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GUIDE
Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for Orlando Kids
The whole family can dig in at Rosen Plaza on Christmas. Photo courtesy Rosen Plaza (Orlando)
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Orlando: Christmas Meals at Orlando Theme Parks
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
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!
Experience the illuminating Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Photo by the author
30 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens transforms into the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at night! Photo courtesy of the zoo
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Orlando
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!)
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
Challenge yourself on the walking beams at Hidden Waters Preserve.
25 Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Orlando and Central Florida
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
Wild Florida airboat rides allow passengers close-up experiences with Florida's native wildlife and vegetation. Photo courtesy Wild Florida
Swamp Boat Rides and Airboat Ride Adventures Near Orlando
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
The cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness are cozy, spacious, and sleep up to six guests.
Go Inside Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort for Woodsy Wonder
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)
The Yardery 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
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
It's the final weekend to attend Oh What Fun! Lake Nona Holiday Festival and prove to Santa you've been nice! Photo courtesy of the event
Kennedy Under the Stars, Holiday Celebrations, and More Festive Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids
FIND AND BOOK ACTIVITIES
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This Week In
Orlando
Toddler Tales at Maitland Public Library
Maitland Public Library - 10:30 AM Pick
Story Time at Barnes & Noble - Colonial
Barnes & Noble - Colonial - 10:30 AM Pick
Grandparents Day at Green Meadows Petting Farm
Green Meadows Petting Farm - 10:00 AM Pick
Orlando Gymnastics Toddler Time
Orlando Gymnastics - 11:30 AM Pick
BOGO Wednesdays at Monkey Joe's Winter Park
Monkey Joe's - Winter Park - 11:00 AM Pick
Little Leapers at Sky Zone Clermont
Sky Zone Clermont - 9:00 AM Pick
Baby Babbles at Maitland Public Library
Maitland Public Library - 10:30 AM Pick
OCLS Little Chef: Gingerbread House
South Creek Branch - 10:30 AM Pick
Third Thursday Free Admission at Orange County Regional History Center
Orange County Regional History Center - 5:00 PM Pick
Celebration's Now Snowing
Celebration Town Center - 6:00 PM Pick
Preschool Open Gym at Metro Gymnastics
Orlando Metro Gymnastics - Avalon Park - 11:00 AM Pick
Windermere Food Truck & Holiday Movie Night
Windermere Town Square - 5:30 PM Pick
Celebration's Now Snowing
Celebration Town Center - 6:00 PM Pick
Central Florida SC Open Play
Northwest Recreation Complex - 6:00 PM Pick
Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex - 6:00 PM Pick
Gatorland's Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho-Down
Gatorland - 10:00 AM Pick
Celebration's Now Snowing
Celebration Town Center - 6:00 PM Pick
Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Halifax River Yacht Club - 6:00 PM Pick
Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex - 6:00 PM Pick
Holidays at Legoland Florida
LEGOLAND Florida Resort - various times Pick
Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex - 9:00 AM Pick
Gatorland's Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho-Down
Gatorland - 10:00 AM Pick
City of Longwood Chanukah Celebration
Reiter Park - 5:30 PM Pick
Celebration's Now Snowing
Celebration Town Center - 6:00 PM Pick
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Gaylord Palms - various times Pick
Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex - 9:00 AM Pick
Mother Goose on the Loose at Orlando Public Library
Orlando Public Library - 10:30 AM Pick
OCLS Ornament Painting
Eatonville Branch Library - 1:30 PM Pick
Audubon Park Community Market
Audubon Park Garden District - 5:00 PM Pick
Celebration's Now Snowing
Celebration Town Center - 6:00 PM Pick
Little Leapers at Sky Zone Clermont
Sky Zone Clermont - 9:00 AM Pick
Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex - 9:00 AM Pick
Bouncing Babies at Winter Park Library
Winter Park Library - 9:15 AM Pick
Preschool Palooza at Maitland Public Library
Maitland Public Library - 10:30 AM Pick
OCLS Winter Craft
South Trail Branch - 11:00 AM Pick
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Best Museum Exhibits for NYC Kids Fall 2014: 7 New Installations for Families

9/9/14 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

Fall brings apple picking, the harvest season and a whole new crop of cool culture for families. We're kicking off our coverage with a roundup of the best new kid-friendly exhibits opening at NYC's world-class museums this autumn.

A slew of iconic TV characters are celebrated in a pair of retrospectives: What’s Up, Doc? The Animation Art of Chuck Jones at the Museum of the Moving Image and Somebody Come and Play: 45 Years of Sesame Street Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder at Lincoln Center's New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, and both will offer hands-on programs for children. Plus the Children's Museum of the Arts is debuting a language-themed exhibit, the Brooklyn Children's Museum has a new installation featuring interactive STEM stations and the Museum of Modern Art is showcasing Henri Matisse's paper-and-scissor works. And if that's not enough for you, there's still time to see many of the exhibits we highlighted in our spring and summer museum posts, including kid-pleasers like the interactive Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. The Exhibition at Discovery Times Square.

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What’s Up, Doc? The Animation Art of Chuck Jones – Astoria
Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets
Through Monday, January 19, 2015
Free with admission: $12 for adults, $9 for students, $6 for children ages 3-12
Mommy Poppins bloggers Alina and Raven have both taken their kids to MoMI's Chuck Jones retrospective and just loved it. Kids can learn about the creator of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, the Road Runner and their pals by exploring original illustrations, archival photos, animation cels, storyboards, sketches and other works by the late artist. There are mini-screening areas in the exhibit where you can watch some of his classic cartoons including Duck Amuck and the Oscar-winning short The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics. On weekends, the museum is also showing Chuck Jones matinees in its HD theater. The highlight for aspiring artists is the hands-on animation studio (on Saturdays only though October 14), where children ages 7 and up can create their own rudimentary animated shorts (see below). For more info, check out our full review.

Scattered Light – Corona
New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Friday, September 12-Sunday, September 13, 2015
Free with admission: $11 for adults, $8 for children ages 2-17
In keeping with New York Hall of Sci's maker focus, Dick Esterle's Scattered Light is fashioned from everyday objects like tape, paper clips and metal rods. When you walk into the museum's circular lobby, you're greeted by more than 500 25-foot pieces of fluorescent pink and orange flagging tape suspended from the ceiling. Take a moment to look at it and you'll notice the work seems to change as the sunlight moves around the building.

Drawn to Language – Hudson Square
Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton Street between Hudson and Greenwich Streets
Thursday September 18-Sunday January 11, 2015
Free with admission: $11, free for children under age 1
The hands-on art museum's new exhibit explores the intersection of text and visual art. Drawn to Language is a collection of contemporary works featuring words used in unexpected ways. It's sure to get viewers of all ages thinking about the relationship between language and art. As always, the museum will host a slew of enriching drop-in projects related to the exhibit.

Somebody Come and Play: 45 Years of Sesame Street Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder – Upper West Side
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza
Thursday September 18-Saturday January 31, 2015
FREE
A collaboration between the NYPL branch and Sesame Workshop, this installation is sure to please Sesame Street fans young and old. Scripts, storyboards, designs, animation cels, photographs, blueprints, vintage branded merchandise and an architectural set model will all be on display, along with a handful of Muppet stars, including Oscar and every preschooler's favorite red monster. There will also be highlight reels, behind-the-scenes footage and iconic celebrity appearances, plus a children's activity area with Sesame Street books, apps and art projects. On weekends, there will be special, as-yet-to-be-determined programming for kids. FREE

More than Meets the "I" – Crown Heights
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue at St. Marks Avenue
Thursday October 9-Monday January 19, 2015
Free with admission: $9, free for children under age 1
Young kids can learn about STEM concepts at the Brooklyn Children's Museum's latest interactive installation. The gallery includes hands-on stations where kids can explore nanoscience, robotics, molecular biology and 3D printing. My son is particularly interested in checking out the iPad app that lets kids control a school of robotic fish! The Brooklyn Public Library's Uni Project will also set up a pop-up library with thematically related kids' books.

Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs – Midtown West
Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53 Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
Sunday, October 12-Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Free with admission: $25 for adults, free for children under 17; timed tickets required
While not specifically aimed at children, it's never too early to introduce kids to the masters. Henri Matisse's whimsical paper cut-outs, with their bright colors and bold graphics, are fun and easy to digest. See 100 of his best ones, including the giant "Swimming Pool," which he created for his own dining room in Nice. MoMA will also be selling a children's book inspired by the exhibit, Matisse's Garden, and hosting related family art workshops.

Submerged – Midtown West
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, Twelfth Avenue at 46th Street
New permanent exhibit
Free with admission: In advance: $22 for adults, $17 for children ages 7-17 and $10 for ages 3-6; at the door: $2 more per person but click here for a 20% off coupon.
The decommissioned aircraft carrier-turned-museum recently added a 40-foot model of a submarine to its popular hands-on Exploreum. Now kids can experience what it's like to live and work underwater.

And remember, many of the exhibits we spotlighted in our summer post are still on view, including Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. The Exhibition at Discovery Times Square, Jeff Koons: A Retrospective at the Whitney, Spiders Alive! and Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History, Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans at the New-York Historical Society and Jazzed! The Changing Beat of 125th Street at the Children's Museum of Manhattan.


Find out about other kid-friendly exhibits in our Museum Guide.

Fall Activities Museums Preschoolers Kids Tweens & teens Astoria Uptown Brooklyn Queens Midtown West Upper East Side Upper West Side Crown Heights New York City

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