I’m a big believer in exposing your children to the arts. And that is awesome because there is so much arts in culture in Orlando for families. The arts have a huge impact on even our littlest little ones and make for joyful outings for families.
Years ago, when dadlando and I had a lot more time on our hands, we made our own cultural series in Orlando. We researched the many offerings of arts events in Central Florida and made a list to expand our horizons. We had so much fun! And now that we have our kiddos, we’ve been unofficially doing the same sort of thing. We love taking them to all types of arts events – visual, dance, music, and theater based. It’s fun to see what impacts them the most. We like to think that we’re getting a little glimpse into their future every time they really vibe at one of the events.
Plus there are the facts, kids learn important skills needed to be thriving adults through the arts. Things like confidence, decision making, creativity, perseverance, focus, and much more all are skills honed by participating in the arts.
You can build your own cultural series by picking and choosing from our categories below! The best part of doing something new is stepping outside your comfort zone. So pick a place you’ve never been or a type of art you’ve never experienced and have an incredible bonding time with your family.
Visual Arts
Menello Museum of American Art (Loch Haven Park)
This small museum is small but mighty with a lovely permanent collection of art from Earl Cunningham as well as interesting rotating exhibits. The museum boasts a picturesque lakeview and fantastic sculpture garden. Your kids will love exploring inside and out.
Orlando Museum of Art (Loch Haven Park)
With tons of special family programming for you to enjoy, Orlando Museum of Art is a must-add to your cultural series!
The Menello Museum of American Art and the Orlando Museum of Art participiate in Bank of America’s Museums on Us program. The first weekend of every month, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch customers can visit museums free through the bank’s Museums On Us program. Just show your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card Saturday or Sunday and you’ll get free admission.
Rollins – Cornell Fine Arts Museum (Winter Park)
Tucked away on the Rollins College campus this gem of an art museum is family friendly with a kids play and imagination area. Plus, admission is always free!
Bonus – If you’re nervous about what to talk about at the gallery, check out this list of 82 questions you can ask your kids about the art you view together!
Theater for Kids
Throw out whatever ideas you have in your head about taking your kids to the theater. In Orlando – theater for kids is fun, interactive, and entertaining for parents too!
Kids Fringe (Annual Festival each May)
Orlando Fringe takes place each year in May and is a two-week festival of totally unjuried and uncensored theater. Each weekend during the festival, Kids Fringe, takes place for FREE to bring the fun to families. Kids Fringe is four days of theater, art, music, fun, and games for kids of all ages.
Orlando Rep (Loch Haven Park)
A theater solely catering to young audiences! The Rep produces shows all year-long that delight kids and their parents alike.
Orlando Shakes (Loch Haven Park)
Central Florida’s largest professional theater produces three children’s series productions each season!
Dance
Orlando Ballet (Loch Haven Park)
Orlando Ballet definitely has family in mind when they plan their series! Several of the shows have a one-hour reduced time performance to ensure your kids can make it through the show!
Music
CFCArts – Symphonic Stories (Winter Park)
With a range of theater and musical programming for families, CFCArts is a great opportunity to see stories come to life with a 160 person orchestra!
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (Downtown Orlando)
One of our favorite events this past year was Symphony Storytime. The music and theming is delightful. Plus they have an instrument petting zoo so that kids can play all the instruments after the show!
Museums and More
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens (Winter Park)
The museum features the works of Albin Polasek. The museum features galleries, sculptures and Albin Polasek’s home to tour.
Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales)
This beautiful splendor contains of hundreds of acres of gardens and pathways to explore. The Children’s area is a spectacular immersive experience for your family and the Carillon Singing Tower plays regularly and is not to be missed!
Leu Gardens (Audubon Park)
A 50-acre botanical garden full of many plant species and picturesque views. The garden hosts special events throughout the year to make your visit extra enjoyable.
*The aforementioned three gardens are part of a reciprocal admission program. Become a member at one and enjoy free admission to the others!*
Orange County History Center (Downtown Orlando)
Take a walk through the city’s history at the center. The collection includes more than 35,000 artifacts and items to explore.
Orlando Science Center (Loch Haven Park)
Experience science and fun with four floors of interactive exhibit halls, labs and workshops, theaters, an observatory, and seasonal experiences! There is something for everyone at the Orlando Science Center.
This post is sponsored by Lake Forrest Preparatory School, an organization whose mission we love. We are proud to partner with companies that provide such incredible services to local families. Thanks for supporting companies that support Momlando.
Lake Forrest Preparatory School aspires to create an atmosphere where school is an extension of the family: a school environment where teacher, parent, and student interactions involve solid connections, enriching lessons, and responsibility on the part of all three participants. Throughout preschool, elementary, and middle school, LFPS instills healthy choices and character education. Located in Maitland, LFPS is a private school for families throughout Orlando looking for community and a top notch education.
