Free & cheap things to do in Orlando, July 2 – 5

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

While physical distancing is in effect, we’ll include virtual events and businesses that are opening. 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.

Watch virtual fireworks from the City of Orlando on July 4th.

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You might also be interested in:

• Free virtual rides at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks
• Top 5 beaches closest to Orlando
• Cool off at Central Florida springs
• Where to walk in Orlando
• Best free and cheap outdoor adventures in Orlando
• Free things to do at Disney (from home)

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.

Crayola Experience 
Reopened July 1
Crayola Experience Orlando is replacing its full-price admission ticket with a 2020 Unlimited Pass. The $24.99 ticket purchased this year starting July 1 will be good for unlimited visits to any Crayola Experience attraction through the end of 2020. Here’s what you need to know before visiting.

Celebrate Freedom Parade
Thursday, July 2, 6pm – 8:30pm
Winter Springs
Wave as eight festively decorated city vehicles and police cruisers will drive by. Residents are encouraged to watch from their front yards while people watching from public areas should abide by social distancing rules.

Universal Classic Monsters Week
Through July 2
Enzian Theater, Maitland
Tickets $10 – $12 to catch a film about your favorite, classic monster. 

Museums on Us Weekend
Free entry to four Orlando museums with Bank of America card.

Baby Goat Yoga
Friday, July 3 at 11am
Wildflower Farm
$22 for a yoga class and interactive fun with baby goats.

Universal Cinemark at CityWalk
Reopening July 3
They’re offering a Comeback Classics series of some of pop culture’s most iconic films, as well as those most requested by its customers. Even better, tickets are only $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors.

Fridays on the Plaza
Friday, July 3, 7pm – 9pm
Downtown Winter Garden
FREE live music outdoors.

Virtual: Fireworks at the Fountain
Saturday, July 4 (fireworks at 9pm)
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s 43rd annual Fireworks at the Fountain will be held virtually this year. News 6 will present a pre-recorded compilation of the brightest and biggest fireworks from the past several years at Lake Eola.

Virtual: Winter Park’s 24th Annual 4th of July Celebration
Saturday, July 4 at 9am
A link to the pre-recorded, virtual celebration will be posted on the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org as well as the city’s Facebook page.

Virtual: Disney Fireworks
See the Happily Ever After Fireworks burst over Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World Resort. Check out more Disney experiences you can enjoy from home.

Maitland Farmers’ Market
Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
701 Lake Lily Drive

You might also want to check out: Drive-In movie theaters near Orlando

MORE 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.

Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park. Image: @wildfloridaairboats on Instagram.

• Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari Park is a self-guided journey to get up close and personal with hundreds of wild animals. $20 per child, $29 per adult.
• 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.
• Gatorland is offering half off tickets for Florida Residents through July 31, 2020. Adults $14.99; children ages 3-12 pay $9.99.
• 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!

• Free virtual rides at Walt Disney World Resort
• Free virtual rides at Universal Orlando Resort

Coming soon: National Ice Cream Day is July 19.

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MORE FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO

• Free virtual rides at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks
• Top 5 beaches closest to Orlando
• Cool off at Central Florida springs
• Where to walk in Orlando
• Best free and cheap outdoor adventures in Orlando
• Free things to do at Disney (from home)
• Drive-In movie theaters near Orlando