Experience happily ever after

Leu Gardens is 50 acres of botanical bliss. And for travelers with kids, the first Monday of the month is especially delightful with Story Time at 10 a.m.. Enjoy a special tale dedicated to infants, toddlers and preschoolers for free with admission, which is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-17 and free for kids under 3 years old. After exploring the gardens, head over to Eastside Bistro where kids eat free all day on Mondays with the purchase of an adult entrée. Even if you’re traveling without kids, you can catch a round of Monday Night Bingo at the eatery starting at 7 p.m.

Run through some local history

Overlooking a golf course in northeast Orlando is Casa Feliz, a restored Spanish Revival farmhouse designed by local architect James Gamble Rogers II. The property hosts a free public open house on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., giving you the chance to see why it’s listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. If you’re looking for a fun way to stick to your workout routine, the Ten10 Run Club is a free event every Tuesday. Runners meet at the Ten10 Brewery at 6:30 p.m. for a 5k run through Orlando’s Mainstreet District followed by an after party featuring $1 off pours of craft beer.

Taste the city’s local flavors

Hump day is the right day for Orlando’s local beverage scene. Start at Austin’s Coffee Satellite Cafe located at the Falcon in Thornton Park. The local business sells organic free-trade coffee roasted onsite and features art, free WiFi and fun events making it a great spot to catch live music or stand-up comedy while relaxing with a delicious cup of joe. Stronger drinks are at Orlando Brewing, which specializes in organic local beer. Free tours are every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis. Plus, the brewery hosts events like yoga, live music and doughnut and beer pairings all month long.

Discover a sweeter side

Travelers with a sweet tooth will love Thursdays at Bruster’s Real Ice Cream. Simply bring a banana to the store, and they’ll supply the ice cream and toppings for half the regular price of a banana split. Visit the Bruster’s location closest to Wekiva Island so you can enjoy the rest of the day on the water with a rented kayak or lounging under the shade of a River Bana. Finish off the day at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Performing Arts. Part venue, part recording studio and part gallery, the local establishment puts on Thursday Night Hang! featuring a jazz trio beginning at 8 p.m.

Go head over heels

Parents who want to enjoy a Friday date night can relax knowing there’s a place for kids to have a great time, too. On the first Friday of every month, Orlando Gymnastics hosts Parents Night Out from 7-10 p.m. Kids ages 5-15 can let loose with games and free play in the gym’s trampolines, foam pits and more. Cost is $20 per child and includes dinner and drinks. Adult time starts at ICEBAR Orlando for Fired Up Fridays with drink specials, a guest DJ and no cover for the Fire Lounge. Done chilling at the bar? Visit the Wheel at ICON Park to watch Orlando’s iconic light show for free.

A tip for weekday travel

When you plan your weekday visit, go beyond Orlando’s theme parks. With many Choice Hotels^® location in Orlando to choose from, you’ll discover great local attractions that are budget-friendly or free! Plus, if you’re a Choice Privileges® member, you’ll earn extra perks when you spend at least one Sunday through Thursday night at a participating Orlando hotel. If you’re not already a member, join today and choose from bonus points, Fuel Rewards® savings, a coffee gift card and more as part of the Your Extras program.