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
Frosty Fun – 5 Places to Go Ice Skating in Central Florida
5 Places to Go Ice Skating in Central Florida No matter where you live in the U.S., gliding across the ice on a pair of skates is a glorious winter pastime. The icy tradition is certainly hot in Central Florida, where the contrast between the sundrenched outdoors and a chilly indoor rink makes this activity all the more alluring. Skating is a fun family pursuit and, as a bonus,... Read More
Tallahassee Offers Grade A Family Fun
Florida’s Capital is More Than A College Town! Tallahassee is one of Florida’s most famous cities ─ recognized as home to our state’s capitol and legislature and, as many ‘Noles fans can attest to, the stomping grounds of Florida State University (FSU), an institution comprised of 16 separate colleges and more than 110 centers, facilities, labs, and institutes that offer... Read More
A Day at Stanley Pond Adventure Farm
If you’re looking for an exciting outing that the whole family can enjoy and won’t break the bank, consider spending a day at Stanley Pond Adventure Farm. Located halfway between Lake Harris and Lake Apopka, near the small town of Astatula, the farm is less than an hour away from Orlando’s theme parks but feels light years away from the long lines, high prices, and crazy crowds. Bob... Read More
Escape to the Islands… Without Leaving Florida
Among Florida’s most cherished destinations lies a handful of hush-hush hideaways that savvy travelers hope the crowds will never discover. So consider this article confidential! Untouched and unfussy, these sunshine-kissed island locales offer a quiet, laidback escape for people who are looking to step away from hectic family life and into vacation paradise. Cayo Costa With its... Read More
Florida’s Most Unique Accommodations
Want to create long-lasting vacation memories? Make your family’s next trip unforgettable by staying at one of these unique rental properties! Island Retreat Rent your own private island off Marathon in the Florida Keys! Situated on Pretty Joe Rock, officially named Sea Shell Key, sits a two bedroom, two bathroom, air-conditioned conch house with bamboo and rattan furniture, cathedral... Read More
Bike Your Way Around Florida
National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, is celebrated during May in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage residents to embrace this treasured pastime. Want to pedal beyond your neighborhood? Log onto BikeOrlando.net to explore 19 different bike trail... Read More
Florida Horse Country
Did you know that much of our sunshine state can be explored by horseback? From the gentle slopes of secluded forests, to swampy wetlands, to picturesque river banks teeming with wildlife, plenty of horse trails are waiting for you to take a ride! With over 300,000 horses and more than 12,000 horse farms, Florida is a horse lover’s paradise. If you love horses but being a spectator... Read More
8 Tips for Camping with Children – and Actually Enjoying it!
I am not a stellar camper – I’ve probably camped just five times in my life. But I have this urge to take my children camping this year. I have visions of a family-focused adventure; hot dogs and s’mores by the fire; fishing and swimming in a lake; and leisurely hikes through a beautiful, wooded park. I just know that my kids (ages 2, 4, 7) will love it ─ following a brief... Read More
Parent-Friendly Getaways
Vacations packed with built-in mom and dad time Family getaways are such fun… until they’re not. Let’s face it, everyone needs little breaks from each other here and there, especially mom and dad who definitely deserve some adult-alone time together. So, next time you’re choosing your family getaway destination, think about these Florida resorts ─ all of which pack options... Read More
14 Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Kids
Valentine’s Day may be about passion and romance for some but, for parents, weekend getaways and romantic dinners for two are rarely on the menu. No matter how you celebrate with your significant other, be sure to embrace the fun that you can have with your children on this day of love too. Ready to create some family-friendly Valentine’s Day traditions that include even the... Read More
How (and Where) to Plan a Family Reunion
Let’s face it; family reunions are a great idea… in theory. But, when the rubber hits the road, family reunions can require a crazy amount of work, especially for first-timer organizers. Yet, with a solid plan, some team effort, and a cooperative attitude, a successful weekend filled with cherished, lifelong memories ─ and maybe a new annual tradition ─ is definitely doable... Read More
Sea Cows Swim South for Winter
Natural Manatee Habitats are Naturally Fun for Florida Families Winter is coming and, with it, thousands of migratory manatees seeking the warmer Florida waters; a yearly occurrence that presents a wonderful opportunity for families to observe these mellow giants in their natural habitat. Prepare to be captivated by their enormous size and gentle demeanor, as they slowly glide... Read More
Tickling Florida Lobsters
Ready for the great seafood debate? I’m not referring to Manhattan vs. New England chowder, but rather Maine vs. Florida lobster! Our sunshine state has two lobster seasons: a two-day mini recreational season in July (before commercial traps are placed) and an 8-month recreational & commercial season (August-March). According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,... Read More
Islamorada is Key for Family Fishing
Just 90 minutes south of Miami, Islamorada is an island paradise best explored both by land and by sea. An ideal road trip for Central Florida families, the Florida Keys has 1,700 islands, though only 42 are connected by bridges; six of which comprise the village of Islamorada, including Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, and the offshore islands... Read More
American Ghost Adventures
In the middle of Orlando’s attraction area lays a hotel that is home to not only tourists, but “friendly” ghosts as well. Orlando Family Magazine’s staff was invited to participate in an American Ghost Adventures tour in preparation for one of our favorite holidays: Halloween! Our team opted for the Monumental Hotel tour, one of seven choices offered by American Ghost Tours.... Read More
Florida Beach Camping Guide
What could be better than spending the day at your favorite Florida beach? Spending the night! Some of the best campsites can be found along Florida’s coastline, from primitive tent camping to hotel-quality cabins. Most beach campsites are located in the slightly sheltered area behind the sand dunes. Camping directly on the beach (near the waves) is not usually permitted for... 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
Financial Safekeeping During Vacation Season
As the summer vacation season begins and we all look for a little rest and relaxation, Fifth Third Bank offers tips to help protect and stay on top of your finances before, during and after your trip: Before Leaving Town: • Notify your credit card providers that you will be traveling. Be sure to let them know when you’re leaving, where you’ll be going and how long you’ll... Read More
Beat the Summer Heat in Volusia County
West Volusia: Debary, Deland, Deltona, and Orange City It’s conveniently located along I-4 between the beaches and theme parks, yet Greater West Volusia is worlds apart with authentic Florida communities radiating with historical, cultural, and natural charm. Bordered on the west by the majestic St. Johns, Florida’s only American Heritage River, the area is a popular getaway... Read More
