The best trip within about five hours of Orlando for each of the next 6 weekends, chosen for kids under 6. Every event links to the official page we checked it on.
6 weekends
2 cities
Closest: 1h 45mLast checked against official pages. How we choose
Each ring is one hour of driving from Orlando. Under two hours is an easy day trip; past three, pack the pajamas.
Orange dots are picks on this page. Drive times are normal driving times without traffic.
1h 45m
about 1 hr 45 min from Orlando
The free Riverwalk Trick-or-Treat on Saturday and Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa.
Trick-or-treating, a costume contest and Ghostbusters on the lawn.
Sat Oct 24 · 4–8:30 p.m.Cotanchobee Park
FreeThe zoo’s family Halloween nights.
Fri Oct 23, Sat Oct 24, Sun Oct 25 · From 4 p.m.ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Event ticket1h 45m
about 1 hr 45 min from Orlando
The last nights of Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa.
The zoo’s family Halloween nights.
Fri Oct 30, Sat Oct 31 · From 4 p.m.ZooTampa at Lowry ParkEvent ticket
We couldn't verify anything within a few hours of Orlando that's worth the trip this weekend. This week in Orlando has the local list.
0 min
Nothing within a few hours beats what's already on in Orlando this weekend.
Giant ice sculptures, Nov. 13–Jan. 3.
Fri Nov 13, Sat Nov 14, Sun Nov 15 · See the resort’s siteGaylord Palms Resort, KissimmeeSeparately ticketed
0 min
Nothing within a few hours beats what's already on in Orlando this weekend.
Giant ice sculptures, Nov. 13–Jan. 3.
Fri Nov 20, Sat Nov 21, Sun Nov 22 · See the resort’s siteGaylord Palms Resort, KissimmeeSeparately ticketedOpens Friday, Nov. 20; select nights through Jan. 3.
Fri Nov 20 · Timed entry from 5:30 p.m.Harry P. Leu GardensChildren $33–$53; adults $35–$561h 45m
about 1 hr 45 min from Orlando
Christmas in the Wild opens at ZooTampa on Black Friday.
One of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, select nights Nov. 27–Dec. 30.
Fri Nov 27, Sat Nov 28, Sun Nov 29 · From 4 p.m.ZooTampa at Lowry ParkIncluded with a Zoo Fun ticket
Car snacksMore than you think. Then a few more.
StrollerZoo paths and light trails are long for little legs.
Time the napLeave right before nap so the drive does double duty.
Overnight bagPast three hours, pajamas beat a 9pm drive home.
Parking cashFree admission days often still charge for parking.
Rain planPick one indoor backup, like a museum, before you leave.Over the next 6 weekends our picks from Orlando are Tampa. Each one is chosen for what's on that weekend, with the dates, times and prices checked on the official pages.
Tampa (about 1 hr 45 min), Jacksonville (about 2 hr 45 min). Times are normal driving times without traffic.
Sometimes one city really does have the most going on two weekends in a row, like a holiday lights opening followed by a show. We don't rotate cities just for variety.
They're what each official page showed on Oct 18, 2026. Tap through to the official page before you go.