Free Things To Do In Tallahassee, FL
Bored in the 850 and ballin’ on a budget? Don’t worry! Tally’s got plenty of free and low-cost activities to do that don’t require dropping your entire paycheck. FSU has plenty going on, but there are just as many free adventures waiting off campus.
Whether you’re hunting for no-cost, low-cost, or just a spot to hang out with friends, this list has you covered. Perfect for broke college students or locals looking to mix it up, here are some fun ideas that will keep you off the couch.
Free Activities
Apalachicola National Forest
Just 30 minutes from Tallahassee, Apalachicola National Forest is nature’s ultimate playground. With nearly 900 square miles of pines, swamps, lakes, and rivers, there’s no shortage of side quests to tackle with some friends. You can go full outdoors mode at the camping spots by Porter Lake, or spend an afternoon chilling at Wright Lake.
Park the car, light up a campfire, and swap stories while grilling whatever you can fit in your cooler. With over 80 miles of trails and kayak runs, ditch the phone; all you need is sunscreen and a mouth ready for swapping stories with your crew.
Cascades Park
Head east of FSU and stop at Cascades Park, a popular spot for picnics, outdoor activities, and people-watching. With the amazing Florida weather, you can’t go wrong grabbing some friends and laying out a blanket to spend some time in the sun.
Bonus: Cascades hosts plenty of free concerts, community events, and even outdoor movies – so you can get your social fix without dropping a dime.
Florida State Capitol Self-Guided Tour
How many college towns let you walk right into the state capitol? In Tallahassee, you can explore it for FREE. The Florida State Capitol is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and you can take your crew – or just yourself – on a full self-guided tour.
There are no reservations or fees; just show up and enjoy! Grab a brochure and wander through the legislative chambers and exhibits, then ride up the elevator to the 22nd-floor observation deck for some insane city views. It’s a rare chance to see where all the big decisions go down, and it’s basically in your backyard.
Railroad Square
Railroad Square is Tally’s original art district and one of the best free activities in Tally. Once a WWII warehouse park, it’s now a 10-acre hub packed with local shops, art galleries, and fire food spots. The real move is First Friday – a free monthly event with live music, food trucks, and open galleries that turn the whole place into a street party.
On a regular day, grab a coffee at Square Mug Café or head right next door to the Skateable Art Park. It’s got a massive cement snake that winds through the bowls and ramps, giving the whole park its signature vibe. Whether you’re skating, biking, or just watching, it’s always buzzing with college kids and locals. Between the art, food, and skate scene, Railroad Square’s the move for a free weekend hang.
Downtown Public Art Walk
Looking for something chill to do downtown? Hit the Downtown Public Art Walk – a 3-mile route with over 30 murals, sculptures, and monuments that show off Tally’s creative side. Start at The Sunday Paper in Kleman Plaza and walk through some seriously cool and Insta-worthy spots. Don’t wanna walk the whole thing? There’s a shorter 1.3-mile version that still hits the best spots. It’s free, easy to find parking, and a solid way to get outside and see the city.
Tallahassee Downtown
Downtown Tallahassee keeps things fun and free. Between the Downtown Market on Saturdays, live music at Sounds of Downtown, and concerts at Adderley Amphitheater, they offer plenty of events and fun without having to pull out your wallet. You can even join free yoga classes, catch art festivals, and enjoy outdoor movie showings at Kleman Plaza throughout the year. Whether you’re pregaming for the weekend or just looking for a chill night with the crew, downtown’s always got good vibes and positive energy!
The Rez
Need an outdoor activity that won’t wreck your bank account? You’re in luck because admission to The Rez is completely free for FSU students! It’s the ultimate hangout spot – 73 acres of sun, water, and it’s right off campus. You can kayak, paddleboard, swim, or hit the sand volleyball courts with some friends.
Rentals are free, so grab the squad, load up a cooler with some snacks, and spend the day catching sun by the water. Got friends who don’t go to FSU? No worries! It’s only $5 for a full day of lake access and good vibes.
Tom Brown Park
Tom Brown Park is one of the best spots in Tally to get outside. Open from sunrise to sunset, this 300-acre park has everything from baseball fields and tennis courts to wooded trails, a dog park, and one of the best disc golf courses in the city, which is always packed with college kids showing off their throws.
Also, you can take a short hike from the entrance along the well-marked path for some solid water views. It’s a go-to spot for getting fresh air, meeting up with friends, or just spending a few hours outside.
Low-Cost Activities
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens
Maclay Gardens is a local gem for Tallahassee residents and students – and the perfect place for a quiet date night. For just $6 a car, you can walk the trails, explore postcard-worthy scenery, and take great pics for the gram.
For a more adventurous date, they also offer swimming, kayaking, or fishing at Lake Hall. It’s also the perfect place to set up a laid-back picnic by the water. It’s a chill spot when you need to unwind and spend some time in the fresh air.
North Florida Wildlife Center
Switch it up from the usual weekend plans because for just $20, you can get face-to-face with animals you’ll never see in Tally. At North Florida Wildlife Center, you’ll spot everything from big cats and snakes to ring-tailed lemurs and zebras! Even though it’s just 30 minutes outside the city, this self-guided tour feels like stepping into another world. Walk the trails, snap some pics for the feed, and take a break from responding to discussion posts on Canvas. Plus, tickets help keep the animals fed and the conservation mission alive, which means you can do some good while having an unforgettable time.
Tallahassee Museum Ziplining
For anyone who thinks museums might be boring, the Tallahassee Museum’s Tree-to-Tree Adventures proves otherwise. This place lets you zipline and climb through the trees like you’re in a jungle gym for adults. There are a few courses, including Canopy Crossing, which is about an hour, Soaring Cypress, which is 2-3 hours with 16 ziplines, and Tremendous Adventures for younger visitors.
It’s the perfect place for a little adrenaline rush for a weekend. Prices vary by course, but the views and bragging rights make it totally worth it.
Tally Cat Café
Wishing you were a cat owner without the commitment? Slide over to Tally Cat Cafe – part coffee shop, part cat lounge, stacked with favorites like coffee, tea, beer, and wine. Walk-in visits to the Cat Lounge are $15 per person, or $14 if you book online, and for a full hour, you get to sip on a drink while playing with adoptable cats from the Leon County Humane Society. It’s like cheap therapy when you need a break from studying.
Tallahassee Farmers Market
The Tally Farmer’s Market has been around almost as long as your parents have. Currently, it’s held at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church off Kerry Forest Parkway. You’ll find over 25 vendors slinging everything from fresh produce to homemade goodies, and it’s open to the public with free entry for everyone to enjoy.
A solid move if you’re looking to spice up your usual weekend plans. It’s year-round, super chill, and an easy way to wander and possibly grab some good food without maxing out your credit card. Head over on any Saturday, cop some snacks, and flex that you’re supporting local businesses while shopping fresh (even if you’re just there for free samples).
Trivia Night
Got any random knowledge stored away from those hours of scrolling on social media? Dust it off and bring it all out at trivia nights hosted by local breweries: Ology and Proof Brewing! They both host weekly trivia, and it’s the perfect place to go grab a beer and flex your skills. Gather up some friends, create a crafty team name, and compete with other teams to see how you perform. The best part? It’s usually free to play, and they have plenty of prizes, such as bar tabs, meaning more free nights out. Even if your team fails, you still get plenty of good energy and tasty cold drinks.
Make Weekends Easier with Jackson Properties!
Whether you’re hitting trivia night, chilling at Cascades, or camping out at Apalachicola, there are plenty of activities to get you out of the house without dropping a fortune.
Make college life even more affordable by leasing with Jackson Properties. With properties within walking distance to campus and plenty of room for the whole gang, we make it easy to live affordably and still be close to all the College Town action. Plus, our properties come with free parking (for you and guests), lawn care, and pest control! All you’ll need to worry about is surviving finals week.
Give us a call at (850) 894-7368 and secure your spot today!
Prepping for finals already? Check out our blog on the Top Coffee Shops in Tally.
