Orlando, a premier tourist destination in Central Florida, attracts families from all over the world to visit the theme parks and water rides at many of the city's resorts. Major attractions in Orlando can be costly, with the price of park entrance fees, food, parking and souvenirs, but there are some alternatives that don't cost a penny.
Travel through Celebration, the city founded by Disney in 1996, to see its traditional, brick-lined streets, huge homes and Magic Kingdom flair. Kids can play in the interactive fountain in the center of town and look for ducks and turtles in the lake. Family-friendly music plays on Market Street. During the holiday months, families get a special treat with man-made snow showers.
Celebration Town Center
610 Sycamore St., Suite 230
Celebration, FL 34747
407-566-4007
celebrationtowncenter.com
At CityArts Factory in downtown Orlando, kids see paintings, glass works, jewelry and artworks by local and regional artists as they tour five art galleries in the historic building. The Factory also houses the Orlando Magic Classroom, with family-friendly art, classes and film festival screenings. Each gallery is free and open Tuesday through Saturday.
CityArts Factory
29 S. Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
407-648-7060
orlandoslice.com
Wander along Disney's BoardWalk and experience Coney Island's famous turn-of-the-century boardwalk charm in Orlando. The Disney fireworks can be seen from anywhere on the BoardWalk every night they're scheduled. At Downtown Disney, the Lego Imagination Center offers a large play area to build Legos and race Lego cars free of charge. It can get a little crowded in the building area.
Disney BoardWalk
Downtown Disney
407-939-6244
disneyworld.disney.go.com
Take the kids to Harry P. Leu Gardens and explore three acres of nature, including a butterfly garden. Kids can discover bugs and search for new plants and flowers throughout the gardens. Free admission is on the first Monday of every month; kids younger than 5 are admitted free every day except Christmas.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Ave.
Orlando, FL 32803
407-246-2620
leugardens.org
Feed the swans and birds at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. This 43-acre park offers a view of the city skyline. Lake Eola is a sinkhole lake, like many of the lakes in Central Florida. Twenty-three acres of the park are made up of water, including the Lake Eola fountain, a well-known Orlando landmark. Families can relax among the flowerbeds and walk along the trails around the lake. Kids can play on the newly renovated playground in the park. Stroll through Lake Eola Farmers Market on Sunday and sample the local food. Lake Eola is open to the public free of charge every day.
Lake Eola Park
195 N. Rosalind Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
407-246-4485
cityoforlando.net
