Go Play! Family Events Calendar

Compiled by Wendy Meyer

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

EPCOT

Now through November 20

Now is your chance to eat and drink your way around the world. This year’s festival features Remy’s Ratatouille Hide ‘n’ Squeak Scavenger Hunt, Disney du Jour Dance Party, a family play zone and more family fun. disneyworld.disney.go.com

FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FRONTYARD FESTIVAL

August 5, 7:30 p.m.

From the comfort of your own socially distanced box, watch this classic flick while getting food delivered from featured vendors that make up the unique Frontyard Festival. drphillipscenter.org

11TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL EXPO

SEMINOLE TOWNE CENTER

August 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Your one-stop shop for all things back-toschool! This annual expo is an exclusive opportunity for parents, teachers and others to connect face-to-face with education, health and family-focused organizations and companies. It’s also being held during Florida’s tax-free school shopping weekend, so parents can stock up on clothing and other items at the mall to save money. seminoletownecenter.com

POPCORN FLICKS IN THE PARK CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER

CENTRAL PARK, WINTER PARK

August 12, 8 p.m.

To many Marvel fans, it may feel like yesterday that Captain America: The First Avenger hit theaters, but in reality, the film is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this summer. That’s why there’s no better time to revisit this 1941 origin story of Steve Rogers, better known as Captain America. enzian.org

FAMILY SUNSET AT THE ZOO

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO

August 27, 5–8 p.m.

Shake off those end-of-summer blues with a romp through the zoo at sunset. Visit your favorite animal friends and meet some new pals that only come out at night! centralfloridazoo.org

PEANUT BUTTER MATINEE: DESTROY ALL MONSTERS

ENZIAN THEATER

August 29, Noon

Enjoy this family-friendly film and a special kids menu presented by the Enzian Theater. FREE for kids 12 and under. enzian.org

Aug 23

PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE MODEL CASTING CALL

TUGBOAT & THE BIRD

August 23, 3:30–6 p.m.

Our annual model casting is here! Every year, we team up with local photographer Simply Shelby Photography and our friends at Tugboat & the Bird to meet the new faces that we hope will grace our pages in the upcoming year. We are looking for local kids ages newborn to 12, living in the Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. We absolutely adore ALL kids of ALL abilities. Let’s see those individual styles and personalities. Registration required. playgroundmagazine.com

JOYBOX

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

September through October

Experience joy in this interactive art exhibition designed around everything happy. Wondering how an art installation can center on positive energy? Take the “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” room that’s illuminated with black lights and full of piles of shredded neon paper. Guests write their worry on a piece of paper, run it through a paper shredder installed in the walls and celebrate the release of that worry. creativecityproject.com

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS MICKEY’S SEARCH PARTY

AMWAY CENTER

September 3–5, times vary

From embarking on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map to find Tinker Bell to going on a journey into the mystical Land of the Dead with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco, this jam-packed ice spectacular is entertainment for the whole family. disneyonice.com

POPCORN FLICKS IN THE PARK: THE FOX AND THE HOUND

CENTRAL PARK, WINTER PARK

September 9, 8 p.m.

Introduce your kids to this beloved Disney classic by taking them to a 40th anniversary screening in Winter Park’s Central Park. They’re sure to fall in love with the adventures — and friendship — between Tod the fox and Cooper the hound. enzian.org

PEANUT BUTTER MATINEE: BABE: PIG IN THE CITY

ENZIAN THEATER

September 26, Noon

Everyone loves Babe, so why not spend an afternoon watching him navigate big city life in hopes he can save his farm. With familiar friends — and plenty of new ones — it’s a wild ride with plenty of laughs and silly animal antics. FREE for kids 12 & under! enzian.org

TASTE OF COLLEGE PARK FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

COLLEGE PARK

September 30, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.

College Park is bursting with food, fun and laughs for the whole family at this outdoor celebration of the finest food establishments in the area. tasteofcollegepark.org

SCREAM N’ STREAM

OVIEDO MALL

September 17–October 31

During this 25-minute drive-through adventure, guests will drive into Station 5, a secret research compound that is home to some of the most fearsome creatures on the planet: clowns and zombies. Guests are tasked with delivering a kill switch device to stop the escaped creatures before it is too late. Passengers in the car are armed with laser guns to keep their driver safe as they navigate through the experience. The fun doesn’t stop there. Guests are invited to grab dinner at the Oviedo Brewing Company, try their hand at an escape room at District Eat & Play or grab a specialty Zombie Juice from Calliope Street. screamnstream.com

SAVE THE DATE:

Creative City Project is bringing these epic familyfriendly and artsy adventures to Orlando:

• IMMERSE 2021, An explosion of interactive art exhibits, shows and installations that takes over the streets of Downtown Orlando, Oct 15–17 • Dazzling Nights, Nov 19–Jan 9 • Dragons and Fairies, Jan–Mar 2022 Season passes on sale at creativecityproject.com.

SHIVER ME TIMBERS!

It’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19. Grab your pirate attire, fly your Jolly Rogers and gather up your scallywags for some swashbuckling good times!

PIRATES DINNER ADVENTURE

A fun and interactive pirate-themed dinner theater show that is sure to have the whole family talking like a pirate by the end of the night.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN AT DISNEY’S MAGIC KINGDOM

If you enjoyed the movies, you’ll love the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and interactive character experience with Captain Jack in Adventureland! After your close encounter with Davey Jones, stop by the gift shop and pick up some of the coolest pirate swag in town!

PIRATE’S COVE ADVENTURE GOLF

Come aboard, mateys, and take the day for some mini golf fun! Putt your way through the unique experience of meandering streams and marauding pirates.

SET SAIL AT HOME

Build a pillow fort and settle in for one of these pirate-centric flicks: Goonies, Muppet Treasure Island, Hook or Pirates of the Caribbean. Kick it up a notch by serving these snacks fit for a buccaneer: Pirate’s Booty, Goldfish crackers, chocolate gold coins, Swedish Fish candies, hot dog octopus, Cap’n Crunch cereal, pretzel stick “peg legs” and fruit kabob “swords.”