Orlando, Florida is known as the home of a number of theme parks, including Disney World and Universal Orlando, yet this tourist destination offers much in the way of free entertainment. Numerous galleries, parks and museums open their doors to the public free of charge, while purchasing certain vacation cards such as the Go Orlando card means free access to a variety of attractions, including Fun Spot Action Park, Gatorland and Green Meadows Petting Farm.
Located in Orlando's Winter Park, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens features more than 200 works of primarily American representational sculpture by Czech-born American sculptor Albin Polasek. Polasek's own personal collection of fine art, furniture and and sculpture are available for viewing in the museum. Guided tours are available of the Polasek residence and chapel as well as the outdoor sculpture garden. A butterfly garden is also available for touring. The park holds outdoor tai chi classes, garden series lectures and gardening volunteer opportunities to keep the grounds looking their best. The galleries and museums can be closed during the summer for renovations; however, the gardens are open year round. Changing exhibitions are also featured.
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden
633 Osceola Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
407-647-6294
polasek.org
The downtown Orlando City Arts Factory is home to five separate galleries you can tour for free. These include the Keila Glassworks where you can watch live glass-blowing by artist Charles Keila. Head over to The Pound Gallery for "music and art fusion" by artists Jim Faherty and Gene Zimmerman, according to National Geographic Traveler's list of free things to do in Orlando. The Zulu Exclusive Gallery features 100 years of African works and sculpture. Admission is free Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in 2010.
City Arts Factory
cityartsfactory.com
The Fort Christmas Historical Museum and Park, one of 200 forts built during the mid-19th century, includes a full-size replica of Fort Christmas that was built in 1837 at Christmastime during the Second Seminole Indian War. Also on the grounds are seven restored historical homes that "preserve the 'Cracker' architecture of East Orange County," according to park information. The park features three picnic pavilions, one of which seats 50 people, while the other two seat up to 100 people each. All pavilions contain electric outlets and barbecue grills. A visitors' center gift shop run by the Fort Christmas Historical Society features pioneer and Native American toys, candy, books, jewelry and crafts. Proceeds from the store benefit the Fort Christmas Historical Park.
Fort Christmas Historical Museum and Park
1300 N. Fort Christmas Rd.
Christmas, FL 32709
407-568-4149
nbbd.com/godo/FortChristmas
