Summer is here, and whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors, make some art as a family, celebrate Christmas in July at a quirky market, or find the perfect plans for the Fourth of July, our list has you covered. 

Here are some of the best free and cheap things to do around Orlando this July. 

Fourth of July 

Orlando is a magical place to celebrate Independence Day with lots of options for everyone. Enjoy an iconic tradition of fireworks and festival fun this July 4th. 

See the whole Guide to the 4th of July in Orlando here. 

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge Grand Reopening

Saturday, July 12th

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

$10 per person general admission, kids 3 and under are free

• Food trucks, local vendors, and plenty of critter friends for you to meet and learn about.

Markets and Festivals

Christmas in July

July 12, 2025

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Downtown Sanford

Free entry

• Start your day at the Sanford Information Center at 230 E 1st St to pick up your shopping passport for a chance to win the raffle. Collect a stamp from all participating merchants, then drop off your fully stamped passport at the Sanford Information Center by 6 pm for the raffle drawing.
• Get even more for your money with Sanford Seeds: a currency that can be purchased at the Sanford Information Center for 50% of the face value and redeemed for full value at participating downtown Sanford businesses. Supplies are limited.
• See more information on their event page. 

Orlando Grinchmas in July

July 18, 2025

4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Ivanhoe Brewing

Free entry

• Meet the Grinch, shop from artists, and enjoy food and drinks from local vendors. 
• See more on their event page. 

Family Events

Summer Family Art Workshops

July 2, 9, 23

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Art & History Museums of Maitland

Free

• Hands-on arts and crafts workshops where you can drop in and make a masterpiece at your own pace. 
• Reserve your spot at the event link for each week. 

Little Creatives and Me

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Art & History Museums of Maitland

Free

• Songs, circle, time, art activities, and a snack for babies and toddlers.
• Register at the event link for each week.

Free & Low‑Cost Outdoor Fun

Explore Orlando’s beautiful outdoor spaces with little to no cost:

• Stroll or bike the Orlando Urban Trail
• Visit Tibet-Butler or Oakland Nature Preserves for free wildlife spotting
• Swim or paddle one of Central Florida’s incredible springs and rivers

More Entertainment

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Every second Sunday of the month, the Mennello Museum of American Art offers free admission to the galleries for Free Family Funday. From noon to 4 p.m., families can enjoy make-and-take craft stations and mini-tours of the museum. The galleries are open for you to explore until 4:30 p.m.

FREE family Fun Day at the Mennello Museum of Art.

Free Family Funday Events for 2025

The Family Funday projects are tied to the artists whose works are currently on exhibit. Here is the upcoming schedule for this year:

• June 08, 2025
• July 13, 2025
• August 10, 2025
• September 14, 2025
• October 12, 2025
• November 09, 2025
• December 14, 2025

Tucked away on a picturesque shore of Lake Formosa in Loch Haven Park, just north of downtown Orlando, is the elegantly appointed Mennello Museum of American Art. The treasure of the Mennello Museum is the permanent collection of paintings by self-taught or “primitive” artist Earl Cunningham and a beautiful lakeside sculpture garden.

Other free days at the Mennello Museum of American Art

The first weekend of every month, you can enjoy free entry to the Mennello Museum of American Art with the Bank of America and Merrill Lynch’s Museums On Us  program. Just show your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card Saturday or Sunday. You’ll also get free admission to more than 150 museums and attractions in cities across the United States.

General admission to Mennello Museum is inexpensive if you decide to go on a day that isn’t free. Adults are $5, seniors are $4, students and kids 6-17 are $1. Kids who are 6 and under and active or retired military and veterans and their families with ID are always free.

The Mennello Museum of American Art
900 East Princeton Street
Orlando, FL 32803
407.246.4278

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Visiting an Orlando farmers’ market in Central Florida is one of the best ways to learn about a town while supporting local artisans and growers. Even if you don’t end up making a purchase, it’s a great place to sample foods, enjoy beautiful weather, and maybe even some live music. Most outdoor markets are dog-friendly, too.

A favorite Orlando farmers’ market is Winter Park Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings in the heart of downtown Winter Park. 

On Sundays, the Lake Eola Farmer’s Market is popular, with plenty of artisans, food trucks, and unique vendors. 

To keep up with latest news on deals, discounts and free events in Central Florida, sign up for the Orlando on the Cheap newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Orlando and Orange County Farmers’ Markets

Winter Park Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Central Park West Meadow, Winter Park

Winter Garden Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
City Pavilion, Tremaine Street, Winter Garden

Orlando Farmers’ Market at Lake Eola Park
Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando

Maitland Farmers’ Market
Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
1776 Independence Lane, Maitland

Audubon Park Community Market
Mondays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Road

Lake Nona Farmers Market
Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  
Lake Nona Town Center

Packing District Farmers Market
Third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Northwest corner of Orange Blossom Trail & Princeton St.

Lake Mary Farmers Market

Seminole County Farmers’ Markets

Lake Mary Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lake Mary City Hall

City of Longwood Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Reiter Park, Downtown Longwood

Sanford Farmers Market
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Downtown Sanford, 150 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771

Lake County Farmers’ Markets

Clermont Farmers’ Market
Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Montrose Street, Downtown Clermont

Mount Dora Village Market
Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunset Park, Downtown Mount Dora

Volusia County Farmers’ Markets

DeLand’s Farmers’ Market in the Artisan Alley
Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Downtown DeLand, Artisan Alley

Plant Street Market in Winter Garden.

Indoor Markets

Plant Street Market
Open daily
426 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden

East End Market
Open daily
3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando

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For more Orlando discounts: 

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Writer Laura Perry contributed to this article.

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Looking for a laid-back, affordable way to kick off your weekend? Summer Fridays at The Plaza Live might just be your new favorite community event series. This free recurring event brings great music, food, and community vibes to one of Orlando’s most beloved venues — all without the hefty ticket price.

What to Expect

The Plaza Live opens its doors most Fridays in August (every Friday except August 22) for a live DJ, local vendors, full bar, and food trucks parked right outside.

Dates: August 1, 8, 15, 29
Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music starts around 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Plaza Live, 425 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Cost: Tickets are FREE for 21+ but you must RSVP here

Food, Drinks & Fun

Not only is the music free, but you can also enjoy a full bar and local food trucks on-site. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and unwind in a casual, music-filled atmosphere. The event ends at 10:00 p.m. so you will still be home early enough to enjoy the rest of your weekend. 

Is It Family Friendly?

No. The Summer Fridays series is 21 and up only. 

Parking Info

Free parking is available on-site, but it can fill up fast. Consider arriving early or carpooling with friends.

More Music

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Central Florida is a great place to homeschool, and many local businesses have deals to make it even easier. Whether you want an educational field trip or a fun day out, we have lots of ideas to help you save money on homeschool trips in Orlando. 

Orlando Homeschool Discounts

Some Central Florida destinations offer special discounts for homeschoolers or homeschool groups. Promotions may change; please contact each business for information. 

Wonderworks

Homeschool Days in September and October
$20 per person +tax or $17 per person +tax if you have a group of 10 or more

Regular Admission
Children 4-12: $27.99 +tax
Adults 13-59: $36.99 +tax
Seniors 60+: $27.99 +tax

• Explore over 100 interactive educational exhibits and build confidence on our indoor ropes course challenge.
• Classroom activities, lesson plans and scavenger hunts are available upon request.

Leu Gardens

Request educational rates for qualified groups 

Regular Admission
Adults $15; children (ages 4-17 years) $10
Members, children under 4, and active-duty military FREE

• The 50-acre botanical garden offers tours, classes, and events throughout the year. 
• Admission tickets include single day of admission to garden areas and Historic Leu House Museum guided tours. The garden offers free admission days throughout the year.
• Self-Guided School Field Trips PreK-12th grade FREE Admission: Explore the gardens on your own. You and your students are welcome to stay at the gardens as long as you wish. You can reserve a special picnic area for your group where you can enjoy lunch after the tour. 
• Field trips for schools, scouts, and homeschool programs require at least 10 individuals for group and educational rates.

Gatorland in Orlando

Gatorland

Homeschool Days in January, February, September, and October
Contact Gatorland for discounted rates on homeschool groups of 8 or more. 

Regular Admission
Children (3-12): $21.99
Adults (13+): $31.99
Read about Gatorland discounts here.

• Explore the 110-acre wild preserve and see over 2,000 alligators and crocodiles in their natural habitat; visit the petting zoo, alligator breeding marsh, bird rookery, and Gator gully splash park.
• Watch virtual educational visits on their School of Croc video series. 

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Homeschool Visit tickets from $11.99 per person with a minimum of 10 people.

Regular Admission for FL Residents
Children (2-12): $22.99
Adults: $27.99

• Florida’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel brings you face-to-face with amazing fish and other aquatic animals. See their rescued sea turtle, sharks, and more. 
• Free teaching resources to use alongside your visit. 

Orange County Regional History Center display

Orange County Regional History Center

Guided Field Trips are available for homeschool groups Monday-Thursday during the academic school year. Contact the History Center for more information. 

Regular Admission
Adults: $10
Seniors (55+): $8
Students & Military: $7* (with valid I.D.)
Children (Ages 5-12): $6
Children (Ages 4 and under): Free
Members: Free
Orange County Employees: Free* (with valid I.D.)
Florida Educators: Free* (with valid I.D.)
Museums for All Ticket: Free
OCLS Library Cardholders: $2 off regular admission

• A historic courthouse in the heart of downtown Orlando with four floors of exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Central Florida’s rich heritage.
• FREE admission from 5 to 9 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. 

LEGOLAND

Homeschool Group Discounts starting at $19.99 per person
August 21, 2023 – May 31, 2024 on Monday through Fridays, excluding holidays and peak times. Blockout dates may apply.

Regular Admission
Starting at $74.00 for ages 2+ when bought online. 

• LEGO-themed rides, attractions, and shows.

Orlando Homeschool Classes and Programs

Classes made especially for homeschoolers in Central Florida. Check with each business for details and updates. 

Central Florida Zoo

Central Florida Zoo Homeschool Zooventures

Annual Pass Holders: $17.00 per child
Non-Pass Holders: $20.00 per child

• Zooventures offers up-close animal encounters, games, crafts, and activities are all part of this exciting learning environment.
• Twice a month September through May. 

Orlando Science Center Homeschool Program

K-5 Student & Caregiver Pair (Member) – $42
K-5 Student & Caregiver Pair (General Public) – $46

Grade 6-8 Student Only (Member) – $23
Grade 6-8 Student Only (General Public) – $27

Grade 6-8 Student & Caregiver Pair (Member) – $48
Grade 6-8 Student & Caregiver Pair (General Public) – $53

• Themed homeschool science programs for Grades K–8 each month during the academic year, September through May.
• Check out more OSC ticket discounts and deals.

Free and Cheap Homeschool Trips in Orlando

Check out some of our other articles for more free and cheap homeschool deals in Orlando: 

• Free and Cheap Things to Do This Weekend
• Best Free and Cheap Things to Do in Orlando
• Free Events at the Orlando Library Branches
• Indoor Places for Kids to Play in Orlando

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