Submitted by Charlotte B on
Fall is here, which means it’s time for pumpkins! There are many pumpkin patches all around Central Florida to find the perfect pumpkin to carve or paint, and we've rounded up our favorites. These Orlando pumpkin patches serve as great backdrops for fall family photos, and several of them also offer activities such as pony rides, petting zoos, playgrounds and more for kids and families to enjoy.
Submitted by Charlotte B on
Fall is the time of year when we start thinking about pumpkins, hayrides, and of course, corn mazes near Orlando. Several Central Florida family farms have created spectacular corn mazes for children and parents to venture through together. Add in hayrides, barrel trains, ziplines, pony rides, play areas, and pumpkin patches, and an outing to an Orlando corn maze becomes a perfect fall family day trip.
For more ways to play this fall, consider visiting a local playground, pumpkin patch, or an upcoming fall festival. And if you sign up for our free Orlando newsletter, you'll receive tips straight to your inbox about local events, including more seasonal events coming soon.
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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.
Submitted by Charlotte B on
Pumpkin spice and everything nice—the fall season is upon us! This is the best time of year in Central Florida for outdoor events, with a variety of Orlando fall festivals popping up on the calendar to get outdoors and enjoy the (slightly) cooler weather. From food and cultural fall festivals near Orlando, to pumpkin patches and craft fairs, plan your upcoming weekends with our roundup of Orlando fall events.
Submitted by Charlotte B on
Looking for the best things to do for Labor Day weekend in Orlando? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list this three-day weekend.
This Labor Day weekend, grab tickets to see Mickey and his friends skate into the Amway Center with Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars! The first Friday of the month means street festivals in Eustis and Lake Mary. At the theme parks, Universal Orlando kicks off Halloween Horror Nights this weekend, and it's the final days to visit SeaWorld's Summer Spectacular and Disney's H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon. Plus, during the entire month of September, Florida resident kiddos get FREE admission to the Brevard Zoo. Read on for the fun things happening this weekend around Central Florida!
If you're wanting to get away for the long weekend, check out these Amazing Weekend Getaways from Orlando and Florida Campgrounds for Family Getaways.
Submitted by Charlotte B on
Labor Day kicks off September activities, launching Orlando's season of fall festivals, Halloween events, and pumpkin patches.
Halloween festivities start at many of Orlando's theme parks this month, including SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular, Legoland's Brick or Treat, and for those looking for serious scares (over age 13 recommended), Universal's Halloween Horror Nights and SeaWorld's Howl-O-Scream. Fall festivals are also popping up on the calendar this month: venture to Clermont for the annual Sips and Salsa Festival; celebrate the lunar holiday at Moon Over Avalon; and enjoy all the fun fall farm activities during the Fall Festival at Santa's Farm. Plus, Florida kids get FREE admission at Brevard Zoo all month long!
Mommy Poppins is ready to make all your fall family fantasies come true with lots of fun outdoor activities. Enjoy the wonderful, year-round weather of Central Florida by taking an air boat tour and catching a glimpse of a gator, or fill up on your gator-spying skills by taking the kids to Gatorland. Be ready for more fall ideas coming to your inbox later this month!
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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.
Submitted by Charlotte B on
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!
