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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. Hard to believe summer break is nearly over and it’s time for Back to School Events!

This coming Monday 7/29 marks the start of Back to School sales tax holiday.

Featured Events

Venardos Circus at Westgate Resort

June 23 – Aug 14
Westgate Vacation Villas Resort hosts Venardos Circus. Enjoy breathtaking aerials, comedy, and acrobatics by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster, Kevin Venardos. This captivating, animal-free show blends circus excitement with Broadway flair for memorable family fun.

READ OUR REVIEW OF VENARDOS CIRCUS

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.

Featured Getaway

Marriott World Center

Stay moments from the “Magic” at Orlando World Center Marriott, just 1.5 miles from Disney World. Summer like a local with 7 waterslides, cool pools, lazy river, unique dining plus shuttle service to all four Disney Parks & Disney Springs!
Receive a $25 nightly credit when you explore before September 9, 2024.

Orlando Events This Weekend

Sundays at the Center

June 2 – August 4, 2024
Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center
851 N Maitland Avenue Maitland, FL 32751

This free, family-friendly program invites students from grades K to 6 to join in from June 2nd to August 4th. Beat the summer heat and join us indoors for a refreshing and educational experience that the whole family will enjoy. Dive into captivating Storytimes, get creative with arts & crafts, play fun games, and explore exciting activities. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from on Sundays at the Holocaust Center! 

Fairy Doors

June 8 – August 25, 2024
Leu Gardens

Enter the world of the fairies as you explore the gateways to each of our different fairies throughout the Gardens.  You’ll find twenty doors that lead to the homes of our garden fairies, each with whimsical and unique design made especially for each fairy’s personality.  Enjoy the make-believe world of each fairy as you search for their own special door. Included with general admission.

The WOW Magic Show

June 26 – August 30, 2024
Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek
9560 Via Encinas, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Sit close up and prepare to have your mind blown by Mentalist, Illusionist and Orlando Magician, Drew Thomas, a finalist on America’s Got Talent. He along with some of his award winning magic colleagues are performing 2 nights, with 2 completely different shows exclusively at Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek. 
$20 Adults, $15 Kids Under 12

Super Shark Summer

July 5 – August 4, 2024
SeaLife Orlando

Learn about the super senses of sharks through interactive education stations. Participate in each activity to earn a stamp. Collect them all for a special prize! Meet their pal, Sharky, on the weekends and tell him all the Fin Facts you’ve learned during your visit.
Included with admission

Sleigh Bells in the Sunshine

Weekends in July, Saturdays 12-4pm and Sundays 1-5pm
The Florida Mall
8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809

Beat the heat this July and celebrate the holidays early with a tropical twist at The Florida Mall! The center’s first-ever Christmas in July transports shoppers to a sunny North Pole with Santa visits, festive movies, gift card giveaways, and memorable photo opportunities. Visitors can expect a fun summer spin on holiday decor with flamingos, oranges, beach balls, and selfie stations throughout the center, all while festive and beach tunes create a one-of-a-kind ambiance.

Exclusive activities each weekend in July will include:

  • Santa Photo Fun with Mrs. Claus & Friends: Make memories that last a lifetime with Santa Claus! Every Saturday (12 PM – 4 PM) and Sunday (1 PM – 5 PM) throughout July, Santa will be holding court in Center Court, soaking up the sunshine and ready to spread holiday cheer. Have your picture taken, enjoy face painting and balloon creations by talented artists, and meet Mrs. Claus and other merry characters. 
  • Saturday, July 27 (12 PM – 3 PM): Kick off Tax-Free Weekend with a festive celebration at the mall’s main entrance (exterior). Enjoy an ice skating rink, fun games for kids, meet-and-greets with Mrs. Claus, and more! Five lucky attendees will win a $250 shopping spree.
Christmas in July at Florida Mall mother and son pose with tropical santa claus
Christmas in July at Florida Mall image from Dani Meyering

FREE Kids Admission

July 26 – 31, 2024
Central Florida Zoo
3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford

Don’t miss out on this fantastic deal! Now thru the end of August, make memories that will last a lifetime. Bring your little explorers aged 12 and under, and they’ll enjoy FREE admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. It’s the ultimate chance to treat your family to an incredible day surrounded by your favorite Zoo animals.

Tickets must be purchased in person. Offer is not available online. Promo does not apply to Sunset at the Zoo or other activities.

Splash Bash

Friday, July 26, 10am-1pm
Larry Parrish Baseball Complex
2401 E Johnson Ave., Haines City

The final Splash Bash of the summer is coming soon! Join staff on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Larry Parrish Baseball Complex for water slides, a foam party, and other activities!
FREE

LEGO® Space Tour

July 27 – 28, 2024, 9am – 5pm
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Join the fun on the LEGO® Space Tour at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex! At the Atlantis Pavilion, find activities for the whole family, including LEGO building experiences, photo opportunities, and interactive games where you can design your own LEGO model and send it off to space!
This event is included with admission.

The theme parks have lots of summer fun like LEGOLAND’s Summer Brick Party and the opening of DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando.

Soft Serve Ice Cream Cones from Trolls Treats at DreamWorks Land
Trolls Treats at DreamWorks Land image by Terri Peters

Besides these wonderful events, there’s plenty of fun anytime of year, and you don’t have to spend a dime on many of the free things to do with kids in Orlando.

Upcoming Events and Ongoing Events

Christmas in July Story Time

July 30, 2024, 10:30am
Avalon Park Arts and Culture Center
13013 Founder’s Sq Drive

Enjoy a festive Christmas in July Story Time designed for K-3rd grade students!
Tuesday, July 30th at 10:30 AM, Mrs. Davis will be reading “Tough Cookie, a Christmas Story” – by Edward Hemingway

TICKETS are free, but please reserve your spot: https://loom.ly/bGy5phI

Creative Connections

Sunday, August 4, 12 – 3:30pm
Orlando Museum of Art

Creative Connections welcomes visitors of all ages with developmental and learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. This monthly, sensory-friendly program provides visitors with a safe environment to express themselves freely through engaging art activities. Youth and family welcome from 2 pm to 3:30 pm.
FREE

DeLand Ice Cream Walk

Friday, August 9, 6-8pm
Downtown DeLand

Get ready to put the cherry on top of your summer with a sweet adventure in Downtown DeLand! On this delightful walk, you will have the chance to sample ice cream supplied by local shops.
$15 for adults and $8 for kids 12 & under

Fairy Night

Friday, August 16, 6:30-9:30pm
Leu Gardens

Celebrate the world of the fairies as you explore and find all the Fairy Doors, meet real fairies, make your own fairy art and gardens, and dress up in your best fairy-inspired attire. Food and beverages for sale by Foxtail Coffee, Cholo Dogs, and Peak Season Pops.
$20 ADULT | $15 CHILD (ages 4 – 17 years) | FREE CHILD (ages 3 and under)

Black Willow’s Annual Vineyard Festival

Saturday, August 17, 3-7pm
The Vineyards at Black Willow
2350 Black Willow Trail, Mims, FL

Head to Black Willow Vineyard’s for their annual festival! Event include live music, grape stomping, grape picking, hay rides, food trucks and more.
$10 entry fee, kids are free

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.