Mermaids, Bluey, drones and Legos. There’s lots to do in Orlando this summer – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Central Florida theme parks and aquariums are rolling out a series of family-oriented events this summer to draw visitors during peak travel months. These offerings come as operators seek to capitalize on seasonal demand from families with young children, a key revenue driver for the region’s tourism economy. Schedules begin in mid-May and extend through early September, giving parents multiple options for combining visits across nearby venues.
Mermaid Performances Highlight SEALIFE Aquarium Orlando
Performers dressed as mermaids will appear at the SEALIFE Aquarium Orlando on May 16-17 and May 23-25. Each show features underwater routines alongside sea turtles and manta rays, with the performers using compressed-air tubes to remain submerged for extended periods. A meet-and-greet session follows each performance on dry land. The events are included with standard aquarium admission and are designed to appeal directly to preschool-age visitors.
Bluey Experience Opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney World will introduce a Bluey-themed area at Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station beginning May 26. The installation includes character greetings, dance parties and interactive games centered on the popular preschool character. Disney officials have positioned the addition as part of ongoing efforts to refresh family programming at the park. The experience operates during regular park hours and requires no separate ticket.
SeaWorld Orlando Adds Drone Show and New Family Ride
SeaWorld Orlando will launch a synchronized drone display as part of its Electric Ocean nighttime event, running on select dates from June 12 through September 7. Hundreds of drones will form images of sea creatures above the park, accompanied by fireworks, fountain shows, animal presentations and a cirque-style acrobatics performance. The entire Electric Ocean program is included with regular admission. The park is also preparing to open Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice, a family thrill ride themed around an arctic research station, though an exact debut date remains pending.
Legoland Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park Expand Offerings
A short drive from Orlando, Legoland Florida will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience from June 11 to July 19, allowing families to assemble Lego soccer kits, photograph a Lego trophy replica and participate in related games. The park will follow that event with its Lego Festival from July 20 to August 16, featuring build challenges, live shows and new play zones. Nearby, the Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven will run the Pig Family Travel Adventure from May 23 through June 28, complete with a park-wide passport activity, scavenger hunts and character meet-and-greets. These coordinated summer programs illustrate how Central Florida operators are aligning schedules and themes to encourage multi-park visits. Families planning trips can now map out itineraries that combine underwater performances, character encounters and evening spectacles without leaving the region. The initiatives also underscore the continued emphasis on age-appropriate entertainment as a competitive advantage in the local attractions market.
