The list of entertainment options in Orlando is almost endless, and sometimes it feels like there’s a price tag on everything. Finding inexpensive - even free - entertainment, however, isn’t impossible. You just have to be willing to try anything. I’m sure we could build a pretty good list with your help. Here are our favorites…

Note: By “cheap”, we mean inexpensive. Quality is always important.

Amanda
The best cheap entertainment in Central Florida is the variety of inexpensive movies one can enjoy in an outdoor setting each month. The Enzian theater hosts monthly “Popcorn Flicks” in Central Park, located on Park Avenue in Winter Park. The films are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket, a picnic or snacks, and some family and friends. This month’s selection is Miracle on 34th Street, which will be shown at 7pm on Friday, November 30.

Leu Gardens in downtown Orlando also hosts a monthly outdoor movie selection. They charge a small fee of $5 plus tax for adults, and $1 for children, if you’re not already a Leu Gardens member (though right now you get one free admission for bringing a new, unwrapped toy for charity). The next movie will be shown on Friday, December 7. The Gardens’ gates open at 6pm, with the movie showing at 7:30pm. I suggest that you bring a picnic basket and a blanket or chairs to enjoy the film with family. Sandwiches, hot dogs, popcorn and drinks are also available for purchase.

Some of the Disney resorts also offer up nightly movies for free. Disney’s Beach Club Resort has movies on their beach, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground has a campfire sing-a-long followed by the showing of a Disney classic. Of course, these selections are intended for resort guests only, but it’s a good amenity to keep in mind the next time you’re booking a place to stay in Central Florida.

Chad
For free entertainment, I think of events like the Festival of the Masters or the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. While you won’t be taking any priceless art home without opening your wallet, there’s normally no fee to just enjoy the outdoors and admire the beautiful paintings, sculptures, photographs and other pieces. It’s a great way to keep yourself busy, be amongst people and have a good time all at once.

Another great entertainment option that includes the outdoors and is inexpensive is a day at one of the local state parks. For $4 per vehicle, you gain access to hiking trails, picnic areas, springs, lakes and rivers for swimming, and so much more. My favorites are Lake Louisa State Park just south of Clermont on US-27 and Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka. Make sure to bring at least a bottle of water to keep yourself cool, but otherwise the options are endless. Get a trail guide and be off! You’ll be amazed at what you might see.

As for other options, think about heading out to the beach behind Disney’s Polynesian Resort to lay in a hammock and watch the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom. In the afternoon, you could go for a run around Lake Eola. For a few bucks, you could grab a couple ice cream cones at one of the local Twistee Treats in town. You can really do a lot for very little.

Jennifer
One of my best suggestions for inexpensive entertainment in Orlando is to attend a “1^st Thursdays” nighttime event at the Orlando Museum of Art. Free to all museum season passholders and only $5 for non-passholders, “1^st Thursdays” are offered each month and include previews of new exhibits, speakers, hor d’ovres, and more. It’s a nice option for a classy night on the town.

Popularity: 4% [?]