There are so many things to do in Orlando in March. And with weather that is pleasantly warm during the day, cooler in the evening, and accompanied by just a few bouts of rain, it’s the perfect time to go exploring with the family! Between floral exhibits, art shows, and other unique festivals, you will have no shortage of things to do in Orlando while there.
Families keen on vacationing in Orlando in March should know that the weeks between Spring Break and Easter weekend at the end of the month bring in loads of people on spring break. This translates to higher rates and crowded destinations, which means your trip will definitely be more economical, more convenient, and more relaxed if you visit during the first week of March instead.
Read on to discover all the March Madness that Orlando has to offer for families like yours and the many things you can do there!
Take a Guided Garden Tour
If you want to explore the many springtime Orlando activities that Florida has to offer, there is no better time to do it than in the warm month of March. Hosted by the Orange County Extension Center on South Conway Road at the beginning of March, this guided tour promises to give you and the kids a unique insight into the native flora of Florida. Learn about landscaping, vegetable gardening, flowering plants, and more as you wander through the 4-acre Exploration Gardens. A quick reminder that while kids 12 and under are allowed to enter for free, adults are required to pay a nominal fee during pre-registration.
Live it up at Mardi Gras at the Marketplace
Nothing quite says celebration like Mardi Gras NOLA-style at the Marketplace in Avalon Park. So don your best outfits, whisper the password at this VIP speakeasy, and groove along to the live brass band.
The popular festival begins in early February, lasts for nearly two months, and includes colorful parades, concerts, themed merchandise stores, star-studded entertainment, and international cuisine. Popularly known as “Florida’s Biggest Party,” Mardi Gras Orlando comprises 14 concerts, 1.7 million beads, and a spectacular parade, all of which are family-friendly! Word of advice for the adults? They offer themed cocktails to unwind after your long day at one of the parks so don’t scrimp on those!
Spend time at the EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival
Orlando in spring is characterized by sunshine and brief spurts of rain, so bid farewell to winter and embrace the warmth in the Sunshine State. There is no better place to do this than at the International Flower & Garden Festival that runs from the start of March till the first week of July!
Lose yourself in the heady scent of the flowers floating through the air. Between Disney-themed exhibits, elaborate topiaries, multi-hued flower installations, and hanging baskets, those with green thumbs will have loads to see, explore and smell here!
And when it’s time to sate rumbling tummies, EPCOT has food and beverage stalls that offer a wide selection of fresh food to feast on. Take your kids to witness the culinary magic that takes place in the outdoor kitchens while they chow down on some grub. The merch collection for spring includes vibrant clothing, accessories, and other season-specific keepsakes, so be sure to set aside some time for shopping.
Hoping there’s a little something for the adults? The Garden Rocks Concert Series at the America Gardens Theater which showcases popular headliners like Rick Springfield and more will keep you bopping along to your fave tunes.
An important reminder; to attend the festival, visitors need to have valid admit and parking reservation tickets for EPCOT on the same date.
Enjoy Mardi Gras at Universal Studios
From Feb 5 – Apr 24 Mardi Gras 2022 runs at Universal Orlando Resort. Best of all admission is included with your Theme Park Ticket or Annual Pass. Enjoy a parade and live concerts on select nights, beads, incredible food and more. Parades start from between 6.16pm and 7.30 pm depending on the date.
Visitors can purchase special Mardi Gras themed merchandise at All Hallows Voodoo Boutique at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the Tribute Store near Revenge of the Mummy ride in New York. Mardi Gras is family friendly with kids and adults enjoying collecting the plastic beads from the parade floats and characters (although the environment might not be as happy about that). Kids were in their element though! Check out the special Mardi Gras card. For $120, guests can purchase a card worth $150. You can use these cards for any purchases made at Mardi Gras kiosks and at Universal Orlando owned restaurants and carts.
Take the Downtown Public Art Walking Tour
If your family loves all things art and you are visiting Orlando in March, why not spend the afternoon exploring contemporary art in Downtown Valencia. Conducted by the Valencia College School of Arts and Entertainment in the first week of March, this walking tour is part of their Spring Arts Week. So join in on the fun, follow the map, and learn the tales behind the installations, exhibits, and murals you will see in and around the campus.
Visit the Central Florida Fair
When it comes to events in Orlando March, this is one you simply cannot miss. Held at the West Colonial Drive fairgrounds, this annual community two-week long fair featuring agriculture displays, livestock shows, and art by the local youth is a celebration of community spirit. The fair presents its visitors with carnival treats like cotton candy and funnel cakes, live entertainment in the form of concerts, STEM and cooking contests, fair games and rides, and more. But the main highlight is the livestock show that features cattle, horses, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and cavies from 6 counties of Central Florida. Tip: Opt for the “Family Four Pack” to save up to $50.
Drop by WonderWorks
Geared toward children, this is a must-have on your list of Orlando activities. WonderWorks is a blast for the entire family, with over 100 hands-on displays, magic shows, virtual roller-coasters, a rope walk, laser tag, and an arcade. And if you visit on the 4th of March, you can contribute toward the fundraiser from 6 p.m. onward, where 20% of all proceeds go to the BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation. So combine a fun time with goodwill at WonderWorks, as you navigate through a day of awesomeness!
Participate in the Kids Night at the Museum
If you’ve reached your breaking point with all things Disney, here’s something different! On the first weekend of March, caregivers can drop off their kids (5-12 years) at the Orlando Science Center for an entire 4 hours of nerdy fun! While your little scientist experiences their very own “Night at the Museum” that includes a pizza dinner, live shows, movies, and interactive activities, adults can finally get some “me time” and explore Orlando’s night scene. It’s a fun time for everyone!
Participate in Family Day at the Polasek
Presenting Florida artists from diverse cultures, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens hosts Family Day on the first Saturday of March. An educational tour of private collections and artwork, this museum will be sure to teach you and your family something new by the end of the day.
Lantern Jubilee
Create some of the best memories with your family with this absolutely unique thing to do in Orlando Florida in March. If you were entranced by the lantern scene in Tangled, here’s your chance to recreate it in real life! At the annual celebration of the Lantern Jubilee, the Audubon Park School parking lot becomes the center of this family-friendly event. Bring your own homemade lanterns, walk to Audubon Park, and “see the light” as the lit lanterns float up to join the stars.
Get Cooking at Big Chef-Teen Chef: Is It a Sandwich?
Give your teens some food for thought (literally!) at the Big Chef-Teen Chef event hosted by the Publix Super Market on Dr. Phillips Boulevard. The adult-teen pair will be guided to craft a lovely sandwich-based dinner, so bring your best skills and your appetite! By the end of it, all that will be left to do is eat that sandwich! And if you’re in Orlando during the second week of March, you can even prepare fair food like funnel cake, corn dogs, and pizza cones with your little chefs (5 and above) at the “Big and Little Chef: Fun Fair Food” event.
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Returning in the second week of March this year is the long-awaited epic performance at Magic Kingdom, Festival of Fantasy Parade. Watch the marvelous parade and cavalcades begin their journey on their anniversary. This is one of the best things to do in Orlando in March and will truly feel like an unforgettable moment when your kids meet their favorite characters!
Satisfy your Need for Speed at the Supercar Social
Perfect for the little motorheads in your posse, the Supercar Social at Fields Motorcars will have both your teens and you drooling over the most beautiful cars. Hosted in conjunction with Dream Cars 4 Kids to support critically ill children at St. Judes, this event is definitely a must-add to your list of things to do in Orlando in March. So set aside the second Saturday for a showcase of classic cars, a live DJ to amp up your spirits, and more. Do keep in mind that this is an exclusive event that requires prior registration.
Support the “Disney VS Universal: The Battle For Orlando” Concert
Ever wanted to know the answer to which is better: Disney or Universal? The concert by Central Florida Sounds of Freedom will serenade you with classics from both studios to help you make up your mind. Beginning in the second week of the month, this March benefit concert is held at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola to support the LGBTQ+ youth of Orlando. So drive down, pick a side, and let the battle begin!
Go Green on St. Patrick’s Day
Orlando’s magical theme parks get even more enchanting on St. Patrick’s Day. The Raglan Road Irish Pub at Disney Springs transforms into an Irish wonderland with live Irish music, dance performances, and authentic cuisine. The second week of the month sees the venue hosting award-winning dancers and bands. Small note: There is a cover charge for entry on the actual festival date.
Meanwhile, in Universal Studios, Finnegan’s Bar and Grill is the place to visit for spectacular dishes from the Emerald Isle and traditional Irish whiskey for the adults. Later be sure to drop by Rosie’s Irish Shop to build your collection of Irish souvenirs.
Seaworld is another stop you want to include on your Orlando in March itinerary. The theme park goes green with Irish-themed novelties and specialties at the shops and food stalls. The abundance of food that is green-colored as part of their Seven Seas Food Festival is most certainly a sight (and taste) to behold!
An important reminder: Theme parks and restaurants fill up quickly, so make your reservations well in advance.
Visit Winter Park’s Sidewalk Art Festival
Hosting nearly 900 participants, this 3-day event is one of the biggest outdoor art festivals in the country. Discover the many branches of fine arts and crafts as you groove to the music from the jazz concert and talk with the artists themselves. Don’t forget to stop by the Children’s Workshop before leaving where kids get the chance to get their hands dirty and take home their magnificent creations!
Run the Smile Mile presented by Barney Butter
If you have kids between ages 5 and 11 who love to run, sign them up to participate in this running festival held at the end of March at Upper Blue Jacket Park. The starting point is at the intersection of Robin road and Upper Park road, and upon completing the course, kids get to take home the bib, t-shirt, and finisher medal to commemorate their achievement.
Get Hot & Spicy at the Taste of Oviedo
Drive out about 20 miles to the city of Oviedo near the end of March to attend the annual 28th Taste of Oviedo festival which has an absolutely free Kids Area. Music, food, contests, and live entertainment are just a few of the other things that will make this fest a memory you will cherish forever!
Explore New Cultures
Participate in India’s Festival of Color, Holi, at the end of March at the Festival Park on Robinson Street. Sing, dance, eat and run around sprinkling colored water and powder as you welcome the onset of spring with the rest of the community.
Stick around till the next day to celebrate the Arab Festival at Lake Eola Park on Rosalind Avenue. This annual fest brings you food, music, along with other unique, cultural programs!
Free things to do in Orlando in March
Don’t worry if you want to explore economic options for your family to explore, there are so many free things to do in Orlando in March. If a quiet getaway appeals to you, watch a Movie in the Park at the Dr. P. Phillips Community Park. Stock a picnic basket with movie snacks, stretch out under the night sky, and watch a movie with your kiddos. It really doesn’t get cozier than that!
Alternatively, you could also drive about 30 miles from Disney World to the charmingly quaint Avalon Park. The family-friendly community in Orange County has four large parks, a variety of shopping centers, and even a dog park on-site. However, the main draw for visitors is the many events held here in March, from a relaxing Kite Day, the Community Campout, and even a Fishing Tournament.
And finally, if attending community festivals in Orlando this March is on your bucket list, the Vegan Spring Fling Festival by Lake Eola by the Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. promises a wholesome day in the sun with art stalls, craft workshops, community speakers, music, and food. The Crealdé School of Art School’s annual Free Family Festival is another fun option to consider, where kiddos get to ride ponies, have their face painted, or just jump around in a bouncy house. Meanwhile, teens and adults will get to take part in the interactive workshops, painting lessons, photography classes, clay sculpting, and more, all for free!
Things to do In Orlando with Kids Month by Month Guide
Orlando Florida in January has warm sunny days paired with pleasant, chilly evenings which makes the city the perfect place to kick start the year with a family vacation! Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, our list of things to do in Orlando in January will have something in store for you. It includes everything from epic theme parks and water worlds to hidden treasure quests and festivals to celebrate!
January’s off-season charm hits the sweet spot of ultimate deals if you like lesser crowds, cheap flight tickets, and lower accommodation rates in Orlando. However, you should still expect to see a steady stream of visitors like yourself during the Epcot Annual Festival of the Arts and on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity day. Read on to find out more about the events in Orlando in January!
Orlando might be the next thing to put on your bucket list. The pleasant weather during the start of springtime causes Orlando Florida in February to serve as a respite for northerners fleeing from the cold and a fun getaway from the scalding heat of the warmer states. It's really the slim chance of rain, however, that seals the deal and makes attending events, fests, and outdoor activities in Orlando during February practical and enjoyable!
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy some fresh air, sunshine, and a few showers before the heat of the Floridian summer kicks in. In fact, April is almost always your last chance in a year to enjoy Orlando in spring. And the flowers, blooms, and butterflies only make it better!
In addition to pleasant weather, the Spring Holiday Season and Easter Weekend also offer a plethora of things to do in Orlando in April. While it's certain that crowds will be high throughout this month, don't let that stop you, as the events we go over below are pure madness - in all the best ways possible! It doesn't matter whether you want to stay on budget or splurge this season, Orlando will have you covered.
Orlando, Florida in May offers the best of both worlds: a colorful and cheery spring during the first half of the month followed by the beaming summer sun in the second half. An exciting vacation destination for families with members both big and small, young and old, it's no wonder why then, that Orlando is the perfect place to visit in May.
In our list below, you will find some of the best events and things to do in Orlando in May to make the most of the season transition. Between food festivals, art shows, scavenger hunts, and the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, you will see that May truly has it all!
It's time for Florida in June! There are many ways to enjoy the sun, fun, and the culture of this state.
With the blazing hot sun overhead and humid climate, visiting Orlando in June will really help you see firsthand why it’s called the Sunshine State, as well as all the reasons that make Orlando so fun! Enjoy a wide range of activities with your family at the Flower and Garden Festival at Disney’s Epcot Theme Park, or celebrate Father’s Day in style by giving dad the holiday he deserves.
Summer is just around the corner! This means that the kids are out of school and families like your own are gearing up to vacation in Orlando, Florida.
There are many reasons why Orlando, Florida in July is a popular holiday destination. This city really does have it all, from Disney World and beaches to wildlife! There are destinations and events to enjoy for kids of all ages, families of all kinds, and budgets of every range.
Apart from the regular attractions, the city offers a plethora of summer Orlando activities and events as well; some of them especially noteworthy for being on Independence Day. It is enough to make even the heat and unpredictable showers of July worth it, in our opinion. Pack sunscreen, light raincoats, some umbrellas, and keep reading to find out the best things to do in Orlando in July with your family!
Soak in the last bits of summer sun and enjoy the seasonal showers in Orlando, Florida this August while immersing yourself in culinary experiences, nighttime dancing, festivals, expos, and more. There is no shortage of things to do in Orlando in August when with the family! With school out and everybody in the holiday spirit, Orlando in summer is the best time and place for spending quality time with your loved ones.
The crowds in Orlando in August go both ways. The beginning of the month sees a lot of tourists which thin down towards the end of the month. Orlando, Florida in August is also a hot and humid time with average temperatures of around 90℉ so it's advisable to plan breaks in the middle of the day and try to find some indoor places with air conditioning to cool down. At the same time, this time of year is also prone to midday showers, but don’t fret, because these won’t put a damper on your plans. Just be sure to keep umbrellas and raincoats on you when visiting Orlando in August.
It's easy to see why family holidays in Orlando are so memorable. This Florida metropolis has it all: white beaches, theme parks, gastronomic wonders, and fascinating history. There are plenty of activities to do in Orlando, Florida for any kind of family.
The intense summer heat and humidity begin to cool down with a few bouts of rain in September, making it a very pleasant month to visit Orlando. With most kids being back to school, expect the crowds to remain minimal throughout the month. Homeschoolers- this is your opportunity to experience the city in a unique and secluded way. So what’s stopping you? Pack your bags and head to Orlando to have a wonderful off-season family vacation.
Before you go, read on to learn how to travel like a pro and discover the top things to do in Orlando in September. From blood-curdling Halloween theme park events to magical fairy door exhibits and food festivals, this city has got something for everyone: parents, preschoolers, and teenagers!
A vacation/holiday in Orlando is unforgettable for so many reasons. City Beautiful has everything you could ask for, from white beaches, theme parks, gastronomic wonders, and fascinating history. There are plenty of things to do in Orlando in October for any kind of family.
Orlando in Autumn /Fall brings a welcome change of weather compared to the intense heat of Florida summers and the days begin to experience sudden (and short) bursts of heavy rainfall. With schools being in session again, most of Orlando's major attractions see a significant drop in crowds too.
That is, apart from the last week of October, when the city becomes overrun by parents taking their kids trick-or-treating and visiting the Halloween events around town. It's true, there's no escaping the horror- and fun-filled holiday when visiting Orlando in October, and that's a great thing! Because nobody does Halloween better than Orlando.
Indulge in festive treats, stroll under glittering lights, find magnificent displays of heavily decked Christmas trees, and make memories you will hold dear for the rest of your life. There are a variety of things to do in Orlando in November for the whole family, no matter your age and no matter the budget!
One great perk to visiting Orlando in Autumn is the weather which is close to perfection. With the highest temperatures being 77℉ and low humidity, November is a very comfortable month to plan a vacation. Chances of rain or showers are unlikely but the nights can get chilly so be sure to take a sweater with you. Another great thing about Orlando in November is the low crowd except for thanksgiving week.
There are lots of high-scale events in Orlando in November by major theme parks and resorts in the city which ensure you have a great vacation to close off your year.
Planning a family vacation this holiday season? Why not visit the most magical of places during the most magical time of year! City Beautiful has everything you could ask for. Nature, theme parks, culinary wonders, and mesmerizing holiday celebrations. There are plenty of things to do in Orlando around Christmas time and in December, no matter your age.
While most other places around the country are freezing cold in December, sub-tropical Orlando prides itself on its sunny days and chilly evenings. We recommend carrying a light to medium jacket, socks, and rain protection in your travel bag along with your lightweight summer dresses.
Although it is undeniable that Orlando, Florida in December is both one of the most crowded and costliest periods to visit the traditional theme park festivals, it is also the most beautiful- with stellar weather and seasonal spirits, it’s an experience of a lifetime that you should definitely check off your bucket list.
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