With summer vacation starting this week for thousands of kids around Orlando, we decided to meet up with Nate Watson, a local dad and community organizer, to talk about a few things parents can easily do around town that are free or cheap.
Nate is the creator of the DadSwagg Community, an online group for Dads to connect, share their interests, and talk about being a dad. With a group on Facebook that totals 7,000 members and over 25,000 on Instagram, Nate also holds around 4-5 events every month around Orlando for dads to connect.
Lake Eola offers a perfect escape with its scenic 0.9-mile sidewalk encircling the lake, ideal for a leisurely stroll or an energetic run. There are swan-shaped paddle boats for rent, plenty of areas and landmarks to take creative photos, including the opportunity to capture swans and other birds. It’s the perfect spot to bring your dog, enjoy a playground or grab some food at nearby establishments. Lake Eola also features the Walt Disney Amphitheater where you can catch a live concert, movie or play.
Orlando is full of wonderful trails both paved and rustic. Trails like the Shingle Creek Trail, Urban Trail and West Orange Trail offer 100’s of miles for you to bike, skate, run or walk. Some trails have a wonderful canopy of trees that make the hot summer days a little more bearable, and you can also choose your starting and ending points near downtowns to explore local places for refreshments or food.
A number of movie theaters around town such as the West Orange 5 and Regal in Winter Park offer summer movies at a discounted price. Movies are most likely to be older movies but still offer a fun theater experience.
Some bowling alleys offer summer bowling that is free or more affordable. Some places may offer the bowling for free with shoe rental. Look up your local bowling alley and ask what’s available.
There are a number of parks around Orlando that have anything from playgrounds to recreational sports, to shaded areas for grilling. Some areas may require reservation if you’re looking for a covered spot. Pack up a cooler full of waters and throw some sports equipment in the back. Parks are an easy affordable activity to do with lots of kids.