Orlando on a tight budget: Three free things to do with kids

Orlando is typically a must-do vacation for any family with children. Parents might try to save money by searching the web for the best deals at Disney World, because we all know how expensive a family vacation can be, but they might not look into the numerous Orlando attractions outside the theme parks. To help keep your vacation within budget, consider these fun and free alternatives.


Downtown Disney Marketplace: Experience the Happiest Place on Earth without paying for it. Downtown Disney is a perfect spot for a relaxing day. You will enjoy walking along the boardwalk and shopping in various specialty stores like the Disney Mega Store and the Lego store. Afterward, you can reward the kids (and yourself) with ice cream from the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop. It's within a short drive from Disney 's All Star Movie Resort, one of Disney's most affordable resorts, or the pricier.


The small-town of Celebration: To escape from all the hustling and bustling of the tourist traps, check out the quaint, picture-perfect town of Celebration. It was carefully planned to be a place where kids could enjoy the simple life -- you might just forget that you are in the land of the mega amusement parks and gaudy T-shirt shops. You can stay nearby at the Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.


Lake Eola Park: In downtown Orlando you can enjoy a nice stroll at Lake Eola Park. Kids will have fun feeding the live swan and other birds along the lake. For the active family, a walk around the lake will log you in at just under a mile. If the pavement is too hard on your feet, you can rent a paddle boat for a great fun in the lake. Also, don't forget to check the schedule for concerts or a plays at the Walt Disney Amphitheater.


- Amy Querido of The Q Family Adventures and Atlanta With Kid