What’s Happening in Orlando This Weekend for Kids – Events and More!
There is never a dull moment in Orlando! And when you’ve got kids along for the ride, you may be looking for family-friendly events in Orlando and things to do this weekend.
This is the final week before school starts – wow! If you’re heading out to shop, read our quick guide to back-to-school tax savings before you head out the door.
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
Featured Events
Giving the following events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!
Baby Shark and Pinkfong at SeaWorld Orlando!
SeaWorld Orlando
Daily now through September 2, 2025.
Join Baby Shark and Pinkfong for a FIN-tastic summer adventure at SeaWorld Orlando! Dive into an interactive mini live show at Seaport Theater featuring catchy tunes, dance-alongs, and playful characters for little ones—and give a warm welcome to Baby Shark and friends. Enjoy special meet & greets, themed treats, exclusive merchandise, and a celebration of marine life conservation. Included with Park Admission.
10th Annual Florida Kids and Family Expo
August 23-24, 2025, Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm
Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Dr, Orlando
The nation’s largest kids and family expo is back and bigger than ever! The 10th Annual Florida Kids and Family Expo is coming to the Orange County Convention Center. And we will be there!
This epic, two-day event brings together everything families need in one giant, air-conditioned venue—offering fun, resources, and unforgettable experiences for kids of all ages. From schools and extracurriculars to healthcare, entertainment, and local businesses, attendees will discover opportunities for every aspect of family life.
With 10+ Fun Zones and over 200 interactive exhibitors, kids can enjoy: animal encounters, meet-and-greets with beloved princesses and superheroes, hands-on STEM activities, “Touch a Truck” experiences, live performances on four stages and so much more!
Stop by the Orlando Parenting booth and say “hi” to our team!
River Country Water Park – NOW OPEN!
Westgate River Ranch
3200 River Ranch Boulevard, River Ranch, FL 33867
Get ready for a splash-filled adventure at River Country Water Park! Splash through thrilling water slides, take a refreshing dip in the pool, and enjoy plenty of kid-friendly attractions perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or relaxing poolside, there’s no better place in Lake Wales for a full day of fun. Plus, book early at RiverCountry.com and score free water park tickets, making your stay even more unforgettable. Don’t miss out on the ultimate family getaway!
Family-Friendly Kids’ Events in Orlando This Weekend (August 8-10, 2025)
Orlando Family Events on Friday, August 8, 2025
Mufasa: The Lion King
Friday, August 8, 2025, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Osceola Welcome Center & History Museum, 4155 W. Vine St, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Enjoy a free showing of Mufasa: The Lion King with free popcorn, and make a fun lion craft while you watch the movie!
DeLand Ice Cream Walk
Friday, August 8, 2025, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Downtown DeLand, 100 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720
Enjoy Downtown DeLand transforming into a sweet stroll packed with frozen treats from your favorite local spots. It’s the perfect way to wrap up summer before school starts! Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for kids.
Back 2 School Night Market
Friday, August 8, 2025, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Downtown Avalon Park, 3801 Avalon Park East Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32828
Step right up for a night of Back-to-School fun! Enjoy a carnival-themed evening filled with: local vendors, games & activities, sweet treats, and school spirit fun for the whole family. Send summer off in style and get ready for an amazing school year.
Back to School Bash, Guitar Band & Swiftie Tribute
Friday, August 8, 2025, 7pm
Boxi Park Lake Nona
Live entertainment and drinks specials
FREE to attend
ToonFest
Friday, August 8-Sunday, August 10, 2025, times vary
Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819
GalaxyCon Presents ANIMATE! ORLANDO, a three-day event featuring anime, animation, cosplay and more. Expect Q&As, video and tabletop gaming, panels, costume contests, etc.
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream’s Summer Music Tour with Mr. Richard
Friday, August 8 & Saturday, August 9, 7pm – 2 locations
Friday: 1817 S Fern Creek Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
Saturday: 3114 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Orlando’s most beloved children’s musician, Mr. Richard, will play sweet and silly tunes while your sweet and silly kids scream for ice cream.
Orlando Family Events on Saturday, August 9, 2025
Foam-Palooza
Saturday, August 9, 2025, 10am-11am
West Osceola Library
305 Campus St, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Have a blast dancing and playing in mountains of foam at this bubbly event. Wear a loose-fitting T-shirt, comfortable shorts, and water shoes or sneakers because you will get wet! Towels and goggles are optional. In the event of bad weather, the library will do its best to reschedule for a later date.
JCPenney Craft Day
Saturday, August 9, 2025, 11am-noon
Multiple store locations
Last minute back-to-school shopping? Parents can take advantage of a special event 10% off coupon, while kiddos decorate a back-to-school themed pencil pouch.
Back to School Bash, Tie Dye Shirt Workshop
Saturday, August 9, 1pm-3pm
Boxi Park Lake Nona
Open to all ages, $20pp includes 1 shirt with an option to purchase a 2nd for $10+.
$20 includes all materials
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream’s Summer Music Tour with Mr. Richard
Friday, August 8 & Saturday, August 9, 7pm – 2 locations
Friday: 1817 S Fern Creek Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
Saturday: 3114 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Orlando’s most beloved children’s musician, Mr. Richard, will play sweet and silly tunes while your sweet and silly kids scream for ice cream.
ToonFest
Friday, August 8-Sunday, August 10, 2025, times vary
Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819
GalaxyCon Presents ANIMATE! ORLANDO, a three-day event featuring anime, animation, cosplay and more. Expect Q&As, video and tabletop gaming, panels, costume contests, etc.
Orlando Events on Sunday, August 10, 2025
Back to School Bash, Family Day
Sunday, August 10, 12 pm-9 pm
Boxi Park Lake Nona
Bounce Houses at 12 PM, -Face Painters & Balloon Artists at 1 PM, Themed Crafts, Live music with Esh x Schief & The Boots
FREE to attend
Back to School Ice Cream Social
Sunday, August 10, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Twistee Treat on 434 in Longwood
Mention the Longwood Historical Social any time you make a purchase all day and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the LHS. The LHS will have a table from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm with coupons for the Bradlee-McIntyre House, one free child with adult ticket. Celebrate Back to School with one last summer treat!
Family Events in Orlando Next Week, August 11 – August 17
Loomis Bros. Circus
Wednesday, August 13-Sunday, August 17, times vary
Osceola Heritage Park – KVLS Pavilion
1911 Kissimmee Valley Ln., Kissimmee, FL
Now in its 29th year, this show describes itself as a traditional circus format with a modern twist. It’s the only circus in North America to feature Three Rings, Exotic Animals and Live Music.
Orlando Family Events on Saturday, August 16, 2025
Central Florida Dreamplex’s Family Lake Day
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 9:30am-2pm
Lake David Park
450 S. Lake Ave., Groveland, FL 34736
This inclusive and differently-abled family event, presented by sponsor Liquid Planet Marine, will be a day of fun and relaxation for families and friends, featuring activities such as tubing, fun in the sand, swimming and a picnic lunch.
$5 per participant, or $15 for 3 or more people
Enzian Theaters CatVideoFest
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 11am
Enzian
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL 32751
If your family is obsessed with funny cat videos (like mine), then this event is purrrfect for you. This event costs $10-$12.50, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Pet Rescue by Judy. And yes, adoptable kitties will be onsite.
The Kitchen House’s Youth Workshop: Lunchbox Reset
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 11am-1:30pm
26 E. King St., Orlando, FL, 32804
Held at the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kitchen House & Culinary Garden, join Culinary Educator Jessica Soliman for this delicious demo. Together, parent and child can learn how to make ‘back to school’ lunchbox meal planning become a bit more appealing. Cost: $55/minor (12-17), $65/adult (18+)
TayTay Dance Party: Long Live the Eras Tour feat. DJ Swiftie
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 7pm
Dr. Phillips Center – Steinmetz Hall
445 S. Magnolia Avenue., Orlando, FL 32801
Hey Swifties! Grab your friendship bracelets and sing along through the eras. This Taylor-made dance party relives the Eras Tour as DJ Swiftie™ spins songs with a professional laser show lighting up the dance floor.
Ongoing Orlando Events for Kids
Toddler Tuesdays
Weekly, from 10am to 12pm
Crayola Experience Orlando
8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL
Enjoy special Toddler Crafts and Activities once a month with an interactive book reading, a special character appearance, and more. Try out some of Crayola’s hottest products designed for the little ones at Outside the Box, get creative with toddler crafts and coloring pages, and get ready for a special meet and greet with the Chick-fil-A cow from 10:30am-11:00am! This is the perfect place for the little ones to burn off some energy! Included with General Admission.
Storytime at the Orlando Executive Airport
1st Tuesday of the month at 10:30am
Orlando Executive Airport
365 Rickenbacker Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Check out Storytime at the Orlando Executive Airport for stories and songs to encourage your child to read, talk, sing, and play! Recommended for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Storytime is at 10:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month and lasts approx. 30 minutes. It is held in the conference room at the “Orlando Executive Airport Administration Offices” building. Library staff will be present to help guide the way.
Summer of Play
Through August 3
Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plz, Tampa, Florida 33602
Worth the drive!
Summer storybook sightings! Meet and greet characters from your favorite children’s books this summer. Enjoy an immersive storytime with your favorite character at 11am and snap pics with them at meet-and-greets throughout the day!
Pirate’s Cove & Pirate’s Island Back to School Special
Through August 31
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf: 8501 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819, and 2845 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf: 3420 South Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118
Enjoy one last summer round on the house! Little pirates 12 & under play FREE with a paying adult through August—just mention the Back to School special at the counter. Bring the family out for one last adventure before the school bell rings!
Origami in the Garden
Through September 3
Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Explore the beauty of origami on a grand scale with this stunning outdoor exhibit at Leu Gardens. Origami in the Garden features large-scale metal sculptures inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding, beautifully integrated into the garden’s natural surroundings. Tickets are included with regular admission.
Pay Once & Visit Twice
Through December 31
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
With the Pay Once, Visit Twice deal, you purchase once (at a wildly good discount!) and get to visit the Zoo two times on the dates of your choosing before the end of the year. Two days of unforgettable Zoo adventure – because once just isn’t enough! Available online only. Valid for two visits through December 31, 2025.
FREE Junior Space Explorer Pass
Through December 31
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kids ages five and under can enjoy complimentary admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 2025 with the Junior Space Explorer Pass. Available only to Florida residents, the pass grants children complimentary admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex through December 31, 2025. registration is only available through the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website and must be completed by February 24, 2025.
Drew Thomas Magic
Every Weekend Through December 31, 7pm & 9pm Showtimes
Grande Lakes Orlando
Presented by acclaimed magician and America’s Got Talent finalist, Drew Thomas and his award-winning colleagues. This luxury VIP experience puts you right at the heart of breathtaking illusions, bringing the impossible to life just inches away. General Admission from: $49.99, plus VIP and Front Row with Meet & Greet options.
Free Day & Story Time at Leu Gardens
Select dates (10/6/2025, 11/3/2025, 12/1/2025), 10-11am
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
Cuddle up inside to enjoy story time and songs with librarians. Then, spend the whole day (free admission) strolling (with your stroller or otherwise) the lush grounds. Your little one will be tickled pink amidst the greenery.
Later Gator – Events on the Horizon
Movie Night: Space Jam
Monday, August 25, Movie starts at sunset
À La Cart SoDo
2207 E Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32806
It’s another FREE movie night to enjoy under the stars! Seating will be provided, and you’re welcome to bring blankets and low-back chairs for a comfy evening. Plus, order food and drinks to enjoy from local vendors!
Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour
September 7
Kia Center
The arena tour will celebrate the high-energy music from Disney’s “Descendants” and “Zombies” franchises, inspiring families and fans of all ages to dance, sing and engage with their favorite stars. Amy Tinkham will serve as the tour’s Creative Director. Tinkham has directed a wide-ranging number of productions including Aerosmith tours, Cirque du Soleil and Melissa Etheridge’s Broadway show.
Clermont Harvest Festival
October 25
Clermont Main Street
Fall fun is calling! Over 100 artisan vendors, a costume contest (for people and pets!), kids zone with fun activities, live music, and food trucks. Bring the whole family out for a festive day of fall vibes, fun, and community!
Even more ideas and events in Orlando this week can be found at OrlandoDateNightGuide.com.
