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Kelly Park Rock Springs in Apopka, Florida

Destinations > North America > United States > Florida > Cheap Things To Do in Orlando Florida: Nature Parks, Gardens, and Springs

The natural beauty of Florida might surprise you, and it also might surprise you that it's also one of the best cheap things to do in Orlando, Florida. While most people think of the beach when it comes to Florida’s natural spaces, there’s actually a diverse range of ecologies found throughout the state. Even taking a look at the nature areas around Orlando alone provides so many options for things to see and do in the great outdoors.

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Winter Garden, Florida by jalexartis Photography, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

Where to Stay in Orlando, Central Florida

After living in the Orlando area for quite some time, we highly recommend staying in the Winter Garden area as it has a nice downtown vibe with plenty of shade and growth as a community. You can think of it as a hip new area, with farmers markets, a local brewery, and a number of chic cafes as well. Plus it is central to all of the natural wonders of central Florida, as well as the theme parks, while still being outside of the heavy traffic areas!

Eagle eye view of the shoreline of Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Florida — Eagle eye view of the shoreline of Kissimmee Lakefront Park

Central Florida Nature & Wildlife Tours

While there are a number of other nature and wildlife tours in central Florida to choose from, the ones that we selected in this article are some of the best cheap things to do in Orlando, Florida. However, if after reading the article, you feel like you want a few more choices, ones that might include horseback riding, kayaking with manatees, swimming with dolphins, getting up close to alligators, or stand-up paddle boarding, then check out the ones listed on this site as well:

Central Florida Nature and Wildlife Tours

Kelly Park Rock Springs, Apopka, near Orlando Florida — Kelly Park Rock Springs by The Florida Guidebook, via CC BY 4.0

Kelly Park and Rock Springs

Kelly Park is a great place to experience the natural wonders Florida has to offer. The main feature of the park is Rock Springs, natural springs that flow up from underground rivers. The waters stay at a pleasant 68 degrees (20 Celsius) year-round. The creek is popular with tubers and waders, though tubes are not provided onsite, so be sure to grab one from town before you come. The park also has picnic and camping facilities, seven miles of trails for hiking and biking, and a playground. There is a minimal fee of only a couple dollars per car to get in to the park, making it one of the best cheap things to do in Orlando, Florida. However, once capacity is reached no more cars are allowed in, so be sure to get there early to enjoy this beautiful spot.

King’s Landing

Just a bit downstream along Rock Springs Run, King’s Landing lets you further explore the gorgeous waters. Like nature’s very own theme park, you can launch your canoe or kayak and experience the heart of natural Florida. Whether you bring your own or rent one onsite, a water-level view is not to be missed. There are several self or guided tour options, and one of the best is their Shuttle Run. This longer paddle adventure requires more experience, as you will be traveling eight and a half miles to the King’s Landing dock on Wekiva Island, where a daily shuttle will take you back upstream to the main facilities.

It is perhaps the most magical kayaking experience in central Florida, and our biggest recommendation on this list of cheap things to do in Orlando, Florida!

Kayak the Wekiva River from Wilson’s Landing, or from Katie’s Landing, instead for a chance to see manatees!

Wekiwa Springs

Wekiwa Springs State Park offers visitors another great water-based adventure opportunity. With areas for both swimming and paddling, the park is perfect for whatever way you like to enjoy the water. There is also a huge variety of other things to do if you get tired of the water, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, geocaching, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. There is truly something for everyone here.

Shingle Creek Regional Park

You’re never far from water in Florida, and Shingle Creek Regional Park is home to the Paddling Center.

This beautiful kayaking gem allows you to see Florida's wildlife up close without having to leave the Disney area of Kissimmee, Florida as it's located right near mile marker 15, off of US 192.

Offering kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals, the center is a jumping off point for a variety of eco-tours on the area’s waterways. Their Cypress Forest Guided Tour takes you through the unique cypress ecosystem, and the knowledgeable guides will answer questions and point out the landscape’s features. Consider it an easy kayaking experience as you navigate roughly a half mile downstream to the cypress forest. If you are quiet you may even spot a Florida alligator! But don't worry, alligators are afraid of kayaks and typically swim away if you make too much noise.

The Manatee Expedition takes guests to the winter home of the Florida Manatee, and even in the manatee off season the wildlife experience is not to be missed.

If you haven't been here, we would definitely recommend it.

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Harry P Leu Gardens

For a more structured experience of nature’s beauty, a visit to the Harry P Leu Gardens, minutes from downtown Orlando, is in order. It's another one of our favorite cheap things to do in Orlando, Florida. These botanic gardens offer 50 acres of temperate and tropical plants that thrive in the Florida climate. Signs throughout the gardens provide plant details, and friendly staff at the Welcome Center can give you more details if you’re interested. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, the admission fee is $15, with discounts for children and active US military and veterans.

Lake Eola Park

Also in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a great place to enjoy the sunshine the state is famous for. The lake itself is looped by a walking path that is just under a mile- nice for a gentle stroll, and also perfect for keeping track of distance for more serious exercise. If you’d rather be on the water than beside it, you can rent a swan-shaped paddle boat. With frequent events in the park’s outdoor amphitheater, and close proximity to restaurants and cafés, it’s the perfect place to relax. There's a decent amount of free parking around the area, so this one can actually be free to do! If not, all you're paying for is parking, so that makes it another one of the best cheap things to do in Orlando, Florida.

Boggy Creek Airboats in Kissimmee Florida — Boggy Creek Airboat by traveljunction, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

If you’ve ever seen a tv show or movie set in Florida, you’ve probably seen an airboat flying through the everglades. Now is the perfect time to try one out for yourself! A great place to do that is Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, which offers a range of airboat tours, including a night tour for the really adventurous. The site also includes a Native American village and a fossil and gem mine where you can discover more about the history of the area. Don’t forget to stop in at Boggy Bottom BBQ for some delicious lunch. As a separate option, Wild Florida also has airboats in the area.

Located just outside of the entrance area is the Jororo Native Village Show - an amazing cultural experience demonstrating how Native Americans lived in this area long ago!

Bok Tower Gardens

For a slightly more tranquil experience of nature, you’ll want to visit Bok Tower Gardens. This 250-acre contemplative garden and bird sanctuary offers visitors a huge range of cultural and artistic events, paired beautifully with the natural environment of the gardens. Founder Edward W. Bok’s philosophy to “make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it,” still guides the mission of the gardens today. Specifically designed to attract a wide variety of birds, the gardens are a fantastic place to encounter our feathered friends. There’s also a café and gift shop on site.

Brevard Zoo

When it comes to wildlife, Brevard Zoo is another must-see. The open-air habitats are home of more than 900 animals and 195 species from all over the world. Our favorite way to see the animals is by kayaking in the Africa enclosure – a guided tour will take you past many of the African animals, or you can take a self-guided tour through the restored wetlands to experience the local environment. You can also sign up to scrub and pet a rhinoceros, or feed giraffes!

Another fun perspective is the Treetop Trek, where you can climb to the tops of huge Florida pines, and then rappel, and zip-line, back down.

In addition to the adventures and encounters they offer guests, the zoo supports both local and global conservation initiatives to benefit the world for future generations. Brevard Zoo is about a 90 minute drive east of the Disney Springs area.

There is also a Treetop Express in Orlando with zip-lines and sky bridges!

Mead Botanical Garden

Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park, Florida has 47 acres of garden for visitors to explore. The tall Florida pines shelter hiking trails and boardwalks, a greenhouse, and a butterfly garden. Water is always nearby in this state, and the creek and pond in the gardens are home to turtles, fish, and wading birds. The tranquility of the gardens is a perfect backdrop for the yoga and tai chi classes they offer. Check for events or concerts held in their open-air performance venue, The Grove, before your visit – there’s sure to be something fun going on.

Dickson Azalea Park

Another great green space in the heart of urban Orlando is Dickson Azalea Park. Donated to the city to be enjoyed by the public in 1924, the park has long served as an oasis of nature in the heart of the city. In addition to the azaleas that give it its name, the park offers a relaxing atmosphere amongst its shady trees and flowing water. The landmark Washington Street Bridge spanning the creek that runs through the center of the park is one of the highlights, and worth a visit.

Wild Turkeys at Econlockhatchee Sandhills in Florida — Wild Turkey at Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area by Mary Keim, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, via Flickr

Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area

Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area provides a great example of the diversity of the natural environments that Florida has to offer. There is a loop trail through the area that takes hikers around the upland habitat and showcases sand pine scrub, oak groves, pine flatwoods, and dense saw palmetto. The 3.2-mile loop wanders past lovely wildflowers and provides glimpses of native wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, gophers, tortoises, fence lizards and a wide variety of birds.

Lake Louisa State Park

Located at northeast corner of the Green Swamp and the southwestern shore of Lake Louisa, Lake Louisa State Park showcases local wildlife amid the bald cypress, live oak, saw palmetto landscape. The park has three lakes and a network of multi-use trails, so whatever outdoor adventure you’re in the mood for is available. There are camping facilities, or if you prefer a little less rustic accommodation, you can reserve a glamping site or a cabin overlooking Dixie Lake.

Little Big Econ State Forest

Established in 1994, Little Big Econ State Forest is located less than an hour drive from Orlando, and is known for the Econlockhatchee River, whose winding path travels 17 miles through the park to eventually join the St. Johns River flowing along the eastern boundary of the park. The forest protects the wetlands and the environments of the floodplains of the two rivers. It’s open to the public during daylight hours and is popular for hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, bicycling, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The visitors’ center provides more information on the park amenities as well as educational programs on the history, environment, and wildlife of the area.

For an unforgettable and relaxing experience, try kayaking along the Econlockhatchee River in Little Big Econ State Forest and see the beauty of Florida’s natural ecosystem, native plants, and animal species!

Tibet-Butler Wildlife Preserve in Orlando Florida — Tibet-Butler Wildlife Preserve by Javier Alejandro, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr

Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

Located to the west of Orlando, the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is home to numerous educational programs. Many of the gentle walking trails are great for all skill levels, making it a perfect stop for families and multi-generational groups. Some of the trails flood occasionally and so are only suitable for more advanced hikers. The Vera Carter Environmental Center located on site offers a variety of displays, exhibits, and events to educate guests about the area and the environment.

Start of the trails area of Celebration Lakeside Park overlooking the downtown area of Celebration Florida — Start of the trails area of Celebration Lakeside Park overlooking the downtown area

The Best Cheap Things to do in Orlando, Florida

While many people think first of beaches and theme parks, when it comes to Florida there are whole other worlds of nature to explore and experience, and they aren't nearly as expensive as the rest. The tranquility and diversity will have you coming back again and again, and there will be something new and beautiful each time.

Our favorites were:

King’s Landing
Kelly Park & Rock Springs
Brevard Zoo
Lake Eola Park
Bok Tower Gardens
Little Big Econ State Forest
Lake Louisa State Park

We’re sure that you will love them!

FAQ’s

How much does it cost to visit each of the natural places mentioned in the article?

The admission fees for Blue Spring State Park, De Leon Springs State Park, Kelly Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, Leu Gardens, and Bok Tower Gardens are as follows:

- Blue Spring State Park: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $4 for single occupant vehicle, $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, or passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass¹

- De Leon Springs State Park: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $4 for single occupant vehicle, $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, or passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass²

- Kelly Park: $3 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $1 for additional person, $1 for pedestrians and bicyclists³

- Wekiwa Springs State Park: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $4 for single occupant vehicle, $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, or passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass⁴

- Leu Gardens: $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 4-17), free for children (ages 3 and under), free for Leu Gardens Members⁵

- Bok Tower Gardens: $15 for adults, $5 for children (ages 5-12), free for children (ages 4 and under), free for Bok Tower Gardens Members⁶

What are the best times of the year to visit Central Florida for nature lovers?

The best times of the year to visit Central Florida for nature lovers are from January to April, when the weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and the wildlife is more active⁷⁸. Some of the highlights of visiting Central Florida during these months are:

- Seeing the manatees at Blue Spring State Park, which is the largest winter refuge for these gentle giants¹

- Enjoying the blooming azaleas at Bok Tower Gardens, which are at their peak from late January to early March⁹

- Exploring the trails and boardwalks at Circle B Bar Reserve, which is home to a variety of birds, alligators, and other animals.

- Kayaking or canoeing along the crystal-clear waters of Wekiwa Springs State Park, which maintain a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round⁴

- Visiting the butterfly garden at Leu Gardens, which features hundreds of colorful butterflies and plants⁵

- What are some other activities or attractions that are nearby the natural places in the article?

Besides the natural places mentioned in the article, there are many other activities or attractions that are nearby and worth checking out. Some of them are:

- Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland, where you can experience a wildlife safari with exotic animals such as zebras, camels, lemurs, and more¹¹

- Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven, which is a new family-friendly attraction based on the popular children's show, featuring rides, shows, and interactive play areas¹²

- Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven, which is a theme park and water park dedicated to the Lego brand, with over 50 rides, shows, and attractions for kids and adults¹³

- Frank Lloyd Wright Tours in Lakeland, where you can see the largest collection of buildings designed by the famous architect on the campus of Florida Southern College¹⁴

- Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, where you can learn about the history and future of space exploration, see rockets and spacecraft, and even meet an astronaut¹⁵

- The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando, which is a 400-foot tall observation wheel that offers panoramic views of the city and its attractions¹⁶.

(1) Unlocking Central Florida's Hidden Gems: More Than Just Theme Parks. https://bing.com/search?q=best+times+of+the+year+to+visit+Central+Florida+for+nature+lovers.

(2) Lake Okahumpka Park. https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/205/Lake-Okahumpka-Park.

(3) Sabal Bluff Preserve. https://www.lcwa.org/.

(4) Wild Waters. https://wildwatersocala.com/.

(5) St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. https://alligatorfarm.com/.

(6) The 15 Best Places to Visit in Florida for Nature Lovers in 2024. https://floridatravelgirl.com/places-in-florida-for-nature-lovers/.

(7) THE 10 BEST Central Florida Nature & Wildlife Areas - Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1591089-Activities-c57-t68-Central_Florida_Florida.html.

(8) Unlocking Central Florida's Hidden Gems: More Than Just Theme Parks. https://www.cleverjourney.com/things-to-do-in-central-florida/.

(9) Best Time To Visit Florida: When To Go And When To Avoid. https://floridatrippers.com/best-time-to-visit-florida/.

(11) Palm Island Park. https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us/facilities/facility/details/Palm-Island-Park-11.

(12) Central Florida Nature Adventures. https://centralfloridakayaktours.com/.

(13) Tavares Nature Park. https://www.tavares.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/10.

(14) Bourlay Historic Nature Park. http://bourlayhistoricnaturepark.placeweb.site/.

(15) THE 10 BEST Central Florida Parks & Nature Attractions - Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1591089-Activities-c57-Central_Florida_Florida.html.

(16) 33+ Unique & Awesome Things To Do in Central Florida (Beyond Disney). https://365atlantatraveler.com/things-to-do-in-central-florida/.

(17) Helpful Guide to Exploring Central Florida Attractions & Towns. https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/explore-central-florida-attractions/.

(19) Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/lake-apopka/.

(20) Oakland Nature Preserve. https://oaklandnaturepreserve.wildapricot.org/.

(21) Things to Do in Central Florida - Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1591089-Activities-Central_Florida_Florida.html.

Kayaking at Shingle Creek Regional Park in Kissimmee, Florida

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