Free things to do in Orlando
You can fill a weekend without buying a park ticket. Lake Eola Park downtown has a walking loop around the lake, swan boats and a farmers market on Sundays. Walking Winter Park's Park Avenue and the neighboring Central Park is free, as is strolling Plant Street in Winter Garden or riding a stretch of the West Orange Trail.
Harry P. Leu Gardens on Lake Rowena offers free admission on the first Monday of each month. Disney Springs is free to enter and wander, which makes it an easy evening out for window shopping and people-watching even if you are not visiting the parks. Many city parks also have splash pads, playgrounds and lakefront paths, and local libraries post free classes, story times and events on their calendars.
Springs, lakes and outdoor things to do near Orlando
Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka is the closest classic Florida spring to downtown, with spring water that stays around 72 degrees all year, plus hiking trails and kayaking on the Wekiva River. It often fills up on summer weekends, so arrive early. Kelly Park's Rock Springs, also near Apopka, is a popular spot for tubing.
From roughly November through March, manatees gather in warm spring runs in the region, and a day trip north to Blue Spring State Park is a local winter tradition. For flatter adventures, the West Orange Trail and the Cady Way Trail are good for biking and walking. Whatever you plan outdoors, bring water, sunscreen and bug spray, and get off the water and out of open areas when you hear thunder. Central Florida sees frequent lightning in summer.
Things to do in Orlando when it rains or it's too hot
Summer days in Central Florida are hot and humid, and afternoon thunderstorms are common from late spring through early fall. Plan outdoor time for the morning, then move inside. Museums, bowling, escape rooms, indoor climbing, movie theaters and the shops at Disney Springs all work well for the afternoon.
Winter Park's museums are a good rainy-day option, including the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum on Park Avenue, known for its large collection of Tiffany glass. Downtown, the Orlando Museum of Art, the Orlando Science Center in Loch Haven Park and shows at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts keep you indoors.
Best time of year for things to do in Orlando
The most comfortable months for being outside are usually October through April, when humidity drops and evenings cool off. That is also when festivals, outdoor concerts and art shows cluster on the calendar. Spring break and the winter holidays bring the biggest tourist crowds, so local spots near the parks and I-Drive get busier.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Most days are fine, but check the forecast before planning a big outdoor day, and remember that I-4 traffic can slow any trip across town, especially on weekend evenings and during major events. Weeknights can be a good time for local outings, since many venues and restaurants are quieter than on weekends.
Free Things to Do 25 places Lake Eola Park, Orlando Wetlands and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Rainy Day Activities 25 places Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Orlando Museum of Art and Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Date Ideas 25 places Lake Eola Park, Scenic Boat Tour and Enzian Theater
Best Bars 25 places The Courtesy Bar, Sunroom and Imperial Wine Bar & Beer Garden
Halloween Events 5 places Halloween Horror Nights, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando
Christmas Lights & Holiday Events 14 places Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens, City of Orlando Tree Lighting Celebration and Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando
Best Hiking & Nature Trails 20 places Wekiwa Springs State Park, Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area and Charles H. Bronson State Forest
Dog-Friendly Trails & Parks 18 places Lake Baldwin Park, West Orange Trail and Cady Way Trail