It feels as though everything’s getting more and more expensive these days, as we watch prices climb on groceries and gas and this and that and everything in-between. But there are still plenty of ways to make the most of summer without breaking the bank.
Here are 26 ways to explore Central Florida waterways, try new flavors, see movies in the park, do yoga with farm animals and more, all for $20 or less.
39 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando
Entry to this downtown Orlando arts hub is free (although the historic gallery does suggest a $5 donation). It’s centrally located, to allow for a stroll through some local art before you explore the rest of the city’s center. Credit: CityArts
1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood
Wekiva Island offers some ideal outdoor fun without requiring an entire planned day trip. This Central Florida destination is just under a 30-minute drive from Orlando, and offers plenty of water fun for kids. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, play beach volleyball, or just splash around in the cool, clear waters. Credit: Wekiva Island/Facebook
65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando
Not only is it inexpensive, the Orange County Regional History Center will keep children busy for hours on end — with educational fun! Admission is $8 per adult and $6 per child between 5 and 12 years old, but on the third Thursday of each month, admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m. Credit: Photo via Orange County Regional History Center/Facebook
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales
Open 365 days a year, this historic landmark is known for its Art Deco singing tower and nearly 50 acres of scenic gardens to explore. Bok Tower Gardens single-day admission is $17 and will get you access to garden areas as well as the 3.5-mile Pine Ridge Preserve hiking trail. Credit: Bok Tower Gardens/Facebook
7501 W. Colonial Drive
Whether or not you’ve yet made the journey through our new H Mart since it opened last fall, we can guarantee your next visit will not be like the last one. There is an endless variety of Asian eats and treats to wade through in this massive shopping palace, as well as a food court and restaurants to take a nosh break. Credit: Matt Keller Lehman
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka
Wekiwa is more known for its crystal-clear springs, but its 10-mile hiking trail will give adventurers another take on the state park’s natural beauty. Hikers typically get to spot white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, turkeys, bobcats and sometimes even a Florida black bear. The trails here are multi-use, so be prepared to run into the occasional cyclist or horseback rider on your walk. Credit: Shutterstock
From Lake Highland through Loch Haven Park, to Mead Garden in Winter Park
This central Orlando trail runs right through downtown and is approximately three miles long. It’s mostly an off-street path, and it has connections to six nearby lakes, Orlando Cultural Park and Gaston Edwards Park. Credit: City of Orlando
3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a relatively cheap spot perfect for all ages, with scads of animal habitats and tons of educational opportunities. Besides the many wild encounters, the zoo also offers its Wharton-Smith Train Depot, home to a one-quarter-scale model of an authentic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad streamliner, The Champion. Skip the steps and ride around the zoo’s property in style. Credit: Central Florida Zoo/Facebook
2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
Soak in some art, learn a bit about your community’s creativity and immerse yourself in all things inspirational at Orlando Museum of Art. Founded in 1924, the museum is home to a rotating series of temporary exhibitions and traveling shows complemented by mainstay works. Guests can also take advantage of the year-round workshops held on site, like art appreciation classes, lectures, films, guided tours, kids’ events and more. Admission is $20 except on its Access for All days, which happen almost every third Thursday. (Phone first to check!) Credit: Orlando Museum of Art/Facebook
445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
This attraction remains a less touristy sight well worth seeing. The Morse Museum houses the most comprehensive collection of the works of stained glass pioneer Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world, including the masterpiece that is the Tiffany Chapel. Adult admission is just $8. Credit: via The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art/Facebook
1110 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
This Colonial Drive-based Asian eats hub has captured the tastebuds of Orlando, and offers several options for budget-friendly bites. Unigirl, Bánh Mì Boy, and Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings are three of the outposts offering big flavors for under $15. Credit: Mills Market
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka
This stunning spring is less than 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, inviting locals to escape the city and enjoy all that nature has to offer. The emerald water is perfect to dive into and cool off with friends and family. There’s ample space to have a picnic, making it a top contender for Orlando’s best summer hangout. Wekiwa Springs also has its very own food truck for those who didn’t pack enough snacks. Credit: Chloe Greenberg
1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando
Head to the Harry P. Leu Gardens for a day admiring the greenery and learning about Florida’s natural landscape. You can also upgrade your summer movie night with Leu Gardens Movie Night. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family for an outdoor movie. Make sure you get there early to claim your spot. Credit: Leu Gardens/Facebook
Various locations
Visit your library! Orange County libraries offer not only hidden-gem indoor spots to relax and nerd out, they also are home to a boatload of special classes and events. You can learn to knit or sew, play chess, brush up on your tech skills and much more. There are kid-friendly to-dos every day of the week and a limitless supply of stories to read. Credit: Orange County Library System/Facebook
2218 Carrington Drive, Orlando
Wildflower Farms is a small farmstead located right here in Orlando. Reserve a spot for one of their special kid-friendly events, like Family Time on the Farm ($17 per person) and Fables on the Farm ($14 per person). There’s also baby goat yoga ($25 per person) and plenty of opportunities to run wild with cute critters. Credit: Wildflower Farms/Facebook
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Enzian Theater has a sizable and attractive patio surrounding its Eden Bar, perfect for enjoying a drink or small bite before catching a movie. From cult classics to the latest buzzing blockbuster, the theater offers daily showings sure to please. Check their schedule for matinees, kids’ showings and special events. Credit: image courtesy Enzian Theater
360 State Lane
We could all use a little extra love. Downtown Orlando’s Kitty Beautiful is one of the city’s best spots to make a new friend (or maybe add a new family member!) with plenty of cats and kittens available for adoption and cuddles. Reservations are strongly suggested to secure a spot, where you can snuggle a few hours away and grab a coffee and some light bites. Credit: Kitty Beautiful/Facebook
2530 Aloma Ave., Winter Park
This massive bowling alley and lounge has everything: countless bowling lanes, decked-out decor, arcade games, a die-hard bowling league, food, a bar, and special drink and ticket deals every day of the week. Credit: Aloma Bowl/Facebook
4801 W. Colonial Drive
The Orlando Roller Derby League is a nonprofit, skater-run and skater-operated league with several teams based out of the City Beautiful. This summer’s home game schedule features many opportunities to get rowdy with hometown spirit. Home games are played at Barnett Park Gym, located on West Colonial Drive. Credit: Orlando Roller Derby/Facebook
30 minutes from Orlando
Described as Orlando’s own natural lazy river, Rock Springs Kelly Park is the perfect opportunity to relax as you let the river show you around. With the option of kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding, there are several nooks and crannies to explore at Rock Springs, not even including the various nature trails. Credit: Shutterstock
2670 Cassel Creek Blvd., Casselberry
This retro skating rink offers daily deals and special events like “Old Skool Jams” on Saturday nights and “Family Fun Night” on Tuesdays, so there’s sure to be a draw for the whole family here. Admission prices for this summer range depending on the day of the week, but it’ll run you about $9 per skater most days. Credit: Semoran Skateway/Facebook
It may not sound like the most thrilling activity to do around town, but these tours draw out crowds for a reason. Tourists and locals alike stand to learn something from these slow-traveling vessels and their brave and entertaining guides. You’ll get to see all the flora and fauna in the area, plus you’ll get a front-row seat to see the biggest, fanciest homes Winter Park has to offer. Credit: Photo via Winter Park Boat Tours/Facebook
853 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
If you’re looking for a way to get lost inside for a couple hours, Orange Tree Antiques Mall should be your first stop. This sprawling vintage shop is a winding labyrinth of vendor stalls offering any kind of piece from the past you can think of — and probably some you couldn’t possibly imagine. It’s a great place to find oddball gifts, collectible tchotchkes and some eye-popping home decor. Credit: Orange Tree Antiques Mall/Facebook
1079 Stevens St., Cassadaga
Located in Florida’s very own spiritualist capital, C. Green’s Haunted History Museum offers a glimpse into the spooky world of cryptids, aliens, Voodoo/Vodun, weird deaths, creepy dolls and much more. The interior is much larger than the building makes it seem, so be prepared for an eerie trip. Credit: via C. Green’s Haunted History Museum/Facebook
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve located right here in Orlando, along South Orange Blossom Trail. The spot was founded 73 years ago by Owen Godwin on former cattle land, and has ever since been a wildlife adventure and adventure park. Guests can watch the gator feeding shows, hold baby gators or hang out in the petting zoo. Credit: Gatorland/Facebook
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