10 Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend with Kids – Events and More!
There is never a dull moment in Orlando! And when you’ve got kids along for the ride you may be looking for family-friendly events in Orlando and things to do this weekend.
And what a weekend it is. It’s time for Christmas lights and seeing Santa!
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
Featured Events
Discover Cowboy Adventure Park at River Ranch!
Weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. & Weekends, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
3200 River Ranch Boulevard River Ranch, FL 33867
Saddle up for a thrilling adventure at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo! The Cowboy Adventure Park is now open, offering fun for all ages. From riding the mechanical bull to scaling the rock climbing wall and bouncing on the pad, there’s excitement at every turn. Don’t miss out on the luxurious “glamping” accommodations while you’re there. Gather the family and experience the ultimate ranchin’ getaway today!
Tickets from $15; Cowboy Adventure Park is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Save The Date
Cendrillon
Friday-Sunday, Feb 7-9, 2025
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Opera Orlando presents Massenet’s Cendrillon, based on the beloved fairy tale Cinderella.
Bring the whole family to this all new production full of fun, laughter, and gorgeous music, headlined by Metropolitan Opera and Grammy Award-winning soprano Lindsay Ohse in the title role with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in the pit at the gorgeous Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center.
Orlando Events This Weekend
Enzian Theater’s Christmas Movie Series
Select Dates, December 4 – 18, 2024
Enzian Theater
Snuggling up and watching one of these feel-good films is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. And don’t forget to stop by Eden Bar to try special Holiday Cocktails.
Cirque Mechanics Winter Wonder Shoppe
December 12 – 29, 2024
Dr. Phillips Center
Under the brightly-colored Big Top, a series of fantastical transactions unfolds with the world-renowned aerial and acrobatic artists of Cirque Mechanics. Here, a quirky shopkeeper is on a mission to sell his prized shiny blue bicycle to the perfect customer and make someone’s holiday wish come true. Customers fly on a Penny Farthing and juggle with diabolos. Contortionists perform on a turntable powered by unicyclists. An aerialist is lifted by an acrobat inside a giant wheel, and trampoline wall artists defy the laws of physics by virtually flying and walking on air!
Tickets start at $42.50
Access for All at OMA
December 19 & 26, 2024, 10 am – 8 pm
Orlando Museum of Art
Free admission to the museum will be offered on Thursday, December 19 and December 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This holiday season, OMA honors the tradition by providing two separate offerings this month to further its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all. OMA strives to break down barriers and continually welcome new members of the community to experience the healing power of art.
The December 19 event will feature a gallery talk at 1:30 p.m. with Dr. Richard L. Gray who will share the fascinating story behind his renowned guitar collection, as well as an unforgettable lecture on skatepark design at 6 p.m. with Tim Payne, Founder and President of Team Pain Skate Parks. Little Giant Chinese food will also be hosting a pop-up from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The December 26 event will see the exciting return of La CinOMAthéque: a collaboration between OMA and the Enzian, providing guests with a free screening of 1967 experimental film Wavelength by Canadian artist Michael Snow. Prefaced by an introduction by UCF Film professor Jimmy Schaus and followed by a talkback with OMA Chief Curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon and Enzian Programming Manager Tim Anderson. The film will be shown in its entirety and its original format, using a special 16mm projector.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando Holiday Celebration
December 19, 6-8pm
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Get ready to experience a festive extravaganza at this tropical paradise. Join the celebration in the Grand Lobby at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando! Don’t miss out on your chance to meet Santa, his michevious elves, and the Towering Toy Soldiers.
Social Club Pajama Party
December 20, 2024, 10:30am
St. Cloud Civic Center
3001 17th Street, St. Cloud, FL, 34769
Homeschoolers ages 11-15 are invited to the Social Club Pajama Party on Friday, December 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Cloud Civic Center. Bring your holiday spirit and your coziest sleepwear for a day of games, food, and festive fun!
Cost is $10 per person.
Holiday Movies at Lake Eola Park
December 20, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando
Bring your blankets, gather the family, and immerse yourself in the magic of the season with our enchanting lineup of family-friendly holiday movies. From heartwarming classics to joyful animated tales, there’s something for everyone!
- December 20: Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas
FREE SunRail Ride to Church Street Station
December 21, 2024, 3pm – 11:45pm
Ride the SunRail to the Church Street Station this Saturday, December 21, and catch hundreds of drones lighting up the sky at Lake Eola! Thanks to the City of Orlando, your ride is FREE this weekend to enjoy the spectacular holiday event!
Trains start running from DeBary at 3 p.m. and Poinciana at 5 p.m. to bring you to the show. Don’t miss the magic at 6:30 p.m. or 8 p.m.—same dazzling program, two chances to experience it! Last trains: Northbound departs at 11:46 p.m., Southbound departs at 10:51 p.m. Visit SunRail.com for the FULL schedule.
Hard Rock’s Holly Jolly Holiday Party
December 21, 6:30-8:30pm
Hard Rock Cafe & Live Orlando
Gather up the whole band and head to the beautiful Hard Rock Live for this family friendly event and meet Santa Saturday, December 21st from 6:30pm to 8:30pm! Celebrate the joy of the season with light bites, a holiday themed cookie decorating kit, a live DJ spinning festive tunes and pictures with Santa Claus included!
Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down
December 21-22, 2024 – FINAL WEEKEND!
Gatorland
14501 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837
Gatorland’s signature holiday extravaganza unfolds with a delightful mix of holiday tunes, festive displays, interactive characters, and an array of tempting seasonal treats available for purchase. Capture the essence of a distinctively Floridian holiday by snapping a photo with Gator Claus aboard his swamp-worthy sleigh. Meet the mischievous Krampus Croc and sing along with the Florida Skunk Ape as he performs his favorite “Cryptid carols.”
Included with admission
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
Fridays – Sundays December 6-22, 2024 – FINAL WEEKND
Lake Nona Town Center
Experience the magic of the Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival in Lake Nona Town Center, December 6–22! From live entertainment and festive treats to Santa’s Cottage Experience and nightly snowfall, there’s something for everyone.
The Nutcracker
December 6 – 22, 2024 – FINAL WEEK
Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center
Bring the whole family to see The Nutcracker, brought to you by Orlando Health, a beloved tale full of larger-than-life whimsy and adventure. Performed by the only fully residential professional ballet company in Central Florida, this production comes to life with action-packed aerials, blazing battles and breathtaking ballet.
Tickets start at $39
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
November 15 – January 19, 2025
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Celebrate the culture, art, and beauty of traditional lantern festivals at the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. This dazzling after-hours holiday spectacular features over 30 handmade illuminated sculptures along a 3/4 mile trail. In addition to stunning LED lanterns depicting plants, animals, and traditional Chinese figures, enjoy live music, artisan crafts, and local food and beverage available for purchase.
$22 per person
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
November 8 – December 20, 2024
Magic Kingdom Park
1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Tips for watching the parade at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Wild Kratts®: Ocean Adventure!
September 14, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Florida Children’s Museum
600 Bonnet Spgs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815
Dive below the surface to explore ocean habitats and uncover fascinating creatures! Using Wild Kratts technology, YOU can foil the villains’ nefarious plans and help all the amazing animals you’ve met. This exhibit is recommended for children ages 3-9 and includes a “tot spot” specifically for children under three years of age.
The Magic Show at Grande Lakes
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.
General Admission: $49.99, Premier 2nd Row Seating: $69.99, VIP Front Row with Meet & Greet: $89.99
7PM AND 9PM
- Friday, December 20, 2024
- Friday, December 27, 2024
- Saturday, December 28, 2024
- Friday, January 10, 2025
- Saturday, January 11, 2025
- Friday, January 17, 2025
- Saturday, January 18, 2025
Upcoming Events and Ongoing Events
Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour
September 7, 2025 (Tickets on Sale November 18, 2024)
Kia Center
The arena tour will celebrate the high-energy music from Disney’s “Descendants” and “Zombies” franchises, inspiring families and fans of all ages to dance, sing and engage with their favorite stars. Amy Tinkham will serve as the tour’s Creative Director. Tinkham has directed a wide-ranging number of productions including Aerosmith tours, Cirque du Soleil and Melissa Etheridge’s Broadway show. The concerts will mark a nostalgic return to tours like Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana and High School Musical.
Story Time at Hao Bao Bao Coffee Shop
1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10 am
Hao Bao Bao Coffee Shop
4046 S Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL
Bring your toddlers and pre-schoolers for stories read by a former librarian. Come out for some coffee for mama and stories for kids and be sure to tell all your coffee-and-book-loving friends! Stay tuned for additional story times next month once the kids are out of school!
FREE
Even more ideas and events in Orlando this week can be found at OrlandoDateNightGuide.com.
