Cheap Family Things to do in Orlando
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We have now been to Orlando on big family holidays three times and are in the process of planning our fourth trip. I like sharing all the things we’ve done and all the places we’ve discovered, helping others to plan their perfect Orlando vacation.
So I thought it would be good to put together all the cheap things to do in and around Orlando. Trips to Florida are expensive and it’s great to break up trips to theme parks and big days out with with smaller, cheaper activities.
For this article I’m including free things to do and cheap days out, up to a maximum of $15 per person – before tax. I’ve seen many articles that have under $25 per person but that still works out as roughly $125 for a family of four including tax – not the cheapest of days out. So I am purposely making it that much cheaper, well under $75 for a family of four.
Cheap Family Things to do in Orlando
Explore the Great Outdoors
Outdoor attractions are really popular. Florida is so green, with so many parks, gardens and open spaces. Here are a few that are free or cheap to visit:
Lake Underhill Park
Lake Underhill Park is a neighbourhood park of over 8 acres of green space on the southern banks of Lake Underhill. This park is a haven for boaters and is popular for bird watching, fishing and simply appreciating the wildlife along the shoreline. Lake Underhill Park has a really laid back vibe and is great for exercising too – it has a fitness trail with multiple fitness stations.
Harry P Leu Gardens
First created in the 1920s, the Harry P. Leu Gardens are tropical gardens that cover nearly fifty acres of landscaped grounds and lakes, with trails shaded by 200-year-old oaks and forests of camellias. The botanical gardens are somewhere different to spend a quiet day.
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a wildlife haven just a stone’s throw of Walt Disney World. It has lovely trails to walk that take in the region’s major habitats, including longleaf pine forest and scrub, bayhead swamp, and cypress-lined lakeshore. Gentle enough for families to enjoy, it gives such a welcome break from the bright lights and noise of Orlando.
Disney Wilderness Preserve
A really relaxed place to spend time is the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Created to protect the area and the wildlife within, the wetlands are a beautiful place with over a thousand species of plants and animals. It’s a really tranquil place for a quiet day in the Disney area.
Bike The West Orange Trail
If cycling is your idea of a great way to relax then why not bike the West Orange Trail? There’s a bike rental shop who can organise everything you need for the ride, leaving you free to simply enjoy the 22 mile trip. People drive for hours to cycle the trail, it’s meant to be a really lovely place to bike. Plus, it costs as little as $10 per hour to hire a bike and get started.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
This circular driving route around Lake Apopka has a 10mph limit and is a great way to spend a few hours. You can spot wildlife, take photos and just enjoy the peace that the vast area offers away from Orlando theme parks.
You can read about our experience of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive here
Mead Botanical Garden
Mead Botanical Garden is a 47.6-acre park that offers a variety of facilities including an amphitheater, butterfly garden, boardwalk, and a bike trail. The park encompasses several different ecosystems and is an ideal place for nature lovers, especially as it is free to visit.
Kraft Azalea Garden
Kraft Azalea Garden is a public garden located on the shore of Lake Maitland and is open year round. Lakefront, secluded and unique, Kraft Azalea is Winter Park’s secret garden – a real hidden gem! This beautiful park is shaded by enormous cypress trees that add to the old Florida charm and is often hired for wedding ceremonies.
Lake Nona Sculpture Garden
The Lake Nona Sculpture Garden is a free to visit, public, open air space bursting with tropical trees, flowers and both world-renowned and locally created art. With so many sculptures to explore, it’s a great place to relax, unwind and do something different.
Orlando Urban Trail
Free to access, the Orlando Urban Trail is considered the spine of Orlando’s trail network. It’s around three miles long and twelve feet wide, running from Lake Highland through Loch Haven Park, to Mead Garden in Winter Park. Highlights include six lakes, Orlando Cultural Park, and the Gaston Edwards Trail. It’s one of the most urban and scenic trails in the Orlando Trail Network and a great place to walk, run, scoot or cycle whilst seeing more of Orlando.
Lake Eola Park
Orlando has so many nice outdoor spaces where you can spend time relaxing during your vacation. One of our favourites is Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando. It’s one of the most peaceful places in Orlando. You can walk around the lake, appreciate the wildlife, enjoy the Farmer’s Market and even hire a swan boat pedalo to enjoy some time on the water.
You can read about our time at Lake Eola Park and our experience hiring a Swan Boat Pedalo here.
Enjoy the Water
Water is always a big part of an Orlando holiday for us. Swimming, time in the pool, a day at the coast, visiting a waterpark or venturing to one of the many natural springs in Orlando. There is so much to do in and around the water. Here are a few ideas that won’t break the bank:
Spend a day by the pool
One of the cheapest ways to spend a day in Orlando is by having a pool day. Most hotels, villas and apartment complexes have access to a pool of some description and it’s a simple but lovely way to pass time. But, if you don’t have ready access to a pool you could pay for a day pass at a resort – although that may push you over the budget for this post!
Head to the beach
If you have a whole day free and don’t mind a little drive, then a day trip to the beach or the waterside could be a great way to spend a cheap day in Orlando with just the cost of petrol and parking – take a picnic to make it even cheaper! Sunbathe, splash in the water or get out in a boat or kayak. You really can’t go wrong with a day by the water. Here are some of our top choices:
Kelly Park – Rock Springs
There’s always the option of a natural waterpark in Orlando too and Kelly Park/Rock Springs would be a great choice. Described as Orlando’s natural lazy river, the springs are perfect for tubing. Plus they the springs and park are surrounded by vegetation and wildlife, making it feel like you’re so far from the traditional sights of Orlando. Entry is just a few dollars per car.
Explore Towns Around Orlando
There are so many towns and communities that you can visit for free. They’re great for a wander, to browse the shops and enjoy the sights without spending much money at all. Here are some of our favourites:
Celebration
One of our favourite places to visit for a down day in Orlando is the town of Celebration. Quirky shops and restaurants along with a Kilwin’s ice cream shop. There’s a lake that is perfect for walk or cycle around and even a water fountain for children to play in.
Read about our time in Celebration here.
Winter Park
Another great place to spend time is Winter Park. With gorgeous shops, a Kilwin’s ice cream shop and plenty of Winter Park restaurants and cafes, it’s a lovely place for a mooch. Plus, It’s also home to the Winter Park Farmer’s Market and the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, one of the oldest attractions in Orlando – although slightly above the budget for this post!
You can read about our visit to Winter Park and the Scenic Boat Tour here.
Old Town Kissimmee
Step back in time by visiting Old Town Kissimmee, home of Fun Spot America. A traditional fun fair and theme park that has so many rides, go karts and even a splash pad. Free to enter, you just pay for the rides that you go on. Old Town also has shops, restaurants and lots of entertainment, especially in the evenings.
You can read about our time at Old Town here.
Ride the SunRail
To visit somewhere completely new, take a ride on the SunRail. Costing just a couple of dollars a trip, the SunRail trains are a great way to see somewhere new, making any day out a real adventure.
Go Shopping
This may seem like a very strange things to include as a budget day out. However, the shopping areas and malls in Orlando are fantastic to spend a day. They often have free parking, free entertainment and so much to look at, making them a cheap day out – unless you go overboard on the shopping! Here are some of our favourite shopping areas in Orlando:
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a fantastic place to spend a day with so many shops and restaurants and expensive attractions like boat rides in a vintage car or ride in the Aerophile – a fantastic air balloon ride. To bring the cost down, enjoy the free entertainment, take in the sights and soak up the atmosphere. It can be a fantastic, free place to spend time.
Universal’s CityWalk
Much like Disney Springs, Universal’s CityWalk is a fantastic place to spend time. It’s free to visit, you just need to pay to park. There are so many top name restaurants, so much entertainment and just loads to see and do. Billed as the Epicenter of Awesome, it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere.
ICON Park
A day at ICON Park on International Drive can be a really upbeat, exciting, busy day out. Yes, there are lots of attractions that cost money – like the Wheel at ICON Park, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds, but it’s a great place to shop, soak up the atmosphere and just enjoy the surroundings. Plus, there’s the Orlando StarFlyer, a carousel and train ride that won’t break the bank!
You can read about our visits to ICON Park here.
The Florida Mall
The largest shopping venue in Central Florida, The Florida Mall is huge. It’s undercover, nicely air conditioned and a great family-friendly shopping and entertainment destination. With so many big name brands, restaurants and seasonal entertainment, it’s a great place to visit.
The Mall at Millenia
The Mall at Millenia is Orlando’s luxury shopping destination, with 150 stores, services and eateries, including 40 market exclusive stores. It’s a high end place to visit – and so shopping will totally blow the budget – but great for a browse, especially if you’re looking for a way to get our of the Florida heat!
Orlando International Premium Outlets
Orlando International Premium Outlets is Florida’s largest outlet shopping destination. It is home to over 180 outlet designer and name-brand outlet stores and has plenty of eateries too. We love the outlets here and always manage to find a bargain!
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is one of the country’s most upscale outlet centers and the only luxury outlet in Orlando. A true shopping destination, it is home to more than 160 designer and name-brand outlet stores making it a great place to browse and hunt for bargains!
Old Red Barn
For something a bit different, you can have a unique shopping experience at the Old Red Barn of Geneva! There are so many different vendors with something for everyone. Plus, the site is home to goats, donkeys, chickens, and even a barn cat which the children are bound to love.
BOXI Park
BOXI Park is another place that you just have to visit for somewhere different. It reminds me of the Box Park venues in the UK. Eateries housed in shipping containers around big communal areas and plenty going on. They have a whole calendar of live entertainment. Free to visit, you just pay for the food and drinks that you order.
Animal Adventures
We love a day out that involves animals and it’s nice to find one that won’t break the bank. Here are the cheap animal days out that we’ve found so far:
Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey
Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey focuses on the rescue, medical treatment, rehabilitation and release of Florida’s raptors. Dating back to 1900, Audubon Center for Birds of Prey today focuses on a mission to protect and save Florida’s birds of prey. Visitors can learn about the unique adaptations of raptors, challenges they face and the many ways to get involved with helping birds of prey and the important habitats and resources they depend on. Entry is just $10 for adults and children have free admission.
Museums, Galleries and Historical Sights
We love a bit of culture on holiday and immersing ourselves in history or art for an hour or two. Museums and galleries are often really affordable and great to visit, especially if you like to learn a thing or two on vacation. Here are some cheap places to visit around Orlando:
Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek
On our last visit to Orlando we discovered Pioneer Village, a fantastic living history museum that takes you back to the pioneer days of America. With so many beautiful restored buildings, dressed how they would have been when they were commonplace, it’s like walking back in time. Plus, there are even goats and chickens too. At just $8 for adults and $4 for children, it’s a great value day out.
You can read about our trip to Pioneer Village here.
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The Morse Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including the artist and designer’s jewellery, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows; his chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago; and art and architectural objects from his Long Island country estate, Laurelton Hall. It costs just $6 for adults to visit and is free for children under 12.
Rollins Museum of Art
The Rollins Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions, ongoing programs, and an extensive permanent collection that spans centuries, from examples of ancient art and artefacts to contemporary art.
Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida
The Holocaust Museum offers free admission and strives to use the history and lessons of the Holocaust to build a just and caring community free of antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry.
Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture
Free to visit, the Wells’Built Hotel has been converted into a museum housing memorabilia of Orlando’s African-American community and displays on the Civil Rights movement along with some African art and artifacts.
The Mennello Museum of American Art
The Mennello Museum of American Art enriches the public through exhibitions, education, programs, and publications that celebrate the diversity of American Art. It costs just $8 per adult and $3 per child to visit.
Orange County Regional History Center
The Orange County Regional History Center is housed in a historic courthouse in the heart of downtown Orlando and offers four floors of exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Central Florida’s rich heritage. It costs just $10 per adult and $6 per child to visit.
American Police Hall of Fame
The American Police Hall of Fame & Museum was founded in 1960 and is the nation’s first national law enforcement museum and memorial dedicated to officers killed in the line of duty. It costs $15 per adult and $10 per child to visit.
Orlando Fire Museum
Free to visit, you can learn about the Orlando Fire Department’s History on a tour at the Orlando Fire Museum.
Central Florida Railroad Museum
Free to visit, the Central Florida Railroad Museum shares the history of railroading in Central Florida through photos, exhibits, maps, signage, charts, historic railroad artifacts and more.
Bradlee-McIntyre House
Fancy wandering around a traditional Victorian era wooden home? The Bradlee-McIntyre House is a wonderfully preserved relic that makes you feel like you have stepped back in time! Built circa 1885 for noted Boston architect Nathaniel Jeremiah Bradlee and his family. It is a Queen Anne Style three-story, 13-room winter vacation house featuring an octagonal tower and gingerbread trim typical of the flamboyant houses of the Victorian Period and the only remaining house of this style. It serves as our museum today, with tours offered on Wednesdays and Sunday afternoons for just $5 per person.
Grand Bohemian Gallery
Free to visit, the Grand Bohemian Gallery features works from local and international artists inspired by the Bohemian lifestyle. Each year, the galleries host exclusive artist events and exhibitions, inspiring guests to follow their curiosity and uncover something extraordinary.
Museum of Seminole County History
The Museum of Seminole County History is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Seminole County and its place in Central Florida, and educating the public on its unique heritage. It costs just $3 for adults to visit and $1 for children.
Zora Neale Hurston National Museum
Free to visit, the Hurston Museum encompasses a vast array of fine art on permanent exhibit or on temporary loans. Paintings, sculpture, films and photography of all eras are included in the displays with features borrowed from other galleries around the globe and galleries are often rotated to keep the exhibits feeling fresh and new.
Fruit Picking
Another nostalgic American pastime is fruit picking but, fruit picking sites aren’t just about the fruit. There are often animals, activities and old fashioned fun as well. Here are some affordable fruit picking farm options:
Showcase of Citrus
A day out we discovered recently that is definitely a relaxing alternative to theme parks, is Showcase of Citrus. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can go on a monster truck safari, pick oranges and even mine for gems.
You can read about our trip to Showcase of Citrus here.
Amber Brooke Farms
Visit Amber Brooke Farms in Eustis or Williston for a whole day of family fun. Full of authentic farm-fresh experiences, you can pick your own corn, blueberries, strawberries and even flowers at various times through the year. Plus, there are over 20 different family activities on offer with things like archery, jumping pads, slide hills, wagon rides, and more. A pass for the fun activities costs around $10 per person.
Go to the Movies
The price of cinema tickets in America seems to be really high in the main tourist areas. But, there are a few lovely, traditional options that make for an affordable, entertaining evening out:
Silver Moon Drive In
Silver Moon Drive In have been in Florida for over 75 years. They are a real tradition and people visit to have a great evening but also the nostalgic value and to indulge in a real American pastime. Silver Moon have two screens usually showing first-run movies – with double features seven nights a week. It costs just $8 per person aged over 10.
Aloma Cinema Grill
Aloma Cinema Grill is a more traditional cinema experience, offering a unique dining and entertainment combo. They mix current feature films with a wide beverage, beer and wine selection alongside an American style menu. Tickets are from just $7 each.
Movie Night at Leu Gardens
Harry P Leu Gardens host movie nights through the year, giving you the chance to enjoy an outdoor movie in a beautiful garden setting. You can bring something to sit on as well as food and drinks with you and tickets cost around $8 per person.
Play Mini Golf
Mini golf is great fun and often really affordable in Orlando. Here are a few options of fun crazy golf options that won’t break the bank:
Disney World Mini Golf
There are two mini golf options in Disney World – Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf and Winter Summerland Miniature Golf. Now, these are above our budget at $19 per adult and $12 per child but, if you get Disney Magic Tickets – the standard ticket option for UK purchases – you get free access to the mini golf courses. This includes one free game a day before 4pm – a great perk.
Orlando Putting Edge
Very slightly above budget at $15.50 per person, from the moment you enter the Black lit courses of Putting Edge, you have left the real world and have entered a dizzying universe full of fun, imagination, and activity. You will be immersed in a kaleidoscope of dazzling Glow-in-the-Dark colours, images and sounds, rocking your senses in extraordinary and unbelievable ways.
Something Different
Orlando Cat Cafe
The Orlando Cat Cafe is one of our favourite discoveries in Florida. Pay an entrance fee and spend an hour with cats that are all looking for their forever homes. From kittens to older residents, there are so many different personalities and it’s something the children absolutely loved. Plus, you can order food and drink to enjoy during your visit if you like too. It costs around $12 per person for an hour visit.
You can read about our time at the Orlando Cat Cafe here.
Activities at Disney Resorts
Disney hotels and resorts have all sorts of activities on offer to visitors, many at bargain prices. So here are a few ides of things that you can do across Disney World without blowing the budget:
Park Hop
Park hopping at Disney is a great way to spend the day whether you are staying on or off site. You can get Disney transport between hotels, wandering around them, taking in the atmosphere, enjoying any free entertainment and browsing the shops and restaurants. It’s a great way to try snacks you wouldn’t find at the Disney theme parks too!
Playgrounds
Many hotels across the Walt Disney resort have complimentary playgrounds that are great fun for children to burn off some energy and have a break from more full on activities.
Campfire Activity at Disney Resorts
Enjoy an evening of campfire fun. Gather round as the sun goes down for old-fashioned family fun as you toast marshmallows next to a crackling fire. Completely free and available at many Disney Resorts.
Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long
Take part in Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground where you’ll join nutty friends Chip ‘n’ Dale for a campfire celebration, followed by a classic Disney movie under the stars.
Movies Under the Stars
Enjoy movies under the stars for free – cosy up for a favourite Disney film shown outside in the fresh evening air at various Disney World Resort locations.
Canoe and Kayak Rentals at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Rent a canoe or a kayak and set off on your own excursion along the tranquil waters of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Discover adventure around every bend as you explore nearby inlets and waterways. $15 per person per hour.
Horse Drawn Excursion Wagon Ride
Enjoy an old-fashioned, horse-drawn wagon ride at The Cabins and Campsites of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in a traditional wagon pulled by two horses. $15 per adult and $10 per child.
Motorized Boat Rentals
Rent a boat at various locations across the Walt Disney World resort, enjoying theme park views and natural surroundings as you cruise scenic lakes, lagoons and inlets. $49 per boat per half hour.
Pony Rides
Enjoy pony rides at Tri-Circle-D Ranch at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. $10 per child.
Visit the Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Visit the Tri-Circle-D Ranch for free to see Cinderella’s Ponies and the majestic horses of Main Street, U.S.A and discover the Dragon Calliope – the horse-drawn musical instrument that Walt Disney purchased for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade at Disneyland Park in the 1950s.
As well as all of these activities, there are also arts and crafts workshops, caricatures and more available at hotels across the Walt Disney World Resort. Check reception when you visit for details.
I hope that’s given you some inspiration for free and cheap things to do on your next trip to Orlando. I’ll add more ideas as I come across them. I wasn’t able to include some really popular attractions like the Central Florida Zoo and the Orlando Science Center as they were sadly too expensive – despite being great days out with so much to see and so many interactive exhibits.
If you’re looking for more ideas of things to do in Florida, these articles might help:
- Relaxing Things to do in Orlando
- Things to do in Orlando for Birthday Celebrations
- Our 21 Day Orlando Itinerary
- Our 2 Week Orlando Itinerary
- The Best Indoor Activities in Orlando Florida
- The Best Orlando Dinner Shows
