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
Universal Orlando's theme parks offer a ton of kid-focused entertainment, but what about CityWalk?
Self-proclaimed as "The Epicenter of Awesome," CityWalk is Universal’s entertainment district, complete with dining, shopping, live music, and more. It is primarily known for its nightlife, but there are many things at CityWalk families can enjoy as well, from miniature golf and movies to themed dining and donuts. Read on for things to do with kids while visiting Universal's CityWalk.
Orlando residents might not have to travel so far to enjoy the beach one day soon. A new company is planning to open beach-like tropical lagoons around Central Florida's inland counties in the next couple of years.
Crystal Lagoons, a Miami-based company, has signed an agreement with hospitality asset manager Adëlon Capital to develop at least five Caribbean-like lagoons near Orlando.
This weekend in Orlando summer has really arrived: the humidity is in full swing, and afternoon storms are rolling in. So we've highlighted our favorite indoor activities in Orlando for those days when it's too hot or rainy for outdoor activities. There are tons of free (and cheap) things to do in Orlando this weekend: trick-or-treating in June at Summerween, spend an evening with the animals at the zoo, and enjoy a family movie night on the fairway. Families can also beat the heat at favorite theme parks after dark and enjoy rides, fireworks, shows, and more!
Be sure to check out our list of the best Orlando Fourth of July events to plan for the upcoming holiday, as well as our Summer Fun Guide to keep the kids busy with summer activities in Orlando every minute until fall.
Whether parents are trying to help their children keep up with and succeed in their schoolwork or just get ahead on the next school year, a tutor can help kids polish their skills. If you're looking for a tutor near Orlando, we’ve rounded up more than a dozen local tutoring companies in Central Florida offering a variety of online, in-home, and onsite tutoring services in math, reading, and more advanced subjects, too.
Find more after-school programs for kids and extracurriculars in our Orlando Classes for Kids Guide.
Among the perks of visiting (or living in) Orlando is the Florida sunshine, and there is an abundance of options for enjoying it while dining waterfront.
Whether you are out on the boat and looking for a restaurant at which to dock, or you just want a waterfront meal without the long drive to the coast, you can relax lakeside at these Central Florida restaurants.
In the meantime, keep up with what's going on in Orlando with kids via Mommy Poppins' weekly newsletter; and browse our full events calendar here.
While Florida is known for its family-friendly hotels and resorts, the Sunshine State also has several options for gathering around a campfire and spending a night under the stars.
We've rounded up a list of some of the best campgrounds from all across Florida. These campgrounds offer amenities for all ages to enjoy, including water slides, playgrounds, hiking trails, archery, horseback riding, and more.
In addition to the list below, many of Central Florida's natural springs offer campsites as well. New to RV camping? Check out this beginner's guide.
My family and I recently took a trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for my son’s 10th birthday. As part of the trip we got to check out the new multistory play experience, Planet Play, which opened January 1. Designed for ages 2-12, this indoor attraction includes interactive replicas of the planets in our solar system. Kids can slide down an asteroid field, walk on Saturn’s rings, race rovers on Mars, and more.
Planning to visit Kennedy Space Center? Make a fun family weekend out of it by staying at one of these nearby Florida beach communities.
Explore the outdoors with your family on one of the many amazing hiking trails around Orlando. Family hikes are a great way to unplug together, boost mental and physical health, and enjoy beautiful Florida scenery.
Here is a comprehensive list of great local hiking trails all around Central Florida. Each includes trails that are easily accessible for children, and many are stroller friendly and include playgrounds. Make sure to bring bug spray, as mosquitoes are on the rise. We recommend bringing sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water as well.
Hiking is also an option at many of Central Florida’s natural springs. Add to the outdoor fun with a geocaching scavenger hunt or by hiding painted rocks for others to find.
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