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Light up your summer nights at AquaGlow! Dive into a family-friendly after-hours adventure as Aquatica Orlando transforms into a neon paradise. Photo courtesy Aquatica Orlando
Light up your summer nights at AquaGlow! Dive into a family-friendly after-hours adventure as Aquatica Orlando transforms into a neon paradise. Photo courtesy Aquatica Orlando
5/14/25 - By Charlotte B

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

Kick off the weekend with Kids Fringe, part of the Orlando Fringe Theatre Festival, featuring fun activities for kids. Celebrate the start of summer at the Uptown Altamonte Summer Block Party in Altamonte Springs. Looking for more family-friendly fun? Check out the Orlando Book Festival in downtown Orlando, the Asian Cultural Festival in Ocoee, and Central Florida Cars & Community in Oviedo. Best of all, each of the events mentioned above are FREE to attend! Scroll down for details on these and other exciting happenings this weekend.

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Best Things to Do This Weekend in Orlando with Kids

St. Cloud Movie at the Lakefront

St. Cloud - FREE
Friday, May 16
Enjoy an outdoor movie at Lakefront Park with a showing of Moana 2 (rated PG). READ MORE

Aquatica Orlando AquaGlow

Orlando
Opening weekend! Select nights, May 16-September 27
Light up your summer nights at AquaGlow! Dive into the ultimate family-friendly after-hours adventure as Aquatica Orlando transforms into a vibrant neon paradise, filled with glowing thrills, high-energy entertainment, and endless aquatic fun.  READ MORE

Disney's The Lion King at Dr. Phillips Center

Orlando
Final weekend! Daily through May 18
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s The Lion King, making its triumphant return to the Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center. READ MORE

Asian Cultural Festival

Ocoee - FREE
Saturday, May 17
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Attend Orlando's biggest Asian Cultural Fesitval at the beautiful Ocoee Lakeshore Center at Bill Breeze Park.  There will be tons of delicious food, unique vendors, amazing cultural performances, and fun activities for the whole family. READ MORE

Central Florida Cars & Community – Cruisin’ for Charity

Oviedo - FREE
Saturday, May 17
If you're looking for something fun (and free!) to do this month, visit Central Florida Cars & Community – Cruisin’ for Charity. It’s not just for car enthusiasts—this is a family-friendly community event packed with fun for all ages. READ MORE

Central Florida Soap Box Derby

Sanford - FREE
Saturday, May 17
Bring the kids to Derby Park to watch the soap box derby. Races are free to watch and kids can enjoy the playground at the park afterward. READ MORE

Endangered Species Day at the Zoo

Sanford
Saturday, May 17
Celebrate Endangered Species Day at the Zoo, where people of all ages are encouraged to learn about the importance of protecting endangered plants and animals, and what actions can be taken to preserve the future of the species. Get up close to the many endangered species from all around the word represented at the Zoo. READ MORE

Orlando Book Festival

Orlando - FREE
Saturday, May 17
A day-long celebration of books! Join the Orlando Public Library for panels and talks from bestselling authors from all over the state, inlcuding a keynote from New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer. READ MORE

Run Nona 5K & Nemours Children's Run

Lake Nona
Saturday, May 17
Lake Nona's signature race transforms into a family-friendly party right in Lake Nona Town Center. The race ends at a block party filled with delicious food and fabulous music. The Nemours Children's Run and Kids zone will occupy your littlest runners with activities geared specifically to engage them in a night of activity.  READ MORE

Uptown Altamonte Summer Block Party

Altamonte Springs - FREE
Saturday, May 17
Get ready for an epic summer kickoff! Bring the whole family and dive into a day packed with excitement—live entertainment, STEAM activities, rock climbing, mini-golf, a foam pit and up-close encounters with animals. Explore police vehicle displays, enjoy interactive games and indulge in delicious food and drinks. READ MORE

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival

Tampa
Final weekend! May 17-18
A world of taste awaits at the annual Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival. Guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert lineup, including acts for all tastes. READ MORE

UpBeat! presents: Level Up

Winter Park
May 17-18
A magical game console thrusts a group of heroes into the adventure of an extra-lifetime. Join the UpBeat! Theatre Troupe as they run, fight, dance, and sing their way through classic video game genres. From Mario to magic, 40 performers across screen and stage will take you on a journey like no other. READ MORE

The Orlando Fringe: Kids Fringe

Orlando - FREE
May 17-18 & 24-25
Join The Orlando Fringe for free crafts, activities, games, and shows that are perfect for kids of all ages. READ MORE

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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.
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