Top Ten Under $10

Description:

It began with a group of artists in the 1920s displaying their work. Today, it's known as one of the best museums in the South. This local heavyweight handles some of the most prestigious traveling exhibits in the nation. The museum, founded in 1924, hosts special exhibits throughout the year, but even if you miss one, it's worth a stop to see its rotating permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art, pre-Columbian art dating from 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1500, and African art. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

This cultural area plays host to a selection of events including the Festival of Trees, Antiques Show and Sale, Orlando International Fringe Festival, PlayFest, Pet Fair and VegFest.

Our Local Expert Says:

A storied piece of Orlando's theme-park culture, Fun Spot is a great place to keep your kids (and you) occupied and enthralled for hours on end. With video games, rides and go karts, it's impossible to be bored.

Description:

All kids and many grownups love this place. It offers a 10,000-square-foot, two-story arcade filled with high-tech video games. Outside, you'll find time-tested rides like go-karts, bumper cars and bumper boats. The park's KidsSpot offers mild thrills appropriate for children ages 2-6. If all this activity leaves you hungry, eat at the on-site snack bar. Admission is free, but you do pay for each ride you take and each arcade game you play.

Description:

This 50-acre botanical garden is Orlando's equivalent to The Secret Garden: a maze bursting with color and unusual greenery. At Leu Gardens take a guided tour of the southern-styled grounds, chill at a concert or just run amok through the giant bamboo stalks, hyper-manicured lawns and Camellias (they have the world's largest collection). Better yet, its location on the shores of Lake Rowena affords a fitting view of the sunset.

Description:

The History Center has three floors of permanent collection which includes everything to do with Orange County history. These are also lent to museums and other institutes for display purposes. The center library is a massive resource for research and has rare and out of print works, artifacts, and archives. The Center's educational programs include field trips, the library can be used to teach a history lesson, fun and educational parties, and camps. The center is rented out for occasions and has a shop for accessories, books, toys, fun items and kitsch at their store.

Description:

Hoist your jib and set your sails for this pitch and putt course, where playing putt-putt is a little like walking the plank. You'll find plenty or pirate references to amuse you, including shipwrecks and skulls with eye patches, but don't worry, this place is strictly family fare. From its two separate courses to its complimentary leis, it's a tropical tee-off, as you escape cascading waterfalls and rubber swords. Don't forget to check out the snack bar on your way out, and you can't leave without a handful of free Pirate's Cove stickers, plastic doubloon rings and pirate flags.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best downtown outdoor space!

Description:

A couple of hours can easily and peacefully drift away while strolling around Lake Eola Park, taking in the floating fountain and watching the white and black swans peacefully paddling across the lake. Established in 1888, the park's 43 acres of land are continuously enhanced with vibrant flowers, perfectly manicured grounds, and charming gazebos. The walking path circling the lake is 0.9 miles in length, perfect for enjoying a healthy stroll or vigorous jog. Shop at the Sunday Eola Market featuring fresh produce, artisan items, and a beer garden with live music. Swan rides are available for rent most days, and there is a restaurant tucked right inside the park called Eric's on Eola. There are about a dozen more restaurants within a short walking distance.

Description:

Inside, a plethora of works is on display by folk artist Earl Cunningham. Outside, the lawn areas offers gorgeous views and majestic trees. This museum is housed in an Orlando mansion, once a private residence, converted in 1998 to show off Cunningham'swork. His work is considered "primitive genius." Cunningham, who was a St. Augustine native, attempted to capture the haunting landscapes of the Sunshine State. The Everglades proved a favorite subject. The museum's permanent 50-piece Cunningham collection was a bequest to the City of Orlando by collectors Marilyn and Michael Mennello. In addition to showing Cunningham's work, the museum plans a series of rotating exhibits. Call ahead for admission price and other details.