The Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios and SeaWorld’s Aquatica are all great reasons to plan an Orlando vacation, but if you’re on a tight travel budget, you can still have a great time without stepping foot in a resort or theme park. Orlando is home to several free and inexpensive attractions that will give you a chance to learn about the history and culture of the city. Here are just seven Orlando attractions that you can enjoy for $10 or less:
Canal Ride with the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Take a relaxing hour-long boat ride down the canals with the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, an Orlando tradition that will give you a grand tour of the mansions and lakes around historic Winter Park. The tour is just $10 for adults and $5 for children between the ages of 2 and 11. You’ll be cruising on through seven lakes and two manmade canals, and may even catch a glimpse of an alligator on your trip.
Tour of Harry P. Leu Gardens
Take a tour of Leu Gardens, Orlando’s beautiful botanical plant and perennial collection. Admission is just $7 for adults and $2 for children grades K-12. You can explore the famous Butterfly Garden, take a tour of the Leu House Museum, or just stroll through the Rose Gardens to see some of the city’s finest flower beds and manicured lawns.
Tour of Morse Museum of American Art
It’s one of the few free museums in the city, and it’s a great reason to head north of Orlando to Winter Park on a sunny afternoon. The collection here includes Tiffany jewelry, pottery, leaded-glass windows, and paintaings from the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum is located at 445 N. Park Avenue, and is open seven days per week.
Visit The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center
Learn about the history of the holocaust and see photographs, books and memorabilia firsthand in the rotating exhibits. The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center also hosts a film series, and special dinner tributes throughout the year; admission to the museum and library is free year round.
Play the Captain’s Course at Pirate’s Cove
This giant miniature golf course is located right near the Disney theme parks and is open from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. each night. The pirate-themed miniature golf course features waterfalls, mountain caves, and footbridges, and is a great place to sharpen your mini-golfing skills after a day of tours. Pirate’s Cove tickets are $9.95 for adults and $8.95 for children.
Take a Ferry Ride in Downtown Disney
Anyone can take a leisurely boat ride from the manmade lake in Downtown Disney to Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. It’s a great way to take in the local scenes and see the Disney properties from a fresh perspective. You can also take the water taxi back to the Downtown Disney marketplace from the boat launch at the resort.
Watch the Epcot Fireworks and Light Show at Disney’s Boardwalk
This Atlantic City inspired boardwalk is always abuzz with activity, and you can enjoy a leisurely walk around this miniature resort before catching the show at Epcot, just a short walk away. This site is close enough to the Epcot sphere, giving you a chance to see the fireworks any night of the week, free of charge.
