Orlando is known for expensive theme parks but there are plenty of free things to do. The City Beautiful, as it’s known by, is rapidly growing so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
- The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, this museum is “home to the most comprehensive collection” of Louis Comfort Tiffany lamps and other art nouveau works. The Morse Museum is known for its Byzantine-Romanesque chapel and Laurelton Hall, a surviving piece of Tiffany’s Long Island home. Admission and parking are free November through April from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Fridays. - Cornell Fine Arts Museum
This museum is located on the campus of Rollins College not far from the Morse Museum. Its collections range from Renaissance paintings to contemporary sculpture. Admission and parking is free year round. - Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum
Casa Feliz is a beautifully restored Spanish farmhouse designed by architect James Gamble Rogers II. Live music sessions and flamenco dancing are hosted on Sundays. - FusionFest
A two-day celebration of the arts in Orlando’s diverse community. Many activities will take place such as a film contest, a fashion show, an international food court, a parade and lots more. This year the festival will be held on November 24-25, 2018 in the Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and City Hall Commons. - Disney Springs
Newly renovated and revamped, Disney Springs is the ultimate shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. It’s iconic stores like the LEGO Store is a great place to spend time with the kids. Head on down to Ghirardelli for a free chocolate caramel sample, and during the holiday season the store gives out peppermint bark. Parking is free. - Orlando Brewing
Known for their organic beers brewed in-house, Orlando Brewing offers free tours every week at 6 p.m. from Monday through Saturday. They don’t take reservations so it’s a first come first serve basis. Ask one of their servers for free tickets. - Stand-up comedy at the Drunken Monkey
The Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar hosts stand-up comedy every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Friday nights is showcase night with local comedians and Saturday is open mic. - Dr. Phillips Community Park
Located 10-15 minutes away from Universal Studios, this park is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is a nature trail, a dog park, and a playground for the whole family to enjoy. The community park is the perfect spot for a picnic date. - Lake Eola
Lake Eola is the heart of downtown Orlando surrounded by a beautiful park. There are countless activities going on like the Orlando Farmer’s Market, Movieola (which is a free outdoor movie screening), or feed the resident swans. It’s also a romantic spot for a picnic date. - UCF Arboretum
Located on the campus of the University of Central Florida, the UCF Arboretum is an 800-acre nature preserve. UCF is about an hour drive away from Universal Studios but if you love nature and would like to tour Florida’s largest university, the Arboretum is the place to visit. - The Avian Reconditioning Center
Love birds of prey? ARC is the place for you! They are dedicated to rehabilitating injured birds, educating the public about raptors, and the art of falconry. ARC trains with a variety of raptors such as owls, vultures, kites, and bald eagles. Their facilities are open to the public every Saturday.