By Kate Cohen
March 25, 2026
Orlando is the perfect destination for family vacations.
While theme park tickets and other attractions can add up in cost, there are plenty of free things to do in Orlando with kids that are equally fun and memorable.
Whether it’s exploring our local wildlife, enjoying a movie in the park, or taking advantage of free live entertainment, there's always something exciting to do here in The City Beautiful.
Here are some of our favorite free things to do in Orlando with kids.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Eola Park
- Mead Botanical Garden
- Popcorn Flicks in the Park
- Disney Springs
- Old Town Kissimmee
- Lori Wilson Park
- Downtown Winter Garden
- Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
- Free Family Funday at the Mennello Museum of American Art
- Enjoy a Budget-Friendly Family Stay at Rosen Inn International
Lake Eola Park
In Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a great place to get some fresh air, explore a butterfly garden, and see unique birds and animals that call the lake home.
Lake Eola is surrounded by a 0.9-mile walking path that winds visitors past unique art installations and beautiful landscapes. It’s a flat, easy walk that is perfect for an engaging stroll with beautiful views.
At the center of the lake is the Lake Eola Fountain, a beautiful icon of the city of Orlando. Paddle boats shaped like swans are available to rent, and while they’re not free, a half hour rental is only $15 for up to five people, and pets, too!
Mead Botanical Garden
Enjoy spending time in the great outdoors at Mead Botanical Garden, located in the heart of Winter Park.
This beautiful urban oasis is home to a variety of gardens, ponds, creeks, wetlands, and other natural habitats that local flora and fauna call home.
Explore the garden at your own pace or check out their calendar to see if there are any upcoming guided tours, classes, or activities that pique your interest.
Admission to Mead Botanical Garden is always free, though there may be costs associated with some of their educational events.
Popcorn Flicks in the Park
There’s nothing better than enjoying a movie under the stars on a warm Orlando evening.
Typically held on the second Thursday of every month, Enzian theatre and The City of Winter Park cohost Popcorn Flicks in the Park.
Bring your own chairs and snacks to enjoy a family-friendly movie scheduled to start just after sunset.
These showings are completely free, making it the perfect event to look forward to without busting your budget.
Disney Springs
One way to sprinkle your day with some theme park magic while skipping the theme park admission costs is a visit to Disney Springs.
This massive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex is home to some big-name brands as well as smaller Disney-themed boutiques and galleries.
In the afternoons and evenings, you can often catch live entertainment throughout Disney Springs, often accompanied by a view overlooking Lake Buena Vista.
While parking and admission are totally free, you may be tempted to spend at your new favorite store or a restaurant with a great menu.
Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town Kissimmee is known for its fabulous weekly car shows that celebrate car culture.
Every Friday night, enjoy the Muscle Car Show & Cruise, where you can meander along Trophy Row and take in the sights of show-quality muscle cars from as far back as 1964.
On Saturday nights, the Classic Car Show & Cruise showcases vehicles manufactured prior to 1985. Enjoy the nostalgia of browsing over 200 incredible classics during this 35-year-old car show.
These and other special free events in Old Town Kissimmee have been drawing crowds for over 35 years.
Lori Wilson Park
A day at the beach is the perfect way to enjoy time as a family.
Orlando is in the middle of Florida. While there’s no ocean shoreline in Orlando itself, some of the country’s best beaches are about an hour drive away.
In Cocoa Beach along the Space Coast, you’ll find Lori Wilson Park, a beautiful natural space with sandy beaches, a nature boardwalk, picnic shelters, and a playground.
If you’re traveling with your furry friend in tow, take them to enjoy an off-leash dog park on the south side of Lori Wilson Park.
Downtown Winter Garden
On the west side of Orlando is Winter Garden, a quaint historic neighborhood with a charming main street lined in boutiques, shops, and restaurants.
On Saturday mornings, the award-winning Winter Garden Farmers Market is a lovely community event complete with live music and a joyous atmosphere.
The Downtown Interactive Fountain is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot Florida day, and the nearby Butterfly Sculpture Park is ideal for a delightful picnic.
Shop, dine, and take in the sweet small-town atmosphere for a delightful adventure the whole family can enjoy.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Orlando is home to some amazing wildlife.
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a free 11-mile, one-way drive that allows visitors to enjoy an up-close look at Central Florida’s wetlands from the comfort of their cars.
Tune into the audio tour for a guided experience that will teach you all about the history and ecosystem of Lake Apopka.
Along your drive, you may safely see animals like American alligators, hundreds of species of birds, and even otters, bears, bobcats, raccoons, and armadillos.
Be prepared for the experience to take a few hours. The speed limit is 10 mph, and you may very well find yourself stopping to let turtles, snakes, and gators cross the road.
Free Family Funday at the Mennello Museum of American Art
The Mennello Museum of American Art is a museum that celebrates “the broad richness of American art” through community education, programming, and exhibitions.
On the second Sunday of every month, the museum hosts Family Funday, a free event that features hourly museum tours and a fine art project for kids inspired by a current exhibit.
Kids can get inspired to tap into their own creativity while learning about great American artists and the mediums they use to make moving and empowering pieces.
Enjoy a Budget-Friendly Family Stay at Rosen Inn International
Rosen Inn International has been hosting families from around the world for budget-friendly family vacations for over 50 years.
Located in the heart of the I-Drive District, our hotel offers convenience and comfort at an affordable price, leaving you more money for memory-making at theme parks or other Orlando attractions.
Save even more when you enjoy breakfast onsite at Fountain View Cafe, where kids 5 and under eat free when accompanied by an adult purchasing the buffet.
See for yourself how a stay at Rosen Inn International can help take your family vacation to the next level.
