Charlotte Blanton
Charlotte Blanton, a Central Florida native and mom of three, holds a business degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). After a career in corporate finance, she pivoted to stay home with her kids and found her passion for writing through Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring local theme parks and discovering fun activities for families in Central Florida.
Latest posts by Charlotte
Orlando kids are back in school, and that means afterschool programs for families with working parents looking for affordable options. We've rounded up several options for cheap, afterschool programs in Orlando, and some are even available at no cost! These afterschool programs in Orlando offer engaging activities such as academic support, sports, STEM, and more, within a fun and safe environment.
Extreme sports and activities for older kids and teens provide action-packed fun and avoid screen time! From go-karts and zip lining to axe throwing and paintball, we've gathered exciting options for every type of thrill-seeker in Orlando.
Check out the best extreme sports and activities for kids in Orlando. And just a helpful tip: Much to the dismay of Croc-wearing kiddos the world over, most of these activities require closed-toe shoes, so be prepared to wear sneakers or bring them along.
Central Florida sandbars are popular gathering places for Florida boating families. These Florida families love sandbars because of shallow and safe waters, offering children an ideal space to play and swim right off the boat! The opportunity to explore, beachcomb, and create amazing memories along a coastal environment further solidifies sandbars as great destinations for family outings.
Sandbars sit along coastlines, near island shorelines, or within river channels. Coastal sandbars are visible above the water's surface during low tide, but usually become submerged during high tide. Read on for our list boat-accessible sandbars around Central Florida, including saltwater sandbars within a 2.5-hour drive from Orlando, as well as sandbars at Orlando's lakes and springs. Don't have a boat? No problem! Enjoy smaller sandbars along Florida's beaches during low tide.
For more water related family fun, check out our Guides to the Best Shark Tooth Beaches in Florida, Top 10 Natural Springs Near Orlando, and Exciting Lakes for Water Activities Near Orlando.
New moms often look for opportunities to get their babies out of the house and around other moms. Mommy and me classes are fantastic ways to spend quality time with babies while meeting other moms and children in Orlando. And these Orlando baby classes aren't just for moms -- dads, grandparents, aunts, nannies, and other caregivers can join in on the fun, too! We’ve rounded up some of the best parent-baby classes in Orlando and central Florida.
Make your child's birthday extra special by treating him or her to a special birthday meal at fun Orlando restaurants! With unique experiences such as creative themes, live entertainment, amazing desserts, and games galore, these 20 Orlando restaurants for birthdays provide memorable celebrations.
Tucked away amid the vibrant landscapes of Puerto Rico, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve offers a serene retreat where "doing nothing means everything" (the resort's motto). This idyllic resort combines luxury, natural beauty, and a commitment to guests' well-being, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a break from their fast-paced lives.
We were recently invited to visit the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, where we enjoyed a fun and rejuvenating stay. Read on to learn all about our experience in this tropical paradise. Then visit our Caribbean Family Travel Guide for more sunny family vacation ideas, including Mexico, Aruba, and many other gorgeous locales.
Check out the ultimate things to do in Orlando with kids — including attractions, fun events, beaches & lakes, museums, famed landmarks, and much more!
There are so many things to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks! While most people who don't live in Orlando only think of it as a theme park mecca, offering memories at Walt Disney World and Universal, locals know better. Florida's mega tourist destination offers a variety of fun things to do in Orlando with kids of all ages
besides the obvious options. Whether you live in
Florida or are just visiting, Orlando is a great destination for families on both short and extended stays.
We’ve rounded up a list of 100 things to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks. From hiking to museums to themed dinners, these fun spots offer a variety of family entertainment and must-do activities for kids in Orlando. Get ready to forego the theme park ticket and experience the real Orlando!
For local events occurring during your Central Florida vacation, visit our Orlando event calendar. Looking for a place to stay? Check out our list of the best Orlando hotels for families.
Hidden among Florida beaches are treasures for beachcombers of all ages: shark teeth! Shark tooth beaches provide the perfect conditions for discovering these ancient fossils of prehistoric marine life. From the shores of the Gulf waters to the Atlantic coastline, these sun-drenched Florida beaches invite treasure hunters on a quest to find prized shark teeth.
Pages