Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas movies filled with Santa, elves, and reindeer.
A Charlie Brown Christmas and More Kids' Holiday Movies to Watch This Holiday Season
GUIDE
Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids
Christmas jokes for kids make the season a bit jollier all around!
25 Christmas Jokes for Kids and Holiday Riddles
We've got lots of fun designs in need of a colorful, festive touch for the holidays! Photo by Dragon Images via canva.com
Festive Christmas Coloring Pages for Kids (Free Printables)
How many of these trivia questions can your little brainiac answer? Photo by J. Fanchin, courtesy of Canva
100 Trivia Questions for Kids - With Answers!
Learn some random fun facts that will leave your kids laughing. Photo by Sara Marentette
125 Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
Snuggle up with one of these beloved bedtime stories for kids. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
41 Best Bedtime Stories for Kids, Including Free Bedtime Stories Online
Starbucks birthday freebies can include cake pops, drinks, or other treats! Photo by Heather Cox Rosenberg
62 Birthday Freebies for Kids: Where Kids Get Free Food, Gifts, and Fun
Test your family's knowledge with this fun list of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader questions.
100 Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader Questions
little girl coloring in a coloring book by Aflo Images via Canva
GUIDE
1000 Coloring Pages and Printable Activity Sheets for Kids
Find out why kids are utterly obsessed with these
The Labubu Obsession: A Parent’s Guide to the Trendy Toy
Would you rather drink hot chocolate or chocolate milk? Photo by the author
100 Best 'Would You Rather' Questions for Clever Kids
A perfectly packed lunchbox helps kick the school blues. Photo courtesy of www.YumboxLunch.com
100 School Lunch Ideas for Kids: Back-to-School Lunches Kids Will Actually Eat
Printable word search puzzles are a great way to keep little brains engaged.
Printable Word Puzzles for Kids: Great Sites for Word Searches, Crosswords, & Word Scrambles
It's easier than you'd think to turn a simple paper lunch bag into a festive piñata!
How To Make a Piñata at Home: Easy Paper Bag Piñatas
Cheap All-Inclusive Resorts with Packages for Families
How about a birthday celebration at a local park for free! Photo by Antonius Ferret vis Pexels
GUIDE
Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps for Kids
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program mails one free, high-quality book per month to children ages 0-5! Photo courtesy of the Dollywood Foundation
Free Stuff For Kids in the Mail: Free Books, Toys, Magazines & More
GUIDE
What Should I Do Today?
Camp Lindenmere is a jam-packed Pennsylvania summer camp offering sports, circus arts, creative activities, and more. Photo courtesy of the camp
GUIDE
National Summer Camp Guide
Make memories to last a lifetime at the all-inclusive Beaches Turks and Caicos.
42 Warm and Sunny Family Winter Vacation Ideas in the US and Abroad
Have sweet dreams of all the free baby stuff you'll get. Photo by Garrett Jackson courtesy of Unsplash
How to Get Free Baby Stuff: Diapers, Formula, Baby Gear, and More
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Mommy Poppins Family Travel Guide
Get a sunscreen they won't mind slathering on! Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion image courtesy of the company
Reef-Safe Sunscreen for Kids: Protecting Their Skin and the Planet
When kids are bored, bored, bored, it's handy to have a whole list of fun things to do. Photo by Mommy Poppins
"I’m Bored, What Should I Do?" 100 Things To Do When Kids Are Bored

Top FREE Things To Do with Kids in Orlando in January 2026, According to MP Editors

Visit Disney Springs for a special Kids Club event each Saturday in January, featuring interactive family fun. Photo courtesy of Disney
Visit Disney Springs for a special Kids Club event each Saturday in January, featuring interactive family fun. Photo courtesy of Disney
12/29/24 - By Charlotte B

From New Year's Day to MLK weekend and beyond, January is packed with free activities for Orlando kids. Don’t miss our favorite FREE things to do in Orlando with kids this month!

Our wallets are in need of a breather for January after the great spending sprees of December. Here are fun, FREE events in Orlando this January to enjoy memorable experiences without straining your budget. These awesome, free activities in January 2026 include Three Kings Day in Osceola, Cops 'N Cars for Kids in Oviedo, Get Hook'd on Lake Monroe in Sanford, and more. MLK parades and events are taking place in Downtown Orlando, Kissimmee, Eatonville, Winter Park, Ocoee, and Winter Garden. And that's just the beginning!

These are just some of our favorite things to do in January for Orlando kids; we're adding more events to our Orlando Events Calendar every day.

More Things To Do in Orlando This January With Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Free Things to Do with Kids in Orlando January 2026

Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center

Downtown Orlando
Nightly through January 4, 2026
This holiday season, Dr. Phillips Center welcomes you to stop and wonder. Gather your near and dearest and step into the pages of a storybook holiday – all playing out on the Center's glittering front yard. With a FREE calendar of sights, sounds, and experiences to make every moment richer, it's your one-stop, joy-all-around destination. READ MORE

City of Orlando's Downtown for the Holidays

Downtown Orlando
Nightly through January 6, 2026
Stroll Lake Eola and watch the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree come alive with lights and music. Weekends through December 21, see snowfall and meet Santa at the Lake Eola House. READ MORE

Florida Citrus Tower Holiday Light Show

Clermont
Nightly through January 7, 2026
The Annual Citrus Tower Spectacular Light Show invites the community to enjoy a festive display of lights, music, and holiday cheer. The event runs nightly with showtimes from 7–8 PM and 8–9 PM. Admission is free for all, and guests are encouraged to bring family, friends, and holiday spirit to share in the celebration. READ MORE

Eustis First Friday

Eustis
Friday, January 2, 2026
Visit the streets of downtown Eustis for a First Friday festival, with a different theme each month. This event features food, vendors, music, and more. READ MORE

Maitland's Getdown Downtown Block Party

Maitland
Friday, January 2, 2026
This monthly first Friday block party includes a fun zone for the kids, live entertainment, food, drinks, vendors, and more. READ MORE

Home Depot Kids Workshop

Multiple Locations
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Each month at all participating Home Depot locations, kids can complete a different hands-on project. Kids get to keep their craft and will also receive a certificate of achievement, workshop apron, and commemorative pin. READ MORE

Popcorn Flicks in the Park

Winter Park
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Bring your family along with a blanket and snacks to enjoy a classic movie in the park. READ MORE

Free Family Funday at the Mennello Museum

Orlando
Sunday, January 11, 2026
On the second Sunday of every month, the Mennello Museum offers Family Funday, with free admission, hourly docent-led tours, and a fine arts project. READ MORE

Three Kings Day Osceola

Kissimmee
Sunday, January 11, 2026
The annual Three Kings Day celebration includes a visit from the Three Kings, free snacks, raffle, and a toy for kids under 11. READ MORE

Downtown Orlando Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

Downtown Orlando
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Visit downtown Orlando for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. The parade kicks off at the Downtown Orlando Courthouse and make its way to the beautiful Lake Eola Park. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King with vibrant floats, marching bands, and community groups.  READ MORE

Eatonville Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Celebration

Eatonville
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Celebrate unity, history, and community spirit at the annual MLK Parade in the Historic Town of Eatonville. This event brings people together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with music, colorful floats, and lots of fun. READ MORE

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

Sanford
Saturday, January 17, 2026
This annual fishing tournament and seafood festival includes more than 30 vendors, live entertainment, conservation/education zones, and more. READ MORE

Kissimmee Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration

Kissimmee
Saturday, January 17, 2026
This annual community celebration features live music, delicious food, the KUA Kids Power Zone, children's art village, and an inspirational photo area.   READ MORE

Maitland Movie in the Park

Maitland
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Maitland's Movies in the Park presents a monthly family-friendly movie under the stars at Independence Square Park next to City Hall. READ MORE

Pets on the Promenade

Kissimmee
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Celebrate your furry friends at the annual Pets on the Promenade at the always pet-friendly Promenade at Sunset Walk. Bring the whole family — both two-legged and four-legged — for an afternoon dedicated to Man’s Best Friend. READ MORE

Unity Heritage Festival

Winter Park
January 18 & 19, 2026
This annual festival celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promotes community and family heritage. Sunday entertainment features music by local gospel bands and Monday includes a special program honoring Dr. King with ongoing musical artists. Special activities include children’s games, career booths, as well as retail and local food vendors. READ MORE

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

Ocoee
Monday, January 19, 2026
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

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

Winter Garden
Monday, January 19, 2026
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

Cops 'N Cars for Kids at Oviedo Mall

Oviedo
Saturday, January 24, 2026
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 speciality vehicles, helicopters, and K9 units. Plenty of family fun including a kids play area, vendors, food trucks, and more. READ MORE

Fort Christmas Historical Park's Barnyard Banter

Christmas
January 24 & 25, 2026
On the third Saturday of each month, this historical and educational program is offered for free and is open to the public. Parents and children or grandparents and grandchildren will enjoy learning together about how things were done in the past. READ MORE

India Fair at Children's Safety Village

Orlando
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Celebrate India's Republic Day at this family-friendly event with food, vendors, music, heritage displays, dancing, games, playground area, flag hosting, and more. READ MORE

Oakland Heritage Day

Oakland
Saturday, January 31, 2026
This annual festival celebrates Oakland's history, nature, and the arts. Enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, kids' activities, and more. READ MORE

Fridays on the Plaza

Winter Garden
Fridays in January 2026
Families can enjoy live music every Friday night at the Centennial Plaza Gazebo in downtown Winter Garden. READ MORE

Disney Springs Kids Club

Lake Buena Vista
Saturdays in January 2026
Visit Disney Springs for a special Kids Club event each Saturday, featuring interactive family fun. Activities include Flight Crew: a high-energy dance party with jump rope routines and acrobatics; Wassalou Drum Circle: create music with this vibrant Afropop band; and play games like limbo and hula hoops with DJ "KD Queen." READ MORE

Outdoor Activities to Do this Month in Orlando

22 Best Playgrounds in Orlando for Family Fun

These fun, outdoor playgrounds delight Orlando kids of all ages. READ MORE

Best Places to See Manatees in Orlando & Central Florida

Kids will love seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitats. READ MORE

25 Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Orlando and Central Florida

Explore the outdoors together on a family-friendly hike. READ MORE

Orlando Mini Golf Courses Perfect for Family Fun

Grab a putter and have a ball at these Orlando mini golf venues. READ MORE

More FREE Things to Do this Month in Orlando

100 Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids

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

Free Indoor Playgrounds for Kids in Orlando to Have Fun

Let your kids run free (literally) at free indoor playgrounds in Orlando. READ MORE

Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida Is Free Outdoor Fun

Bonnet Springs Park provides outdoor adventures for kids! READ MORE

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Orlando

Open your child's world (and close your wallet) with FREE museums. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Florida Citrus Tower
Your Local Home Depot Store
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Children’s Safety Village
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

About the Author

Charlotte Blanton
Charlotte Blanton, a Central Florida native and mom of three, holds a business degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). After a career in corporate finance, she pivoted to stay home with her kids and found her passion for writing through Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring local theme parks and discovering fun activities for families in Central Florida.
Recent Articles By Charlotte Blanton:
Read more articles by Charlotte B.