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
Giving your little one a head start at a quality preschool can build a solid foundation in social and pre-academic skills, readying them for kindergarten and beyond. In the state of Florida, all children 4 years of age (as of September 1) are eligible for VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten), a state-funded program that is FREE for families. Most preschools in Orlando offer VPK for eligible 4-year-olds. Plus, several Orlando preschools offer programs for 2- and 3-year-olds as well. Finding the right fit of preschool can seem daunting, so we've asked local families and rounded up a list of the best preschools around Central Florida.
Touring preschools? Here are the top questions you need to ask during your tour. If you would like articles like this delivered right to your inbox, subscribe to our email list.
One question commonly asked by families visiting Florida is, "Where can we go to see alligators?" Look no further than Gatorland Orlando, known as the Alligator Capital of the World. Even as a Florida native, I am still fascinated by our amazing state reptile and love spotting them every chance I get. Gatorland has been a staple in the Central Florida community since 1949. It is one of my family’s favorite places to visit since it includes activities for all ages, from my picky preteen to my curious preschooler! Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Gatorland with kids.
To see more native and exotic wildlife, check out our roundup of the Top Orlando Zoos and More Places to See Animals. Planning an Orlando vacation? Use our Orlando Visitor’s Guide to help plan your trip!
A visit to Orlando is not complete without a trip to WonderWorks, part of the International Drive entertainment district. When traveling along I-Drive, you can’t miss the iconic upside-down building that houses WonderWorks, an indoor attraction with three floors of "edu-tainment" (part science center, part amusement park)! Experience hurricane-force winds, lie on a bed of nails, brave an astronaut training challenge, and over 100 more hands-on exhibits and displays. Read below for all you need to know to visit WonderWorks with kids!
For over 65 years, the Orlando Science Center has been a key family attraction for both locals and tourists alike. The Orlando Science Center (OSC) offers four levels of hands-on exhibits, theaters, workshops, and experiences designed to make learning fun. OSC is one of my children's favorite things to do in Orlando (we're long-time passholders). Read on for our breakdown of all the fun exhibits, activities, and top tips for visiting this award-winning Orlando attraction.
Mount Dora, Florida is a charming lakeside town just 30 minutes northwest of Orlando. While much of the town is geared toward an older audience, there are plenty of things to do for kids and families as well. With historic buildings and gorgeous lake views, the walkable downtown area is what attracts most visitors to Mount Dora. There are also lots of outdoor activities to enjoy around town.
Read on for the top 25 things to do in Mount Dora with kids, including attractions, museums, free activities, and our favorite Mount Dora restaurants. As a local Mount Dora mom, I'm excited to share them with you. After visiting, you will truly see why Mount Dora is nicknamed “Someplace Special!”
For more family fun around the Sunshine State, check out our Florida Family Travel Guide.
Spanning 875 square miles, Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida and is jam-packed with fun things to do for families, from historical sites and museums to animal encounters and pristine beaches. Known as Florida’s First Coast, Jacksonville boasts 1,100 miles of shoreline, more than any other city in Florida. It also makes a great day trip from Orlando. And with tropical summers and mild winters, there’s never a bad time to visit Jacksonville, Florida
Read on for our list of the 45 best things to do in Jacksonville, Florida with kids, including top attractions, Jacksonville beach activities, free fun, kid-friendly Jacksonville restaurants and hotels, and more. For more Florida family vacation ideas, visit our Florida Family Travel Guide.
Want the nostalgia of taking your family to a drive-in movie? Drive-in movie theaters allow for an affordable and fun family night out. We've highlighted the three nearest drive-in movie theaters in Central Florida , so you can load up the car with the kiddos, some blankets, and snacks (if permitted at the drive-in movie), and enjoy an outdoor movie night from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Summer camp time is almost here, and Orlando is a city rich with talent in the arts, whether it's theater, music, and visual arts. Because of this creativity, there are wonderful summer day camps for kids interested in the arts. Below you will find performing arts camps, music camps, and more art camps where kids can hone their craft this summer. Summer art camps are great ways to perfect existing talents and expose kids to new styles and methods of art.
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