Orlando Summer on the Cheap

“The marigold, that goes to bed with the sun

And with him rises weeping;

These are the flowers of middle summer.”

from The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare

The school year is nearly over and soon summer will be upon us.  Time to make plans to make it an unforgettable time of family fun and making memories!

Vacation Bible School (VBS):

Some of my fondest childhood memories from the summer months are of going to VBS.  Here is a list of available VBS programs for summer 2013 from the Z88.3 website. The list is not exhaustive, so call and ask your local church about their VBS program this year. 

Lakeshore Learning:

 Where learning and fun go together!  Great little shop for toys, educational games, and tools to help our little people do better in school.  There's even a free craft every Saturday. 

Click here for website.  You'll find coupons and the schedule for the Saturday Craft.

Home Depot:

Also has a Saturday craft.  Check your local Home Depot for schedule.

Lowe's:

There's a Saturday craft here, too.  That'll fill up most of your Saturdays with free craft projects.

Orlando Public Library Summer Reading Program:

Lots of fun activities this year including Hula dancing (I'm signing up for that one!)  Check website for more details.

Winter Park Library Summer Reading Program: 

For those of you who know and love the Winter Park library.  It also has a summer reading program with lots of activities and prizes.  And, Mr. Richard, that fabulous one man band is coming!  Check website for schedule.

Regal movies. 

$1 kid's movies.  Need I say more?  For website and movie listing, click here.

Leu Gardens:

First Monday of the month free admission!  Click here for website.

The History Center: 

There is an awesome deal coming up at The History Center.  On Mondays, June 10-August 12, admission is free for up to four children (ages 12 and under) with one paid adult admission.  Check out the website here.

Parking in downtown is tricky, but if you don't mind the walk, the parking garage across from the library is free if you bring your stub to be validated at the History Center.

Cinemark  Theatres:

More $1 shows.  Here's the website!

Kids Bowl Free: 

Kids bowl free website here.  
AMF also has it's own free bowling.  To sign your kids up, click here. 
Boardwalk Bowl has it's own kids bowl free program here.

Orange County Parks and Recreation:

For younger kiddos or older ones, too, a splash park is a fun diversion for cooling off in the hot summer sun. Here's a listing for all orange county's public parks.

Florida's State Parks: 

For those families who like to camp, hike, canoe, or snorkel in Florida's natural springs here's a great website!

Nathaniel’s Hope:

For volunteering opportunities and fun for the whole family, this event is sure to shine.  Check out the website here.


Please comment if you know of any other fun, free (or inexpensive) ways to have a blast this summer!

Thankfully His,

~ Chanda