There’s always something exciting happening in Orlando, and if you know the right place to look, you can partake in a variety of events and activities that are easy on the budget.
Here are some of the ongoing events you can enjoy in Orlando that are either FREE or relatively inexpensive.
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Entertainment & Special Activities
Photo: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Live music at Judson’s Live
Select nights at Dr. Phillips Center
Check out a live and intimate show on the cheap at Judson’s Live. Tickets vary in price by performance (starting at $15).
Ice Skating at Orlando Ice Den
Orlando Ice Den, Maitland
Admission for weekday afternoon sessions is $17, which includes your skate rental and tax. Pricing is the same for adults and children. Admission on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday is $20.
Fridays on the Plaza
Fridays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Centennial Plaza Gazebo, Downtown Winter Garden
FREE evening of live music on the plaza.
Semoran Skateway
Every Saturday and Sunday Matinee Skate, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Semoran Skateway on 436
Groove in your skates around the rink! They also have a separate smaller rink for beginners. Arcade games and a small cafe to refresh yourself with Gatorade, coffee, water, or an iced pop for only 25 cents! Admission is $8, which includes skate rental.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Visit Wekiva Island in Longwood this week for $5 per person.
Wekiva Island
This eco-recreation destination has an old Florida feel, a bar that serves beer and wine, riverside cabanas, and a dog-friendly policy. Wekiva Island is the perfect spot to relax on a summer day. Just make sure you arrive early – it usually fills to capacity around noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Entry fee per person is $5.
BONUS: Enjoy FREE live music with the Sounds of Wekiva on Fridays & Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Tooting Otter Bar.
Winter Park Scenic 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 $20 for adults.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
This 11-mile drive is the perfect opportunity 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.
Photo: Harry P. Leu Gardens. Image courtesy: @leugardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Audubon Park, Orlando
This 50-acre botanical oasis is home to a rose garden, butterfly garden, vegetable garden, and hundreds of species of native and imported plants. Admission starts at $10 for children ages 4 to 17 and $15 for adults. Children 4 and under are FREE.
BONUS: Check out FREE entry days at Leu Gardens!
Orlando Wetlands Park
Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Orlando Wetlands in Christmas, FL
FREE guided tram tours are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Mead Gardens
A FREE 47-acre park with an amphitheater, butterfly garden, boardwalk, and bike trail.
Lake Lotus Park
Altamonte Springs
It’s totally FREE to check out this hidden gem with 150 acres of preserved woods and wetlands. It’s open on the weekends with a 1-mile raised boardwalk, play areas, nature walks, a fishing pier, an education center, and a beautiful “window” on the lake.
Rent your own Swan Boat at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.
Swan Boats at Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando
Rent pedal-powered swan boats on the historic and iconic Lake Eola. $15 for 30 minutes on the water.
Stroll along an Orlando walking path
There is nothing better (or cheaper) than a relaxing 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 complete free unless otherwise noted.
Food and Marketplaces
Sanford Food Truck Fiesta
Second Sunday of the month, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Come hungry for this FREE outdoor street party with 40 food trucks and live music.
Sanford’s Marketplace at Magnolia
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 150 East 1st Street, Sanford
FREE to walk around and explore home decor, arts and crafts, produce, baked goods, and more.
Museums & Exhibits
Orlando Science Center
Loch Haven Park, Downtown Orlando
Explore everything from animals and their diverse ecosystems to the science of Guinness World Records at the Orlando Science Center. Admission starts at $20.99 for youth and $27.99 for adults.
BONUS: Check out FREE museum days in Orlando.
Library Lines Photography Exhibition
Through November 15, Orlando Public Library, downtown lobby
The photo shows “Library Lines,” by Nichole Spates, showcases the Brutalist architecture of the Orlando Public Library. The photos were all taken with a smartphone. also on exhibit are photos of Florida wildlife by Georgia Wilson.
Photo: Morse Museum. Butterfly design lamp screen, c. 1905, from Tiffany Studios (1902–32)
Lamps and Lighting – Tiffany and His Contemporaries
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Experience the new installation of Lamps and Lighting – Tiffany and His Contemporaries that showcase Tiffany’s most beautiful lamps. $6 for adults and FREE for children younger than 12.
Downtown Sanford Historical Tour
This exciting historical walking tour guides you through some architectural styles dating back to 1883 while providing their incredibly rich history. Plus, the resident guide will provide you with fascinating stories about the city’s history. This is a 90-minute tour that starts at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $20.
Sanford Ghost Tours
Ghost tours, stories, and haunted buildings in the downtown area of Sanford. Tours last 1 hour and 30 minutes and cost $20. Children (3 years and younger) are FREE.
Show Car Saturdays
Every Saturday at 4 p.m.
Promenade at Sunset Walk, Kissimmee
Check out classic and modern automobiles while enjoying the music of live local bands for FREE.
These FREE and cheap activities in Orlando are just the tip of the iceberg. Make sure to keep your eye on Orlandoonthecheap.com for upcoming events, festivals, and seasonal celebrations you can attend for minimal admission prices or totally FREE!
More free and cheap things to do in and around Orlando
- Best free & cheap outdoor adventures in Orlando
- Romantic Orlando Dates under $30
- Cheap things to do with kids in Orlando
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