ORLANDO (CityofOrlando.net) – The kids are back to school and temperatures will soon begin to drop. Fall is almost here and it is not too early to plan to take advantage of some of Orlando’s best events and amenities.
Here is a list of 20 free things for families to do in the city this fall:
Salute Our Veterans at the Parade
Everyone loves a parade, especially a parade that salutes those who have served. On November 8, Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council will host the annual Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Orlando. The parade features entries from local veterans organizations, members of the active military, law enforcement groups and bands, and allows spectators to thank those who have fought for our freedom.
Downtown Orlando
November 8
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Veterans Day Parade details
Explore Langford Park
Located just minutes from Downtown, Mayor Carl T. Langford Park features a shady oasis of mature oak trees, wide sidewalks, green grass, birds and butterflies. The park has plenty of spaces for the kids to play, including a playground and a trail that winds along Fern Creek.
1808 E. Central Boulevard
Langford Park information
Spend the Day with the Dogs
Head to Lake Eola on September 27 and support Orange County Animal Services and their annual Barktoberfest. The event will feature rescued pets available for adoption, as well as food trucks, vendors, pet microchipping and games.
Lake Eola Park
September 27
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
512 East Washington Street
Learn more about Barktoberfest
See What’s in Bloom at Leu Gardens
The fall brings outs roses, violets and other flowers at Leu Gardens. See what is in bloom at the 50-acre botanical garden the first Monday of each month (October 6, November 3, December 1) when admission is free.
Leu Gardens
October 6, November 3, December 1
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1902 North Forest Avenue
Explore Leu Gardens
Take to the Streets to Experience Creativity
Orlando has a growing arts scene and a visit to the Mills 50 District provides the opportunity to see creativity from the streets. The district’s art box project allows local artists to transform utility boxes at intersections into works of art. The painted art boxes are found throughout the district, with the majority located on Mills Avenue and East Colonial Drive.
Mills 50 District
Read more about the Mills 50 Art Box project
Have a Fall Fiesta in the Park
Get outside and enjoy cooler temperatures, creative artwork, food and games during Fall Fiesta in the Park November 1-2 at Lake Eola Park. More than 300 artists and crafters will be displaying and selling their work. The 44th annual event features a large children’s play area.
Lake Eola Park
November 1-2
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (November 1)
12 – 5 p.m. (November 2)
512 East Washington Street
Fiesta in the Park information
Get Crafty at the Mennello Museum
As part of its Free Family Day on the Second Sunday promotion, the Mennello Museum of American Art will offer free admission on both October 12 and November 9. Activities include make-and-take craft stations that relate to current exhibits at the museum. On September 27, admission is also free as part of Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live!
The Mennello Museum of American Art
September 27
October 12
November 9
10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (September 27)
12 – 4:30 p.m. (October 12, November 9)
900 East Princeton Street
Learn more about the Mennello Museum of American Art
Museum Day Live information
Get Live on Virginia Drive
Hosted by the Ivanhoe Village Main Street District, Virginia Drive Live offers a fun evening outside in one of Orlando’s most unique areas. The event is set for September 20 and the evening includes entertainment, food trucks and vendors along pedestrian-friendly Virginia Drive.
Ivanhoe Village Main Street District
September 20
6-10 p.m.
Ivanhoe Main Street District information
Experience Fall at the Farmer’s Market
Each Sunday at Lake Eola Park, the Orlando Farmer’s Market features fresh produce, plants, artwork and delicious food. The market also includes live entertainment and plenty of room to relax on Lake Eola Park’s East Lawn. In October, experience fall at the market by visiting its pumpkin patch.
Lake Eola Park
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
512 East Washington Street
Orlando Farmer’s Market details
Fish Clear Lake
Clear Lake, located between George Barker Park and Clear Lake Park, is stocked with hybrid striped bass. Most of the good fishing for hybrids is in the cooler months. The lake also includes largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, white catfish and brown bullhead catfish.
George Barker Park
2000 Monte Carlo Trail
George Barker Park information
Jam Out to Jazz in College Park
The College Park JazzFest on October 25 will turn Edgewater Drive into a lively music venue. The event includes 10 bands on three stages over a six-block stretch and features a performance by 80s pop singer Tiffany. The JazzFest requests a $5 donation for entry, with money going to College Park non-profit organizations and the College Park Partnership, whose mission is to improve the quality of life in College Park.
Edgewater Drive
October 25
6 – 11 p.m.
College Park Partnership information
Celebrate Our Parks During National Public Lands Day
On September 27, celebrate National Public Lands Day with free admission and fun, family activities at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake. The day provides a chance to enjoy all that the park has to offer, including an animal farm, hiking, biking, fishing, playground, swimming pool, volleyball and disc golf. Special activities during National Public Lands Day include a hayride park tour and a mobile butterfly exhibit.
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake
September 27
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
3401 South Hiawassee Road
Explore Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake
Bike, Roll and Stroll Down Robinson Street
On September 21, Robinson Street in Downtown Orlando will be car free for Ciclovia. You will have the chance to bike, roll and stroll while enjoying games and activities for all ages. Ciclovia is a Spanish term for “cycleway” and is a long-standing tradition in South America, where miles of roads are closed every Sunday. During Orlando’s first Ciclovia event, the cars on Robinson Street near Lake Eola Park will be replaced by bikes and pedestrians.
Robinson Street near Lake Eola Park
September 21
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Feel Fit at Lake Underhill Park
A visit to Lake Underhill Park can help you stay fit this fall. Located on the southern banks of Lake Underhill, the park’s .75-mile trail is equipped with multiple fitness stations, and also provides a beautiful look at Downtown Orlando in the distance.
Lake Underhill Park
4355 Lake Underhill Road
Release Your Inner Zombie
Don’t wait until the end of October to get your costume. Join the Audubon Park Garden District for its sixth annual Zombietoberfest on October 4. The family-friendly street festival will kickoff the spooky season with food trucks, vendors, a zombie walk, music, costume contest, bounce house and face painting.
Audubon Park Garden District
October 4
6 – 10 p.m.
Zombietoberfest details
Name that Swan
Lake Eola Park is home to five different breeds of swans that call the park home: Trumpeter, Whooper, Black Neck, Australian Black and Royal Mute swans. Use this guide to learn more about the breeds and then head to Lake Eola to identify the beautiful swans.
Lake Eola Park
512 East Washington Street
Bike the Cady Way Trail
Cooler temperatures call for more time outside and a bike ride on the Cady Way Trail is a great way enjoy Central Florida on a fall day. Opened in 1994, the Cady Way Trail has a trail head behind the Orlando Fashion Square Mall and continues 6.5 miles through Baldwin Park, Winter Park and Orange County to the Seminole County line. The trail alternates between a single width pathway and two paths separated by a median, providing plenty of space for pedestrians, skaters and bicyclists.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage at City Hall Art Exhibit
From September 9-October 15, the work of 12 local artists will be displayed at City Hall as part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit. The exhibit showcases Orlando’s multicultural diversity and celebrates the contributions of Hispanics to the community.
City Hall
September 9 – October 15
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
400 South Orange Avenue
Use Your Pedal Power
Join the Orlando Main Street Districts on October 11 for Pedalpalooza. Enjoy a day of bicycle activities, safety demonstrations and games.
October 11
Orlando Main Street Districts
Pedalpalooza information
Get Your Game On at Trotters Park
Fall is a great time to head outside with friends and family and get active. Visit Trotters Park, one of the City’s four cornerstone parks, featuring 100.2 acres of land that includes four soccer fields and plenty of space to get your game on.
Trotters Park
2701 Lee Road
Learn more about Trotters Park
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