Orlando on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free and cheap things to do in and around Orlando

Free & cheap things to do in Orlando, Jan. 21 – 24

POSTED BY
Adelyn Rivera
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There’s so much to do in the City Beautiful — and plenty of ways to experience it without breaking the bank.

If you’re going out, it’s wise to phone first. Events are subject to change at any time. Many venues are open fewer hours and require a reservation.

We’d love your input if you have anything to add to this list. Here are our top picks for free and cheap things to do in Orlando.

Things to do Orlando: image of life-size dinosaur in Leu Gardens. Dinosaur Invasion exhibit comes to Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando.

Dinosaur Invasion at Leu Gardens in Orlando, Jan. 18 – April 18. Image courtesy: Harry P. Leu Gardens.

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FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO

Note: Sometimes, things change after we post an event. It’s always a good idea to check directly with venues and event organizers to confirm before you go.

The Drive-In Laser Show 
Jan. 21- Jan. 24
Lake County Fairgrounds, Eustis
General admission is $25 per car for a laser light show accompanied by musical hits.

Dinosaur Invasion at Leu Gardens
Jan. 18 – April 18, 2021
Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando
Dinosaurs are invading Orlando! Trek through the “Jurassic Gardens” to discover 20 life-size dinosaurs. Admission included with daytime garden admission: $10 adult; $5 child (ages 4- 17 years); FREE for members and children 3 years of age and younger.

Pompeii the Immortal City 
Daily through January 24
Orlando Science Center
Free for members, $26 for adults, kids $18 for this incredible exhibit of Pompeii and the Roman World. 

Yoga Under the Stars 
Friday, Jan. 22 at 7pm
Orlando Brewing Co.
Tickets $12 for a night of brews and yoga. 

Battle of the Food Trucks 
Saturday, Jan. 23, 4pm-9pm
Historic Downtown Longwood
FREE entry to dine at 30+ food trucks.

Things to do this weekend in Orlando: image of fresh strawberries at a u-pick strawberry farm near Orlando

Pick your own strawberries at farms near Orlando.

Strawberry U-Pick 
Saturday, Jan. 23, 9am-5pm
Oak Haven Farms & Winery, Sorrento
$3.50 per pound to pick your own strawberries. Arrive early because this is a popular spot for U-pick. 

Dreamland Amusements Carnival
Now through Jan. 31
Altamonte Mall, JcPenney parking lot
Pre-sale ride special: $20 for one person, $35 for 2 or $60 for a family of four.

Sanford Avenue Block Party 
Saturday, Jan. 23, 5pm-10pm
Sanford Brewing Co., Historic Downtown Sanford
FREE outdoor event with music, brews, vendors and more. 

Paint in the Park 
Saturday, Jan. 23, 9am-12pm
Lakefront Park, St. Cloud
Pre-registration required. $15 per person. All materials included. 

Gardening for Little Gardeners 
Saturday, Jan. 23, 10am-noon
Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park
FREE event. Bring the littles for a fun day of gardening. 

Soca Reggae 5k & Wellness Festival 
Sunday, Jan. 24, 11am-5pm
Harbor Park at Lake Baldwin, Orlando 
FREE admission to the festival. Drinks, music, entertainment and more. 

Peanut Butter Matinee Family Fun
Featuring: Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade
Sunday, Jan. 24 at 12pm 
Enzian Theater, Maitland 
FREE for 12 years old and under. $9 per adult.

Dr. Phillips Center Presents:
Front Yard Festival Featuring: Frozen 
Sunday, January 24 at 6pm
Downtown Orlando, front lawn of the Dr. Phillips Center 
Tickets start at $5 for a movie under the stars. 

MORE ORLANDO EVENTS & THINGS TO DO

Art After Dark 
Friday, Jan. 15 at 6pm
Lake Nona Town Center, Orlando 
FREE evening outdoors with food vendors, artisans, music and more. 

 

Weekends at the Winery 
Saturdays & Sundays
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Clermont 
FREE live music at the winery. 

Saturday Sounds Concert Series 
Saturdays, 5pm-7pm
Apopka Amphitheater
FREE evening of music under the stars. 

Yoga in the Sculpture Garden 
Sunday, Jan. 24, 9am-10am
The Mennello Museum of American Art, Orlando 
$10 per person ($5 for museum members) for a yoga session outside in the beautiful sculpture garden.

Things to do Orlando: image of people posing in an illusion exhibit room at the Museum of Illusions at ICON Park Orlando

NOW OPEN: Museum of Illusions at ICON Park Orlando. Image courtesy: ICON Park.

Museum of Illusions – NOW OPEN
ICON Park Orlando
With over 50 intriguing exhibits, Museum of Illusions offers more eye-fooling fun under one roof than any other destination in Central Florida. Jan. 9 to Jan. 31, Orlando residents: $15 per person ($10 savings) and children two and under are free.

$9.99 Gatorland tickets for Florida Residents
Now through Jan. 31, 2021
Gatorland has brought its most popular Florida Resident special back from extinction! Not seen since 2014, Florida Residents can visit the Alligator Capital of the World for just $9.99 for single day admission.

 

Starry Nights in Flagler Beach 
Nightly through January 31, 6pm-11pm
Flagler Beach Municipal Pier
FREE event. Drive down A1A and enjoy holiday light displays. 

Check out places to ice skate in Orlando.

Lake Eola Famers Market 
Sundays, 10am-3pm
Lake Eola Park, Orlando 
The Market is back! FREE admission. Stroll through the park and shop a variety of vendors. 

Sunset Live!
Fridays, 6pm – 10pm
Sunset Walk, Kissimmee
FREE live music.

Drive-in Movies
Movies playing every night
West Volusia Drive-In Theater in Deltona
$20 per car. Purchase tickets in advance, online

Classic Car Show
Saturdays at 4pm
Old Town, Kissimmee
FREE to check out a variety of classic cars. Cars limited and spaced out for safety.

Winter Park Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 8am to 1pm
Central Park, Winter Park

You might also want to check out more farmers’ markets in Central Florida.

Maitland Farmers’ Market
Sundays from 8:30am to 1:30pm
701 Lake Lily Drive

Things to do in Orlando: image of Alice from Alice and Wonderland at the new "Down the Rabbit Hole" immersive experience at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park

“Down the Rabbit Hole” at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park, Feb. 6 – March 14. Image courtesy: Creative City Project.

COMING SOON TO ORLANDO

Down the Rabbit Hole
February 6 – March 14
Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park
Experience a magical adventure of circus arts, music and theater as you journey through the botanical gardens. Follow Alice “Down the Rabbit Hole” to encounter characters like the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar, the Queen of Hearts and more. Tickets are $22 per person on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and $25 per person Friday and Saturday.  

FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO

  • Mead Gardens is a FREE 47-acre park with an amphitheater, butterfly garden, boardwalk and bike trail.
  • Winter Park Boat Tour: float through the canals and lush landscape of Winter Park’s waterways on a tranquil Scenic Boat Tour. The hour-long tour is $14 for adults.
  • Lake Eola features a playground, art sculptures and swan boats ($15 for a 30-minute ride).
  • Harry P. Leu Gardens is 50-acre botanical oasis boasting a rose garden, butterfly garden and a vegetable garden. $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 4-17, free for kids age 3 years and younger.
  • The Black Hammock Adventures is a lakeside bar and restaurant in Oviedo with amazing sunset views on Lake Jesup and airboat tours.
  • Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is an 11-mile drive with a chance to view native animals in their natural habitat including 174 bird species. The drive is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

  • The Central Florida Springs, Florida’s natural cooling system, is one of those must-see destinations. With water temperatures in the low 70s year-round, a dip in the springs located near Orlando is incredibly refreshing.
  • Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter is home to one of the largest native butterfly conservatories in the state of Florida.
  • Central Florida Zoo is open with modified hours and timed online ticket to enter. Adults $19.50; children $13.75.

Where to walk Orlando: image of a couple walking on a shaded trail

Take a relaxing stroll.
There is nothing cheaper or more relaxing than a scenic walk. We have plenty of nice paths to stroll at local parks, county trails and picturesque gardens. Most of the walking paths near Orlando are completely free, unless otherwise noted.

Image of Frozen ride at Epcot

Ride your favorite rollercoasters (from your couch).
Pretend you are in the middle of all the theme park excitement!

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MORE FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO

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    • Laura says

      Hi Loretta! We create a list of free and cheap things to do for every weekend in Orlando. It is posted every Wednesday. We hope you check back for the events happening during your visit. – Laura

      Reply

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