Taking the pulse of Greater Orlando parents and their kids

Each month, Talking Orlando speaks with parents and children throughout Greater Orlando to get their thoughts on a variety of subjects. This time, we asked participants:

What are some of your kids’ favorite summertime activities?

“We enjoy going to the Winter Garden [Interactive Fountain &] Splashpad and getting ice cream at Scoops after. We also enjoy walking around Leu Gardens when it’s not too hot, and we beat the heat at the Orlando Science Center’s new KidsTown or eating watermelon by the pool.”
—Karly Meeks, mother of Annabel and Sam (ages 4 and 1)

“She likes swimming at the beach or pool, visiting water parks, going to YMCA day camp and riding her bike.”
—Sandra Rizzolo, mother of Natalie (age 5)

“Swimming at Grandma and Grandpa’s pool.”
—Alex Peaks, father of Brandon (age 5)

“They’re into so much! They like tubing and swimming, biking to get ice cream, fun summer camps, our annual summer vacation, playing with friends, going to movies, and going to the pool or beach.”
—Fae LaChance, mother of Mila and Miles (ages 14 and 9)

“He loves swimming in our pool, going on vacation to the mountains and beach, and going to fun summer camps.”
—Shannon McDonald Pooler, mother of Carson (age 5)

“Playing with toys, watching cartoons and annoying each other.”
—Rebecca Shacoski, mother of Tammy, Vince and Mary (ages 9, 7 and 4)

“I don’t know that it’s his ‘favorite,’ but he just started working part-time at Publix and does love the money he’s making.”
—Cassandra Preston, mother of Shane (age 14)

“They’re sports nuts like their dad—mostly basketball with their friends during the summer.”
—Dominique Estrada, mother of Michael and Tomas (ages 13 and 11)

“I’m blessed to have a daughter who spends much of her free time in the summer volunteering for church groups and camps.”
—Angel Parsons, mother of Denise (age 16)

“They mostly like playing on the computer, but we try to encourage them to get outside as much as possible.”
—Kevin Hutchens, father of Kelly and Joan (ages 6 and 2)

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s June 2017 issue.