Economical, Educational Orlando

You've had a great week at the parks, but the family needs a change of pace. There are just a few days of vacation left, and you're looking for some relaxing, economical, and educational entertainment alternatives. Not to worry—Orlando has just the ticket(s) for you! In fact, some of the areas most historic and educational entertainment options are inexpensive and in many cases, free of charge.

Free for all ages*

Spending quality time with the family is easy when you're learning something new together. A real-life dollhouse, the Bradlee-McIntyre House is the area's only surviving Victorian cottage, built around 1885. Your kids will learn about the Holocaust and World War II in school—why not view and discuss with them actual exhibits documenting this important period of world history at the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center. The Maitland Art Center promotes American art and artists by providing changing exhibits of contemporary art in its galleries, while the nearby Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts rotates exhibits by artists of African descent. The Crealdé School of Art, located in Winter Park, features free indoor galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden with exhibitions by regional, national and international artists. Classes for adults and children are also available for an additional charge. Nearby, the Winter Park Historical Association and Museum features special historical exhibits, memorabilia and photos depicting the growth of the town from the 1800s. At the Orlando City Hall Terrace Gallery, a series of changing exhibitions provides visitors with insight into Florida's growing cultural diversity.

If you prefer the outdoors, enjoy our bright, sunny Florida days with a family stroll through Kraft Azalea Gardens, located along the shores of beautiful Lake Maitland in Winter Park. The azaleas bloom January through March, and there's never a charge for nature lovers. Take a guided tour of The Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, located in Clermont, which produces and sells wines made from native grapes and hybrids developed by the University of Florida. Lake Eola Park, located in downtown Orlando, features paved pathways for strolling, fields for picnicking, a playground, a reflection pond, and swan paddle boats available for rental. For a little exercise, the West Orange Trail offers bike riders, walkers and skaters more than 20 miles of paved walkways. Bikes and in-line skates are available for rent for an additional charge. And, for a great souvenir or gift, pick real Florida oranges, grapefruits and tangerines right from the tree at The Showcase of Citrus.

The following four attractions offer free general admission and free parking; however, the cost of rides varies. Fun Spot Action Park features four wooden go-kart tracks and an amusement center with a Ferris wheel, bumper boats and cars, kiddy rides, and a 10,000-square-foot arcade. At Magical Midway, ride elevated go-kart tracks for extreme action, or classic midway rides like bumper boats and bumper cars. Fun World at Flea World in Sanford boasts more than 40 amusement rides and attractions, miniature golf, midway games, batting cages, three go-kart tracks, a 350-game arcade, as well as a restaurant and party patio. Old Town Shopping, Dining & Entertainment Attraction features unique specialty shops, restaurants and thrilling amusement rides with the look and feel of an early 20th century Florida town. Classic car shows every Friday and Saturday feature hundreds of classic cars.

$5 or less (per person, based on adult admission)*

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, located in scenic downtown Winter Park, is home to the world's most comprehensive collection of the stained glass and other works of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Just around the corner, the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens displays the work of the Czech-American sculptor in his studio, two galleries, a chapel and a three-acre garden overlooking Lake Osceola. At Harry P. Leu Gardens, you'll find the largest camellia collection and formal rose garden in the South, as well as a late 1880's restored house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The olden days come to life at the Withers-Maguire House and Museum, built in 1888. It features original furnishings as well as 1910- and 1940s-styled kitchens.

Ever wonder where that delicious Florida orange juice comes from? Take the kids to Citrus Tower, located in Clermont, where you'll catch a panoramic view of rolling hills, spring-fed lakes and citrus trees from any of three Tower Observation Decks. In season, enjoy fresh citrus fruit for sale.

Eight Florida State Parks, found within a 50-mile (80-kilometer) radius of downtown Orlando, offer activities such as camping, hiking, canoeing, swimming and fishing. Parking is $5 or less per car, depending on the park, with additional charges per activity.

$10 or less (per person, based on adult admission)*

What kid doesn't love the zoo? Luckily, Central Florida offers two! Brevard Zoo, located one hour from Orlando on the Space Coast, features more than 460 animals, a wheelchair-accessible train ride, guided kayak tours of the 22-acre wetlands and a walk-through aviary. The Central Florida Zoological Park houses hundreds of native and exotic animals, including an amur leopard, king cobra and a hyacinth macaw.

At Dinosaur World in nearby Plant City, tour the outdoor museum containing more than 100 lifesize dinosaur models, explore caves, look at real dinosaur eggs, enjoy hands-on activities including a fossil dig, and let the kids burn off some energy at the prehistoric-themed playground.

Recognized as one of the best art museums in the South, the Orlando Museum of Art features a growing permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American art, pre-Colombian artifacts and African objects. Set in downtown Orlando's former 1927 Orange County Courthouse, the Orange County Regional History Center inspires visitors of all ages to take a dynamic, interactive journey through Central Florida's history from 12,000 years ago through today.

Taking advantage of Florida's sub-tropical climate, the Historic Bok Sanctuary in Lake Wales features more than 200 acres of gardens and grounds with winding pathways, reflecting pools and a 57-bell carillon housed in the 205-foot singing tower. The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is a great way to enjoy the sunshine—this relaxing, narrated, one-hour cruise takes you through the beautiful lakes and canals of the historic—and wealthy—Winter Park area.

$15 or less (per person, based on adult admission)*

At the Orlando Science Center, visitors can journey through 14 themed interactive exhibit halls, take a trip through the human body, or visit a miniature town designed with kids in mind. The Center also houses the 310-seat Dr. Phillips CineDome, featuring the world's largest IWERKS projector that displays gigantic screen films and planetarium shows.

With general spectator admission at Disney's Wide World of Sports, you can cheer on the athletes at that day's amateur sporting event—more than 40 different types of amateur sporting events take place there each year. Professional sporting events such as Atlanta Braves Spring Training, Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Training Camp and the PGA Tour are available at additional cost.

Nothing spells family fun like miniature golf, and there is no shortage of putt putt courses in Orlando. Congo River Golf & Exploration Co. features two 18-hole miniature golf courses set in a beautiful tropical environment with caves and cascading waterfalls. Putting Edge at Festival Bay offers visitors a fun and challenging indoor miniature golf course that glows-in-the-dark. Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course is a 36-hole golf adventure featuring Fantasia Gardens, an 18-hole miniature golf course with a theme taken from Disney's classic animated film "Fantasia," and Fantasia Fairways, an 18-hole challenge course designed with strategically placed bunkers and hazards. Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course is an interactive miniature golf experience with two 18-hole wacky, elf-sized golf courses. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf offers two challenging 18-hole courses at two locations, featuring a fun-filled setting of natural wonders, lavish landscaping and delightful pirate themes. Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf has two locations in Orlando—one on International Drive and one on South Apopka-Vineland and features two challenging golf courses, the tallest waterfall in Orlando and a $100,000 musical fountain. Tiki Island Volcano Golf offers two exciting 18-hole courses, sprinkled with dinosaurs, waterfalls, suspended bridges and a four-story fire blasting volcano.

$20 or less (per person, based on adult admission)*

The Astronaut Hall of Fame, located on the Space Coast, is the official residence of space adventure housing the world's largest collection of astronaut artifacts. Combined discounted admission with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can be purchased for an additional cost.

At Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium, you can enjoy hundreds of exhibits from around the world, including interactive illusions, human and animal oddities, bizarre art and more. The little ones will love a trip to Green Meadows Petting Farm, which features a two-hour guided tour and more than 300 farm animals. Visitors are encouraged to have a first-hand experience by petting the animals, taking train and hay rides, milking a cow and riding a pony.

* Admission prices are subject to change, please check with each attraction or the Official Visitor Center before you go.