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!

In Case You’re Interested:

>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks

Featured Events

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

Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando – FINAL WEEKEND!

• Dates: Through January 5
• Location: SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration runs now until January 5, turning the park into a festive wonderland with millions of lights, holiday décor, and music. Guests enjoy shows like the award-winning Winter Wonderland on Ice and O Wondrous Night, meet Santa, Rudolph, and watch the Sesame Street Christmas Parade. New experiences include Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen Presented by Undeniably Dairy. Each evening concludes with Holiday Reflections: Firework Finale, all included with park admission.

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. 

Family-Friendly Kids’ Events in Orlando This Week (December 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026)

ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™

• Dates: Now through January 7, 2026
• Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, FL
• Cost: Tickets start at $26

For the very first time, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ will be featured at Gaylord Palms Resort in 2 million pounds of intricately carved ice sculptures in ICE!, the resort’s signature holiday attraction. Strike a pose with Santa and Rudolph in one of the longest ice carvings measuring over 32 feet long, crawl into whimsical photo setups, or become one of the misfit toys in this winter wonderland made for memory-making. Experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Palms.

Sketching in the Galleries

• Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803
• Cost: Included in admission

Enjoy an afternoon at the museum and be inspired by artwork in the galleries. This is a drop-in program; no preregistration is required. Drawing and sketching supplies will be available for artists of all ages to use.

Dazzling Nights – Last Night!

• Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Location: Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
• Cost: $31.50-$39.50 for adults, $29.50-$37.50 for children

For one more night, step into the magic of the holidays at the Gardens, where sparkling lights and vibrant seasonal displays bring every evening to life. Delight in falling snow, festive music, and the warmth of sweet treats and drinks. It’s a beloved holiday tradition for the whole family to enjoy!

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

Winter Mini-Fest

• Dates: Wednesday, January 7 through Sunday, January 11, 2026
• Location: Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803
• Cost: Tickets starting at $15, and a one-time purchase of a $3 button

The Florida Theatrical Association is celebrating 10 years of winter festivals with a fun-sized dose of all things Fringe. This cozy, curated version of the May festival will feature popular works from past festivals, new works from well-received Fringe artists, and brand-new creatives scouted from the national and international Fringe circuit.

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.

Kids Fringe Mini-Morning Fest

• Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Location: Orlando Shakes, 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803
• Cost: FREE

Enjoy a FREE morning of Winter Mini-Fest fun just for families! Hang out with Fringezilla and see some of your favorite Kids Fringe artists for an exciting morning, including a mini ribbon-cutting ceremony, crafts, parade, and a stage drama.

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.

Later Gator – Looking Ahead

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.

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.

Pay Once & Visit Twice

• Dates: Through December 31, 2025
• Location: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

With the Pay Once, Visit Twice deal, you purchase once (at a wildly good discount!) and get to visit the Zoo two times on the dates of your choosing before the end of the year. Two days of unforgettable Zoo adventure – because once just isn’t enough! Available online only. Valid for two visits through December 31, 2025.

FREE Junior Space Explorer Pass

• Dates: Through December 31, 2025
• Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
• Cost: FREE

Kids ages five and under can enjoy complimentary admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 2025 with the Junior Space Explorer Pass. Available only to Florida residents, the pass grants children complimentary admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex through December 31, 2025. registration is only available through the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website and must be completed by February 24, 2025.

Drew Thomas Magic

• Dates: Through December 31, 2025, 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. Showtimes
• Location: Grande Lakes Orlando
• Cost: General Admission from: $49.99, plus VIP and Front Row with Meet & Greet options.

Presented by acclaimed magician and America’s Got Talent finalist, Drew Thomas, and his award-winning colleagues. This luxury VIP experience puts you right at the heart of breathtaking illusions, bringing the impossible to life just inches away.

Boardwalk Bowl & Aloma Bowl’s Winter All Access Pass

• Dates: Through January 5, 2026
• Location: Boardwalk Bowl, 10749 East Colonial Drive Orlando, Florida 32817 & Aloma Bowl, 2530 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792
• Cost: $12 plus tax, per person

Enjoy 2 games of bowling with shoes and a $5 arcade card for just $12 plus tax, per person. The all access pass is good from December 22, 2025 through January 5, 2026 at Boardwalk Bowl and Aloma Bowl.

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.