Orlando, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Orlando families can enjoy several ‘Parents Night Out’ and ‘Kids Night Out’ programs, offering supervised childcare for evening activities. Options include hotel-based care at Camp Dolphin, creative film-making sessions in Winter Garden, monthly kids nights in Winter Park, and special events at the Central Florida Zoo. These programs vary in costs and age ranges, providing parents the flexibility for date nights or errands while ensuring their children are engaged in fun activities.
Orlando — Parents across the Orlando area have access to a wide range of Parents Night Out and Kids Night Out programs that provide supervised childcare during evenings, allowing adults time for date nights, errands, or quiet time. Options include hotel-based care with advance booking, community-run programs with low fees, zoo sleepover-style events, and regularly scheduled drop-off nights at local gyms and community centers.
Key programs and immediate details
The most immediate and bookable option for many families is Camp Dolphin at the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel, which serves children aged 5–12. Reservations for Camp Dolphin can be made up to 180 days in advance, though walk-ins are accepted when space permits. Some restaurants near Camp Dolphin (including Amare, Todd English’s bluezoo, and Il Mulino) offer a childcare reimbursement policy where parents pay an upfront charge of roughly $73 that is later reimbursed when a qualifying restaurant receipt is presented.
Other widely available options include a creative film-making session in Winter Garden for children ages 7–13 that runs from 5:15 PM to 9:15 PM and costs $55 with pizza included; a monthly kids night in Winter Park on the second Friday for grades K–5 priced at $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents with food provided; and special night visits at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford for ages 5–12, priced at $30 for annual passholders and $35 for non-passholders, which require advance reservations.
Additional common offerings
Other regular and recurring programs across the area include:
- My Gym locations: Parents Night Out events for children ages 3–12 featuring structured activities and snacks.
- Longwood: Monthly Parents Night Out with two schedules — 6:30–11:00 PM for ages 5–12 and 6:30–9:00 PM for ages 3–4 — costing $25 for members and $30 for non-members; pizza is included.
- Oviedo: Family-oriented evening programs with barn chores and nature walks, a regular session from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM priced at $40 for the first child and $25 for siblings; optional dinner donation may be requested.
- Clermont: A weekly bouncy Parents Night Out every Friday from 7:00 PM–10:00 PM for ages 6–15, costing $23 and including pizza and drinks.
- The Plaster Cottage in Clermont: Monthly kids night with painting activities, once a month from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM for $15.
Family-friendly alternatives and community events
For families who prefer to include children in evening activities, the area offers multiple family-friendly events and venues. Monthly art and music nights in Casselberry feature food, live music, and art vendors. The Mennello Museum provides free family admission on the second Sunday of the month with projects and tours targeted to families. The Orlando Family Stage hosts productions with sensory-friendly options for children. Outdoor options include Wekiva Island for canoeing and riverside recreation. À La Cart Orlando presents rotating food trucks and free movie nights, while Pointe Orlando offers a mix of dining and indoor entertainment suited to both date nights and family outings.
Practical notes for parents
Advance planning is recommended for most programs. Some popular options require reservations well ahead (Camp Dolphin accepts bookings up to 180 days out), while others accept walk-ins based on availability. Costs vary widely by provider, and discounts or different pricing apply for members or passholders in several locations. Parents should confirm age ranges, check-in and pickup windows, included food or snack policies, and whether the program requires an upfront fee or offers reimbursements tied to restaurant receipts. For zoo and special-visit events, advance registration is commonly required.
Context and community role
These programs serve multiple roles in the community: they provide supervised social and recreational outlets for children, create affordable short-term childcare options for local families, and offer casual opportunities for caregivers to take short breaks or participate in adult-only activities. Municipal recreation departments, private businesses, museums, and nonprofit organizations all participate, creating a broad menu of options that vary by cost, activity type, and frequency.
Upcoming timing and special occasions
Seasonal and holiday-focused offerings, including Mother’s Day events such as brunches, workshops, and special programs, are also scheduled by different providers during peak periods to accommodate family bonding and celebration needs. Availability and program details typically change seasonally, so families should check specific provider calendars for the dates that match their schedules.
FAQ
How do I reserve a spot for Camp Dolphin?
Camp Dolphin accepts reservations up to 180 days in advance. Walk-ins may be accepted depending on availability, but advance booking is recommended to guarantee space.
Are childcare fees reimbursed at nearby restaurants?
Selected restaurants (for example, Amare, Todd English’s bluezoo, and Il Mulino) may offer a childcare reimbursement policy. An upfront childcare charge of approximately $73 is sometimes required and can be reimbursed with a qualifying restaurant receipt; confirm the restaurant’s current policy before booking childcare.
Which programs require advance reservations?
Programs such as Camp Dolphin and Central Florida Zoo night visits require or strongly recommend advance reservations. Community centers and gym-based programs often benefit from advance registration to secure spots.
What are typical age ranges and costs?
Age ranges vary by program: many serve preschool to preteen ages (roughly 3–12), while some programs focus on older children (6–15 or 7–13). Costs range from low-cost community options (single-digit resident fees) to mid-range programs ($15–$55) and special events priced per attendee.
Quick reference chart of key program features
| Program | Age Range | Typical Time | Cost | Reservation Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Dolphin (Walt Disney World Dolphin) | 5–12 | Evening sessions; varies | Varies; childcare fee approx. $73 reimbursable with qualifying receipt | Can book up to 180 days; walk-ins if space available |
| Winter Garden Kids Night (Make a Movie) | 7–13 | 5:15 PM–9:15 PM | $55 (pizza included) | Advance registration recommended |
| Winter Park Monthly Program | Grades K–5 | Second Friday of each month | $8 residents / $10 non-residents | Typically pre-register |
| Central Florida Zoo Night Visits | 5–12 | Evening events; dates vary | $30 passholders / $35 non-passholders | Advance reservations required |
| My Gym Parents Night Out | 3–12 | Evening sessions | Varies by location | Registration recommended |
| Longwood Monthly Parents Night Out | 3–12 | 6:30–9:00 PM (3–4) / 6:30–11:00 PM (5–12) | $25 members / $30 non-members | Pre-registration advised |
| Clermont Bouncy Night | 6–15 | Fridays 7:00 PM–10:00 PM | $23 (pizza & drinks included) | Walk-in or register depending on venue |
| Plaster Cottage Kids Night | Children (varies) | Monthly 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | $15 | Monthly sign-up |
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Date Night Guide: Parents Night Out
- USA Today: Thomas Lee Gudinas Execution
- E! Online: Miranda Kerr Supports Katy Perry
- Wikipedia: Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
