Orlando is famous for its theme parks, but families do not need to spend hundreds of dollars a day to have an unforgettable time. Some of the best free things to do in Orlando with kids are hiding right outside the park gates, from splash pads and wildlife drives to lakeside playgrounds and live entertainment districts.
From rest days between park visits to full budget friendly family activities near Disney World 2026, here are 10 genuinely free things to do in Orlando with kids in the Kissimmee and Orlando area.
1. Disney Springs
Disney Springs is one of the best free things to do near Disney World, and most families do not realize how much there is to enjoy without spending a dime. Entry and parking are completely free.
Kids can dig for fossils at the sandbox outside T-Rex Restaurant, build creations at the LEGO Store play tables, and cool off at the splash pads behind Earl of Sandwich. The Rainforest Cafe volcano erupts every 30 minutes with fire and smoke, and live music plays nightly at the Waterview Stage. You could easily spend half a day here without buying a single ticket.
Address: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
2. Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Kissimmee Lakefront Park sits just minutes from most vacation homes near Disney, making it one of the most convenient free outdoor activities in Kissimmee and Orlando for families.
The park features a Florida marshland-themed splash pad, two playgrounds, fishing piers, and walking trails along the lakefront. Pack a picnic, let the kids run through the water jets, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon without driving far from your rental.
Address: 201 Lakeview Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
3. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
For a free Orlando activity that gets the whole family outdoors, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is hard to beat. This free 11-mile scenic drive lets families spot alligators, bald eagles, and over 300 bird species from the comfort of the car.
Kids love the excitement of spotting wildlife around every bend, and parents love that everyone stays buckled in. Bring binoculars and snacks for the full experience.
Address: 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703
Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
4. Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando features two playgrounds (ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12), a 0.9-mile walking loop around the lake, and free concerts at the Walt Disney Amphitheater throughout the year.
Kids can feed the swans, explore the Chinese Ting gazebo and Japanese Rock Garden, and burn off energy at the playground while parents enjoy the downtown skyline views. The Sunday farmers market adds even more to do for families visiting on the weekend.
Address: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM to midnight
5. Celebration Town Center
Celebration is a charming lakeside town built by Disney, located just 10 minutes from most FunStay Homes properties. Walking the town is completely free and feels like stepping into a storybook.
Families can stroll the lakeside boardwalk, splash in the free downtown splash pad, and explore four scenic walking trails ranging from one to three miles. The Sunday farmers market is perfect for grabbing fresh produce on the way back to your vacation rental.
Address: 610 Sycamore St, Celebration, FL 34747
Hours: Open daily (outdoor town center; shops and restaurants have individual hours)
6. Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town is a walkable entertainment district in Kissimmee that offers free weekly car shows, live music, and family entertainment every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evening.
The Saturday Night Classic Car Cruise is America’s longest-running weekly car show, and kids love watching the muscle cars and classics roll through. Walking and browsing are completely free, making this one of the best free things to do in Orlando with kids after dinner.
Address: 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Hours: Open daily, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
7. Mead Botanical Garden
Mead Botanical Garden is a free 48-acre garden in Winter Park featuring hiking trails, a butterfly garden, a shallow creek for wading, and shaded nature paths.
This is one of those free Orlando activities for families that works for every age. Toddlers can splash in the creek, older kids can explore the trails, and parents can enjoy a quiet walk through one of Central Florida’s most beautiful green spaces.
Address: 1300 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789
Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
8. ICON Park (Walk and Explore)
ICON Park on International Drive is free to enter and explore. While the rides and attractions cost money, families can enjoy the Art Way mural walk, browse shops, and watch the Orlando Eye wheel turn without spending anything.
In summer 2026, ICON Park welcomes the world’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop, adding even more free browsing for families. Parking is also free, making this an easy stop on your way to or from other family activities beyond the parks.
Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Friday and Saturday open until midnight.
9. Disney’s BoardWalk
Disney’s BoardWalk is a waterfront entertainment district that is completely free to walk. Street performers, live music, and Epcot-area fireworks views make this a perfect free evening activity for families.
No park ticket or resort reservation is required. Drive or rideshare to the BoardWalk parking area and enjoy the atmosphere. It pairs perfectly with a rest day when the kids still want something to do after a day at your vacation home with a private pool.
Address: 2100 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830
Hours: Open 24 hours
10. Orange County Library Free Programs
The Orange County Library System runs free programs for kids year-round at multiple locations across Orlando and Kissimmee. Storytimes, craft workshops, STEM activities, and movie screenings are all offered at no cost.
Visitors can get a temporary library card for free and access all programs during their stay. This is an especially valuable free thing to do near Disney World on rainy days when outdoor activities are off the table. For more rainy day ideas, check out our guide to things to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks.
Address: 101 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801 (main branch; multiple locations available)
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sunday, 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Quick Comparison: Free Orlando Activities for Families
| Activity | Best For | Time Needed | Distance From Kissimmee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney Springs | All ages, Disney fans | 2 to 4 hours | 15 min |
| Kissimmee Lakefront Park | Toddlers, splash pad lovers | 1 to 3 hours | 5 min |
| Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive | Nature families, animal lovers | 1 to 2 hours | 40 min |
| Lake Eola Park | Playground kids, walkers | 1 to 3 hours | 30 min |
| Celebration Town Center | Strollers, market fans | 1 to 2 hours | 10 min |
| Old Town Kissimmee | Evening entertainment, car fans | 1 to 3 hours | 10 min |
| Mead Botanical Garden | Nature lovers, quiet time | 1 to 2 hours | 35 min |
| ICON Park | Tweens, window shoppers | 1 to 2 hours | 20 min |
| Disney’s BoardWalk | Evening strolls, fireworks | 1 to 2 hours | 15 min |
| Library Programs | Rainy days, young readers | 1 to 2 hours | Varies |
Tips for Enjoying Free Activities With Kids in Orlando
- Pack snacks and water. Free activities save money, but Florida heat demands hydration. Fill reusable water bottles at your vacation home before heading out.
- Go early or late. Splash pads and parks are less crowded before 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM. Evening activities like Old Town and Disney’s BoardWalk are best enjoyed after dinner.
- Combine activities by location. Disney Springs and Disney’s BoardWalk are both in the Disney area. Kissimmee Lakefront Park and Old Town are within five minutes of each other. Group nearby activities into one outing.
- Check schedules before you go. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is only open Friday through Sunday. Library programs and farmers markets run on specific days. A quick website check saves a wasted trip.
- Use your vacation home as a home base. One of the biggest advantages of staying in a vacation rental with a game room is that the house itself is entertainment. Alternate free outings with pool days and game room nights to keep the whole trip budget friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Orlando with kids?
The best free things to do in Orlando with kids include Disney Springs (splash pads, LEGO store, live entertainment), Kissimmee Lakefront Park (playground and splash pad), Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (11-mile scenic drive with alligators and birds), and Lake Eola Park (playgrounds and swan feeding). All are genuinely free with no tickets or reservations required.
Are there free things to do near Disney World?
Yes. Disney Springs, Disney’s BoardWalk, and Celebration Town Center are all within 15 minutes of Walt Disney World and completely free to visit. Families staying in Kissimmee vacation homes also have easy access to Old Town Kissimmee and Kissimmee Lakefront Park.
What free outdoor activities are available in Kissimmee and Orlando for families?
Free outdoor activities in Kissimmee and Orlando for families include Kissimmee Lakefront Park (splash pad and trails), Mead Botanical Garden (48 acres of nature trails), Celebration Town Center (boardwalk and walking paths), and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (scenic wildlife viewing from your car).
What can families do on a rest day from Disney parks without spending money?
A rest day is perfect for free Orlando activities for families. Spend the morning at a splash pad (Kissimmee Lakefront Park or Celebration), enjoy the afternoon at your vacation home pool, and walk Old Town or Disney’s BoardWalk in the evening. Many FunStay Homes properties include game rooms and private pools that make rest days feel like a vacation within the vacation.
Are there free indoor activities in Orlando for kids on rainy days?
The Orange County Library System offers free storytimes, STEM workshops, and movie screenings at multiple locations. Disney Springs also provides covered areas with indoor shops and the LEGO Store play tables. For more ideas, see our guide to activities in Orlando that are not Disney.
Save on Activities and Accommodations
The best free things to do in Orlando with kids are even better when you have a comfortable home base to return to. FunStay Homes vacation rentals in Kissimmee put your family minutes from Disney Springs, Old Town, Celebration, and every activity on this list, with private pools, full kitchens, and game rooms that keep the fun going after the free outings end.
