Ultimate Guide to Summer in Central Florida
Summertime in Central Florida is nonstop fun and sun
Check out our 2026 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:
Ultimate Guide to Summer
presented by
Nemours Children’s Health
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
Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long
Kids Bowl Free EVERY DAY, ALL Summer Long
Unlock a Summer of Fun, Laughter, and Lasting Memories - All at No Cost
2 Free Games Every...
Family Activities Within Driving Distance from Orlando | Best Weekend Trip...
Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect family destination {has tons of family activities} within driving distance from Orlando for a quick, memorable weekend escape....
How to Have a Fun, Nostalgic Summer with Kids
Remember the days when summer break meant endless adventures and the only “screen time” we cared about was Saturday morning cartoons? If you’re looking...
Indoor Activities in Orlando for Rainy or Blazing Hot Days (Low-Budget...
Honestly, there's no shortage of indoor activities in Orlando, but sometimes you just want to stay home and have a low-budget options of things...
Getting Back to Summer Joy with Our Throwback Bike
There’s nothing more classic—or more fun—than throwback bike like a beach cruiser for summer, and the Huffy Beach Cruiser delivers that retro magic in...
Sunset at the Zoo Is Back — And Mama, This One’s...
If you've been around Orlando Mom for a while, you know I'm always on the hunt for those magical after-hours experiences that turn an...
Mini Golf with the Kids: Ripley’s Crazy Golf
If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids (or honestly… a date night idea), this just opened 👇
Ripley’s Crazy Golf Orlando...
Surviving Summer in Orlando: A Local Mom’s Guide to Beat the...
Welcome to surviving summer in Orlando, also known as the annual sweat festival where the UV index hits “don’t even” and your kids still...
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...
Things to Do Around Orlando: Jetty Park Beach
Recently, we took the girls to Jetty Park Beach for a family day of fun before school starts. The proximity to the ocean is...
Where to see Manatees in Central Florida
Manatees are the official marine mammal of Florida! Seeing one of these creatures in the wild is truly spectacular. I vividly remember seeing three...
Where to See Rocket Launches in Central Florida
Witnessing a live rocket launch is definitely a jaw-dropping, bucket-list experience. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides the closest public viewing of rocket launches and...
Places You are Guaranteed to See Alligators in Central Florida
I've lived in Florida my entire life. The obsession with seeing alligators in Central Florida in the wild bewilders me. I suppose it makes...
A Mom’s Guide to Visiting Gatorland
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Florida experience, then you’ve got to visit Gatorland! It’s no wonder this place has dubbed itself the...
Five Favorite Beaches Near Orlando
One of the best perks of sunny Orlando living is the many beaches within driving distance. Whether you are planning a weekend beach getaway...
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...
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....
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...
Staycations + Vacations
50+ Things to Do in Orlando with Kids (2026 Guide)
50+ Things to Do in Orlando with Kids (2026 Guide)
Looking for the best things to do in Orlando with kids?
Here are local mom-approved ideas...
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...
Budget + Finances
Summer is HERE! Entertaining Kids On A Budget
With the school year finally wrapping up, you'd think it's time to exhale, kick back, and enjoy a well-earned break. In theory, summer should...
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...
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...
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...
Health + Beauty
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...
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...
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...
Theme Parks
SeaWorld Orlando 5K Run Series
SeaWorld Orlando is launching its 2026 5K Run Series, bringing together two fan-favorite races: the Seven Seas Food Festival 5K on April 25 and the Howl-O-Sprint 5K...
Be a Kid Again at Kennedy Space Center
Be a Kid Again at KSC
Growing up may be inevitable, but feeling like a kid again is easier than ever at Kennedy Space Center Visitor...
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.
