Orlando isn’t just the most visited tourism destination in the United States because of its world-class theme parks, famed eateries or sprawling resorts. Thanks to scores of affordable and unique experiences, it’s also a top value destination. In fact, Orlando was named one of the top 5 most affordable cities for family vacations by Forbes Advisor.

Orlando offers multiple free and cost-effective activities for $30 or less including museums, parks, boat rides, festivals, markets, go-karts and more. Additionally, buying tickets online ahead of time at OrlandoTickets.com, Visit Orlando’s official ticket website, can be a big money saver.

FREE IN ORLANDO

Theme Parks and Attractions

  • Disney Springs: With a nod to Central Florida’s refreshing natural springs, this outdoor escape features 120 acres of unique boutiques, award-winning restaurants and lively entertainment. Relax by the water, stroll through shops, make fun memories and take plenty of selfies. Every Saturday, families can join in the fun at the Disney Springs Kids Club, a free experience featuring interactive entertainment for all ages located at The Landing.
  • Disney’s Boardwalk: Located within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and inspired by a charming, turn-of-the-20th-century Atlantic City, Disney’s BoardWalk features free admission to enjoy a stroll along a Coney Island-style boardwalk and enjoy complimentary evening entertainment that includes jugglers, comedians and even fire-eaters. Like Disney Springs, it’s connected to Disney’s complimentary ferry system via the adjacent Disney’s BoardWalk Villas.
  • ICON Park: Home to a variety of restaurants, bars and attractions, there is no charge to enjoy the entertainment complex, which also includes free parking. The grassy area in the middle is perfect for relaxing with the family or an epic Instagram shot with The Wheel in the background (the 400-foot observation wheel that towers over International Drive). Purchase required for admission to onsite attractions.
  • Universal CityWalk: This action-packed hotspot features an eclectic mix of themed restaurants, nightclubs, a movie theater, shopping and non-stop entertainment. Plus, parking is free after 6 p.m. (except during Halloween Horror Nights). Take in the sights and sounds, and then board the free water taxi service to cruise canals that meander throughout Universal Orlando Resort. Hop off to explore the resorts and entertainment along the way including Musica della Notte, a free evening of music at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

Entertainment, Parks & Recreation

  • Boxi Park: Located in Lake Nona’s Town Center, this fun open-air spot is constructed entirely from repurposed shipping containers. Its shady green spaces are perfect for lounging and listening to live music, including a playground and two beach volleyball courts. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, especially in Barxi Park, the onsite dog park.
  • Lake Eola Park: Visitors can picnic along the shore, enjoy a free concert at the amphitheater, feed the swans and celebrate holidays in Orlando’s picturesque downtown park. On Sunday mornings, there’s free outdoor yoga and the Orlando Farmer’s Market offers seasonal farm fresh produce from local growers, as well as baked goods, cheeses and other specialty foods.
  • Lake Nona Sculpture Garden: The Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, a 50,000-square-foot outdoor space located adjacent to the newly opened Lake Nona Wave Hotel, features lush landscaping and a collection of world-renowned sculptures including one of the most recognized in the world, the Charging Bull by Arturo di Modica.
  • Old Town: Minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, Old Town re-creates the look and feel of a classic Florida town with 18 acres of tree-lined brick streets that are home to more than 70 affordable shops and restaurants. Best of all, admission is free — as are weekly events such as classic car shows and live music.
  • USTA National Campus: The USTA National Campus in Lake Nona offers an exciting way to enjoy tennis with top-notch facilities, a full agenda of tennis events and 100 fully lit courts. Family Zone 60' and 36' courts are available at no charge when programming isn’t scheduled. Newbies who’ve never participated in USTA programming can enjoy a free 30-minute lesson for tennis, pickleball or padel.

Arts, Culture & History

  • The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: Located in scenic Winter Park, this museum displays the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including his famous lamps, art glass, pottery and jewelry. It is open to the public at no charge on Fridays from 4-8 p.m. and certain holidays, and always free for children 12 and under. Regular price is only $6 for adults, making it very affordable even during normal admission.
  • Orange County Regional History Center: At this Smithsonian Institution affiliate in downtown Orlando, explore 12,000 years of Central Florida history through a variety of exhibits and programs spread over four floors of a historic, 1927 courthouse. Admission is free from 6-8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.
  • Rollins Museum of Art: Located on the gorgeous campus of Rollins College in Winter Park, this museum features one of the oldest and most distinguished art collections in Florida, including more than 5,000 objects ranging from antique to contemporary. Admission is free year-round.
  • Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts: The community of Eatonville – the oldest incorporated African American municipality in the U.S. – is the hometown of writer, activist and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston. The museum offers free admission and provides a place where the public can view art that celebrates the life and accomplishments of the famous Florida novelist.

Wineries & Breweries

  • Lakeridge Winery & Vinyards: Orlando’s largest premium winery offers free tours with tastings daily. Lasting about 30-40 minutes, the tours take wine enthusiasts through the production area and provide a view of the 80-acre vineyards. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards also hosts free summer and winter music series, as well as a free open house during the holidays.

$15 OR LESS PER PERSON

  • Fun Spot America: Presenting family-friendly, amusement-park fun at its I-Drive and Kissimmee locations, Fun Spot America offers a-la-carte pricing via the pay-as-you-go Fun E-Card. What’s more, many attractions at both locations are $5 to $10 each, and admission is always free.
  • Harry P. Leu Gardens: This beautiful 50-acre botanical oasis is located just minutes from downtown Orlando. Each garden is designed specifically to further our mission: inspire visitors to appreciate and understand plants. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children (ages 4-17) and active/retired military personnel and free for children ages 3 and under.
  • Lake Eola Park Swan Boat Rentals: In the heart of downtown Orlando, swan boats at Lake Eola Park are $15 per boat, for up to five guests, for 30 minutes of pure pedal-powered fun. Guests can view the park, surrounding cityscape and the iconic Lake Eola fountain up close Friday through Sunday.
  • Mennello Museum of American Art: Close to downtown Orlando in Loch Haven Park, view artist Earl Cunningham’s creations and contemporary American folk art at The Mennello Museum of American Art. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for students with valid ID and children ages 6-17. Admission is free for kids under 6, as well as for active and retired military personnel and their families. Plus, every second Sunday of the month is Free Family Fun Day.
  • Orange County Regional History Center: At this Smithsonian Institution affiliate in downtown Orlando, explore 12,000 years of Central Florida history through a variety of exhibits and programs spread over four floors of a historic, 1927 courthouse. Pricing for the Orange County Regional History Center is $8 for adults; $7 for students and military with valid ID, plus seniors; $6 for kids ages 5-12; and free for children under 5.  
  • West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades Co.: With hourly, daily and weekly road bike rentals, visitors can explore the 24-mile West Orange Trail. Guided tours along the West Orange Trail and Central Florida’s historical towns are also available. Rentals start at $9 per hour.

$20 OR LESS PER PERSON

  • Andretti Indoor Karting & Games: Visitors can enjoy indoor kart racing in a climate-controlled track full of turns and high speed. Other activities range from laser tag and ropes course to classic arcade games. Most activities are under $20, with adult races costing $19.99 when purchased from Visit Orlando. For children ages 7-14 and at least 48 inches tall, junior races are $12.99 via Visit Orlando. Additional discount packages are also available.
  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens: See more than 500 animals, including rare and endangered species, as well as 23 acres of lush natural beauty. When purchased online, admission starts at $19.95 for adults, $15.95 for seniors, $13.95 for children ages 3-12 and free for kids under 3.
  • In the Game ICON Park: In addition to numerous affordably priced games — most of which will cost less than $5 — this indoor attraction also has a mirror maze, escape room, X-D motion theater and virtual-reality experience, all priced starting at $12.
  • Kings Dining & Entertainment: At Kings Dining & Entertainment on I-Drive, guests can bowl, eat and lounge in a comfortable, fun environment that also features billiards tables, foosball, an outdoor bocce court and other entertainment options. Standard bowling rates, which are per person per game, start at $19.
  • Orlando Museum of Art: Along with showcasing local, national and international works of art, the museum has two discovery centers for children. Admission is $20 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), $10 for college students with valid ID and $8 for children ages 6-17. Children ages 5 and under are free, as are active and retired military personnel.
  • Pirates Cove Adventure Golf: Play this 18-hole miniature golf experience in a pirate-themed setting. Pricing for the this I-Drive course: $15.95 per adult, $13.95 for children ages 4-12 and free for children ages 3 and under. Other nicely priced places to putt include Congo River Golf in Kissimmee ($15.49 10+/$13.49 under 10 for 18 holes) and Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal CityWalk ($19.99 10+/$17.99 under 10 for 18 holes).
  • SAK Comedy Lab: Enjoy hilarious improv sketches on select nights as the players take suggestions from audience members to create show-stopping scenes and songs. General admission tickets vary per show and range up to $20, and some shows grant free admission if you have a ticket from a previous SAK event.
  • The Wheel at ICON Park: One of Orlando’s most iconic attractions is also one of its most affordable with tickets costing $21.23 when purchased online. Providing a 20-minute, air-conditioned ride with spectacular views from 400 feet up, The Wheel is considered an Insta-worthy rite of passage for many visitors.
  • Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour: A relaxing narrated cruise through the lakes and canals of historic Winter Park, this peaceful boat tour showcases natural wildlife and mansions that line the waterways. Admission is $16 per adult and $8 for children ages 2-11.

$30 OR LESS PER PERSON

  • Crayola Experience Orlando: Located at The Florida Mall, the two-story attraction provides a full day of creative, colorful fun with dozens of hands-on activities, including drip art, a color playground and much more. When purchased from Visit Orlando, tickets to this family attraction are $24.50 each.
  • Dezerland Park: On top of free admission, Dezerland Park is Orlando’s largest indoor entertainment center with a ton of attractions that won’t set you back more than $25 each, including Karting Orlando ($24.95 for adult races), Bowling Orlando ($17.95 for 15 minutes per lane), Jump Start Trampoline Park ($15.95 for 30 minutes), The Pinball Palace ($10 for 60 minutes of unlimited play), and affordably priced games at Arcade Orlando, plus other ways to play.
  • Madame Tussauds Orlando: This is the only place in town where visitors can shoot hoops with Shaq, party with Pitbull, step on the moon with Neil Armstrong and meet DC Entertainment’s Justice League. Adult admission is $25.56 when purchased from Visit Orlando, and $21.56 for children ages 3 – 12; kids under 3 get in free.
  • Main Event: Part of the open-air Pointe Orlando dining and entertainment complex on I-Drive, this is the place to eat, bowl and play. Prices start at $21.99 for an All You Can Play Activity Pass, which covers bowling, laser tag, billiards, virtual reality gaming and more.
  • Museum of Illusions Orlando: Located at ICON Park, this brain-bending “edutainment” experience has more than 50 incredible exhibits that are guaranteed to trick your eyes and blow your mind. Admission starts at $24.99 per person.
  • Orlando Science Center: Offering 11,000 square feet of hands-on educational fun for kids and their families, the Orlando Science Center is one of Orlando’s premier STEM attractions with exhibits ranging from The Hive: A Makerspace – where guests can turn ideas into reality – to DinoDigs – where kids can find fossils – and more. Admission is $24 for adults, $22 for students and seniors with ID, $18 for children ages 2 – 11, and free for OSC members and kids under 2.
  • Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course offers FootGolf, a sport that combines the patient precision of golf with the athletic coordination of soccer. Admission starts at $25 for a group of up to four players.
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Interactive exhibits and artifacts can be discovered at this famous I-Drive attraction, which celebrates oddities from around the world … and appears to be falling into a massive sinkhole. Admission is $27.99 for adults and $18.99 for children ages 3 – 11. Kids under 3 are free.
  • SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: Step beneath the waves courtesy of a 360-degree ocean tunnel, and come face-to-fin with sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and other amazing creatures. Tickets for adults are $25.56 when purchased from Visit Orlando, and $21.56 for children.

 

About Visit Orlando

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,500 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community.

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, activities to connect with nature, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com or OrlandoMeeting.com.

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please visit VisitOrlando.com/media