Florida is more than just beautiful beaches and theme parks—it’s a state full of exciting events made just for kids. All year long, cities across Florida host special festivals, shows, and activities designed to entertain and educate children of all ages. Whether you live in Florida or are just visiting with your family, you’ll find something fun to do with your kids almost every weekend.
One of the biggest draws for families with kids is the wide variety of festivals held throughout the year. From arts and crafts fairs to outdoor carnivals and cultural events, there’s always something happening. Many of these events offer kid-friendly attractions like bounce houses, face painting, games, live music, and food trucks with kid-approved menus. Events like the Mount Dora Spring Festival, held in Central Florida, provide a family-friendly environment where kids can enjoy creative activities while parents explore local art and crafts.
Florida also has many seasonal events just for kids. In the spring, Easter egg hunts and spring festivals take place in almost every town. Parks and community centers organize large-scale hunts where children can collect colorful eggs, meet the Easter Bunny, and play games. During summer, many cities host Fourth of July celebrations with family zones that include water slides, kid-safe fireworks, and patriotic crafts. In the fall, pumpkin patches and Halloween events take center stage. Families can enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and costume contests. When winter arrives, many cities celebrate with tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas parades, and even snow-themed events—even if there’s no real snow in sight.
Orlando, known as the theme park capital of the world, is packed with events that are perfect for kids. Beyond the regular attractions at Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, there are often seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Grinchmas, and Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays. These special events offer parades, character meet-and-greets, and themed shows that keep kids entertained all day and night.
South Florida also has a lot to offer when it comes to kid-centered events. In Miami, the Miami Children’s Museum frequently hosts interactive events where kids can play and learn at the same time. The museum also offers special workshops and performances during school breaks and holidays. The annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival includes a Family Zone full of hands-on activities for young artists. In Fort Lauderdale, the Museum of Discovery and Science regularly holds science-themed weekends that feature fun experiments and exhibits for curious kids.
Tampa Bay is another hotspot for kids’ events. The Florida State Fair, held in Tampa every February, is packed with carnival rides, animal exhibits, games, and kid zones. Throughout the year, ZooTampa at Lowry Park hosts seasonal events like Creatures of the Night in October and Christmas in the Wild in December. These events allow kids to enjoy the zoo in a whole new way with themed lights, music, and interactive fun.
Local libraries across Florida are also key players in organizing events for children. Many libraries offer weekly story times, puppet shows, craft days, and summer reading programs with fun rewards. These free events are perfect for toddlers and young children, offering both fun and learning in a calm, indoor setting. Some libraries even host family movie nights or coding workshops for older kids interested in technology.
In addition to big city attractions, small towns across the state also offer plenty of fun events for kids. Community centers often host game nights, movie nights, and kids’ dances. Farmer’s markets and local festivals usually have areas just for children. It’s not uncommon to find pony rides, petting zoos, or mini train rides in these smaller, family-friendly gatherings.
One of the most unique kids’ events in Florida is the annual LEGO Brick Festival, which travels to different cities in the state. Kids can enjoy building stations, meet LEGO characters, and view massive creations built entirely from bricks. These events are great for encouraging creativity and imagination.
Florida’s weather allows for many outdoor events year-round. Parks and recreation departments host nature walks, junior ranger programs, and outdoor art classes. Beach towns often have sandcastle contests and ocean-themed educational days that teach kids about marine life. With so much sunshine, it’s easy to spend time outside while having fun and learning at the same time.
Many events in Florida are free or low-cost, making it easy for families to participate. City websites and social media pages are great places to find out what’s going on in your area or during your vacation. Whether it’s a one-day celebration or a month-long festival, these events give kids a chance to make memories and enjoy everything Florida has to offer.
From big festivals to small community gatherings, Florida is full of exciting events made just for kids. No matter the season or where you are in the state, you’re never far from fun. With so many options, families can always find a new adventure waiting to be explored.