It is so important for parents to have time together. Let’s face it, though, the cost of a babysitter can cost more than the date itself. Asking family or friends to watch over your little ones isn’t always an option.
The good news is you can find plenty of Parents Night Out and Kids Night Out programs around Orlando. So many of these options make date night a breeze. And if you want to bring the kids along, there are dozens of places that are kid AND date night-friendly. We’ve put together a complete list so you can plan your next night out, with or without the kiddos.
Parents' Night Out in Orlando
We'll start off with some child care and parents' night out options near Orlando's attractions area. Then dive into local options close to home.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Camp Dolphin
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista
This is a creative way to enjoy a date night without the kids. Treat yourself to dinner or a spa session and let your kiddos have a blast at Camp Dolphin. Rates are relatively affordable, and you do not need to be a guest of the hotel to utilize this service!
Advance reservations are required for Camp Dolphin and can be made up to 180 days prior to arrival. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability. For more information on Camp Dolphin, call (407) 934-4241.
Children must be 5-12 years old to participate, parents must remain on the resort grounds.
Suggestion for date night: FREE CHILD CARE! Dine at Amare, Todd English’s bluezoo or Il Mulino and you will get two hours at Camp Dolphin for free!
Camp Dolphin for free – details
Book in advance, look for the complimentary dining option. You will need to pay upfront (the cost is approximately $73), but once you present your receipt from the participating restaurant, you will be refunded. Remember, this is for two hours at Camp Dolphin so make sure you return on time for pick up.
ALSO LOOK INTO:
Explore more Orlando Hotels with Kids Clubs. And keep reading for more localized options near home.
Florida Film Academy Kids Night Out
Select Friday nights throughout the year
1261 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden
This kids night out is a little pricey compared to some of the other deals out there, but it is one of the most unique offerings you’ll find. Kids get to make their own movie!
Recommended for ages 7-13, it runs from 5:15 – 9:15pm and pizza is included. The cost is $55 per child.
Suggestion for date night: Drive into Downtown Winter Garden for craft brews and eats at Plant Street Market, then take an evening stroll hand in hand along the West Orange Trail.
Winter Park Community Center Kid's Night Out
2nd Friday of the month, 6-9pm
721 W New England Ave, Winter Park
This program is one of Central Florida’s best kept secrets. On the second Friday of every month, during the school year, kids (grades K-5 only) can enjoy some fun at the Winter Park Community Center. The cost is $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Food is included.
You must be a member of the Winter Park Community Center to participate.
Suggestion for date night: Stroll along the popular Park Ave, or head for the quiet charm of Hannibal Square, which is home to a handful of eateries, bars, and shops.
Parents Night Out Programs in Seminole County
Central Florida Zoo Kids Night Out
Select Friday nights, once a month or every other month, 6:30-10pm
3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford
Let your little one enjoy a special visit to the Central Florida Zoo at night while you enjoy date night! While you're reconnecting, your kiddo will be busy enjoying special visits with animals and a flashlight tour of the zoo. Kids Night out is available for children aged 5-12 and also includes games, crafts, and a snack.
The cost is $30/child for zoo annual passholders, and $35/child for non-pass holders. Advance reservations required, about two weeks in advance.
Suggestion for date night: Head to Sanford for a stroll along the Sanford Riverwalk paired with dinner and drinks. Our current favorite progressive itinerary: dinner at The Old Jailhouse, ice cream from Wondermade, and a cocktail at The Suffering Bastard.
My Gym Parents' Night Out
Select Friday and Saturday nights, options vary by location
Orlando locations offering PNO include Maitland, Lake Mary, and Waterford Lakes
Select My Gym locations offer four hours of fun for children ages 3 to 12. Activities include gymnastics and other activities with pizza, snacks, and juice included. Check with your local My Gym for full details.
Suggestion for date night: Do dinner and a movie at Enzian Theater, or enjoy an adult program at Art & History Museums Maitland.
ACE Gymnastics Parents Night Out
Fourth Friday of each month, 6:30-11pm
400 Gold Medal Court, Longwood
This is a rare find for parents of toddlers. There are two Parents Night Out options, one is from 6:30-11:00 for ages 5-12 and the 2nd is from 6:30-9:00 for ages 3&4 (must be potty trained). for $25 (members) or $30 (non-members). There is a different theme each month with games and fun focused around the theme. Pizza, drinks and ice cream are served.
Suggestion for date night: Head to dinner at Fig's Prime, just a 15-minute drive away, or explore nearby breweries.
DISCOVER MORE: Classes for Kids in Orlando
Kids Night Out at Cheyne Ranch
1963 Genova Drive, Oviedo
Select Fridays, usually the third Friday of the month
Activities include: barn chores, spending time with the animals, a craft, a nature walk, dinner together, possibly a campfire, Hide-and-seek game and/or dance party. 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Cost is $40 first kid in family, $25 for additional siblings, Dinner is provided for a $0 – $5 donation, feel free to pack your child’s food if preferred.
Suggestion for date night: Do a mini food crawl through Oviedo on the Park or scope out nearby indoor date ideas. It's also about a 20 minute drive to Wekiva Island, which is open until 11pm on Friday nights. There's also free live music!
University Performing Arts Center Mom and Dad’s Night Out
This “Mom and Dad’s Night Out” doubles as a fundraising program for the UPAC Competitive Companies. Drop off is at 5pm with pickup at 10pm. The night includes pizza, movies, games, and dancing for children of all ages. The price is $15 per child.
Additional Kids' Night Out Programs:
- We Rock the Spectrum – Parents' Night Out – usually offered one Saturday per month
- KidStrong – Kids' Night Out
Parents Night Out Programs in Lake County
Parents Night Out at Skyzone Trampoline Park
2510 S Hwy 27, Clermont
Every Friday, 7pm – 10pm
Your kids will literally bounce off the walls. This energetic night includes two slices of pizza and a soft drink for only $23.
Parents Night Out is for ages 6-15 and parents must be present at check-in.
Kids Night at Plaster Cottage of Clermont
1203 West Highway 50, Ste. E, Clermont
One Friday per month, 6pm – 8pm
Let your little one express their artistic side with a few hours at Plaster Cottage of Clermont. The price per child of $15 includes painting, pizza and drink.
The Plaster Cottage of Clermont usually updates their events page with the latest Kids Night date. Highway 50 location only.
Suggestion for date night: Have a lovely Date Night on Montrose Street
Kid-Friendly Date Night Ideas
Would you rather include your kiddos in the date night fun? Check out one of these events, activities and eateries that are equally kid and date night-friendly.
Let's start off with Kid-Friendly Restaurants with Playgrounds and Play Spaces. Plus, you can enjoy some brews at these Kid Friendly Breweries.
Movie Nights
- Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema: Occurring on select Saturdays throughout the summer, Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema is a free outdoor movie event held in Altamonte Springs. Bring along blankets and chairs for the whole family. Movies are screened on the lawn in front of the Plaza tower.
- Popcorn Flicks in the Park: This family-friendly movie night is presented on the second Thursday of each month in partnership with Enzian Theater. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy the lovely setting of Park Avenue and Central Park. Movies are at 7 or 8pm depending on the season.
Artsy Ideas
Art and Music in the Park at Lake Concord Park
Casselberry's monthly Art & Music in the Park event is one of Central Florida’s best monthly events. On the second Friday of each month, food trucks, live music, art, and local vendors all convene in a beautiful lakeside park.
Families can bring chairs and blankets, finding a spot of the lakeside lawn as live music is performed and local vendors offer art, crafts, jewelry and more. A large selection of food trucks offer a variety of food. Beer and wine are usually available for purchase, and you can bring your own too.
Mennello Museum of American Art Free Family Fun Day
Every second Sunday of the month families can enjoy free admission to the museum, a free miniature fine art project and free docent touring. Each Free Family Funday has a different theme based on the current exhibition in the museum. Miniature fine art project and museum tours are available from 12-2:30 p.m. The museum galleries stay open until 4:30pm for all guests.
Discover FREE Workshops & Classes for Kids in Orlando
Orlando Family Stage
The Orlando Family Stage specializes in productions that are family friendly. This is a popular spot for field trips and family gatherings. The theater has won numerous awards over the years for the quality of their productions and their inclusive program, including sensory-friendly productions and American Sign Language interpreters at every performance.
Introduce your kids to the joy of live theater in one of Orlando’s best theatrical experiences.
Painting with a Twist Family Paint Night
Painting with a Twist has multiple locations throughout Central Florida and a wide variety of projects to choose from. Be sure to explore their locations and calendar to find the class that is perfect for your family. Family classes feature art that is specially designed for all ages and skill levels.
Active and Outdoorsy Adventures
Orlando Sportsplex Ice Den
You might be a Florida family, but that doesn’t mean you can’t handle yourself on the ice. Kids age 3 and older are welcome on the ice rink during public skating time. These sessions are offered on certain times every day of the week, with Fridays and Saturdays offering the most time. Skates are available for rent.
St. Johns Rivership Co.
Become a tourist in your own town with a trip aboard the lovely Barbara Lee riverboat. Cruise the historic waters of the St. Johns River as you enjoy lunch or dinner at a reserved table. You’ll be free to stroll about the ship as well.
Live entertainment adds to the charm of this narrated tour of Florida’s natural and historic beauty.
Wekiva Island
This is the perfect choice for families that like the great outdoors. Wekiva Island sits on the Wekiva River and is a beloved spot for those paddling along the river as a delightful respite, as well as locals driving in to enjoy some riverside relaxation. A great beer and wine selection is offered at their covered outdoor bar as well as their open air wine bar, Tooting Otter.
Without a Paddle Cafe provides creative casual fare. Rent a canoe or kayak, or just splash around in the water that is nestled by Wekiva Island’s boardwalk, lined with Adirondack chairs. Play some beach volleyball or cornhole together. Whatever you choose to do you’ll have a relaxing time together, Old Florida style.
Dinner Dates
À La Cart Orlando
Enjoy the fun of a food truck night with indoor/outdoor seating plus a full craft beer bar. À La Cart hosts long-term and rotating mobile food vendors in their permanent food truck park in The Milk District. A variety of tastes will please everyone in the family.
You can also sip on beer, cider, wine, and cold brewed coffee. Events like free Monday Movie Nights are offered throughout the month. There are also fun yard games for kids and adults alike.
Pointe Orlando
Pointe Orlando is the ultimate destination for entertainment, dining, and fun—no matter the occasion. When Florida's weather cooperates, it is simply blissful to waste away the day on an outdoor patio with a hand-crafted drink and some delicious food for nibbling. And when you need to escape the unpredictable Florida weather your day will still be full of fun thanks for the indoor activities.
So, parents, it is possible to have a date night even when you don't have a babysitter.
And a reminder, Camp Dolphin at the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel is a great option. In fact, the featured image of this article is from Il Mulino during a date night with our editor and her husband, while their son enjoyed some fun at Camp Dolphin!
