Trust me, I know the struggle of being in Orlando, having $10 to my name and having to make that last for an entire week. Most of that week, I am just praying no one ask me to do anything, because I can only use the "I'm broke" excuse so many times before I sound really pathetic. One of the things that my friends and I started looking out for is free activities to do around the city that would be fun and wallet friendly. If you are ballin' on a budget like me, here are some cool things to check out in the Orlando area.
Lake Eola Park
One of my sisters actually took me here for the first time. It has a pretty cool farmer's market that takes place every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park surrounds a lake in downtown Orlando, so it's a really nice place to just walk around. There are thousands of Insta-worthy picture opportunities here as well. You could pack a picnic, bring canvases and have a painting day at the lake or even jog around the trail that goes around the lake.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens has 50 acres of beautiful flower gardens for their guest to enjoy. Even better, the first Monday of every month is free. This is another place where you can pack a lunch, take in some sights, and it will literally cost you nothing. Leu Gardens also has a date night, where they open the gardens at 6 p.m. and play a movie at 8 p.m. with admission only $6.00! Sounds like a pretty cheap date night to me. The next date night will be on June 5, and the will be showing The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1.
Lake Claire
One of the great things about being a UCF student is all of the amenities that we have access to here, with one of the more unique ones being Lake Claire. We get the opportunity to go canoeing and paddle boarding, play sand volleyball and fire up the barbecue pits that are located around the lake. At no cost to students (except, ya know, our tuition dollars), this is a great way to spend a hot summer day. And, there is hardly anyone ever out there!
Orlando Brewing Company
If you are really not feeling the nature thing, here is something else that you might enjoy. Orlando Brewing offers tours of their brewery daily at 6 p.m. at no charge. Although you won't get free samples on the tour (because it's for all ages), you can purchase a sampling tray for $8.00, which gives you four 5-ounce beers for you to taste. They also have daily specials and dog days every Saturday.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of all the fun, cheap things that you can do in Orlando. If you have any places you think I should check out, please send an email my way!
