It may be Orlando’s theme parks that bring millions of visitors to our city every year. But there are numerous free parks, museums, gardens, events, festivals and places to visit that won’t break the budget. Here is a list of all of the free things to do in Orlando.

Museums and Art

• The Cornell Fine Arts Museum, on the campus of Rollins College, includes the works of Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Thomas Moran, among others. Free admission with any valid student ID.
• The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art inlcudes one of the world’s most impressive collections by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Free Fridays between 4 pm and 8 pm November through April.
• The Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts displays creative works of other artists of African descent. Donations are accepted.
• The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida presents an overview of the history of the Holocaust and serves as a memorial to victims. Donations are accepted.
• The Winter Park Historical Museum houses a photo timeline of the history of Winter Park and features changing themed exhibits.
• CityArts Factory is an eclectic collection of art galleries in downtown Orlando showcasing local and international artists. Free admission Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The Grand Bohemian Gallery has two locations in downtown Orlando and Celebration featuring a variety of art, including jewelry, glass and sculpture.
• The Enzian Theater/Eden Bar in Maitland offers a weekly Wednesday Night Pitcher Show every Wednesday, as long as the weather is good.

Gardens and Parks

• Black Hammock Adventures on Lake Jessup offers free live alligator and bird exhibits. There is a deck party at the Lazy Gator Bar Friday and Saturday night to listen to free, live music.
• Harry P. Leu Gardens offers free admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first Monday of every month.
• Kraft Azalea Gardens is a 5.22-acre public garden and is located on the shore of Lake Maitland. It is open all year from 8 a.m. until dusk. Lakefront, secluded and unique, Kraft Azalea is Winter Park’s secret garden!
• University of Central Florida’s Arboretum is home to more than 600 plant species on an 80-acre property. Visitors can walk through a self-guided tour to view an impressive number of native plant species.
• The Winter Park Farmer’s Market is held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. Local vendors and farmers sell their homemade and homegrown specialties, including fruits, vegetables, organic produce, baked goods and more.
• Lake Eola Park is a 43-acre recreational area in the heart of downtown Orlando. Visitors can picnic along the shore, enjoy one of the many free concerts at the amphitheater, feed the resident swans or stop by the farmer’s market on Sundays.
• Fort Christmas Historical Park is a little slice of old Florida. Visit the fort, the historical homes on site and the gift shop.
• Big Tree Park in Sanford features 11 acres of natural vegetation and wetlands.
• Camp out and roast marshmallows with Disney characters Chip n’ Dale at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for free. The evening sing-a-long around the campfire includes a viewing of a Disney movie. Starts at 7:30 p.m.
• Ocala National Forest is the second-largest National Forest in Florida and the oldest National Forest East of the Mississippi River.
• The World of Orchids is a conservatory containing natural exhibits with flowers from Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia, and the South and Central Americas.

Food and Wine

• Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards which sits on 80 breathtaking acres just north of Orlando, offers free tours, tastings and many free festivals and events.
• The Orlando Brewing Company near downtown Orlando is the only organic brewery and tap room in the Southeast and one of only 10 in the United States. Each weekend, there are free brewery tours, free Wi-Fi and free live entertainment.

Other

• Fleaworld is the largest flea market in the United States, boasting over 1,700 vendors.
• The Children’s Library offers a variety of events, depending on the day and time of year, including special readings, arts and crafts, family movie nights, board games, and musical events.
• Popcorn Flicks is a series of outdoor movies starting at 8 p.m. throughout the summer in Winter Park.

Orlando Events Calendar

Information courtesy of Orlando Realtor Teri Isner.

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