Stretch Your Budget With These Top Rated Cheap Things To Do In Orlando

The two major theme parks in Orlando are often packed with locals and tourists alike, so if you find yourself not sure what to do with your day, don’t worry. This city and the surrounding area has lots to offer in terms of outdoor attractions and activities without feeling like you’re missing the main event in Orlando. Here are a few that you should include in your itinerary.

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Orlando without sparing the excitement, try an exhilarating airboat ride.  You’ll explore Florida’s Everglades for an up-close and personal experience. The airboat ride will run up to 40mph with six passengers for each boat ride. As you glide across the waters, you’ll see the hidden beauty of the Everglades including the wildlife that is seldom seen by the crowd. For those who want an even more thrilling and exciting adventure, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides offer night expeditions. 

Another fun destination that the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy is right on International Drive. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is an attraction that’s fun for all ages and features 18-hole courses. Watch the legends of pirates come alive as you putt over footbridges, through the caves in the mountains, and even under waterfalls. Golf takes on a new look and concept at this great venue.

This adventure destination is perfect for kids filled with energy who love to climb ropes, ladders, and obstacles. Featuring 97 challenges, from beginner to advanced, there are plenty of nets, trapezes, swings, and ropes that will test anyone’s physical capabilities. A great way to burn off some of that vacation energy! The attraction is operated by professionals with trained instructors assisting their young guests.

Most parks in Orlando have fees; however, CityWalk is free for you to roam the awesome entertainment and shopping destination, where you can visit restaurants, shopping outlets, and even stick around for the nightlife. There are three hotels on-site that offer complimentary water taxis or you can just head out oy foot.

If you’re into the upscale shopping experience, even if it is not in your budget, the Mall at Millenia is where you should head. An architectural beauty, it is home to high-end brands like Gucci, Apple, Louis Vuitton, and Bvlgari to name a few. Come to window shop and try on your favorite brands.

If you’re an art lover, or just the curious type and want to learn more about the city of Orlando Fl, then visiting a couple of their museums is a great place to start. The city is home to several outstanding museums that showcase the city’s history and local artists, and you’ll not want to miss any of them.

The Menello Museum should be on the top of the list of any art lovers for museums to visit. The Menello is home to Earl Cunningham’s stunning paintings that have been painstakingly preserved, interpreted, and put on exhibit for all to experience and share. Other contemporary artists from Orlando and other cities are displayed here as well.

Another museum that should be on your bucket list is the Morse Museum which houses an impressive collection by Louis Comfort Tiffany including designer jewelry, paintings, pottery, leaded-glass lamps, as well as art glass to name a few. There are 19th and 20th-century works displayed in Morse Museum as well, so think about spending a day here.

Check out the Orlando Museum of Art where you’ll find local, national, and even international artwork. This is a great one to bring the kids to as this museum features two discovery centers where there are interactive activities that they can experience while learning something new about art and local history.

If you want to explore Orlando further without spending a lot, you must check out the parks and nature that this city is rich with. Here are a few that you can include in your itinerary.

Bring the whole family to Harry P. Leu Gardens where you can enjoy the stunning landscaped gardens filled with flora and fauna that you’ll want to capture with your camera. Can you say “selfie?” You can also visit the Leu House Museum where you and your kids can learn how families during the turn of the century lived. Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for children with kids below the age of 4 free of charge. The Leu Gardens has been dubbed the most beautiful gardens in the city. Why miss this?

Another cheap form of attraction that you can enjoy in Orlando is to visit the oasis of Lake Eola located in downtown Orlando. Bring the whole family and go on a picnic beside the lake while taking some time to feed the majestic swans that are residents of the lake.

If you’re planning on traveling to Orlando during the winter, this is an excellent place to visit as it is home to Florida’s well-known manatees or sea cows that often appear during the winter months. Situated west of Orange City, tourists often flock here to get out of the theme parks as there are plenty of affordable activities to do such as hiking, canoeing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

What else can you do in Orlando that will not exhaust your budget? The good news is that there are tons of free activities that you can do while you’re in the city, so with a little planning, you can save while enjoying a vacation packed with diverse activities. Here are a few examples of fun activities that you can do without spending a dime.

If you’re looking for local produce and crafts, and a great local experience, the Farmers’ Market in historic Winter Park is an excellent place to head out to on Saturday from 7 in the morning up to 1 in the afternoon. Bring home some unique local handcrafts and gifts.

Fancy trying out Florida’s local wine? Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards sits on a hundred and twenty-seven acre of land where you can purchase some of the best local wines on the market. Take advantage of their free tour and tasting for a very pleasant afternoon. There are other activities available here as well such as the grape-stomping competition and a music series that even the kids will enjoy.

Another free fun activity that you can do while in Orlando is to visit Rollins College and the Cornell Fine Arts Museum where more than 500 paintings are on exhibit. There are several archaeological fragments as well as artifacts that are displayed here which will give you a good sense of the city’s history. There’s a free thirty-minute tour which you should certainly take advantage of.

Cooldown at Cocoa Beach, which is the closest beach to Orlando. This is an excellent place to head out to if the theme parks are too overcrowded and overwhelming, or if you just want a chance to cool down from Florida’s heat. After all, you’re in Florida!

The Enzian Theater often takes advantage of Orlando’s beautiful weather by offering a free feature every month called Popcorn Flicks in the Park. The free film is usually held every second Thursday of the month at Winter Park’s Central Park. There are chairs and blankets for that laidback movie watching that you and the whole family can enjoy. Bring your own snacks and enjoy these entertaining family movies offered by the Enzian Theater.

Visit Fort Wilderness Resort to see awesome Disney products and get the chance to enjoy the many cabins and camping sites in the area. Your kids will beam with happiness when they get to meet Chip and Dale, who will join in on the fun of hanging out at your campfire for some sing-a-longs and some epic marshmallow roasting. It’s a free admission outdoor event that is perfect for everyone of all ages.

Who said that traveling to Orlando has to be expensive? There are plenty of cheap things to do in Orlando that will not cost you a ton but will still be enjoyable for the whole family. Explore and find these hidden gems that are well worth adding to your itinerary. If you want to spend some time in the city without blowing through your budget, you won't regret checking out these cheap attractions.

[1] Visit Orlando; Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks.
[2] Orlando on the Sheeps; 30 Orlando attractions under $30, Laura.
[3] The Top Villas; 61 cheap and free things to do in Orlando.
[4] The Penny Hoarder; 20 Fun, Free Things to Do in Orlando (Because Disney Gets Expensive), Carson Kohler.
[5] The Best Destination; Free Reigns! Hit Your Budget-Travel Sweet Spot In Orlando, A.D Thompson.