Gear Up for Touch-A-Truck Events in Orlando
I can attest that, as a mom to two boys, the word “truck” is said A LOT in my house. In fact, shortly after the typical first words (Dada, Mama, ball, etc.), my little dudes muttered “truck,” “car” and, soon thereafter, “digger.” So, yeah, we’ve been to our fair share of Touch-A-Truck events in Orlando. These events are always a hoot—or shall I say honk!
What is a Touch-A-Truck Event?
Sometimes ticketed, sometimes free of charge, Touch-A-Truck events invite families to have up-close experiences with various kinds of vehicles. Kiddos can see, touch and even climb into police cruisers, fire engines, construction vehicles and many other types of trucks.
In Case You’re Interested:
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Tips for Touch-A-Truck Events in Orlando
To avoid a bumpy ride, note Orlando Parenting’s helpful tips for Touch-A-Truck events in Orlando.
1. Lube up.
Oil changes aside, be sure to lube up your pit crew with sunscreen. Because monster trucks, garbage trucks and the likes are large, Touch-A-Truck events are typically held outdoors. And we all know the Florida sunshine is strong!
2. Fuel up.
We all tell our children that, just like gas fuels a vehicle, proper nutrition and water fuels our bodies. Hit the brakes on hangry mode by eating beforehand and/or packing enough snacks and drinks.
3. Dress for success.
Got a firefighter hat or construction hard-hat in your toy box? Well, now’s the time to wear it! Kiddos love dressing like community helpers. Plus, truck-themed hats (or any cap in general) will provide an additional layer of sun protection.
Also, because kiddos may be allowed to climb on truck ladders and such, there’s no need to wear your Sunday best. Play clothes are suitable—mud stains and all.
4. Prepare your road map.
Because they’re uber fun, Touch-A-Truck events in Orlando tend to be busy with lots of attendees. Consider arriving early or closer to the event’s closing time to avoid longer lines and wait times.
5. Turn down the volume.
All children, and especially those with sensory sensitivities, can become overstimulated by all the loud event noises. Consider packing noise-canceling headphones to turn down the volume of horns, sirens, and revving engines.
Some Touch-A-Truck events in Orlando actually schedule a sensory-friendly time period!
Upcoming Touch-A-Truck Events in Orlando Area
Osceola County Sheriff Office Touch-A-Truck Safety Event
Saturday, November 16, 2024, 12-4pm
Location: 3251 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee Florida, 34747
Description: Promenade at Sunset Walk & Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Present “Touch A Truck & Safety Talks.” See & explore awesome Trucks and learn important Safety Tips. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to interact with cool vehicles and learn about safety in a fun and engaging way!
Admission and Parking are FREE
Cops ‘N Cars Event
Saturday, January 25, 2025, 10am – 4pm
Location: Oviedo Mall, 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd, Oviedo, FL 32765
Description: This is the largest car show in Central Florida, featuring over 200 of the best classic and modern vehicles. In addition to the car show, there is a huge turnout from law enforcement and fire departments from around the state with specialty vehicles, helicopters, and K9 units.
The event offers plenty of family fun, including bounce houses, a wide array of vendors, food trucks, and trophies. Car show music will be provided by DJ Don from Cruisin Orlando. Spectators are free.
Bring some cash just in case for things like the bounce houses and food vendors.
Parenting pro-tip: Consider bringing hearing protection as some of the vehicles have loud horns and sirens.
Downtown Orlando Touch-A-Truck
Saturday, February 1, 2025, 9am-1pm
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church and Child Development Center, 123 E. Livingston St., Orlando, FL 32801
Description: Entry into this event costs $5 per person (children two and under are free). Among the largest events of its kind, this Touch-A-Truck event is set to feature 35 different trucks with opportunities for hands-on fun. There will be no shortage of onsite snack options, including cotton candy, popcorn, Italian ice, and more.
The first hour (9-10am) of the Downtown Orlando Touch-A-Truck event is sensory-friendly, without sirens, honking, flashing lights, or other unnecessary stimulation.
Seminole County’s Touch-A-Truck
Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10am – 2pm
Location: Sanford Riverwalk at the Marina (E. Seminole Blvd. & Palmetto Ave.)
Description: Leading into Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week, this free event is hosted by Seminole County Office of Emergency Management. Families may check out trucks, boats, helicopters, and heavy equipment that local agencies use to respond to severe weather and other disasters.
12th Annual Touch-A-Truck Event
March 2025 (Date TBA)
Location: Knights Plaza at Addition Financial Arena, 12777 Gemini Blvd N., Orlando, FL 32816
Description: This popular interactive Touch-A-Truck experience is free to the public. Children may explore emergency response vehicles, construction trucks, off-road vehicles, and more. A “no honking” hour is slated for the last hour of the event (2-3pm) to accommodate persons with sensory conditions.
Maitland Touch-A-Truck
June 2025 (Date TBA)
Location: Independence Square, 1776 Independence Ln., Maitland, FL 32751 | 9am-1pm
Description: The Maitland Public Works Department will host a free Touch-A-Truck event featuring a bunch of big trucks, heavy equipment, and emergency vehicles. Kiddos can learn how the Public Works Department manages everything–from public utilities and stormwater cleanup to ground maintenance and more. Plus, this event features bounce houses, games and prizes, live music, food, and more.
10th Annual Florida Kids and Family Expo
August 23 – 24, 2025
Location: Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819
Description: This two-day ticketed expo ($10-$15) is believed to be the largest kids and family expo in the country. It features over 200 exhibitors, 10+ fun zones, multiple performance stages with live entertainment, animal interactions, character meet-and-greets, and… a Touch-A-Truck zone.
Orlando Parenting will update event dates and details as they become available. However, information is subject to change so also check with the event hosts.
BONUS IDEA: Book a VIP Tour at the Orlando Auto Museum
Visiting the Orlando Auto Museum is pretty fun on its own, but it is even better when you book the VIP Tour. It’s just $15 more per person to do the VIP Tour which enables you to get up close to the most impressive vehicles in the massive museum’s collection.
You’ll even be able to sit inside some of the most famous vehicles like the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters and one of the many Mystery Machine vans from various Scooby-Doo productions.
It’s one of the fun things we enjoy at Dezerland Orlando.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Orlando Fire Museum
During our most recent visit to the Orlando Fire Museum, the hours were only Fridays and Saturdays, 10am – 4pm.
This museum is free to visit and while not all vehicles are available to touch, you can climb into one of the fire trucks for a great photo opportunity. Just be sure your little ones are able to be respectful and gentle with the fire truck, and consider bringing a few dollar bills for a donation.
You may also enjoy exploring these free classes for kids in Orlando.
Put on the calendar for next year…
FREE Family Day
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Location: Orlando Museum of Art | 11am – 2pm
Description: This FREE Family Day features hands-on art and gallery activities, storytelling, and music! Listen as musicians from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra perform a Symphony Storytime@OMA concert of the book The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey, illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren. A City of Orlando fire truck will on-site from 11 am – 1 pm (pending emergencies).
Family Days are always free for the whole family.
Children’s Safety Village Trunk-or-Treat
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Location: 910 Fairvilla Rd., Orlando, FL 32808 | 11am-2pm
Description: This free community event will feature assorted vehicles decked with Halloween decor. Partner agencies are set to park fire trucks, police cars, SWAT vehicles, motorcycles, and more. And if vehicles don’t impress enough, the candy will!
Orange County Sheriff’s Office Trunk-Or-Treat
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Location: OCSO Headquarters, 2500 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32804 | 6-8pm
Description: There are tons of Trunk-Or-Treat events scheduled in Orlando around Halloween. But, for littles who like big trucks, the sheriff’s office is the event of choice.
At this free event, OCSO deputies hand out candy from decorated county trucks and cars.
Touch-A-Truck & Trunk-or-Treat
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Location: Amberbrooke Farms Eustis | 10am – 5pm
Description: Celebrate the essence of autumn at Amber Brooke Farm’s biggest festival of the year! Immerse yourself in the season’s wonders with pumpkin picking, navigate their brand-new crop maze, and bask in the beauty of their sunflower and zinnia fields. Enjoy the fall festival along with a touch-a-truck event AND Trunk-or-Treat.
Tickets: $14.95- $17.95
