Charlotte B

Latest posts by Charlotte B

Dual Immersion and Bilingual Preschools in Orlando

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sun, 10/23/2022 - 11:44am

At Parke House Academy, students study and discover the Spanish language. Photo courtesy of the Academy

Orlando families looking to develop strong language skills in young kids can choose to enroll in dual immersion and bilingual preschool programs. Between the ages of three and five, a child's vocabulary grows rapidly, making preschool kids extremely receptive to learning new languages. Research suggests that the long-term benefits for kids that learn a second language in these bilingual preschools and dual immersion programs are numerous, including higher scores on standardized tests, advanced reading skills, and greater opportunities for college and the work force.

We've rounded up a list of Orlando preschools that offer dual immersion and bilingual school programs, with languages like Spanish, Chinese, French, and more.

Legoland Florida’s Brick-or-Treat: Building Halloween Fun Brick by Brick

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sun, 10/09/2022 - 8:05am

Pose with a favorite Lego character or a Lego zombie cheerleader!

Legoland Florida was built for kids, so there’s no question that Legoland’s Brick-or-Treat is an ideal fall outing for families. This year’s Brick-or-Treat theme is Monster Party, and plenty of Lego monsters are on site to party with guests! I visited the theme park with my 4-year-old and 9-year-old, and we all had a great time. Guests can trick-or-treat through the park, enjoy special themed shows and activities, partake in a costume parade, and more. The best part? All activities are included with regular park admission, so no separate ticket is needed!

For more Halloween fun around Central Florida, check out our Mommy Poppins Orlando Halloween Guide.

70 Fun Things To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sat, 09/24/2022 - 10:27am

Climb to the highest point in Tennessee at Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Looking for the perfect family vacation destination in the mountains? My Florida-based family loves the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN area, home to endless kid-friendly attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities. We've visited this beautiful southern vacation spot several times in the last few years and always find new activities for all ages to enjoy, from toddlers to grandparents.

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, a mega theme park. And with so many family-friendly Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge hotels, you won't have trouble finding a great place to stay while you're in town.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: An Eerily Good Time for 'Spirit'ed Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 09/23/2022 - 11:10am

Catch a glimpse of dastardly villains, ghastly ghouls, and other iconic characters as they float by during Mickey's Boo to You Parade. Photo courtesy of WDW

My family and I visited Disney’s Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. As a Central Florida native, I've been to Disney many times but never visited for a special party event, so I was excited to experience this for the first time! For those who don’t know, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separate ticketed event that takes place select nights, starting in mid-August and running through Halloween. Many guests go all out in costume for this special event, which features enchanting shows, character meet-and-greets, a themed parade, Halloween fireworks, and of course, trick-or-treating!

14 Best Preschools Near Orlando for Curious Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sun, 09/11/2022 - 11:24am

Growing Together Academy focuses on personal character development, as well as academic excellence. Photo courtesy of the Academy

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.

Best Cooking Classes for Kids in Orlando

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 8:53am

Kids Cooking Connection offers young chefs to learn about food, including nutrition, preparation, and creativity. Photo courtesy of Kids Cooking Connection

Do your kids love helping out in the kitchen? Sign them up for one of these fun and delicious Orlando cooking classes! Cooking and baking are great activities for kids —including kids in meal preparation can help boost their confidence, improve math and reading skills, and encourage creativity. Even picky eaters can develop a more adventurous palate since they are more likely to eat foods they have prepared. We have rounded up several businesses around Central Florida offering baking and cooking classes for kids of all ages, from toddler to teen.

Bite into Orlando Fun by Visiting Gatorland with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 08/12/2022 - 10:09am

Visit Gatorland and get up close and personal with Orlando's toothiest residents. Photo courtesy of Gatorland

One question commonly asked by families visiting Florida is, "Where can we go to see alligators?" Look no further than Gatorland Orlando, known as the Alligator Capital of the World. Even as a Florida native, I am still fascinated by our amazing state reptile and love spotting them every chance I get. Gatorland has been a staple in the Central Florida community since 1949. It is one of my family’s favorite places to visit since it includes activities for all ages, from my picky preteen to my curious preschooler! Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Gatorland with kids.

To see more native and exotic wildlife, check out our roundup of the Top Orlando Zoos and More Places to See Animals. Planning an Orlando vacation? Use our Orlando Visitor’s Guide to help plan your trip!

Visiting WonderWorks Orlando with Kids: Wonderful Family Fun

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 07/29/2022 - 10:27am

WonderWorks Orlando offers a wacky, wild world to explore. Kids LOVE this attraction for a ton of hands-on activities and exhibits!

A visit to Orlando is not complete without a trip to WonderWorks, part of the International Drive entertainment district. When traveling along I-Drive, you can’t miss the iconic upside-down building that houses WonderWorks, an indoor attraction with three floors of "edu-tainment" (part science center, part amusement park)! Experience hurricane-force winds, lie on a bed of nails, brave an astronaut training challenge, and over 100 more hands-on exhibits and displays. Read below for all you need to know to visit WonderWorks with kids!

Latest posts by Charlotte B

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