PLAYGROUND
Here are some fun ways to PLAY in the New Year with your family.
Fill out this form to get your event added to our list.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Select nights now through January 15, 6–10 p.m.
Leu Gardens
Experience one of the most unique light displays around–with all new displays this year. This is a wonderful evening out with family, friends or for a date night. Visitors will enjoy a beautifully lit 3/4 mile path with live musical performances, drink and food stops and several interactive lighting experiences that are not to be missed.
Three Kings Day Tea Time
Friday, January 6th, Seating Times: 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Tea Room Experience
Enjoy a special Afternoon Tea menu with a Selection of Finger Sandwiches, Freshly Baked Scones served with our Homemade Devonshire Cream & Preserve, Savory Bites, Petite Desserts & Unlimited Loose-Leaf Tea.
Mr. Richard’s Teatime Dance Party
Friday, January 6, 10 a.m.
Infusion Tea, College Park
See you there to dance in the new year!
Strawberry U-Pick
Saturday & Sunday, January 7-8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Southern Hill Farms
Looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors with your children and family this winter? Enjoy picking your own farm fresh strawberries and sunflowers at Southern Hill Farms! Quantities cannot be guaranteed, sunflower and strawberry picking is first come, first served.
100 Year Celebration Kickoff Event
Saturday, January 7, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Orlando Public Library
10:30 a.m.: 100 Years Rededication Ceremony
11 a.m.: Family Storytime
11:30 a.m.: Storytime craft (for ages 3-5)
12:00 p.m.: Music in the Library: Z Street Speakeasy Band
1:30 p.m.: Tech Exploration: Sphero. Explore technology with Sphero indo robotic cars and help them navigate a city.
12-2 p.m.: The Bandbox Presents Non-Alcoholic Craft Cocktails (while supplies last)
And more!
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine Presents Sleeping Beauty
Saturday, January 7, 5 p.m.
Dr. Phillips Center
A fascinating tale comes to life in this exquisite production. This superb classical production features Tchaikovsky’s delightful music, visually stunning with lavish sets and elaborate costumes.
4-H Game Board Workshop
Saturday, January 7, 9 a.m. – 10:30am
UF/IFAS Seminole County Extension Services Auditorium, Sanford
Kids will learn to make a simple circuit 4-H gameboard. 4-H Game boards may be entered in to the 4-H County Events and Central Florida Fair competitions. All materials provided.
Three Kings Day Celebration
Saturday, January 7, 3 – 9 p.m.
Lake Nona Town Center
This family-friendly event features live entertainment, activities for the whole family, and delicious eats.
SeaWorld Inside Look
Weekends, January 7-15
SeaWorld Orlando
Guests can go behind the scenes and visit areas never opened to the public during this popular annual event. SeaWorld’s renowned veterinarians and animal experts will offer an intimate look at the day-to-day care they provide for animals large and small. Visitors will also get to meet the SeaWorld Rescue Team and learn more about their life-saving work. Included with park admission.
Beach Nights at Aquatica
Saturday nights, January 7-28
Aquatica Orlando
Guests can stay late for family-friendly movies on the beach! They can bring a blanket or sit on one of our beach chairs and enjoy a different movie every weekend. Fresh popcorn, delicious food, snacks, hot chocolate, and fountain drinks will be available for purchase at Beachside Panini Bistro. For additional Polynesian vibes, guests can visit the new Trader Turi’s Tiki Bar for a selection of specialty cocktails, frozen favorites, and more.
Storytime at the Zoo
Wednesday, January 11, 10-10:30 a.m.
Discovery Courtyard, 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. 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.
Stroller Tours
Wednesday, January 11, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Orlando Museum of Art (OMA)
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.
Homeschool Workshop: Art & Mayhem in Orlando’s Underground
January 13, 1 p.m.
Orange County Regional History Center
With inspiration from their latest special exhibition, Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando’s Underground, you’ll explore the artists and art forms of Orlando’s underground music scene. Discover how artists find inspiration and how their artwork can contribute to a community.
Jurassic World Live Tour
January 13–16
Amway Center
Jurassic World comes to life against a backdrop of captivating scenery where dinosaurs from the iconic movies, including fan-favorite Velociraptor Blue and a Tyrannosaurus rex more than 40 feet in length, take center stage. This show features more than 24 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs, with scale, speed and ferocity, operated by animatronics and performers.Jurassic World’s musical score combined with projection and practical scenery transforms the arena into the dense jungles of Isla Nublar, where real Gyrospheres roll through the valley and scientists work to unravel a corrupt plan and save anew dinosaur from a terrible fate. With pulse-pounding stunts and an original, authentic storyline, this show is guaranteed to make memories that will last another 65 million years. Tickets starting at $25.
Festival of the Arts
January 13- February 20
Epcot
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 14, 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Fringe ArtSpace, 54 W Church St., Orlando
Join us for a mini Kids Fringe morning with a concert with Mr. Richard, a puppet show with the Everglads, craft activities and play! Tickets are $5. Caregivers get a free Winter Mini Fest button with purchase. Get your tickets here: https://wmf-orlando.virtuallyfringe.com/show/210766/The-Everglads
Central Florida Scottish Highlands Games
Saturday & Sunday, January 14–15
Central Winds Park, Winter Springs
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.
Sensory Sunday: Animation Celebration
Sunday, January 15, 12–4 p.m.
Orange County Regional History Center
Join us for some sensory-friendly fun for the whole family! In honor of the 100-year anniversary of Walt Disney Animation Studios, we’ll celebrate all things animation! Experience the history of Disney’s ground-breaking, influential animation as it comes alive through hands-on activities and sensory friendly play.
Riverdance
January 20–22
Dr. Phillips Center
A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Composer Bill Whelan has re-recorded his mesmerizing soundtrack, while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage and costume designs. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary power and grace of its music and dance—beloved by fans of all ages.
Sesame Street Kids’ Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, January 21 & 22
Seaworld Orlando
During the Sesame Street Kids’ Weekend, kids can enjoy hands-on activities, dance parties, photo opportunities with characters and much more throughout this family-friendly celebration. This family-friendly celebration is located in Sesame Street Land and is included with park admission.
International Vegan Food Festival
Saturday, January 21, 3 – 8 p.m.
Wall St. Plaza, Downtown Orlando
Free family festival with international food and drinks held in the heart of downtown Orlando. Live music and games throughout the event. Come enjoy over 50 local vendors and businesses to start of the new year!
Cops ‘N Cars for Kids
Saturday, January 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Oviedo Mall
This is the largest car show in Central Florida with over 200 of the best classic and modern vehicles. In addition to the car show, there is a huge turnout from law enforcement and fire departments from around the state with specialty vehicles, helicopters, and K9 units. Plenty of family fun including bounce houses, a huge array of vendors, food trucks, trophies.
Peanut Butter Matinee: Beauty and the Beast
Sunday, January 22, 12 p.m.
Enzian Theater
The Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film Series usually occurs on the fourth Sunday of the month. It is always family friendly and free for kids 12 & under. A special Kid’s Menu is also offered!
Earth Matters
January 22 – April 30
Orlando Science Center
In this new exhibit, visitors can explore our changing planet through a different lens, get immersed in incredible ecosystems, and learn how the smallest actions can impact our natural world!
Stroller Tours
Wednesday, January 25, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Orlando Museum of Art (OMA)
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.
UKnight Training Center Open Gym
Friday, January 27, 7-9 p.m.
Winter Park
Ages 4-18 are welcome to experience UKnight during the facility open gym. UKnight offers sports for all ages from toddler tumbling to competitive teams.
Movie Under the Stars: DC League of Super-Pets
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m.
Town Park, Avalon Park
Bring your chairs and blankets to cozy up and watch with the whole family.
Parents Night Out
Friday, January 27, 7-10 p.m.
Dance 360 Orlando
Enjoy dance, crafts, games, movie time and lots of fun! Bring your own snack and drink. It will be a night your kid will never forget! Email info@Dance360Orlando.com to sign up.
Saturday Storytime: Alice in Wonderland
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
The Whimsy Emporium
Guests at this topsy-turvy event will listen to a story from Alice in the reading area, meet and greet and take photos, plus paint rose shaped sugar cookies. $5 per child; Register here.
Aerospace and Aviation Day
Saturday, January 28, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Orlando-Sanford International Airport
This free and exciting event is for SCPS students and families to learn more about the aviation industry. Aviation Day will highlight different pathways to aviation careers and showcase the SCPS and Seminole State College programs that students can access. Graduating seniors can also meet potential employers with job opportunities in the aviation industry. Several airplanes will be on display for students and parents to climb on board and explore.
Kids Night at the Museum
Saturday, January 28, 6–10 p.m.
Orlando Science Center
Kids can celebrate a new year by making new friends, and parents can enjoy a night out as well. This is a hot ticket so reserve your spot today! Read more about it here.
Manatee Festival
Saturday & Sunday, January 28 & 29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Blue Springs State Park, Orange City
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!
Fire In The Park Chili Cook Off to CURE
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Town Park at Avalon Park
The annual Fire In the Park Chili Cook-Off to CURE fundraiser is a day filled with award winning chili, music, food, and family fun with a focus on raising money for pediatric cancer.
Maitland Police Department Family Fun Day
Saturday, January 28, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Independence Lane (in front of City Hall)
This free event will include bounce houses, games, vendors, face painting, balloon artists and more. Meet Maitland’s police officers and get an up-close look at their vehicles and safety equipment.
FamilyFest Orlando
Saturday, January 28, 12 – 6 p.m.
Dezerland Action Park Orlando
A free, family-friendly event with activities for all ages! FamilyFest features dozens of displays with family resources promoting helpful parenting goods and services, along with the latest “mompreneur” products. Plus, check out attractions including Dezerland’s glow-in-the-dark mini golf, go-karts, and trampoline park.
Elmo’s Birthday Celebration
January 28 – February 3
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld is the place to be for Elmo’s Birthday Celebration, featuring an interactive DJ dance party, fun party games and surprise visitors. Families won’t want to miss this weekend-long party for Elmo at Sesame Street Land™ at SeaWorld Orlando.
Kid’s Workshop: It’s a heART Party!
Sunday, January 29, 1-3 p.m.
Piante Design, Winter Park
Get ready for some Valentine’s Day fun at our heART party! Each kiddo will create a wooden block art piece inspired by the works of Romero Britto, who combines pop art, cubism and graffiti to make vibrant works of art. They will also create heart shaped shower steamers to gift to friends and family, or enjoy themselves! For ages: 6yrs + up Cost: $38/child
Fill out this form to get your event added to our list.
