It might not feel like fall just yet (thanks, lingering heatwaves), but the season of pumpkin spice lattes (iced, of course... this is Florida) is officially here! Fall in Orlando brings a welcome break from the heat, and with it comes a lineup of seasonal events that make the most of gentle temperatures and festive vibes. From epic fall festivals to family-friendly happenings, Orlando knows how to celebrate every season in style!

We’ve gathered our favorite fall things to do in Orlando, perfect for families of all shapes and sizes. Find Central Florida fall festivals and more Orlando fall activities in our Orlando Fall Guide.

As school starts up again across the country, tweens and teens are beginning the arduous adventure that is middle school. And thanks to pretty much all of pop culture—and many adults who have gone through the middle school years and lived to tell the tale—kids go into middle school fearing the worst. You know—classmates are terrible. School is terrible. Everything is terrible.

We're here to assure you—and your anxious middle schooler—that middle school can, in fact, be the best. Many teachers say middle school kids are their favorite age to teach. That's because they're learning to think critically, joke cleverly, and care deeply. They're growing, learning, and finding their spark. In other words, middle schoolers are becoming themselves.

Read on for middle school tips for parents that will help you encourage, inspire, and celebrate your kids. You'll learn how to make middle school better for your children so they'll become happy and thriving in middle school.

Our 2025-2026 Back-to-School Guide has even more advice on how to make this the best school year yet, including our list of the best school supplies (from a veteran teacher).