Orlando visitors searching free museum and art attractions will not be disappointed. The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens allows visitors to tour the gardens without charge. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art offers free admission on Friday evenings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., November through April. Free concerts are also held at this facility on Friday evenings during the months of November and December.
Tropical plants and flora native to the "Sunshine State" are on display at the A World of Orchids Conservatory. Over 22,500 square feet of green space entices the senses of visitors who walk along the garden trails. The Lake Wales of Orlando offers a free frightful delight at the Legend of Spook Hills site. Visitors can park a vehicle in neutral in the designated spot and see the vehicle actually roll uphill. Fireworks displays originating from the Magic Kingdom amusement park can be viewed free of charge in the parking and green areas outside of the facility nightly.
Ocala National Park offers a host of free outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy water sports on the streams and lakes, hike scenic trails, swimming or snorkel in the natural springs. Picnic areas and on-leash pet walks are also available.
Fort Christmas Historical Park offers replicas of seven fully restored homes from the Florida pioneer era. In addition to the full-size structures, historical and education videos of the Seminole Indian Wars are also on display. The facility is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during winter months, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer. Staff members appear in period costumes and share the story of the fort with visitors.
Clear Lake Park offers 33 acres of trails, recreational courts, playground, picnic areas, fitness stations, fishing dock, on-leash pet areas and a paved boardwalk area. Youth programs, community festivals and free concerts are often scheduled on the park grounds throughout the year. Orlando features nearly 50 public parks offering similar amenities, including handicap-accessible areas, and bikeways, and cultural arts programs.
