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:
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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. Go on a safari
For an activity that’s just as suitable for a date day as a family outing, check out Giraffe Ranch, or kids will also love the many petting zoos in Orlando.
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. (2024 Info TBA)
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:
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
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
