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
Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!
This weekend is packed with festive fun across Central Florida! Enjoy dazzling Light Up celebrations at Lake Eola, Sanford, Winter Garden, and more. Catch Christmas parades rolling through Winter Park, St. Cloud, Avalon Park, Winter Springs, and don’t miss the sparkling boat parades lighting up the waters of Mount Dora and Leesburg. For a unique holiday moment, watch Santa make a grand entrance by helicopter(!) at Edgewood's Santa Fly-In! And if you're looking for something beyond the holiday spirit, Repticon returns to Orlando on Saturday and Sunday. Scroll down for all the details!
I recently visited Disney Jollywood Nights with my husband, and while we originally planned it as a fun holiday date night (which it absolutely was), I walked away thinking: This event is fantastic for adults and kids (especially those who can stay up late)! Jollywood Nights has a different energy than other Disney holiday events —it feels stylish, relaxed, festive, and full of surprises without the pressure of trying to squeeze in a million things at once. So if you’re wondering whether Disney's Jollywood is worth bringing the kids or saving it for an adult-night out, read on and learn what to expect.
As the calendar inches toward Christmas and the holidays, Central Florida is shining with seasonal celebrations to enjoy with your family this December. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Orlando in December!
The theme parks are in full force for December, with lights and festive holiday decor, which include SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, Holidays at Universal Orlando, and Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays. Christmas parades take place in cities all around Central Florida, including Apopka, St. Cloud, and Winter Park. And don't miss the spectacular ICE! exhibit at Christmas at Gaylord Palms, as well as the enchanting Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Read on for the top events in Orlando and happening around Central Florida this December!
And from all of us at Mommy Poppins, have a happy and healthy holiday season and new year!
Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.
Orlando is bursting with things to do with kids this Thanksgiving weekend, including turkey trots and Christmas and holiday events. Sanford's Turkey Day 5K features a Thanksgiving costume contest in addition to the race; and Oviedo Mall's Turkey Trot has a free kiddie run with the regular 5K. After Thanksgiving, celebrate the holiday season in Eustis, Celebration, and at tourist attraction events like Epcot International Festival of the Holidays and Holidays at Leu Gardens. Looking for something beyond the seasonal holidays? Celebrate Central Florida's diverse cultures at Fusion Fest, complete with a street party, parade, and more!
Take a break from holiday spending with FREE Christmas events in Orlando! The holidays in Orlando are absolutely magical, with nice weather and festive decor all over town, and sometimes no money is needed. From tree lightings and holiday parades to Christmas movies and holiday festivals, get in the spirit with these free Orlando events suitable for all ages. Read on for all the details about these awesome free holiday activities and Christmas events in Orlando!
It's time for the most spectacular residential Christmas lights Orlando has to offer! We’re continually amazed by the creativity and passion homeowners pour into their holiday lights. From mesmerizing, choreographed light shows to impressive walk-through light displays perfect for photos, these Orlando Christmas homes deliver holiday magic like no other. Fun fact: Two of the displays on this list have even been featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight!
Looking for the perfect family vacation in the mountains? My Florida-based family loves Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, home to endless family-friendly attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities. We've visited this beautiful southern vacation spot several times and always find new things to do in Gatlinburg and new kids' activities in Pigeon Forge for all ages to enjoy.
It helps that both of these Tennessee towns are just moments away from two of the area's top attractions: Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood. And with so many family-friendly Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge hotels, plus cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you won’t have trouble finding a great place to stay.
Read on for our extensive list of things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN with kids. Our Southern States Vacation Guide also includes our lists of the best Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg hotels for families and our guide to visiting Dollywood with kids.
Santa’s coming to town (specifically Orlando)! It’s that magical time of year again; time to snap those cherished photos with Santa in Orlando! Orlando kids (and kids at heart) have plenty of opportunities to meet jolly old St. Nick as he makes his annual visit to Central Florida. Keep reading to discover the best spots to take pictures with Santa across the region.
For more fun Christmas events in the area, look no further than our Orlando Holiday Guide!
Pages