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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

MLK Weekend 2025 in Orlando: 20 Best Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 9:30am

Discover artwork, dazzling entertainment, and palate-pleasing cuisine at the Epcot International Festival of the Art, which kicks off this weekend. Photo courtesy WDW

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Here's the scoop on the best family events in Orlando and the surrounding area this MLK weekend! Experience tributes to the civil rights icon in downtown Orlando and Eatonville on Saturday; Winter Park on Sunday and Monday; and Ocoee, Oviedo, Apopka, and Winter Garden on Monday. It's the last weekend to enjoy the lights at the Asian Lantern Festival, and the first weekend to kick off Epcot's International Festival of the Arts. Plus, delve into Scottish culture at the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games in Winter Springs, and indulge in the Get Hook'd on Lake Monroe Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival in Sanford, both happening Saturday and Sunday. Discover more details on these weekend events and more below!

Kids Eat Free: 20 Orlando Restaurants for Every Day of the Week

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 01/10/2025 - 11:03am

The only thing better than a good meal is a free good meal! Photo by the author

Find out what days kids eat free at IHOP; where kids can eat free today; or where kids eat free as part of an awesome rewards program in Orlando. We've rounded up Orlando restaurants where kids eat free and sorted them by every day of the week. And who doesn't want to save money on tasty, FREE food?!

This list is accurate as of publish date, but call ahead to verify that specials are current as individual locations. Also, many Orlando restaurants require the purchase of an adult entree with a kid's free meal. Find more free and budget-friendly fun with our Orlando Kids Free Things to Do Guide!

100 Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sun, 01/05/2025 - 10:01am

Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.

Orlando boasts an array of FREE things to do that won't dent your wallet. Though the city is most known for its pricey attractions and theme parks, we've compiled a comprehensive list of 100 free things to do with kids in Central Florida.

Included in this list of free things in Orlando are playgrounds, museums, outdoor adventures, theme park bargains, and more. Whatever your interest, know that we at Mommy Poppins will keep you up to date on the best family happenings in Central Florida.

Where to Pick Strawberries Near Orlando: 6 Family-Friendly Strawberry Farms

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 01/03/2025 - 7:09am

Kids can pick their own strawberries at various u-pick farms.

Strawberry picking in Orlando happens December through March! Spending a day at the strawberry farm is a great activity for winter fun and gives families an outlet to connect with nature while making sweet memories. We have compiled a list of u-pick farms that offer strawberry picking in Orlando, as well as some tips to make the most of your outdoor trip.

Fun, Free Activities for Kids in January 2025: 30 Free Things To Do in Orlando with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sun, 12/29/2024 - 9:16am

Visit Disney Springs for a special Kids Club event each Saturday in January, featuring interactive family fun. Photo courtesy of Disney

From New Year's Day to MLK weekend and beyond, January is packed with free activities for Orlando kids. Don’t miss our favorite FREE things to do in Orlando with kids this month!

Our wallets are in need of a breather for January after the great spending sprees of December. Here are fun, FREE events in Orlando this January to enjoy memorable experiences without straining your budget. These awesome, free activities in January 2025 include Three Kings Day in Osceola, Cops 'N Cars for Kids in Oviedo, Get Hook'd on Lake Monroe in Sanford, and more. MLK parades and events are taking place in Downtown Orlando, Kissimmee, Eatonville, Winter Park, Ocoee, and Winter Garden. And that's just the beginning!

These are just some of our favorite things to do in January for Orlando kids—we're adding more events to our Orlando Events Calendar every day.

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild Lights Up the Central Florida Zoo

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 12/27/2024 - 4:09am

The Asian Lantern Festival runs though January 19, 2025.

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a family-friendly event sure to brighten your holiday season. Now in its fifth year, this mesmerizing Orlando event offers an unforgettable evening filled with spectacular lantern displays, festive holiday cheer, and a celebration of cultural traditions.

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New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in Orlando: Fireworks, Noon Year's Eve, & Balloon Drops

Submitted by Charlotte B on Wed, 12/25/2024 - 9:24am

Start 2025 off with epic New Year's fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Disney

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your holiday weekend list!

This New Year's Eve weekend in Orlando features a host of thrilling activities for the whole family. Ring in 2025 with early New Year's Eve celebrations at Brevard Zoo, Millie Moo's, Monkey Joe's, and more. Older kids can enjoy New Year's Eve fireworks at Sunset Walk, Mount Dora, and Avalon Park. And start the New Year enjoying the beautiful outdoors at a First Day Hike in one of Florida's amazing state parks. Whatever you choose, have a happy New Year and know Mommy Poppins will be with you in Orlando all through 2025!

25 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, Drone Shows, and Other Orlando Celebrations for Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sun, 12/22/2024 - 9:09am

Celebrate New Year's Eve at the magical Walt Disney World. Photo courtesy of Disney

New Year's Eve is almost here and that means 2025, and Orlando New Year's Eve fireworks, are just around the corner! While several Orlando New Year's Eve events are geared toward adults, there are many fun, family-friendly parties to celebrate with kids. Many of these events count down at a kid-friendly hour, so you can still follow normal bedtime routines. If you have tweens and teens that can make it to midnight, some Orlando evening events include fireworks at the turn of the year. Read on for all the details of what's happening for Orlando New Year's Eve!

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Charlotte Blanton

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