What are the best free things to do in Orlando?

Here's something you might like: 

Disney has a place called Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island. If you walk near the lake which is behind the Bongos Cuban Cafe, there is a board walk with a small boat ferry. The boat will take you to the surrounding hotels that are secretly great. There is one hotel that has a pool table you can play on for free. 

Universal Studios also has something similar to Disney called Universal CityWalk. This place is Adult Friendly especially after dark. They also have a ferry that takes you on a romantic/thrilling boat ride to different hotels like the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews. Go to the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel!!! That place is like it's own country. You can go inside the hotel and walk around through their many courtyards, or hang out near the lake. They have a cute little Gelato store that is amazing! 

These are just some of the many things you can do, but since you mentioned art and culture, this sounded right. If you're in downtown Orlando, stop by their Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection hotel for some amazing art work and awesome live music. Depending on when you arrive, Winter Park (Florida) and Lake Eola Park in orlando have farmer's market events that are really fun to attend as well. 

Hi Rachel!

While it's not free, the The Mennello Museum of American Art has cheap admission prices and its an awesome museum! I believe its 5 bucks for adults and a dollar for kids. 

Harry P. Leu Gardens is such a gorgeous area to walk through. The first Mondays of the month are free admission! $10 to get in on regular days. Spend your day there and bring a picnic basket.

Hiking through the Ocala National Forest is always free... and beautiful!

Lake Eola Park is a great place to see in downtown Orlando and take a nice walk around the lake. If your there on Sunday, there is a farmers market that has a lot of the vendors that will give out free samples. It does get crowded because of there are art and other vendors mixed in with the food. There are beautiful black and white swans you can see while walking around the lake and a Japanese Bogota that was a gift to the city that is located on the lake too. There are even swan boats you can rent and paddle around the lake. At night it has a great fountain that lights up and changes color against the city backdrop. You can check the events calendar online to see if they have anything going on while your there. The amphitheater has ballet, concerts and shows for free.

Downtown Disney is like being inside Disney World without the rides and it's free.