Meeting attendees visiting Orlando with their families can enjoy free, all-ages attractions, events and other fun things to do while they’re here (Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort pictured).
Updated April 23, 2021
If your meeting attendees are coming to Orlando with their families, they’re guaranteed to have a magical time — thanks in part to one-of-a-kind, all-ages experiences that don’t cost a cent to enjoy. Your attendees can also explore with confidence thanks to enhanced health and safety measures designed to protect them while they play. From relaxing boat rides at our theme parks, to playing tennis on pro courts, to exploring unique locations together, here are some top ways for your event guests and their families to find free fun in Orlando!
Please note: Depending on the timing of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified or closed. Learn more about healthy business travel and safety information in Orlando, and check with your favorite businesses for their current status.
Free Fun for Families in Orlando’s Tourism District
Disney Spring® and Disney’s BoardWalk
Featuring entertainment, dining, shopping and nightlife in an imaginatively designed, outdoor setting, Disney Springs gets a lot of attention, and rightly so. However, Walt Disney World® Resort is home to another free, all-ages destination that might not be on your attendees’ radar: Disney’s BoardWalk, which is modeled after 1920s-era Coney Island.
Disney Springs and Disney’s BoardWalk both offer free admission and parking, plus free live entertainment, as well as remarkable architecture and natural beauty. Free family fun is also available at these locations’ stores and amenities.
For instance, kids can build LEGO figures to their heart’s content at The LEGO Store at Disney Springs. Additionally, the whole family can hop in the free ferries available at Disney Springs and Disney’s BoardWalk to visit other Disney properties, including the Magic Kingdom® Park, EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
Universal CityWalk
Beyond serving as the starting point for adventures at Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay, Universal CityWalk is an engaging place to visit in its own right. Between complimentary admission and free parking after 6 p.m. (excluding special event nights), as well as ample opportunities to enjoy people-watching and relaxation, it’s a go-to location for families looking to regroup and recharge.
For instance, Universal CityWalk visitors can ride free water taxis to and from numerous on-property resorts, including Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando. Guests can also dance to music from live DJs, and if the day is warm, kids can cool off in the free splash areas.
Celebration Town Center
A master-planned community dreamed up by Walt Disney himself, and less than 15 minutes from Walt Disney World, Celebration is one of the Orlando area’s most charming towns, packed with shopping, dining and entertainment that make it ideal for strolling and relaxation. Celebration also hosts free, family-friendly events throughout the year, including exotic car shows and the “Now Snowing” celebration during the holidays, featuring faux snow.
Old Town
Minutes from Walt Disney World, Old Town recreates the look and feel of a classic Florida community, complete with historic architecture and distinctive storefronts. Visitors are invited to step back in time as they stroll down Old Town’s streets and take in the sights. Also, a robust schedule of free events provides more ways for visitors to enjoy themselves without spending money, including classic car shows and live entertainment.
Free Fun for Families Throughout Orlando
United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus
Located in Lake Nona, about 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), the USTA National Campus makes Orlando the home of American tennis. What’s more, the facility’s Nemours Family Zone has professional-grade courts where kids and adults can learn and develop tennis skills; however, registration via the campus’ website is required.
Public Parks
Florida’s Orange County and many of its cities, including Orlando, Winter Park and Winter Garden, have multiple public parks with free admission. Big deal, you say? Keep in mind that many of our parks are loaded with amenities, such as playground and picnic equipment, as well as regular lineups of events for families to enjoy together.
Whether your guests’ kids want to run through woods, jump on a swing or play in the water, they can do it for free at these locations.
Want to learn about other ways for your group and their families to have fun in Orlando for little to no cost? Submit your RFP and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all of Orlando's newest offerings.