10 Cheap Things to Do in Orlando
Orlando’s massive theme parks may attract droves of tourists from around the world, but the cost of visiting these major attractions can quickly eat up your travel budget. If you’d like to keep your spending under control, you’ll surely be glad to discover that Orlando boasts a variety of affordable attractions. With this list of 10 cheap things to do in Orlando at your disposal, you’ll have a wonderful time on your Orlando vacation without spending a fortune - or even a dime.
1. Orlando Ghost Tours: Learn about local legends, history, and paranormal investigation techniques while taking a two-hour, lantern-led journey through downtown Orlando’s spookiest locations. Orlando Ghost Tours take place from Monday to Saturday at 8pm.
2. Gatorland: Gatorland is a 110-acre park and wildlife preserve that is home to over 4,000 alligators and a variety of crocodiles, snakes, and birds. Cool off on a hot summer’s day at the Gator Gully Splash Park, marvel at one-of-a-kind reptilian shows, and learn firsthand about how gators live, what they eat, etc. by participating in the Gatorland Trainer for a Day program.
3. Turkey Lake: Turkey Lake is a popular park in the Orlando area that offers fun for the entire family. It features hiking trails, a bike path, disc golf, camp sites, and shady picnic areas. There are also three large children’s playgrounds, as well as a swimming pool that overlooks the lake. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish and is a popular spot for parents to teach their little ones how to fish.
4. Harry P. Leu Gardens: The Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical garden on the shores of Lake Rowena where you can take a leisurely stroll on paths that wind through palms, camellias, camphor trees, oaks, and a butterfly garden. The gardens are also home to azaleas, roses, desert plants, and orchids. The gardens were once the property of businessman Harry P. Leu, who donated his estate to the city in the 1960s. A tour of his historic former home and the gardens takes about two hours. Admission is free on Mondays from 9am to noon.
5. Orlando Science Center: Offering more than 200,000 square feet of hands-on activities and interactive programs, the Orlando Science Center has something for everyone. Highlights include watching IMAX films at the Dr. Philips Cinedome, digging for dinosaur fossils at the DinoDigs exhibit, and observing the night sky through refractor telescopes at the Crosby Observatory.
6. A World of Orchids: A World of Orchids in Kissimmee is a 22,500 square foot conservatory where you can see orchids, waterfalls, babbling streams, exotic birds, and koi fish. The conservatory also has a boardwalk where you can take a nature walk through nearby wetlands.
7. Orlando Farmer’s Market: The Orlando Farmer’s Market is held every Sunday from 10am to 4pm at Lake Eola Park and features local crafts, funnel cakes, kettle corn, and more. The Orlando Farmer’s Market also has a wine and beer garden with live music.
8. Airboat Rides: Zoom across the water at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour on one of Central Florida’s many lakes aboard an airboat. Airboat rides allow you to view turtles, birds, and alligators in their natural habitat while enjoying a speedy, thrilling ride.
9. WonderWorks: WonderWorks, referred to as “Orlando’s only upside-down attraction,” features more than 100 interactive exhibits, including a hurricane simulator, virtual reality sports, magic shows, and an earthquake simulator.
10. Fleaworld and Funworld: Visit Fleaworld, the largest flea market in the U.S., located just north of Orlando. Fleaworld is home to more than 1700 vendors selling a vast array of affordable items, and adjacent Funworld features circus acts, acrobatic shows, and magic acts. Funworld is only open on the weekends, while Fleaworld is open from Friday to Sunday. Both have free admission.