Kids’ day out: Five free activities in Orlando, Florida

There's more to Orlando, Florida, than expensive theme parks: the “City Beautiful” has events, attractions, and venues the whole family can enjoy for free. The following are some great, budget-friendly options for families with children.

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The Lego Imagination Center in Downtown Disney Marketplace is a must for Lego-lovers of all ages. Kids can have fun looking at life-size Lego figures of cartoon characters and superheroes. They can also play on the jungle gym or build their own Lego race cars and race them down a ramp. Inside the center, children can create their own Lego masterpieces at Lego building stations, all for free.

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Disney's Boardwalk was designed to evoke the feel of 1940s boardwalks like Coney Island and Cape May. The promenade is full of interesting shops and quaint restaurants. The best part about the boardwalk, however, is the free entertainment. Jugglers, fire-eaters, and jazz musicians stroll around and perform for guests every night. An added plus is that the boardwalk often has vendors that sell inexpensive snacks and treats like hotdogs and saltwater taffy in case the little ones get hungry.

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Disney's Polynesian Resort offers free, short hula lessons every day. The classes are taught by Auntie Kaui, who has had 50 years of experience in hula dancing. Children are welcome at the lobby on weekdays at 3:45 pm, while hula lessons for all ages are available on weekends.

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While technically not in Orlando, Black Hammock Adventures is near enough to be easily accessible by city-bound guests. Black Hammock Adventures offers a wildlife exhibit to walk-in guests for free. Children and adults alike will enjoy seeing Black Hammock Adventures' resident mascot, a 12 foot long alligator, and his smaller reptile friends. On Sunday afternoons, children can watch trainers feed Hammy. Other animals in the park include blue and gold macaws and a ball python named, “Squishy.”

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Disney Marketplace has interactive fountains where children can have fun splashing about in the water. The largest fountain is near the entrance, and smaller fountains can be found throughout the Marketplace.


Orlando also has free festivals for kids and adults throughout the year, and riding the monorail and ferries to and from locations within Disney World is free, as well. 
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