Orlando Family Readers’ Top Pets
May is Pet Month at Orlando Family. To celebrate, we reached out to our readers via social media and asked them to submit photos of their favorite pets, and we weren’t disappointed with the results. Want to see your photos, thoughts and more in print? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on our latest reader-submission opportunities. Benelli (submitted by Jennifer... 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
Family Dining: The Coop
As every family knows, going out to dinner with kids can be a challenge. When they’re babies, you pray they don’t cry through the entire meal, and you take turns caring for them, so the other parent can try to finish eating. When they hit elementary school, you hope they’ll like something on the menu and stay seated long enough to enjoy it. Once middle school hits, they start... 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
Growing Up: Vertical Gardening Is Fun for All Ages
Vertical gardens are sprouting up everywhere, from hip retail spaces to restaurant walls. Why is this trend growing so fast? Hanging pots filled with colorful flowers can beautify a bare wall, and stacked planters positioned along a fence or property line can create privacy. This space-saving gardening method also reduces the need to weed and keeps pests away from valuable veggies.... 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
Tent & Campfire Treats
Create clever tent cookies and campfire crackers in your kitchen with a few simple ingredients. No baking required! Tent Ingredients • Chocolate candy melts (1/2 cup or less) • Graham crackers • Caramel apple wraps Directions 1. Form tent with graham crackers: Melt chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe dish. Pour into a pastry bag (or use a zipclosed bag with the end... Read More
Easter Table Place Setting
A bunny basket can make an egg-cellent table place setting. Hop over to Michaels.com for a complete Easter décor shopping list. Materials • Paper crinkle • Celebrate It™ Easter Chipwood Berry Basket [Note: Replace with any small basket or an actual berry container.] • Celebrate It™ Easter Ceramic Eggs – Chalkboard • Fabric napkin, white • Napkin rings, burlap •... Read More
How Doesn’t My Garden Grow?
“I do not garden! I am not going to help you and I will not referee. If you want a garden, you need to do it alone or figure out a way to work together,” I snapped as I slammed the door in the face of my children’s enthusiasm. Yikes—did I really just say that? And, more importantly, did my words carry over the back fence to the greenthumbed mom with the lovely garden and... Read More
A Very Berry Sweet Valentine’s Day
Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are sweet; but raspberries, known as nature’s candy, are both sweet and heart-healthy! Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, raspberries boast health benefits such as decreasing risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Find more recipes at RedRazz.org. Raspberry Greek Yogurt Bark Courtesy of NourishRDs.com Ingredients 2 cups... Read More
Valentine’s Day Teacher Gift
Help your child give his teacher some much needed relaxation with a spa day… in a jar. Materials Mason jar, such as Kerr’s pint size Bath salts, such as ArtMinds bath salts Pencil Felt, red or pink Scissors Essential oil, such as ArtMinds Essential Oil Stress Reliever Red mini duck Scrap or decorative paper White glue Soap colorant, such as ArtMinds red Ribbon (red or heart... 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
Simple Science Experiments: Refraction of Light
Ever see a rainbow and wonder where the colors are coming from? Or wonder why a person’s legs appear bigger or just off while standing in a swimming pool? With this two part “Simple Science Experiment,” you’ll learn about how light can refract or “bend” through different materials. Materials Tall cup (one you can’t see through) Penny Tape Water Wax paper Fine print... Read More
Quinoa Shrimp Salad
Quinoa, pronounced keen-wa, is a nutritious, wheat-free grain. It may be tricky to say, but it’s certainly easy to prepare and enjoy! Plus, quinoa has twice the protein content of rice or barley, and is also a good source of calcium, magnesium, vitamins B & E, and dietary fiber. Ingredients 2 soft spinach tortillas or regular whole wheat tortillas (10 in.) 2 cups cooked quinoa 1... 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
How to Host a Holiday Cookie Exchange
“Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe called life.” ~ Unknown Cookie exchanges serve up two bites of goodness: a chance to share your favorite treats and fill others up with sweet holiday cheer. Nothing beats the afterglow of time spent with friends and a plate of homemade goodies! Coordinating a cookie exchange may seem complicated, but this handy... Read More
DIY Elf on the Shelf Apron Skirt & Shoes
The Elf on the Shelf leaped from the pages of its 2005 picture book to become a new Christmas tradition. “Scout elves” hide in homes to monitor conduct with an objective to report back to Santa at the North Pole. Parents enjoy the added encouragement to aim for “nice” behavior; while kids wake up each day excited to discover their Elf’s new location. Santa Claus always... 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
Festive Popcorn Trees
Christmas has many edible traditions… cookies baked for Santa Claus, egg nog, gingerbread houses, popcorn garland, and roasted chestnuts. What if you combine two festive food traditions ─ popcorn and cookies? This recipe adds an unexpected pop to Christmas cookies! Ingredients | Yield: 10 trees 10 cups air-popped popcorn 1 10-oz. bag miniature marshmallows 2 tbsps. butter 1... Read More
Thanksgiving Place Card Holders
Add a touch of gourd-inspired glam to your Thanksgiving table! In just four easy (and budget-friendly) steps, you can create gorgeous gold place card holders. Gold isn’t your color? Pick another metallic or bold hue to accent your festive color scheme. Supplies Gourds [Either natural gourds from grocery store or foam and/or plastic gourds from craft store.] Gold metallic... Read More
