23 Family-Friendly Things to do this Memorial Day Weekend in Orlando
The official start to summer is 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 weekend!
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
Memorial Day weekend kicks off GLO Summer at Grande Lakes Orlando, and families will find plenty to enjoy.
The resort offers a mix of playful, kid-approved activities, including:
- Dazzling fireworks displays that will take center stage every Saturday evening at 9pm.
- Remember & Honor 5K – A scenic walk or run open to all ages, with post-race goodies like snacks, medals, and more.
- Inflatable Water Slides on the Da Vinci Lawn – A fun way to cool off and burn energy.
- Movie Under the Stars – A relaxing outdoor movie night perfect for winding down with the family.
- On-Property Favorites – Food trucks, face painting, balloon artists, live music, and steel drum performances, plus refreshing coconuts at the pool.
It’s an exciting and memorable way to kick off summer with the whole family. Click for info and to book your Memorial Day Weekend escape.
2. Kids Fringe
Take in a few shows at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival which is back this year from May 13th- 26th, 2025, 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.
NEW: Wheel Park East in Casselberry
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 2nd – 4th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, & 23rd – Monday May, 26th
- 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 and peaches in Florida are wrapping up for the yea. The season typically winds down near the end of May/early June, so get out there and visit a local u-pick farm 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 Orlando Science Center
Orlando Science Center is offering free admission to veterans and active military personnel with military ID from May 23-27, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union. Family members accompanying them will receive 50% off admission. General admission for others is $29.99 for adults and $22.99 for youth.
The offer includes access to all exhibits, movies, and experiences in the science center.
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. A family-friendly meal
Take some time to relax and let someone else do the cooking. Browse a list of family friendly restaurants and enjoy a meal out as a family.
Read here: 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.
22. Pointe Orlando
Pointe Orlando is more than just dining and nightlife, it’s also a fun destination for families with kids. The newly opened Activate Games offers an exciting indoor experience where kids and teens can run, jump, and solve challenges in high-tech game rooms.
For something more laid-back, head to The Greens Indoor Golf & Social Club, where families can enjoy virtual mini golf and interactive bowling games using real putters, all in a cool, tech-forward space. There’s also Monkey Joe’s, perfect for younger children with inflatable play zones, and Main Event, featuring bowling, arcade games, and laser tag for all ages.
With plenty of indoor options, Pointe Orlando is a great spot for family fun, especially on hot or rainy days.
23. 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:
Sunset At The Zoo: Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage
Friday, May 23, 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 23-26, 2025
Promenade at Sunset Walk
3251 Margaritaville Blvd. Kissimmee
Enjoy live music, street performers, markets, car shows and more.
FREE
Rock N’ Blues Concert & Car Show
Saturday, May 24, 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 25, 11am-4pm
Rockledge Gardens
2153 US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955
Fairies take over the Gardens for Fairy Garden Market on May 25th! 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
Memorial Day Skate
2025 TBA
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
