34 listings in Orlando, FL: free days out with kids: museums, workshops, storytimes and more.
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Tue–Sun, sunrise to sunset
Orlando Wetlands
The City of Orlando's Orlando Wetlands is free and open for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing on more than 18 miles of marsh trails, Tuesday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset. The visitors center is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm. No pets.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
No catch
Tue–Sat 9am–5pm
Sanford Museum
The City of Sanford's museum holds the collection of town founder Henry Shelton Sanford and local-history exhibits on railroads, riverboats, agriculture, Naval Air Station Sanford and Sanford's sports stars, including Red Barber and Tim Raines. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
Verified Oct 27 · sanfordfl.gov
No catch
Tue–Thu 12–4pm, Fri 12–5pm, Sat 10am–2pm
Hannibal Square Heritage CenterOrlando
Crealdé School of Art's Hannibal Square Heritage Center shares the history of Winter Park's historic African-American neighborhood through documentary photographs, oral histories and public art. Admission is free.
Verified Oct 27 · crealde.org
No catch
Open daily (hours posted on the garden's site)
Mead Botanical GardenOrlando
Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park is open daily and free to the public, with nature trails, birding, picnic spots and a self-guided nature bingo and scavenger hunt. Leashed dogs are welcome. Enter at Garden Drive and Denning Drive.
Verified Oct 27 · meadgarden.org
No catch
Daily 8am–6pm
Tibet-Butler PreserveOrlando
Orange County's 438-acre Tibet-Butler Preserve in southwest Orange County has hiking trails and the Vera Carter Environmental Center. Sign up for the Trailblazer program at the education office, log your hikes, and get a free T-shirt after 20 miles. Open daily 8am to 6pm; no bikes or pets. After recent storms most trails are flooded, so wear proper hiking shoes.
Verified Oct 27 · ocfl.net
Catch: T-shirt needs Trailblazer sign-up at the education office
Thu, Oct 29, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Orlando Police Department Headquarters
Bring the family in costume for candy, decorated vehicles and Halloween fun with Orlando Police Department members at OPD headquarters on West South Street. Thursday, October 29, 2026, 4 to 7pm. Free.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
No catch
Fri–Sun & federal holidays, entry 7am–3pm (out by 5pm)
Lake Apopka Wildlife DriveOrlando
The St. Johns River Water Management District's one-way, 11-mile Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive winds through restored marshes where 377 bird species have been recorded, plus alligators and bobcats. Drive in on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays between 7am and 3pm; all vehicles out by 5pm. Allow 1–3 hours. Leashed dogs allowed; no trailers or vehicles over 25 feet.
Verified Oct 27 · sjrwmd.com
No catch
Fridays & Saturdays: tours leave 9am–2:15pm Nov–Apr (9am–1:15pm May–Oct)
Orlando Wetlands Visitors Center
Volunteers lead free public tram tours of the Orlando Wetlands on Fridays and Saturdays. From November to April tours leave between 9am and 2:15pm (May to October, until 1:15pm). First come, first served in groups of 10 or fewer; no reservations. Donations to the Friends of the Orlando Wetlands are welcome but not required.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
No catch
Fri, Oct 30, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood CenterOrlando
A Halloween trunk-or-treat with a sneaker twist at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center: decorated trunks with candy stops, a sneaker showcase, costume contest, DJ, music and games, prizes and giveaways, and photo spots. Come in costume and your freshest sneakers. Friday, October 30, 2026, 5 to 8pm.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
No catch
Fri, Oct 30, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Barber ParkOrlando
Orange County Parks turns Barber Park's outdoor hockey rink into a roller rink with skate games and a DJ. Bring your own skates; food trucks on site. Skip masks and long costumes. Friday, October 30, 2026, 5:30 to 9pm.
Verified Oct 27 · ocfl.net
Catch: Bring your own skates
Sat, Oct 31, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Chambers Park Community CenterKissimmee
Trick-or-treat from decorated trunks at Chambers Park Community Center on Halloween night, with free candy at every trunk, music and a full night of Halloween activities. Come in costume and bring a bucket or bag. Open to all ages, no sign-up. Saturday, October 31, 2026, 7 to 9pm.
Verified Oct 27 · kissimmee.gov
No catch
Mon, Nov 2, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Harry P. Leu GardensOrlando
Harry P. Leu Gardens near downtown Orlando is free for everyone on Monday, November 2, 2026, 9am to 5pm (last entry 4pm). Regular adult admission is $15.
Verified Oct 27 · leugardens.org
No catch
Sat, Nov 7, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Lake Nona Town CenterOrlando
The City of Orlando's 27th annual Veterans Day Parade, hosted with Tavistock and the Lake Nona VA Medical Center, starts and ends at Lake Nona Town Center, followed by a ceremony and family activities. Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11am to 1pm.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
No catch
Sat, Nov 7, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Veterans Lawn
Kissimmee, the Osceola County Veterans Council and American Legion Post 10 host the first Veterans Day Festival on the Veterans Lawn, with live entertainment, a kids' zone, community exhibitors and food trucks. Saturday, November 7, 2026, noon to 4pm.
Verified Oct 27 · kissimmee.gov
No catch
Sat, Nov 14, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Big Toho MarinaKissimmee
Kids 8 to 13 fish alongside Kissimmee Police officers at Big Toho Marina, with fishing and safety training. Lunch, a fishing pole and all equipment are provided. Ages 8–10 fish 8:30–10:30am and ages 11–13 fish 10:30am–12:30pm. Saturday, November 14, 2026. Register online with a waiver.
Verified Oct 27 · kissimmee.gov
Catch: Only for: kids ages 8–13 · Registration and waiver required; spots not guaranteed
Sat, Nov 14 – Sun, Nov 15
Mead Botanical GardenOrlando
Mead Botanical Garden's annual fall plant festival brings plant vendors and exhibitors, kids' activities, live music, food trucks and a tree giveaway from Winter Park's Urban Forestry department. No admission charge and parking is free; plants and food are for sale. Rain or shine. Saturday and Sunday, November 14–15, 2026, 9am to 3pm.
Verified Oct 27 · meadgarden.org
No catch
Sat, Nov 14, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Kissimmee Fire Station 3
The Kissimmee Fire Department opens Fire Station 3 for families: climb aboard a fire truck, watch live demonstrations, talk with firefighters and grab free hot dogs and chips. Drop in any time Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10am to 1pm; no registration needed.
Verified Oct 27 · kissimmee.gov
No catch
Sat, Nov 14, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Blanchard ParkOrlando
Orange County Parks screens Minions & Monsters (PG) outdoors at Blanchard Park on Saturday, November 14, 2026, starting at 6pm. Bring lawn chairs and snacks; food trucks may be there. No alcohol; no pets in the viewing area.
Verified Oct 27 · ocfl.net
No catch
Sat, Nov 21, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Winter Park Library, Community Imagination RoomOrlando
Try penny whistles, autoharps and all kinds of other instruments up close at this all-ages hands-on session with Central Florida Folk. Saturday, November 21, 2026, 2 to 4pm.
Verified Oct 27 · winterparklibrary.org
No catch
Thu, Dec 3, 6:15 PM – 8:30 PM
Central Park (north section), Winter ParkOrlando
The Morse Museum and the City of Winter Park light up Tiffany stained-glass windows in Central Park for the annual Christmas in the Park, with a concert by the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble. Windows light at 6:15pm and stay lit until 8:30pm; the concert wraps up around 8pm. Thursday, December 3, 2026.
Verified Oct 27 · morsemuseum.org
No catch
Fri, Dec 4, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Lake Eola ParkOrlando
Mayor Buddy Dyer lights the City of Orlando's Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park's Washington Plaza, with holiday performances at the amphitheater, snowfall, food trucks, the Merry Market and visits with Santa. Friday, December 4, 2026, 5:30 to 9:30pm.
Verified Oct 27 · orlando.gov
No catch
Fri, Dec 4, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Magnolia Square, Downtown Sanford
Sanford's city tree lighting ceremony fills Magnolia Square with holiday entertainment and a visit from Santa. Friday, December 4, 2026, 6:30 to 8pm.
Verified Oct 27 · sanfordfl.gov
No catch
Sat, Dec 5, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Park Avenue, downtown Winter ParkOrlando
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce's annual Christmas Parade heads south down Park Avenue from Cole Avenue to Lyman Avenue on Saturday morning, December 5, 2026, 9 to 10:30am. Line the sidewalk to watch.
Verified Oct 27 · business.winterpark.org
No catch
Mon, Dec 7, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Harry P. Leu GardensOrlando
Harry P. Leu Gardens near downtown Orlando is free for everyone on Monday, December 7, 2026, 9am to 4pm (last entry 3pm). Regular adult admission is $15.
Verified Oct 27 · leugardens.org
No catch
Sat, Dec 12, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Downtown Sanford
Illuminated floats, marching bands and dance groups roll along a one-mile route through downtown Sanford in the city's Holiday Parade of Lights. Saturday, December 12, 2026, 6 to 8pm. First Street closes to traffic from 1pm.
Verified Oct 27 · sanfordfl.gov
No catch
Sun, Dec 13, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Magnolia ParkOrlando
Orange County Parks shows Toy Story 5 (PG) outdoors at Magnolia Park on Lake Apopka on Sunday, December 13, 2026, starting at 6pm. Bring lawn chairs and snacks. No alcohol; no pets in the viewing area.
Verified Oct 27 · ocfl.net
No catch
Mon, Dec 14, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Winter Park Library, Edyth Bush TheatreOrlando
Professional a cappella group Belles & Beaux reimagine old-time Christmas carolers with fresh arrangements of holiday favorites. All ages. Monday, December 14, 2026, 6 to 7pm. Registration opens November 22.
Verified Oct 27 · winterparklibrary.org
Catch: Registration required (opens Nov 22)
Sat, Dec 19, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sanford RiverWalk
Project Sanford takes the holidays onto the water with lit-up boats parading past the Sanford RiverWalk. Watch from shore on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 5 to 8pm.
Verified Oct 27 · sanfordfl.gov
No catch
During library branch hours
Seminole County Library branchesOrlando
Seminole County Library cardholders can borrow nontraditional items at no cost, including telescopes, ukuleles and American Girl dolls, from Seminole County Library branches.
Verified Oct 27 · seminolecountyfl.gov
Catch: Seminole County Library card required
Third Thursday of each month, 10am–8pm (none in November)
Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art is free for everyone on the third Thursday of each month, 10am to 8pm, with performances, gallery talks at 2:30pm, free sketching materials from 5 to 7pm and a docent highlights tour at 7pm. No Access for All in November (Festival of Trees). Regular adult admission is $20; parking is free.
Verified Oct 27 · omart.org
No catch
Second Saturday of each month at 4pm
Melrose Center, Orlando Public Library
Improv actors from the Orlando improv community put on a free comedy show on the Melrose Stage at the Orlando Public Library on the second Saturday of every month at 4pm. No registration needed.
Verified Oct 27 · ocls.org
No catch
Second Sunday of each month; docent tours at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30pm
Mennello Museum of American ArtOrlando
On the second Sunday of every month the Mennello Museum of American Art in Loch Haven Park is free, with docent-led gallery tours at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30pm and a fine art project. Current exhibition: Isamu Noguchi: Metal the Mirror (through February 28, 2027). Free parking in the lot next to the museum.
Verified Oct 27 · mennellomuseum.org
No catch
Fridays 4–8pm, November through April
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American ArtOrlando
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, home to the world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany works, is free for everyone from 4 to 8pm every Friday from November through April.
Verified Oct 27 · morsemuseum.org
No catch
Third Saturday of each month (no program in January)
Fort Christmas Historical ParkOrlando
On the third Saturday of each month, Fort Christmas Historical Park in east Orange County runs a free hands-on history program for all ages. Topics change monthly; December 19 is The Christmas Post Office. Hands-on activities are for ages 6 and up. Check the park's page for the time.
Verified Oct 27 · ocfl.net
No catch
