Most people know Orlando for its theme parks, and I honestly can’t blame them. But the truth is that theme parks can be expensive, and they often overshadow other amazing things Orlando has to offer.
On many of the trips I’ve taken with friends and family, we’ve done lots of fun things besides Disney and Universal. In fact, some of the best things to do down there are cheap or even free.
If you’re taking a trip to Orlando and want to save money, here are some of the cheapest but still fun options that I highly recommend.
Some of the best free spots in Orlando are easy to walk around and packed with interactive things to see and do. There’s so much to see, and you could honestly hours exploring without spending much at all.
Affordable Theme Park Alternatives for Families
These spots give you rides, attractions, and that theme park feel without committing to Disney or Universal prices. Great for families who still want excitement but are trying to keep the budget under control.
Gatorland
Tickets are $41.99 per adult and $33.99 per child, which is much cheaper than the major theme parks. It mixes wildlife exhibits with live gator shows and plenty of open space for kids to explore.
It’s great for families who want something active without huge crowds, but not the place for big roller coaster fans.
Fun Spot America
General admission is about $64.95, though military and birthday discounts can lower that. While the roller coasters and attractions are relatively basic compared to Disney or Universal, the prices are wait times are significantly less.
It’s best for families with kids who want rides all day, especially if you arrive early.
ICON Park
The Orlando Eye is around $29 per person, or about $44 if you bundle it with SEA LIFE and Madame Tussauds. It’s a beautiful walkable entertainment area with restaurants, mini golf, and the giant observation wheel that lights up at night.
It’s good for families who want options in one place, but doing multiple attractions can get expensive fast.
Zoos and Animal Experiences
If your kids love animals more than roller coasters, these are easy wins. They’re educational, usually less chaotic than theme parks, and still feel like a full outing.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Admission is $21.95 for adults and $16.95 for kids 12 and under. Central Florida Zoo is absolutely massive, and features over 350 animals. It’s easy to navigate and rarely feels overwhelming.
The zoo is primarily known for the Asian Lantern Festival from mid November to mid January. It’s a solid half day for families with younger kids, as teens may find they’re too old for it.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Lake Apoka is an 11 mile journey you take in your own car. On this journey, you will see tons of wildlife, especially alligators and birds. It can be a bit crowded depending on the day, and usually takes a couple of hours if you go slow.
It’s great for families with animal loving kids, but not for anyone expecting rides or hands on exhibits. The best part? It’s completely free.
Free Places to Walk, Shop, and Explore
You don’t have to buy a park ticket to have a fun night in Orlando. These areas are free to enter and work well for casual evenings, grabbing food, or just letting kids walk around and explore.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is one of my personal favorite things to do when visiting Orlando. It’s free to enter and parking is usually free in the garages.
You get Disney atmosphere, luxury shopping, restaurants, and small free activities like the LEGO store displays. It’s best for families who want the Disney vibe without paying for park tickets, though it can definitely get crowded.
Universal CityWalk
Universal City Walk is also free to enter, though parking costs can vary depending on time. It has plenty of restaurants, entertainment, and bright lights at night.
While not as many luxury shopping places as Disney Springs, it’s usually not nearly as crowded. It good for families who want a solid dinner and a fun evening walk.
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is free admission, though parking can sometimes be tricky. There are so many things to do, most people enjoy walking the loop, renting swan paddle boats for a small fee, and sometimes catch events at the amphitheater.
It’s a simple, low cost option for families who just want to be outside.
Nature and Outdoor Breaks
When you need a break from crowds and concrete, these spots give you space to breathe. Think springs, gardens, and scenic views that feel nothing like the theme park bubble.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Entry for Wekiwa Springs is about $6 per vehicle, making it one of the best budget outdoor options. You can swim, hike, canoe, or kayak, though you may need to make a reservation depending on the day. It’s another good option for families who want to spend time outdoors and cool off from the heat.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens is absolutely huge, and is one of the best, most well maintained gardens in Florida. It’s designed so families can walk through, and often takes a few hours to explore the entire place.
It’s about $15 for admission, and there’s also a café and gift shop on site. It’s great for couples or families with older kids who enjoy slower paced outdoor time.
Tibet Butler Reserve
Tibet Butler Reserve is one of the most underrated parks in Orlando. It’s completely free to enter, and actually located close to Disney.
It has short, shaded trails and feels surprisingly quiet, though its best to bring the right shoes since trails can get muddy after rain. It’s best for families who want a peaceful walk without driving far.
Orlando Scenic Boat Tour
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 11 and under. The tour runs through the lakes of Winter Park with guides who share local history, but it is cash only and closes at 4 pm. A relaxed option for families who like learning and sitting back.
Indoor Fun for Rainy Days
Orlando storms are real, and sometimes you just want air conditioning. These indoor options keep kids busy for hours and work well as backup plans.
Arcade Monsters International Drive
Arcade Monsters is one of the signature arcades in Orlando, featuring over 200 games. An unlimited play pass is $25 which gives you access to all the games games.
It works well for families with older kids and even adults since there’s a bar and food. However, you often need to stay a few hours to get your money’s worth. Not ideal if you just want a quick stop.
Main Event Entertainment Orlando
Main Event is one of the largest indoor entertainment centers in Orlando. Packages start around $22.99 per person depending on what you include.
You get bowling, laser tag, ropes courses, and arcade games all indoors. It’s great for birthday groups or mixed age families, though extras can raise the total cost.
Andretti Indoor Karting
Indoor races at Andretti usually cost $20 to $30 per person, with the fun multi level track as the main draw.
While some find it expensive for just one race, there are also arcade games and laser tag inside as well. It’s best for teens and competitive families, but it can feel pricey if you only do one race.
Ripley’s Mirror Maze
Ripley’s Mirror Maze is a fun but short mirror maze just off i-drive. Tickets are about $14.99 for adults and $10.99 for kids.
While It’s relatively short, it’s a surprisingly tricky mirror maze experience, especially for kids. It’s definitely fun as a quick add on, though some people feel it ends a little fast for the price.
Museums and Cultural Stops
If you want something quieter and a little more thoughtful, these museums are affordable and easy to do in a couple of hours. They’re especially good for families with older kids who can slow down and actually take it in.
Orlando Museum of Art
Admission is $20 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for students with ID, and free for kids 5 and under, plus free entry on the third Thursday of each month.
It’s a good 1 to 2 hour visit, and special exhibits like the David LaChapelle show draw strong reviews. Best for families with older kids who can slow down and appreciate art.
Orange County Regional History Center
Tickets are $10 per person. The exhibits cover Orlando and Florida history in a way that’s easy to follow without taking all day. A smart pick for families who want something educational but not overwhelming.
Mennello Museum of American Art
Admission is just $5, making it one of the cheapest museum options in the area. It has unique sculptures and art and does not take long to walk through. Great for art lovers on a budget, but not very interactive for younger kids.
Summary of Cheap Things to Do in Orlando
Orlando has a reputation for being expensive, and it definitely can be if you’re buying theme park tickets every day.
But there’s a lot more here than just Disney and Universal, especially if you’re willing to mix in a few lower cost days.
Between affordable attractions, free outdoor spaces, indoor backup plans, and smaller parks, you can easily fill a weekend or balance out the bigger ticket outings.
If you want to see what events or limited-time festivals are happening during your visit, Visit Orlando’s official site keeps a running calendar.
Jake writes about budget travel and Florida destinations, focusing on practical, affordable activities for families and couples. He shares straightforward guides to help visitors get more value out of their trips.