PLAYGROUNDAfter completing a decade of publications and now into our 11th year in print, it might be a good time to reintroduce ourselves to you. If you’re visiting PLAYGROUND for the first time, we’re so glad you found us! PLAYGROUND is a regional...
After completing a decade of publications and now into our 11th year in print, it might be a good time to reintroduce ourselves to you. If you’re visiting PLAYGROUND for the first time, we’re so glad you found us! PLAYGROUND is a regional...
Wendy Meyer is a Winter Park mom to son, Beckett, a self-proclaimed #Disnerd and an integral collaborator at PLAYGROUND Magazine. She currently holds the titles of social media manager, events editor and writer. (That's what happens when you're good at everything they throw at ya!) You can read her single-mom musings on her blog: Mommy’s Little Rebel.
Heather Reneau is an Oviedo mom of two and a graphic designer/art director with a natural flair for writing. Her entrepreneurial spirit has led her down many business paths, including conceiving and producing PLAYGROUND Magazine back in 2007. It's her passion to celebrate local people and spread the word about quality family businesses, services and events in Orlando and beyond.
Cortney Thekan lives in Conway and is the mother of two brilliant, quirky kids. She serves as PLAYGROUND Magazine’s irreplaceable editor-at-large, business consultant and den mother. Cortney is the owner of Core Publishing, providing professional writing and editing services to businesses large and small.
Alisha Champ lives in Ocoee but travels all around Central Florida attending to multiple creative projects and assisting parents with the business of their lives. Alisha is PLAYGROUND Magazine’s special projects manager and fashion editor. She is also the owner of Consider Any Thing Done, where she assists families with everything from babysitting to interior design.
Jessica Ventura lives in Baldwin Park with her husband and two kids. She is PLAYGROUND Magazine’s advertising manager and biggest fan. Jessica knows local business is the backbone of our community, and she works hard to create exciting marketing options for our partners. She is also a successful independent business consultant for Rodan+Fields.
Alicia McKee lives in Apopka with her husband and daughter. She is PLAYGROUND Magazine’s advertising coordinator and E-newsletter guru. Alicia came to us excited to have found a magazine that helped her navigate the new world of parenting. We put her right to work on the many important tasks surrounding our advertising partners.
Brant Muekeley is married to the publisher and uses his engineering mind to crunch the numbers for PLAYGROUND as our financial manager. He works behind-the-scenes generating invoices and writing checks to keep PLAYGROUND financially successful. Brant is also the owner of Measure Dynamics of Orlando, which provides laser measuring and drafting services.
Tracey C. Velt is a married mom of two children living in Heathrow. She's a UCF graduate and has been the editor-in-chief of regional and statewide magazines. In 2004, she start her own freelance writing and editing business, Tracey Velt Consulting. She's also a regular contributor of PLAYGROUND Magazine.
Amanda Green is a native Floridian and mother of two. She enjoys writing about travel, family, adventure, and living the Florida lifestyle. Look for her next time you're outside exploring Central Florida's parks and trails.
Nicole Mitchem is a Florida Native, proud mom of three sons and a former model. She picked up a camera when her oldest son was born 18 years ago and fell in love with photography. Nicole has been shooting professionally ever since. Her desire is to convey vibrance, fun and expression in all of her work.
Marliese Carmona is a commercial and editorial photographer in Central Florida. She is a toddler chasing, yoga loving, mad scientist creative with two kids, a house full of corgis, and a serious, serious love affair with light. Marliese also develops talent portfolios for models and actors in the Florida market.
Kristen Manieri is a prolific writer who has been blogging about relationships and date night for 12 years through her sites: Orlando Date Night Guide and Date Night Guide. Kristen is also the host of The Synced Life podcast, which explores topics related to human connection. She lives in the Orlando area with her husband, Marc and their two daughters.
Megan Navarro is a Central Florida native, born and raised in DeLand and has lived in Orlando for most of her adult life. She is a graduate of the UCF Rosen School of Hospitality Management and is an accomplished professional photographer. Megan produces the YouTube channel "I am Megan Navarro," where she specializes in budget-friendly home décor and organization tips, as well as awesome family-friendly adventures in Orlando. Megan is a truly positive person and lives by the motto: To the Top, Never Stop!
JJ West lives in Oviedo with her husband and three children. She is a former teacher and a “wannabe blogger.” When she isn’t changing diapers, preparing snacks or answering a million questions, she enjoys the beach, sweet tea and college football. You can read more about faith, family and funny stories on her blog, Mrs. JJ West.
Viviana is the Assistant Manager for Community Relations of the Orange County Library System. She holds an M.L.I.S. from the University of South Florida and has 10 years experience as a Children’s Librarian. Viviana is a voracious reader, obsessed with all things Harry Potter and is happy to pass that on to her 5-year-old son.
Kodi Churchill is an Orlando mom to a spunky 2-year old boy and enjoys fostering cats, listening to 90's band Hanson and watching Disney movies. Her previous roles include writing and marketing for the tech and sports media corporations. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina in Journalism and Mass Communications.
Angela C. Browning and her husband, Brandon, are the proud Orlando-based parents of three boys. Angela holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and literature from Eastern Michigan University and earned her Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law. Follow her group’s effort at facebook.com/groups/ocpsrecess and @RestoreRecess on Twitter.
As a Family Therapist for over 20 years, Jodi empowers people to become their own healer. As an anxiety survivor and a mom of teens, Jodi totally gets it. Her TEDxWilmington talk, “Calm Anxious Kids,” and her new book, Anxiety...I’m So Done with You! are changing the way we understand the current mental health crisis.
Stephanie Vatalaro is a lifelong angler. She works to introduce newcomers to the water as senior vice president of marketing & communications for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and its Take Me Fishing initiative. Outside of work, you’re likely to find her fishing and boating with her family.
Avani Desai is a mom of two, executive vice president at Schellman & Company, member of board of directors at Central Florida Foundation and co-chair of 100 Women Strong, a collective giving initiative of the Central Florida Foundation that inspires women in Central Florida to help improve the lives of women and children through strategic philanthropy.
Dr. Mandana Nabizadeh, DDS, known to her patients as Dr. Nabi, attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and earned her D.D.S. degree in general dentistry. She specializes in working with pediatric dental patients in the downtown Orlando-based pediatric practice Your Downtown Dentistry. Dr. Nabi is married to Dr. Ali Behzadi and has a young daughter, Melody.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.
Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr. Oz.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
January 18-April 18
The ever-popular Dino invasion is back at Leu Gardens and you really don’t want to miss this incredible family-friendly event! Wonder through the Jurassic Gardens and encounter dinosaurs, fossil experts and learn all about the time that these colossal creatures rammed the Earth.
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
A global celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts is on its way to Walt Disney World Resort early next year, as the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is set for Jan. 8 – Feb. 22, 2021.
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
ATTENTION Orlando area dinosaur lovers! The dinosaurs have a RAWRIN’ good time on the road and want to continue the DRIVE-THRU FUN at the Orange County Convention Center! 
The exhibit has been transformed into an interactive drive-thru experience, featuring over 70 MOVING and ROARING dinosaurs and our 50 - foot - long Megalodon!
GO ON A QUEST with our online audio tour that will take you throughout our exhibit where you will encounter some of the largest dinosaurs to ever roam the earth, and some of the eeriest marine creatures to ever lurk the ocean’s depths!
Join us at the OCCC from January 29 – February 7!
Timeslots and hours will vary by day. Tickets are good for entry at any time during your time slot.
Be sure to secure your spot online before it sells out, as we do foresee a quick sell out.
Tickets will be sold ONLINE ONLY.
Tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate.
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
On Wednesdays, kids eat free* with the Little Piglet Dinner Special.
Wednesday, starting at 5pm, stop by Pig Floyd's locations for dinner and along with your dinner purchase, your child can enjoy a Quesadilla or Chicken tender kids meal, ON US.
Don't have kids, perfect night to invite a friend that does.
See you for dinner!
*Special offer restricted to this date/time only and applies to quesadilla or chicken tender kids meals. Items cannot be substituted.
FoodKid FriendlyFood tasting
ATTENTION Orlando area dinosaur lovers! The dinosaurs have a RAWRIN’ good time on the road and want to continue the DRIVE-THRU FUN at the Orange County Convention Center!
The exhibit has been transformed into an interactive drive-thru experience, featuring over 70 MOVING and ROARING dinosaurs and our 50 - foot - long Megalodon!
GO ON A QUEST with our online audio tour that will take you throughout our exhibit where you will encounter some of the largest dinosaurs to ever roam the earth, and some of the eeriest marine creatures to ever lurk the ocean’s depths!
Join us at the OCCC from January 29 – February 7!
Timeslots and hours will vary by day. Tickets are good for entry at any time during your time slot.
Be sure to secure your spot online before it sells out, as we do foresee a quick sell out.
Tickets will be sold ONLINE ONLY.
Tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate.
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
You can do the $25 drop-in class rate or monthly membership is $75. There are limited spots available so please be sure to message me to reserve your spot. Social distancing will be practiced during this class.
ATTENTION Orlando area dinosaur lovers! The dinosaurs have a RAWRIN’ good time on the road and want to continue the DRIVE-THRU FUN at the Orange County Convention Center!
The exhibit has been transformed into an interactive drive-thru experience, featuring over 70 MOVING and ROARING dinosaurs and our 50 - foot - long Megalodon!
GO ON A QUEST with our online audio tour that will take you throughout our exhibit where you will encounter some of the largest dinosaurs to ever roam the earth, and some of the eeriest marine creatures to ever lurk the ocean’s depths!
Join us at the OCCC from January 29 – February 7!
Timeslots and hours will vary by day. Tickets are good for entry at any time during your time slot.
Be sure to secure your spot online before it sells out, as we do foresee a quick sell out.
Tickets will be sold ONLINE ONLY.
Tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate.
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
Host A Family Movie Night At Home
Gather the gang for Family Night, weekly family viewing events featuring movie specials or themed programming.
Download printable Family Night movie tickets , movie marquee signs and a movie snack box !
Don't miss family night every Friday from 7 - 9 PM on PBS KIDS!
ATTENTION Orlando area dinosaur lovers! The dinosaurs have a RAWRIN’ good time on the road and want to continue the DRIVE-THRU FUN at the Orange County Convention Center!
The exhibit has been transformed into an interactive drive-thru experience, featuring over 70 MOVING and ROARING dinosaurs and our 50 - foot - long Megalodon!
GO ON A QUEST with our online audio tour that will take you throughout our exhibit where you will encounter some of the largest dinosaurs to ever roam the earth, and some of the eeriest marine creatures to ever lurk the ocean’s depths!
Join us at the OCCC from January 29 – February 7!
Timeslots and hours will vary by day. Tickets are good for entry at any time during your time slot.
Be sure to secure your spot online before it sells out, as we do foresee a quick sell out.
Tickets will be sold ONLINE ONLY.
Tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate.
Experience Alice's journey like never before at Mead Gardens! This is an interactive walking tour and show that is perfect for all ages!
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
This free family event is designed to help families begin to contextualize some of these complex topics for a young audience. History Center educators will be on hand to offer guided facilitation of our newest special exhibition, Yesterday This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920, to present this history in an approachable and age-appropriate way.
Families can also participate in creative activities designed to help children think about how they can have a positive impact on the future, as well as storytime with a local author. They’ll also have a chance to win an amazing book package giveaway! Free admission.
Weekly Open House every Saturday at The Orlando School of Music!!
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.!
Come visit us to view the school, receive a VIP tour of the school, and schedule a trial lesson! We have a lot of great perks for students and parents!
4968 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803! (321) 281-8386!
Classic car, music, food and a great time for the whole family!
Traditional Hot Rod and Custom gathering. Focusing on Pre-1964 American Made classics with a few exceptions. Period music from DJ White Lightning, dash plaques goody bags for all classic cars, awards and raffle prizes.
Public skating is for children 12 years old and younger and their parents.
$8.00 admission includes regular skate rental
Adults that want to skate the admission is only $5.00 with every paid child and as always non skating chaperones are free.
Need a lesson?
For $10.00, come in at 9 a.m. and have instruction from 9:15 to 10 a.m., which includes our Tiny Tot public session and regular skate rental!
Get ready for a Valentine-making extravaganza! Design a Valentine’s Day paper crown, as well as a clay heart-shaped necklace and treasure box. Bring your loved ones and experience the joy of sharing your heART with ART! Clay pieces will be kiln fired and ready for pickup on Monday, February 15.
Pre-registration is required. All participants, except children under the age of two, must wear face coverings per CDC recommendations.
Price:
One Adult and One Child,
Non-Members: $25.00
One Adult and One Child,
Members: $23.00
Additional Adult: $10.00
Additional Child: $10.00
All Your Favorite Classic Cars Come Together at One Place.
Join us every Saturday and take a trip down memory lane. The Old Town Classic Car Show has been a local tradition for over 30 years, it is one of the premier weekly car shows in Central Florida.
The Saturday Classic Car Show begins at 1:00 pm and welcomes show-quality 1983 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. Cars will cruise at 8:30 pm and all registered cars are able to participate.
The Classic Car Show is free for participants and free for the public to attend. It's the perfect outing for families of every generation, young and old, to enjoy.
Here are some reminders and safety precautions to ensure everyone enjoys their time at Old Town:
- Practice safe social distancing between you and other guests of at least 6 feet.
- No gatherings or congregating of more than 10 individuals.
- Face masks or coverings are strongly encouraged while you enjoy Old Town.
- Face masks are county mandated inside public facilities in Osceola County.
- Old Town has placed additional sanitizing stations throughout the property and at each restroom.
- All Old Town staff, security and housekeeping are required to be temperature checked and wear masks at all times.
- Old Town requires cars be parked at least 6 feet apart to ensure cruiser and guest safety.
For more information on how to stay safe and healthy during your visit to Old Town, please visit Stay Safe.
PARTICIPATING CLASSIC CARS: enter Old Town from Highway 192 under the east (left) side of the Jukebox signs where you’ll be greeted by Event Staff. They will then direct you to a security escort down the brick streets. Please do not drive on the bricks without permission.
Experience Alice's journey like never before at Mead Gardens! This is an interactive walking tour and show that is perfect for all ages!
ATTENTION Orlando area dinosaur lovers! The dinosaurs have a RAWRIN’ good time on the road and want to continue the DRIVE-THRU FUN at the Orange County Convention Center!
The exhibit has been transformed into an interactive drive-thru experience, featuring over 70 MOVING and ROARING dinosaurs and our 50 - foot - long Megalodon!
GO ON A QUEST with our online audio tour that will take you throughout our exhibit where you will encounter some of the largest dinosaurs to ever roam the earth, and some of the eeriest marine creatures to ever lurk the ocean’s depths!
Join us at the OCCC from January 29 – February 7!
Timeslots and hours will vary by day. Tickets are good for entry at any time during your time slot.
Be sure to secure your spot online before it sells out, as we do foresee a quick sell out.
Tickets will be sold ONLINE ONLY.
Tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate.
Enjoy some twists on recipes and dishes from around the world that you can make together at home!
Price is for a parent/child combo; add one seat to the cart.
Menu
-Beefy Fiesta Crescent Pockets
-Korean Chicken Meatballs
-Cheesy Italian Sausage and Rice Baked Casserole
-Guava and Cream Cheese Crepes with Whipped Cream
What to expect
Big & Little Chef series classes are designed specifically for a guardian/parent, older sibling (18 or older), etc., paired with a young chef. Each pair will work together (along with the rest of the students) to create delicious recipes appropriate for adults and kids alike. Big Chef must be 18 or older. Little Chef age range: 5–12 years old.
New Weekly Indoor Sunday Market inside the Altamonte Springs Mall featuring Fresh Produce, Packaged Foods, Food Finds, Flowers, Local Artisans just off Center Court 1st floor
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
Experience Alice's journey like never before at Mead Gardens! This is an interactive walking tour and show that is perfect for all ages!
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
On Wednesdays, kids eat free* with the Little Piglet Dinner Special.
Wednesday, starting at 5pm, stop by Pig Floyd's locations for dinner and along with your dinner purchase, your child can enjoy a Quesadilla or Chicken tender kids meal, ON US.
Don't have kids, perfect night to invite a friend that does.
See you for dinner!
*Special offer restricted to this date/time only and applies to quesadilla or chicken tender kids meals. Items cannot be substituted.
FoodKid FriendlyFood tasting
Experience Alice's journey like never before at Mead Gardens! This is an interactive walking tour and show that is perfect for all ages!
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
Let OMA come to you through this virtual youth workshop! Explore an art history topic and exciting art project with each Zoom session! Learn step-by-step techniques to create your own unique piece of art at home!Students will be sent material lists 1-2 weeks prior to each session to ensure that they have the supplies needed.Who:
Children ages 7-13.Price:
Non-members: $10.00
Members: $8.00
You can do the $25 drop-in class rate or monthly membership is $75. There are limited spots available so please be sure to message me to reserve your spot. Social distancing will be practiced during this class.
Inspiring curious minds of all ages with onsite and virtual experiences, including exhibitors, speakers, and workshops!
The event will look and feel different this year, but what hasn’t changed is the unprecedented access to activities and experiences that unlock a world of wonder and possibilities.
Fun and discovery for all ages in an environment that is focused on health and safety.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
• Otronicon connects you with STEM experts, startups, and industry leaders to learn new skills, explore careers and sample new tech – both onsite and virtually.
• Experiences onsite include tours of a tiny green home, encountering game developers and tech start-ups to sample prototypes, playing old school arcade games, or discovering how the latest technology is used to clean our air and water.
• Family-friendly live science shows, coding games, tech-themed storytimes, 3D Doodlers, nature talks, and animal encounters, plus other cool science will also be available throughout the event.
• Participate in a tech drive onsite by donating gently used laptops and tablets for students in need.
• Are you interested in a tech career? Network and hear from industry experts at Otronicon Tech Connect: A Day in the Life, Powered by Black Orlando Tech
UPLOAD TO OTRONICON FROM HOME:
• In addition to experiences onsite, there is an expansive roster of speakers, presentations, and workshops available virtually to fully immerse yourself in everything Otronicon!
• Connect and learn about careers in space, E-Sports, and bionics, plus design video games, create stop motion movies, and take a test flight.
• Upgrade your onsite admission to include virtual experiences or register for an all-inclusive virtual pass for the entire household.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Visit www.osc.org/otronicon for a complete schedule of virtual and onsite activities.
HOURS, ADMISSION & TICKETS:
Otronicon will take place February 12 - 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission to Otronicon is FREE for OSC members*, $21 for adults, $19 for seniors and students, and $15 for youth (ages 2-11). Virtual access is available for an additional fee.
SCIENCE FOR ALL – General Admission Access Program: If you have an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or WIC card with a State issued photo ID matching the name and state as the card, you qualify for a $3 admission per person for up to six individuals.
*To become a member and enjoy free admission to Otronicon and daily free admission to Orlando Science Center, please visit www.osc.org/membership.
For more information, visit www.osc.org/otronicon.
PLAN AHEAD:
As a prerequisite for admission, we require all guests to wear a face covering and have their temperature checked before entering. While in attendance, all guests are asked to follow social distancing guidelines and wash or disinfect their hands frequently.
For full details on the modifications we’ve made to our experience and our health and safety procedures, please see the building reopening plan: https://www.osc.org/reopening-plan/
Experience Alice's journey like never before at Mead Gardens! This is an interactive walking tour and show that is perfect for all ages!
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
