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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
“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.
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.
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
Loretta Gatson says
Wrong week. We will be there August 25th -August 31, 2019.
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
Angel says
Thank you for publishing this for us! Really appreciate it!!