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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

Backyard Biodiversity Day

Saturday, October 19, 9am – 3pm
Mead Botanical Garden
1500 S. Denning Dr., Winter Park, FL 32789

Backyard Biodiversity Day celebrates diversity in the landscape, and provides opportunities to learn about Florida’s native plants, pollinators, wildlife, and why they are important. This free and family-friendly event includes environmentally conscious vendors, educational presentations, guided hikes, kids’ activities, food trucks, and live music all centered around a HUGE native plant sale!!

Family Fun Day

Sunday, October 20, 2024
Wonderworks
9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Florida residents are invited to explore the upside-down house for only $22 +tax each during this event. Grab your tickets online or upon arrival – State ID required.
$22

Truck or Treat Longwood

Saturday, October 19, 2024, 3pm – 6pm
Reiter Park, 11 W Warren Ave, Longwood, FL 32750
FREE

A variety of trucks, and other vehicles, free candy for children, bounce houses, food vendors, and much more. Activities include a children’s costume contest, Truck-or-Treating, Bounce Houses, Games, Free candy for the children, Vendors, and much more.

Gators, Ghosts & Goblins

October 12 – 27, 2024, 10am – 5pm
Gatorland Florida
14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837
Included in admission (Florida residents receive half off!)

One of our favorite trick-or-treating experiences and Halloween events in Orlando! Gators, Ghosts & Goblins at Gatorland Florida provides plenty of family friendly fun, including portions that appeal to older kids like the “Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum” is back with an all-new exhibit that delves into the origins of our beloved haunted holiday.

And Florida Residents are 50% off until 10/31/24!!

Young boy trick or treating at Gatorland Orlando with spooky decorations and characters
Gatorland Orlando trick or treating image by Dani Meyering

Fall Into the Gardens

October 15 – November 17, 2024
Leu Gardens

Embrace the enchanting charm of autumn at the Gardens. Vibrant hues of thousands of marigolds and a delightful array of seasonal flowers immerse you in the essence of fall. Get ready for some whimsical fun with our unique Garden Chicken Hunt. With tall, short, and downright funny chickens hidden in the Gardens, this playful activity promises laughter and excitement for visitors of all ages. 
Garden admission applies.

Disney Fantasia x Pleasing Pop-Up

September 28 – October 31, 2024, 10am – 11pm Daily
Disney Springs

Pleasing is excited to present a landmark collaboration with Disney Fantasia. Disney Fantasia x Pleasing is introducing a product collection across apparel, accessories, nails and skincare. To commemorate this hallmark collaboration, Pleasing and Disney teamed up to create a bespoke 3D animation honoring the collection and timeless classic film, which will debut at the pop-up. The pop-up will run through the end of October and will continue to offer Disney’s and Pleasing’s shared community the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic that is “Fantasia”.

Junie B. Jones in BOO… & I Mean It!

October 5 – 27, 2024
Orlando Family Stage
1001 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803

A brand-new Junie B. Jones escapade, written just for Orlando Family Stage as a world-premiere production. The ever-lovable (yet quite a handful) Junie B. has a slight problem – she’s a bit afraid of Halloween! Are there real witches and monsters amongst the trick-or-treaters? Do bats really nest in your hair? What exactly is candy corn? However, before the big night, Junie B. plans to win all the games and prizes at the school carnival, hoping that will arm her with all the courage and bravery she needs!
Tickets vary by date

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

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.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

August 9 – October 31, 2024
Magic Kingdom
Ticket prices vary by date

MORE IDEAS: Other ways to enjoy Halloween at Walt Disney World

FREE All-Day Arcade TimeCard

October 1 – 31, 2024 (Monday – Thursday ONLY)
Arcade Orlando at Dezerland Park
5250 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Dezerland is treating YOU to a FREE All-Day Arcade TimeCard! With over 400 player positions, Florida’s LARGEST Video & Skill Arcade is ready to bring you nonstop excitement. Just a $2 activation fee & NO other purchase necessary! Enjoy as often as you like to celebrate the season with treats, not tricks!

Upcoming Events and Ongoing Events

Fall into Reading Book Fair + Market

Wednesday, October 23, 6-8:30pm
Great Southern Box Company Food Hall
2105 N Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32804

Calling all bookworms! In partnership with Silent Book Club Orlando and White Rose Books, GSBC Food Hall will be hosting a fall-themed book fair and pop-up market. This event is open to the public and does not require an RSVP.
FREE

Free Fall Family Day

Saturday, October 26, 10am-1pm
A&H’s Maitland Art Center

Bring your whole family to say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn at Fall Family Day! Surrounded by artists’ studios in the main garden, families will dive deep into the colors of the season at our watercolor paper lantern workshop! You’ll explore blending fall colors on their lantern canvas, and then capture the fading daylight of fall by decorating lanterns with glittering papers, shiny confetti, golden sequins, wonderful beads, and iridescent ribbons! Other surprises await, like a fall themed scavenger hunt, face painting and free admission to all of our museums! The family art workshop is recommended for ages 4 and up, and under 4 with parental help.

FREE – Space and art supplies are limited. One lantern per child while supplies last.

Central Winds Music Festival 

Saturday, November 9, 4-8pm
Central Winds Park, Winter Springs FL

The second-annual Central Winds Music Festival returns on November 9 as a FREE EVENT! Enjoy great entertainment and food from local vendors. A family-friendly event – bring your lawn chairs & blankets for an evening of relaxation.
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.