Kids & Teens in The Villages Area: 7 Picks for This Week
November 12-18, 2026
Looking for something for the kids and teens this week? From story times at the Leesburg Public Library and a teen club at Fort McCoy, to a free Lowe's kids workshop, two family fall festivals, teen ceramics at the Appleton Museum, and a parent-and-child basketball clinic, here are seven verified picks for November 12-18, 2026 across Marion, Sumter, and Lake counties, from Lili Whittington.
One quick note before the list: The Villages itself is a 55+ community, so children's and teen programs live in the surrounding towns, including Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Tavares, and Ocala. All of them are an easy golf-cart-free drive from the Villages area, and many families with kids choose all-ages communities nearby, like Middleton by The Villages in Wildwood.
The 7 Picks This Week
Story Time at Leesburg Public Library
Thursday, November 12 at 10:30 AM · Leesburg Public Library, 100 E Main St, Leesburg, FL 34748
Ages: 5 and under · Cost: Free
Songs, rhymes, and a picture-book story time for little ones with a caregiver.
Details & scheduleYALLA! Teen Club at Fort McCoy Library
Saturday, November 14 at 10:00 AM · Fort McCoy Public Library, Marion County, FL
Ages: Middle and high school teens · Cost: Free
The Marion County Library System's teen club: a relaxed hangout with activities, snacks, and fellow teens.
Teen programsLowe's Holiday Kids Workshop (Ocala)
Saturday, November 14, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM · Multiple Lowe's locations in Ocala, FL
Ages: Kids (register in advance) · Cost: Free with registration
A free hands-on holiday build for kids; the series also runs December 12 and January 16.
Workshop detailsOne Life Fellowship Fall Festival (Ocala)
Saturday, November 14, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM · 3740 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
Ages: All ages · Cost: Free
The 5th annual family festival: inflatables, a hay ride, petting zoo, face painting, carnival games, and free food.
Event listingAppleTeens: Wheel Throwing & Hand Building at the Appleton
Saturday, November 14, 2:00-4:00 PM · Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
Ages: 13-17 · Cost: $150 members / $175 non-members (six-week series; clay, glazes, and firing included)
The final session of the fall ceramics series for teens. Registration is through the museum.
Register at the AppletonTiny Explorers at Leesburg Public Library
Monday, November 16 at 10:00 AM · Leesburg Public Library, 100 E Main St, Leesburg, FL 34748
Ages: 5 and under · Cost: Free
A weekly early-learning program for little explorers with a caregiver.
Details & scheduleStart Smart Basketball at Leesburg Recreational Complex
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM (next session Wednesday, November 18) · Leesburg Recreational Complex, Leesburg, FL
Ages: 3-5, parent and child together · Cost: $30 resident / $45 non-resident
A skills clinic that pairs each child with a parent for dribbling, passing, and fun on the court.
Register with Leesburg RecLooking Ahead: Wildwood Kids' Night Out
Already planning next Friday? The City of Wildwood's Kids' Night Out runs Friday, November 20, 5:00-9:00 PM at the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Rd, Wildwood, FL 34785. It is for ages 5-13, costs $10 per child (financial assistance available), and includes crafts, games, and pizza. Registration is through the city's Civic Rec portal.
Wildwood youth programs & registration
Where These Picks Come From
Every pick above was verified this week against the organizer's own calendar or a family-events listing. Confirm before you go, since schedules can change:
- Leesburg Public Library Children's Services
- Marion County Public Library, Teen Programs
- Fun 4 Ocala Kids, Holiday Events
- One Life Fellowship Fall Festival, Fun 4 Ocala Kids
- Appleton Museum of Art, AppleTeens
- Town of Leesburg, Start Smart Basketball
- City of Wildwood, Youth Programs
A Note on Families and Fair Housing
The Villages is a deed-restricted 55+ community, and Lili serves buyers and sellers of all ages across Marion, Sumter, and Lake counties, including all-ages communities like Middleton by The Villages in Wildwood. Every family deserves the same professional, respectful service, and every home here is offered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, in line with the Fair Housing Act.
Moving a family to the Villages area? Reach out to Lili Whittington for honest, local guidance on real estate across Marion, Sumter, and Lake counties, in English or Spanish.
Event details were verified at the time of writing; always confirm dates, times, costs, and registration before you go.
Related Posts
What's Happening This Week in The Villages?
Veterans Day tribute, Mannheim Steamroller, car shows, and free live music, Nov 10-16.
Neighborhood · FamilyMiddleton by The Villages: The All-Ages Community Next Door
Downtown Middleton dining, the Eastport town center, family parks and pools, and nearby golf.
About the Author
Lili Whittington, MBA is a Broker Associate with Soundings LLC in The Villages, FL. With over 20 years of experience and 450+ homes sold, she specializes in luxury homes, retirement relocation, and senior living throughout Marion, Sumter, and Lake counties. She holds designations including CLHMS, SRES, MRP, ABR, SFR, and CIPS.
Enjoy the week with your family, then let's find your home in it
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