelers. So, instead of spinning around in the larger-than-life tea cups and hanging out with your favorite Disney character (no offense and we all love them), explore the secret world of Orlando, where you can spend a few days without burdening your budget.
Read on our list of best free things to do in Orlando:
Disney Springs
To add a little Disney magic to your itinerary, head to Disney Springs. Even though it is located within Walt Disney World, you don’t have to pay any entry fee to visit it. Self parking is complimentary as well. Disney Springs has over hundred shops, more than 60 eateries, shows, events, and two dozen attractions. While entry is free, you have to pay if you want to watch a show and enjoy an attraction. Go for window shopping and a quick meal at a counter-service spot and keep it budget-friendly. It also hosts some entertainment shows by the lake side.
I-Drive
The I-Drive or International Drive is located less than ten miles southwest of downtown Orlando. The entire area is dotted with a wide variety of shopping complexes, dining spots, entertainment venues, two outlet malls, and the wonderful Repley’s Believe It Or Not. It also has Pirate’s Cove Adventure miniature golf course. While on the drive, make sure to visit the ICON Park with a myriad of attractions suitable for all ages. It has a 400-foot tall Ferris wheel that offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding area. Visit the wheel at night, when it gets illuminated with 64,000 lights that change color frequently. Driving up and down the I-Drive is one of the free things to do in Orlando.
Lake Eola Park
In the heart of Downtown Orlando, there is a serene oasis surrounded by a concrete jungle. Lake Eola Park is where you and the kids can enjoy swan boating. Take a stroll along the 0.9 mile long walkway that circles the blue lake. Interestingly, the park is also home to numerous bird species. The park was originally a sinkhole, which was later landscaped and turned into a public park in 1888. This large green space has several things to do in Orlando with kids. Locals visit the park on weekends during summer and bring picnics. You can also grab a quick meal from one of the restaurants here.
Orlando Brewing
30 minutes of free tour at Orlando Brewing sounds exciting, right? Yes, you can take a free brewing tour and see Florida’s booming craft beer scene. During the tour, you can learn about the site’s history and a brewmaster will show you how organic beers are brewed. Don’t forget to stop by the tap room and grab a pint of beer. Enjoy the free live music shows while enjoying its freshly brewed craft beer. Taking a tour is undoubtedly one of the free things to do in Orlando.
Shingle Creek Trail
Birdwatching at Shingle Creek Trail is an absolute must. It is known as the northernmost headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Its water flows from the city into nearby lake Tohopekaliga, and eventually reaches the Everglades. Hike in its trails and keep your eyes out for the birds. The Shingle Creek Trail starts at Eagle Nest Park and runs south to Oak Ridge Road, east of the Orlando International Premium Outlets. This 12 feet wide trail is home to many exotic bird species, including bald eagle and peregrine falcon. Since the entry is free, hiking here is one of the best things to do in Orlando this weekend.
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
Located on the shore of Lake Butler, the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is the perfect destination near Orlando, where you can reconnect with nature. Locals as well as tourists hike in its 3.6 mile long trails that meander through some of the best wilderness of Florida. Apart from the hiking trails, there is a picnic area, a butterfly garden, and a wheelchair accessible sandbox. Since most areas of the preserve consist of bay swamps, cypress swamps, scrub, marshes, and pine flatwoods, it is easier to spot wildlife here. It includes American alligators, North American river otters, six lined racerunners, gopher tortoises, green and brown anoles, nine-banded armadillos, bald eagle, eastern screech owls, and osprey. Spotting the native Florida wildlife is one of the free things to do in Orlando.
Bottom Line
Whenever we plan a trip to Orlando, the first thing that pops up in our mind is Walt Dinsey and Universal Orlando. While these two are the highlights of any vacation in Orlando, it also means that you end up paying a fortune for the vacation. But not all Orlando vacation needs to cost you so much. There are plenty of things to do in Orlando for free. So you don’t have to reconsider your trip to this amazing city due to budget.