15 Free Things to Do this Fall in Orlando
15 free, family-friendly things to do this fall in Orlando
Fall in Orlando is the perfect season to get out and enjoy all the amenities The City Beautiful has to offer. You and your family can participate in a variety of free activities around the city and experience the parks, events, and thriving arts scene in cooler weather.
Give Thanks to Those Who Served
Join thousands of Orlando residents who come together every year to honor those who served, as well as active duty personnel, at the largest Veterans Day parade in Central Florida. You’ll see veterans groups, active-duty military, City of Orlando firefighters and police officers, youth organizations, historical societies, marching bands, and high school JROTC units from the tri-county area.
City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade
November 12
11 a.m.
Downtown Orlando
Plan a Picnic at Z.L. Riley Park
Travel to the heart of Parramore and enjoy beautiful Z.L. Riley Park, which features mosaic artwork, a large playground, and shady picnic areas for you and your family and friends to enjoy this fall in Orlando. The park’s grills are perfect for BBQs and picnics, and a large pavilion can accommodate your family events.
Z.L. Riley Park
619 South Parramore Avenue
Fall in Love with Art
The Mennello Museum of American Art gives you the opportunity to learn more about traditional American art. Stroll through the gardens, which have numerous sculptures and historic trees, before heading inside and discovering a diverse collection of American art, for free on the second Sunday of each month. While visiting the museum, let the little ones enjoy the arts and crafts activities area.
The Mennello Museum of American Art
900 East Princeton Street
October 9, November 13, December 11
Have a Ball at Blue Jacket Park
With 75 acres, Blue Jacket Park has plenty of green grass to play soccer or football, and playgrounds to keep children busy playing all day. The large pavilion, fountain, and walking spaces will let the adults relax and enjoy a cool fall in Orlando day.
Blue Jacket Park
2501 General Rees Ave
Search for a Pumpkin at Lake Eola Park
Get ready for Halloween at the Lake Eola Park Farmers Market, a place to hunt down the perfect pumpkin and enjoy all the fall activates the market has to offer. You’re sure to find something fun to do Sunday mornings at the park – unique artwork, tasty treats, and festive entertainment.
Orlando Farmer’s Market
Lake Eola Park
512 East Washington Street
Each Sunday
Splash Into Fall
If the weather stays warm, enjoy fall in Orlando by visiting our four year-round pools. The four pools, College Park Pool, Dover Shores Pool, James R. Smith Pool, and Wadeview Pool, offer you and your family a fun, free way to cool off and spend a day in the sun. The pools are free for City residents.
See the Swans at Lake Eola Park
Grab your camera and see Lake Eola Park’s famous residents while they receive their annual wellness check-up. Enjoy a day in the park while the swans are rounded up by volunteer kayakers in the lake, and taken to shore for vaccines and check-ups. A unique sight, this experience will allow you to observe the swans up-close, and learn more about them from their expert care takers.
Lake Eola Park
512 East Washington Street
November 19
Bike Under Falling Leaves
The Shingle Creek Regional Trail is a great way to enjoy the changing colors of fall in Orlando on a bike ride. This trail runs through a variety of different landscapes to highlight how environmentally diverse our region is. In addition to offering scenic views of Shingle Creek, the trail is also conveniently connected to destinations such as the International Drive Tourist Corridor, The Mall at Millenia, and Universal Studios.
Shingle Creek Trail
Have a Fall Fiesta in the Park
Come out to Lake Eola Park and enjoy the the beautiful weather, a free kids area, and tons of tasty food options at the 46th annual Fall Fiesta in the Park. This two-day event showcases the work of over 300 local artists, as well as live entertainment all weekend long.
Fall Fiesta in the Park
Lake Eola Park
512 East Washington Street
November 5-6
Feel the Autumn Breeze at Leu Gardens
Explore Leu Gardens for free on the first Monday of the month. Enjoy an oasis in the middle of the city that is full of beauty regardless of the season. Discover exotic tropical plants, or appreciate beauty and the sight of familiar flowers.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 North Forest Avenue
November 7, December 5
See Downtown in a New Way
Put on your sneakers, and open the map to the SEE ART ORLANDO walking tour, a unique and fun way to enjoy the crisp fall air on a free urban adventure. This self-guided tour allows you to explore eight sculptures in Downtown Orlando, all inspired by various elements that represent the city.
SEE ART ORLANDO
Downtown Orlando
Halloween and History
Make Halloween special this year by visiting Greenwood Cemetery, a historic site that is worth experiencing. As you stroll through the cemetery that is home to some of Orlando’s community leaders of the past, the rolling hills and Spanish-moss covered trees will provide breathtaking scenic views.
Greenwood Cemetery
1603 Greenwood Street
Woof Around Downtown
Take time to explore one of Orlando’s iconic sites, Constitution Green, with your furry best friend. Set under the shade of the huge, historic oak tree, this will soon to be home to the first dog run in Downtown Orlando. The unique, twisting branches and beautiful setting will provide a fun and relaxing way to pass the time on an autumn day for you and your pooch.
Constitution Green Park
300 South Summerlin Avenue
Step Into the Wild
Take a step into Orlando’s wild side by visiting Greenwood Urban Wetlands. Although the park is located near Downtown Orlando, when you are surrounded by the natural beauty Florida has to offer you’ll feel like you’ve left the city. The 19-acre is park filled with tall Cypress trees and wildlife, with a paved trail that goes around the lake for you to enjoy with family and friends – two and four legged alike.
Greenwood Urban Wetlands
1411 Greenwood Street
Explore Classic Cars in the City
Discover classic and muscle cars while visiting the Thornton Park District. The Thornton Park District Car Show will give you the opportunity to spend a fun day enjoying the cars, listening to music, and strolling along Washington Street and nearby Lake Eola Park.
Thornton Park District Car Show
Washington Street (Summerlin to Hyer)
November 5
Source: “17 Free, Family-Friendly Things to Do this Fall in the City,” cityoforlando.net