PLAYGROUNDNew year, new you? Nah! … New year, more to do! Here is a list of Orlando’s best family events in January 2022.
Best Family Events in Orlando: January 1-8, 2022
Dazzling Nights
Leu Gardens
Now through January 9
Dazzling Nights will feature lights, music, and interactive elements to complete the transformation of the 50-acre, Harry P. Leu Gardens into a stunning holiday wonderland. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The outdoor event is designed to ensure adequate social distancing and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Tickets are timed-entry, you select the date and time.
Oviedo Farmers Market
Lawton House
Saturday, January 1 at 8 a.m.
Ring in the new year with a special edition of the Oviedo Farmers Market on New Year’s Day.
Cinderella
Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center
Saturday, January 1, 6:30 p.m.
A ballet performed by State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. Featuring graceful dancers, enchanting music, and beautiful costumes, this classic fairy tale is a treat the whole family will enjoy.
Three Kings Celebration
SeaWorld Orlando
Saturday, Sunday & Thursday, January 1-2 & 6
A royal celebration to commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
Stroller Tours
Orlando Museum of Art (OMA)
Wednesday, January 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Take a stroll through the galleries with infants and toddler in tow! Join a museum educator for a one-hour tour of OMA with lively discussion and engaging experiences. Crying and chatty babies are welcome! Both babies and adults can gaze at colorful and intriguing works of art without the fear of being disruptive. Register online or call OMA Education Assistant at 407-896-4231 x 262.
RunDisney Marathon Weekend
Walt Disney World Resort
January 5-9
If you have never seen the magic of this weekend unfold, grab a front row seat and cheer on the runners for this ultra family-friendly sporting event through Disney.
Seminole County 4-H At-Large Club: Electricity and Simple Circuits
Thursday, January 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, Sanford
Interested in checking out a 4-H club? Join us on Thursday evenings, once a month for fun, friends and learning. This year the At-Large 4-H Club will focus on a different 4-H project or hobby each month.A small fee is charged each month to cover materials and supplies. You can sign up for one session or all four sessions depending on your interest. Cost: $5 per session. On January 6th, the first meeting of the new year will be on electricity and simple circuits. Register at: https://4h_at-large_club.eventbrite.com. A small fee is charged to cover materials and supplies. For questions call 407-665-5560.
Tea Time Dance Party with Mr. Richard
Infusion Tea, College Park
Friday, January 7, 10 a.m. (First Friday of Every Month)
Enjoy a morning with new and old friends. Nosh, shop and dance with O-Town’s favorite kiddie rocker, Mr. Richard.
Winter Park Family Math Festival
Shady Park, Winter Park
Saturday, January 8, 2-5 p.m.
Orlando Math Circle is hosting this free hands-on, interactive event for the young and old. Festivals bring people together to collaboratively work on fun and meaningful problems, puzzles and games. Activities include building geometric figures, making math art, and solving puzzles such as magic square, area mazes, Tower of Hanoi and much more.
Kids Night at the Museum
Orlando Science Center
Saturday, January 8, 6-10 p.m.
Kids can celebrate a new year by making some new friends while parents enjoy a night out as well. This is a hot ticket so reserve your spot today! Read more about it here.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Leu Gardens
Now through January 16
Experience one of the most unique light displays around. The festival features more than 30 larger-than-life, hand-constructed lanterns lit by more than 10,000 LED lights. These glowing orbs will be featured on a ¾ mile trek throughout the property resulting in a spectacular display of color, light and sound that celebrates the art, culture and beauty of traditional Asian lantern festivals.
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Best Family Events in Orlando: January 10-16, 2022
Telescope Nights at the Seminole County Public Library
January 10, 6:30-8 p.m.: Central Branch Library (Casselberry)
January 11, 6:30-8 p.m.: West Branch Library (Longwood/Wekiva)
View the wonders of the night sky! A telescope will be set up outside the library to showcase the celestial sights, and friends from the Emil Buehler Planetarium will help you spot them! No registration required.
Storytime at the Zoo
Discovery Courtyard, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Wednesday, January 12, 10-10:30 a.m.
Enjoy animal stories at the Zoo along with a special visit from one of our ambassador animals. Programs will be presented by the Orange County Library System storytellers. This free program is designed for pre-school age children. Please note that this event is rain or shine, and will be moved inside during inclement weather. Zoo admission is not included or required to attend.
Popcorn Flicks in the Park: Flight of the Navigator
Central Park, Winter Park
Thursday, January 13, 7 p.m.
Enjoy this classic sci-fi adventure with your family and friends under the stars.
Festival of the Arts
Epcot
January 14- February 21
Immerse yourself in the arts at Epcot. This annual festival is probably the least popular but our favorite! There are many interactive art experiences including culinary arts, performing arts, visual arts and more.
Kids Fringe Mini-Mini Fest
Saturday, January 15
Enjoy live performances, workshops, and socially distanced activities for the young and young-at-heart. Join Fringezilla as he celebrates theater, dance, music, and art.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Orange Avenue
Saturday, January 15 at 10 a.m.
The Southwest Orlando Jaycees and the Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission are excited to announce the theme of this year’s parade is “It starts with you: Shifting priorities to create the Beloved Community.”
Pip Squeak an Anti Bullying Magic Show
The Orlando REP
Saturday, January 15, 2 p.m.
Using comedy, amazing magic tricks, juggling, and a coat-rack loaded with costumes, Tony gently and humorously teaches children how to cope with being bullied and to stand up for one another.
Central Florida Scottish Highlands Games
Central Winds Park, Winter Springs
Saturday & Sunday, January 15-16
The history and culture of these events are centuries old and we are honored to represent that heritage at the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games. Experience traditional highland athletics, dance, art, music, culture, food and a Gaelic spirit that will we hope will awaken your soul! PLAY Tip: There’s a whole section called Kids’ Games that provide an opportunity of fun and learning for your lads and lasses. Kids get to experience our version of Scottish popular games in a non-competitive atmosphere: Arts & Crafts, Caber Toss, Haggis Hurl, Sheaf Toss and Tug o’ War.
Free Sensory Sunday
Orange County Regional History Center
Sunday, January 16, 12-5 p.m.
Enjoy some sensory-friendly fun for the whole family. Explore the newest exhibit: Giants, Dragons and Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures and enjoy themed activities through the museum. Presented in partnership with Autism Society of Greater Orlando. Free admission on Sensory Sundays for individuals with valid proof of ASGO membership.
Best Family Events in Orlando: January 17-23, 2022
Dragons: Hidden Treasure Quest
Leu Gardens
January 17-April 3
Stroll through Leu Gardens for this daytime fun exhibit to find hidden treasures amongst the dragons. Free for members. This is separate from the Dragons & Fairies specially ticketed nighttime event.
Homeschool Class: Incredible Invertebrates
Leu Gardens
Wednesday, January 19, 10 a.m.
Learn about invertebrates with hands-on activities and get to see them up close in our invertebrate classroom! For kids age 8-12 years old. Homeschool classes are priced for one adult and up to two children to attend. You must register by the Friday prior to class. Cost per class: $25 per household ($20 Leu Member)
Stroller Tours
Orlando Museum of Art (OMA)
Wednesday, January 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Take a stroll through the galleries with infants and toddler in tow! Join a museum educator for a one-hour tour of OMA with lively discussion and engaging experiences. Crying and chatty babies are welcome! Both babies and adults can gaze at colorful and intriguing works of art without the fear of being disruptive. Register online or call OMA Education Assistant at 407-896-4231 x 262.
USSF-8 Mission Launch
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Friday, January 21
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 511 rocket will launch the USSF-8 mission for the U.S. Space Force. Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex-41. Live video will be hosted on Facebook Live.
Dragons & Fairies
Leu Gardens
January 28-March 6
Creative City Project is transforming Leu Gardens into a fantastical world of adventure! Your group will follow a fanciful fairy through the gardens, encountering forest creatures and massive dragons along the way. A moving story centering around an adolescent fairy and her dragon friend unfold as live actors in beautiful costumes take audiences on a ¾ mile theatrical journey. Along the way, large-scale lighting installations, lots of surprises and nine animatronic dragons await. This is an immersive, theatrical experience you won’t want to miss!
Park Ave 5k
Park Avenue, Winter Park
Saturday, January 22
7:30 a.m.: 5k (3.1 miles)
8:45 a.m.: FREE AdventHealth for Children Kids’ Run
How does new year, new traditions sound? Rev up your resolutions with a run that you will enjoy every year.
Florida Tree Trek
Spring Hammock Preserve
January 22, 9-11 a.m.
Celebrate Florida Arbor Day this year by joining a Natural Lands guide for a hike through oaks, pines, cypress and other mixed hardwood trees in the beautiful Spring Hammock Preserve in Seminole County. Learn to identify native trees and find out how these giants impact our ecosystems and our lives. Hike Rating: Easy. Call 407-665-2211 for more information. Cost: $3 per person. Space is limited. Pre-registration for each participant is required for all hikes. Children must be at least 7 years of age and accompanied by an adult. Register Online at: recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov
2nd Annual Chili Cook Off
Green Acres Farm Oviedo
Saturday, January 22, Noon-3 p.m.
Spice up your new year at this chili cook off where you can also visit farm animal pals.
Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends
SeaWorld Orlando
January 22-24
Families can enjoy hands-on activities, dance parties, photo ops and much more through this family-friendly celebration.
Manatee Festival
Blue Springs State Park
Saturday & Sunday, January 22 & 23, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Blue Spring State Park will be hosting environmental conservation displays and food/services provided by Blue Spring Adventures during both days of the event. Come see manatees and learn about conservation efforts occurring throughout Florida!
Peanut Butter Matinee: Dolphin Tale
Enzian Theater
Sunday, January 23, 12 p.m.
While swimming free in the ocean, a young dolphin gets caught in a trap and severely damages her tail. Though she is rescued and transported to Clearwater Marine Hospital, her tail cannot be saved, and the prognosis is dire. What the dolphin, now named Winter, needs is a miracle. She gets that miracle in the form of a marine biologist (Harry Connick Jr.), a prosthetics designer (Morgan Freeman), and a devoted boy (Nathan Gamble), who find a way to help Winter swim again.
Best Family Events in Orlando: January 24-31, 2022
Adventures with Books Homeschool Group
Maitland Library
Thursday, January 27, 1-2 p.m.
Adventures with Books is an enrichment program for homeschooled children (grades K-8) run by local moms. Sessions will be hybrid (in-person and virtual options available) and will be recorded for those who cannot attend live.
Storybook Pajama Party
Orlando Museum of Art
Friday, January 28, 5-7 p.m.
Snuggle up for an evening of bedtime stories, music, and art. Wear your favorite pajamas (or daytime clothes) and enjoy after hours access to the galleries with special art activities and treats including hot cocoa and cookies. Mr. Bill’s storytelling and Mr. Richard’s music round out the evening. This pajama party, intended for families with young children, is sure to inspire sweet dreams! Buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/storybook-pajama-party-tickets-234333215957
Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds
The Orlando REP
Saturday & Sunday, January 29 & 30, 2 or 5:30 p.m.
The New Year begins with Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, a jammin’ musical featuring the timeless music of Bob Marley and based on the children’s book by his daughter Cedella Marley and adapted for the stage by Michael. J. Bobbitt. Ziggy’s afraid to leave the house. He is too busy worrying about tropical storms, evil spirits, and the sneaky, hair-grabbing trickster, Duppy. But, with the help of his feathered friends, Ziggy learns that “every little thing is gonna be alright!” The legendary reggae artist’s timeless message of peace and love is shared with a new generation of songbirds.
Elmo’s Birthday Celebration
SeaWorld Orlando
January 29-February 3
Celebrate Elmo’s birthday with meet-and-greets, an interactive DJ dance party and even more surprises.
Cozy Winter Story Time with Your Favorite Stuffed Animal
Central Branch Library (Casselberry)
January 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your favorite stuffed friend along to enjoy winter-themed stories, songs and more. We will also learn to knit small scarves to keep our stuffed animals cozy using a super simple cardboard loom. Preregistration is required:
Anytime this Month
Observatory and Planetarium Private Experience
Orlando Science Center
Friday & Saturday nights, Now through March 5
Go stargazing at Orlando Science Center’s planetarium and observatory is the perfect way to spend an evening immersed in the wonders of the universe and marvel at the gigantic telescopes that help us explore infinity and beyond. Make a reservation for your group to attend on a Friday or Saturday night, now through March 5.
Pick Strawberries
Local U-Pick Farms
Strawberry season is now through Mid-March
Check out of list of the best u-pick farms to go strawberry picking with the whole family.
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