12 Insanely Cheap (Or Free!) Things To Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

Planning your Orlando vacation (or even a day trip for you lucky locals) generally focuses on the big draws of the area – the theme parks – and with good reason. However, those aren’t the only things to do while you’re in town, especially if you’re looking for something a little more grown-up than the standard theme park fare.  Beyond the happiest place on earth and all those Universal movie magic thrills, Orlando has a lot to offer for just about everyone, on just about any budget. We’ve collected some of our favorite affordable (or free!) things to do in Orlando locations for adults, perfect for your next trip! 

Orlando Brewing Company 

For a great start, how about a free brewery tour? That’s what Orlando Brewing Company offers if you stop by their organic brewery, located right off I-4 near Orlando Executive Airport. Not to be confused with Orlando International Airport, which is much larger and more well-known. These tours are first-come, first-serve, so be prepared to show up early so you can reserve your spot. Once inside, look around and have a pint in their impressive taproom with an impressive 24 beers on tap. (We’re sure you’re sure to find something refreshing to enjoy!)

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards 

If wine is more your beverage of choice, why not visit Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards for a free tour of their vineyard? Available seven days a week, these tours take you through the process of winemaking, from selecting fresh grapes to the flavoring process. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a complimentary tasting as well! Now, you can’t beat that when it comes to free things to do experiences! Who knows, you might find yourself a new favorite bottle while you’re there! 

ICON Park 

While the iconic 400-foot-tall observation wheel is the focal point of ICON Park, there are plenty of other things to do while you’re in the area, such as Sealife Aquarium, Madam Tussauds, the Orlando Star Flyer, and plenty of affordable dining and live entertainment options as well. Not only is ICON Park free to the public, but it also has free parking! In fact, there’s enough great nightlife to experience here that we’ve already written an entire article on all the fantastic things to do for a great night out!

Gatorland 

Remember when we said no theme parks? Well, we’re making an exception for this delightful little attraction. Gatorland is a combination theme park and wildlife preserve that lets you get up close and personal with Florida’s most famous residents – the alligators!

As the park doubles as a reserve, they also have a host of other animals to see, including bobcats, native birds, and plenty of other creepy-crawly reptiles. More than that, you can meet, feed, and even become a gator trainer for the day! This attraction is fun for the whole family – and the young at heart. 

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex 

Only an hour’s drive outside Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is perfect for any adult who loves space and the history of space flight. You’ll find tons of things to do in the Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Rocket Garden (where you can see historic rockets on the grounds), experience astronaut training simulators, try out the Shuttle Launch Experience, and so much more! 

If you happen to be in town during a shuttle launch, you’re in for the treat. While you can see Cape  Canaveral launches from Orlando, there’s nothing more exhilarating than seeing one up close. You can watch the launch from the local beach without paying for a theme park ticket!

Disney’s Boardwalk 

Ok, so while the Boardwalk is on Disney property, it’s technically not inside any of their theme parks. Instead, Disney’s Boardwalk is a charming outdoor promenade filled with dining, shopping, and nightlife. As it’s located right on the lakefront directly behind Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, you can stroll through the area, watching the evening street performers, and even play some midway games. 

The site is styled after turn-of-the-century boardwalks like Coney Island and Atlantic City, making for an enjoyable evening venture. Insider’s tip: it’s also a great spot to catch the nightly fireworks from the park.  And the best part, there’s no fee to enter. You can park at the hotel for free with dinner reservations or take a short bus ride over from Disney Springs using the Disney World Transportation System.

World of Chocolate Museum & Café 

Everyone loves chocolate. But how much do you know about where it comes from and how your favorite desserts are made? The World of Chocolate Museum offers answers to these profound questions and provides a tour through some spectacular solid chocolate sculptures that will leave you in awe (and drooling). Taste chocolate from around the world on one of these guide tours before you visit the one-of-a-kind café that has a blend of savory and sweet on the menu. 

With the right Groupon, you can get a discounted admission price that is hard to beat! 

Musica Della Notte 

Interested in a free nightly concert while you’re in town? Look no further than the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel! If you’re staying anywhere near the Universal area, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Each evening at sunset, the balcony above Harbor Pizza comes alive with a free live musical performance.  This Musica Della Notte is a fantastic blend of classic opera with modern music that marks a great way to spend the evening. The Italian-themed hotel also boasts a pretty impressive shopping district, so you’ll have things to do while you wait. 

Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando 

If you’d like more exciting things to do for the evening, you may want to check out the nightlife at Universal CityWalk. Located between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, this area acts as a gateway between the two parks. It’s also home to delicious restaurants, tasty treats, fun shopping, and a few fun attractions of its own.

Hollywood Drive-In Golf is always a crowd-pleaser, especially after you’ve had a few drinks before at CityWalk’s Rising Star Karaoke bar or snagged a couple of Voodoo Doughnuts during your visit!  Parking is Free after 6 pm so you can make a night of it!

Cornell Fine Arts Museum 

Next on our list of things to do in this hidden gem is located on the beautiful Rollins College campus in Winter Park, a short drive from downtown Orlando. The Cornell Fine Arts Museum is free to visit (though closed on Mondays). It is home to hundreds of paintings and an extensive antiquities collection that includes archeological artifacts from  Ancient Egypt and Rome. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, especially if you’re already visiting….

Winter Park 

This small suburban area just outside Orlando’s downtown is a ten-block hub of shopping, dining, and exploration. With hundreds of shops and boutiques that sell everything from high-end clothing brands to kitschy handmade jewelry, this place has it all. You can easily spend hours here just exploring everything their shopping district has to offer and never run out of entertaining things to do! 

If you visit on the weekend, be sure to check out the local farmers market – held in a vintage train depot  – while you are there! You’ll find local produce, baked goods, and artisanal food and beverages every  Saturday morning. 

Cocoa Beach 

The closest beach to Orlando, Cocoa Beach, is only a short hour’s drive outside the city, straight down State Road 528 or the beachline as locals refer to it. So if you are looking for a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun, surf, and sand, it’s a great place to visit and chock full of fun things to do. With a dedicated parking lot, picnic pavilions, a bathhouse, and a boardwalk to explore, Cocoa Beach offers a wholly different experience than the bustle of downtown Orlando.

So have a drink, surf the waves, and even go kayaking in the Indian River Lagoon for the opportunity to spot one of the area’s many manatees! It’s also home to Ron John Surf Shop, a delightfully kitschy store that’s also the largest surf shop in the world. Finally, don’t forget to stop by Rock the Guac for lunch. The burritos here are killer, dude!

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While these are some of our favorite budget-friendly and free spots, we’d love to hear where you love to visit when you’re looking for a fun, adult-only night out in the city?

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