If you are looking to keep the kids busy this month, we’ve got the list for you! December is full of free and cheap things to do with your family around Orlando, Florida like food truck gatherings, Christmas light displays and even more. Get your calendar out and block off your days for the best family events and kids activities this month!
Winter Wonderland Spectacular at Celebration Town Center
Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks, special community performances by some of the area’s top young talent, and special concert events throughout the season. Daily through Dec. 31. Event details.
Friday Farming on South Street
Every Friday morning, you are invited to this 1/4-acre urban farm plot in West Orlando to learn about how our food is grown and to help with the endeavor. Event details.
Museums on Us Weekend
Bank of America cardholders can get free admission to many museums the first full weekend of the month, including the Orlando Museum of Art. Dec. 7-8. Event details.
Build a Christmas Countdown Calendar at Home Depot
Create your own countdown to the holidays, and have a blast with your child while doing it. Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. With help from parents and store associates, your child will make a merry memory this holiday season. Dec. 7. Event details.
Insect Safari at the Oakland Nature Preserve
Led by entomologist Christy LeDuc, this is a fun program where attendees will learn about different native insects of Florida. The Program will start with a brief classroom presentation, following by a guided hike on the Preserve, where attendees have the opportunity to see bugs up close and personal! Dec. 7. Event details.
Little Artisans on Sundays
Drop by the Hamlin Artisan Market every Sunday and enjoy a free, new "LITTLE ARTISANS" craft project perfect for the whole family. Event details.
Check Out Over 400 Skeletons
Museum of Osteology celebrates vertebrate life by providing guests with an engaging adventure full of discovery, with the hopes that through education, we will help cultivate an appreciation of the natural world and ultimately lead to conservation for the future. Event details.
Mother Goose y Amigos Bilingual Story Time
Bienvenido to Mother Goose y Amigos! Journey with us as we explore the Spanish language in this unique bi-lingual Mother Goose Storytime. Event details.
Free Family Funday at Mennello Museum of American Art
Every second Sunday of the month is Free Family Funday! Join us at the museum for free admission, a free miniature fine art project and free docent touring. Dec. 8. Event details.
Art & Music in the Park, Plus Food Trucks
While listening to the music, guests will be able to stroll through the park and shop at more than 15 local businesses and artisan booths selling jewelry, photography, paintings and an assortment of other unique gifts and services. Also, there will be 12 gourmet food trucks from The Food Truck Bazaar, offering delicious culinary delights that range from savory to sweet to spicy and everything in between. Dec. 13. Event details.
Santa's Wonderland Comes to Bass Pro
Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops and families are invited to enjoy this magical Christmas village offering free photos with Santa and free family holiday activities including fun crafts and games. Features include rustic Christmas cabins, holiday characters and live elves set amongst a dazzling backdrop of snow-covered hills and illuminated Christmas trees. The Santa’s Wonderland Christmas village offers remote control trucks, laser/foam toy arcade, Lincoln Logs building area and much more. Kids can also spend time at one of the activity tables where they can write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts, all for free. Event details.
See Elf at Popcorn Flicks in the Park
This Popcorn Flicks in the Park series features classic films for the whole family. These films are usually held on the second Thursday of each month in Winter Park’s beautiful Central Park and they are FREE and open to the public. Dec. 6. Event details.
Ride the Polar Express
This magical experience takes you and your children to the North Pole on board an actual train ride that recreates THE POLAR EXPRESS™ movie. You will have your golden ticket punched by the conductor, experience the dancing chefs who will serve cocoa and a tasty treat, interact with the hobo and other characters from the movie, along with enjoying a reading of the classic children’s book THE POLAR EXPRESS™ by Chris Van Allsburg. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa Claus and his elves will climb aboard and visit each family. Each child will receive a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh as the first gift of Christmas. After a rousing series of Christmas caroling, you will return to Tavares and reality with a renewed sense of Christmas joy. Event details.
Windermere Family Food Truck Night
Every fourth Friday the Town of Windermere Downtown Business Committee hosts Family Food Truck Night. The event is held on brick main street in front of Town Hall located in the heart of Downtown Windermere. Dec. 27. Event details.
Kids See The Wizard of Oz for Free
Our Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film Series usually occurs on the fourth Sunday of the month. It is always family friendly and FREE for kids 12 & under. A special Kid’s Menu is also offered! Dec. 22. Event details.
—Kate Loweth
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