20 Free Things to Do this Spring in the City
Spring is here, and the weather is perfect for taking advantage of some of Orlando’s best events and amenities. In celebration of spring, the City of Orlando rounded up some popular things to do in town.
20 Free Things to Do this Spring in the City:
Cycle Across Cady Way Trail
With warmer weather upon us, enjoy one of Orlando’s paved bike trails. The trail extends northeast from the Fashion Square Mall through Orange County, connecting to the Cross Seminole Trail.
Brighten Your Day at Z.L. Riley Park
With amenities such as a picnic area, playground and pavilion, Z.L. Riley Park is a great location for birthday parties and events. Over half an acre in size, the park is a place where children can spend hours running, climbing and having fun at the bright and colorfully decorated playground.
Take Flight at Joe Kittinger Park
Enjoy Orlando’s beautiful spring weather with family and friends at a park that inspires people of all ages to fly. Honoring those who served in the Vietnam War, Col. Joe Kittinger Park is now home to a refurbished F-4 Phantom aircraft which was used to provide air support during the war.
Delight in the Scents of Spring at Leu Gardens
Enjoy the colors and scents of spring while visiting Harry P. Leu Gardens for free the first Monday of each month (April 6, May 4, June 1). While there, take a walk through the butterfly garden or tour the 19th-century Leu House Museum.
Feel the Beat of Latin Jazz
Immerse yourself in Latin culture with jazz performances at Lake Eola Park. Ventana Al Jazz is a free, family friendly event that will feature performances by various artists. And what’s better than spending a beautiful evening at Lake Eola Park?
Crafty Fun at Kidfest
Held every April, the 6th annual Kidsfest in the Audubon Park Garden District includes a variety of activities where children of any age can learn to create music and make arts and crafts. This free event partners with local businesses throughout the district who work together to make it an unforgettable event.
Enjoy the Shade at Demetree Park
Plan a day of family fun and enjoy one of Demetree Park’s many amenities. Developed in 1988, the 24.6 acre park includes three lakes as well as a fishing pier, playground, tennis and basketball court and picnic areas, plus plenty of trees offering shade.
Spring into Fresh Produce at the Orlando Farmers Market
The perfect place to purchase seasonal fresh produce, the Orlando Farmers Market takes place every Sunday Downtown at Lake Eola Park. Enjoy freshly prepared food and dessert all while relaxing by the lake with family and friends.
Discover Your Inner Artist at the Mennello Museum
View amazing works of art and create your own at the Mennello Museum of American Art. Enjoy free admission for the whole family the second Sunday of each month (April 12, May 10, June 14).
Take Your Dog for a Jog Around Lake Baldwin
With plenty of shade and a pedestrian friendly trail, Lake Baldwin Park is the perfect place to go for a walk, jog or run, or to take the dog out to get active. Enjoy scenic views of Lake Baldwin from the 2.5 mile loop.
Dance Through the Decades
Dance your way through College Park at the College Park Partnership’s annual block party, Dancing on the Drive, on May 2. With vendors, food trucks and a DJ spinning hits from the 1960s through today, you and a few hundred of your closest friends can take part in this fun outdoor party for all ages.
Interact with Artists
The City of Orlando hosts the 26th annual Spring Fiesta in the Park April 11-12 at Lake Eola Park. This free family and dog friendly event will feature over 200 artist and craft booths along with a kid’s area and live entertainment.
Play Day at Dartmouth Park
Located in College Park, Dartmouth Park offers a playground that will keep kids busy for hours. Tall trees shade a picnic area and make the park even more kid-friendly.
Cast a Line and Catch a Fish
Spend the day relaxing and catching fish at Lake Underhill Park. Whether you are fishing from the shore or from a boat, try your hand at catching largemouth bass along with black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth and white catfish.
View Trash Turned into Treasure
Known as the intersection of creativity and culture, Mills 50 is one of Orlando’s eight Main Street districts and is home to the Dumpster Art project. Consisting of more than a dozen dumpsters painted by local artists, these works of art can be found at businesses throughout the Mills 50 district.
Movies, Family and Fun at Lake Eola
This spring (April 25, May 29), enjoy free family friendly movies on the East Lawn when Movieola returns to Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando. Arrive early to enjoy pre-movie entertainment and activities.
View Orlando Through Watercolors
Through April 12, stop by the Garden House Welcome Center at Leu Gardens for a free viewing of the latest Central Florida Watercolor Society exhibit, Orlando Abloom. Paintings of botanicals and landscapes by members of the Central Florida Watercolor Society are sure make spring come alive.
Explore an Urban Wetland
The City has multiple urban wetlands, including LaCosta Urban Wetlands. The 25-acre park, which functions as a stormwater drainage facility, provides a great place to explore and walk on a spring day.
Travel Back in Time
Discover the past by spending a morning exploring the historic district of Downtown Orlando. Consisting of historic buildings dating from the 1880s to the early 1940s, a guided Historic Walking Tour with the City’s Office of Historic Preservation highlights points of interest such as the Old Orlando Railroad Depot and the Well’s Built Museum of African American History and Culture. Tours are set for April 3 and May 1.
Look to the Sky for Eagles
An urban wetland and a nesting area for the American Bald Eagle are found within the 485 acres of Eagles Nest Park. The majority of the land in the park is an educational environmental study area.
Source: “20 Free Things to Do this Spring in the City,” City of Orlando