Big Huge List of FREE Family Activities in Orlando

We’ve got a big huge list of FREE things for families to do in Orlando. Tag us in your adventures with #momlandoexplores.

Bank of America ‘Museums on Us’

If you’re a BofA account member and card holder, the following places grant you free access on the first full weekend of every month. Bring your card to show at check-in.

Central Florida Railroad Museum (101 S Boyd St, Winter Garden 34787)

Little kids are pretty much hard-wired to love trains. Winter Garden has a great spot to blow their minds. Located in downtown Winter Garden and open every day from 1 – 5 PM, with free admission.

City Arts Factory (39 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801)

Downtown’s largest collective of art galleries which showcases an infusion of local and international works of art, rotated on a monthly basis. Free admission Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dinky Dock (410 Ollie Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789)

One of Winter Park’s best kept local secrets, Dinky Dock sits on Lake Virginia and has two public boat ramps and a little beach area for swimming. This beach park is located next to Rollins College so plan for a stroll through the campus afterwards for additional free fun.

Fort Christmas Historical Park (1300 North Fort Christmas Road/C.R. 420, Christmas, FL 32709)

A full size replica of seven restored historical homes showcasing the ‘Cracker’ architecture of East Orange County. The houses are interpreted to show pioneer life from the 1870s through the 1930s.

Harry P. Leu Gardens (1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803)

Explore an amazing 50-acre botanical oasis minutes from Downtown Orlando. The garden and historical home were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961 by Mr. Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane. Select first Mondays are free.

Historic Downtown Walking Tour (201 S Orange Ave Suite 102, Orlando FL 32801)

Experience Orlando history first hand. The walking tour begins at the Downtown Orlando Information Center and ends at the Orange County Regional History Center. Leading the tour is our local Historic Preservation Officer, Richard Forbes. Join the Historic Walking Tour to see an assortment of buildings that have survived the test of time and adapted to modern uses. Tours operate the first Friday of each month, October through May.

Kraft Azalea Gardens (1365 Alabama Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789)
Lakefront, secluded and unique, Kraft Azalea is Winter Park’s secret garden! This beautiful park is shaded by enormous cypress trees that add to the old Florida charm of the 13-acre property.

Lake Lotus Park (1153 Lake Lotus Park Road, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714)

The 1.7-mile trail system takes you you through Lake Lotus and its surrounding marshes and cypress swamps. Walk on the boardwalks amid the massive cypresses, or follow the footpaths between the ferns. The park has a playground and a picnic area, perfect for an outing with the family. Bring your fishing pole, too … you can fish from designated spots along the boardwalk. Hours: Thursday – Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Library Story Times (Orange County, Seminole County)

There are dozens of library branches throughout our community all with great programming for kids. Check out the link above for full listings of story times, classes, and other events. And don’t forget a visit to the library is a fun free way to fill the afternoon. You can visit any branch but some restrictions may apply on how you can borrow books depending on the county you live in.

Maitland Arts Center (231 W. Packwood Ave. Maitland, FL 32751)

Five museums comprise the Art & History Museums – Maitland and feature countless opportunities for visitors to experience hands-on history and fine art exhibitions.The campus features unique Aztec- and Mayan-influenced architecture, one of the only remaining examples of “Mayan Revival Architecture” in the Southeast. The A&H’s Maitland Art Center became the first National Historic Landmark in the Greater Orlando Area in 2014. The grounds are free to walk and stroll through. Events may have ticketing fees.

Mennello Museum of American Art (900 East Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32832)

Every second Sunday of the month is Free Family Funday at the Mennello. In addition to free admission, participate in a free miniature fine art project and free docent touring. Each Free Family Funday has a different theme based on the current exhibition in the museum.

Movies in the Park

Bring a blanket and some snacks and you’re in for a real treat. Movies in the park are played in several locations throughout town. Follow the links for a schedule of events:

Oakland Nature Preserve (747 Machette Trail, Oakland, FL 34760)

A 128-acre preserve offering environmental education and ecotourism activities for visitors of all ages. Enjoy boardwalks and nature trails that span the preserve. Check for details on events including storytime, tai chi, and more.

Orlando Wetlands Park (25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas, FL 32709)

The Orlando Wetlands is home to over 30 species of wildlife that are listed on the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Threatened and Endangered Wildlife list. Explore miles of wetlands and wildlife. Tram tours are available on Fridays and Saturdays. Open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset.

See Art Orlando (Suggested start at Lake Eola)

In 2011 See Art Orlando was installed downtown. It’s a collection of nine permanent contemporary public art sculptures inspired by various elements of Orlando and embodying the diverse fabric of the city. Grab your walking shoes and pack a picnic to eat along the way as you see art in Orlando!

Splash Pads

When the summer heats up there’s nothing more enticing than running through a splash pad. Check out the following locations (bring a towel, change of clothes, and shoes that can get wet):

Barnett Park (4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32808)
Bithlo (18501 Washington Ave., Orlando, FL 32820)
Downey Park (10107 Flowers Ave., Orlando, FL 32825) $1 fee
Dr. Phillips (8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd., Orlando, FL 32836) $1 fee on weekends March-Oct and on weekdays June-Aug
Lake Mary (550 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary, FL 32746) $2 fee
Sanford (600 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771) Free on the first Friday of every month. $2 fee all other days
Winter Garden (300 West Plant Street, Winter Garden, Florida 34787)
Winter Springs Torcaso Park (104 N. Moss Road. Winter Springs, FL 32708) $3 fee
Winter Springs Trotwoord Park (701 Northern Way, Winter Springs, FL 32708) $3 fee

* A few of these listed are not free but are almost free with a small fee. This is listed where applicable.

West Orange Trail (501 Crown Point Cross Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787)

Grab your bikes and helmets and enjoy 20.8 miles of paved Trail from the Orange/Lake County line, the town of Killarney and Oakland, the city of Winter Garden, across U.S. 441, through downtown Apopka to Welch Road. (Bike rentals are available, though not free.)