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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 fall festivals and Halloween events!

And when you get tired of all that trick-or-treating already, there are spooky season events in town without the candy.

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.

Orlando Events This Weekend

Dino Week

November 18 – 23, 2024
Washington Park OCLS Branch
5151 Raleigh St., Suite A, Orlando, FL 32811

Join Washington Park Branch for a week of dinosaur fun from November 18-23! Fossil digs, crafts, Storytimes, and more for all ages. Dive into prehistoric adventures and explore the world of dinosaurs.
FREE

Funtastic Depot Anniversary Celebration

November 19 – 22, 2024
6828 Hoffner Ave, Orlando, FL 32822

They’ve made one year of amazing memories, and now they’re giving back to YOU! From Nov 19-22, bring the entire family for a whole week of FREE FUN! Get ready for:

  • Daily Pirate Show at 7:00 PM to ignite your kids’ imagination!
  • Friday Glow Night – a night of dazzling lights, dance beats, and amazing effects!
  • Plus, attractions for the whole family!
  • Giant Inflatable bounce House for endless bounces!
  • Climbing Wall & Ninja Warrior Challenges!
  • DJ, Special FX, and SO MUCH MORE!

Make memories, bring friends, and come celebrate – for FREE! Don’t miss this ONE-TIME opportunity!

2024 WBCA State Farm Showcase

November 21 – 24, 2024
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

A new women’s college basketball event will be staged at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The 2024 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) State Farm Showcase will feature a four-team tournament, November 21-23, along with two other games on November 24. All six games will be played at State Farm Field House at the Disney sports complex.

Winter Wonderland

Fridays & Saturdays, November 22 – January 4
Westgate River Ranch

Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Annual Winter Wonderland Experience! Enjoy a festive Hayride with classic Christmas Carols and explore their Enchanted Forest adventure. Get lost in a delightful holiday maze, discover sweet surprises at the candy land playground, and jingle all the way through the Florida outdoors. Wrap up your journey at the festive tree farm, where unforgettable memories and delectable treats await, promising to delight your taste buds! Join them for a magical holiday celebration.

Fall Fling Family Fun Day

Saturday, November 23, 12 – 4pm
Rollins Museum of Art

A day of free family fun at the Rollins Museum of Art! Featuring: Artmaking in the galleries, Scavenger Hunt, Storytime, Live performances, and more.
FREE

Sprinkletopia – Book Launch Party & Pop Up Market

Saturday, November 23, 12 – 5pm
The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall & Bar
2105 N Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32804

Enjoy a magical day celebrating the launch of “Sprinkletopia,” a whimsical children’s book set in a world made of sprinkles and treats!

  • 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Meet the author and get your copy of “Sprinkletopia” signed.
  • 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬: Explore a variety of local vendors offering unique, merchandise, activities, and goodies for kids. (A full list of vendors is forthcoming).
  • 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝: From Cuban croquetas to Jamaican jerk chicken, this 13,000-square-foot food & beverage destination offers a curated selection of options from locally owned and nationally acclaimed concepts.
  • 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞-𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬: Indulge in delicious, sprinkle-inspired snacks and desserts that will delight both kids and adults alike.
  • 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜: Enjoy music that will keep the atmosphere lively and fun for the whole family.
  • 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: From face painting to interactive games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Hand Drawn Turkey Craft Time

Saturday, November 23, 1 – 4pm
The Acre
4421 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804

Kids get their hands traced with turkey drawings. While the event is free, they kindly ask that you choose a time slot to secure your spot.
FREE

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

Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books

September 6 – December 1, 2024
Orlando Museum of Art

Experience the nostalgia of Little Golden Books with over sixty masterpieces of original illustrations from the Random House archives. Featured in the exhibition are pieces from beloved picture-book classics like The Poky Little PuppyTootleHome for a BunnyThe Color KittensI Can Fly, and many more. The exhibition is organized by The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Abilene, Texas.
Included with admission

Golden Legacy Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books Image by Dani Meyering

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

November 8 – December 20, 2024
Magic Kingdom Park
1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

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.

Upcoming Events and Ongoing Events

Roller Skate Night

Friday, November 29, 5:30-8:30pm
Barber Park
3741 Gatlin Ave, Orlando, FL 32812

Barber Park’s inaugural FREE Roller Skate Night for all ages at the skate rink is set for Friday, November 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Participants must bring their own roller skates. Enjoy roller-skating fun with music, DJ, skate games and select food trucks. NOTE: The covered, outdoor open-air hockey rink for this event has a concrete surface, not wood.
FREE

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

Free Kids Events

Writer’s Block Bookstore

Looking for something to do with the family this summer? RSVP for what speaks to you through the link and they’ll handle the rest!

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

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.