Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14, 2023, and there are plenty of mamas who deserve an amazing 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 the park to an outdoor adventure, there are plenty of free and cheap things to do with mom during Mother’s Day in Orlando. Here’s our guide to celebrating Mother’s Day 2023 in Orlando.
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MOTHER’S DAY 2023 IN ORLANDO
FREE admission for Moms in Orlando:
- Orange County Regional History Center offers FREE entry for any caregiver accompanied by their loved one (of any age) on Sunday, May 14.
FREE entry for moms on Mother’s Day at Leu Gardens. Harry P. Leu Gardens. Image courtesy: @leugardens
- Harry P. Leu Gardens offers FREE admission for moms on Mother’s Day, 9am – 5pm. Stroll through the lush botanical oasis and experience the rose garden in full bloom. Regular admission: adults $15, kids $10.
- Mennello Museum of American Art opens its doors on the second Sunday of each month for a FREE Family Fun Day. Free admission for everyone, all day.
- Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College is always FREE!
You might also be interested in free museum days in Orlando.
Photo courtesy: Bok Tower Gardens
- Bok Tower Gardens is celebrating moms with FREE admission for all mothers on May 14 — and it’s definitely worth the drive. Soak in a tranquil afternoon with breathtaking views in the historic garden. The Singing Tower will ring during Carillon concerts at 1pm and 3pm.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida.
- At the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Moms and grandmas get into the Zoo for FREE. Each free admission must be accompanied by a paid admission and the deal is only valid at the gate.
The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida.
- Moms can ride The Wheel for FREE at ICON Park with a paid family member. This promotion is available now through May 14.
- At Airport Lanes, Aloma Bowl, and Boardwalk Bowl, moms can get two FREE bowling games and a shoe rental when accompanied by a paying child on Sunday, May 14.
- Moms eat FREE at Pl8 at Elev8 Fun in Sanford with the purchase of a kid’s meal or regular entree.
- On Sunday, May 14, enjoy BOGO free passes to the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Action Park. With your purchase, every mom and grandma will receive a FREE rose.
Events happening Mother’s Day weekend in Orlando:
Sounds of Wekiva
Friday & Saturday at 7pm
FREE live music at Wekiva Island in Longwood.
Spring Studio Show
Friday, May 12, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Art & History Museums, Maitland
FREE outdoor event with live flamenco music and beautiful art. Bring your own picnic, snacks, and chairs to enjoy an evening under the stars.
Blueberry U-Pick
Friday & Saturday
Amber Brooke Farms, Eustis
Visit the farm to pick your own fresh blueberries.
Find more places to pick blueberries near Orlando.
Family Fest
Saturday, May 13, 12pm – 5pm
Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
FREE family event focused on learning with STEM activities and demonstrations.
Lake Mary Farmers’ Market
Saturday, May 13, 9am – 1pm
Central Park, Lake Mary
FREE to shop local vendors. Sunshine State Flora is giving away 90, 2-inch succulents for Mother’s Day (no purchase necessary).
Sanford Rhythm & Brews BBQ Fest
Saturday, May 13, 10am – 6pm
Marina Isle at 520 on The Water, Sanford
FREE outdoor event with delicious eats, live music, entertainment, a kids’ zone, and more. Purchase BBQ-tasting tickets to sample delicious eats from 20+ competition BBQ cooks. $10 for adults and $5 for kids in advance.
Weekends at the Winery
May 13 & 14
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Clermont
FREE admission. Wine tasting, food vendors, live music, and more. Bring your own chairs.
Sanford Food Truck Fiesta
Sunday, May 14, 1pm – 6pm
Historic Downtown Sanford
FREE outdoor street party with 40+ food trucks, art vendors, and live music.
Free Family Fun Day: Watercolors
Sunday, May 14, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Mennello Museum of Art
FREE Family Fun Day includes free tours of the museum and galleries, crafts, and more!
Mother’s Day at Boxi Park
Sunday, May 14, 12pm – 9pm
Boxi Park Lake Nona
FREE entry for live entertainment, food vendors, and fun for the whole family.
Yoga in the Garden
Every Saturday at 9am
Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park
$10 per person. Bring your own mat and water.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Lake Apopka: 2850 Lust Road entrance
Ring in the New Year surrounded by nature. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is 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.
Yoga in the Sculpture Garden
Sunday, May 14, 9am-10am
Mennello Museum of American Art, Orlando
Admission is $10 for non-members, $5 for members.
Winter Park Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 8am to 1pm
Central Park, Winter Park
THINGS TO DO ON MOTHER’S DAY IN ORLANDO
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).
Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. Image: @southernhillfarms
- Pick your own blueberries, peaches, sunflowers, and Zinnias at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. Find more places to pick your own blueberries in Orlando.
Mount Dora, Florida. Image courtesy: Visit Lake, FL
- Take Mom to lunch and shopping in Mount Dora. With quaint streets, boutiques, and small-town charm, Mount Dora is a beautiful spot to spoil her. Or you could plan an afternoon exploring downtown Sanford, Winter Park, or Winter Garden.
- Spend Mother’s Day at the Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park featuring fresh flowers, art, food, and a beer and wine garden.
- Let her relax with a free wine tasting and tour at Lakeridge Winery in Clermont or an inexpensive wine tasting at Quantum Leap Winery in Winter Park.
Visit freshwater springs in Central Florida. Image courtesy: Visit Lake, FL
- Take a dip in the springs. Choose from one of many cool and natural parks in Central Florida.
Rent your own Swan Boat at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.
- Rent one of the iconic swan paddle boats at Lake Eola ($15 per half hour).
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream. Image: Melody Larson.
- Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream is an Orlando original! What started out as a family food truck at farmers’ markets has grown into a local, sweet sensation with a variety of locations throughout Central Florida. Kelly’s sells a variety of sorbets and handmade ice creams with unique flavors that change seasonally.
Kraft Azalea Gardens. Image: Melody Larson.
Picnic at a local garden or park.
Here are some of our favorite FREE places to picnic:
- Winter Park: Kraft Azalea Gardens, Central Park, Mead Gardens
- Downtown Orlando: Lake Eola, Harry P. Leu Gardens (free for moms on Mother’s Day and free admission for everyone on the first Monday of each month).
Go for a beautiful stroll.
There is nothing more relaxing than a scenic walk. Orlando has plenty of nice paths to stroll at local parks, county trails, and picturesque gardens.
Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland Florida.
Drive to the movies.
Watching a movie at an open-air cinema is a safe and affordable way for your family to enjoy a fun night out. We’ve found a couple of Drive-in movie theaters near Orlando for you to check out.
Enzian Theater and Eden Bar.
Watch a film at Enzian Theater.
This alternative cinema offers independent, foreign, and classic films and has arguably one of the prettiest outdoor bars in Orlando, Enzian’s Eden Bar. It also hosts the monthly free outdoor movie series, Popcorn Flicks in the Park, in Central Park.
Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park. Image: @wildfloridaairboats on Instagram.
Meet wild animals.
Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari Park is a self-guided journey to get up close and personal with hundreds of wild animals.
Explore Central Florida’s waterways.
Rent a kayak or canoe and launch at King’s Landing in Apopka.
Sledd’s U-Pick Farm sunflower field in Mims, Florida.
Visit a sunflower field.
Seeing row after row of blooming sunflowers is not something you’d expect in Central Florida..but beyond the beaten path of Orlando, there are thriving family farms that harvest and grow a variety of crops — including beautiful sunflower fields.
Daytona Beach is a short drive from Orlando and you’ll find plenty of free & cheap things to do. Image courtesy: Daytona Beach CVB
Go to the beach.
Check out the top 5 beaches close to Orlando.
Give a thoughtful gift while supporting local businesses.
Now more than ever, our local specialty shops need your support. Keep in mind you might need to order in advance and pick it up before Mother’s Day.
- Marshmallows and ice cream from Wondermade
- Giant cookies from Gideon’s at East End Market
- Barbecue sauces and rubs from 4 Rivers Smokehouse
- Spirits from Winter Park Distilling
- Gifts and stationery from Paper Goat Post
- Gift sets from Rifle Paper Co.
- Fresh sunflowers and produce from Southern Hill Farms
- Organic honey from Winter Park Honey
- Wine from Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
- Corkcicle — the innovative, insulated drinkware — is made right here in Orlando. Get their creations shipped straight to Mom!
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