Free Things To Do in Orlando in the Fall
Free things to do for kids may seem difficult to find in a city full of theme parks. However, Orlando has many kid-friendly activities that are also budget friendly.
Whether you are just visiting or live there, there are tons of awesome family activities throughout the city that are perfect for thrifty families. The next time you’re searching for something fun for your family to do in Orlando in the fall, check out one of these free things to do with your kids.
Free Activities for Kids
Popcorn Flicks in the Park
Enjoy the fall weather and a family-friendly movie at Popcorn Flicks in the Park in Winter Park’s Central Park this fall. Free films are screened the second Thursday of each month. Be sure to pack a picnic blanket and some snacks for this fun nighttime event. Event staff requests that you RSVP to reserve your personal space in the park.
Mennello Museum of American Art
While the Mennello Museum of American Art charges an admission fee through the week, each second Sunday of the month is a free family fun day. In addition to free admission, kids get a free miniature art project. Each family funday has a different theme based on the museum’s current exhibition and the galleries stay open until 4:30 p.m.
Universal’s City Walk
City Walk is a 30 acre complex that has entertainment, shopping, restaurants and more. Walking in City Walk is beautiful and offers cooling splash areas of the kids on hot days and water taxis that take you from City Walk to the parks! Browse the shops and find cool art, t-shirts and figurines. Entrance to City Walk is always free and a must see!
Free Things To Do At Disney
Chip N Dale’s Campfire Singalong
If your family would rather watch a free Disney movie, visit the campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for a sing-a-long and free movie screening. During the performance you’ll have a chance to meet Chip and Dale and pose for pictures! The screening typically begins around 7 during the fall/winter season.
Disney Springs
While this Disney-themed outdoor complex is filled with dining and shopping options, it’s also a great place to visit without spending any money. Simply walk around the complex, window shop, and enjoy the free live entertainment.
There are 103 places to shop, 63 places to dine and 22 attractions, shows or events. Don’t miss the show Drawn To Life presented by Cirque Du Soleil, it’s sure to be a magical experience!
Disney Boardwalk
For more Disney-related fun, take a stroll down Disney’s Boardwalk, where you’ll be transported back to Coney Island in the 1920s. The Disney Boardwalk is a quarter-mile promenade filled with delicious places to dine, special shops and exciting nightlife. The water view is stunning and street performers light up the night as you walk!
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Or visit Animal Kingdom Lodge to check out more exotic wildlife. The resort is free to roam, even if you’re not staying there. At this lodge you are able to view over 30 species of African wildlife, including gazelles, giraffes and flamingos! Teach your kids about the African animals and ecosystems by enjoying fun programs led by Animal Specialists.
Free Things To Do In Nature
Mead Botanical Garden
With 47 beautiful acres to explore, your family will have a blast interacting with nature without even leaving the Orlando area at Mead Botanical Garden this fall.
Don’t forget to check out the always gorgeous butterfly gardens! Admission here is always free. The park’s operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oakland Nature Preserve
If your family enjoys going on a nice hike during the fall, consider heading to Oakland Nature Preserve along the scenic West Orange Trail, which features several hiking trails and a wooden boardwalk along Lake Apopka.
This October be sure to go on the Jack-O-Lantern hike! The Oakland Nature Preserve’s Glow Trail is lined with jack-o-lanterns created by people in the community. Costumes are allowed so feel free to dress up your kids and enjoy the 3 mile hike. You won’t want to miss this spectacular event!
Big Tree Park
Take a walk through this amazing hydric hammock swamp and see a variety of bald cypress trees that are thousands of years old at Big Tree Park. The park hours are 8:00 a.m. to dusk and is located on the General Hutchinson Parkway, in Longwood.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
If your family would rather enjoy wildlife from the comfort of your car, consider the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive audio tour. This is an 11 mile wildlife drive that is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during daylight hours (7 a.m. – 3 p.m.). The drive can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours and visitors are permitted to stop and get out at designated pull-over areas.
Free Activities That Are Fall Themed
Autumn Art Festival
Held the second weekend of October each year, the Autumn Art Festival is a wonderful family-friendly free event in Winter Park. The festival always features great live entertainment, children’s art activities, and lots of wonderful art available for viewing (and purchase). Note: This festival is currently cancelled due to COVID-19.
Trick or Treating at Rollins College
Visit the Winter Park campus on the last Saturday of October for the annual Halloween Howl. The event features free trick or treating, not-so-scary haunted houses, a costume contest and craft activities. This event is created by Rollins students and is held on “The Green” of Rollins College..
Walking Tours of Greenwood Cemetery
Have some spooky fun and get a history lesson on a guided moonlight walking tour of Greenwood Cemetery, a 1,000-acre cemetery with graves of more than 100 important figures in Orlando’s history. These tours sell out very quickly, be sure to register for the events through Eventbrite which open two weeks before the scheduled tour date.
Halloween at Cranes Roost
For more free Halloween fun, head to Altamonte Springs to enjoy the annual Halloween at Cranes Roost Park. The event includes trick or treating around the lake, costume contests, kid’s games and activities and live music. Note: This event is cancelled this year due to COVID-19.
There are many free things to do in Orlando with your kids, despite the city being a theme park hub. We hope this list gave you some fall inspiration while easing your wallet!
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Which places or activities will you try this fall? Let us know in the comments below!
