Free Things to Do in Orlando for Families on Vacation

Ready for your upcoming Orlando vacation with family and friends, but don’t know what to do on those days when you won’t be visiting the parks? We have you covered! You’ll find some of the free things to do in Orlando for families on vacation below. This list is filled with fun and creative ideas to keep the kiddos entertained at your Orlando vacation home or when you’re ready to explore the beautiful scenery in the area.

Plan a picnic. You don’t have to go far to have a picnic — just head to a park or playground near your Orlando vacation rental. There are endless opportunities with beautiful scenery throughout the region. Just pack whatever is in the fridge into plastic containers that can be easily eaten on a blanket on the grass… instant picnic!

Create a vacation photo album. This works great while you are still in your vacation rental or once you return home. The sad truth is most of our photos are digital these days and simply sit on our cell phones or cameras. Let your child create their very own family photo album! Let them decorate the pages, while you share stories about each family member. This activity can be fun for everyone in the family and gives you a priceless keepsake after your Orlando adventures come to an end. It will also enhance your child’s memory, as well as encourage creativity as they decorate each page.

Take advantage of renting a home in a Orlando resort community with extra perks. Many of the affordable resort communities in Orlando, where our vacation rental homes are located, feature what some describe as mini water parks — think lazy rivers, waterslides, and splash parks designed just for the kiddos. They are often accompanied by amazing clubhouses with additional amenities like poolside tiki bars, on-site restaurants and intimate movie theaters. Take a look at 5 affordable Orlando resorts with water parks onsite for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Have a treasure hunt. Make a treasure map with clues to find some treasure you have hidden somewhere in your vacation rental. It doesn’t have to be expensive or big — any little treat will be exciting when it is found.

Create a Vacation Diary. Encourage the little ones to keep a Vacation Diary or scrapbook. They can take photos of special days and write about them. It will become a lovely memory for them in the future — and also keep them busy for hours.

Make a movie. As you’re visiting the parks or having your vacation adventures, take lots of videos. Or, have your kids shoot the videos. Then let them use Windows MovieMaker, iMovie or other simple software to edit it. They get to have creative fun — and create more vacation memories.

Get messy with chalk in the driveway. Sidewalk chalk is the easiest thing to pack or pick up at Target when you’re on vacation. It can translate into hours of fun for the kiddos! Older kids can draw theme park characters or capture vacation memories. Babies or younger toddlers will love the chance to let loose and scribble away! And, when you’re finished take a photo and tag it with #MyVillaKey! We love to see all of your creative works of art.

Take nature walks. This is by far one of our favorite free things to do in Orlando for families on vacation! Go on nature walks with a purpose. Check out a couple of the parks in the greater Orlando area and take in the beautiful Florida landscapes. Take a drive to one of the beaches, collect shells and stones to make a memory box. In the forest, get kids to seek out different sorts of bugs, plants or trees. Or, you can give them a map to plan the route you are taking. By giving them control, they don’t get bored too quickly.

Let them put on a show. Let’s face it, most kids love having your undivided attention and being the source of entertainment. This activity is a wonderful way to get creative and can take a whole morning or afternoon. Let them reenact scenes from amusement parks, or other vacation activities.

Bake cookies and decorate them. Although this idea isn’t new, it’s a big favorite. Who doesn’t enjoy baking and decorating delicious treats that you get to enjoy together afterwards? All of our vacation homes have fully equipped kitchens — so it’s easy to make this happen. If you have older kids, you can even turn cleaning up into a fun learning experience. Placing cups on saucers or stacking them together, sorting silverware or packing away washed bowls and plates in the correct places is a wonderful opportunity to learn.

Have a “Chill Day”. With all that activity planned, kids will also need some down time. Make sure you plan some days where you just chill, watch some movies, read some books, and take it easy. You’ll find Airbnb rental homes in Orlando with game rooms and private movie theaters to enhance your vacation even more.

Need help finding the perfect accommodations for your next Orlando vacation or have questions about free things to do in Orlando for families on vacation? We’re available 24/7 to assist you in planning your Walt Disney World vacation in Orlando! Give us a call or shoot us a message. You can also browse through all of our vacation rental properties or choose from one of the Villakey Curated Collections: