Charlotte B

Latest posts by Charlotte B

7 Corn Mazes near Orlando for Fall Fun with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 09/11/2020 - 11:16am

Fall is quickly approaching, even if our Florida temperatures suggest otherwise! It's the time of year when kids start thinking about apple cider, hayrides, and of course, corn mazes. Several Central Florida family farms have created spectacular corn mazes for children and parents to puzzle out together. Add in hayrides, barrel trains, zip lines, pony rides, play areas, and pumpkin patches, and an outing to a corn maze becomes a perfect fall family day trip around Orlando.

For more socially distant ways to play, consider visiting a local playground, and if you're already in a Halloween mood, check out one of Orlando's new drive-thru haunted houses. If you sign up for Mommy Poppins free Orlando newsletter, you'll receive tips straight to your inbox about local events, including more seasonal events coming soon.

New Halloween Drive-Thru Options Coming to Orlando

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 08/28/2020 - 12:32pm

Is Halloween saved? Even as Disney, Universal, and others cancel Halloween events due to coronavirus concerns, new spooky—and contactless—Orlando Halloween fun is popping up for 2020. Two new Halloween drive-thrus are opening near Orlando in late September, and we've got all the details.

This new type of socially-distanced haunting fun might just help to keep the Halloween spirit alive for Central Floridians. Dare to drive into a world of twisted fairy tales at the Haunted Road Drive-thru in Orlando, while the new Scream n' Stream in Kissimmee offers a younger kid drive-thru trick-or-treat trail or a chilling immersive horror movie experience in a haunted house for the teens and up. Read on for more details on the new Halloween attractions coming to the Orlando area.

Six Kid-Friendly Boat Trips in the Orlando Area

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 08/21/2020 - 12:00pm

Orlando and Central Florida have an abundance of waterways for kids to explore, and boating on these waterways is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors at a safe and social distance.

There are many lakes in the Orlando area connected by canals that form lake chains, making for a beautiful day on the water and a great chance to view native Florida wildlife. Whether you want to take the kids fishing, water skiing, or anchor the boat and swim, we've got you covered with some of the best boating areas around Orlando.

10 Drive-Thru Safaris and Wildlife Tours Near Orlando

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 07/17/2020 - 12:31pm

Even with Florida attractions reopening, many families are understandably hesitant to step out and about around large groups of people. One safe way to get out of the house in summer 2020—while still maintaining social distancing—is by visiting one of the many local drive-thru safaris or wildlife drives nearby.

We've rounded up 10 places around Central Florida where you can see natural wildlife and even exotic animals from the comfort of your own vehicle. So, pack some snacks, load up the kids and stake out on one of these drive-thru safaris.

Be sure to also check out our Florida Family Travel Guide for more ideas for summer fun around the state.

Inflatable Water Parks Around Orlando to Cool Off

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 07/10/2020 - 11:02am

Orlando is a prime location for a number of water parks, but they can easily get overcrowded. Fortunately, hot and humid Orlando has no shortage of water activities, including some brand-new water entertainment centers. A number of inflatable water parks have popped up in the area in the last few years, and we've got all the details below.

These aqua parks make for a great day of summer fun with school-age kids, as well as tweens and teens. Of course, it's always harder to entertain, or even hang with, your teens, so we're usually willing to try any option—even if we seem a bit crazy out there on the ninja warrior course.

Looking for more swimming and splashing spots for the kids near Orlando? Check out our guides to local splash pads, natural spring swimming holes, and nearby Florida beaches.

Best Splash Pads, Sprinkler Parks, and Spraygrounds for Water Play around Orlando

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 07/03/2020 - 4:09am

As temperatures rise, Central Florida has multiple splash pads for kids to cool down while burning some energy. We’ve listed some of our favorite sprinkler parks around Orlando, and several are adjacent to some of the best playgrounds in the area. These spraygrounds and splash parks make for a cheap - or even free - day of entertainment, especially for little ones. Grab your swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen and enjoy some cool fun on these hot summer days!

Due to COVID-19, some of the splash pads are currently closed as noted below. Many are open for the 2020 season under CDC social distancing guidelines; if no restrictions are noted, then that splash pad is open as of our publish date. Since situations with COVID-19 are rapidly changing, be sure to call or click through to each splash pad's website for the most updated information.

Florida Reopening: Theme Parks, Beaches, and Water Parks Open Now

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sat, 06/20/2020 - 1:00pm

The Sunshine State has reopened for locals and tourists ready to venture out for some summer fun in the sun. The Florida reopening is well underway, and we've got the scoop on what's open in Florida right now, as well as top attractions opening soon.

Keep in mind that the coronavirus pandemic is an ever-evolving situation. A slew of new mask-wearing orders went into effect in Florida over the past few days as the state's positive cases shot up. Tourist hot spots like Orange County (Orlando), the city of Tampa, and the Florida Keys are mandating face coverings indoors to stop the spread.

The comprehensive list of family-friendly attractions in the Florida reopening includes everything from our favorite Florida beaches to the big-name theme parks, Orlando hotels, water parks, and more. If your summer travel plans take you to a different region, check out our list of family-friendly resorts reopening for summer 2020 travel.

Best Florida Beaches near Orlando for a Trip with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 06/19/2020 - 1:06pm

Take a break from the Orlando theme parks with a quick getaway to one of the many Florida beaches near Orlando. Whether you want to take in the sunrise and coastal breeze on the Atlantic side or enjoy the calm waters and picturesque sunsets on the Gulf side, Orlando is centrally located, making it an easy drive to either coast.

We rounded up our favorite Florida beaches within a few hours’ drive of Orlando, so you can make it a weekend getaway with the kids or just a day trip. For those days when a shorter drive is better, consider a swim at these nearby Orlando beaches attached to Florida's natural springs.

Charlotte B

Charlotte B

Latest posts by Charlotte B

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