Most events along the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor are wonderful for people of all ages. Here is a list of some of the featured events best suited to children. For more information on kid-friendly planning, see the Kid-Friendly Tour Suggestions. Seldom is an event inappropriate for children in some way on this byway, so just check into other events to see if they are appropriate to bring your kids.
The Historic Sanford Welcome Center invites you to the Sanford Art Walk, a juried art show in the Historic Sanford Welcome Center (230 East First Street, Sanford, FL 32771), and a walking tour of the art venues located in historic downtown Sanford. The event takes place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on the third Saturday of each month. The event at the Welcome Center will include live music and lots of ART!
Enjoy springtime at this outdoor art festival where hundreds of award winning artists gather. There are also fine crafts for sale, an antique car show, food and live entertainment.
DeLand Outdoor Art Festival
Earl Brown Park, DeLand
Family-friendly festival with hands-on demonstrations, off-site field trips, children’s activities, wildflower and gardening vendors and entertainment.
Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival
Downtown, DeLand
The DeLand Historic Mural Walk presents a history of the community when viewed in chronological order. Each of the 12 murals tells a story, vividly portraying the arrival of Henry DeLand, the great St. Johns River, steamboats,statesmen, wildlife, first hotels, the Spanish sugar mill, the DeLand Naval Air Station, the citrus industry, the traditional African-American settlement (Red City), and more moments, places and characters from the community’s past. Featuring the work of six artists, the murals act as illustrated pages of a history book with cleverly placed hidden elements to discover.
Expect an entire day of family fun entertainment! Presented by the Volusia County Cattlemen’s Association, this rodeo has been around for 61 years and features bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, sack sled races and greased pig races for the kids. Admission includes a homemade BBQ dinner.
Cracker Day Rodeo
Volusia County Fairgrounds, DeLand
More than 180 professional musicians performing folk, Celtic, bluegrass, blues, country and more. There’s a jam tent, pioneer demonstrations, a Contra/barn dance, children’s activities, arts and crafts and food. Bring your instruments and join in!
Selected fine-artists demonstrate the creative process at arts-education venues located throughout the festival. Music, food and drink along festival route.
St. Johns River Festival of the Arts
First Street, Park Ave, Palmetto Ave., 2nd Street, Sanford
A two day event with a Pirate Pub Invasion and a Street Party. The pirates invade the bars of downtown Sanford. Live music, beverages, and more shenanigans than a wee-hearted scallywag can take.
Pirate Festival
Downtown Sanford
Featuring more than 100 crafters, live musical entertainment, hands-on demonstrations, cool kids’ play area and great food. Downtown DeLand
Voted ‘Best Florida Outdoor Fine Arts Festival’ by Florida Living Magazine, it’s a great way to start the holiday shopping season. This is a juried show featuring over 200 national and international artists of various mediums so you will find the best of the best. Enjoy live entertainment, exceptional food, and hands-on art workshops for children.
Fall Festival of the Arts
Downtown DeLand
Pints N Paws is a pet friendly, craft beer festival held in downtown Sanford. Bring your pet to this fun event – all proceeds go to animal charity.
Known for their friendly nature and intelligence, manatees are fascinating to watch as they frolic in the warm spring waters. You’ll enjoy an arts & crafts show, live music and dancing, children’s area, exotic animals, K-9 show, environmental displays and festival food.
Florida history and folk culture come alive through more than 100 historical demonstrators, re-enactors, artisans and trades people. Continuous performances by 150 Florida musicians, historical exhibits, storytelling, hands-on children’s activities, and Florida Cracker style food transport you back in time.
Fall Country Jamboree
Pioneer Settlement, Barberville
Voted one of the best county fairs in Florida, it has all the staple ingredients, hair-raising rides, tricky carnival games, yummy fair food, traditional livestock shows, and a variety of entertainment.
Volusia County Fair
Volusia County Fairgrounds, DeLand
The 156-mile River of Lakes Heritage Corridor is a Scenic Highway which unfolds along the magnificent and historical St. John’s River in Central Florida.
© 2014-2025 River of Lakes Heritage Corridor.
