a child looks at plants and identification signs Leu Gardens Orlando

What’s Happening in Orlando This Weekend for Kids – Events and More!

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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. Summer in full swing, a good time for Christmas in July.

Can you believe it? Back to School season is on the horizon! Plan ahead with these Back to School Events.

Featured Events

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

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!

The ALL-New River Country Water Park opens at Westgate River Ranch

Family-Friendly Kids’ Events in Orlando: Week of July 14-20

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, 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!

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.

families at Maitland Art and History Museum
From Maitland Art and History Museum’s Instagram

On My Way to K
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.

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 The Musical
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.

Feed-A-Palooza
Saturday, July 19, 8am – 1pm
Camping World Stadium
1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805

Enjoy a day of FREE family fun, community connection, and essential support! There will be free groceries, health services, resources, BBQ, games, music, and fun for the whole family. Gates open at 8am. The food giveaway starts at 10am. Keep in mind that resources and food are first come, first served.

OCLS Family Ballet
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 10:30-11:30am
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.

Astro Fest
Saturday, July 19-Sunday, July 20, 2025
Orlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, Florida 32803

Suit up for an out-of-this-world experience at Astro Fest! Celebrate all things space with hands-on activities, telescope viewings, live science shows, and more. Astro Fest is included with admission, so chart your course and join us for a day that’s truly stellar! It’s a mission the whole family will love.

Next Week Family Events July 21-27

Parramore Kids Field Day
Saturday, July 26, 10am – 1pm
814 W Church Street, Orlando, FL 32805

Bring the kids to enjoy a variety of games, activities for all ages, including Corn hole, Giant Connect 4, Checkers, UNO, Tic Tac Toe & more! Plus, enjoy a photo booth, FREE concession food, refreshing drinks, and exciting prizes.

Wings & Wheel Family Fest
Saturday, July 26, 11am – 2pm
Orlando Executive Airport
365 Rickenbacker Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

This FREE family-friendly event will get you up close to an awesome lineup of aircraft & helicopters, emergency response vehicles, high-end sports cars & specialty transports, music, food trucks, and more! Bring the whole family out to the airport ramp and experience the thrill of aviation, horsepower, and community fun!

Movie Night: A Minecraft Movie
Monday, July 28, Movie starts at sunset
À La Cart SoDo
2207 E Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32806

Enjoy this FREE movie night under the stars at À La Cart SoDo! Seating is provided, but you are welcome to bring blankets and low-back chairs for a comfy evening. Plus, order food and drinks to enjoy from local vendors!

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, 7pm & 9pm 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.

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.

End of Summer Fest
Saturday, August 2, 3pm – 5pm
The Vineyards at Black Willow
2350 Black Willow Trail, Mims, FL 32754

Celebrate the end of the summer with grape stomping, foam party, hay ride, cake walk, and more! Tickets are $10 for adults and FREE for kids.

10th Annual Florida Kids and Family Expo
August 23-24, 2025, Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm
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!

Florida Kids and Family Expo

Movie Night: Space Jam
Monday, August 25, Movie starts at sunset
À La Cart SoDo
2207 E Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32806

It’s another FREE movie night to enjoy under the stars! Seating will be provided, and you’re welcome to bring blankets and low-back chairs for a comfy evening. Plus, order food and drinks to enjoy from local vendors!

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.