Out & About in Orlando
SYMPHONIC CINEMA Calvary Assembly, Winter Park Jun 10-11 The Central Florida Community Arts Symphony Orchestra invites you to sit back, relax and be swept away by beautiful and powerful film scores. Featuring iconic music from unforgettable motion pictures such as Back to the Future, The Magnificent Seven, UP, Titanic and many more, this concert event is designed to entertain the... Read More
Park It and Ride
One of the most unique benefits of Greater Orlando living is year-round access to the world’s best theme and amusement parks. Of course, being able to visit Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom or Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter any time we like could easily lead to a sense of jadedness—if the parks weren’t always cooking up something fresh. SeaWorld Orlando’s... Read More
Four-Legged Adventures
Family fun and summertime go hand in hand. All too often, though, our four-legged family members get left behind when everyone else heads out. Sure, your cat probably prefers it that way, but if you’ve seen one too many hangdog expressions from your canine companions when you depart for a day of adventure, maybe it’s time you do something about it. “Dogs aren’t any different... Read More
Time Out for Fun: 6 Easy Family Road Trips From Orlando
When it comes to family fun in Greater Orlando, do you feel like you’ve been there, done that? Well, maybe you just need to drive a little further. From historical forts and beaches to marine discovery centers and museums, Orlandoans have access to adventure from coast to coast. Ready to start exploring some fantastic spots? Consider these cool day-trip destinations, most of which... Read More
Out and About in Orlando: May 2016 Events
JUNIE B. JONES, THE MUSICAL Orlando Repertory Theatre, through May 15 It’s Junie B.’s first day in first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Her friend Lucille doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore, and on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie B. has trouble reading the blackboard, and her teacher Mr. Scary thinks she... Read More
A New Spring in Disney’s Step
In September 2015, something happened to the local attraction formerly known as Downtown Disney: It transformed into Disney Springs, ushering in a new era for the shopping, dining and entertainment destination. While much remains familiar, Disney Springs will more than double the size of its predecessor by the time it’s complete, and the existing additions and improvements are... Read More
The Real Scoop: Orlando’s Ice Cream Hot Spots
One of the best things about living in Greater Orlando is that our perpetually sunny climate offers us the excuse to indulge in ice cream all year long—which is particularly appreciated, given that taking the family out for a few scoops is a great way to spend time together without breaking the bank. Ready for some quality time in a cool way? From old-fashioned scoops to trendy... Read More
2016 Easter Happenings
Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Stanley Pond Adventure Farm Join us this March for an “egg-tastic” Easter celebration featuring a hayride and story-reading film in our theater with Spookley the Square Pumpkin’s friend, Jelly Bean, in The Legend of Jelly Bean and the Unbreakable Egg from author Joe Troiano. It was just before Easter on Holiday Hill Farm when five little... Read More
Valentine’s Day Activities for Every Romantic
You’ve picked up flowers and a sappy card, now… book the babysitter! Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for Central Florida parents to reconnect through romantic activities. Get Dirty! Before the mortgage and the kids, you went on fun dates. Fall in love all over again with a unique night out! Maybe even channel the romantic, waterside streets of Murano, Italy,... Read More
Nighttime Family Adventures
Heat up family fun when the sun goes down! Classic nighttime entertainment can always be found at arcades, bowling alleys, community theatres, and miniature golf courses, but we’re shining light on some other attractions & adventures that are best enjoyed after dark! Bioluminescent Boating During the cool months, bioluminescent comb jellyfish (which do not sting) congregate... Read More
Book a Trip to the Library
Orlando Family Magazine and the Orange County Library System (OCLS) have aligned to produce this special section dedicated to literacy awareness and resources. Central Florida families can rely on OCLS for educational support and back-to-school preparations! Abundant Back-to-School Help Available The new school year is a great time for parents to become excited about and engaged... Read More
Adventures to Keep the Summer Soaring
Lake County is underappreciated…at least it was by me. So, what’s upped my love for this region of Central Florida? Among other discoveries, I credit Jones Brothers & Co. Air and Sea Adventures, a family-owned company operating single-engine and multi-engine aircrafts for both recreational eco-tours and aviation training! Docked just off the historic train tracks in Tavares,... Read More
Florida Wine Tours
Florida Wine Tours Trade in the weekend whining for wine excursions Did you know that Florida is actually the birthplace of American wine? According to Visit Florida, the first recorded reference to winemaking in the United States was found in St. Augustine, where Spanish missionaries used local, wild muscadine grapes to make wine for religious ceremonies. Today, there are approximately... Read More
Puppy Love Plans
Date Night Ideas for your Teens & Tweens Think back to some of your very first dates as a teen and you’ll likely come up with a list that includes roller-skating and trips to the local movie theater. While those romantic mainstays are fine staples, why not help your teen or tween come up with some other creative get-togethers…especially if you’re planning on tagging along... Read More
Orlando’s Candy Land: A Tasty Game of Sweet Spots
First published in 1949 by Milton Bradley, Candy Land continues to be among the classic board games played in American households with preschool-age children. The game’s bright colored winding path takes players on a magical journey through sugary sites, like Candy Cane Forest and Gum Drop Mountain, to find King Kandy, the lost king of Candy Land. Well, it turns out that King... Read More
Wild & Wacky Water Games
Summer time means pool time for most of us. And whether you own your own pool or visit the local pool or beach, it’s always fun to play in the water. Having several game ideas on hand for the kids to play in the water can keep them from getting bored. Don’t have a pool? That’s OK – some of these fun games are easily played with a sprinkler. So, dig out those swimsuits and... Read More
Tackle Your Summer Bucket List
When you live, work, and attend school in a tourist mecca that is packed with fabulous water adventures, it’s not surprising that taking advantage of these exciting experiences geared to visitors tends to be relegated to the “we’ll do that someday” file. We here at Orlando Family, are committed to ticking off items from our personal Summer Water Fun Bucket Lists and... Read More
Splash Pads, A Cool, Affordable Way to Beat the Heat
Whatever they are called…splash zones, splash pads, or spray-grounds, these water facilities are sure to keep the entire family cool. The best way to lower the temperature during Florida’s hot summer season is to get wet and we’re not talking about standing in the rain! Central Florida has many options for water fun, and they are often quite budget friendly. Take a look at... Read More
Throw a Rockin’ Block Party
Inexpensive, Fun Ways to Jazz Up Your Neighborhood Block Party An old-fashioned block party can be one of the true delights of summer. Getting the neighbors together to mingle is not only loads of fun, but it helps keep your neighborhood safe by providing a sense of community and friendship. Let’s think outside the traditional party box, beyond the ho-hum hot dog and potato salad... Read More
