Frugal Things to Do Around Orlando

It may surprise you to learn that there are things to see and do in Orlando other than Mickey Mouse or Shrek.  Here are some ideas where you can avoid the stressful crowds of the amusement parks.

The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is one of the largest rehabilitation centers in the south-eastern states.  Since the doors have opened in 1979, this bird sanctuary has nursed over 8, 000 birds and released more than 3, 500 back into nature.  The Center is a great place to get up and personal with eagles, owls, hawks and other raptors.

The variety of animals found at the Central Florida Zoo consists of a number of endangered species which includes stunning leopards and cheetahs.  In addition to an American crocodiles, you can also meet black howler monkeys, kangaroos and dozens of other species.

A museum on your must see list is the Cornell Fine Arts Museum which has 6, 000 works of art on display.  You’ll discovery European and American paintings, sculptures, and decorative art.  The Cornell Fine Arts Museum is considered to be one of Florida's most distinguished and comprehensive art collections.  Looking to add a little more culture to your life?  This museum also offers lectures and gallery-talk walks.

Lake Eola Park is a quiet hideaway in downtown Orlando which offers the city's skyline as a backdrop. The 43-acre park has a walking path, a playground for the children and swan-shaped paddleboats for an intimate moment across the 23-acre lake. You can also relax by feeding the swans, birds and fish.  A variety of performances also occur at Lake Eola Park throughout the year, most of which are free.  The Orlando Shakespeare in the Park is a must see during April and May.

One of the best shows in town is short but adorable.  Five Peabody Ducks march into the Peabody Orlando hotel’s lobby each morning, accompanied by John Philip Sousa's "King Cotton March".  After the journey through the lobby, they spend the day splashing in a marble fountain.  Then, in the afternoon, they march back to the elevator and up to their home on the fourth floor.  The ducks march occurs daily at 11 am and 5 pm.

Downtown Disney at the Marketplace and Boardwalk are other fun places to enjoy the magical world of Disney without the huge price tag.  There always different festivities going on throughout the year.

Last but not least is the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour.  This serene water journey has been operating since 1938.  The guided, one-hour cruise goes along the area's beautiful lakes, canals, Kraft Azalea Gardens and a number of historical mansions.

Austin Ames has many years' experience in article writing and he has written many more in the past.