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

Mother’s Day Weekend 2025 in Orlando: Brunches and More Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Wed, 05/07/2025 - 9:42am

Enjoy Mamas & Mimosas at Far Reach Ranch this Mother's Day weekend. Photo by the author

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this Mother's Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Mother's Day is here—that's right, it's our special weekend, moms! Several Orlando businesses are celebrating the holiday with fun things to do for Mother's Day in Orlando, including FREE admissions, tasty Mother's Day brunches, and more. Also this weekend, enjoy the Florida Flower Fest at Great Scott Farms, Mayfaire by the Lake in Lakeland, and Mess Fest at Orlando Science Center. Check out the details below about these events and more fun things to do for Mother's Day weekend in Orlando!

Jekyll Island with Kids: Top Things To Do on Jekyll Island, GA

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 05/02/2025 - 11:03am

This Jekyll Island beach is filled with driftwood, hence the name: Driftwood Beach! Photo by the author

Part of Georgia’s "Golden Isles," Jekyll Island offers 10 miles of pristine natural shoreline and a variety of family-oriented activities and attractions, including horseback riding, biking, historic tours, a seasonal water park, and more. Development on the island is limited in order to preserve the ecosystem, so guests can enjoy a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Read on for the best activities, restaurants, and Jekyll Island hotels and campgrounds for families!

28 Best Things to Do in Orlando May 2025 with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sun, 04/27/2025 - 7:01am

Bring your family and friends to the biggest beach party in Orlando at the iHeartRadio Summer Splash at Aquatica. Photo by the author

From Mother's Day to Memorial Day, we'll be finding fun things to do all month long—May the 4th be with you!

Soak up May's beautiful weather at these awesome Orlando events before the heat of summer arrives. This month’s calendar is bursting with fun outdoor festivals and can’t-miss happenings. Enjoy theme park adventures and events at Epcot, SeaWorld Orlando, and LEGOLAND; celebrate spring at Mount Dora's Florida Flower Fest, Ocoee's Centennial Celebration, and the annual Hamlin Hoedown; and catch a performance of Disney’s The Lion King at the Dr. Phillips Center. Satisfy little thrillseekers at Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live in Kissimmee and the Silver Spurs Rodeo at Osceola Heritage Park.

Plan for Mother's Day with our Orlando Mother's Day brunch events and check out budget weekend trips from Orlando for Memorial Day weekend ideas, all courtesy of your pals here at Mommy Poppins!

Best Orlando Playgrounds for Toddlers (Enclosed & Tot Lots!)

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 04/25/2025 - 10:22am

Cannery Park is an all-inclusive park with rubber pad surface, shade coverings, swings, and a soft landing pad at the end of all slides.

There are lots of Orlando toddler playgrounds and Orlando tot lots geared toward youngsters, and we've searched to find the best ones in Central Florida. Most Orlando playgrounds for young children are shaded, which is a lifesaver during Florida summers! These sweet playgrounds make for a great morning or afternoon of fun, especially when parents can relax and socialize with each other knowing these outdoor spaces are great for wobbly little ones. Read on for our favorite toddler playgrounds!

Great Mother's Day Brunches in Miami and South Florida

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sun, 04/20/2025 - 6:00am

Celebrate mom on her special day with brunch at a South Florida restaurant. Photo courtesy of Bigstock

There is no better way to celebrate mom on Mother's Day than with a delicious brunch at one of South Florida's top restaurants. From seaside dining to indulgent buffets, there is a perfect setting for every mom to make the day extra special. We’ve gathered some of our favorite South Florida spots offering Mother’s Day brunches, each one worthy of the amazing woman (or women) you’re honoring.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11, and here is your chance to make it a special day for mom. For more dining ideas, check out our rundown of restaurants where kids can eat free or places where kids can play while parents eat.

And don't forget to check out our guide to spring activities in Miami and South Florida for even more great seasonal fun.

School Calendars 2025-2026: Start and End Dates for Orlando School Districts

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 04/18/2025 - 10:18am

Be prepared this school year by accessing the 2025-26 academic calendars for Orlando school districts.

Orlando schools are almost out for summer, but the calendar is already set for the new school year. Below are the current school start and end dates for counties across Central Florida. Orange County Public Schools and many more Orlando school districts start back Monday, August 11, 2025. Read below to get the details on start and end dates, as well as dates about winter break, spring break, and more Orlando school calendar details. In addition, the Orlando school links below will help you start planning for family vacations!

Easter Weekend 2025 in Orlando: Easter Egg Hunts, Earth Day, and More Top Things To Do

Submitted by Charlotte B on Wed, 04/16/2025 - 10:35am

Let the Easter egg hunt begin at the City of Ocoee Easter Eggstravaganza! Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando for Easter weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

It's Easter weekend, and there is no shortage of Easter egg hunts in Orlando! Catch Easter eggs falling from the sky at Egg Ocoee Helicopter Egg Drop, and find plenty more colorful treasures at Easter egg hunts happening all around town. For those looking for non-holiday events, enjoy Night of Destruction at Orlando Speed World or head to Lake Eola for Central Florida Earth Day. There's also still time to fill up on cute and tasty Easter Brunches in Orlando before the Easter bunny's big visit on Sunday!

Best Florida Keys Hotels and Resorts for Families

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sat, 04/12/2025 - 12:57pm

Relax by the pool at Margaritaville Beach House.

The Florida Keys and Key West region of Florida are the perfect family vacation spot to get that tropical-island feel without leaving the US. The islands of the Florida Keys are known for their relaxed vibe, watercolor sunsets, and endless family-friendly water activities. Florida Keys hotels and resorts don't skimp on all that island charm, either.

We've put together a list of 20 Florida Keys hotels and resorts that we think are just right for families in the Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and the Lower Keys/Key West. Each offers an array of amenities, including luxurious swimming pools, water sports, parasailing, bike rentals, and much more. Some of these resorts have private beaches, and one even offers dolphin encounters in its own private lagoon.

Be sure to read our list of the top 30 things to do in the Florida Keys with Kids to help plan your getaway. And, our Florida Family Vacation Guide has even more fun places to visit all over the Sunshine State.

Charlotte Blanton

Latest posts by Charlotte

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