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Parenting Guide: Family Fun

Orlando Science Center / Photo by Roberto Gonzalez

Educational Fun


Instilling a love for education at an early age can go a long way in securing a successful future for your child, and Florida has plenty of venues to help.

Florida is a treasure trove of entertainment, arts and culture, educational centers and beyond.

Museums and other educational attractions aren’t just for children, they’re for parents too. As you go through exhibits, be engaged. Increase your own knowledge, interact with your child’s questions and don’t be afraid to ask a guide.

“Parents can help make experiences away from screens interesting by actively researching and discovering new educational and fun experiences for their children,” says Meghan Kenny, Osceola History’s communications and outreach coordinator. “By reading Orlando Family Magazine you’ve already taken the first step! Continue to take an active interest in your child’s education by engaging with them during the activities and outings you plan for them.”

The following educational spaces are excellent places to teach your child about the world around them—opening their eyes to the importance of the environment, art and future career avenues.

Glazer Children’s Museum

Combining play with learning, the Glazer Children’s Museum makes learning fun for kids of all ages. They can learn valuable lessons like the value of money at the central bank, build their confidence as they make their way through Water’s Journey Climber, embrace their inner creativity in the Art Smart zone, and more as they traverse through various exhibits. The museum is also home to “Big John,” the world’s largest triceratops fossil, allowing guests the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the remains of a prehistoric beast.

James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art

A celebration of Western life and art, the James Museum’s permanent collection includes artwork and artifacts spanning across three centuries. With exhibits honoring native and Western pioneer artists, and incredible works of art to gaze upon, there’s a lot to learn. Special exhibitions add value to the museum by allowing visitors a fresh experience each visit. RARE AIR: Endangered Birds, Bats, Butterflies & Bees is currently on display through Sept.14 showcasing 70 of Sarah Kaizar’s detailed illustrations of 70 endangered North American flying species.

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

Since 1936, the garden has been “the keeper of the trees.” Founded as part of the Great Depression recovery effort, it continues to help preserve and educate about the beauty of the plants and animals found across its 15.2 acres. The garden’s walking app allows visitors to learn more about the plants they’re seeing as they walk along boardwalks and nature trails.

To encourage children to connect with nature and understand the importance of conservation efforts at an early age, admission for kids 12 and under is free. In addition, dogs on leashes are welcome—making the garden a great place for the whole family.

“We have no gimmicks. We don’t have any rides. We’re all about what belongs here—conservation is paramount,” says Misha McRae, executive director of the Key West Botanical Garden Society. “We’re the only frost-free tropical forest in the continental United States … and what really sets us apart are our efforts to conserve and protect endangered species.”

Lightner Museum

The study of art is more than understanding what is on a canvas; it’s an exploration into the history, culture, purpose and emotion behind each work. It’s a fundamental part of every aspect of our lives, from advertising posters and street murals to the diagrams in a medical journal or architectural plans.

The Lightner Museum’s mix of permanent and rotating exhibits ensures there’s always something new to learn and see. The museum offers many opportunities for children and families to get involved, including week-long summer camps, seasonal pop-up activities, storytimes and a family guide.

“Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel—an architectural gem from the Gilded Age—the museum showcases an eclectic collection ranging from fine art and decorative pieces to curiosities that captivate visitors of all ages,” says Angela de Gregory, The Lightner Museum’s engagement manager. “The museum’s commitment to interactive and educational experiences, and engaging exhibitions, makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking both enrichment and entertainment.”

McKee Botanical Garden

McKee Botanical Garden is a great place for families and small groups to come together to learn to read a map or a compass, explore the science of the natural world, or just skip on a garden path. McKee’s Children’s Garden also provides opportunities for children to play, splash around and explore on and off the ground—providing a sense of whimsy and imagination amongst the beauty of nature. Additionally, its backpack program provides the materials and resources for a parent or chaperone to lead a structured learning experience or simply enjoy using some basic observation tools to become immersed in nature.

Orlando Science Center

Science is all around us and can be the gateway to many lucrative careers. With a variety of niches and experimental experiences, science is accessible to folks of all ages, and at the Orlando Science Center, guests have the chance to get hands-on with their learning.

Discover interactive and exciting exhibits from a recreation of the Amazon rainforest complete with live animals like tamarin monkeys and birds, to real dinosaur bones and daily, live science shows.

The Science Center’s preschool and summer camp programs provide children the opportunity to dive deeper into engaging, age-appropriate subjects like paleontology, space science and technology.

“We’ve been in Orlando since 1955 so we are pretty much a cornerstone of Orlando’s arts and cultural scene,” says Jeff Stanford, Orlando Science Center’s vice president of marketing. “We are not a museum of things—we are a museum of experiences. At the Science Center, you will have a very personal, interactive and engaging, educational experience.”

Osceola History

Osceola History offers two ways to explore the history of the area: Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek and the Welcome Center and History Museum.

At the village, take a stroll around and discover 17 authentic and reproduction pioneer structures—including a general store, train depot, homesteads and citrus packing plant—giving you a greater understanding of life in early America.

At the museum, visitors can take advantage of interactive displays and scavenger hunts to gain expanded lessons on Osceola’s past. From the different environments of the land to the history of the cattle, citrus and early tourism industries, the museum encourages a connection to the past and an understanding of the connection between nature and history.

Take advantage of its field trips, Early LearnHub and annual “Pioneer Day” to make the most of your trip through Osceola County’s history.

“Our mission is to collect, preserve and share Osceola County’s history, promoting the area’s cultural and natural heritage,” says Kenny. “The Welcome Center & History Museum is one of few destinations in Central Florida that offers completely free admission. We simply want people to learn and appreciate the history of the county.”

SeaWorld

Connecting with animals at a young age is a great way to encourage a life-long appreciation of and duty to protect the very creatures we share our planet with. Ordinarily, folks could step outside and find a myriad of wildlife, but for marine animals it’s much harder. At SeaWorld families have the rare opportunity to look beneath the waves for an up-close look at coral, sharks, dolphins, manta rays and more. Its brand-new Expedition Odyssey ride gives guests the unique experience to witness the Arctic with breathtaking real-life footage before transitioning into an in-person encounter with live animals including beluga whales and walruses.

 

Let the Sunshine In


In a digital age where screens reign supreme, it’s important for kids to enjoy all the outdoors has to offer.

Modern technology is incredible. From robot-assisted surgeries and early weather detection systems to GPS and beyond, it’s hard to understate the importance of technology in day-to-day life in America.

While these devices have allowed society to do some marvelous things, it’s important to remember that humans weren’t always stuck behind a screen. Yet, for most people, a phone screen is the first and last thing they see each night.

This kind of technological reliance can lead to an addiction, and the best way to break the bad habits of technology addiction is to start young—encouraging today’s youth to take a break from the screen and play outside.

“It’s just good for [a child’s] learning dexterity. Just being outdoors has already been proven to be a mental lift,” says Misha McRae, executive director of Key West Botanical Garden Society.

The more time kids spend outside, the more they’ll learn to appreciate it. Exploratory play outdoors might reveal their new favorite flower, allow them to see new animals or witness a spectacular sunset—encouraging their wonder for the world around them.

As a parent it’s as important not just to encourage outdoor play, but to be prepared for it as well.

“Know where you’re going to be going and what the environment is going to be like. If you’re going to be in a big open space, make sure you wear protective clothing, a hat, long sleeves, mosquito-repellent or whatever you might need for that adventure outdoors,” says McRae. “I also think it’s fun to have some kind of education guide and a pair of binoculars. You never know what you’re going to encounter, especially at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.”

In Florida, the summers are hot, so it’s also important to be on the lookout for symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Dizziness, heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin and nausea could be signs that your little one needs to get out of the heat. Providing plenty of water and ways to cool off can go a long way in preventing harm.

Additionally, remember to be conscientious of the UV index and put sunscreen on the kids before and during a day out in the sun to avoid sunburn and other serious issues.