The Central Florida area has many places to spend some leisure time, where the admission is always free. Most are run by non-profit organizations, so if you have enjoyed your experience there, a donation is always helpful so their work can be continued.
Zora Neale Hurston Museum
Since 1990, The Hurston has been a place where the public can view works by artists of African descent.The everchanging exhibits, which feature a variety of mediums, such as photography, painting and sculpture, typically run three to four months.Winter Garden Heritage Museum and Railroad Museum
Hit the jackpot in Winter Garden, which has 2 museums with free admission.The museums include collections of memorabilia dating from the early pioneer settlement to the present, with special emphasis on the citrus and railroad industries. The Heritage Museum is also a repository for the archives of the history and restoration of Lake Apopka.Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida
Founded in 1982, the Holocaust Museum presents an overview of the history of the Holocaust and a memorial to the victims with a permanent exhibit and frequently changing special exhibits. Because many visitors are school-age children, there are a minimum of graphic images and disturbing representations. The library collection of over 5,000 volumes and over 500 videotapes is open to the public.Sanford Museum
Originally built as a memorial to Henry Shelton Sanford, a lawyer, diplomat, citrus producer and the founder of the City of Sanford, the Sanford Museum houses his library and manuscript collection and a collection of 19th century decorative arts. With expansions in 1973 and 1993, the museum also serves as a repository for the city's history. Research collections are available to the public.Museum of the Apopkans
Located in a quaint log-cabin style building, the Museum of the Apopkans displays collections of artifacts and documents that bring to life the history of Apopka and northwest Orange County. In addition to the domestic room, which features items from daily life in the early 1900's, other rooms display objects from various local occupations such as beekeeping, logging, cattle ranching and farming. There is also a library available for research projects.Fort Christmas Historical Park
Pack a picnic lunch and take a day trip out to Fort Christmas Historical Park. Located west of Orlando a few miles north of Highway 50 in Christmas, FL, the 25 acre park features a replica of the original fort used during the Seminole Indian War, a traditional Florida "Cracker" house, seven pioneer homes and a sugar cane mill. Several picnic pavilions, a children's playground and tennis, volleyball and basketball courts are also a part of the park's facilities.Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum
Photo © TJohnston
Each Sunday afternoon the public is invited to the Sunday Open House from 12-3pm. The Andalusian-style masonry farmhouse, a significant architectural treasure in the Winter Park community, was designed by noted architect James Gamble Rogers II. The open house includes a docent led tour of the house and the James Gamble Rogers Studio museum room, and the opportunity to enjoy the "Music at the Casa" series. Check website for music schedule.