12 Fun Things to Do in Orlando for Free

September, 2018.

Beautiful scenery, contemporary art and historical sites are only a drive away and offer unique experiences for all the family that won’t cost you a dollar. Getting ready for your next break? Keep reading the Holiday Autos guide to the top 12 fun things to do in Orlando on a budget.

1. Cocoa Beach

Want to take advantage of Florida’s beautiful weather? Why not hire a car and make your way to the closest beach? Only an hour’s drive from the beautiful Space Coast, you’ll find the stunning Cocoa Beach.

Soak up the sun, sea and sand of this quintessential beach town. Enjoy what Cocoa Beach has to offer, whether that’s tasting the local cuisine, taking part in a fishing expedition or exploring the historical surrounding areas.

Image by Leonard J. DeFrancisci, Cocoa Beach Pier (Cocoa Beach, Florida) 002, CC BY-SA 3.0

2. Fort Christmas Historical Park

If discovering gems of the past is your thing, then venture down to the Fort Christmas Historical Park – situated in Orange County, Florida (about 32 km east of Orlando).

What makes this park stand out from the rest is the impressive replica of the 1837 fort. This was originally built during the second Seminole Indian War. A beautiful park with plenty of history, picturesque scenes, picnic pavilions and exciting hiking trails. Even better, it’s all free.

Image by TomFawls, Fort Christmas historical Park - Fort Entrance, CC BY-SA 3.0

3. Kraft Azalea Gardens

Are you a nature lover? Be sure to head to the stunning Kraft Azalea Gardens, part of the city of Winter Park – only a quick 20-minute drive away from Orlando.

It’s the perfect picnic spot with relaxing lakeside views and colourful foliage. Enjoy the scenery and take a stroll off the beaten path in this free public park.

Image by ivianeq, Kraft entrance, CC BY 3.0

4. Cornell Fine Arts Museum

Discover the beauty of the artistic paintings, historical artefacts and archaeological pieces in the fantastic Cornell Fine Arts Museum. Take advantage of the cultural significance of this educational and enjoyable site.

With a wide collection of exhibitions that refresh seasonally, stroll around at your own pace and enjoy everything the venue has to offer – including free admission.

Image by Ebyabe, Rollins College Cornell Museum01, CC BY-SA 3.0

5. CityArts Factory

If you’re a culture vulture, why not take a peek at the CityArts Factory?

With brand new work from local artists and international talent, there’s something for every art lover in one of Orlando’s largest collection of galleries. Changing monthly, there’s always a new piece for you to set your eyes upon.

A popular tourist hot spot, this free admission venue welcomes over 50,000 visitors each year.

6. Kissimmee Old Town

Take a stroll down memory lane with a throwback to simpler times in the classic American town, located in Kissimmee.

Have fun with attractions and amusement rides or have a bite to eat in the authentic American restaurants. With free weekly live events and entertainment, including music, parades and car cruises, there’s something for all the family to enjoy.

Image by Miosotis Jade, Lakefront Park 02, CC BY-SA 4.0

7. Lakeridge Winery

Opened in 1989, this 127-acre winery offers tours and tastings 25 miles to the west of Orlando’s centre. And, yes, it’s completely free. Now Florida’s largest premium winery, Lakeridge produces more than a million bottles of wine each year, racking up over 600 awards for winemaking excellence.

Get there between 10am-5pm – or 11am-5pm on a Sunday, for your free tour of the site. Be sure to choose a designated driver to stay sober – or avoid drinking alcohol yourself if you’re the driver for the day.

Image by Ebyabe, Minneola FL Lakeridge Winery05, CC BY-SA 3.0

8. Orlando Brewing

If beer is more your thing, pop over to Orlando Brewing. Monday to Saturday at 6pm, you can get a free tour of the brewery, with tickets offered first come, first served. The brewery produces a variety of beers, so there is sure to be something for everyone with plenty of interesting facts along the way.

Again, make sure you’re abiding by Florida’s legal alcohol limit for driving by avoiding any alcoholic drinks, or choosing a designated driver who will stay completely sober.

9. Disney Springs

You don’t have to spend big to take part in the magic of Disney. Disney Springs is a waterside complex in the Walt Disney World Resort. Soak up with wonderful atmosphere as you peruse the shops and entertainment. Be sure to visit the free Lego Imagination Center, where countless familiar faces and creatures are constructed from Lego.

Image by Chad Sparkes from Kissimmee,Florida, United States, Disney Springs (27844113181), CC BY 2.0.

10. Spook Hill

Located in Lake Wales to the south of Orlando, Spook Hill is a must-visit when you’re driving. The unique location creates what’s known as a gravity hill, where the surroundings create an optical illusion as you drive through. Leave your car out of gear and see it roll uphill – against the forces of gravity. You have to see it to believe it – and at Spook Hill, you can do just that.

Image by Ebyabe, Lake Wales Spook Hill sign01, CC BY-SA 3.0

11. Universal CityWalk

Gaze in wonder at the big lights of the Universal CityWalk. Compared to Vegas – minus the slots – this free Orlando attraction is a perfect place for the whole family. The three-block complex is packed full of restaurants, shops and entertainment – like cinemas and indoor skydiving. While the attractions will cost for entry, the plaza itself is a lively place to spend an afternoon.

12. Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail

Nature lovers will adore this 30-mile scenic route through some of Florida’s most beautiful natural beauty. River vistas, creeks and island dunes can be seen from the comfort of your car as you glide through Ormond, to the North-East of Orlando. It really is one of the most stunning drives in the United States.

Image by Gamweb, NPSP-0248, CC BY-SA 3.0

Get around town

Heading to Orlando soon? Hire a car and make the most of your time in Orlando. Holiday Autos makes it easy to hire a car in Orlando. We do the hard work of comparing car hire for you.

Our car hire experts negotiate exclusive rates with top car hire brands to bring you the best deals. You can even filter by customer rating price and car type. Search and compare car hire brands at HolidayAutos.com to get the best car hire deal today!