Orlando on the Cheap has scoured Central Florida for the top 10 things to do under $10. Here are our picks.
1. Disney’s Boardwalk or Disney Springs
Disney Springs
With a nod to Central Florida’s refreshing natural springs, this outdoor escape features 120-acres of unique boutiques, award-winning restaurants and lively entertainment in four distinct neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town Center. Relax by the water, stroll through shops, make fun memories and take plenty of selfies.
Disney’s Boardwalk
Disney’s BoardWalk
Take a step back in time at Disney’s Boardwalk, a quarter-mile promenade boasting endless charm and architecture inspired by 20th century coastal destinations like Coney Island. Watch street entertainers, take a boat ride through the Disney waterways, and tour one-of-a-kind shops.
Enzian Theater and Eden Bar.
2. The Enzian Theater in Maitland shows cult classic movies, independent movies and hosts film festivals. Enjoy a pre-movie drinks at the outdoor Eden bar. Then head into the theater where a server takes your order before the movie starts and delivers your food and beer or wine during the movie to your table or couch.
Matinee tickets are $10. The Peanut Butter Matinees are free for kids 12 and under. Enzian Theater also hosts a monthly outdoor Popcorn Flicks in the Park takes place at Winter Park’s Central Park and is totally free.
You can also dine while watching a movie at Aloma Cinema Grill in Winter Park. It has a casual vibe with table service featuring a menu food and drinks. There’s a kids’ menu too. The matinee admission prices for everyone before 6pm is $6. The evening prices are: adults $8, seniors (55 & older) $5.50, children (2 to 17) $5.50 and military/students with ID $5.50.
3. Central Florida Springs, Florida’s natural cooling system, is a fun place to visit year round. In the summer, take a dip in the refreshing water. In the winter, go on a picnic or a canoe trip. Admission is around $6 per person or $2 per person, depending on the park.
- Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka has boat tours, camping, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and snorkeling. The cost is $6 per vehicle.
- Kelly Park/Rock Springs in Apopka is popular for the floating down the stream in an inner tube. Kelly Park also has a concession, picnic pavilions and playground. The tube rentals are available from vendors outside the park at an added cost and guests may also bring their own pool floats. The cost is $3-5 per vehicle.
- De Leon Springs State Park offers swimming, hiking and boat tours. You can also make your own table-side pancakes at the Old Sugar Mill restaurant. The cost is $6 per vehicle for entry (pancakes not included).
Wekiva Island in Longwood.
4. Wekiva Island is that secret watering hole locals don’t want visitors to discover. Located along the shore of spring-fed Wekiva River, this eco-friendly oasis has it all — from recreational activities to a bar that serves beer and wine. Spend the day lounging in Adirondack chairs, playing volleyball, swimming in the cool waters and listening to live music. Admission is free during the week, and the charge is only a dollar or two on the weekends.
5. Pick your own strawberries December through April in Central Florida. A local favorite you-pick farm is Oak Haven in Sorrento where you can spend hours picking berries, eating and playing. You-pick price is approximately $3.45 per pound. Arrive early as the farm does anticipate getting picked out early. If your harvest is bigger than your fridge, clean the berries and freeze them to use later.
After filling a basket, visit Oak Haven’s country kitchen for home-style strawberry shortcake, milkshakes, strawberry wine and other snacks. To entertain the kids, there’s a zip line, hayride and playground.
Find more pick-your-own-strawberry fields just a short drive from Orlando.
Pick your own blueberries, peaches and sunflowers at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont.
6. Southern Hills Farms is the destination for everything blueberry. After you pick your own berries, stay on the farm for fresh blueberry donuts, food trucks, shopping at the gift shop and playing at the covered playground. They also host a ton of fun events throughout the season.
Blueberry picking is available Tuesdays through Sundays beginning late March through May. Check website for detailed directions and be prepared to drive down a clay road and then into an unpaved working farm.
You may also want to check out more places to pick your own blueberries near Orlando.
Movie Night at Leu Gardens happens the first Friday of every month.
7. Leu Gardens is a beautiful 50-acre botanical oasis minutes from downtown Orlando. On the first Friday of the month, snuggle up with your date for an outdoor movie under the stars for just $6 each.
Garden admission is free on the first Monday of each month (depending on the season). Bring your little ones for Orange County Library’s storytelling program. Regular ticket price is $3 for kids and $10 for adults.
Lakeridge Winery in Clermont, Florida.
8. Lakeridge Winery is an unexpected Florida wine experience. Stop by any day of the week for complimentary wine tours, tastings and a picturesque view of the vineyard. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and begins with a 12-minute video presentation that shows the growing of Florida’s grapes all the way to the wine making process.
One weekend every month, the Lakeridge Winery entertains visitors with free and cheap festivals featuring live music, artist vendors, crafts and food.
The Orange County Regional History Center.
9. The Orange County Regional History Center offers a wide variety of creative exhibits and programs designed for children, including art stations and free family guides for exploring the museum. Tickets are $6 for kids and $8 for adults.
On the third Thursday of every month, admission is free from 6pm – 9pm. Kids 4 and under are always free. On Mondays, June 3 – August 5, they offer free admission for up to four kids with one paid adult admission. More free days: Mother’s Day for moms, Father’s Day for dads, free the first weekend of every month with the Museums On Us Program and the museum hosts a free trick-or-treat event on Halloween. Admission is also free for Florida Educators.
Find more free museums days in Orlando.
10. The Food Truck Bazaar offers couples an atypical dining experience with a reputation for gourmet food like lobster rolls, chorizo tacos and root beer flavored cupcakes. Don’t forget chairs or a blanket; seating is typically scarce.
To keep up with latest news on deals, discounts and free events in Central Florida, sign up for the Orlando on the Cheap newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook.
MORE FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO:
Free things to do in Orlando
Free kids’ activities in Orlando
