Check out these awesome free attractions in Orlando for every type of traveller!
Orlando plays host to more than 50 million visitors from all over the globe every year. While most visitors hit up crowded theme parks and expensive attractions, there are other options that can be just as enriching – if not more so.
For the Central Florida-bound traveler looking to save a little money but also take advantage of the wealth of excitement Orlando has to offer, here are five must-see attractions to explore that are absolutely free of charge!
Ocala National Forest
Known for being the largest national forest east of the Mississippi River, this lush area offers an activity for every wannabe-adventurer in your party.
Whether you choose to catch a glimpse of turtles and local wildlife in their natural habitat, swim at any of the year-round 72-degree “cool springs” or brave one of the dozens of hiking trails that snake their way through the landscape, tourists and locals alike are sure to get their adventure fix in one convenient, gorgeous location.
Fort Christmas Historical Museum & Park
Easily one of the best free opportunities for any history buff to take advantage of while visiting the Sunshine State, Fort Christmas is most definitely a destination worth adding to any itinerary. Fort Christmas is home to dozens of fully-restored pioneer homes and expertly-recreated exhibits for educating the public about life in the late 17th century during the Second Seminole Indian War.
Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
For the art-lover traveling to the “City Beautiful” this free attraction features an eclectic assortment of cultural pieces taking inspiration from Africa. Zora Neale Hurston, a Florida-born author most notably known for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, lends her name to this establishment which hosts annual Zora Festivals to educate the public and inspire a new generation of art-aficionados.
Disney Springs
Nowadays it’s so hard to find a place that seamlessly mixes adventure and entertainment, but Disney Springs has done just that.
Watch artists draw your favorite Disney characters before your eyes at the Art of Disney Store, enjoy free live entertainment at the House of Blues’ outside patio area, or window-shop for unique trinkets while strolling the picturesque sidewalks.
Adults and kids are sure to leave with a big smile on their faces and a few memories that will last a lifetime. Parking is free at Disney Springs so simply walking around and taking in the sites costs nothing.
LEGO Imagination Center
Worth a mention of its own, the second-largest LEGO store in the U.S. is a must-see attraction located on the Disney Springs property.
The Imagination Center is jam-packed with activities to keep the youngsters busy building and creating one-of-a-kind creations plucked right from their imaginations. From the fire-breathing dragon Maleficent to the realistic recreations of Beauty & the Beast, life-sized LEGO versions of everyone’s favorite characters can be found scattered throughout the store as well as in the man-made lake on property.
While the children play on the on-site LEGO playground, adults can sit back and relax on a LEGO-built bench by the waterfront, enjoying a picturesque sunset.
Finding free activities is a great way to save a little money but make sure you pick a hotel with some options on site too. Check out the reservation specials that Westgate Resorts offers, where you have dining, golf, spa options and more right on the property, saving you even more on your Orlando vacation.
