Things to Do 4th of July Weekend and Family Events
Summer is in full swing and the 4th of July is full of fun things to do. Do you need some curated ideas about how to spend the Independence Day holiday weekend with your family? Here are our top family ideas for things to do July 4th weekend in Orlando, plus some great events – all curated by locals!
Family Friendly 4th of July Weekend Events
1. Watch Fireworks
Fireworks at the Fountain
July 4, 4-10pm (Fireworks at 9:10pm)
Lake Eola Park
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Don’t miss the Annual Fireworks at the Fountain celebration in downtown Orlando at our city’s iconic Lake Eola Park. The fun kicks off at 4pm with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and food/drinks available for purchase from on-site vendors.
You’re allowed to bring picnic blankets, chairs, and a cooler filled with your favorite snacks and nonalcoholic drinks to enjoy. Dogs are welcome, too.
The epic fireworks display will begin at 9:10pm. The finale will include a dazzling display set to a patriotic performance from the Orlando Concert Band.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
* Ride SunRail for FREE on Thursday, July 4 and save on parking for Independence Day events in Downtown Orlando including Fireworks at the Fountain at Lake Eola.
Disney Fireworks
July 3 and July 4, 2024
Magic Kingdom and EPCOT
Cost: Included with theme park admission
Nightly fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are magical any time of year. But during 4th of July weekend, patriotic magic is added! You can catch the display at Magic Kingdom each night, or head to EPCOT for the nightly show including fireworks, music, and special lighting effects.
Make the 4th of July in Orlando unforgettable with a Disney Fireworks Cruise. Cruises leave from Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort and chart a course to the International Gateway near World Showcase Lagoon for a celebration including fireworks, lasers, and synchronized audio. There are also a few options in the Magic Kingdom resorts area.
ALSO TRY:
- Free Fireworks at Old Town Kissimmee July 4, 2024, 6pm – 10pm
- City of Clermont Red, White and Boom July 4, 2024, 7pm – 10pm
- Read more: Kid-Friendly 4th of July Fireworks
2. Float down a river in a tube this 4th of July
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.
3. Enjoy a patriotic parade
When you think of 4th of July usually fireworks and BBQ come to mind, and of course a parade! There are quite a few Independence Day parades around town. So dress comfortably, bring some water, snacks, and something to sit on, and enjoy!
4. 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
5. 4th of July Weekend Events
Freedom on the Waterfront – with fireworks
Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 5-10pm
Mount Dora
Festivities begin at 5 PM with live music, featuring Kid’s Zone with lots of fun activities, food trucks, beverages, and plenty of fun for everyone. The festivities at Elizabeth Evans Park will end with fireworks over Lake Dora.
FREE
Red Hot & Boom At Cranes Roost Park
Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 5-9pm (fireworks around 9pm)
Cranes Roost Park
274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
This infamous celebration takes place on Wednesday, July 3 in Uptown Altamonte’s Cranes Roost Park. The City partners with XL106.7 to bring a groovin’ good time during this legendary event. Food vendors are scattered around Cranes Roost Lake to keep grumbling bellies at bay. The event kicks kicks off at 5pm and ends with a 25-minute firework feast for the eyes.
FREE
Red, White And Blue Americana
Thursday, July 4, 2024, 8am – 10pm
Downtown Winter Garden
Celebrate small-town style, at Downtown Winter Garden’s Red, White and Blue Americana event. The full lineup includes:
- 20th ANNUAL ALL AMERICAN KIDS PARADE & BREAKFAST, 8-10:30 a.m. (Pancake Breakfast: 8:00 – 9:45 am and Parade: 10:00 Kickoff)
- PARTY IN THE PARK, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
- Fireworks display on Lake Apopka at Newton Park at 9:15pm
City of Winter Park 4th of July Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 9am – 11am
Central Park, Winter Park
Bring the family over to enjoy a Kids Zone with carnival games, balloon artist and bounce slides provided by our Parks & Recreation Family Fun Program. (2024 Details TBA)
9 a.m. – Welcome by Mayor Phil Anderson
9:15 a.m. – Madison Zavitz performs
9:30 a.m. – Bach Festival Brass Ensemble & Choir performs
10:45 a.m. – Bike Parade
Independence Day Open House
Thursday, July 4, 2024, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The Museum is open for free on Independence Day in conjunction with the City of Winter Park’s Annual 4th of July Celebration.
FREE
Celebration’s Independence Day Spectacular
Thursday, July 4, 9am – 9:30pm (Fireworks at 9:20pm)
Lakeside Park
631 Sycamore St, Celebration, FL 34747
The celebratory activities kick off at 9 a.m. with the annual Independence Day parade. The route starts at Town Hall, traverses up Celebration Avenue, down Market Street, and ends near Lakeside Park. Following the parade, the star-spangled festivities continue at 5 pm. on and around Market and Front Streets, as many of Celebration’s dining establishments will be vending some of their more popular items.
As the sun sets and anticipation builds, grab a spot with your loved ones and get ready to witness a fireworks display like no other. Following Audio Exchange’s performance, a breathtaking pyrotechnic display will illuminate the sky over Lake Rianhard.
FREE
4th of July Cookout
Thursday, July 4, 4 – 8 pm
The View at Clermont National
2601 Clermont National Dr, Clermont, FL 34711
For a hot ticket, head out to The View Clermont for steaks on the grill alongside all your other 4th of July faves. Expect food trucks, steak cookout from 4-8pm, live music on the patio and sparklers for the kids! Reserve your steak online in advance to make sure you don’t miss out, since the steaks are limited! You don’t need a reservation to attend, however.
Promenade at Sunset Walk Star Spangled Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 3-11pm
Promenade at Sunset Walk (Margaritaville Resort Orlando)
Head to this walkable entertainment and shopping hub for some Independence Day celebrations. Prepare for a live music celebration with DFALC in concert, followed by the Sunset Walk Independence Fireworks Spectacular! Entertainment will include Special guest DJ Scotty B. and the DFALC Guitar Army on the Main Stage, Bar Fly in concert with DJ Elie-Rok on the South Side Stage, and DJ Rick GZ on the Promenade Plaza Stage.
FREE
Downtown Avalon Park Fourth of July Festival
Thursday, July 4, 5pm – 9pm
Enjoy a host of thrilling attractions, from a wet/dry bounce park and a bike parade to special performances and an apple pie bake-off. Stay around, as festivities will continue throughout the evening. The night will be filled with community performances, a wet/dry bounce park, food trucks, vendors, and music. Restaurant, retail, and service businesses will also be offering specials and deals throughout the evening. Finishing off an exciting day, the festivities will be concluded with a magnificent fireworks display over Avalon Lake at 9pm.
City of Apopka July 4th Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 6pm – 9pm
Apopka Amphitheater (3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway)
Enjoy this free family-friendly July 4th Celebration with music from David J and opening act Emily Henline and fireworks following the concert. Event includes Food & Craft Vendors, Face Painting, Balloon Artistry, Climbing Tower, Bounce Houses, Bungee Trampoline, Fireworks, Music, and more.
Party in the Park & Fireworks
Thursday, July 4, 6pm (Fireworks at 9:15pm)
Downtown Winter Garden
Bring a chair, blanket, or have a seat in the grass for this annual Winter Garden tradition! Keep your eyes on the sky for one of the best firework displays in West Orange County. Live music, family activities, food, and more keep the evening fun for all ages!
FREE
City of Clermont Red, White and Boom
Thursday, July 4, 7pm – 9pm
Waterfront Park
100 3rd Street, Clermont, FL 34711
Join the City of Clermont for their Annual 4th of July celebration at Waterfront Park filled with traditional Americana-type activities for all ages and ending with fireworks over Lake Minneola.
FREE
THE Great American Cookout Holiday Weekend
July 4-7, 2024
Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille
200 Boatyard St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Wear your patriotic gear, bring your appetite, and join Outriggers to honor our Nation’s timeless traditions. Indulge in a cookout-style buffet with delicious flavors of summer. Enjoy juicy burgers, sizzling hot dogs, finger-licking, perfectly seasoned BBQ ribs, crab legs, and more. There will also be a Hot Dog Eating Contest (with Prizes), Tito’s Lemonade Seltzer Stand, and more. Admission includes a Reed Foley (with Full Band) Concert and the best seats in town for the Fireworks show! $5 from every ticket purchased will go towards the Outriggers Community Foundation.
Tickets start at $10
Independence Day Weekend Party
July 5-6, 6-9pm
The Showcase of Citrus
15051 Frank Jarrell Rd, Clermont, FL 34714
Summer is here and it’s time to party like it’s 1776! Head to the Showcase of Citrus on July 5th & 6th for some live music and entertainment, campfire s’mores, 4X4s and so much more! Take a sunset cruise through the farm and visit their exotics. DJ and Bluey dance party on the 6th – Free Photos.
Creative Connections
Sunday, July 7, 12-3pm
Orlando Museum of Art
Creative Connections is geared towards visitors of all ages with developmental and learning disabilities, as well as those on the autism spectrum, sparking their imagination and fostering uninhibited creative expression. Creative Connections is a free event. Adults are welcome from Noon – 1:30 pm, while Youth and Family are welcome from 2 pm – 3:30 pm
