The Winter Garden Santa Bike Ride is a casual paced ride that includes caroling and strolling the beautiful Oakland Park, with Santa leading the ride.
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The holidays have arrived at Disney Springs! Stroll through the Tree Trail and enjoy nightly snow flurries...all for free! Photo courtesy of Disney
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Enjoy Central Florida Ballet's classic Nutcracker production for a fun family event. Photo courtesy of the ballet
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Kids love meeting Santa at The Santa Workshop Experience, full of holiday magic. Photo by the author
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The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens transforms into the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at night! Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Visit Gatorland's play area during a visit to this beloved Florida roadside attraction. Photo Charlotte B
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Catch air at some of the best Orlando skate parks for kids and teens.
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The shark from Jaws makes a terrifying appearance at the new Universal Mega Movie Parade! Photo courtesy Universal Orlando Resort
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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
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Sleepover with the dinosaurs at the Orlando Science Center. Photo by Charlotte B
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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
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Things will get spooky upon the development of a land dedicated to the dastardly deeds of Disney villains at Walt Disney World.
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Race aboard Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge located within Super Mario Land at the upcoming Universal Epic Universe.
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Gideon's Handmade Cookies, at East End Market, are MASSIVE, like this drool-worthy pistachio toffee chocolate chip cookie. Photo courtesy Gideon's & East End Market
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Stay cool and dry this summer while battling dinosaurs at an Orlando arcade! Photo by author
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Toddlers and young kids can let loose with their prehistoric friends at Dinosaur World's cute playground. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
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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
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Obstacle courses are part of the water play at Island H2O Water Park.
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Teens and tweens love the wet and wild fun at Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon. Photo by author
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Swim at the freshwater Juniper Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake
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Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach is home to more than 900 animals, including giraffes, lions, and zebras. Photo courtesy of the park
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Swim and paddle with adorable manatees during your stay at the aptly-named Manatee Cove Apartment. Photo courtesy of VRBO
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Spend a relaxing day tubing the pristine waters of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Photo by Jackie Jones
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Celebrate your child's birthday party at Gatorland. Photo courtesy of Gatorland
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Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.
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The beaches of St. Augustine are fun, free ways to spend a weekend trip from Orlando. Photo by Mancy Carter
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Splash and play all day long at the Peppa Pig Theme Park!
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The secluded St. Augustine Beach is a perfect respite from daily life. Photo Photo by Mancy Carter
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Orlando toddlers and preschoolers will have a wonderful time at Peppa Pig Theme Park.
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SeaWorld Orlando theme park, zoo and aquarium offers exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters. Photo by the author
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The Yardery is a fun Orlando restaurant for both kids and adults...and even dogs!
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Splash around in the water feature at Bok Tower's Hammock Hollow Children's Garden. Photo courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens
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Get close and personal with the friendly dolphins of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Photo courtesy of aquarium
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See a replica of the moon landing with this Moonscape.
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Spend a few hours exploring Orlando with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. Photo courtesy of the company
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Adventures await you and your little piggies at Rebecca Rabbit's Playground at Peppa Pig Theme Park. Photo courtesy of Legoland
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Best of January: 18 Cool Things to Do in Orlando with Kids

Celebrate the creation of art and cuisine at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Photo courtesy of Disney
Celebrate the creation of art and cuisine at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Photo courtesy of Disney
12/30/22 - By Charlotte B

Central Florida is starting the New Year with lots of fun things to do with your family in January. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Orlando this January.

Grab tickets to take your little dinosaur fan to the Jurassic World Live Tour, coming to the Amway Center this month. At the theme parks in January, celebrate Elmo's Birthday and Sesame Street Kids' Weekend at SeaWorld and stroll the Festival of the Arts at Epcot. Join Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations in Kissimmee, Oviedo, Winter Garden, and a parade in downtown Orlando. Plus, enjoy the Scottish Highland Games in Winter Springs, a chili cook-off in Orlando, and so much more. Read on for all the details!

Find more top winter fun in our Winter Activities Guide, including where to pick strawberries, things to do beyond the theme parks, and more.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters. Plus, be sure to follow us on Facebook!

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Jurassic World comes to life in an action-packed, live arena show January 13-16, 2023. Photo courtesy of the event
Jurassic World comes to life in an action-packed, live arena show January 13-16, 2023. Photo courtesy of the event

Top Things to Do in Orlando with Kids this January

First Day Hike at Florida State Parks

Multiple locations - Saturday, January 1, 2023
Take the family on a hike to celebrate the New Year. Several Florida State Parks host an annual First Day Hike on January 1. See website link below for participating parks. READ MORE

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

Sanford - January 7-8, 2023
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

Three Kings Day Osceola

Kissimmee - Sunday, January 8, 2023
The annual Three Kings Day celebration includes a visit from the Three Kings, free snacks, a bike and tablet raffle giveaway, and a toy for kids under 11. READ MORE

Jurassic World Live Tour

Orlando - January 13-16, 2023
Jurassic World comes to life in an action-packed, live arena show. Your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying turn after the Indominus rex escapes and causes chaos in the park! The adventure continues as you join forces with a team of scientists to unravel a corrupt plan and save Jeanie, a Troodon dinosaur, from a terrible fate. Along the way, experience some of Jurassic World’s most iconic dinosaurs including Blue the Raptor, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex! READ MORE

Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Lake Buena Vista - January 13-February 20, 2023
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 - Saturday, January 14, 2023
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 - Saturday, January 14, 2023
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

Kissimmee Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration

Kissimmee - Saturday, January 14, 2023
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 14 & 15, 2023
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

Oviedo MLK Day Parade & Celebration

Oviedo - Monday, January 16, 2023
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 - Monday, January 16, 2023
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

Just for Kids Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando - January 21 & 22, 2023
During Just for Kids Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando, enjoy interactive activities, dance parties, photo opps with characters, and more. READ MORE

Rock the Universe Christian Music Festival

Orlando - January 27 & 28, 2023
Rock the Universe is back at Universal Studios, with two nights of concerts from Christian music stars. The event takes place from 4pm-1am each evening. Guests can also enjoy all the rides at Universal Studios. READ MORE

Fire In The Park Chili Cook-off to Cure

Orlando - Saturday, January 28, 2023
The 10th Annual Fire in the Park features a chili tasting, kids zone, music, raffle, games, and a corn hole tournament. READ MORE

National Night Out - Maitland

Maitland - Saturday, January 28, 2023
This free community event features games, vehicles, food, activities, prizes, police officers, vendors, and more. National Night Out is an annual event promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. READ MORE

Orange County Heritage Day: Planes, Trains, & Automobiles

Orlando - Saturday, January 28, 2023
Visit the Orange County History Center for a fun-filled day of activities to celebrate the many decades of transportation history in Orlando. READ MORE

Central Florida Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Orlando - January 28 & 29, 2023
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a Year of the Dragon celebration featuring Vietnamese food, traditional dragon and lion dances, cultural performances, kids games, bounce houses, firecrackers, and more. READ MORE

Elmo's Birthday Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando - January 28-February 3, 2023
Join Elmo's birthday celebration at SeaWorld Orlando, complete with character meet-and-greets, photo-ops, a DJ dance party, and more. READ MORE

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