Free Things To Do in Orlando this Summer

Lifestyle
Written By Lindsey Thompson

Looking for fun, free things to do in Orlando and its surrounding suburbs? You’re not alone. More than ever, locals are on a budget and looking for ways to connect, explore, and unwind without spending a dime. From scenic parks and outdoor festivals to community art walks and social meetups, this blog is your go-to guide for discovering cost-free activities that help you enjoy the best of Orlando, while keeping your wallet happy.

If you don’t find what you're looking for here, please use sites like Eventbrite and Meetup.com to search for free meetups and events specifically tailored to your interests. There are more options than you might realize. While not everything you find there may be free, it will give you some options that may still be within your budget.

Community

  • Orlando Girls Walk Club - They host various walking and workout social events. The schedule changes every month, so follow them on their social media to find out where the events will be held.

  • Orlando Social Run Club - This is a Thursday night run club that starts at 6:30 PM. Follow their socials for meetups.

  • City of Casselberry Classes and Events - If you visit the website for the City you’ll find a list of events (some free, some with fees)

  • Sketchbook Club - once a month at different locations, art lovers gather to sketch together.

  • Romantasy Book Club - Join Orlando Public Library for the Romantasy Book Club, a bi-monthly book club focused on all things romance and fantasy!

  • Central Florida Social Club - This social club organizes various outings to encourage people to get out and about, meeting new people along the way. Their gatherings can be found on meetup.com.

  • Central Florida Nerds Social Group - Looking for your fellow “nerds”? This social group allows you to meet and befriend other geeky locals in the greater Orlando metro area. The Central Florida Nerds Social Group is an 18+ social group for friends who share a love of nerds, connecting them through fun and inclusive events in the Orlando area and virtually.

  • Farm With Us at Whisper Creek Farm - Hosted by Fleet Farming, this hands-on community event is your chance to learn about growing your own food, maintaining a farm, and experiencing the rhythm of regenerative agriculture. Explore our mature food forest, say hello to friendly chickens, and get a close-up look at active beehives!

Parks, Gardens & Trails

  • Leu Gardens Free Admission Days – Free Days this summer are Monday, July 7th - Monday, August 4th

  • Kraft Azalea Garden (Winter Park) – Quiet, shaded park with massive cypress trees and great photo ops.

  • West Orange Trail (Apopka to Winter Garden) – Bike or walk 22 miles of scenic trail (free trailheads).

  • Mead Botanical Garden (Winter Park) – Nature trails, butterfly garden, and occasional free events.

  • Shingle Creek Regional Park (Kissimmee) – Hiking, paddling launch (BYO kayak), and historic cabins.

  • Split Oak Forest (Narcoossee) – Great hiking and wildlife spotting without crowds.

  • Gemini Springs Park - Dog-friendly, walking trails, and beautiful water views.

Live Music, Movies, & Festivals

Culture & Museums

Waterfront & Beautiful Scenic Spots

  • Disney Springs – Parking, walking around, live music, LEGO sculptures, and ambiance all free.

  • Lakefront Park (St. Cloud) – Huge lakefront with beachy sand, walking pier, and splash pad.

  • Downtown Winter Garden – Brick-lined streets, farmers market (Saturdays), splash pad, and live music on Fridays.

  • Clermont Waterfront Park – Beach area on Lake Minneola, perfect for a picnic or watching sunsets.

  • Lake Eola Park (Orlando) – Walk around the lake, spot swans, enjoy free performances at the amphitheater.

  • Winter Park Library - This library has stunning design and architecture inside and out. While you need to be a Winter Park resident to have a library card, anyone can explore the grounds and interior.

  • Lake Nona Sculpture Gardens and Installations - Driving out to Lake Nona means spending money on gas, but the area boasts beautifully designed buildings, murals, sculptures, and more.

  • Downtown Kissimmee Murals - There are several large-scale murals in downtown Kissimmee to check out.

Family-Friendly Free Fun

  • Fort Mellon Park Splash Pad (Sanford) – Free entry for kids on select summer days.

  • Splash Fountain (Downtown Winter Garden) -

  • Downtown Orlando Library – Huge kids' floor, free classes, and often summer programming.

  • LEGO Store at Disney Springs – Free play tables and photo ops (kids can build without buying).

  • Central Florida Railroad Museum - Located in downtown Winter Garden. If you have a child who has a love for trains, this is a great small museum to take them too.

Lindsey Thompson
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