12 Free Things to Do in Orlando, Florida and Still Have Fun

Orlando, Florida is a top vacation destination for families all across America. There are amazing things to do in Orlando, such as Disney World and Gatorland, but there are also plenty of freethings to do in Orlando that are great ways to spend your vacation time.

Orlando is known for its first class attractions, but there are also plenty of natural attractions for visitors to explore. Directly located in central Florida, Orlando has the great advantage of being immersed in both beautiful natural surroundings as well as fantastic waters on each side. Orlando's great setting provides plenty of Free things to do too!

Lake Eola Park: This downtown Orlando centerpiece offers 43 acres for exploration and recreation, including fountains, a walking path, playgrounds, swans to feed and swan shaped paddle boats and gondolas (for a slight fee.)
Harry P. Leu Gardens: Admission is free on Mondays. Guests can enjoy three miles of walkways, rose gardens, a butterfly garden, ancient oak trees, and more.


Ocala National Forest: A great place to experience natural Florida. The Florida Trail is a popular hike, where you can view hardwood forests, swamps, springs, and prairies. You can also canoe, picnic, hike and more.



Kelly Park: This park offers over 248 acres of outdoor fun and excitement! A crystal clear spring is the focus of this park, with water sports, including tubing, and rock climbing available!



Orlando's rich history also makes its museums a can't miss experience. Plus, they're open Free to the public




Cornell Fine Arts Museum: This museum showcases over 6,000 art pieces ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. Art lovers of all ages will not want to miss one of the oldest collections in all of Florida.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: Home to the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany. There is also an extensive American Pottery collection, as well as 19th and 20th century paintings collection. Admission is free on Fridays.

Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida: An informative center dedicated to remembering the millions if people that were lost during the rule of Nazi Germany.

Fort Christmas Historical Museum & Park: Visit the full size replica of Fort Christmas, including seven restored pioneer homes and showing pioneer life from the 1870s through the 1930s. Key themes are homesteading, cattle, citrus, hunting, fishing and trapping.



There are even more free things to do in Orlando, Florida!



Downtown Disney Marketplace: Explore the World of Disney store, which is an experience in and of itself. Also visit the Lego Imagination Center, where your kids can enjoy the free Lego building stations and nearby playground.

Disney's Boardwalk: Stroll along Disney's boardwalk for a charming step back in time, complete with water views and street entertainers.

The Town of Celebration: Visit this Disney-made town where you can adrmire the gorgeous houses, well-groomed yards and magic of Disney living. Depending on when you visit, you may see machine generated snow or falling leaves.

Old Town: On Saturday nights a free rock-n-roll concert and a parade of 300 vintage cars are offered.

A visit to gorgeous Orlando, Florida is the perfect way to get away with your family. Although there are amazing deals like Cheap Disney World Tickets, there are also plenty of FREE things to do in Orlando that are great ways to spend your vacation time. And best of all, many of the great Orlando experiences are fun, free and unforgettable.

Kissimmee Florida Tourist Attractions

So you're heading to Kissimmee, Florida on vacation? It's a great place to visit and it's right next to Orlando. There's actually a lot to do in Kissimmee, but it sometimes gets overlooked due to its close proximity to Orlando. Here are some attractions to check out when you're vacationing in Kissimmee.

Take a Lake Tour

I'm a nature enthusiast. Give me some water and nature and I'm happy. If you're the same, the Scenic/Eco Lake Tour is for you. It gives you the opportunity to see the "real Florida." You'll enjoy a one-hour lake tour on a 24-foot pontoon boat. If you need more, they do offer private charters and fishing trips-plus gator tours.

TJ Airboats

Let's stick with water and boats. If you want to enjoy the natural scenery on an airboat, this is the tour for you. You'll experience a wonderful 45-minute airboat tour on west Lake Tohopekaliga. Fancy something a little different? They offer night rides too, but you need an appointment.

Downtown Kissimmee

This place is an attraction all in itself. The historic area features shopping, dining, a lakefront park, antiques shops and everything you could want.

If you're visiting downtown Kissimmee on a Thursday morning, be sure to check out the farmer's market. It runs until about 1pm.

Green Meadows Petting Farm

Who doesn't love animals? If you have kids, take them here for the pony rides. The petting farm also offers a two-hour guided tour. You can milk a cow and go for a hay ride. Sounds like a perfect day!

The Green Meadows Petting Farm has about 300 animals to see too.

There's so much more in Kissimmee, Florida to do, but these are some tourist attractions to start with. I've included a couple links to help you get the most out of your Florida vacation. I hope you have a great time in Kissimmee!

Florida Tourist Attractions - Kennedy Space Centre, The Space Coast

Watching the shuttle blast off into space would be like watching those first ambitious fish haul themselves up onto dry land, topped off with the explosive power of the world's most expensive firework. If you ever need a little inspiration, a space-shuttle launch will make you appreciate how remarkable human beings really are.

Begin by contacting the Kenny Space Centre ( 321-867-4636 ) too find out if there's a launch during your visit ( you can also order tickets to view the launch ). If you can't get tickets to KSC facilities, don't worry - there are plenty of great places to see shuttles soar. Try the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Jetty Park Campground, Cherie Down Park, Rotary Riverfront Park, Space View Park, Coca Beach Pier, Bennet Causeway (Hwy 528) and Brewer Parkway Bridge in Titusville.

Make hotel reservations early, and plan to stay for a while. The launch i viewed, STS-110, was delayed 3 times due to mechanical problems and windy weather, a week which culminated with a nail0biting countdown that had technicians reloading software onto the space shuttle Atlantis in the final minutes.

Get to your viewing site early and bring binoculars and extra beer - it's an international tailgate party no matter where you end up. Vendors sell ice cream, soda and even mission-specific T-shirts ( from $10; they make great souvenirs ). Tune into 920AM for up-to-the-minute reports and, five minutes before the big event, the countdown.

At the launch i viewed, the anticipation was thicker than solid fuel in a pressurized STS-110 tank. I was parked at the Brewer Parkway Bridge, blocked in by dozens of cars - no one cared, no one was going anywhere. Folks from all over the world were taking turns with my friend Linda's telescope, examining Atlantis from across the bay, imagining it straining against the launch apparatus, eager to fly. "The wind may by too strong today." announced one man, his ear to the radio. We had 28 minutes until the launch window opened. Prayers to various deities ensued. "The shuttle's computers went down,' another woman yelled. The window would close in nine minutes.

But NASA came through with seconds to spare, and the whole Space Coast started chanting "Three, two, one - LIFTOFF!" And there were flames, then clouds of steam, and a silent ascent into the stratosphere. "Here comes the noise," a father whispered to his son. Windshields rattled in response to the roar; not one of us covered out ears. And Atlantis was gone.

International Spare Station Center

This attraction is so cutting edge, you'll think the swishing automatic doors have transported you straight to the bridge of the USS Enterprise. Not only can you witness actual components of the International Space Shuttle being constructed, but a high-tech observation deck shows the astronauts' cramped living space - claustrophobias need not apply. You'll only see the center via the NASA Up Close tour and Astronaut Training Experience.

- Astronaut Training Experience

The Astronaut Training Experience (321-449-4400; per person including lunch & gear $225) is the closest you'll ever to come to being an astronaut without all that schooling and training. This experience puts you through the intense training bona-fide astronauts endure, including the 1/6 gravitiy chair and a mission-control countdown. You'll also have a Q&A with former astronauts as well as exclusive tours of the shuttle launch pads, International Space Station and NASA press site. Participants must be at least 14; those under 19 need to be accompanied by an adult. This program is extremely popular to call well in advance for reservations.

- NASA Up Close tour

The NASA Up Close (adult/child $52/36) tour includes regular admission plus a 2-hour tour of 'restricted areas,' where the space shuttle is refitted after landing and is prepped for launch. You almost feel like you're really going to see the alien autopsy room, like Mulder and Scully skulking around a top-secret warehouse, as you weave between towering buildings and steel pathways. Plus, you don't have to be an uber space junkie to appreciate the coolness of this behind-the-scenes look at NASA facilities. Just that prior to a launch, this tour is cut short (no refunds).

Author : Kenneth Ng, Lonely Planet

Top Must-See Attractions In Miami, Florida

Miami is a city filled with texture, color and a wide range of emotions. This place is also regarded as a true stimulator for all your senses, because of its constantly growing Latin culture. It is located in the south-eastern part of the United States, very close to the Pacific Ocean, being one of the largest cities in Florida and an important center for tourism, finance and fishing at the same time.

The city of Miami has a strong Latin influence, being often called the Casablanca of the United States or the Magic City. It is also the third most popular city for overseas visitors, after New York and Los Angeles. The fact that it is a truly multicultural city makes it different from all other cities of the country and adds uniqueness to its overall image.

Much of the charm of the area is due to the different neighborhoods, which include buildings ranging from skyscrapers to the trendy South Beaches, which are probably the main factor that give the fame of the city. During the sunniest days, it is an absolute pleasure to admire the vividly colored buildings and the palm trees swayed by the wind. But let's take a look at the attractions that you should not miss whenever you visit the city of Miami.

First of all, the Bass Museum of Art is located in Miami Beach and specializes in the art of the Renaissance world, as well as modern art. It was founded in 1963 by the city council of Miami Beach from a private donation. Nowadays, it is considered one of the best museums of ancient art in the area, along wiht the Wolfsonian Museum.

Next, Bayfront Park is a large urban public park in downtown Miami, Florida. Stretching on an area of 13 square kilometers, the park was built in 1924, designed by Warren Henry Manuing and officially opened in mid 1925. In 1980 the museum was remodeled by the Japanese architect Isam Noguchi. Today it is managed and maintained by the Miami Dade Country Park, a public agency that manages most of the parks in the city.

Finally, the "Coral Castle" is another must-see whenever you visit Miami. Most visitors remain amazed by the beauty of this attraction. This rather strange building was imagined, designed and developed over 20 years ago by Edward Leedskalnin (1887-1951). His motivation was his true love for the woman who left him the day before the wedding. Apparently, this sentimental failure transformed Edward into a person who was totally dedicated to his work, which led to the creation of this marvellous building.

Central Florida attractions: exploring the rich history of Polk County

Most people think of theme parks, nursing homes and shopping when they consider things to do in Central Florida. There is no denying that the perfect time, casual atmosphere and a wide range of accommodations and restaurants in central Florida attractions makes this much more attractive. However, Polk County also offers many historical things to do in Central Florida that captures the rich history of this area different.

Step Into at an early age

L 'Polk County Historical Museum offers a great respite from the sun with her large collection of fossils, personal items, handmade art, clothing, farm equipment, communications equipment, scientific items, tools, and military memorabilia. These and other findings may add to your understanding and knowledge of the history of Polk County while enjoying one of the most popular in central Florida.

Other historic attractions on this siteinclude the LB Brown House in Bartow, designed and built by a self-taught carpenter and slaves. And 'perhaps the only of its kind still standing. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house is a remarkable structure with Victorian style and is not to lose.

Historic outdoor attractions

Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is one of the most popular attractions in Central Florida history. A national historic landmark, BokTower Gardens offers an array of world-class exhibitions, landscapes, and wildlife for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Among the beautiful flower gardens is an imposing tower of 205 meters in the neo-Gothic houses a carillon of the most beautiful in the world.

Along with Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Mirror Promenade offers beautiful scenery combined with a rich history. A grand entrance in Lakeland since 1920, the Boardwalk has been meticulously maintained over the years and continuesto offer a fascinating combination of art and nature.

Other historians unique things to do in Central Florida

Visitors can relive the story of life in Lake Kissimmee State Park where the 1876 demonstrations, cow hunters cowboy era part of the assets of the region. Overnight campouts, including fires, bald eagles, wild turkeys, sandhill cranes, and even Bobcats can do other central Florida attractions tame by comparison. There are horses andhiking, canoeing and kayaking, playgrounds, boat ramps, and anything else necessary to ensure a wonderful holiday in Polk County.

For visitors who want to enjoy the story in first person, the Flywheelers Antique Engine Club may be the stop of choice. Here, members are dedicated to restoring and maintaining old tractors, steam engines, and other labor-saving 'modern' devices that are sure to strike a deal with visitors of all ages.

To complete a historic holiday Polk County,Who would dare miss exploring the largest collection in the world of architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright? Twelve buildings were built as part of its Child of the Sun project at Florida Southern College, Lakeland, and still remain, a shining example of his vision.

With many historical attractions available only way to enjoy, Polk County is an ideal choice for visitors looking for beauty, diversity and history.

Florida Tourist Attractions - Clearwater Beach, Tampa Bay Area

Although it is too developed and lined with hotels facing the beach with the stencil, Clearwater Beach attracts visitors because of incredible white sand beaches, a large fishing fleet, and its proximity to Tampa and St Petersburg. It 's also a privileged area for kayaking, shelling, biking and sunbathing on the beach - the Maison du Tourisme' attractions. 'What Just about sums up Unless you count the beach volleyball on the beach in Clearwater, which is damn good, too.

This northernbarrier island is about 22 miles north of St Pete Beach and two miles west of downtown Clearwater (a city on the mainland part of) the Memorial Causeway (Hwy 60). From here the road is to the south and north is S Gulfview Blvd Mandalay Ave, Clearwater's main street. Pier 60 is right at the roundabout where the three roads meet. From St Petersburg, it is one from a 1 / 2 hour or 1 1 / 2 hour by bus. Although crowded, the scale of 'human island (only 3.5 km long) and is easy to obtainaround.

- Pinellas Trail

This bike path 47 miles paved, built on the bed abandoned CSX railway runs from St Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. Up to now, is the longest city in the country. It 'also very smooth - smooth enough for inline skates or roller skates and bicycles. There are plenty of stops along the way, with cafes, pubs, bike shops, skate shops and fast-food places. How long is the path of the old rail corridor through the wide carnied plotsometimes you're in the middle of the city, sometimes along streams, sometimes among the orange groves and sometimes you're riding through the courtyards of people practically.

From Clearwater Beach International Youth Hotel, which rents bikes, his head on a viaduct, and turn north of Fort Harrison Ave and east on Jones St. for three blocks. You can take the southern end of Clearwater to Tarpon Springs section of the route. It is 13.2 miles from Jones St to Tarpon Avenue.

Attractions in Florida

The myriad attractions in Florida, along with its easy going lifestyle makes it a favorite destination for vacationers. Although the beaches of Florida and the keys are its main attractions, there are plenty of cultural sites of the state. The variety of places to see in Florida, making it one of the favorite destinations for children and adults alike. Honeymoon in Florida is becoming more popular simply because of the wide range of attractions andactivities on offer. Its good weather, which usually persists throughout the year adds to its attractive charm.

Florida Beaches

Every Florida beach has its unique set of attractions, visitors and devotees environment. There is a popular misconception that the beaches of Florida are meant only for the rich and famous, and there is not much for a tourist budget. If it is true for some of the beaches, it is far from the truth. There are beaches that are greatfor tourists traveling on a budget. The west coast beaches of Florida are typically covers the Tampa Bay area and around the southwest region of Florida. While Myers Beach, Marco Island and Naples are the most popular coastal regions of the south-west, the region of Tampa Bay is known for its picturesque water Clear Bach, St. Pete Beach and Madeira Beach.

The famous Costa Smeralda, which includes Destin and Ft Walton Beach area beaches are ranked among the Panhandle.Pensocola, known for his quiet and peaceful environment, is one of the most popular destinations in this region. If you love diving, so do not forget to visit Panama City, dubbed as the 'Miami New', which is located in this part of Florida.

However, the most popular beaches of Florida are located in the east coast of the state, particularly in the Southeast. Boca retoni, the fabulous and elegant Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale are all located in this region. The opportunities for socializing and nightlifeof these beaches are much more of an attraction as the quiet palm-fringed beaches.

Florida Keys

Keys, a derivative of 'cayas' speech, or small islands are extremely popular destinations in Florida. There are hundreds of them, even though most of them are not so hospitable because of their terrain and their tendency to attract hurricanes and other extreme weather disasters. However, Key West, which is the southernmost island is extremely popular and has a largebeaches. Sombrebo Beach Marathon Key and Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key are very popular tourist destinations in Florida.

Cultural attractions in Florida

Florida is home to a large number of cultural sites. Orlando, in particular, is the place with a high concentration of interesting cultural sites of the state. The Walt Disney World is one of the main attractions of the state, and is popular not only among children but for adults as well.Honeymooners also find a stay at Walt Disney World Resort's very exciting. The Kennedy Space Center in Florida is another popular attraction, is like a trip to Universal Studios plans. Overall, holiday in Florida is required to give you many moments that you could feed your whole life

Florida: The Lost Attractions

When you say Florida, what comes to mind most of the people?

Orlando and Disney World.

But what happens when you visit Disney, Universal and Sea World? There's something else to do? How about visiting some of the smaller attractions - those that tend to get lost in the confusion.

Lost? Where did they go?

Before "The Mouse" has arrived in Florida, there were sites that Floridians have enjoyed. Smaller, with few or no thrill rides, buthigh in satisfaction. Some of these dried up after Disney attractions, but many of them adapted and flourished. Let's take a look at some of these survivors.

Central Florida

As you can imagine, many of these children are attractions in central Florida, an easy way to Disney. Some of these attractions include:

Busch Gardens: My favorite of all the attractions lost. Easily covered in a day, it wasan African safari theme. From the huge roller coasters, water rides to a trip through an African savanna, there is something for everyone.

Gatorland: Gatorland I visited a million times as a child. Okay, maybe not a million, but it was a popular destination for school trips BD (before Disney). There are alligators shows galore and fun to watch.

Cypress Gardens: This attraction really lost was lost for a while '- had closed its doors, with no intention ofreopening. But miracles do happen, because Cypress Gardens is back and better than ever! It 's more than just a garden, by the way - there are a myriad of shows and a few thrill rides.

North Florida

There are a lot of small attractions in North Florida, and nearly all of them reside in St. Augustine. Here are some of them for your consideration:

Fountain of youth, mostly historical, is the original site of the Fountain of Youth- The one of legend. When you visit, you can drink water from the spring. Does it work? I have to leave that to you.

Ripley's Believe It or Not: This was the first of all the museums of Ripley's, and perhaps the best. All kinds of oddities abound. It 's funny and well worth a visit.

Potter's Wax Museum: Who knows who you'll run into on this attraction lost? From historical figures to celebrities, the wax museum is a great way to spend an hour or two.

Where are someOther?

Lost attractions can be found throughout the Florida Panhandle to the Keys, you just know where to find them. For more information about these wonders of Florida, visit http://www.great-florida-vacations.com/florida- attractions. Html