Orlando, Florida, is a top vacation destination for families all across America. And it’s not hard to see why. Boasting 12 themed parks, several malls and markets, delectable dining, and an average of 233 days of sunshine. This Central Florida hotspot is begging to be explored!
Trust us; you don't need to break the bank to have a good time with your family in the Sunshine State.
Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
Make sure these free things to do in Orlando with kids are part of your vacation plans for free family fun in Florida.
Universal CityWalk
Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk is a great place to spend time with friends and family.
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And, best of all, admission is absolutely free day or night. You’ll find fantastic shopping, dining, and live music always available.
Kids especially love cooling off in the splash pads, while adults enjoy the festive atmosphere and free entertainment.
Disney Springs
Visit Disney Springs, a unique area that is home to more than 70 shops, eateries, and Disney-centric entertainment.
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It's free to walk around the lively entertainment center, but the primary destination kids care about is the LEGO imagination center.
Here, they can let their creativity free to build block zones. Free tours and events are offered throughout the year, too, for the LEGO lover in your family.
photo credit: Disney Springs via Facebook
Nora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
Tour the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts. The museum celebrates the Floridian's contributions to the arts, as well as the material culture of people of African descent.
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Zora was a prominent force and icon in anthropology, the Harlem Renaissance, folklore, writing, and other forms of art.
Celebration, Florida
Stroll the streets of Celebration, Disney’s town that is as close to perfection as a town can get. Admire the old-fashioned properties and let the kids play in the interactive fountain.
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Experience the pleasant atmosphere and beauty of a town only Disney could create. This is an excellent place to capture a family picture or two, as well.
photo credit: Downtown Celebration Florida via Facebook
Icon Park
Situated in the heart of Orlando’s entertainment district lies Icon Orlando. Home to “The Wheel” and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Museum of Illusions, and more!
There are endless ways to have fun at Icon Park.
The area is free to enter, and there are several shops to browse.
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However, the crowning jewel at Icon Orlando is the free nightly entertainment. Experience light shows as the sun sets and the Flamenco shows at Tapa Toro.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Home to the Kraft Azalea Garden, Harry P. Leu Gardens features three miles of paved scenic nature trails and walkways that take you through fifty acres of southern-styled gardens.
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FREE admission is offered on the first Monday of every month. In addition, kids ages three and under are always free.
Lake Eola Park
Visit Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando. This 43-acre park offers spectacular views of the city and free events throughout the year.
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Watch a free movie in the park, window shop the farmer's markets, feed the geese, catch the fountain show--these are just a few of the things to do in Orlando with kids at Lake Eola Park.
photo credit: Lake Eola Park via Facebook
Winter Park and The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum
Located in Winter Park, which just radiates Southern Charm, you’ll find the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, home to the world’s most extensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany items. Everything from lamps to pottery to stained glass windows to dining sets is displayed.
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Visitors are free Fridays in November through April from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm. Keep in mind that kids 12 and under are always free, while regular adult admission is $6.
In addition to shopping, dining, and museums, you’ll also find the Winter Park Farmers Market. Open on Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm. It’s free to browse, but we have it on good faith that it’s nearly impossible to pass up on an ice-cold glass of fresh-squeezed Florida Orange Juice.
Big Tree Park
Take a walk in Big Tree Park, the home of “The Senator,” a 118 ft. tall, 3,500-year-old Bald Cypress tree.
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Can’t get enough of the tropical Florida flora and fauna? Head over to the West Orange Trail. The complete trail spans 20 miles over what was once orange groves and begins at the Killarney Station trailhead on SR50 west of Oakland, making its way through Winter Garden and Apopka, finally ending at Welch Road. The trail follows a route that railways used to carry citrus fruits to market.
Mennello Museum
Every second Sunday of the month, the Mennello Museum offers free admission. All galleries are free to the public from noon-4:00 pm, while galleries, craft stations, and mini-tours for kids occur from noon-2:30 pm. Children ages six and under are always free.
Old Town
If your kid loves hot wheels, take them to Old Town.
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This amusement park has free car shows featuring hot rods and muscle cars. Car cruises are held Friday and Saturday nights.
photo credit: Old Town via Facebook
Walt Disney World Monorail
Take advantage of the complimentary Walt Disney World monorail to get a little Disney during your stay. No ticket is required to ride, and you can cruise past sights like Spaceship Earth. Make the ride even better by watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks afterward.
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The Ticket and Transportation center for the monorail offers excellent views, with magical music even piped in.
Cocoa Beach
Your vacation headquarters may be Orlando, but the beach is only 45-minutes away. So, really, why not make a day of it on the shores of Cocoa Beach. The kids will love the soft sugar sand and sparkling surf, and best of all—it's free!
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Lori Wilson Park is an excellent option if Fido has made his way with you to the Sunshine State. A boardwalk and a dog park, showers, restrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking are available at this ocean-front park.
Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA at the pier.
Savings on Orlando Hotels
Budget-friendly accommodations are as essential as budget-friendly experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a modest hotel with family-friendly amenities, a fully equipped suite, or a full-service resort, we have multiple Orlando Hotels to choose from. Book with confidence knowing you’re always guaranteed our lowest rate online.
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area
- Crowne Plaza Orlando Lake Buena Vista
- Liki Tiki Village By Diamond Resort
- Magic Village Yards
- Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham, Lake Buena Vista
photo credit: Margaritaville Resort Orlando via Facebook
Orlando Packages
Does your sojourn to the Sunshine State need some theme park fun? Savvy shoppers know that packaging your experiences with room nights or other attractions will stretch your dollar the furthest.
Check out some of Tripster's exclusive Orlando Packages:
- Walt Disney World® & Universal Orlando Hotel Package
- Walt Disney World® Packages with Orlando Hotels
- SeaWorld & Aquatica Combo Vacation Package
- LEGOLAND Florida & SeaWorld Orlando Vacation Package
- Gatorland & Boggy Creek Airboat Ticket Combo
photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort via Facebook
Ready to Plan Your Thrifty Trip to Orlando?
With shimmering night lights, live music, and enough outdoor adventure to make Bear Grylls jealous, free things to do with kids in Orlando are endless.
Stroll through lush gardens, then meander around pottery and art along the Spanish moss-draped Park Ave in Winter Park, or splash in the calm, clear waters of Cocoa Beach.
Families will find that Orlando is the perfect place to plan a budget-conscious getaway.
What is Your Favorite Free Thing to Do in Orlando With Kids?
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