Low-Cost Things to See and Do in Orlando
If you have hunted up the best Orlando vacation resorts and the best Westgate resorts in anticipation of your Florida visit, you may already have many attractions and entertainment options included in your vacation package. However, there are times during your vacation that you might want to branch out a little – without breaking your vacation budget, of course. Luckily, there are many low-cost and free things to do in Orlando:
1. Winter Park. The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park are always open – even when galleries and museums are closed for the season — and are free of charge. On Fridays between November and April, 4 to 8 pm, you can enjoy free admission to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park. Collections include Tiffany lamps, pottery, jewelry, and art glass. Drop by Friday nights in November and December to enjoy free concerts at the museum.
2. In the Grand Bohemian Hotel, the Grand Bohemian Gallery charges no admission and features contemporary art glass, jewelry, and European paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries.
3. A World of Orchids in Kissimmee. This 22,500-square-foot conservatory has not only orchids but also many other exotic flowers from Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia, and Central and South America. It’s the perfect place for a very fragrant stroll.
4. Big Tree Park. With picnic benches and the “the Senator.” one of America’s oldest bald cypress trees, this is a great place to eat lunch or go for a hike. Not to be missed: a stroll along the boardwalk.
5. Fleaworld and Funworld is just north of the city and is considered the largest flea market in the country. More than 1,700 vendors selling as well as acrobatic shows, circus and magic acts, and exotic animals mean lots to see and do. Admission is free.
6. Spook Hill in Lake Wales, Florida. Just outside of the city, this is a marked spot where you can stop your car and put it in neutral. According to legend, your car rolls uphill.
7. Old Town,. This amusement park and shopping area features a vintage car parade on Saturday nights. Live entertainment is available nightly. The car shows and entertainment are free and the rides in the park charge only a modest fee.
8. The Sterling Casino Lines. You can board this five-deck, 75,000-square-foot Ambassador II ship at Port Canaveral daily at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to watch entertainment, live Caribbean drum music, and a buffet. It is free to board the boat, although you might want to bring pocket money if you want to gamble or buy drinks.
9. The Orlando Brewing Company. Florida’s only certified organic brewery has free tours each day at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.. Free live entertainment is available most weekends.
10. Black Hammock Adventures. You can enjoy free live alligator and bird exhibits. Free live music is available every Friday and Saturday night at the restaurant
11. The March of the Peabody Ducks. Twice a day at the Peabody Orlando hotel, ducks are escorted to music from the hotel, along a red carpet, all the way to the Royal Duck Fountain. Call well ahead if you would like your child to be Honorary Duck Master for a show.