23 Family-Friendly Things to do this Memorial Day Weekend in Orlando
The official start to summer is nearly here. Do you need some curated, uber-cool ideas about how to spend the Memorial Day holiday with your family? Here are 23 family ideas (off the beaten path!) about how to spend your Memorial Day holiday!
1. Watch Memorial Holiday Fireworks
Glo Summer Nights Celebrations and Weekly Fireworks Displays
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
Boasting signature weekly fireworks displays in addition to spectacular glow-charged nights at the recently debuted Grande Lakes Waterpark, alongside an abundance of activations fit for every traveler. Throughout the summer, Grande Lakes Orlando will play host to an array of experiences perfect for families and guests of all ages including dazzling fireworks displays that will take center stage every Saturday evening.
2. Kids Fringe
Take in a few shows at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival which is back this year from May 14th- 27th, 2024, perfect for something fun to do the Memorial Day weekend. This 14-day art festival features hundreds of shows throughout multiple venues in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park.
Kids Fringe produces live performances, workshops, and immersive activities aimed at the young and young-at-heart.
3. Outdoor movies
Catch a flick at a local drive-in movie theater this Memorial weekend, or watch an outdoor movie.
4. Bike ride Memorial Weekend date
Rent bikes this Memorial Holiday Weekend and cycle the West Orange Trail. We love starting at Killarney Station and ending in Downtown Winter Garden. Oakland Nature Preserve is a notable stop along the way, with a boardwalk to Lake Apopka and free admission. The Cross Seminole Trail is another option.
5. Have lunch on a farm
Memorial Day weekend is the last day to enjoy lunch under the gorgeous oak tree at Bountiful Farms Bistro. The farm will close for the season at the end of May, and will reopen in October. Current hours are Wednesday – Saturday from 11am – 3pm.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 352-409-3204.
6. Float down a river in a tube this Memorial Day
Soak up the sun at one of Central Florida’s natural lazy rivers. Two of our favorite spots are Kelly Park and KP Hole.
Pro Tip: Kelly Park will fill up to capacity. Get there early to get in line if you’re hoping to get in.
Related Post: Plan a Spectacular Day at Orlando Hotels with Pools for Kids with ResortPass
7. Meet a Mermaid
Come face-to-fin with a real mermaid during this limited-time event! Watch in wonder as they swim amongst stingrays, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Meet and snap a photo with a mermaid on land too.
- Fridays-Sundays from May 3rd – May 26th, PLUS Monday, May 27th!
- At sea, a mermaid will swim underwater with dozens of sea creatures in the Atlantic Ocean habitat
- Dives from 11:30am-1pm, 2pm-4pm, and 5pm-6:30pm
- On land, meet a mermaid, meet & greets from 11:30am-6:30pm
Included in Sea Life Aquarium admission.
8. Wekiva Island
Go swimming or canoeing at Wekiva Island. Private cabanas are available for rent and there’s live music every Saturday evening.
9. Munch Your Way through a Local Farmer’s Market
Pick up something delicious and locally grown at one of our local farmer’s markets. Then take it home to create a delicious meal combining local produce with your favorite meats on the grill.
10. Pick your own Blueberries and Peaches
Blueberry season is in full swing in Florida but it won’t last long! The season typically winds down near the end of May/early June, so get out there and visit a local u-pick farm like Southern Hill Farms while you can. Talk about a hands-on activity for kids!
Farms are also offering u-pick sunflowers, wildflowers, peaches, and more.
11. Take a Hike
Some of our local favorites include Lake Lotus Park, Lake Louisa State Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, and Flat Island Preserve. Or, try one of these natural parks near the theme parks.
12. Hit up a Splash Pad
Make a splash and stomp around at a local splash pad that is guaranteed to put a smile on your kids’ faces and have a great time (and hopefully, wear them out to get a full night’s sleep).
Related Post: Play Together at Fort Mellon Park Splash Pad and Playground
13. Go kayaking
There are so many kayaking experiences near Orlando. Explore De Leon Springs Park in a clear kayak, paddle the headwaters of the Everglades from The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek (in Kissimmee), or try a nighttime paddle with A Day Away Kayak Tours.
14. Visit Downtown Celebration
Get out and enjoy the sunshine with a lunch date and a walk around Downtown Celebration. Share truffle fries and flatbreads at Imperium, get a scoop (or two) of gelato from Le Macaron, rent bikes, or explore the paved pathways on foot.
15. Make your own pancakes
Eat DIY pancakes at Old Spanish Sugar Mill at DeLeon Springs. This open-air eatery is THE reason De Leon Springs State Park needs to be added to your bucket list. You get all-you-can-eat pancakes, made by you. Be prepared for a wait no matter what time of day you visit, as this is a popular activity.
16. Pack a picnic
Nothing says summer quite like lazing the day away on a picnic blanket in a local park. Pack up your family’s favorites and head to one of our favorite playgrounds in Orlando.
17. Book a Staycation
Book a local staycation at Orlando World Center Marriott which is hosting a Memorial Weekend celebration with BBQ/live DJ & Fireworks.
Alternatively, Grande Lakes Orlando and Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate will all have festive displays for guests staying overnight at the resort.
18. Hop on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Make Memorial Day weekend the time you finally take the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. Tours run daily on the hour from 10am – 4pm and tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids.
19. Dine outdoors
See how many of these restaurants with great outdoor seating you can make it to in the span of the long weekend.
Related Post: 15 Super Fun Family Restaurants
20. Spend the day at a resort pool
You don’t have to be an overnight guest to spend the day at one of Orlando’s best resort pools. Many hotels and resorts offer day passes through Resort Pass.
21. Head to a State Park
Planning a family outing to a State Park is one of our favorite outdoor activities for kids to experience the wilderness and connect with the earth. Florida State parks are easy on the wallet.
FREE ADMISSION FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: The governor announced that entry fees will be suspended for all Florida State parks over Memorial Day weekend. These waived fees run from May 25th to 28th.
22. Icon Park
Memorial Day Weekend at The Orlando Eye at ICON Park usually shines red, white and blue. Enjoy delicious food or stop by some of Orlando’s top attractions at a discounted rate.
Also, The Orlando Eye usually offers a free ticket to all active and retired military personnel and a 50 percent discount to their accompanying family members. (2024 details TBA)
23. “Disney Dreams That Soar” Drone Show
This summer at Disney Springs, drones will take to the skies above Lake Buena Vista with “Disney Dreams That Soar” – a summertime experience that will be a late-night perk for visitors.
After spending a day delighting in shopping, discovering fun activities, and savoring diverse flavors at Disney Springs, turn your eyes to the skies above the West Side with a show amongst the stars. “Disney Dreams That Soar” will run nightly from May 24 through Sept. 2!
24. Check out some Memorial Day Events in Orlando
In addition to our curated list, here are a few events happening this holiday weekend for you to check out:
Dino Safari Festival
May 17 – June 16, 2024
The Florida Mall
The Dino Safari Festival will transport attendees to an era long past, offering a captivating glimpse into the ancient world of dinosaurs, mammoths, saber-toothed tigers and more. Using state-of-the-art animatronics with light art, experience these larger-than-life-size prehistoric giants come to life with jaw-dropping realism. LuminoCity guarantees an experience that dazzles by day and enchants by night.
Tickets start at $16
Sunset At The Zoo: Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage
Friday, May 24, 5pm
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Join the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for their first Sunset event of 2024, as they celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander culture and heritage. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. for guests to enjoy exploring the zoo, with music, entertainment, food & more until the sun goes down.
Tickets start at $6
Memorial 4 Day Weekend
May 24-27, 2024
Promenade at Sunset Walk
3251 Margaritaville Blvd. Kissimmee
Enjoy live music, street performers, markets, car shows and more.
FREE
Sweet Corn Festival at Amber Brooke Farms
Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26, 10am – 5pm
Amber Brooke Farms in Eustis
Celebrate sweet corn season at the all-new sweet corn festival. Pick your own sweet corn in acres of sweet corn. Experience 25+ family activities plus special contests and games, including a corn eating contest, corn hole, and photos with the corn mascot. Don’t forget to bring an appetite for all-you-can-eat sweet corn from 11-5, plus plenty of other sweet corn based foods, including cornbread and street corn.
Tickets are $15 online.
Orlando Memorial Day Weekend Vendor Market & Car Show
Saturday, May 25, 9am-2pm
Gateway Classic Cars of Orlando
635 Century Point, Lake Mary, FL 32746
The fun starts with free coffee and pastries while supplies last and the Vendor Market goes until 2pm. Event includes Vendor Market (9am-2pm), Caffeine & Chrome Car Show (9am-Noon), and Women In Wheels Car Show (Noon-2pm). Bring the whole family and check out the classic cars and support local small businesses.
FREE
Memorial Day Salute
Saturday, May 25, 9:45-11:30am
Cypress Grove Park
290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839
Enjoy this Memorial Day Salute, honoring all Veterans, presented by Friends of Cypress Grove Park. Event activities include Meaning and Folding of the American Flag, VFW Post 2093 Community Band, Veterans Pinning Ceremony, POW/MIA Presentation, Patriotic Guest Speaker, and Posting of the Colors. Bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic.
FREE
Memorial Day Event at Boxi Park
Monday, May 27, 2024
Boxi Park
Featuring food & drink specials, kids activities, and live music!
No cover, price of food and beverage varies
Memorial Day Skate
Monday, May 27, 1-4pm
Astro Skate Orlando
866 S Goldenrod Rd, Orlando, FL 32822
Enjoy your Extended Weekend at Astro Skate. FREE AYCE Hot Dogs & Hamburgers served 1st Hour!
Admission is only $10+Rental
Rock N’ Blues Concert & Car Show
Saturday, May 25, 4-9pm
Lake Concord Park
95 Triplet Lake Drive, CASSELBERRY, FL 32707
View more than 150 classic cars ranging from Camaros to Chevelles to Mustangs, plus food trucks and live music.
FREE Admission
Worth the drive…
Fairy Garden Market
Sunday, May 26, 11am-4pm
Rockledge Gardens
2153 US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955
Fairies take over the Gardens for Fairy Garden Market on May 26th! 30+ vendors, live music, happy hour all day, ice cream, food vendors, face painting, henna, and so much more. Don’t forget to dress in your fairy best!
FREE
