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6 Easy Things to Do with Your Kids During Thanksgiving Break

Can you believe the holidays will be upon us soon? It can feel like another year is passing by, this time is precious. Before it’s too late, have some fun with your kids this Thanksgiving break – especially now that it has been shortened by a day this year.

From simple pleasures to special outings, these things to do with kids during Thanksgiving break will ensure you make precious memories together.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, you can order Thanksgiving dinner or sides for takeout. And if you need someone to take care of your kiddos while you work or attend to other responsibilities, there are several Thanksgiving Camps in Orlando.

Family Fun During Thanksgiving Break

  1. Do something for FREE
  2. See Christmas lights and holiday decorations
  3. Orlando Science Center
  4. Enjoy the outdoors
  5. Discover a family-friendly restaurant
  6. Crayola Experience Colorful Christmas
  7. Holidays at the Historic Leu House Museum

Keep reading for more info on each of these activities. There are ideas for every Orlando family, and visiting folks too!

Do Something for FREE

The holiday season can be an expensive time of year for families. Despite our best intentions to get creative with holiday gift ideas, many of us overspend.

So make it easy on yourself and enjoy some of the many free kids’ activities in Orlando. Some of our favorite free ideas include Mead Botanical Garden, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, Bonnet Springs Park, and much more.

Of course, local playgrounds like Winter Park Community and Phelps Park are always free too.

Mennello Scuplture Garden Free Things to Do with Kids Orlando - Dani Meyering
Mennello Sculpture Garden Orlando Dani Meyering

The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll is a great free thing to do during Thanksgiving break.

Also, be sure to fuel the fun and keep it budget friendly where Kids Eat Free.

READ MORE: Free Things for Kids to Do in Orlando

See Christmas lights and holiday decorations

Thanksgiving week used to mark the start of the Christmas and holiday season. Not anymore, and certainly not in Orlando. Many of Orlando’s Christmas lights and holiday displays are up and running by Thanksgiving itself.

Plus there are lots of FREE Holiday events happening during Thanksgiving break, and adorable places to see Santa in Orlando too.

three polar bear holiday decorations at lake concord park
Lake Concord Park in Casselberry image by Dani Meyering

You can also head to one of these adorable Christmas tree lots and farms.

Orlando Science Center

Cost $27 for adults, $20 for youth ages 2–11, and free for children under 2

Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or a fun family outing, the Orlando Science Center is a classic idea. Hours are usually reduced, but it is still a great way to enjoy some hands-on activities together.

young children enjoy Kids Town Orlando Science Center
Kids Town Orlando Science Center image by Dani Meyering

The Orlando Science Center has four floors of fun; some areas can easily be overlooked. So be sure to read our Expert Tips for Visiting the Orlando Science Center before you go.

Enjoy the outdoors

Finally, the weather is so lovely. You’ll be missing these cooler days when summer is back, so go enjoy the pleasantness. Some of our favorite outdoor things to do in Orlando are especially lovely during Thanksgiving break.

Discover more: Nature Parks for a Mental Health Break

Discover a new family restaurant

Things get hectic during the holidays, to say the least. So while you’ve got some time together discover a new favorite family-friendly restaurant in Orlando. You may end up with another option for a family dinner when you need it. And with so many holiday meals to make this time of year, let someone else to do the cooking.

Crayola Experience Colorful Christmas

November 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025

Deck the halls with tons of COLOR and enjoy holiday fun the Crayola way! Meet our animatronic Christmas characters and listen to them tell stories as you solve their riddles. Pose with a life-sized snowglobe, watch a light show starring Scarlet and her singing reindeer friends, complete a seasonal scavenger hunt, craft handmade gifts from the heart, enjoy live entertainment, holiday treats and more.

Activities included with general admission.

Crayola Experience Colorful Christmas Image by Dani Meyering

Plus, new this year, A Magical Circus Adventure is coming to Crayola Experience Orlando for a special visit on December 14 & 15. Inspired by the popular POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance book series, television special, and live show by Broadway Director and award-winning author Neil Goldberg.

Holidays at the Historic Leu House Museum

November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025

Tour the Historic Leu House Museum adorned with traditional designs that glimmer and glow. Guided tours allow you to enjoy the beauty of the decorations and uncover the rich history that makes the Gardens so special. Come for the charm and stay for the stories, and let the magic of the season fill your heart. Guided tours are offered Tuesday – Sundays every 30 minutes from 10:00 am with the last tour at 12:30 pm.

Holidays at the Historic Leu House Museum Image from Leu Gardens

Bonus Ideas:

Check back for more ideas and events as Thanksgiving Break 2024 gets closer!

author avatar
Dani Meyering
Born and raised in the land of sunshine and dreams come true, Dani is a proud Orlando native. She loves sharing her hometown with others from the theme parks to Florida's natural beauty. With over 15 years of experience, Dani is thrilled to serve as our Managing Editor at Orlando Date Night Guide, Orlando Parenting, as well as Tampa Bay Date Night Guide.