Charlotte B

Latest posts by Charlotte B

The Best Campgrounds in Florida for Family Getaways

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 04/16/2021 - 1:15pm

Your little princess will delight in a visit to Orlando/Kissimmee KOA. Photo courtesy of KOA Campgrounds

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.

Top STEM Summer Camps near Orlando

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 04/09/2021 - 11:30am

Hands-on experiments are part of the curriculum at Orlando Science Center Camps. Photo courtesy of the camps

STEM camps aren't hard to find in Orlando. If you have a tech-savvy child who wants to learn more about coding, robotics, or video game design, sign them up for one of these summer camps. There are tech camps, science camps, and even math camps available to kids eager to learn.

Skills developed through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and STEAM, which includes the arts, reinforce not just computer know-how, but also problem solving and critical thinking, as well as creativity.

From STEM camps for preschoolers to tech camps for teens and with both in-person and virtual camp options, we’ve rounded up the top STEM camps around Orlando. For virtual camp options in 2021, check out this list of virtual summer camps to keep the kids engaged and learning all summer long. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

Peppa Pig Theme Park to Open at Legoland Florida Resort

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sat, 03/06/2021 - 12:02pm

The new Peppa Pig theme park will open near Legoland Florida.

A Peppa Pig amusement park is coming to Central Florida! The brand-new theme park will open at Legoland Florida Resort in 2022 with its own rides, entrance, and of course, Peppa herself.

The new park from Merlin Entertainments, which partnered with Hasbro, will be a standalone theme park with its own ticketing. The immersive theme park dedicated to the British piglet popular with the toddler and preschooler crowd will include multiple rides, themed playscapes, and, naturally, muddy puddle water play areas. Expect daily live shows and meet and greets with Peppa and her friends.

New Worlds Await for Kids at the Kennedy Space Center's Planet Play Attraction

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 02/19/2021 - 1:22pm

Explore the solar system and beyond. Photo courtesy of Kennedy Space Center

My family and I recently took a trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for my son’s 10^th 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. Here's what you need to know about this new play experience.

Planning to visit Kennedy Space Center? Make a fun family weekend out of it by staying at one of these nearby Florida beach communities.

20 Kid-Friendly Hikes near Orlando and Central Florida

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 01/15/2021 - 11:00am

Challenge yourself on the walking beams at Hidden Waters Preserve.

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.

The Best Places to See Manatees Near Orlando

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 01/08/2021 - 12:33pm

Kids will delight at the sight of these aquatic giants. Photo by Charlotte Blanton

Winter months are the best time for manatee spotting in Central Florida. When the weather is cold and water temperatures drop below 68 degrees, these warm-blooded mammals congregate in freshwater springs, which remain at a constant 72 degrees year-round. Mid-November through March are ideal months to spot these gentle giants, so read on for the best places to see manatees within a few hours of Orlando.

Clearwater Beach with Kids: Top 30 Things To Do on a Family Beach Vacation

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sat, 10/17/2020 - 2:01pm

It's fun in the sun all year at Clearwater Beach. Photo courtesy of Visit Clearwater

Known for its white sand beaches, gentle waves, and breathtaking sunsets, Clearwater Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast is one of the top beaches in the United States and makes for a great family-friendly vacation destination. This Florida beach has a variety of seaside hotels and beach resorts for families to choose from and plenty of activities for all ages. We've listed some of our favorite things to do in Clearwater Beach below.

Remote Learning by the Pool? Vacations Where Kids Can Homeschool and Parents Can Work Remotely

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 11:24am

Ritz Kids study breaks happen in the best locations. Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

With millions of kids across the country attending school remotely this fall, many hotels, resorts, and campgrounds are now offering online learning assistance to ease the burden placed on parents by this new remote and homeschool lifestyle. These vacation options offer families a way to work and learn in a new environment.

From private learning suites to converted conference rooms, and chef-inspired lunches, these travel destinations have pulled out all the stops to make virtual learning while on vacation as stress-free as possible. Of course, these classrooms come with the best kind of "recess," from resort pools and water parks to cycling and surfing.

So pack your bags and plan a much-needed "schoolcation" getaway from this relentless year. Find more family vacation ideas in our Family Travel Guide.