By Kirk Brown
Free Things to Do in Orlando, Florida
is best known for pricey theme parks like Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios. But local residents and savvy travelers can find lots of free fun in Central Florida. Visitors don't have to dig into their wallets to see memory-making rocket launches, classic cars, marching ducks, a popular downtown lake and a lush botanical attraction. But they do need to know where and sometimes when to go.
Watch a Rocket Launch
The sights and sounds of a rocket launch are truly unforgettable. NASA sends more than a dozen rockets into space each year from launch pads at the Kennedy Space Center, which is about an hour east of Orlando. Space shuttle missions are the big attention-getters, often drawing massive crowds of spectators. Titusville's Space View Park is a good place to watch launches. The waterfront park has picnic shelters, restrooms and a one-of-a-kind walk honoring America's astronauts. The park also provides a live audio feed from NASA's control room during the countdown prior to shuttle launches. For a listing of upcoming launches, call (321) 867-2525. Space View Park is near the intersection of Indian River Avenue and Broad Street in Titusville.
Check Out Old Cars at Old Town
Dozens of classic cars owners come to show off their prized possessions every Saturday night at the Old Town entertainment complex in Kissimmee. As an added bonus, there is free admission, free entertainment and free parking at Old Town, but patrons must pay to go on the complex's 18 rides. Old Town, which is located at 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, also includes 8 restaurants and 75 shops. Call (407) 396-4888.
Enjoy a Web-Footed Freebie
Each day 5 crowd-pleasing mallard ducks march across the well-appointed lobby at The Peabody Orlando, which ranks as one of Central Florida's top hotels. The ducks arrive at 11 a.m., ceremoniously making their way to a pool with an ornate fountain. Their day ends at 5 p.m., when the ducks depart in an elevator to their $100,000 digs on the hotel's fourth floor. The March of The Peabody Orlando Ducks is open to the public and free. The Peabody Orlando is near the Orange County Convention Center at 9801 International Drive. Call (407) 352-4000.
See a Popular Lake and Picturesque Gardens
Acting as an oasis in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola features a large fountain, an encircling walkway that is nearly a mile long, an amphitheatre and a playground. With the city's skyline looming in the background, joggers and walkers can watch the anhinga, ducks and swans that call Lake Eola their home. Lake Eola is located at 195 N. Rosalind Ave. Call (407) 246-2827
Plus here's a tip that only locals know about: Admission fees are waived on Monday mornings at the Harry P. Leu Gardens. Guests can explore 50 acres of gardens featuring an array of plants such as azaleas, camellias, orchids, roses and dogwood trees. Leu Gardens is located at 1920 N. Forest Avenue in Orlando. Call (407) 246-2620.
About the Author:
Kirk Brown is an award-winning freelance writer with two decades of diverse media experience. A former newspaper reporter and editor, he also was managing editor of an acclaimed scuba diving magazine. Brown has written scripts for more than 50 half-hour TV programs focusing on technology and health topics.
Photo Credits:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mjm/58337987/
