Start 2026 off with an epic New Year's fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Disney
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Celebrate New Year's Eve at the magical Walt Disney World. Photo courtesy of Disney
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Visit Disney Springs for a special Kids Club event each Saturday in January, featuring interactive family fun. Photo courtesy of Disney
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Enjoy a single, tandem, or family ride atop the snow tubing hill at Snowcat Ridge. Photo courtesy of Snowcat Ridge
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The Florida Mall offers endless things to do for kids, including enjoying a meal at the American Girl store. Photo by author
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Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a massively popular holiday event, so get tickets now! Photo courtesy WDW
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Disney's Jollywood Nights makes the perfect holiday event for kids and adults alike! Photo by author
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Visitors can actually ride the exhibits at the Florida Railroad Museum, which hosts a variety of experiences throughout the year. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Cowboy Adventure Park at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo treats visitors to fun attractions, including the mechanical bull! Photo by author
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The Festival of the Lion King is an entertaining (and dry) place to wait out a rainy afternoon at Disney World. Photo by Ryan Wendler/Disney World
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Nab a Gaylord Palms Resort Guess Pass and spend the day enjoying the water park, dining options, and other amenities. Photo courtesy of Marriott Gaylord Palms
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Embark on a heartwarming, up-close encounter with playful dolphins at Discovery Cove. Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove
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SEA LIFE Florida officially opened this summer, treating families to major aquatic fun. Photo courtesy SEA LIFE
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It's the final weekend to attend Oh What Fun! Lake Nona Holiday Festival and prove to Santa you've been nice! Photo courtesy of the event
It's the final weekend to attend Oh What Fun! Lake Nona Holiday Festival and prove to Santa you've been nice! Photo courtesy of the event
12/17/25 - By Charlotte B

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

Happy New Year Orlando families! Kick off the year by making memories at some fantastic family-friendly events happening this weekend. Start the fun on Friday with a free outdoor movie night in Kissimmee or a block party in Groveland. On Saturday, the excitement continues with Monster Jam at Camping World Stadium, Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour at Addition Financial Arena, Kids-Fringe Mini-Morning Fest in Orlando (FREE!), and plenty more. Wrap up the weekend on Sunday at Old Town Kissimmee for Three Kings Day Osceola. All this and more, check out the details below!

More Things To Do in Orlando this Week with Kids

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Best Things to Do This Weekend in Orlando with Kids

Groveland 2nd Friday Block Party at Lake David

Groveland - FREE
Friday, January 9
Each month, you can expect a variety of retail vendors, food trucks, live music (DJ and/or bands), and a fun kid zone to keep the little ones entertained.  READ MORE

KUA Movie in the Park

Kissimmee - FREE
Friday, January 9
Join KUA on Friday, January 9, at Kissimmee Lakefront Park for a free showing of How to Train Your Dragon on a giant outdoor screen. Admission is free for everyone. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with free popcorn, inflatable games, creative crafts, and a photo booth. READ MORE

Band Together: State Championship Fundraising Festival

Orlando - FREE
Saturday, January 10
Enjoy a high-energy community celebration supporting the band programs at Timber Creek High School and University High School. Band Together: State Championship Fundraising Festival will feature live performances, local food vendors, and fun activities for the whole family. It’s a day filled with music, community spirit, and celebration. READ MORE

Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour at Addition Financial Arena

Orlando
Saturday, January 10
This is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 Years of Jaw-Dropping “No Way!” moves, 100 Years of “Wow!” and 100 Years of Heart-Pounding Thrills! From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, experience the team that redefined basketball. This is history you can feel and a celebration of 100 years of over-the-top FUN with all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding. READ MORE

Hula Bowl All-star Game

Deland
Saturday, January 10
The Hula Bowl is the Nation's Premier College Football All-Star Game. The Hula Bowl is an event where all NFL, UFL and CFL teams are represented by top scout players during Hula Bowl week. READ MORE

Kids Fringe Mini-Morning Fest

Orlando - FREE
Saturday, January 10
Make your plans now to visit Kids Fringe Mini–Morning Fest — a special morning of Orlando Fringe Winter Mini-Fest fun just for kids and their caregivers, and it’s FREE! Enjoy performances and activities with Fringezilla, Mr. Richard and the Pound Hounds, and Orlando Family Stage. READ MORE

Lil’ Bit of Life's Chili Cook-Off & Open Farm

Mount Dora
Saturday, January 10
Enjoy an afternoon of delicious chili, family fun, and farm adventures at Lil’ Bit of Life’s 2nd Annual All-You-Can-Eat Chili Cook-Off and People’s Choice Contest. Sample mouthwatering chili recipes, explore the farm, and make lasting memories with your family and friends, proudly sponsored by Blackston Financial. READ MORE

Monster Jam at Camping World Stadium

Orlando
Saturday, January 10
Monster Jam returns to Camping World Stadium featuring world-class athletes and their monster trucks as they push the limits in competitions of speed and skill.  READ MORE

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Defying Gravity

Orlando
Saturday, January 10
Come experience all the show-stopping tunes you love from Broadway’s biggest blockbuster hits. Spend an evening with songs from “Wicked,” ”The Phantom of the Opera,” ”Annie,” ”Jersey Boys,” ”Chicago,” ”CATS,” ”The Lion King,” and more performed by a trio of New York’s top vocalists. It’s the ultimate show tune extravaganza! READ MORE

Storytime Cinema at Orlando Science Center

Orlando
Saturday, January 10
Step into a world of adventure with Storytime Cinema, a children’s film series at the Orlando Science Center. Held on the second Saturday of each month, Storytime Cinema brings stories to life with classic films inspired by imaginative tales and children’s books. Each film promotes themes of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and highlights messages of self-awareness, environmental stewardship, exploration, friendship, and empathy. READ MORE

Free Family Funday at the Mennello Museum

Orlando - FREE
Sunday, January 11
On the second Sunday of every month, the Mennello Museum offers Family Funday, with free admission, hourly docent-led tours, and a fine arts project. READ MORE

Three Kings Day Osceola

Kissimmee - FREE
Sunday, January 11
The annual Three Kings Day celebration includes a visit from the Three Kings, free snacks, raffle, and a toy for kids under 11. READ MORE

Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo

Sanford
Select nights through January 18
This holiday season, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will glow once again as it hosts the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. Wander the three-quarter-mile pathway filled with all-new, handcrafted lantern scenes, each glowing with thousands of LED lights. Ocean-inspired landscapes meet mythical creatures, from graceful ice dragons and unicorns to a new twist on our beloved showcase dragon. READ MORE

Illuminate Lantern Festival at Aquatica Orlando

Orlando
Select nights through January 31
Step into a nighttime festival that transforms Aquatica into a luminous world of wonder. Guests will journey through five radiant realms, each fully immersive with brilliant lantern displays, dynamic sounds, captivating scents, and themed food & beverage that bring each realm to life. From shimmering seascapes to playful candy-inspired creations, every step reveals something new to explore, taste, and share. READ MORE
Hang 10 with lots of Santas at one of the oddest Orlando holiday events. Photo courtesy of Surfing Santas
Hang 10 with lots of Santas at one of the oddest Orlando holiday events. Photo courtesy of Surfing Santas

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Disney's Jollywood Nights is a great way to spend the holidays in Orlando! Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Disney's Jollywood Nights is a great way to spend the holidays in Orlando! Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

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About the Author

Charlotte Blanton
Charlotte Blanton, a Central Florida native and mom of three, holds a business degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). After a career in corporate finance, she pivoted to stay home with her kids and found her passion for writing through Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring local theme parks and discovering fun activities for families in Central Florida.
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