What’s Happening in Orlando This Weekend for Kids – Events and More!

There is never a dull moment in Orlando! Many Christmas light displays are now up, ready for viewing and Santa is in Orlando ready for meet and greet

You may be looking for family-friendly events in Orlando and things to do this weekend, and we’re sharing it all. Let’s go!

Featured Events

Giving the following events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!

Park Maitland School – January Open Houses

• Dates: Friday, January 16, 2026, at 9 a.m. and Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 8 a.m. & 12 p.m.
• Location: Campuses in Winter Park and Maitland

Discover how Park Maitland School blends academic rigor, timeless tradition, and innovative learning to shape confident, capable leaders. For nearly 60 years, the community has inspired students through exceptional academics, character development, and personal attention from deeply experienced teachers. Experience a January Open House and see why families trust Park Maitland School to prepare children ages 12 months-8th grade for each stage in their educational journey with confidence and purpose. 

Lake Nona Live: Tribute Festival

• Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Location: The Lawn at Boxi Park, Lake Nona

One stage. Endless hits. One unforgettable day — for the whole family.

Lake Nona Live: Tribute Festival delivers a full day of live music celebrating some of the most iconic artists of all time. This all-day outdoor event brings together top tribute bands performing hits from Taylor Swift, Fleetwood Mac, Zac Brown Band, Santana, Queen, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Set on the Lawn at Boxi Park, guests can enjoy nonstop performances alongside great food, drinks, and interactive experiences, making it a lively, high-energy way to spend a Saturday in one of Orlando’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Family-Friendly Kids’ Events in Orlando This Weekend (January 5 – January 11, 2026)

Kids Fringe Mini Morning Fest

• Saturday, January 10, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Orlando Shakes, 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803

A special morning of Orlando Fringe Winter Mini-Fest fun just for kids and their caregivers, and it’s FREE! Enjoy performances and activities with Fringezilla, Mr. Richard and the Pound Hounds, and Orlando Family Stage.

Art Adventures: Collage Portraits

• Date: Friday, January 9, 2026, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Location: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803
• Cost: One Adult and One Child, Non-members: $20.00
  • One Adult and One Child, Members: $18.00
  • Additional Adults: $10.00 (additional adults who are Museum Members are free)
  • Additional Child: $10.00

Kick off the new year with markers, paper, and a little bit of glue! Explore the elements of shape, line, and color to create a portrait collage. Gain inspiration for your collage by viewing Deborah Roberts’ portrait of a young boy titled “Speak.” Think about ways in which your collage can speak without saying any words!

Throwbacks on Tap: Disney Channel Edition

• Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Location: Home State Brewing Co., 16016 New Independence Pkwy #100, Winter Garden, Florida 34787
• Cost: FREE admission

Cue the Disney wand…it’s time to jump back in time at Throwbacks on Tap: Disney Channel Edition! Break out the Disney tees, grab your ears, and get ready to dance and sing along all night! Featuring DJ KD Queen, photo ops, food, and drinks. All ages welcome.

Three Kings Day

• Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: Old Town, 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
• Cost: FREE admission

The Feast of the Three Kings is an intricate part of Latin Folklore. Traditionally, this day is very important, especially for children, for it is on this eve that they will receive their gifts. The celebration will include a visit from the Three Kings, free hot dogs, free popcorn, cotton candy or snow cones, and a toy for children under 11. Bikes and tablets will be given away by raffle throughout the event.

Renaissance Family Day

• Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location: Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden, 633 Osceola Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
• Cost: FREE

Step into the 15th century with hands-on art activities, story time, falconry and fencing demos, live harp music, maypole dances, a butterfly release, food trucks, and more. Explore the exhibition Renaissance Alchemy: Egg and Gold and enjoy an artist talk celebrating modern takes on Renaissance traditions. Dress in your finest Renaissance attire and bring the whole family for a day of art, history, and imagination.

Kids’ Events Next Week (January 12 – January 18, 2026)

Sami’s Star-Spangled Celebration

• Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Location: Peghorn Nature Park, 2101 Peghorn Way, St Cloud, FL 34769
• Cost: FREE admission

Enjoy patriotic crafts, a live DJ, inflatables, face painting, and much more!

Teddy Bear Tea Party

• Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11 a.m.
• Location: DeBary Hall Historic Site, 198 Sunrise Blvd, DeBary, FL 32713
• Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for children aged 2 to 12

Children can bring their favorite teddy bear and step into a charming afternoon at the Teddy Bear Tea Party! Enjoy a guided tour of Frederick deBary’s elegant winter hunting estate, followed by a delightful lesson in classic tea etiquette. Attendees will be served tea and apple juice along with an assortment of sandwiches and desserts. Tickets are non-refundable and must be purchased by Saturday, January 10th. Due to space limitations, each family is asked to limit their adult tickets to two. To purchase tickets, call 386-668-3840.

Florida Manatee Festival

• Dates: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., & Sunday, January 18, 2026, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Crystal River, 532 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428 – Worth the drive!
• Cost: $10 per adult, FREE for kids 12 and under

Located in the Manatee Capital of the World, the Florida Manatee Festival is an annual event held every January in beautiful downtown Crystal River. The festival boasts two days of live entertainment, discounted opportunities for guided manatee boat tours and kayak tours in Kings Bay, children’s activities, delicious food, and hundreds of vendors selling their wares! For a discounted ticket on Sunday, look for the special coupon in the Citrus County Chronicle on January 17th, offering $5 off per person for up to four adult admissions.

More Fun in January

Millie Moo’s Fire Safety Day

• Date: Monday, January 19, 2026, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: Millie Moo’s, 4085 L B McLeod Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
• Cost: FREE

Millie Moo’s will welcome a real firefighter who is also a mom for a special fire safety day just for kids! The firefighter guest will bring real firefighting equipment, wear her full gear so kids can see what firefighters really look like, help children understand that firefighters are helpers — not scary — and why it’s important not to hide or run away, and teach kids what to do if they ever see smoke or fire. This experience is designed to be fun, hands-on, and reassuring, helping little ones feel confident and safe while learning important life skills.

Aerospace and Aviation Day 2026

• Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: Orlando Sanford International Airport, Million Air Hangar, 2841 Flight Line Ave, Sanford, FL 32773
• Cost: FREE

This event is designed to inspire Seminole County students to follow their dreams in science, engineering, and aviation. Working professionals from the Orlando Sanford International Airport, its tenants, and airline partners will be there to interact with students one-on-one. This free and exciting event is designed to introduce students to career possibilities within aviation. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy speakers, aerobatics, food trucks, door prizes, and free plane rides (for ages 8-17).

Dog Day at Leu Gardens

• Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Location: Leu Gardens
• Cost: Cost: $15/adult, $10/child, $5/dog, FREE for children under 4, active military, and members

Bring the entire family, including your lovable canine, and enjoy a playful adventure through the 50-acre gardens. Each pup will receive a complimentary goody bag featuring a Gardens bandana, while supplies last. Peruse the Doggie Boutique from 9am-12pm, featuring treats, toys, and apparel. Capture a special keepsake by making a commemorative paw print of your pup’s paw. Plus, participate in one or all three contests. Register your dog at the Gardens before contest time: Cupid’s Canine Contest at 10am (dress your pup in the cutest Valentine’s style), Terrific Trick at 10:30am, and Best Kisser at 11am. Winners will receive a pooch prize pack!

Science on Tap

• Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026, VIP enters at 12 p.m., General admission from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location: Orlando Science Center
• Cost: Tickets start at $25 per person

Hop in for an afternoon of brews, food, and science while supporting a good cause! This fundraiser features over 30 local breweries from around Central Florida who will be sampling some of their best brews. Enjoy this family-friendly event as you sip your way through interactive science demos, challenge your kids or your friends to fun lawn games, and delight in a few tasty treats purchased from several popular food trucks. Proceeds from this event enable Orlando Science Center to inspire science learning for all through engaging experiences that build important skills and illustrate the power of science to address real-world challenges. This event is open to all ages, but minors must be supervised at all times. Minors 16 years or older must have a valid “Designated Driver/No Alcohol” ticket and be with a paying 21+ guest to enter.

Scribble Bot Workshop

• Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026, classes at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
• Location: The Burrow Cafe and Play, 618 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
• Cost: $25

In this STEAM workshop, kids will make tripod robots with a spinning DC motor attached that scribbles and makes art, while the adult accompanying them sips a free cafe beverage! Taught by Mad Scientist/Barista Savannah. This workshop is great for kids ages 8+.

Peanut Butter Matinee: Aladdin

• Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026, 12 p.m.
• Location: Enzian Theater, 1300 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, Florida 32751
• Cost: $11.50 for adults, FREE for kids 12 & under

The Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film Series usually takes place on the fourth Sunday of each month. It is always family-friendly and FREE for kids 12 & under. A special Kids’ Menu is also offered! This month, enjoy the beloved Disney musical Aladdin.

MoviEat Parties Presents Inside Out

• Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Location: 1360 E. Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
• Cost: $25

This special MoviEat Parties Presents experience is designed for kids, featuring a lower ticket price, a simpler, kid-approved menu, a cozy movie-night vibe the whole family can enjoy, and is perfect for little movie lovers who want all the fun without the fuss! Spots are limited, so grab your tickets and join us for a night full of feelings, food, and family fun! Every child must be supervised by a ticketed adult. Please note, this is an outdoor venue. All food allergies/restrictions, etc. must be disclosed no later than January 25th in order to be accommodated.

Later Gator – Looking Ahead

Osceola County Fair

• Dates: February 13 through February 22, 2026
• Location: Osceola Heritage Park, 1911 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744
• Cost: Starting at $2

The Osceola County Fair is back with rides, food, and livestock! This year’s theme is The Legacy: Moving Forward by Looking Back. Join on opening day, February 13th, from 5pm to midnight, and enjoy gate promotions: $2 Admission or FREE Admission w/ canned food donation (minimum of 4 cans per person); Active Military, Vets and First Responders with ID, get in FREE. Midway Promotion: $2 Rides.

Panda Fest

• Dates: Friday, February 27, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday, March 1, 2026, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Location: Festival Park, 2911 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803
• Cost: $10 Early Bird tickets through January 18, $14 General Admission

Explore a culinary journey across Asia with more than 80+ food vendors and food trucks offering 200+ dishes from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond. From authentic street food to creative fusion bites, there’s something for every palate. In addition to the food, browse a curated marketplace of 20+ vendors offering crafts, clothing, accessories and artisan goods inspired by Asian heritage. Traditional arts like calligraphy, sugar painting and paper cutting will be featured alongside modern K-pop dance routines, lion dances, theatrical performances, and more. And of course, pandas take center stage, including a 15-foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring and themed treats, souvenirs and games galore.

The Wiggles: Tree of Wisdom Spectacular!

• Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 6 p.m.
• Location: Hard Rock Live Orlando
• Cost: Starting at $57.20

Get ready to sing, dance & wiggle in this high-energy musical extravaganza! Tickets are on sale now.

Ongoing Orlando Events for Kids

Free Day & Story Time

• Dates: 1st Monday of the month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
• Cost: FREE

Cuddle up inside to enjoy story time and songs with librarians. Then, spend the whole day (free admission) strolling (with your stroller or otherwise) the lush grounds. Your little one will be tickled pink amidst the greenery.

Toddler Tuesdays

• Dates: Weekly, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Location: Crayola Experience Orlando, 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL
• Cost: Included with General Admission

Enjoy special Toddler Crafts and Activities once a month with an interactive book reading, a special character appearance, and more. Try out some of Crayola’s hottest products designed for the little ones at Outside the Box, get creative with toddler crafts and coloring pages, and get ready for a special meet and greet with the Chick-fil-A cow from 10:30am-11:00am! This is the perfect place for the little ones to burn off some energy!

Storytime at the Orlando Executive Airport

• Dates: 1st Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
• Location: Orlando Executive Airport, 365 Rickenbacker Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
• Cost: FREE

Check out Storytime at the Orlando Executive Airport for stories and songs to encourage your child to read, talk, sing, and play! Recommended for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Storytime is at 10:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month and lasts approx. 30 minutes. It is held in the conference room at the “Orlando Executive Airport Administration Offices” building. Library staff will be present to help guide the way.

2nd Fridays at Flamingo Crossings Town Center: Holiday Edition

• Dates: 2nd Friday of the month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Location: Flamingo Crossings Town Center, 153 Sugar Belle Dr, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (closest to Lime Fresh Mexican Grill)
• Cost: FREE admission

Holiday Edition is back on December 12th! Featuring snow on Main Street, brand-new holiday lighting, holiday crafts & ornament making, decorating the community tree, DJ Bubbles playing holiday classics, yard games, samples, and giveaways. Plus, grab a bite from the many restaurants on-site.

Resources to Explore

The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County

The ELC of Orange Co. is committed to ensuring that every child in the community has equal access to high-quality early learning programs by supporting those who help children grow and develop. We connect families and preschool programs with resources to provide the best possible start for children. From finding childcare, resources on school readiness and VPK, to financial assistance, call 407-841-6607 for more information.

Even more ideas and events in Orlando this week can be found at OrlandoDateNightGuide.com.