The holidays might be over but January brings a ton of fun and best of all, FREE things to do with the kids! From free movies to family fun days, plus throughout Central Florida there is a ton of events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Best Free Things To Do With Kids in Orlando: January 2024
The holidays are over, but the fun doesn't stop in Orlando! January is jam-packed with a ton of events, and things to do for kids throughout Central Florida, and best of all with the holidays stretching everyones budget, your bank account can take a breather, as all the events listed here are FREE!
January 2024 includes lots of free things to do with kids in Orlando, including the return of the Three Kings Celebrations at Old Town Kissimmee, Cops 'N Cars for Kids at Oviedo Mall, India Fair at the Orlando Children's Safety Village, and lots of free events to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
But that's not all, read on for our list of all our favorite free things to do in January for Orlando families with kids.
Check back often as we add a ton more Orlando events to this list throughout the month.
Plus, for more things to do in Orlando, check out our featured weekend guides:
Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and Free Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend.
For the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out our daily updated news pages: Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages:
Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News.
Free Events and Things To Do in Orlando with Kids January 2024
Before attending events, please contact the event organizer to confirm that the event is taking place as changes, and cancellations can occur.
To list your Orlando event on Gotta Go Orlando, learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.
Fan Fest at Lake Lorna Doone Park
January 1
Four hours prior to the kickoff of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, fans can enjoy Fan Fest, including interactive games, inflatables, face painters and more. Admission into the event is free. A wide selection of food and beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors.
Under Armour All-America Football Game
January 3
The next generation of gridiron superstars shows out every year at the FREE Under Armour Next All-America Football Game. More than 100 of the nation’s best players are selected by Under Armour to spend a week in Orlando, FL training and competing at the highest level. Event week culminates with the 2024 Under Armour Next All-America Football Game at Camping World Stadium.
First Friday Food Trucks
January 5
Let historic Downtown Clermont do the cooking this Friday! Join them for First Friday Food Trucks and enjoy live music, plus more than 35 trucks and vendors.
Park Party at Central Park at Lake Mary City Hall
January 5
Enjoy Park Party with food trucks coordinated by Food Truck Crazy, alcohol served by River City Catering, and family fun entertainment.
Kissimmee Movie in the Park
January 5
Kissimmee Utility Authority continues its Movie in the Park series at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The event will feature free admission, free popcorn, free inflatables, free crafts, a free photo booth, and prize giveaways. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutan Mayhem will be shown on a 50-foot screen! Activities begin at 5:30 pm, and the movie at sunset. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs!
First Friday
January 5
These family-friendly monthly street parties host a wide variety of food, vendors and live music! We look forward to seeing everyone in Historic Downtown Eustis each First Friday!
Getdown Downtown in Maitland
January 5
Maitland's Getdown Downtown Street Party will be from 6 to 9 pm on Independence Lane with live music, food, vendors, a kids zone and more. Free admission and parking!
Rollins Museum of Art Family Studio
January 6
Join us for a memorable morning of art and exploration at the Rollins Museum of Art! Family Studio engages young children and their favorite adult in fun, interactive experiences inspired by our current exhibitions. Registration Required.
Bank of America's Museums on Us Weekend
January 6 - 7
During the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America and Merrill Bank offer cardholders free general admission on both Saturday and Sunday to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of cities across the US. Click here for details.
The Osceola Chamber Celebrates Three Kings Day
January 7
The celebration at Old Town, Kissimmee will include a visit from the Three Kings; FREE Hotdogs; FREE popcorn, cotton candy or snow cones; and a toy for children under 11. Bikes and tablets will be given away by raffle throughout the event. Get details.
Popcorn Flicks in the Park
January 11
The Popcorn Flicks in the Park series features classic films for the whole family. These films are held on the second Thursday of each month in Central Park, Winter Park.
They are FREE and open to the public! Bring a blanket, a picnic or snacks, and some family and friends and enjoy the movie.
Official Hula Bowl Fan Fest at Pointe Orlando
January 12
At the Hula Bowl Official Fan Fest, you'll have the chance to meet your beloved players, snap selfies, and get autographs to treasure. Show off your team spirit and have a blast with fellow fans from around the world! Immerse yourself in the excitement with interactive activities, face painting, and upbeat music.
40th Annual Orlando MLK Holiday Parade
January 13
Join the Southwest Orlando Jaycees for an exciting event that will feature dance, comedy, community organizations, drumlines, music, artistic expression and more. The parade theme is: It Starts with Me – Shifting the Cultural Climate Through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.
Kissimmee Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration
January 13
The Kissimmee Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration features live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, a unity garden, and a kids zone.
Eatonville Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Celebration
January 13
The community is invited to this annual event, including a parade, food, live entertainment, vendors and more. The 2024 theme is Culture, Peace, and Awareness.
Latin Fiesta Night at Luminary Green Park
January 13
The biggest Latin Festival in Central Florida returns to downtown Orlando on January 14. The vibrant festival includes the best Latin music with live DJs, arts, crafts, vendors, authentic latin cuisine, giveaways and more. Luminary Green Park is the perfect place for this colorful and family-friendly festival.
Swerv Block Party
January 13
SWERV Block Party is bringing back the most anticipated 90s - 2000s free event filled with cars, music, shopping, food and good company at Festival Park.
Lake Monroe Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival
January 13 - 14
The annual free Get Hook'd on Lake Monroe Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival includes more than 30 vendors, live entertainment, conservation/education zones, and more. Kids can take part in a fishing rodeo on Sunday!
Mennello Museum's Free Family Funday
January 14
Every second Sunday of the month is Free Family Funday! Each Free Family Funday offers docent touring and art projects that reflect different themes based on the current exhibition in the museum. The museum galleries stay open until 4:30 p.m. for all guests. Families enjoy the creating and viewing art inside and outside of the museum year round.
Unity Heritage Festival
January 14 - 15
This annual 2-day festival in Winter Park celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promotes family heritage. Sunday activities include career booths, children's games, vendors, and job training/readiness. Monday activities include kids activities, blues and jazz music, and food/retail vendors.
Chasing the Dream 5K
January 15
Chasing the Dream 5K is Central Florida's only MLK Day race honoring the life of Dr. King. Register for this 5K and receive a shirt, custom race bib, medal and race packet. If running is not your thing, that is OK, still come on out and support the runners and the cause.
Winter Garden's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
January 15
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration commemorate the life and legacy of this civil rights legend. Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the free annual celebration includes a parade through historic downtown, live entertainment, children’s activities, and more!
City of Oviedo's MLK Parade & Family Fun Day
January 15
City of Oviedo's annual MLK Day celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Oviedo Gym and Aquatics Center on Oviedo Blvd and will travel east on Broadway Street and ending at Round Lake Park. At the park, located at 891 East Broadway Street, there will be a Celebration until 2 p.m. with DJ, Vendors, Food Trucks, Fashion Show, Skills and Drills and a Scholar Bowl! Cost is $5, with wristbands available on site.
Ocoee Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration
January 15
The City of Ocoee’s 16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade & Celebration is scheduled for 10 am at Clarke Road. The Martin Luther King Day Celebration will be held after the parade at 11 am in the food court area inside the West Oaks Mall.
National Parks Free Entrance for MLK Jr. Birthday
January 15
In honor of the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., National Park Service sites will waive entrance fees for everyone on Monday, January 15, 2024. National parks in Florida include Big Cypress, Biscayne, Canaveral, Castillo de San Marcos, DeSoto, Dry Tortugas, Everglades, Fort Caroline, Fort Mantanzas, Gulf Islands, Timucuan, and more!
Free Admission at Orange County Regional History Center
January 18
On the third Thursday of each month, from 5 - 8 pm, guests enjoy free admission to the Orange County Regional History Center.
Oviedo Movie in the Park
January 19
Movie in the Park is a free outdoor event, at The Oviedo Amphitheatre in Center Lake Park, each month is a new movie and a great opportunity for family friendly fun. The movie begins at "dusk" (approximately 5:30pm). Remember to bring a blanket or lawn chairs.
Cops 'N Cars for Kids at Oviedo Mall
January 20
This is the largest car show in Central Florida with over 300 of the best classic and modern vehicles. In addition to the car show, there is a huge turnout from law enforcement and fire departments from around the state with specialty vehicles, helicopters, and K9 units. Plenty of family fun including bounce houses, a huge array of vendors, food trucks, trophies.
Pets on the Promenade
January 21
Join the Promenade at Sunset Walk for the 4th Annual Pets on the Promenade. It’s an afternoon celebrating man’s best friend at the always pet-friendly Promenade at Sunset Walk, featuring live music and street performers, plus pet and family caricature portraits, and pet photography.
India Fair at Children's Safety Village
January 27
Celebrate the 3rd annual India Fair, celebrating India's Republic Day. This free family-friendly event features entertainment, food, vendors, music, heritage displays, dancing, games, playground area, flag hosting, and more.
Oakland Heritage Day
January 27
Oakland Heritage Day celebrates Oakland’s small-town charm, unique history, nature, wellness and the arts with a family-friendly day of live music, food trucks, fine arts and crafts, quality vendors, interactive kids’ activities, and more.
FamilyFest Orlando
January 27
This year's Annual FamilyFest Orlando takes place indoors at Dezerland Park Orlando.
TET Vietnamese New Year in Orlando
January 27 - 28
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a Year of the Dragon celebration at Central Florida Fairgrounds featuring Vietnamese food, traditional dragon and lion dances, cultural performances, kids games, bounce houses, firecrackers, and more.
Fan Fest at Lake Lorna Doone Park
January 28
At Fan Fest, fans can enjoy interactive games, inflatables, face painters and more. Admission into the event is free. A wide selection of food and beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors.
To list your Orlando events with Gotta Go Orlando, learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.
REGULAR WEEKLY EVENTS
Sunset Walk Fired-up Fridays
Every Friday
Friday nights, the Promenade at Sunset Walk presents Fired-Up Fridays, a free Car & Truck Show event with all makes, models, and years welcome of show car quality.
Friday Muscle Car Show & Cruise
Every Friday
Join the heart pounding excitement of high-performance engines and true horse power for Muscle Car Show every Friday at Old Town in Kissimmee. The Friday Muscle Car Show begins at 3 pm and the qualifications are show-quality muscle and factory-performance cars from 1964 and newer and classics from 1985 and older. Cars cruise at 8:30 pm.
Saturday Nite Classic Car Show & Cruise at Old Town
Every Saturday
Join Old Town in Kissimmee every Saturday and take a trip down memory lane. The Old Town Classic Car Show has been a local tradition for over 30 years. The show begins weekly at 1 pm and welcomes show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. Cars will cruise at 8:30 pm and all cars registered can participate.
Live Music on the Lawn in Lake Nona
Every Saturday
Live on the Lawn is your Saturday oasis, relax and recharge while listening to live music and playing lawn games with family and friends. Join Lake Nona from 11 am -3 pm weekly.
Show Car Saturday Nights at Promenade at Sunset Walk
Every Saturday
The Promenade at Sunset Walk is home to Show Car Saturday Nights. All makes and models are welcome and displayed along Margaritaville Boulevard. Plus, enjoy the music of DJ Scotty B while admiring an amazing collection of classic to modern automobiles, with live bands performing on the Promenade Plaza Stage.
Disney Springs Kids Club
Every Saturday
Dance, play and be entertained at engaging shows for kids of all ages at the Disney Springs Kids Club, taking place every Saturday. Free Entertainment and Free Parking.
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