Autumn brings family-friendly Oktoberfest celebrations to Orlando.
Family-Friendly Fun for Oktoberfest in Orlando
The Oakland Nature Preserve's Glow Trail will be lined with Jack-o-lanterns, creating a beautiful nighttime hike. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
Top Free Halloween Events in Orlando
Pig on the Pond is an annual community event featuring carnival rides, kids zone, BBQ competition, and more. Photo courtesy of the event
35 Best Things to Do in Orlando October 2024 with Kids
Experience the best of global flavors at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, running through the end of November. Photo courtesy Disney
Best Harvest Fairs & Pumpkin Festivals in Orlando for Fall Family Fun
Find spooky Halloween fun around Orlando with our guide
GUIDE
Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Orlando Kids
Get ready to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, right after Hispanic Heritage Month. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
10 Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 Activities to Celebrate with Kids
Tour the Florida Everglades aboard the coolest mode of transportation--airboat! Kids will LOVE getting close to nature on a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures tour. Photo courtesy Visit Orlando
18 Cool Ways to Tour Orlando with Kids
Things will get spooky upon the development of a land dedicated to the dastardly deeds of Disney villains at Walt Disney World.
D23 Releases Exciting News about Walt Disney World & More
Race aboard Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge located within Super Mario Land at the upcoming Universal Epic Universe.
Epic Universe and More Exciting Attractions Coming to Universal Orlando
Kidmoto car service addresses the all-too-common challenge of getting families with young kids to the airport safely.
Kidmoto’s Airport Car Service Offers Safety & Comfort with Up To Five Car Seats
Gideon's Handmade Cookies, at East End Market, are MASSIVE, like this drool-worthy pistachio toffee chocolate chip cookie. Photo courtesy Gideon's & East End Market
Best Food Halls in Orlando for Kids and Families
Stay cool and dry this summer while battling dinosaurs at an Orlando arcade! Photo by author
Best Arcades in Orlando for Kids & Teens
Toddlers and young kids can let loose with their prehistoric friends at Dinosaur World's cute playground. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
30 Fun Things to Do with Orlando Toddlers and Preschoolers in Summer
You can take three different Monorail tracks at Walt Disney World, absolutely FREE. Photo courtesy of Disney
50 Awesome Free Things to Do in Orlando This Summer With Kids
The Festival of the Lion King is an entertaining (and dry) place to wait out a rainy afternoon at Disney World. Photo by Ryan Wendler/Disney World
10 Ways to Survive Orlando Theme Parks When It Rains
Obstacle courses are part of the water play at Island H2O Water Park.
Best Outdoor Water Parks in Orlando for Family Fun
Teens and tweens love the wet and wild fun at Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon. Photo by author
Best Things to Do at Walt Disney World with Teens and Tweens
Enjoy the self-guided trail where you can
Secrets of Discovering Moana's Journey of Water, Now Open at EPCOT!
Swim at the freshwater Juniper Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake
Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando
Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach is home to more than 900 animals, including giraffes, lions, and zebras. Photo courtesy of the park
10 Drive-Thru Safaris and Wildlife Drives near Orlando
Swim and paddle with adorable manatees during your stay at the aptly-named Manatee Cove Apartment. Photo courtesy of VRBO
17 Best Family-Friendly Hotels and Camping near Florida's Natural Springs
Spend a relaxing day tubing the pristine waters of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Photo by Jackie Jones
Secrets to Ichetucknee Springs State Park with Kids
Celebrate your child's birthday party at Gatorland. Photo courtesy of Gatorland
21 Top Orlando Birthday Party Venues for Kids to Celebrate
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.
100 Free Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
The beaches of St. Augustine are fun, free ways to spend a weekend trip from Orlando. Photo by Mancy Carter
Best Budget Weekend Trips for Orlando Families
Splash and play all day long at the Peppa Pig Theme Park!
A Guide to Peppa Pig Theme Park: Little Piggies Love this Legoland Attraction
The secluded St. Augustine Beach is a perfect respite from daily life. Photo Photo by Mancy Carter
St. Augustine with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida
Create magical moments at Hollywood Studios, including those with Florida's only snowman, Olaf!
Secret Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Babies and Toddlers
Anclote Key, made up of four islands off the Gulf Coast's Tarpon Springs, is a popular gathering place for boaters. Photo courtesy Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Best Sandbars Near Orlando and Central Florida for Families Interested in Adventure
Orlando toddlers and preschoolers will have a wonderful time at Peppa Pig Theme Park.
35 Things To Do with Preschoolers and Toddlers in Orlando Before They Turn 5
SeaWorld Orlando theme park, zoo and aquarium offers exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters. Photo by the author
100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Before They Grow Up (Other than Theme Parks)
Explore the incredible Florida Children's Museum at Bonnet Springs Park.
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida Is Free Outdoor Fun
The Yardery is a fun Orlando restaurant for both kids and adults...and even dogs!
Best Orlando Restaurants with Play Spaces for Kids
Splash around in the water feature at Bok Tower's Hammock Hollow Children's Garden. Photo courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens
25 Secret Orlando Spots Kids Will Love
Get close and personal with the friendly dolphins of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Photo courtesy of aquarium
Best Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Encounters in Orlando and Central Florida
See a replica of the moon landing with this Moonscape.
Florida's Kennedy Space Center: A Kid-Friendly Visitors Guide
Check out our list of the best Orlando parks to host birthday parties!
Top Orlando Parks for Kids' Birthday Parties
Spend a few hours exploring Orlando with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. Photo courtesy of the company
3 Days in Orlando with Kids (Minus the Theme Parks): Itinerary From a Local Mom
Adventures await you and your little piggies at Rebecca Rabbit's Playground at Peppa Pig Theme Park. Photo courtesy of Legoland
30 Things To Do with Orlando Babies Before They Turn One
Currently Brevard Zoo's annual Halloween event is scheduled to occur, but check social media updates for potential closures. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Indoor Fun, Gold Over America Tour, and More Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids

14 Best Preschools Near Orlando for Curious Kids

Growing Together Academy focuses on personal character development, as well as academic excellence. Photo courtesy of the Academy
Growing Together Academy focuses on personal character development, as well as academic excellence. Photo courtesy of the Academy
9/11/22 - By Charlotte B

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.

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Creative World School at UCF/Orlando focuses on iSTEAM learning opportunities.
Creative World School at UCF/Orlando focuses on iSTEAM learning opportunities.

Best Preschools in Orlando: Orange County

Cranium Academy

East Orlando & Winter Garden
Cranium Academy is a private preschool and elementary school offering an interactive curriculum designed to maximize each student's learning potential. The school boasts large, modern classrooms as well as an indoor gym, outdoor playgrounds, and bounce houses, designed to balance academics with imaginative social and play experiences. READ MORE

Creative World School at UCF/Orlando

Orlando/UCF
Creative World is dedicated to the education and development of young children. Families who have visited a UCF-Orlando Florida preschool, childcare, or daycare center will immediately see the difference when they visit the new Creative World School. While this school location is in development, it will hold information sessions to share its unique and fun approach to learning with an age-appropriate curriculum. Please visit the website and enter your name into the request form to get more information. If you are looking for a quality learning experience staffed with... READ MORE

Growing Together Academy

Orlando
Growing Together Academy is a family-owned preschool and private school, offering programs from preschool through 9th grade. The school focuses on engaging students through a high quality, Christ-centered education that equips and challenges them to reach their unique potential spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. School subjects are taught from a Christian perspective and times are set aside for Bible instruction and chapel. Scholarships are available through Step Up for Students. READ MORE

Journey Early Learning Center

Orlando
Part of Center Pointe Community Church, Journey Early Learning Center offers programs for kids ages 2-4 years old. VPK is available for eligible 4 year olds. The school provides a Christ-centered education for preschoolers with a focus on the whole child, including mind, body, and soul.   READ MORE

Parke House Academy

Winter Park
Founded in 1996, Parke House Academy provides an accelerated educational program for 1 year old through 5th grade students. The dynamic curriculum is designed to empower each student to reach his or her highest social and academic potential in a nurturing and challenging environment. 3-day and 5-day preschool programs are available. All students participate in the study of Spanish language. READ MORE
Kids learn at Primrose School Lake Mary through playful exploration. Photo courtesy of the school
Kids learn at Primrose School Lake Mary through playful exploration. Photo courtesy of the school

Best Preschools in Orlando: Seminole County

The Glen Academy

Casselberry
The Glen Academy provides childcare, preschool, and after-school programs. The school uses a STEAM based curriculum developed to provide students with a foundational education to help them grow to their full potential. The school also utilizes Differentiated Learning, in which teachers are trained to identify a variety of ways through which children understand new information. READ MORE

Heathrow Christian Academy

Lake Mary
Heathrow Christian Academy at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church provides Christian-based education for kids age 2 through kindergarten. The school utilizes Creative Curriculum, which guides teachers in fostering positive responses to Erik Erikson's stages of socio-emotional development. READ MORE

Primrose School of Lake Mary Heathrow

Sanford
Primrose School of Lake Mary Heathrow offers care and education for babies as young as 6 weeks, toddlers, preschoolers and Kindergarteners. A balanced learning preschool curriculum is offered, reinforcing new information through multi-sensory learning experiences that encourage discovery through playful exploration, teacher-guided investigations, questioning, direct instruction and discussion. READ MORE

Wekiva Children's Academy

Altamonte Springs
This highly rated school in Altamonte Springs offers childcare and play-based education for infants (as young as 6 weeks), toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age kids up to 12 years old. Activities include gardening, art, reading, biking, free play, and group lessons. READ MORE

Young Innovators Academy

Oviedo
Offering childcare, preschool, and after school programs, Young Innovators Academy provides children with a transformative education that infuses the mindsets, skills and content knowledge children need to become innovators. The school offers a tech centric approach with individualized learning experiences made possible by small class sizes and a low student-teacher ratio. READ MORE
Kids World Learning Academy uses an innovative sensory/STEAM curriculum to engage young minds. Photo courtesy of the academy
Kids World Learning Academy uses an innovative sensory/STEAM curriculum to engage young minds. Photo courtesy of the academy

Best Preschools in South Orlando & Osceola County

Kids World Learning Academy

St. Cloud
Kids World Learning Academy provides care and high quality education for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and VPK students. An innovative sensory/STEAM curriculum is used to engage and inspire young minds. Meals and snacks are included and prepared fresh daily.  READ MORE

Kingdom Kids Christian Academy

Kissimmee
Part of The Vine Church, Kingdom Kids offers programs for preschool and K-5th grades. The school provides theme-based weekly curriculum units that include group lessons, hands-on activities, learning centers, and social-play. In addition to the teachers on staff, there are extra assistants available to help students who may need more one-on-one attention.​ READ MORE

My First Academy

Kissimmee and Orlando
With four locations across Central Florida, this early childhood center provides daycare and preschool programs for ages 6 weeks to 5 years. My First Academy believes that children learn best when moving between activites initiated by their own interests and guided by teachers. Kindergarten-readiness is an emphasis in the bilingual preschool curriculum. Parents also have access to livestream videos of their child throughout the day.  READ MORE

Peace UMC Preschool

Hunter's Creek
This preschool in Hunter's Creek offers programs for children ages 2.5 to 4 years. Peace Preschool uses the "Learning Without Tears/Get Set For School" curriculum to teach handwriting, language/literacy and numbers/math readiness. Chapel time is incorporated into the weekly schedule. Half day VPK is available, as well as half day and full day preschool for 3 year olds. READ MORE

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