Things to do to celebrate Father’s Day in Orlando

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18, 2023, and there are plenty of dads who deserve a fun day in Orlando. But a memorable day doesn’t have to be expensive. We all know it’s the thought that counts — so why not plan a unique and a cheap experience near Orlando?

From a day at a brewery to an outdoor adventure, there are plenty of free and cheap things to do with Dad during Father’s Day in Orlando.

Free admission & discounts on Father’s Day in Orlando 2023

Harry P. Leu Gardens offers free admission for dads on Father’s Day, 9am – 5pm, to stroll through Orlando’s most beautiful garden. For everyone else, garden admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
The Orange County Regional History Center is celebrating dads by giving them free admission on June 18, noon – 5pm. Any caregiver gets free admission when accompanied by a loved one.

You might also want to check out: free & cheap things to do this weekend in Orlando.

Things to do with Dad in Orlando on Father’s Day 2023

Plant Street Market, home to Crooked Can Brewery.

For a fun craft beer experience, check out Crooked Can Brewery at Plant Street Market. Take a tour of the brewery for $5 each (make reservations online).
Head to downtown Sanford for a cold beer at one of the many breweries, enjoy a German lunch at Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe, and then take a stroll along the Riverwalk. If you have little ones in tow, cool off at the Fort Mellon Splash Pad Park.
If Dad enjoys a nice glass of wine, take a trip to Lakeridge Winery in Clermont for free live music on Saturdays & Sundays and complimentary winery tours.

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. Photo courtesy of Visit Orlando.

Float through the canals and lush landscape of Winter Park’s waterways on a tranquil Scenic Boat Tour ($16 for adults, $8 for kids).
Black Hammock Adventures is one of the best locations to watch the sunset in Central Florida. You can also sign up for an airboat tour of Lake Jessup, which boasts the densest population of alligators in the state of Florida.
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures takes you through Florida wetlands at speeds up to 50 mph for an up-close look at the native wildlife.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open for cruising on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
It’s an 11-mile drive with a chance to view native animals in their natural habitat including 174 bird species. It’s FREE and you can enjoy this tour inside your car in the AC with their audio tour online.

If Dad prefers slower-paced fun on the water, book a rental at King’s Landing in Apopka to explore the pristine waters of Rock Springs Run.

Date ideas Orlando: image of adults swimming in crystal clear Florida spring water in Lake County, Florida

Visit freshwater springs in Central Florida. Image courtesy: Visit Lake, FL

Go swimming in our gorgeous natural springs, including those at Blue Spring State Park, De Leon Springs State Park, Rock Springs at Kelly Park, and Wekiwa Springs State Park.

It’s free to journey through the trails of Central Florida: Orange County trails, Lake County trails, and Volusia County trails.

Free & cheap things to do in Daytona Beach: image of beautiful beach shoes and hotels at Daytona Beach, Florida just a short drive from Orlando

Daytona Beach is a short drive from Orlando and you’ll find plenty of free & cheap things to do. Image courtesy: Daytona Beach CVB

The beach is just a 45-minute drive from Orlando. Pack the car for a day trip to Cocoa or New Smyrna Beach.

Check out this list of free & cheap things to do in Daytona Beach & New Smyrna.

Watch dad soar on a zip-line obstacle course at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park or zip-line over alligators at Gatorland’s Screamin’ Gator Zip Line.
Play volleyball, corn toss, enjoy live music, and a take dip in the cool waters of the Wekiva River: all for free at Wekiva Island. This eco-recreation destination has an old Florida feel, a bar that serves beer and wine, and riverside cabanas. Admission is free during the week, but the charge is only a dollar or two on the weekends.

Winter Park Golf Course

Book a tee time at Winter Park’s 9-hole golf course.
Rent bikes. Explore the City Beautiful by renting bikes through the Orlando Bike Share program. Simply reserve a bike online or through the app, release the bike to ride, and then return to any one of the designated stations.
Ride the SunRail for a fun tour of Orlando and surrounding cities. Kids under 6 ride for free with a paying adult.
Drive up to a drive-in movie theater near Orlando.

Events happening Father’s Day weekend 2023

Summer Concerts & Fireworks
Friday & Saturday through Sept. 1 at 7:15pm
Daytona Beach Bandshell
FREE concerts at the beach with a fireworks finale every Saturday night at 9:45pm.

Fridays on the Plaza
Fridays, 7pm-9pm
Centennial Plaza Gazebo, Downtown Winter Garden
FREE evening of live music on the plaza.

Central Florida Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17, 12pm – 10pm
Lake Lily Park, Maitland
FREE entry to this event with music, food, and cultural performances.

Show Car Saturdays
Every Saturday at 4pm
Promenade at Sunset Walk, Kissimmee
FREE to check out classic and modern automobiles while enjoying the music of local live bands.

Dinosaur Invasion
Now through July 9
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Go on a quest to discover 20 life-size prehistoric creatures in the 50-acre garden. Included in admission.

Sounds of Wekiva
Friday & Saturday at 7pm
FREE live music at Wekiva Island in Longwood.

Weekends at the Winery
Saturday and Sundays, 12pm – 4pm
Lakeridge Winery, Clermont
FREE. Head to Central Florida winery’s huge vineyard green each weekend for delicious food, live entertainment, complimentary wine tastings/tours, and Lakeridge wines by the glass at the outdoor bar.

Semoran Skateway
Every Saturday and Sunday Matinee Skate, 1 pm – 4 pm
Semoran Skateway on 436
Groove in your skates around the rink! They also have a separate smaller rink for beginners. Arcade games and a small cafe to refresh yourself with Gatorade, coffee, water — or an iced pop for only 25 cents! Admission is $8, which includes skate rental.