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Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend: State Parks, Nature Hikes, Holiday Happenings

Thrill to the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Thrill to the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
1/1/20 - By James Smith

Happy New Year, Orlando. You've survived the gift-giving rush, Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations, and now can focus ahead to a bright 2020.

This weekend you can usher in the new year with a state park celebration, a nature hike, musical storytime, even a toy show. And that's just the beginning: Enjoy family movie night in Kissimmee, big air without the sensory chaos in Sanford, and drop-in gymnastics in Winter Garden.

Why not check out some final holiday happenings at the University of Central Florida, Waterford Lakes Town Center, and Lake Nona before those events end their seasonal runs. Whatever you do, know your friends at Mommy Poppins Orlando will be with you all through 2020. 

Need more inspiration? See our guide to the best winter break activities with kids in the Orlando area before they head back to school. And remember, our events calendar is loaded with fun, family events through January and beyond.

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Things to Do With Kids in Orlando All Weekend

Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo

Sanford
This holiday season, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will glow once again as it hosts the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. Wander the three-quarter-mile pathway filled with all-new, handcrafted lantern scenes, each glowing with thousands of LED lights. Ocean-inspired landscapes meet mythical creatures, from graceful ice dragons and unicorns to a new twist on our beloved showcase dragon. READ MORE

Oh What Fun! Lake Nona Holiday Festival

Orlando - FREE
Oh, What Fun! returns to Lake Nona Town Center this December! Visit Peppermint Square (Lake Nona Town Center) for a magical holiday festival filled with nightly snowfalls, live entertainment, local vendors, festive treats, and endless photo ops, including a towering 24-foot Christmas tree. READ MORE

Dinos in Lights at Orlando Science Center

Orlando
Families with little dinosaur fanatics will want to add this to their holiday to-do list! Every 30 minutes between 11am and 3:30pm, the DinoDigs area transforms into a festive light display choreographed to music. Each show lasts four minutes with a surprise ending. READ MORE

Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience Orlando

Orlando
Bring the kids to Crayola Experience Orlando's Colorful Christmas experience with snow-tastic adventures: craft handmade gifts from the heart, complete a seasonal scavenger hunt, pose in holiday photo-ops, and more.  READ MORE

Light Up UCF

Orlando
Light Up UCF returns for its 12th season, with an outdoor ice skating rink, light show, rides, film festival and holiday market. READ MORE

Santa's Winter Wonderland Village

Orlando - FREE
This winter festival features Santa's Magical Midway with rides for all ages, visits with Santa, and giant LED holiday light displays. READ MORE
Kids can drop in and play at Flip Flop Shop. Photo courtesy of Gymnastics USA
Kids can drop in and play at Flip Flop Shop. Photo courtesy of Gymnastics USA

Things to Do With Kids in Orlando, Saturday, January 4

50th Anniversary Celebration of Hontoon Island

Deland - FREE
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hontoon Island as a state park. Enjoy activities, music, food, wildlife encounters, and more. READ MORE

Mr. Richard Musical Storytime

Orlando - FREE
Join Mr. Richard for musical fun, followed by storytime. READ MORE

Flip Flop Shop

Winter Garden
This drop-in tumbling workshop helps kids and teens work on round off back handsprings. Upper and lower levels welcome. READ MORE
Altitude Trampoline Park offers sensory-sensitive play this weekend. Photo courtesy of the park
Altitude Trampoline Park offers sensory-sensitive play this weekend. Photo courtesy of the park

Things to Do With Kids in Orlando, Sunday, January 5

Family Day at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Apopka - FREE
Families can enjoy a family fun day featuring arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, guided hikes, and tram tours of the park. READ MORE

Kissimmee Toy Show

Kissimmee
Browse more than 50 vendors with vintage toys and video games available for sale or trade. READ MORE

Sensory Friendly Sundays at Altitude Trampoline Park

Sanford
On the first Sunday of every month Altitude Trampoline Park lowers the lights and music for any jumpers who might be sensitive to loud noises and bright lights. READ MORE

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About the Author

James Smith
James Stephen Smith is a seasoned journalist who transitioned from reporting at Newsday to a more relaxed life as a father and director of media relations at St. John's University. He manages the university’s messaging while also contributing to Mommy Poppins, a site he discovered after his third daughter was born in 2011. Fun fact: James nearly made it on Jeopardy but missed a Final Jeopardy question on art history—only to watch a colleague nail it and become a two-time champion.
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