Free.

It’s a word that consumers and search engines seek out regularly. In Orlando, free can be hard to find. After all, the tourists are bringing their hard-earned money with every intention to spend. But that doesn’t mean free can’t be found. In fact, there’s an abundance of free things to do in the Orlando area.

Luckily for me (and you), the folks at National Geographic Traveler have put together a list of over 40 ways for you to get something for nothing in Orlando. Separated into seven categories - art, attractions, culture, families, food/drink, outdoor, and theater/music - you’ll be hard pressed not to find something to enjoy. What follows are my favorites among their list (read the full article to find yours).

Art
The downtown CityArts Factory houses five separate and diverse art galleries. Visit Keila Glassworks Gallery in the historic Dr. Phillips building for handblown glass by Charles Keila; the Pound Gallery for music and art fusion by Jim Faherty and Gene Zimmerman; and the Zulu Exclusive Gallery for 100 years of African sculpture.

Attractions
Stroll along Disney’s Boardwalk, a re-creation of a 1930s-style Atlantic coastal village. The 45-acre (18-hectare) waterfront district is known for its nightclubs and entertainment hot spots, but all visitors can enjoy the many street musicians, magicians, and performers for free. If you are on the Boardwalk in the evening, find a good spot to look out over the lake towards Epcot for an up-close view of the park’s fireworks show, Illuminations. You’ll miss out on some of the music, but that’s no big deal.

Culture (Beer as culture, I love it!)
Next to the Amtrak station is the Orlando Brewing Company, Florida’s only certified organic brewery. Indulge in their Monk In the Trunk Amber Ale or Young’s Double Chocolate Stout as you take advantage of their free wifi. The brewery also offers free tours daily at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and hosts free live entertainment on weekends.

Families
On the third Monday of every month, the Harry P. Leu Gardens has free storytelling for young children. Bring children under 18 months at 10 a.m., toddlers at 10:20 a.m., and 3-4 year olds at 10:40 a.m. for storytelling in the park. Admission to the 50-acre (20-hectare) park is free from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, so take your child for a stroll along any of the park’s three miles (five kilometers) of paved scenic walkways after story time. Attractions include a butterfly garden, a two-acre (one-hectare) tropical stream garden, bamboo and palm gardens, and a house museum dating to the 1880s.

Food/Drink
Contrary to an earlier post on the subject, the Orlando area has many local farmer’s markets to enjoy on the weekends. Find one and you’ll have the opportunity to peruse the freshest produce and specialty products around. You may even find a few free samples to enjoy.

Outdoor
If you have a dog, you’ve probably worn out your neighborhood with morning and afternoon walks. On the weekends, try taking your pooch to a local dog park to play off-leash with a few furry friends. To find the nearest dog park near you, head over to orlandodogparks.com.

Theater/Music
Visit Winter Park on the second Thursday of each month for a free movie. Popcorn Flicks showcases classic films in Winter Park’s Central Park. Get there early for a good spot, and be sure to bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, and movie munchies.

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