67 free things to do and get in Orlando and around the Orlando area, including 16 food, 16 kids & family, 13 attractions.
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Tue–Sun, sunrise to sunset
Orlando Wetlands
The City of Orlando's Orlando Wetlands is free and open for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing on more than 18 miles of marsh trails, Tuesday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset. The visitors center is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm. No pets.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
No catch
Tue, Wed, Fri 9am–4pm; Thu 9am–7pm; Sat 11am–4pm; Sun 12–4pm
Rollins Museum of ArtOrlando
The Rollins Museum of Art on the Rollins College campus is free for every visitor. Current shows include Visions of the City and The House that Freedoms Built (both through January 3, 2027). Open Tuesday to Sunday; Thursdays until 7pm. Closed Mondays, holidays (Nov 26–27, Dec 24, 25 and 31, Jan 1) and during installations.
Verified Oct 27 · rollins.edu
No catch
Tue–Sat 9am–5pm
Sanford Museum
The City of Sanford's museum holds the collection of town founder Henry Shelton Sanford and local-history exhibits on railroads, riverboats, agriculture, Naval Air Station Sanford and Sanford's sports stars, including Red Barber and Tim Raines. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
Verified Oct 27 · sanfordfl.gov
No catch
Mon–Fri, lunch 12–1:30pm, dinner 5–6:30pm
Christian Service Center for the HomelessOrlando
Christian Service Center's Daily Bread serves free hot meals to anyone in need at its Parramore campus near downtown Orlando: lunch noon to 1:30pm and dinner 5 to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday. No ID needed and no faith requirement. The day center also has an emergency food pantry, showers, laundry and a clothing closet.
Verified Oct 27 · christianservicecenter.org
No catch
Tue–Thu 12–4pm, Fri 12–5pm, Sat 10am–2pm
Hannibal Square Heritage CenterOrlando
Crealdé School of Art's Hannibal Square Heritage Center shares the history of Winter Park's historic African-American neighborhood through documentary photographs, oral histories and public art. Admission is free.
Verified Oct 27 · crealde.org
No catch
Open daily (hours posted on the garden's site)
Mead Botanical GardenOrlando
Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park is open daily and free to the public, with nature trails, birding, picnic spots and a self-guided nature bingo and scavenger hunt. Leashed dogs are welcome. Enter at Garden Drive and Denning Drive.
Verified Oct 27 · meadgarden.org
No catch
Wednesdays at 10:30am (some Saturdays too; see the library calendar)
Melrose Center, Orlando Public Library
The Orlando Public Library's Melrose Center opens its workstations, VR learning stations, game-development gear and simulators for anyone to explore or work on projects at their own pace. Wednesdays at 10:30am, plus some Saturdays. No registration needed.
Verified Oct 27 · ocls.org
No catch
Tue–Fri 9am–5pm
St. Andrew Catholic ChurchOrlando
St. Andrew Catholic Church on Hastings Street in west Orlando runs a Second Harvest partner food pantry Tuesday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is needed.
Verified Oct 27 · feedhopenow.org
No catch
Daily 8am–6pm
Tibet-Butler PreserveOrlando
Orange County's 438-acre Tibet-Butler Preserve in southwest Orange County has hiking trails and the Vera Carter Environmental Center. Sign up for the Trailblazer program at the education office, log your hikes, and get a free T-shirt after 20 miles. Open daily 8am to 6pm; no bikes or pets. After recent storms most trails are flooded, so wear proper hiking shoes.
Verified Oct 27 · ocfl.net
Catch: T-shirt needs Trailblazer sign-up at the education office
Tue–Fri 10am–4pm; Sat–Sun 12–4pm
Orlando Museum of Art
Active-duty military, veterans and first responders get free admission to the Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park with valid ID. Open Tuesday to Friday 10am–4pm and weekends noon–4pm. Adult admission is otherwise $20.
Verified Oct 27 · omart.org
Catch: Only for: active-duty military, veterans and first responders with valid ID
Mon–Sat 8am–5pm
Seminole County Central Transfer StationOrlando
Seminole County residents can drop off household hazardous waste, such as chemicals, electronics and gasoline, free at the county's hazardous-waste tunnel at the Central Transfer Station in Longwood, Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm.
Verified Oct 27 · seminolecountyfl.gov
Catch: Only for: Seminole County residents
Mon, Wed & Fri 10:30am–1pm
Apostolic Church of Jesus Altamonte SpringsOrlando
The Apostolic Church of Jesus on Ford Drive in Altamonte Springs gives out free groceries Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30am to 1pm. If you're ill and can't come, they may deliver; for emergencies call 321-746-3561 (weekdays 9am–5pm).
Verified Oct 27 · feedhopenow.org
No catch
Bass Road Mon–Fri 7am–3pm; St. Cloud Mon–Sat 7am–3:30pm
Bass Road Disposal Facility and St. Cloud Transfer StationOrlando
Osceola County residents, including those in Kissimmee and St. Cloud, can drop off household chemicals at no cost at two county sites: the Bass Road Disposal Facility in Kissimmee (Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm, last chemical load 2:45pm) and the St. Cloud Transfer Station (Monday to Saturday 7am to 3:30pm). Containers must be 5 gallons or smaller; no business or commercial waste and no 55-gallon drums. Electronics are accepted too, but the county doesn't say whether they're free.
Verified Oct 27 · osceola.org
Catch: Only for: Osceola County residential households (not businesses)
Mon–Sat 8am–4pm
Seminole County ReUse Shop (Central Transfer Station)Orlando
Usable products dropped off at Seminole County's hazardous waste facility go to the ReUse Shop, where residents can take them home at no charge: paints, primers, stains and sealants, spray paints, pool and water treatment chemicals, lawn and insect control products, automotive products and household cleaners. Up to 15 items a day, no more than 5 of any one item. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 4pm at the Central Transfer Station in Longwood.
Verified Oct 27 · seminolecountyfl.gov
Catch: Only for: Seminole County residents · Sign a recipient agreement and liability waiver · Up to 15 items a day (5 of any one item)
Mon–Sat 8am–5pm
Orange County Landfill and Porter Transfer StationOrlando
Orange County residents can drop off household hazardous waste (paint products, pesticides, propane tanks, cooking oil, fluorescent bulbs, car fluids, rechargeable batteries, household cleaners, pool chemicals) and electronics (cell phones, computers, tablets, TVs and other items with a circuit board) free at two county sites, Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm: the Orange County Landfill on Young Pine Road and the Porter Transfer Station on Good Homes Road. An attendant helps unload. Paint and chemicals are limited to 25 gallons per vehicle. Not accepted: commercial waste, tires, rear-projection TVs, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, flares or prescription drugs.
Verified Oct 27 · ocfl.net
Catch: Only for: Orange County residents · No commercial waste; paint and chemicals limited to 25 gallons per vehicle
Wednesdays 7–8pm
Sheeler Oaks SDA ChurchOrlando
Sheeler Oaks Seventh-day Adventist Church in Apopka gives out free groceries every Wednesday evening from 7 to 8pm through Second Harvest. Call ahead to confirm.
Verified Oct 27 · feedhopenow.org
No catch
Tue & Thu 9–11:30am and 12:30–3:30pm; Wed & Sat 9am–12pm
Hope Helps, Inc.Orlando
Hope Helps in Oviedo, a Second Harvest partner, gives out nonperishable food, fresh produce, meat and bread at no charge, four days a week: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 to 11:30am and 12:30 to 3:30pm, plus Wednesdays and Saturdays 9am to noon. Deliveries are available. Call ahead to confirm, since hours can change.
Verified Oct 27 · hopehelps.org
No catch
Mon–Thu 8:30am–12pm and 1–4:30pm; Fri 8:30am–12pm
Salvation Army Sanford
The Salvation Army in Sanford runs a Second Harvest partner food pantry five days a week: Monday to Thursday 8:30am to noon and 1 to 4:30pm, and Friday 8:30am to noon. Friday afternoon (1 to 3:30pm) is for emergency appointments only and you must call first. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Verified Oct 27 · feedhopenow.org
No catch
Fridays: breakfast 10:30am, pantry 11am–12pm; Wednesdays: dinner at 5:30pm
Powerhouse Florida IncOrlando
Powerhouse Florida on South Orange Blossom Trail serves a free breakfast every Friday at 10:30am, followed by a food pantry distribution from 11am to noon, and a free dinner on Wednesdays at 5:30pm. It's a Second Harvest partner. Call ahead to confirm.
Verified Oct 27 · feedhopenow.org
No catch
Thu, Oct 29, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Orlando Police Department Headquarters
Bring the family in costume for candy, decorated vehicles and Halloween fun with Orlando Police Department members at OPD headquarters on West South Street. Thursday, October 29, 2026, 4 to 7pm. Free.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
No catch
Thu, Oct 29, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
McQuigg Community GardenOrlando
The City of Orlando's fall Environmental Community Outing (E.C.O.) is a hands-on evening at McQuigg Community Garden in Parramore: staff share gardening tips and lead simple DIY projects, and this session you make your own reusable beeswax food wrap to take home. Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing, and bring water. Thursday, October 29, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30pm.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
Catch: Reserve a free spot online (Eventbrite, linked from the city's event page)
Thu, Oct 29, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Winter Park Library, Edyth Bush TheatreOrlando
The Winter Park Playhouse's Sounds of the World series brings vocalist Eric Green, with Jeanine Nesbit on piano, for an evening of Motown and standards like My Girl and Fly Me to the Moon, opened by a poetry reading. Doors open at 6pm. Thursday, October 29, 2026, 7 to 8pm.
Verified Oct 27 · winterparklibrary.org
No catch
Thursdays at 6pm
Buenaventura Lakes LibraryOrlando
The Buenaventura Lakes Library holds a free beginner English class every Thursday at 6pm. Open to the public, no library card needed, and you can start any time.
Verified Oct 27 · osceolalibrary.org
No catch
Thursdays 6–7:30pm
Calvary Assembly of God (Kissimmee)
Calvary Assembly of God on North Thacker Avenue in Kissimmee runs a Second Harvest partner food pantry every Thursday evening from 6 to 7:30pm, handy if you work days. Call ahead to confirm.
Verified Oct 27 · feedhopenow.org
No catch
Tue & Thu 9am–12pm
Catholic Charities – Holy RedeemerKissimmee
Catholic Charities runs a Second Harvest partner food pantry at Holy Redeemer on North Thacker Avenue in Kissimmee, open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to noon. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Verified Oct 27 · feedhopenow.org
No catch
Fri–Sun & federal holidays, entry 7am–3pm (out by 5pm)
Lake Apopka Wildlife DriveOrlando
The St. Johns River Water Management District's one-way, 11-mile Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive winds through restored marshes where 377 bird species have been recorded, plus alligators and bobcats. Drive in on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays between 7am and 3pm; all vehicles out by 5pm. Allow 1–3 hours. Leashed dogs allowed; no trailers or vehicles over 25 feet.
Verified Oct 27 · sjrwmd.com
No catch
Fridays & Saturdays: tours leave 9am–2:15pm Nov–Apr (9am–1:15pm May–Oct)
Orlando Wetlands Visitors Center
Volunteers lead free public tram tours of the Orlando Wetlands on Fridays and Saturdays. From November to April tours leave between 9am and 2:15pm (May to October, until 1:15pm). First come, first served in groups of 10 or fewer; no reservations. Donations to the Friends of the Orlando Wetlands are welcome but not required.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
No catch
Fri, Oct 30, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood CenterOrlando
A Halloween trunk-or-treat with a sneaker twist at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center: decorated trunks with candy stops, a sneaker showcase, costume contest, DJ, music and games, prizes and giveaways, and photo spots. Come in costume and your freshest sneakers. Friday, October 30, 2026, 5 to 8pm.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
No catch
Tue & Fri 10am–12pm
Salvation Army Kissimmee
The Salvation Army in Kissimmee runs a Second Harvest partner food pantry on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to noon. Deliveries are available; call 407-383-7493 for details.
Verified Oct 27 · feedhopenow.org
No catch
Fridays at 10am
Veterans Memorial Library – St. Cloud Branch
Osceola Library System's Veterans Memorial Library in St. Cloud holds a free beginner English class every Friday at 10am, open to the public with no library card needed. Start any time.
Verified Oct 27 · osceolalibrary.org
No catch
Fri, Oct 30, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Barber ParkOrlando
Orange County Parks turns Barber Park's outdoor hockey rink into a roller rink with skate games and a DJ. Bring your own skates; food trucks on site. Skip masks and long costumes. Friday, October 30, 2026, 5:30 to 9pm.
Verified Oct 27 · ocfl.net
Catch: Bring your own skates
Mon, Nov 2, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Harry P. Leu GardensOrlando
Harry P. Leu Gardens near downtown Orlando is free for everyone on Monday, November 2, 2026, 9am to 5pm (last entry 4pm). Regular adult admission is $15.
Verified Oct 27 · leugardens.org
No catch
Sat, Nov 7, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Bass Road Disposal SiteKissimmee
On Saturday, November 7, 2026, Osceola County residents can drop off up to 4 passenger car tires per household at no charge at the Bass Road Disposal Site in Kissimmee, 7am to noon. On other days tire disposal carries a fee. Household chemicals may also be dropped off that morning. Bring proof of residency (photo ID). Limit 8 tires per household per year; no businesses, vendors or commercial tires.
Verified Oct 27 · osceola.org
Catch: Only for: Osceola County residents (proof of residency, photo ID) · Up to 4 passenger car tires per household (8 a year)
Sat, Nov 7, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Lake Nona Town CenterOrlando
The City of Orlando's 27th annual Veterans Day Parade, hosted with Tavistock and the Lake Nona VA Medical Center, starts and ends at Lake Nona Town Center, followed by a ceremony and family activities. Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11am to 1pm.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
No catch
Sat, Nov 7, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Veterans Lawn
Kissimmee, the Osceola County Veterans Council and American Legion Post 10 host the first Veterans Day Festival on the Veterans Lawn, with live entertainment, a kids' zone, community exhibitors and food trucks. Saturday, November 7, 2026, noon to 4pm.
Verified Oct 27 · kissimmee.gov
No catch
Sat, Nov 7, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Chambers Park Community CenterKissimmee
The City of Kissimmee invites veterans and their families to a free evening of dinner, special recognition, awards and presentations honoring their service at Chambers Park Community Center. Saturday, November 7, 2026, 6 to 8pm. Questions: Parks & Recreation, 407-518-2599.
Verified Oct 27 · kissimmee.gov
Catch: Only for: veterans and their families
Wed, Nov 11, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Harry P. Leu GardensOrlando
Retired military and veterans get free general admission to Harry P. Leu Gardens on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (9am to 5pm). Active-duty military with ID are free every day.
Verified Oct 27 · leugardens.org
Catch: Only for: veterans and retired military (active duty free any day with ID)
During library branch hours
Seminole County Library branchesOrlando
Seminole County Library cardholders can borrow nontraditional items at no cost, including telescopes, ukuleles and American Girl dolls, from Seminole County Library branches.
Verified Oct 27 · seminolecountyfl.gov
Catch: Seminole County Library card required
Third Thursday of each month, 10am–8pm (none in November)
Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art is free for everyone on the third Thursday of each month, 10am to 8pm, with performances, gallery talks at 2:30pm, free sketching materials from 5 to 7pm and a docent highlights tour at 7pm. No Access for All in November (Festival of Trees). Regular adult admission is $20; parking is free.
Verified Oct 27 · omart.org
No catch
Tuesdays 5:30–6:30pm
Hart Memorial LibraryKissimmee
The Osceola Library System's Hart Memorial Library in Kissimmee runs a weekly class on becoming a U.S. citizen and preparing for the citizenship interview and test, Tuesdays 5:30 to 6:30pm. No cost, open to the public, and no library card needed.
Verified Oct 27 · osceolalibrary.org
No catch
2nd and 4th Sundays, 12:30–1:30pm
Calvary Assembly of God Orlando
Calvary Assembly of God on Clay Street in Winter Park gives out free groceries on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, 12:30 to 1:30pm, through Second Harvest. Call ahead to confirm.
Verified Oct 27 · feedhopenow.org
No catch
Second Saturday of each month at 4pm
Melrose Center, Orlando Public Library
Improv actors from the Orlando improv community put on a free comedy show on the Melrose Stage at the Orlando Public Library on the second Saturday of every month at 4pm. No registration needed.
Verified Oct 27 · ocls.org
No catch
Second Sunday of each month; docent tours at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30pm
Mennello Museum of American ArtOrlando
On the second Sunday of every month the Mennello Museum of American Art in Loch Haven Park is free, with docent-led gallery tours at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30pm and a fine art project. Current exhibition: Isamu Noguchi: Metal the Mirror (through February 28, 2027). Free parking in the lot next to the museum.
Verified Oct 27 · mennellomuseum.org
No catch
