Ultimate Guide to Summer in Central Florida
Summertime in Central Florida is non-stop fun and sun!
Check out our 2024 Ultimate Guide to Summer in Central Florida!
From summer camps, theme parks, splash pads and beaches in the in Central Florida, this will be your BEST resource for all things summer!
what you’ll find in this guide:
‣ local summer camps ‣ health + beauty resources ‣ experiences + things to do
‣ budget + finance ‣ staycations + vacations ‣ mom perspectives
‣ summer learning + sleep ‣ pool + water safety ‣ summer bucket list
‣ printable summer calendar ‣ summer reading lists ‣ and more!
5 Reasons Your Child Should Attend Summer Camp
- Improves Social Skills
- Improved Self-Confidence
- Increased Physical Activity
- Learn New Skills
- Environmental Awareness
100+ Ways to Entertain the Kids this Summer
The ULTIMATE List of Beach Reads
The Orlando Mom Book Club has developed the ultimate guide to beach reads. Our group was full of amazing recommendations, many of which I...
5 Ways to Make Summer Reading Fun!
Summer is a great time to relax and take a break from the grind of routines and homework. However, reading should never take a...
5 Summer Books for Young Readers
Summer is for fun, but we also try to avoid summer reading loss. My little one is going into Kindergarten but he is already...
Need a Break From Scrolling? Here are 5 Summer Reads That...
Summer's HERE in Central Florida! And so are some summer reads that, I'm sorry, are way better than watching TikTok videos on end.
Listen, I...
Sweet and Spicy Book Series to Binge Read by the Pool
I love nothing more than to binge read an interconnected series of books in the summer time.
To me, summer is so entangled in reading....
Central Florida Libraries and Story Time Guide
This Central Florida Libraries Storytime Guide provides information for libraries and story times for the littles throughout the Central Florida area.
what you’ll find in...
More Summer Content from Orlando Mom
Experiences + Things to Do
A Funky and Fun Family Trip – Weeki Wachee: A Guide
As a local to Orlando, but a transplant from the Northeast by way of the West Coast, I love our Florida beaches, I do....
5 Fun Summer Activities to do with Your Kids in Central...
I don't know about you, but I am worried about summer.
What the heck am I going to do without school?! Drop off and pickup...
Paddling and Pancakes: A day spent at De Leon Springs State...
When you arrive at De Leon Springs State Park in Volusia County (about an hour north of downtown Orlando) you see an old sign...
Your Summer Guide For Visiting Florida’s Natural Springs
Florida is known for its sunny beaches and warm weather, but that's not the only way to enjoy the great outdoors in the Sunshine...
ICON Park Summer of Fun
Grab your camera and tighten your goggles because this summer, ICON PARK is making a splash like never before. From the electrifying presence of...
Guide to Water Parks in Orlando
Florida is often tagged as "Endless Summer" and Orlando is called the capital of Theme Parks! With that said summer + pool + adrenaline...
Keeping Kids Entertained without Screens
Summer means the kids are home from school, and if your kids are like most today, they may spend some time in front of...
Legoland Itinerary for Families with Small Kids
Seems that living in Orlando, it's almost a requirement to have a season pass to some amusement park. Peer pressure because everyone is doing...
30+ Local Ways to Entertain the Kids
Looking for fun ways to entertain the kids? With these 30+ ideas, your kids will never be bored!!!
Check out these top 30+ things to...
Free Admission Days: National Park Sites Near Orlando
Family fun originating from the Orlando area doesn't have to be expensive. The National Park Service is hosting five free admission days in 2023....
Things to Do This Month in Central Florida
Need some ideas for new, fun things to do? Ready to get out and explore Central Florida? Orlando Mom has compiled a few of...
Things to do Around Orlando: The Orlando Science Center
When my sister asked what she could buy my girls for Christmas this year, I knew I wanted them to have something experiential. I...
Budget Friendly Orlando Summer Activities :: 50 free & cheap things...
We've updated our Budget Friendly Summer Activities list, just in time for summer!
The heat is blazing and the end of school countdowns are ticking...
Secrets to Family-Friendly “Campcations” in Florida
I've lived in Florida my whole life. I've watched dirt roads become paved roads, cow fields become subdivisions, and tiny unknown campgrounds become packed...
Things to do Around Orlando: WonderWorks
Just south of ICON Park off International Drive in Orlando, is quite possibly the most unique indoor amusement park I have ever been to....
Things to do Around Orlando: The Showcase of Citrus
When we moved to the Sunshine State, I knew that citrus fruit would become a part of our lives. We see orange groves on...
Best Meet-up Places for Playdates in Orlando
This Best Meet-up Places for Playdates in Orlando Guide provides information about the best places in Orlando to meet up with children 8 or...
Things to do Around Orlando: The President’s Hall of Fame
From a young age I loved learning about Presidents. I particularly enjoyed learning about Abraham Lincoln and JFK. Eventually it turned into a desire...
Ten Reasons Why Living in Orlando is Awesome
I moved to Orlando at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. At first, I thought simply, "this sucks,” but it forced me to...
New Smyrna Beach: Paradise for Surfers + More!
New Smyrna Beach is a classic beach town, with narrow streets, wide beaches, great food and a laid-back attitude. National Geographic Magazine recognized New...
Get Your Kids Drawing This Summer
Summertime is almost here, and parents across the country are looking for ways to keep kids entertained and help continue to encourage learning and...
Things to do Around Orlando: Amber Brooke Farm Eustis
Amber Brooke Farms (formerly Atwood Family Farm) is a gorgeous u-pick farm in Eustis, FL. The new name honors the wives of the farmers to...
Grow Stronger this Summer with the YMCA
This summer, the YMCA of Central Florida is ready to serve you with a full lineup of fun and safe activities for your entire...
In-Store Summer Fun
Summer is upon us and I’m already anticipating the hot humid days ahead. To me there’s nothing fun about sweating as soon as you...
Guide to Orlando Splash Pads
Orlando has many options for water fun, and they are often quite budget friendly. Many splash pads offer adequate shade, comfortable seating, and nearby...
15 + INDOOR Summer Activities to do with your Kids in...
Are you looking for ways to beat the heat this summer or maybe to escape the typical Florida summer rain? No worries, mama! We've...
5 Unbelievably Real Experiences Only in Orlando
We are so lucky to live in a place where so many people want to vacation!! Orlando is the only place where we can...
Theme Parks
Holiday Theme Park Events
Orlando's theme parks come alive with festive cheer during the holiday season, offering an array of magical events that delight visitors of all ages....
Visiting SeaWorld with Small Children
SeaWorld, like other theme parks, is filled with roller-coasters and rides and LOTS of great adventures for older kids. But with the offering of...
Magic Kingdom Itinerary for Kids 5 and Up!
We love to visit the theme parks, but since COVID, we have not been able to enjoy them as much. We lost out on...
Visiting Santa at Epcot: What You Need to Know
Every year since my son was itty bitty, we've gone to EPCOT to see Santa. And every year, we are not disappointed. In true...
Mom’s Guide to EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
Inspired by holidays around the world, EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays is a quick festival, only lasting from November 29th until December 30th, 2024,...
Tips for Vacationing with your Special Needs Toddler
Vacationing with a toddler is daunting; add a few special needs into the mix and it can be downright frightening. My husband and I...
Orlando Theme Park Passholder Perks
With so many theme parks offering annual passes in and around Orlando, how are you supposed to choose which pass(es) are right for your...
Visiting Florida and Understanding our Weather!
The weather in Florida can be confusing.
Rain every day? Seriously?
Here's a quick explanation if you are visiting Florida to understand our weather!
We received...
Stroller MUST HAVES at Walt Disney World!
While my days of strollers at Walt Disney World are behind me, I spent a lot of time in the parks with a little...
Fall Theme Park Events
Get ready for some Halloween fun at the Theme Parks!
From trick or treating, to scary haunted houses, you can experience all the fun of...
Elevate Your Staycation
As a local Orlando family, sometimes the best vacation is a staycation. Recently, we decided to celebrate our son's 9th birthday with a staycation...
Mom’s Guide to EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival runs August 29 to November 23, 2024! So there is plenty of time for you and your family...
A Staycation Resort fit for a Queen!
If you have a larger family like we do and are looking for a place to enjoy a local staycation, then Westgate Resort Villas...
Teachers & Educators Special from Disney Area Hotels
Supporting teachers and educators is crucial for the advancement of any society. They are the backbone of our education system, molding young minds and...
Attention Moms, Book the Girls’ Trip
Summer is here. The kids are out of school. Vacations are booked. Camps are planned. The monotonous school year routine is over, but somehow,...
ICON Park Summer of Fun
Grab your camera and tighten your goggles because this summer, ICON PARK is making a splash like never before. From the electrifying presence of...
Disney World with a Baby: Theme Park Rides The Whole Family...
The more I've come to Disney World, the more I've realized that people have no clue you can bring babies (and I'm talking BABY...
A Guide to Universal Studios: Solo Mom Adventure
As a mom, sometimes you need a break from the kids and a chance to indulge in all the things they usually turn their...
Orlando Theme Park Guide
Theme parks and Orlando. They are one in the same! For every tourist and local, we all want to know the best tips and suggestions to make the theme park experience the BEST!
Your Genie+ and Genie Services Handbook at Disney World
Genie+ is the equivalent of FastPass for those of us who roamed the enchanting realms of Disney World before 2021. It's the key to...
A Mom’s Guide to Flower and Garden Festival
I love Flower and Garden Festival. EPCOT is full of beautiful flowers and topiaries. There's new food to try. It has all of the...
Smooth Sailing: Why a Disney Cruise is the EASIEST Vacation for...
As Central Florida moms, we have a little thing in our backyard called the Walt Disney World Resort. I mean, how lucky are we...
9 Random Things to Pack to Make Your Disney Cruise Experience...
For Central Floridians, one of the easiest vacations to take with small children is a Disney Cruise! No airplanes to board, no luggage restrictions...
6 Perks of Staying At A Disney Resort
There are so many decisions to make when planning a Disney World trip—where to eat, which activities to take part in (some are even...
A Quick Overview of the My Disney Experience App!
If you're coming to visit Disney soon, this quick overview of the My Disney Experience app can help you make the most magical plans...
Top Eight Disney Rides for Kids under 44 Inches
44 inches is sort of a sweet spot for Walt Disney World rollercoasters, meaning that MOST of the intense attractions are available to people...
The Ultimate Guide to Theme Park Safety
We know that so many families choose to vacation in Orlando because of the plethora of theme parks in our amazing city. We also...
Staycations + Vacations
Secrets to Family-Friendly “Campcations” in Florida
I've lived in Florida my whole life. I've watched dirt roads become paved roads, cow fields become subdivisions, and tiny unknown campgrounds become packed...
The Best Local Staycation: Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
If you are a large family like us and are looking local staycation, then Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is the spot for you!...
How To Save Money Quick For A Summer Road Trip
Do you sometimes wonder if you'll be able to splurge on a vacation or road trip this year. If it seems like you won't have...
8 Day Trip Ideas for Central Florida Families
As a stay at home mom, I love to have my days planned out especially during the summer. My mom once told me she...
5 Road Trip Ideas for Central Florida Families
With summer fast approaching, many of us are coming up with ways to keep our kids entertained, enjoy the Florida weather and looking to book...
Smooth Sailing: Why a Disney Cruise is the EASIEST Vacation for...
As Central Florida moms, we have a little thing in our backyard called the Walt Disney World Resort. I mean, how lucky are we...
How to Enjoy Summer Trips with Kids
Summer is upon us and that means lots of summer fun, awesome camps, and family vacations. However, if you’ve traveled as a family before,...
2 Cheap and Fun Orlando Staycations
I've said it before, and I'll say it again - we are so lucky to live in Central Florida. We live where the rest...
Coast to Coast Bucket List: Summer Vacations Destinations for Florida Families
There are so many amazing destinations from Florida's coast to coast that it would be impossible to list them all! This year I decided...
Safety Tips for Family Trips
It’s hard to believe, but the summer travel season is almost upon us. As we make our travel plans and pack up our suitcases,...
An Easy Birthday Staycation Idea
Anderson's 5th birthday was barreling down on us at 100 MPH. The holidays had just passed. Back to school was done. The recent raging...
Justfly’s Best Tips and Tools for Planning an Orlando Staycation
We truly live where everyone else vacations, which we hate when it comes to snowbird traffic, but we love when we are looking for...
Pool, Water Safety & More
Staying Safe: Water Safety Tips for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
At Florida Autism Center (aka BlueSprig Pediatrics), we want to ensure all families have access to the proper resources needed to ensure their loved...
Summer Safety Guide
As the sun rises higher in the sky and the temperatures climb, everyone across Florida eagerly anticipates the joys of summer. It's a time...
Kid Safety During Summer
Summer’s here, and it’s time for our little ones to get outside and have adventurous fun, enjoying the long days and warm weather. Because...
Pool Safety for Toddlers
My son almost drowned in a pool. That’s why I’ve become an advocate for pool safety, especially for toddlers.
A few years ago, I had...
Water Safety Tips with British Swim School
Some of my favorite memories growing up took place splashing in pools and jumping ocean waves. We would swim and swim until our fingers...
Pool Care Cheat Sheet: 7 Hacks For Busy Homeowners
There is nothing better than having a pool in your backyard. However, keeping it in good condition might be a hassle. This is especially...
Mom Approved: Boating Safety Tips & Checklist
Dads tend to have this reputation of being lenient when it comes to safety. Think about it… who was more likely to make you...
Health + Beauty
Summer Must Haves
Summer fun calls for a few Summer Must Haves, sure to make life easier!
The sun is out and the water is calling! Seasoned moms know...
5 Summer essentials every mom needs!
5 Summer Essentials Every Mom Needs
Summer is in full swing and it is inevitable that we pack the "essentials" when heading out for a...
Comfortable and Stylish: What to Wear This Summer
As the seasons shift and the days become warmer, it’s also time to review your summer staples encapsulated through loose-fitting and breathable fabrics and...
Bikini Season 2024
A note for myself at the start of Bikini Season 2024.
Summertime equals outside water time. We’re excited about heading out to the beaches, visiting...
Summer Must Haves for Moms
Summer is a wonderful season of fun, sun, and relaxation. But, as a mom, you also know that it can be a busy time...
Healthy Summer Snacks Both Mom and Kids Will Love
Now that the summer is here, it's essential to stay hydrated. In addition to drinking water and sipping on your favorite beverages, snacks prepared...
6 Ways To Keep Your Family Hydrated This Summer
Once the summer months begin, most of you will look forward to spending more time on the beach, traveling to warm places, getting ready...
Children’s Medical Emergency: How to Handle It
A children’s medical emergency can strike at any time. That's why it's important to be prepared to head to the emergency room at a...
10 Easy and Healthy Summer-y Snacks for Kids
Summer is here! Your little darlings will be in your charge while school’s out and if there’s one thing kids love during summer, it’s...
Sun Protection – What You Need to Know
It's summertime and that means it is sun protection season. I know it's not really a thing, but it kinda is for us Florida...
5 Summer Drinks to Cool You Off
Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good cocktail, and with temperatures in Orlando hanging out in the 90's I am on...
Summer Skin Care Routine for Moms
Being a mom is a full-time gig, and it can be so easy to neglect caring for ourselves. But, don’t you worry, mama! If...
8 Different Ways to Protect Yourself from the Sun
Ah, the sun. Beautiful, warm, and the source of that wonderful vitamin D.
But did you know that the sun can be one of the...
5 Summer Staples Perfect for Orlando Moms
Summer, summer, summertime. You are fun and easy and filled with long slow days. However, you are also hot and sticky and humid. I...
Summer Survival Guide for Fit’n’Healthy Kids
Summer is upon us, Ladies! Whether you are dreading it, willing it to get here more quickly, or scrambling to line up child care,...
Super Pregnant: Florida Summers
Being pregnant is a blessing, a beautiful blessing; so, don't get me wrong when I say... being pregnant during a Florida summer is the...
Mom Perspectives
REAL Mom Summer: Smashing Societal “Norms”
The REAL Mom Summer campaign was created to redefine sexy and what “hot” moms are.
We've all seen it..the "hot" mom summer memes. So we...
How to Make Time for Yourself When the Kids Are Home...
Moms might joke about how they can’t wait for school to start again, but first, you must survive the long month of July and...
Now Entering: Summer Survival Mode
I am as over the school year as the next mom. Maybe more so.
I'm tired of packing lunches, matching socks, and making sure that...
I’m SO not ready for summer vacation
As the last few weeks of school come to an end, I am beginning to think about our summer plans. While I love not...
Floating through Summer’s Chaos
Summers are amazing! In theory, they are a time to relax and live in the moment, while spending more time with loved ones enjoying...
Tips to Get Through Summer with Sanity as a Mother
{editors note: Morgan is our advice column guru. She is a stay at home mom AND a marriage and family therapist. In her professional work, she...
10 Rules for a Not Bummer Summer
Eighteen.
The number of emails I might receive in an hour. Or the loads of laundry I finish in a week. Or the times I...
Learning + Sleep
Sleep Hacks for Vacation with Children
It's summer and summer means; V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N! When on vacation with children, ensuring adequate sleep can be challenging. Vacation can disrupt sleep, unless you plan...
What Lies on the Other Side of Summer: 5 ways to...
I've been on the verge of tears for a few weeks now with several times of them overflowing. It could have something to do...
Schooling Through the Summer
I'm not what you might call a "structured mom". My kids wake up mostly when they want to, they play outside a lot, and...
How to Keep Your Child Learning this Summer
Now that school is out for the summer, it’s time to kick back and relax! Not so fast, though. Studies have shown that teachers...
Summer Sleep Tips
Summer - the long awaited time of year where the days are long and the weather is warm! Now that my kids are school-age,...
School’s Out!: {5 Easy Ways to Curb the Summer Slide}
With school out, wouldn’t it be nice to just let our kids have fun this summer?
No more being cooped up in a dusty building...
How To Help Your Child Sleep Well In Summer Heat
Sleep and heat do not mix! Keeping cool on summer nights can be tough when it is hot out. And oh my it is...
Budget + Finances
Summer is HERE! Entertaining Kids On A Budget
Summer is HERE!
One would hope that with the "end of the school year" hectic pace coming to a halt, we can sit back and...
Declare Your Financial Independence This Summer
As we celebrate America’s birthday this month, it’s a fitting time to declare your own independence – financial independence, that is. Securing your financial...
Take a Vacation from Stressing over Summer Spending
Summer is just around the corner. But are you ready – not only for the beach weekends, family vacations, 4th of July festivities and...
How To Save Money Quick For A Summer Road Trip
Do you sometimes wonder if you'll be able to splurge on a vacation or road trip this year. If it seems like you won't have...
This guide is brought to you in partnership with the featured businesses. We are grateful for their sponsorship which allows us to continue to bring resources like this to local Central Florida area families.
