Born and raised in Florida this list in comprised of all my favorite cheap places to go and cheap things to do with my family.
Some places and ideas listed are just one or two hours of fun and some are all day fun!
(All prices,dates and times should be verified before visiting. Please verify with venue websites where applicable)
Trying on shoes at the Altamonte Mall
Altamonte Mall
451 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Window Shopping is great dun at Altamonte Mall, plus just looking is free!
Personal Recommendations:
There is a colorful playground with a Tree Slide for the smaller kids to enjoy.
Visit Borders and read at one of their tables or put on a show on their forest themed stage.
Try on clothes at your favorite stores.
Try out new video games at Gamestop
Walk through the food court and sample food from vendors passing it out complimentary.
During holidays meet and greet with the Easter Bunny and Santa!
Play my Scavenger Hunt
I have created a 30 item scavenger hunt for you to use when visiting the mall. You can also use this scavenger hunt at any mall!
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Saturday 10AM-9PM
Sunday 12PM-6PM
Cost: Free unless you buy something.
Cranes Roost Park
274 Cranes Roost Blvd. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Posing by the Fountain at Cranes Roost
Right next to the Altamonte Mall is Cranes Roost Park. This park is in the heart of Uptown Altamonte and surrounds Cranes Roost Lake. The walkway is half over water and is about 1 mile all the way around. There is a choreographed fountain show, the Eddie Rose Amphitheater with stadium-style seating and a one-of-a-kind floating stage. There are ususally events on the weekends with special events during the holidays such as Red Hot and Boom!
Personal Recommendations:
Bring a Picnic Lunch
Bring bread to feed the birds.
Bring water and wear comfy clothes and shoes
Walk the whole circle about 1 mile.
Have a family photo shoot
Look for turtles, ducks and of course cranes!
Hours of Operation:
Sunday-Thursday 7am-11pm
Friday & Saturday 7am-12am
Cost: Free!
Lake Lotus Windows to the Lake
Lake Lotus Nature Park
www.altamonte.org/index.aspx?NID=371
1153 Lake Lotus Park Rd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Lake Lotus is a nature preserve on 150 acres. It has Picnic Pavillions, Restrooms and a playground! Be sure to stop at the Lake Pavillion called Windows to the Lake to see a showcase exhibit of wildlife.
Personal Recommendations:
You can drive right in on Thursdays and Fridays but on the weekend you will park across SR414 and take a trolley to the park. Trolleys com about every 10 mins.
Bring a Picnic Lunch
Bring water and wear comfy clothes and shoes
Walk the whole boardwalk about 1 mile.
Have a family photo shoot
Look for wildlife like alligators, turtles and more!
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Wednesday- Closed
Thursday-Sunday- 8:30AM-5:30PM
Special Holiday Hours can be found by calling 407-571-8744
Cost: Free!
Picture Show at Altamonte
Picture Show at Altamonte Springs
130 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
www.pictureshowent.com/home-altamonte-springs
Watch some of the most recently released movies for cheap!
Personal Recommendations:
Park behind the building. Yes, drive behind the building like you are making a UPS delivery and you will find the Theater Parking Lot and entrance.
Go to an early viewing
Arrive early or purchase tickets online.
Buy the Large Popcorn/Large Coke deal and ask for complimentary Chip Trays or Hot Dog Bags to separate popcorn per person.
With this deal the large popcorn is a one time free refill.
Hours of Operation:
11:30 AM- 10:30 PM
Movie times vary.
Cost:
All Movies $1.75 per person
Tuesdays All Movies $1.00
All 3D Movies $1.75 upcharge
Ice Skating at RDV
RDV Ice Den
8701 Maitland Summit Blvd, Orlando, FL 32810
www.mvpsportsclubs.com/florida-orlando-rdv-sportsplex-ice-den
Personal Recommendations:
Visit the website before you go to see pricing and hours
Arrive 15 mins early
No outside food or drink
Go in the summer months during the C Time Slot and get discounted prices
It's chilly! Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks and gloves.
Hours of Operation:
Open 7 days a week
Times Vary
Cost:
Admission Price per Time Slot
A) $6.90 per person
B) $9.72 per person
C) $3.75 per person
Skate Rental Fee is $3.38 per person
Concession Food is additional cost
Swimming with a family of ducks at the Westmonte Pool
Westmonte Park Public Pool & Dive In Movie Nights
624 Bills Lane Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
www.altamonte.org/index.aspx?NID=361
Don't have a pool? No problem! Altamonte Springs has a great waterering hole and it's cheap too! During the Summer Dive-In Movie concessions are available and the movies that are played are popular recent releases.
Personal Recommendations:
Every hour there is a 15 min adult swim. Where kids have to sit out of the pool.
Booo! During this time. Your kids can eat a snack, use the restroom or even play on the large playground right outside the pool gate.
Bring SPF and Towels
Bring snacks and drinks
No floats or pool noodles allowed
Beach Balls, diving toys and other pool type toys are usually allowed.
Hours of Operation:
Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekends
Saturdays and Sundays mostly.
Dive In Movie Nights:
Change yearly but are usually held every other Friday Night in the Summer.
Pool opens at 7:30 PM and the Movie starts at dark.
Cost:
$2.00 per adult
$1.00 per child
$25.00 Seasonal pool pass limited to 5 members per household.
$15.00 Seasonal pool pass for individual