OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Enjoy the beautiful blooms of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival that runs through May 27, 2024. Photo courtesy Walt Disney World
Best Free & Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Kids May 2024
Enjoy the self-guided trail where you can
Secrets of Discovering Moana's Journey of Water, Now Open at EPCOT!
Catch all three seasons of Bluey–plus the show’s biggest episode ever–right now on Disney+.
  VIDEO
Best Bluey Episodes, Themed Snacks and Games for a Memorable Family Night In
A kids Gym Gymnastic Academy Summer Camp
GUIDE
Orlando Summer Camp Guide
Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach is home to more than 900 animals, including giraffes, lions, and zebras. Photo courtesy of the park
10 Drive-Thru Safaris and Wildlife Drives near Orlando
Swim and paddle with adorable manatees during your stay at the aptly-named Manatee Cove Apartment. Photo courtesy of VRBO
17 Best Family-Friendly Hotels and Camping near Florida's Natural Springs
Spend a relaxing day tubing the pristine waters of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Photo by Jackie Jones
Secrets to Ichetucknee Springs State Park with Kids
Go beyond the ordinary with virtual reality (VR) games at Dezerland Park Orlando.
Dezerland Park Orlando: Florida's Largest Indoor Attraction for Thrills & Fun
Celebrate your child's birthday party at Gatorland. Photo courtesy of Gatorland
20 Top Orlando Birthday Party Venues for Kids to Celebrate
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.
100 Free Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
These gentle giants love the warm waters at Blue Springs in Central Florida. Photo by the author
Best Places to See Manatees in Orlando & Central Florida
Kids can pick their own strawberries at Oak Haven Farms & Winery.
Where to Pick Strawberries Near Orlando: 8 Family-Friendly Strawberry Farms
The beaches of St. Augustine are fun, free ways to spend a weekend trip from Orlando. Photo by Mancy Carter
Best Budget Weekend Trips for Orlando Families
Splash and play all day long at the Peppa Pig Theme Park!
A Guide to Peppa Pig Theme Park: Little Piggies Love this Legoland Attraction
You don't have to go far to find the beach in St. Augustine. Photo courtesy of St. Augustine
St. Augustine with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida
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
Splash, climb, tinker, and explore your way through Orlando Science Center's family-favorite exhibit, KidsTown. Photo by the author
Best Museums for Kids in Orlando: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in Orlando
Enjoy an afternoon of bowling at Splitsville, located at Disney Springs. Photo courtesy of Splitsville Orlando
Best Orlando Bowling for Kids of All Ages
Anclote Key, made up of four islands off the Gulf Coast's Tarpon Springs, is a popular gathering place for boaters. Photo courtesy Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Best Sandbars Near Orlando and Central Florida for Families Interested in Adventure
Orlando toddlers and preschoolers will have a wonderful time at Peppa Pig Theme Park.
35 Things To Do with Preschoolers and Toddlers in Orlando Before They Turn 5
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
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
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)
Explore the incredible Florida Children's Museum at Bonnet Springs Park.
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida Is Free Outdoor Fun
Dr. Seuss and all the characters from his beloved stories welcome families of all ages at Universal Orlando Resort. Photo by author
Universal Orlando with Kids: Everything You Need to Know for a 2-Day Visit
The Yardley is a fun Orlando restaurant for both kids and adults...and even dogs!
Best Orlando Restaurants with Play Spaces for Kids
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
Use our visitors guide to navigate The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Tips for a Magical Experience in Orlando
Get close and personal with the friendly dolphins of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Photo courtesy of aquarium
Best Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Encounters in Orlando and Central Florida
See a replica of the moon landing with this Moonscape.
Florida's Kennedy Space Center: A Kid-Friendly Visitors Guide
Check out our list of the best Orlando parks to host birthday parties!
Top Orlando Parks for Kids' Birthday Parties
Get ready to pack your five-day Disney World itinerary full of fun!
Visiting Every Park at Walt Disney World with Kids: A 5-Day Itinerary
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
Adventures await you and your little piggies at Rebecca Rabbit's Playground at Peppa Pig Theme Park. Photo courtesy of Legoland
30 Things To Do with Orlando Babies Before They Turn One
Even teens get swept up in the Disney magic!
Orlando with Teens: Top 20 Things to Do at the Theme Parks & Beyond
For an unforgettable start to the month, head to the May the Fourth celebration (otherwise known as Star Wars Day) at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios. Photo courtesy of WDW
Gatorpalooza, Peter Pan, and More Fun Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids

MLK Weekend 2024 in Orlando: 19 Best Things To Do With Kids

Learn about civil rights and have fun at downtown Orlando's Martin Luther King Jr. parade and performances. Photo courtesy of City of Orlando
Learn about civil rights and have fun at downtown Orlando's Martin Luther King Jr. parade and performances. Photo courtesy of City of Orlando
1/10/24 - By Charlotte B

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

Here's the scoop on the best family events in Orlando and the surrounding area this MLK weekend! Enjoy tributes to the civil rights icon in downtown Orlando, Kissimmee, and Eatonville on Saturday; Winter Park on Sunday and Monday; and Ocoee, Oviedo, and Winter Garden on Monday. It's the last weekend to enjoy the lights at the Asian Lantern Festival, and the first weekend to kick off Epcot International Festival of the Arts. There's also a wee bit of Scottish culture at the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games in Winter Springs, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show On Earth taking place all weekend long at the Kia Center.

More Things To Do in Orlando this Week with Kids:

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show On Earth this weekend. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show On Earth this weekend. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend with Kids

Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo

Sanford
Final Weekend! Through Sunday, January 14
The Asian Lantern Festival features more than 30 large, illuminated sculptures representing traditional Chinese elements. There will also be live entertainment, food, and authentic crafts. READ MORE

Story Time at Kasheta Farms

Apopka - FREE
Friday, January 12
Once a month, Kasheta Farms offers a special story time event featuring a book of the month, a craft, and ends with "putting the farm animals to bed" by feeding the goats and chickens and grooming a horse. READ MORE

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show On Earth

Orlando
January 12-15
The reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey invites guests to The Greatest Show On Earth, featuring new technology and a 360-degree environment. Witness acts on a diagonal trapeze, triangular highwire, extreme bicycle trampoline, and more. READ MORE

Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Lake Buena Vista
January 12 - February 19
This annual festival at Disney's Epcot includes a variety of performing arts (including a Disney on Broadway concert series), culinary arts, visual arts, and interactive fun for all ages. READ MORE

Downtown Orlando Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

Orlando - FREE
Saturday, January 13
The theme of this year's annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade is "It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate Through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence." READ MORE

Eatonville Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Celebration

Eatonville - FREE
Saturday, January 13
The community is invited to this annual event, which includes a parade, food, live entertainment, vendors and more. The 2024 theme is "Culture, Peace, and Awareness."  READ MORE

FESTN4 Kids

Orlando
Saturday, January 13
Join Fringezilla and the Kids Fringe team at ArtSpace for free crafts, activities, and dance parties in the lobby. The morning also includes a free 10:30am performance by Standley the Lemonade Stand who will take you on an adventure, and El Mago Astronauta, a magical musical journey through space, at 11:30am (cost $5). READ MORE

Kissimmee Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration

Kissimmee - FREE
Saturday, January 13
This annual community celebration features live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, a unity garden, and a kids zone. READ MORE

Central Florida Scottish Highland Games

Winter Springs
January 13 & 14
The annual Scottish Highland Games include events such as archery, boulder boogie, kids games, Highland dance, piping & drumming, as well as arts and crafts and face painting for the kids. READ MORE

Get Hook'd on Lake Monroe Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival

Sanford - FREE
January 13 & 14
This annual fishing tournament and seafood festival includes more than 30 vendors, live entertainment, conservation/education zones, and more. Kids can partake in a fishing rodeo on Sunday. READ MORE

Going Galactic Weekend at Brevard Zoo

Melbourne
January 13-15
Visit the Brevard Zoo and be transported into scenes from the Star Wars universe. Take photos with Star Wars characters, partake in themed arts and crafts, and enjoy galactic animal enrichment. READ MORE

Free Family Funday at the Mennello Museum

Orlando - FREE
Sunday, January 14
On the second Sunday of every month, the Mennello Museum offers Family Funday, with free admission, docent-led tours, and a fine arts project. READ MORE

Latin Fiesta Nights at Luminary Green

Orlando - FREE
Sunday, January 14
This Latin festival includes Latin music with live DJs, arts, crafts, vendors, Latin cuisine, giveaways, and more. Luminary Green Park is the perfect place for this colorful and family-friendly festival. READ MORE

Music at the Casa - Casa Feliz Open House

Winter Park - FREE
Sunday, January 14
Music at the Casa features live performances and tours of the historic home museum from trained docents. READ MORE

Unity Heritage Festival

Winter Park - FREE
January 14 & 15
This annual 2-day festival celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promotes family heritage. Sunday activities include career booths, children's games, vendors, and job training/readiness. Monday activities include kids activities, blues and jazz music, and food/retail vendors. READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Nationwide - FREE
Monday, January 15
On select days throughout the year, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee. READ MORE

Ocoee Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration

Ocoee - FREE
Monday, January 15
This annual parade starts at 10am on Clarke Road in Ocoee, and a celebration takes place at 11am in the food court area of the West Oaks Mall. READ MORE

Oviedo MLK Day Parade & Celebration

Oviedo
Monday, January 15
The City of Oviedo's Martin Luther King Jr. celebration begins with a parade at 10am. The event is followed by a celebration from 11am-2pm at Round Lake Park with live entertainment, vendors, food, and kids activities. READ MORE

Winter Garden's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Winter Garden - FREE
Monday, January 15
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King with a parade along Plant Street, followed by a community celebration with kids' activities, food vendors, and live music. READ MORE
Some theme parks sponsor free preschool passes, like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens
Some theme parks sponsor free preschool passes, like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens

More Top Things to Do in Orlando Right Now

100 Free Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Kids

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

Free Preschool Passes at Central Florida and Orlando Attractions

Florida residents get free preschool passes at Orlando attractions! READ MORE

Planning a Theme Park Vacation to Orlando in 2024? New, Can't-Miss Attractions!

Check out awesome new attractions for 2024! READ MORE

Where to Pick Strawberries Near Orlando: 8 Family-Friendly Strawberry Farms

Make sweet memories at these kid-friendly strawberry farms in Central Florida. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

X
Add a link on your home screen.