Summer is in full swing, and there’s no better time to dive into some affordable family fun in Orlando North! We’ve rounded up an exciting list of budget-friendly activities that will help you and your family make the most of this sunny season. Get ready to create lasting memories with these fantastic outings, all for under $20 each!
1. Tee Off on Topgolf Tuesdays
Lake Mary, FL
$16 per hour, per bay (up to 6 players)
Head to Topgolf on Tuesdays to enjoy half-off golfing all day. This unique driving range experience is a great way to practice your swing or simply have a fun, casual outing with the family. The facility offers climate-controlled hitting bays, making it a perfect spot even on hot summer days. With a variety of games to choose from, both beginners and experienced golfers can have a blast. Our favorite is “Block Party”!
2. Hike the Black Bear Wilderness Trail
Sanford, FL
Free
Explore the scenic beauty of the Black Bear Wilderness Trail, a free outdoor adventure perfect for families. This 1,600-acre site in northwest Seminole County features diverse wetland habitats within the St. Johns River floodplain, including Wet Prairie, Hydric Hammock, and Cypress Swamps. The 7.1-mile loop trail, marked by blue blazes and boardwalks, offers a chance to spot wildlife like white-tailed deer, river otters, alligators, and even the Florida black bear. Make sure to pack supplies like water, a hat, and plenty of bug spray.
3. Shop at Lake Mary Farmers Market
Lake Mary, FL
Free
Visit the Lake Mary Farmers Market to browse an array of local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods. Held every Saturday from 9am to 1pm, this vibrant market also features live music, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for families. Shop fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, handmade crafts, and delicious treats for a reasonable price. It’s a great way to support local vendors while enjoying a leisurely morning out. Don’t forget to check out the various rotating food stalls, such as Chope’s Street Food (Latin Food), Seven Years of Plenty (Macaroons), or The Filipino Hut Food Truck, for a tasty and affordable snack.
4. Catch a Flik at Picture Show
Altamonte Springs, FL
As low as $0.50 per person
This Summer, you can catch a movie at Picture Show in Altamonte Springs with a drink, popcorn, and candy for just $4 with their Summer Movie Series (Mondays and Wednesdays)! Even without the combo deal, tickets are incredibly affordable at $1 each day and only $0.50 on Tuesdays. The theater offers a range of films, from new releases to beloved classics. This Summer’s lineup includes Kung Fu Panda 4, Dune 2, Wonka, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Smurfs, and many more. It’s a perfect indoor activity to beat the heat while having fun.
5. Reach the Stars at Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium at Seminole State College
Sanford, FL
$6 for adults, $4 for seniors and students
For an affordable ticket price, you and your family can enjoy fascinating shows that explore the cosmos, from the stars and planets to the mysteries of black holes. The planetarium offers an immersive experience with its state-of-the-art digital projection system, bringing the night sky to life in stunning detail. Special events, such as laser light shows and themed educational programs, provide unique and engaging ways to learn about astronomy. Shows typically are shown on Friday nights every two weeks.
6. Connect with Nature at Lukas Nursery Butterfly Encounter
Oviedo, FL
$8.95 per adult
Experience Central Florida’s largest butterfly and bird conservatory for only $8.95 per person, with free entry for children under 3 years old. This delightful exhibit allows visitors to walk among hundreds of butterflies, exotic finches, and button quail in a lush, tropical garden setting. Learn about the life cycle of butterflies and observe various species up close. The encounter is both educational and magical, making it a perfect family outing. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful moments.
7. Arcade the Day Away at The District Oviedo
Oviedo, FL
Price Varies
The District in Oviedo offers a variety of exciting activities, including jellyball, axe throwing, escape games, and an arcade, all under one roof. With most activities priced under $20, it’s an affordable entertainment option for families. Gellyball, a fun and safe alternative to paintball, is a hit with kids and adults alike. Axe throwing provides a unique and thrilling experience, while the escape games challenge your family’s teamwork and problem-solving skills. The arcade offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic and modern games. Each Tuesday, The District offers a $10 1-hour arcade card, on Wednesdays, they offer $2 bowling games, and on Fridays, they host a free pinball tournament!
8. Putt Putt at Congo River Golf
Altamonte Springs, FL
$14-18 per person
Enjoy an 18-hole round of mini golf at Congo River Golf, where you can also feed alligators and search for gems in their “mine”. This mini-golf course features exciting and challenging holes set in an immersive themed environment complete with caves and waterfalls. You can also have a fun-filled day that includes more than just golfing. The alligator feeding experience is both thrilling and educational, providing kids with a chance to learn about these fascinating creatures. Gem mining adds another layer of adventure, making it a multifaceted outing for the whole family. Save up to 18% by buying your tickets ahead of time online.
9. Serve Pickleball at Lee P. Moore Park
Sanford, FL
Free
Joined the pickball craze yet? Polish your skills at Lee P. Moore Park in Sanford for a fun and active day in the sun. The park offers six outdoor dedicated hard courts for pickleball, complete with permanent lines and nets. The courts are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park also features restrooms and water amenities, making it convenient for families. If you want to extend your stay, you can rent a small shelter for $11.25 per hour (minimum rental of four hours) for a relaxing picnic or gathering.
10. Climb to New Heights at Aiguille Rock Climbing Center
Longwood, FL
$18 for day pass
Challenge yourself and your family with a day of rock climbing at Aiguille Rock Climbing Center. Day passes are available for $18 per adult or $15 per child, offering access to a variety of climbing walls suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, you’ll find routes that match your abilities. The center provides all necessary equipment, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. It’s a fantastic way to get active, build strength, and have fun together.
11. Strike Out at Airport Lanes
Sanford, FL
Price Varies
Did you know that kids get two games free at Airport Lanes all summer with a shoe rental purchase? Throughout the week they also offer daily specials including $20 an hour per lane all day Wednesdays, which covers up to six guests! The alley offers bumper lanes and lightweight balls, making it accessible for younger children. In addition to bowling, Airport Lanes features an arcade and a snack bar, providing plenty of entertainment options. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening with the family.
12. Uncover New Histories at the Seminole County History Museum
Sanford, FL
$3 per adult
Discover the rich history of Orlando North at the Seminole County History Museum, where entry fees under $3 per adult ($1 for Children, Students, Seniors, Military). The museum offers a variety of exhibits that showcase the region’s past, from prehistoric times to the present day. Topics include Native American history, early forts and settlements, industrial and agricultural development, Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department histories, and more. Spend a few hours exploring the exhibits and deepen your understanding of the community’s history.
13. Bike the Lake with Bicikleta’s Saturday Social Ride
Sanford, FL
Free
Join the free Saturday Social Ride in Sanford for a full 28-mile loop of Lake Monroe hosted by Bicikleta. This community bike ride is perfect for families who enjoy staying active together. The scenic route offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding areas, making it a pleasant and enjoyable ride. It’s a great way to meet other cycling enthusiasts and explore the local landscape. Remember to bring your bikes, helmets, and plenty of water for the journey.
14. Jump In at Planet Obstacle
Lake Mary, FL
$15.99 per person
This Summer, spend an hour of play at Planet Obstacle, the world’s largest indoor obstacle park, for just $15.99 per hour per person. This indoor adventure park features a variety of obstacle courses, trampolines, and climbing walls. It’s designed to provide fun and physical challenges for kids and adults alike. The diverse attractions ensure that everyone in the family can find something they enjoy. Whether you’re navigating an obstacle course or bouncing on trampolines, it’s a high-energy activity that’s sure to delight.
15. Splash Around at Fort Mellon Park
Sanford, FL
Free
Visit Fort Mellon Park in Sanford for a day of free outdoor fun featuring a stellar splash pad and massive playground, perfect for keeping kids entertained. For about $15, you can also rent a pavilion for a family picnic or gathering. The spacious park offers plenty of room to run, play, and relax. It’s a wonderful spot for spending a sunny day outdoors, enjoying the amenities and natural beauty.
16. Engage with the Arts at Theater West End Shows
Sanford, FL
Starting at $12 per ticket
Catch a live performance at Theater West End, where ticket prices start at just $12 each. This local theater offers a variety of shows, from musicals to plays, providing high-quality entertainment for a fraction of the cost of larger venues. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the magic of live theater. The intimate setting ensures that every seat has a good view, making for an enjoyable and immersive experience.
17. Read Up at Seminole County Libraries
Various Locations
Free
By-gone are the days that libraries only house books. Visit your closest location for information on how to connect to audiobooks, magazines, language-learning platforms, and professional development resources. SCPL also has an incredibly comprehensive event schedule offering early childhood programming, knitting club meet-ups, book clubs, language services, dungeons and dragons meet-ups, and even movie nights.
18. Learn the Ropes at Elev8 Fun Sanford
Sanford, FL
$10 per person
Head to Elev8 Fun Sanford for a variety of fun activities, including laser tag, ropes courses, virtual reality experiences, and mini-golf, all priced at $10 per person. This entertainment center provides endless fun for families, with each activity offering a different type of adventure. Whether you’re competing in laser tag or navigating the ropes course, you’re sure to have a blast. It’s an ideal destination for an action-packed day out (inside!).
19. Get Creative at Casselberry Art House
Casselberry, FL
$10-$20 per class
Create something new at the Casselberry Art House, where you can enjoy participate in affordable workshops and classes including art journaling, collage class, oil painting, and watercolors for $10 a class. The Art House also showcases local artists through their rotating art exhibits on site. Discover new art forms and hone your artistic skills; it’s a cultural experience that will encourage creativity for the whole family.
20. Get Your Moves on at Semoran Skateway
Casselberry, FL
Roll into fun at Semoran Skateway, where various programming options are available for under $20. For example, their “LRN 2 SK8” class costs $10 per person, and “Family Fun Nights” costs $5 per person. This classic roller skating rink offers public skate sessions, themed nights, and special events. It’s a fantastic way to get active and have fun, whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner. The family-friendly atmosphere ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Lace up your skates and hit the rink for a memorable outing.