Cheesy Feet
Kids will love these easy-to-bake savory biscuits cut into feet shapes and decorated with tiny red pepper or cherry tomato toenails! Equipment Nonstick parchment paper Scissors Large baking sheet Foot-shaped pastry cutter or foot template. To make a foot template, get your little one to stand on a piece of cardstock; then draw the outline of his/her foot and cut out. Knife Cooling... Read More
Natural Tie-Dye
This simple craft encourages kids to utilize natural elements ─ that probably can be found in your own backyard ─ as an eco-dye alternative. It’s time to extract color from your favorite flowers and plants! Supplies Natural-fiber fabric (cotton, silk, or wool). Note: Natural fibers hold color better than synthetic fibers; silk or wool works better than cotton. Fresh or dried... 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
Strawberries & Cream Cake
Main Ingredients 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons fat-free milk 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 1 large strawberry, chopped into small pieces Additional Ingredients for Topping & Decoration, optional (serves 2) ½ cup heavy whipping cream 2 teaspoon granulated sugar 1 strawberry,... 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
Butterfly Valentine Cards
What would a holiday be without a themed craft? Since Valentine’s Day is about spreading the love, encourage your child to offer sweet sentiments with homemade cards. These lollipop butterflies will make hearts flutter thanks to fun-loving flair, color patterns, glitter, and personalized drawings by your budding artist. Materials Printer Colored card-stock (pink, red, purple,... 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
Traffic Light Smoothies
You can get even the pickiest of eaters to enjoy healthy fruits and vegetables! Already a popular trend among adults, juices, smoothies, and natural popsicles can help ensure that kids consume the recommended 5-a-day portions of fruit/veggies for essential vitamins and minerals. This recipe provides vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, calcium, and magnesium and will get the green... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Simply Shocking Way to Spice Up the New Year
Ready to spice up the New Year? You’re going to start with a mixture of salt and pepper and then, shockingly, separate them! How can you do it? Set a plate or bowl out with the two spices mixed together. Well? Maybe you can come up with a cool technique for shaking up these spices, but did you know you that static electricity can easily separate the salt from the pepper for you? So... Read More
Deck the Halls with Ugly Sweaters
Tips on hosting an ugly holiday sweater party The holiday season is all about making fun memories. Why not wear something no one will soon forget at your own ugly sweater party? Hosting one is simple — have everyone show up in the tackiest holiday apparel they can find, whether from their closet, a thrift store, or something they “blinged” on their own. With the party attire... 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
Heart-Healthy Thanksgiving
Getting your family to eat heart-healthy, especially during the holiday season, takes effort! But the American Heart Association can help. Kick off the season by taking part in National Eating Healthy Day on Wednesday, November 5th. Then, use AHA recipes to serve up delicious and diet-friendly Thanksgiving dishes. Turkey with Blueberry Pan Sauce | Serves 4 ¼ cup all-purpose... 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
Devishly Delicious Hallween Treats
Trick or treat? We vote for treat! Enjoy the festive fun and flavors of the fall season. Boo Scotti These crunchy biscotti treats are great for dipping in hot cocoa or coffee. Ingredients | Makes 3 dozen Biscotti 1 1/4 cups sugar 1/2 cup Land O Lakes butter, softened 3 Land O Lakes all-natural eggs 1 tbsp. vanilla 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 1/2 tsps. baking powder 1/2 tsp. ground... 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
Homemade Lava Lamp
Lava lamps are cool things to stare at for hours! In this simple science experiment, you’ll learn how to make a similar type of display (without the lights), and the science behind it. Materials: Empty (wide mouth) glass bottle Water Oil Food coloring Alka-Seltzer tablets Glitter Procedure: Fill a glass bottle halfway with water. Pour an equal amount of oil in. Make sure... Read More
Blushing Beet Brownies
A bit lighter, a bit richer, and secretly a bit purple, these brownies have hidden beetroot to keep them moist and provide a clever veggie twist. Ingredients (makes 15) 1 large beet 1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces 3 eggs 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3/4 cup all-purpose... 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
Watermelon Snow Cones
This fruity twist on a classic snow cone is really cool! These sweet treats are fun to make and to eat. Ingredients | Servings: Vary, as desired Seedless watermelon Vanilla yogurt Sweetened coconut Sprinkle or jimmies Ice cream cones or paper snow cone cups Instructions Using an ice cream scooper, mold watermelon in balls; place them in the freezer on a waxed paper-lined cookie... Read More
