PLAYGROUND
All Month Long
Fairy Doors
Now through October 31, 2022
Leu Gardens
It’s the great fairy migration happening at beautiful Leu Gardens this summer! Explore the 50-acre gardens to find where the fairies live.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Now through November 19
Epcot
The magical tasting tour that started it all! Enjoy one of the most beloved Central Florida traditions. It’s the best way to experience the World Showcase. Check out the new Ratatouille and Guardians of the Galaxy rides while you’re there!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Now through October 31
Magic Kingdom
Get your favorite costume ready! Collect candies and treats while Magic Kingdom park thrills and chills you with eerie entertainment, delightful attractions and some beloved Disney Characters. Best of all, this event is “not-so-scary”—so children of all ages can join in the fun!
Gator Night Shine
Now through November 4
Gatorland
A fun and educational tour for kids of all ages, Gatorland’s Gator Night Shine Tour is one swamp stompin’ adventure you don’t want to miss! This guided tour is an after-hours special event and is restricted to Gatorland’s Breeding Marsh. Gatorland will provide the flashlights, insect repellent, and some alligator food.
September 1-4, 2022
Teatime Dance Party
Friday, September 2, 10 a.m. (First Friday of Every Month)
Infusion Tea, College Park
Enjoy a morning with new and old friends. Nosh, shop and dance with O-Town’s favorite kiddie rocker, Mr. Richard.
Outdoor Movie Night: Uncharted
Friday, September 2, 8 p.m.
Leu Gardens
Enjoy a popcorn flick in Orlando’s most beautiful garden. Movie is rated PG13, children under 13 years of age require accompanying parent or adult guardian, weather permitting. Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to movie time due to location of the movie in the gardens. Movie Time: 8:00 p.m., gardens open at 6:00 p.m.
Disney on Ice Presents Road Trip Adventures
September 2-4
Amway Center
Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends embark on a wild ride to your favorite Disney destinations. Travel with Moana to the sun-soaked Motunui, and set off on a safari to the Pride Lands with Simba. Discover a whole new world as you’re swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade. Play at a larger-than-life carnival with Woody and Forky. Join us for a fun-filled getaway, jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and magic at every turn at Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures.
National Cinema Day
September 3, one day only
Regal Cinemas
For just one day, all tickets, all movies, all formats, all showtimes are just $3.
National Wildlife Day
September 3, 9 a.m. –12 p.m.
Ed Yarborough Nature Center, Geneva
Fall in love with the resident animals and explore the exhibits at the Ed Yarborough Nature Center! Join a short, guided hike at 9:30, 10:30, or 11:30 a.m. All ages welcome.
Sneaker Sesh Convention
Saturday, September 3, 12-6 p.m.
Dezerland Park
Guests can buy, sell and trade shoes during the Sneaker Sesh Convention. More than 150 vendors will participate. Free giveaways and raffles will happen throughout the event and special guests will be present. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3B7gfEs.
Family Highlights Tour
Saturday, September 3, 1-2 p.m. (September through May: First Saturday of the Month)
Orlando Museum of Art
Explore OMA with your family with this docent-led tour from gallery to gallery, highlighting various works. Registration not required. Free with admission.
Free Labor Day Admission
Monday, September 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Leu Gardens
Enjoy a walk through these lush gardens with your family while participating in the (also free) Fairy Doors.
September Kid Crew Scavenger Hunt
Monday, September 5-9, 12-6 p.m.
Oviedo Mall
Starting Monday, September 5th, participants age 12 and under can stop by Amaduzzi Photo Studio (located in the East Wing of the mall near District Eat & Play), between the hours of 12-6 p.m., to pick up a scavenger hunt form. Little explorers will travel throughout the mall on a scavenger hunt. Once you’ve completed your hunt, return your sheet to Amaduzzi Photo Studio for your prize! This activity is free to enter and can be done at your leisure.
September 5-11, 2022
Art Adventures: Clay Play
Friday, September 9, 9:30 a.m.
Orlando Museum of Art
Roll, pinch, and play with air-dry clay! Be inspired by the clay artifacts found in the Art of the Ancient Americans Collection. Learn how to embellish your play pieces by adding glass tiles, buttons, beads and other materials to create a colorful clay mosaic. Ideal for children ages 2-10. Pre-registration is required.
Fish4Fun
Saturday, September 10, 7:30-11 a.m.
Blanchard Park, Orlando
Kids ages 12 and younger are invited to participate in this free catch-n-release event. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., fishing at 8 a.m. and winners recognized at 10 a.m. You are encouraged to bring your own fishing gear if you have it; family and friends are welcome to fish with a registered child.
Friends & Family Bootcamp & Brew
Saturday, September 10, 9-10 a.m.
GRiT FIT at UKnight Training Center
Bring a friend and/or bring the family on the 2nd Saturday of every month where we take our Bae & Me Boot Camp to the next level by bringing it into the gym. Sweat with others utilizing full body weight exercises and a variety of equipment. Children over four can join in the family workout or play with their friends nearby. Kids three years and under must attend in a stroller. What to bring: any non-umbrella stroller is required for children under the age of 4, water and comfort workout attire. Also don’t forget anything your little one may need: snacks, stroller toys or tablet.
Guided Hikes: Reptile Hike
Saturday, September 10, 9-11 a.m.
Black Bear Wilderness Area, Sanford
Register now for the first hike of the season! Search for Florida’s scaly residents while hiking along hydric hammocks and cypress swamps. This is a moderate hike for ages 7+.
Mr. Richard
Saturday, September 10, 2 p.m.
Foxtail Coffee & Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, 2451 Howell Market Ln., Winter Park
Mr. Richard will be performing his original music live for kids of all ages. Enjoy an hour of snacking and dancing.
Moon Over Avalon: Lantern Workshop
Saturday, September 10, 5-7 p.m.
Avalon Park Arts & Culture Center
Celebrate Mid-Autumn at the Moon Over Avalon event! Build your own lantern at the Art Center and then join us for a lantern parade at the Town Park. This ticket includes all supplies and instruction.
Free Family Funday
Sunday, September 11, 12:30-2 p.m.
Mennello Museum
Talk about the artwork with our knowledgeable educators and then create your own masterpiece. Join us at the museum for free admission all day, plus a fine art project you can make at Mennello! Each Free Family Funday has a different theme based on the current exhibition in the museum. This month, families will be pulling inspiration from Willie Eaglin’s braided rugs and creating their own colorful, braided fabric coasters!
The Princess & the Pea
Saturdays, September 10, 17 & 24
Penguin Point Productions, Oviedo Mall
Experience this wholesome, interactive story with your kids, perfect for ages 3 to 8! Watch a storybook play and have a wonderful Saturday with your children.
Book & a Look: Just in Case: A Trickster’s Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book
Sunday, September 11, 1:30 p.m.
Orlando Museum of Art
Hear stories from a bilingual storyteller! Each program will include the reading of a featured story followed by a related looking activity in the gallery. This event is included with paid gallery admission.
Grandparents Day Workshop
Sunday, September 11, 2 p.m.
Orlando Museum of Art
Calling all grandkids! Bring your grandparent or your favorite grandfriend and explore the picture book exhibition. Afterward, visit the studio to create a work of art to treasure. Register here: omart.me/grandparentsday
September 12-18, 2022
Storytime at the Zoo
Wednesday, September 14, 10 a.m.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
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.
Stroller Tours: Exploring People, Places and Abstract Art
September 14 & 28
Orlando Museum of Art
Take a stroll through the galleries with infants and toddlers in tow! Join a museum educator for a one-hour tour of OM°A 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. This tour offers something for everyone! Register for any or all sessions by signing up online, or by calling the OM°A Education Assistant at 407-896-4231 x262.
Oviedo Night Market
Friday, September 16, 5-10 p.m.
Oviedo Brewing Company
Looking for something fun to do for date night, or a family outing to enjoy the cooler weather? We are excited to bring back our evening Farmer’s Market at the Oviedo Brewing Company, featuring fresh local produce as well as craft items, ready-to-eat food and more.
Family Health Fest
Saturday, September 17, 12-4 p.m.
Fort Mellon Park
See American Ninja Warrior contestant Michael Eckert, try exercise demos, taste healthy food and enjoy kids’ activities.
Locomotion
September 17–October 16
Orlando Repertory Theatre
Locomotion centers on an 11-year-old boy, nicknamed Locomotion for his high energy, who is struggling in foster care after the deaths of his parents; he discovers that poetry helps him express his feelings about that tragedy, his sister, and his new life.
International Food and Drink Festival 2022
September 18, 11 a.m.
Festival Park, Orlando
This event is one of Orlando’s biggest culinary events, well known for its food-eating contests. This is a family event and always open to the public with free admission. Central Florida families can enjoy food from local restaurants and food trucks specializing in cuisine from all over the world, along with exotic international drinks, exclusive vendors, international cultural performances and more.
September 19-25, 2022
National Talk Like a Pirate Day
September 19
Click here for ways to celebrate.
21st Birthday Party
September 22-24
Tugboat & the Bird
This upscale children’s boutique is celebrating its 21st birthday all weekend, and you’re invited! Kick off the weekend activities on Thursday with Martin-mosas & muffins, shopping discounts and a Beaufort Bonnet Company gift with your purchase (while supplies last). Reserve your spot on Friday to get your child’s silhouette created by an award-winning artist and author or stop by on Saturday between 10 a.m.-Noon to get a free Yum Yum Pop!
Popcorn Flicks in the Park: Splash
Thursday, September 22, 8 p.m.
Winter Park Events Center
The Popcorn Flicks in the Park series features classic films for the whole family. These films are usually held on the second Thursday of each month, and are currently taking place at the Winter Park Events Center from May-September 2022. Popcorn Flicks will return to Central Park, Winter Park in October 2022. They are FREE and open to the public! Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket, a picnic or snacks, and some family and friends!
Family Sunset at the Zoo
September 23, 5-8 p.m.
Central Florida Zoo
Enjoy inflatable games, music and more as you stroll around the Zoo! Gates reopen at 5 p.m. for guests to enjoy the Zoo at sunset and music in the Tropical Splash Ground. Last admission into the Zoo will be at 7:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $6 online, $8 at the door. Guests can also bundle and save with the Family 4-Pack for $40, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs and four regular fountain drinks to fuel the whole family for fun.
Fall Festival
Thursdays-Sundays, September 24-November 13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Southern Hill Farms
What fall adventure would be complete without mouth-watering apple cider donuts, jolly Jumbo Jack carving pumpkins, corn maze fun, live music and s’mores around the fire pits? Admission tickets must be purchased online in advance, admission payments will NOT be accepted at the farm. Tickets and more information can be found at https://southernhillfarms.brushfire.com/fallfestival/.
Vegan Fall Festival
Saturday, September 24, 12-5 p.m.
Lake Eola, Orlando
Celebrate the changing of the season with everything vegan. This free event is family- and pet-friendly with music, games and food. 22+ vegan vendors including local businesses, art, crafts, food, drinks and more. Live DJ plus games and speakers during the event.
Elvis in Rock-a-Hula Hawaiian Luau Dinner Show
Saturday, September 24, 5-8 p.m.
Horsepower Ranch & Events
Immerse yourself in an authentic cultural experience of the Pacific Islands. Experience the unforgettable beauty and grace of Hula from Hawaii, enjoy songs and traditional dances of Tahiti, witness the native chants of New Zealand’s Haka, watch breathtaking fire dances from Samoa and feast on a tasty, Island-style buffet by Aloha Productions – all in an unforgettable, evening under the stars and beauty of Horsepower Ranch.
Oviedo Oktoberfest
September 22-24
Center Lake Park
This free, three-day festival event features authentic German beer, food, music and entertainment, contests and more! Featuring performances by King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band, Orlando Tract Dancers, and new this year Marty Gross and the Sonnenschein Express!
Miles To Go 5K
Saturday, September 24
Bill Frederick Park, Orlando
The 5K Miles To Go Run/Walk fundraiser is a double-loop course on paved surface, followed immediately after by a celebratory party with food trucks, local vendors and kids’ activities. This is a family-friendly event welcoming participants of all ages. The event will accommodate both experienced runners and more casual walkers/family groups with a staggered start time and wide course.
Kids Night at the Museum
Saturday, September 24, 6-10 p.m.
Orlando Science Center
Kids will participate in hands-on activities, see an interactive Live Science Show or film, and enjoy delicious pizza from the evening’s sponsor, Pizza Hut! This event is very popular and no two are alike, so reserve your spot and see why this event won PLAYGROUND Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award for Best New Kids Night Out Program! This fun event gives caregivers a stress- and child-free evening to enjoy the town while their children have an entertaining experience of their own exploring the wonders of everything Orlando Science Center has to offer.
Fairy Tale Weekend
September 24 & 25
Orlando Science Center
Hear ye, hear ye! The Kingdom of KidsTown would like to cordially invite you to celebrate Fairy Tale Weekend presented by Florida Prepaid College Plans. Steer your horse-drawn carriage over to Orlando Science Center to partake in an enchanting weekend of STEM learning, inspired by your favorite fables. Cross the troll bridge if you dare to experience hands-on fun including: Enchanted story times … Engineer a castle worthy of royalty … Brew up some magic in Dr. Dare’s Lab … Learn about the chemistry behind magic potions. Dress to impress! You are invited to wear your favorite family-friendly fantasy costume!
Brick-or-Treat
September 24 – October 30
Legoland Florida, Winter Haven
Families will be screaming in excitement as they enjoy more candy, more LEGO® characters and more spell-binding surprises than ever before with 12 nights of Halloween fun – each Saturday and Sunday. This Halloween spectacular will bewitch families with amazing NEW experiences, live shows, spooky LEGO® decorations and Monster mischief around every corner – all included with general park admission and select Annual Passes.
Screamin’ Green Hauntoween
September 24 – October 31
Crayola Experience
Join the crayon crew on their quest to discover rare, Halloween colors and meet monster-ific characters as you go! Every weekend enjoy a DJ dance party from 12pm – 4pm and trick-or-treating! Guests are welcome to dress-up, however no costume masks are allowed.
September 26-30, 2022
Barkfest
Friday, September 30, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Arbor Park Dog Park, Longwood
Longwood’s Annual Barkfest will bring together animal lovers for an evening of fun activities and demonstrations for all ages. Bring your dogs out for a great time and check out our beautiful dog park! There will be a doggy play area, local vendors, food available for purchase, and raffles with great prizes.
Brew & View: Hocus Pocus 2 & Fright Free Night Market
Friday, September 30, 7-10 p.m.
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company
Join us as we watch Hocus Pocus 2 together. Plus, guests can enjoy the fright-free Family Night Market featuring small shop vendors, trick or treating, kids activities and food trucks! Bring your own lawn chairs. Click here for local blogger Heather Abell’s review of this event.
