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, known for theme parks and attractions, also offers a unique and invigorating indoor experience for kids: indoor rock climbing! Orlando indoor rock climbing facilities provide a safe and controlled environment for children to scale vertical walls (insert Spidey senses!) and conquer challenging routes. With a range of climbing options catering to different age groups and skill levels, indoor rock climbing gyms in Central Florida offer an excellent opportunity for kids to develop physical strength, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence.
Florida is known as the Sunshine State, so there’s no surprise that with all that sun, it can get extremely HOT, especially during an Orlando heat wave. Orlando summer temperatures average around 90 degrees, and with humidity factored in, the heat index is easily over 100 degrees! As temperatures rise, luckily there are plenty of cool things to do in Orlando. From splish-splashing water fun to indoor attractions with refreshing air-conditioning, we’ve put together a list of 30 activities to embrace during a blistering Orlando summer.
Orlando is located in the central part of Florida, allowing residents and tourists to experience summer day trips throughout many parts of the state, all within a few hours' drive. We've rounded up our favorite summer day trips from Orlando, all within a drive of three hours or less. From theme parks and zoos to state parks and beaches, these Orlando day trips are all just a hop, skip, and jump away. Bonus: Check out these cool car games to occupy the kids during the car ride, and these road trip essentials to stay organized and comfortable!
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, FL is a fantastic, FREE outdoor attraction that caters to both young and old! My family recently visited this hidden gem, dubbed "Central Florida's Central Park," and it provided the perfect setting for a fun family day trip from Orlando. With a range of activities and attractions, Bonnet Springs Park offers an immersive experience that combines natural beauty, educational opportunities, and endless fun for kids of all ages. Gather the family and make memories at this enchanting destination!
Daytona Beach is an exciting Florida vacation destination where kids will have a blast! Daytona Beach, Florida is a vibrant, coastal city with a ton of kid-friendly activities. From thrilling adventures to educational experiences, Daytona Beach is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities.
Whether your little ones are beach enthusiasts, animal lovers, or aspiring race car drivers, this Florida beach near Orlando has something to spark their imaginations and create unforgettable memories. And as a Florida native myself, I have great memories of Daytona Beach summer vacations with my family!
We recently visited Aquatica, SeaWorld’s awesome water park, for the ultimate summer outing to beat the Florida heat! This was my first Aquatica visit with all three of my kids (ages 5, 9, and 12), and we had a blast! There is truly something for every age to enjoy at this tropical oasis. Not only is Aquatica Orlando home to many fun water slides and pool areas, guests can also get a glimpse of sea life as well, making Aquatica a truly unique Orlando vacation.
Orlando zoos and aquariums create the best childhood memories, especially gazing at wild animals that kids wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to see. Central Florida is home to many zoos, aquariums, and attractions that offer opportunities to get up close and personal with native and exotic animals, reptiles, and more. Here are the top places to see animals in Central Florida, beyond the theme parks.
Want to enjoy wildlife from the comfort of your own car? Check out these exciting Orlando wildlife drives!
While most people flock to Orlando for its theme parks and attractions, there are many hidden gems and secret spots in Orlando that most vacationers (and even some locals) do not know about. If you want to get off the beaten path and explore some secret Orlando spots, this guide is for you! Many of these secret spots offer visitors a glimpse of real Florida, while others are fun, quirky attractions without huge crowds. Read on for our list of 25 secret Orlando spots around Central Florida that your kids are sure to enjoy!
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