What’s Happening in Orlando This Weekend for 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. It’s a hot one with summer in full swing.
Featured Events
Giving the following events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
River Country Water Park – NOW OPEN!
Westgate River Ranch
3200 River Ranch Boulevard, River Ranch, FL 33867
Get ready for a splash-filled adventure at River Country Water Park! Splash through thrilling water slides, take a refreshing dip in the pool, and enjoy plenty of kid-friendly attractions perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or relaxing poolside, there’s no better place in Lake Wales for a full day of fun. Plus, book early at RiverCountry.com and score free water park tickets, making your stay even more unforgettable. Don’t miss out on the ultimate family getaway!
Family-Friendly Kids’ Events in Orlando: Week of July 7-14
Hollerbach’s Kinder Nights
Now through July 30, 5-9pm
Hollerbach’s German Restaurant
205 E 1st St, Sanford, FL, 32771
Join Hollerbach’s every Wednesday from 5–8 PM, June 4 through July 30, for Kinder Night — a free, family-friendly evening packed with fun just for kids (and the grownups who love them). What to Expect: Duplo Blocks – Unleash your imagination, brick by brick, Arts + Crafts – Hands-on creativity with fun projects, Dance Parties – Yes, the Chicken Dance is happening, Sprecher Root Beer Floats – Cool down with a float! (Available for purchase). Keep in mind, Kinder Night is not a drop-off event — parental supervision is required for all activities. Plus, each Kinder Night features a designated School Spirit Night from 5–close — $2 from every pretzel sold will go back to that evening’s featured PTA or school program. Eat pretzels, support your school!
Free Day & Story Time
Monday, July 7, 9am – 1pm
Leu Gardens
1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Celebrate 20 Years of Stories! Check out fun for the whole family, including: kids’ crafts, story walk through the Gardens, OCLS book bike, paper-making station, origami station, free children’s book giveaway (while supplies last), and story time with OCLS. Plus, explore the Gardens all day with FREE admission for everyone!
Teen Cuisine: Kooky Cakes
Friday, July 11, 2025, 10:30-11:15am
North Orange Branch
1211 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, FL 32703
Oftentimes kids eat gross stuff… and this event embraces that yuck! Teens, 13-18, can register for this cake decorating event with the goal to recreate a weird or kooky cake or cupcake.
Old Town’s Classic Car Show
Friday, July 11, 2025, 3-7:30pm
5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34746
If your family has got the need for speed, or maybe you’ve just watched the movie Cars like a gazillion times… buckle up for the Muscle Car Show. This free event features show-quality muscle cars from 1964 and newer—and older hot rods and classics dating up to 1985.
Bracelet Making at Dave & Busters
Friday, July 11, 2025, 4-6pm
Dave and Buster’s
8986 International Dr., Orlando FL 32819
It’s been a minute since families were engulfed in making bracelets during Taylor Swift’s epic tour. So, dust off your creative skills by attending this Family Fun Friday at Dave & Buster’s. This portion of the event is free; plus, you can upgrade to include a Powercard with 75 chips + unlimited video game play for only $20 plus tax!
YMCA Parents Night Out
Friday, July 11, 2025, 5-9pm
Downtown YMCA
433 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
No babysitter? No problem. Santa is coming early with a special treat for parents. Members ($25) AND non-member ($40) can gift kiddos a fun “Christmas in July” evening. This super reasonably priced parents night out will feature Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch movie, themed crafts, games and snacks.
UPlift Summer Celebration
Saturday, July 12, 9am – 12pm
United Against Poverty Orlando,
150 W. Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32806
Enjoy a FREE, family-friendly event packed with games, giveaways, music, and valuable resources designed to support and uplift you and your loved ones.
Pro Wakeboard Tour: Stop 3
Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13, 2025, 9am-2pm
Lake David Park
450 S Lake Ave, Groveland, FL 34736
RSVP to get free tickets to this local stop for the Pro Wakeboard Tour. Catch top athletes from Europe, Australia, Canada, the U.S. and more, doing some awesome tricks.
Grand Re-Opening: Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, July 12, 10am – 1pm
Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge
10525 Clapp Simms Duda Rd, Orlando, FL 32832
Visit the grand re-opening of Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, and enjoy food trucks, local vendors, and plenty of critter friends for you to meet and learn about!
Unicorn World
Saturday, July 12-Sunday, July 13, 2025
Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Dr, Orlando, FL
Unicorn fans will be tickled pink by this three-hour interactive show. Traveling to select cities, let your imagination explore whimsical creatures and more. Tickets start at $32.
Next Week Family Events July 14-20
Space Weekend at Boxi Park
Thursday- Sunday, July 17–20
Boxi Park, 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827
Enjoy four days of space-themed fun with Star Wars trivia, live music, kids’ crafts, bounce houses, and hands-on STEAM activities. Highlights include trivia and bingo on Thursday, glow-in-the-dark crafts on Saturday, and a full Space Day celebration on Sunday. Don’t miss the themed drink specials like Cosmic Slush and Galaxy Punch. Fun for the whole family.
Free entry; food and drink available for purchase
Florida Heritage Skate Fair
Friday, July 18-Sunday, July 20, 2025, times vary
Central Florida Fairgrounds
4603 W Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808
This three-day-long skate event will be held within the 20,000-square-foot air-conditioned facility at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. An epic schedule, including opportunities to engage with Olympic skaters, will have skate fans flipping out!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Friday, July 18-Sunday, July 20, 2025, times vary
Orlando Family Stage
1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803
If your kids are fans of Jeffrey Patrick’s popular children’s book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, snag tickets for this entertaining stage adaptation. Tickets start at $20.
OCLS Family Ballet
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 10:30-11:30
Orange County Library – Alafaya Branch
12000 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32826
Budding ballerinas can spin and twirl to their hearts desire at this free family event. Participants will learn introductory and foundational movements.
Sami’s Birthday Bash
Saturday, July 19, 10am – 1pm
St. Cloud Civic Center
3101 17th St, St Cloud, FL 34769
This exciting birthday celebration will feature a variety of activities, giveaways, special visits from some of Sami’s friends, delicious birthday cake, and much more!
For more information, please call 407-957-7243.
Cool Kids Runway
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 11am
Happy P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, FL 32803
If your little fashionista has aspirations of being a runway model or influencer, this event could be of interest. Packages start at $95. A model may also get to walk in Orlando Fashion Week 2025.
Taylor Swift Music Bingo Brunch
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 1:30-2:30pm
Teak Neighborhood Grill – Metrowest location
6400 Time Square Ave, Orlando, FL
Calling all Swifties! Epic Trivia hosts this rockin’ event where diners can sip, sing and shake it off like never before. All while feasting on tasty brunch bites.
Ongoing Orlando Events for Kids
Toddler Tuesdays
Weekly, from 10am to 12pm
Crayola Experience Orlando
8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL
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! Included with General Admission.
Storytime at the Orlando Executive Airport
1st Tuesday of the month at 10:30am
Orlando Executive Airport
365 Rickenbacker Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
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.
Summer of Play
Through August 3
Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plz, Tampa, Florida 33602
Worth the drive!
Summer storybook sightings! Meet and greet characters from your favorite children’s books this summer. Enjoy an immersive storytime with your favorite character at 11am and snap pics with them at meet-and-greets throughout the day!
Origami in the Garden
Through September 3
Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, 32803
Explore the beauty of origami on a grand scale with this stunning outdoor exhibit at Leu Gardens. Origami in the Garden features large-scale metal sculptures inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding, beautifully integrated into the garden’s natural surroundings. Tickets are included with regular admission.
Pay Once & Visit Twice
Through December 31
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
Through December 31
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
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
Every Weekend Through December 31, 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. Showtimes
Grande Lakes Orlando
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 from: $49.99, plus VIP and Front Row with Meet & Greet options.
On My Way to K
Select dates, times, and locations
July 17, 11am-1pm, DeLand Regional Library
July 23, 10:30am-12:30pm, Winter Park Library
July 24, 10am-12pm, Hart Memorial Central Library (Kissimmee)
Held throughout July at local libraries, each event is open to children ages 2–8 and their caregivers. Families will explore interactive stations that support every aspect of early childhood development—from creativity and movement to social-emotional growth and problem-solving. Activities are adaptable for children of all abilities, and every location includes a sensory-friendly space for little learners. All events are free to attend, with materials and take-home activities provided.
Summer Family Art Workshops
Through July 20, 2025
Art & History Museums, Maitland 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL
Slated for six weeks during the summer, children and families can keep their creative skills shape with FREE hands-on arts and crafts workshops.
Free Day & Story Time at Leu Gardens
Select dates (7/7/2025, 8/4/2025, 10/6/2025, 11/3/2025, 12/1/2025), 10-11am
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
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.
Later ‘Gator
Orlando’s 150th Birthday
Wednesday, July 31, 10am – 5pm
Orange County Regional History Center
65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32801
To celebrate the city’s birthday, enjoy FREE admission to the History Center, plus FREE admission on July 31 at Orlando’s Mennello Museum of American Art and Harry P. Leu Gardens. This is the perfect time to see Orlando Collected, an exhibition chock-full of 150 fascinating objects and images from the city’s 150 years, many curated by folks in the community.
10th Annual Florida Kids and Family Expo
August 23-24, 2025, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5am
Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Dr, Orlando
The nation’s largest kids and family expo is back and bigger than ever! The 10th Annual Florida Kids and Family Expo is coming to the Orange County Convention Center. And we will be there!
This epic, two-day event brings together everything families need in one giant, air-conditioned venue—offering fun, resources, and unforgettable experiences for kids of all ages. From schools and extracurriculars to healthcare, entertainment, and local businesses, attendees will discover opportunities for every aspect of family life.
With 10+ Fun Zones and over 200 interactive exhibitors, kids can enjoy: animal encounters, meet-and-greets with beloved princesses and superheroes, hands-on STEM activities, “Touch a Truck” experiences, live performances on four stages and so much more!
Stop by the Orlando Parenting booth and say “hi” to our team!
Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour
September 7
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.
Even more ideas and events in Orlando this week can be found at OrlandoDateNightGuide.com.
