Visit Disney Springs for a special Kids Club event each Saturday in January, featuring interactive family fun. Photo courtesy of Disney
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Orlando in January 2026, According to MP Editors
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Guide
Enjoy a single, tandem, or family ride atop the snow tubing hill at Snowcat Ridge. Photo courtesy of Snowcat Ridge
Snow Park, Snow Tubing, and More Snow Events in Central Florida
Head to Icon Park and visit Madame Tussauds to see your favorite celebrities in a whole new way. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
Things to Do in Orlando That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
The Florida Mall offers endless things to do for kids, including enjoying a meal at the American Girl store. Photo by author
A Guide to The Florida Mall for Orlando Kids
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a massively popular holiday event, so get tickets now! Photo courtesy WDW
10 Orlando Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out
Disney's Jollywood Nights makes the perfect holiday event for kids and adults alike! Photo by author
Is Disney Jollywood Nights Good for Kids? Here’s What to Know!
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
18 Scenic Train Rides Through Florida for Families
Middle schoolers can be so much fun to hang out with! Photo by the author
10 Tips For Making Middle School Amazing: Middle School Kids are the Best
Cowboy Adventure Park at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo treats visitors to fun attractions, including the mechanical bull! Photo by author
Dude Ranches and More Places for Kids to Play Cowboy in Florida
With seating for five, families can take a swan boat ride together on Lake Eola. Photo courtesy of Visit Florida
Explore Orlando's Lake Eola with Kids
Enjoy a relaxing getaway in Celebration, Florida with tree-lined streets, unique restaurants, and fun spots like Celebration Farmers Market and Lake Rianhard.
Celebration, FL with Kids: 23 Things to Do in Disney’s Dream Town
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
10 Ways to Survive Orlando Theme Parks When It Rains
With calm waters and soft sand, there are many beaches near Orlando ideal for toddlers to play safely. Photo courtesy Visit St. Pete/Clearwater
Best Beaches for Toddlers Near Orlando
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
Kissimmee with Kids: 22 Things to Do in Kissimmee, Florida
Embark on a heartwarming, up-close encounter with playful dolphins at Discovery Cove. Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove
14 Best Hidden Gems in Orlando: Exploring Past the Big Theme Parks
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Guide
SEA LIFE Florida officially opened this summer, treating families to major aquatic fun. Photo courtesy SEA LIFE
SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium Opens at Legoland Florida Resort
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.
100 Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
See the world's largest Crayola crayon at Crayola Experience Orlando.
  VIDEO
Crayola Experience Orlando: The Amusement Park for Crafty Kids
The playground at Tucker Ranch Preserve sports a treehouse-feel, surrounded by nature.
22 Best Playgrounds in Orlando for Family Fun
Enjoy a refreshing stroll with the kids along the scenic boardwalk at Sweetwater Park.
Best Boardwalk Trails in Orlando and Central Florida for Families
Tour the Florida Everglades aboard the coolest mode of transportation--airboat! Kids will LOVE getting close to nature on a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures tour. Photo courtesy Visit Orlando
18 Cool Ways to Tour Orlando with Kids
Stay cool and dry this summer while battling dinosaurs at an Orlando arcade! Photo by author
Best Arcades in Orlando for Kids & Teens
Toddlers and young kids can let loose with their prehistoric friends at Dinosaur World's cute playground. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
30 Fun Things to Do with Orlando Toddlers and Preschoolers in Summer
Teens and tweens love the wet and wild fun at Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon. Photo by author
Best Things to Do at Walt Disney World with Teens and Tweens
Swim at the freshwater Juniper Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake
Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando
Celebrate your child's birthday party at Gatorland. Photo courtesy of Gatorland
21 Top Orlando Birthday Party Venues for Kids to Celebrate
Create magical moments at Hollywood Studios, including those with Florida's only snowman, Olaf!
Secret Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Babies and Toddlers
SeaWorld Orlando theme park, zoo and aquarium offers exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters. Photo by the author
100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Before They Grow Up (Other than Theme Parks)
Splash around in the water feature at Bok Tower's Hammock Hollow Children's Garden. Photo courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens
25 Secret Orlando Spots Kids Will Love
Check out our list of the best Orlando parks to host birthday parties!
Top Orlando Parks for Kids' Birthday Parties
Spend a few hours exploring Orlando with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. Photo courtesy of the company
3 Days in Orlando with Kids (Minus the Theme Parks): Itinerary From a Local Mom

Orlando FamilyFest, Illuminate Lantern Fest, and More Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids

Enjoy countless culinary options at SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival, kicking off this weekend. Photo courtesy SeaWorld Orlando
Enjoy countless culinary options at SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival, kicking off this weekend. Photo courtesy SeaWorld Orlando
1/28/26 - 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!

Still haven’t made it to the Illuminate Lantern Festival at Aquatica? This Friday is your last chance! Plus, it’s the first weekend of SeaWorld Orlando's Seven Seas Food Festival. The fun doesn’t stop there —catch Orlando FamilyFest at Dezerland Park; head to UCF for Baseball & Softball FanFest and a Basketball Block Party; visit Luminary Park for the Celebrate Lunar Festival; and venture to Oakland for the annual Oakland Heritage Day. Keep reading for all this and more !

More Things To Do in Orlando this Week with Kids

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

LEGO Ninjago Weekends at Legoland make for an awesome experience for every kid. Photo by Legoland Florida
LEGO Ninjago Weekends at Legoland make for an awesome experience for every kid. Photo by Legoland Florida

Best Things to Do This Weekend in Orlando with Kids

Illuminate Lantern Festival at Aquatica Orlando

Orlando
Final night! Friday, January 30
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

SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival

Orlando
Opening Weekend! Select days, January 30 - May 17
SeaWorld's Seven Seas Food Festival includes more than 180 culinary options, both international and domestic, as well as live performances ranging from country, Christian, Latin, rock, and more. READ MORE

Celebrate Lunar Festival

Orlando
Saturday, January 31
Celebrate Lunar boasts a blend of Asian cultures, with each bringing their own traditions, as well as a variety of Asian cuisine, artistic talents, performances, and experiences. READ MORE

Oakland Heritage Day

Oakland - FREE
Saturday, January 31
This annual festival celebrates Oakland's history, nature, and the arts. Enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, kids' activities, and more. READ MORE

Orlando FamilyFest

Orlando
Saturday, January 31
Visit Dezerland Park for the annual FamilyFest, featuring vendors with kids activities and tons of indoor family attractions. Kids get in free with a paying adult. READ MORE

UCF Baseball & Softball FanFest

Orlando - FREE
Saturday, January 31
This event will feature Knightro’s Kid Zone with inflatables and interactive activities, guided tours of the locker room, traditions room, and club level, and on-field experiences with UCF baseball and softball players and coaches, including batting cages, bullpen drills, and playing catch. READ MORE

UCF Basketball Block Party

Orlando - FREE
Saturday, January 31
This family-friendly event takes place on East Plaza Drive and features food and drinks from local establishments, inflatables and games for kids, music, tabling with giveaways, and much more. READ MORE

Wild Florida 5K

Orlando
Saturday, January 31
This January, you're invited to run wild with Conservation Florida! This event directly supports Conservation Florida's mission to protect our home state’s water, wildlife, and wild places. READ MORE

Apopka 5th Street Car Show

Apopka - FREE
Sunday, February 1
The 1st Annual 5th St Car Show, presented by the Apopka Serves Foundation, is a community-focused event that celebrates classic, custom, and modern vehicles of all styles. Attendees can expect a family-friendly atmosphere, a diverse lineup of vehicles, trophies and bragging rights, and the opportunity to support a local charitable cause. READ MORE

Orlando Collectorfest

Orlando
Sunday, February 1
This one-day event features a wide selection of vintage and modern toys, comics, games, die-cast collectibles, retro gaming items, artwork, and pop culture merchandise. READ MORE

Sensory Day at WonderWorks Orlando

Orlando
Sunday, February 1
At WonderWorks' Sensory Days, exhibits are modified for limited stimulation for kids with special needs. Music is lowered and the inversion tunnel does not operate so kids can enjoy themselves without feeling overwhelmed. READ MORE

Waggin' Weekend - Old Town's Dog Festival

Kissimmee - FREE
Sunday, February 1
Billed as a premier dog-friendly event in Central Florida, the festival features vendor booths offering pet products, engaging activities for dogs and their owners, and a high-energy, family-friendly atmosphere. READ MORE

Broadway in Orlando Presents Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Orlando
Select dates through February 15
When Harry Potter’s head-strong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever. Prepare for a mind-blowing race through time, spectacular spells and an epic battle, all brought to life with the most astonishing theatrical magic ever seen on stage. READ MORE

LEGO Ninjago Weekends at Legoland

Winter Haven
Select days through February 15
Celebrate 15 years of LEGO NINJAGO and take on the ultimate mission! Step into the world of LEGO NINJAGO with your favorite LEGO Ninjas, and reach your true Ninja potential with immersive, thrilling shows and action-packed activities that you can only find at LEGOLAND. READ MORE
There are a ton (in fact, we've got 100) of FREE things to do in Orlando, including skate parks! Photo by Paula Morales
There are a ton (in fact, we've got 100) of FREE things to do in Orlando, including skate parks! Photo by Paula Morales

More Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend

What's New in Orlando for 2026: Cool Openings and Theme Park Attractions for Families

2026 is going to be a great, big year in Orlando! READ MORE

32 Things To Do With Your Baby in Orlando

We've got a TON of things to do with baby in Orlando! READ MORE

100 Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids

100 ways to entertain your kids in Orlando...for FREE! READ MORE

Where to Pick Strawberries Near Orlando: 7 Family-Friendly Strawberry Farms

Make sweet memories at these strawberry farms. READ MORE

Helpful Guides for Orlando Families

Orlando Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Fun for Families

Find the best things to do in Orlando this winter. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Guide

Find the best FREE activities for kids in Orlando. READ MORE

Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for Orlando Kids

Where to go when it's too hot (or humid) to play outside! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

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.
Recent Articles By Charlotte Blanton:
Read more articles by Charlotte B.