A LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA’S MODERN PARENTS
PLAYGROUND www.playground-magazine.com
The Party PLAYguide
Blowout Birthday Bashes Local Fall Events
b irthday issue!
September / October 2016
“Where Your Child Is a STAR!”
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2016
8
FLORI WORKSHOPS
LIVE 8. PLAYGROUND Chatter 12. DIY Craft 14. Amazing Kids 16. Time for Presents!
LOVE 18. Date Night 20. Mompreneur
FEATURES 23. Birthday Party Blowouts 32. Fashion: Turn It Up
23 BIRTHDAY PARTY BLOWOUTS
PLAY 40. See/Saw: Bad Moms Night Out 42. Go Play: Family Events Calendar 46. Mom's Guide to Halloween 51. Party PLAYguide 58. Science of Parenthood
32
FASHION: TURN IT UP
Please send all editorial submissions for consideration to editorial@playground-magazine.com or mail to PLAYGROUND Magazine, 10151 University Blvd., Ste. 326, Orlando, FL 32817. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other submitted materials will not be returned. PLAYGROUND Magazine’s liability, in the event of an error, is limited to a published correction.
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PLAYGROUND SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
the the Anti-ordinary the theAnti-ordinary Anti-ordinary Anti-ordinary
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EDITOR'S NOTE Tracey Velt and friends (L to R) back row: Kelly Ryan, Allison Price, Elisabeth Holt, Tina Gates, Michelle DeSmedt, Susan Goyer; bottom row: Ellen Bessette, Tracey Velt, Adrea Cardillo
PLAYGROUND FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA’S MODERN PARENTS
Heather Reneau Founder and Publisher heather@playground-magazine.com Chrissy Allen Co-Founder Brant Muekeley Chief Financial Officer brant@playground-magazine.com Tracey C. Velt Managing Editor tracey@playground-magazine.com
Adulting: Party Edition!
Cortney Thekan Copy Editor
Like many of you, I love a good date night. What I love even more is a night out with my fabulous friends! Several years ago, my circle of mom friends (we met through a local MOMS Club!) started a monthly dinner club. Nine couples take turns hosting dinner. The host provides the theme, the main dish and a special drink; the rest of us bring a dish and beer or wine. The truth is no one really cares about the food. The fun is in getting together and celebrating each other. Last month’s theme was the Not-So-Newlywed Game. My husband and I renewed our vows recently, which is how our host came up with the idea. Women wore white; men wore black. The real fun began when we played a game similar to the classic Newlywed Game — talk about laughs! We even had a wedding cake with a not-safe-for-work topper. Don't forget to take some time out from this parenting work we do to PARTY with your friends. It's so important to carve out some time to renew your spirit and have some adult fun. You'll be a much more relaxed parent if you do!
Tracey Facebook.com/playgroundmagazine Instagram.com/playorlando Twitter.com/playmag Pinterest.com/playmag
Tracey Velt tracey@playground-magazine.com
ENT S MOD ERN PAR L FLO RIDA’S FOR CEN TRA
ND ABOUT THE COVER ... PLAYGROU Our cover model was chosen from our September/ irthday MAG AZIN E A LIFE STYL E
September /
b
magazine.com
www.playground-
October 2016
issue!
October fashion editorial photo shoot produced and submitted by local photographer Marliese Carmona. She and her team created a vibrant fall fashion photo shoot using the Fun Bus in Mount Dora as a backdrop. The adorable cardboard props were made by a crafty mom of one of the models. The cover model, Adam, age 9, lives in Winter Garden. See more details on his look and the rest of the fashion images beginning on page 32.
The Party PLAYguide
Blowout Birthday Bashes ts
Local Fall Even
AM 9/2/16 11:50
over.indd 1
SeptOct16_C
Oops! In "Mom's Guide to Education" on page 26 of the July/August 2016 issue, we mentioned that magnet schools are required to provide bus transportation. However, bus transportation is not required.
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PLAYGROUND SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
Jessica Ventura Advertising Manager jessica@playground-magazine.com Emily Weiss Advertising Assistant emily@playground-magazine.com Jenna Shinn Publishing Assistant jenna@playground-magazine.com Alisha Champ Special Projects Manager ConsiderAnyThingDone.com Graphic Designers: Jessica Friend JessicaFriendPhotoDesign.com Kari King DesignKingInc.com Contributing Writers: Debbie Helton, Jenna Shin, JJ West, Kristen Manieri, Norrine Dworkin-McDaniel Contributing Photographers: Jessica Friend JessicaFriendPhotoDesign.com Marliese Carmona MarlieseCarmona.com Website Development: Shelley Easter ShelleyEaster.com PLAYGROUND Magazine is published bi-monthly by Playground Media Group, LLC, 10151 University Blvd., Ste. 326, Orlando, FL 32817. Telephone 407-221-4932; Fax 321-244-0412. PLAYGROUND Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein. We are not responsible for the return of manuscripts, artwork and/or photographs. The entire content of PLAYGROUND Magazine is copyrighted by Playground Media Group, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Playground Media Group, LLC, 10151 University Blvd., Ste. 326, Orlando, FL 32817.
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CENTRAL FLORIDA U-PICK BLUEBERRY FARM Southern Hill Farms is a family owned and operated u-pick and commercially harvested blueberry farm. We are located atop one of Central Florida’s rare and picturesque rolling hills in Clermont, just southwest of Orlando. Visit us during our family events on select dates throughout the remainder of the year and we will re-open the 40 acres of blueberry u-pick bushes next spring at the peak of their ripeness.
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visit us at SouthernHillFarms.com for event details times, prices and more information. 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont, FL 34714 • 407-986-5806
SouthernHillFarms_half_0916.indd 1
t 8/23/16 8:26 AM
LIVE
PLAYGROUND
chatter
Pass on this local info to the other moms during your next play date. Words by JJ West and Tracey Velt
MOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’ BIRTHDAY MUSIC Have y’all heard about Sugarcrash Kids (SCK)? (www.sugarcrashkids.com) Our moms’ group booked them for our end-of-the-year party, and they totally rocked! All my mom friends raved about their performance. SCK is more than just kids music; it’s a whole experience — music, stories, videos, blog, podcast and app. Sure, the website includes a link to purchase the music, but you can also preview ALL of the songs before you buy. (I love this feature!) Here’s the best part: the music, stories and fun are designed to appeal to the entire family. This isn’t just for the preschool scene. Older kids will enjoy the SCK experience too. One of my favorite features is a playlist entitled Sound Tracks. This playlist includes songs of different moods and tempo but not lyrics. Kids can make up their own lyrics or use the music to inspire videos. Whether you need a kid-friendly party playlist, some new tunes for the car or stories to keep the kids entertained while you cook dinner, you should check out SCK. All the cool moms are doing it. –JJ West
EDUCATION GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT Want to teach your kids the magic of gardening and cooking? The Edible Education Experience (edibleed.org) recently opened the Emeril Lagasse Kitchen House and Culinary Garden in College Park. This cooking and gardening school operates in cooperation with Orlando Junior Academy (discoveroja.com), the Emeril Lagasse Foundation and the Florida Hospital Center for Child and Family Wellness. Programs include gardening weekends, culinary classes for children and adults, fieldtrips and unique events to experience the creativity of local chefs. –JJ West
Sugar Crash Kids
Check out — all the cool moms are doing it!
Lightsabers WELCOME When the last line of the adult fitness class description reads, “Please bring your own lightsaber,” you know you’re about to have some fun. Studio K (studiokorlando.com), located at on International Drive South, is bringing the fun (and The Force) back to fitness. Studio K offers fitness and dance classes for adults of all ability levels. They recently brought the Lightsaber Fitness craze to Florida. Other fall offerings include Club Salsa, Rock the Barre, the new MIXXEDFIT (a cross between boot camp and dance class) and much more. –JJ West
8 PLAYGROUND SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
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8/30/16 4:07 PM
LIVE PLAYGROUND CHATTER
PLAYGROUND moms recommend: BrightLight BOOKS A local mom recently emailed us about a hidden treasure — BrightLight Books (brightlightbooks.com) in Fern Park. “My kids, Trinity (6) and Trevin (9), and I absolutely love this store. Even my 19-year-old son, Taylor, likes to go there. My kids love to find a comfy chair and read,” says Catherine Curry of Casselberry. “It’s truly is a gem for families because you can find inexpensive and gently used books and DVDs. Disney DVDs are less than $10!” Plus, you can trade your gently used books for new ones. Bright Light Books has three locations in Fern Park, Oviedo and Altamonte Springs. –Tracey C. Velt
ART FOR A CAUSE As a former UCF adjunct professor teaching integrated arts education and a former Orange County Public Schools teacher, Dowell Bethea was looking for a way to incorporate everything she loves—creativity, teaching and giving back— into one. The Winter Park mom of two children, Nora (11) and Samuel (4), found a way through Flori (dowellbethea.com), a company founded on helping children tap into their creativity while serving the Central Florida community by donating all profits to the Nurse Family Partnership (nursefamilypartnership.org) and Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando. “As a teacher, educator and adoptive parent, I understand the importance of early childhood intervention. Nurse Family Partnership matches a first-time teen mom living in poverty with a nurse who teaches essential parenting skills,” says Dowell. “As for Nemours, there are few things more difficult than childhood cancer. Our community is fortunate to have Nemours.” Dowell offers natural light photography, art workshops and handmade crafts inspired by Florida for children ages 4 and up. “Workshops are held at my home,” says Dowell. She has a homeschool program and regular Saturday workshops teaching everything from spinning pom-poms to making custom fabric prints. Classes are $30, with profits going to the above charities. The part we love? Dowell serves jellybeans and lemonade at all classes! –Tracey C. Velt
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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
Local MOM with the coolest stuff! Local mom Beth Kocol recently launched a new line of reward charts and chore magnets on her Infinitely More Designs (etsy.com/ shop/InfinitelyMore) shop page. The charts are completely customizable and come with instructions on how to use them in a variety of ways. They’re perfect for parents who get a little overwhelmed with putting reward systems in place! –JJ West
Does your party need a CRAZY, CUSTOM CONFECTION? No one does it better than Buddy Velastro from TLC’s hit show Cake Boss. Buddy’s famous shop, Carlo’s Bakery (carlosbakery.com), now has an Orlando location in the Florida Mall. Does your birthday kid want a cake that looks like a giant ninja turtle head on a pizza? A three-tier cake covered in princess tiaras? Their amazing team can create anything you need to wow your party guests. Call 407-362-5365 to book your consultation. –JJ West Follow our daily PLAYGROUND chatter about local places, new products and other parenting tips and tricks on our Facebook page @PLAYGROUNDMagazine.
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PLAY
DIY Craft // Handmade Birthday Cards for a Cause
SUPPLIES:
Each month, the Foundation for Foster Children sends out handmade birthday cards to children in the foster care system. There is a call for volunteers to create these birthday cards. This is an awesome and easy way to introduce your child to the act of community service through crafting! So, grab a group of friends and set up a card-making station where kids can create birthday cards for kids in foster care. Words and Photos by Debbie Helton
DIRECTIONS: 1
Organize a selfserve creativity space in your home. This should be a space where your kids have the freedom to create, discover and explore.
2
Gather an assortment of 8.5 x 11 card stock, construction paper, scrapbook paper, stickers, foam shapes, gems, sequins, ribbon, yarn, old magazines, stamps and stamp pads, crayons, markers, scissors, glue — anything kids can use to create.
3
Organize the different materials into containers, jars or trays.
4
Fold card stock in half.
5
•
8.5 x 11 card stock
•
Regular and decorative-edged scissors
•
Construction paper and scrapbook paper
•
Glue sticks and glitter glue
•
Stamps and stamp pads
•
Stickers, sequins and ribbon
•
Old magazines
•
Crayons, markers or colored pencils
•
Sticker-backed foam shapes
Decorate the card. Be creative and use lots of color and texture! Cards should not have any names written inside (no “To:” or “From:”). Cards should read “Happy Birthday” on the outside and have a positive message on the inside. Please keep the cards gender neutral.
6
Mail the cards to: Foundation for Foster Children 2265 Lee Rd., Suite 203 Winter Park, FL 32789
DEBBIE HELTON is a local mom and owner of The Craft Shack, which provides arts and crafts enrichment with a recycled flair through scheduled classes, private parties and corporate meetings. "Discover, Inspire, Create" at The Craft Shack, 218 W. Church Ave., Longwood, 407-448-1375, www.thecraftshackstudio.com.
12 PLAYGROUND SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
LIVE
amazing kids!
GET INVOLVED Visit the Facebook page "Hang a heart with Gavin, Victoria and Jacquelyn" for information about the next heart-sewing event or to request a heart for someone via a Facebook message. 14
PLAYGROUND SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
AMAZING KIDS: Victoria, Gavin and Jacquelyn PROJECT: Hang a Heart PURPOSE: Spreading the Love, One Heart at a Time Words by Tracey C. Velt Photos by Jessica Friend
After hearing about the people affected by the Pulse nightclub shooting, the Salisbury children, Gavin (11), Victoria (10) and Jacquelyn (7), of Winter Garden, wanted a way to spread love. They found it in tiny felt hearts. “We took a sewing class at Joann’s last summer, so after we heard about what happened at Pulse, we thought we could help people,” says Victoria. They call their project “Hang a Heart with Gavin, Victoria and Jacquelyn.” “The kids said they wanted to sew hearts. I thought it was a great idea — something to keep them busy,” laughs mom Amanda. Little did she know it would turn into something that has touched the hearts of people around the world. The idea is simple: hand out hand-sewn felt hearts with a hangtag that says, “Love is free and so are these hearts,” with the hopes that receiving a heart will make a person feel loved and want to share that love. The kids started by making 100 hearts to pass out to family and friends. It caught the eye of Neema Bahrami, the manager of Pulse, who asked the children to pass out hearts at the June 19 vigil at Lake Eola, where more than 50,000 people showed up. “We wanted to see how far it would go, so we set up a Facebook page,” says Victoria. People post pictures of themselves with a heart and submit requests for hearts to be sent to friends and family. Even singers Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas have photos of themselves holding hearts. “Neema gave them out at a New York City pride event,” says Amanda. For the Salisbury kids, they “hope that people [who get the hearts] will feel loved and they will feel that kids care about them.” Says Victoria, “We hope the hate will stop one day.” So far, the children have sent out 150 hearts to anyone who requests them. “The majority of the requests locally have been from mental health professionals who are helping the Pulse victims’ families,” says Amanda. ScribbleSpace, a shared community meeting and office space, offers space for the children to organize heartmaking events. In addition, The Venue Orlando, a rental and performing arts space, has held several events for people to sew hearts. “We’ve had close to 200 people attend, donating supplies and helping sew,” says Amanda. “It’s unbelievable how many parents want to plug in and do something,” she adds. “We want to keep going because we want other people all over the world to feel love and to spread more love,” says Victoria.
LOVE IS FREE
SO ARE THESE HEARTS! SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 PLAYGROUND
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LIVE
GIFTING: Teaching Life Lessons
Words by Amy Zolessi
Just like cake and ice cream, birthday parties and presents go hand-in-hand. Lately, some families have decided to switch up the birthday present tradition by opening presents after the party or forgoing presents altogether. You may think I’m going to tell you to forgo presents for your little ones, but nope! I think the birthday present ritual is an amazing opportunity for your child to learn that giving and celebrating another person feels far better than receiving.
BE A GOOD GIFT GIVER
BE A GOOD GIFT RECEIVER
• Have your child pick out the present for their friend with a price limit and possible choices from you.
• Give your children the words to use to be gracious after each present. “Thank you.”
• Have your child help wrap the present.
• Make sure they know what to say when they already have the present. “Thank you, I love this toy.”
• Help your child make a homemade card for their friend. • Have your child deliver the present to their friend when they get to the party.
We are all united in this big, wide world. Let’s not forget that as we give love, we also receive love.
UPCOMING FALL PARENTING WORKSHOPS: Upcoming workshops will be held at schools throughout Downtown Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland and Oviedo. For class schedules and times, or to register, go to ConnectingAtoZ.com.
AMY ZOLESSI is a mom to three young boys and a national certified instructor for Conscious Discipline®. She travels around the country and the state offering parents and schools workshops. Conscious Discipline® is a registered trademark of Loving Guidance Inc. Concepts adapted from the Conscious Discipline® program with permission. 800-842-2846 www.consciousdiscipline.com
16 PLAYGROUND
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
LOVE
PARENTS WANT TO PARTY
Some of the best annual events in Orlando are held in the fall. Call your crew together for a group date night with some of your favorite couples. From spooky scenes to the year’s best epicurean affairs, take your pick from loads of fun events for an epic parents’ night out. Words by Kristen Manieri
GET YOUR JAZZ ON EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL September 14 to November 14 Join mixology classes, beverage boot camps, cheese seminars and chef demos or simply sip and nibble your way around the World Showcase during this 10-week foodie fête. This year’s Food & Wine Festival (starting at $97 per person) will feature hundreds of different packages, events, seminars, concerts and parties, including the much-loved Rockin’ Burger Block Party, a great choice for groups. This DJ bash features chef-inspired gourmet burgers inside the World Showplace Events Pavilion, where guests can chow and boogie down on select Friday nights. In addition to Epcot festivities, the Food & Wine Festival will host several satellite events at nearby Disney properties, including a lavish brunch at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
18 PLAYGROUND
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
October 7, November 18 and December 22 The Alfond Inn continues to host its much-loved starlit music series ($45 per person) outside on the boutique hotel’s courtyard lawn. Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy an all-inclusive night of a jazz, wine and gourmet fare.
SCAREACTOR DINING EXPERIENCE Select nights from September 16 to October 31 Too scary for the littles but just right for you and your friends, Halloween Horror Nights (halloweenhorrornights.com) is the most elaborate homage to Halloween in the country. Make it an event by trying the Scareactor Dining Experience ($49 per person), a special event with an all-you-care-to-eat, to-die-for themed dinner buffet. Consider also booking a group RIP Tour (starting at $159 per person; price based on date selected). RIP Tour participants receive special VIP access to all haunted houses, reserved show seating, express access to participating attractions and more.
SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE September 17 This isn’t your children’s science center! Grown-ups get an all-access pass to the Orlando Science Center ($16 per person), featuring special films, guest speakers, stargazing, silent disco and food, plus kid-free enjoyment of all of this four-floor fun zone’s regular and traveling exhibits.
LEU GARDENS JAZZ’N BLUES CONCERT October 15 Jazz and blues fill the five-acre urban oasis just north of downtown Orlando. At this annual affair ($15 per person), Leu Gardens features a handful of performers who wow the crowds at various spots throughout the meticulously manicured space. Be sure to pack chairs, blankets and a dinner basket with your favorite gourmet nosh and wine.
JACK IN THE PARK October 15 Grab a group for a good cause! Support Special Olympics Florida at one of Winter Park’s best annual philanthropic events. Hosted at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center, Jack in the Park ($125 per person) features a thrilling blackjack tournament, music and entertainment plus gourmet samplings from 16 fabulous restaurants.
COWS AND CABS October 22 Break out your checkered shirt and cowboy boots for this ubercasual foodie fest (starting at $110 per person) in downtown Winter Park. Held inside a colossal tent in Central Park, this annual event welcomes 30+ local restaurants and wine/beer vendors for a night of eating, drinking and good ole’ country dancing.
COLLEGE PARK JAZZ FEST October 22 Edgewater Drive, closed to traffic for the night, hosts 10 bands on three stages during this annual free outdoor party. Enjoy food from local restaurants and food trucks, bring chairs and your own picnic basket filled with goodies or go VIP style and book a table for 10 ($200 per table).
WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN FOOD & WINE CLASSIC October 28 and 29 Wander through the concourse, where more than 40 stations featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from more than 30 wineries stand ready to satisfy every craving. For group fun, opt for the upgraded ticket option (starting at $50 per person) and enjoy access to a beer garden featuring a wide selection of craft beers and Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine. The event also includes hands-on seminars with the hotel’s chefs and certified beverage experts. New this year, guests can buy tickets for the firstever Sunday Bubbles Brunch on October 30, featuring a lavish menu of traditional and unconventional dishes. KRISTEN MANIERI is a Longwood-based mom of Elizabeth (7) and Aly (5). She is the founder and editor of the Orlando Date Night Guide, which houses hundreds of ideas and recommendations for sharing fun and meaningful quality time together in Orlando. From cooking classes to hidden gem restaurants to unique and exciting things to do, you’ll find the best of Orlando’s date night offerings inside the pages of this comprehensive online guide.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 PLAYGROUND 19
LOVE MOMPRENEUR Melissa Hart and her youngest daughter Skyler at Cookie Cousins
Crazy for Cookies
Words by Tracey C. Velt | Photos by Jessica Friend
L
ike many moms, Melissa Hart, mom to Brennen (8), Damon (6) and Skyler (3), wanted a hobby. “I like being busy. Prior to having children, I was an elementary school teacher. I expressed this desire to friends, family, anyone who would listen,” she laughs. Her aha moment came after a day at the beach with her mom and cousin, Tracy. “My mom entertains a lot, and she mentioned that she wished there was a place that sold custom-decorated sugar cookies that she could hand out as favors at a party,” says Hart. “My cousin is a great baker and loved the idea.” They all went home and, Hart says, she went on with her “mommy life and forgot about it.” A week later, Tracy called her with some ideas. “I thought, oh, you actually want to do this,” laughs Hart. They looked up some recipes, did research on ingredients and supplies — everything it would take to start a custom cookie business. That was in 2008. “We did it from home for a while, but around Christmas that year, things got crazy,” she says. “We needed to expand. Tracy had a great job as a middle school teacher, and at that time, the market was tough, so she decided to back off. I decided to go big!” In April 2009, Hart opened a 170 square-foot bakery called Cookie Cousins in College Park. “I kept the name Cookie Cousins because Tracy was a big part of the original company.” That space
Cookie Party in a Package Interested in ordering a take-home party kit from Cookie Cousins? The kit comes complete with pre-baked cookies in the shapes of your choice and icing. Cookies are $3 each with a minimum order of 24 cookies. To order, go to cookiecousins.com. 20 PLAYGROUND
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expanded over the years. Also, says Hart, “Our recipe has been tweaked over and over again. We probably changed it a dozen times to get it to where it is right now. Our secret ingredient is cream cheese. It gives it that softness.” Now, says Hart, it’s time to expand again. “We’ve gone through a lot of trial and error, but our name has gotten out there, and it’s time for the next step,” she says. The next step? Developing an online ordering business, which will go live in September. “Unfortunately, to do that, we had to stop the in-store birthday parties.” However, Cookie Cousins will feature a take-home party kit. “It will include already-baked cookies — they get to pick the shapes — and icing. It’s a great activity for a party,” she says. The decision to expand didn’t come lightly. “Being a working mom is difficult. I had a lot of hesitation [about expanding], but this summer I committed to taking it one step further.” She says her husband, Terrence, is a big help as well. “I was pregnant and had a newborn at home when I started the business, but I have a supportive husband. It was hard to find the balance. For me, it was about finding the right people and putting them in the right places. I hired two managers and, more recently, an office manager so I’m able to be the mom I need to be.”
Helping Other Small Businesses
"
Owning a small business is not easy. Just opening the store was a process that included many visits to get permitting and learn about the regulations,” says Hart. That’s why she joined the College Park Partnership, which runs the Main Street District of College Park. Hart has been involved with the organization for the past six years and is serving as president this year. “I’ve been able to confidently be a voice for small businesses. How can we make the process of opening a business better and easier? Now there is an online approach to building a business. It’s a portal that tells you exactly which steps to take and shows you how to do it.” For more info, visit collegeparkpartnership.com.
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Photo: Jessica Friend
BIRTHDAY PARTY
BLOWOUTS LOOKING FOR A SUPER SPECIAL PARTY THAT YOUR CHILD WILL REMEMBER FOREVER? WE’VE GOT FOUR OF-THE-MOMENT IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT BIRTHDAY BASH.
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Calling All Equestrians
Ailey’s 6th Birthday Party at Mardebri Manor Horse Stables Words by Tracey C. Velt | Photos by Jessica Friend
Best for Ages: 4 to 14 Group Size: Up to 20, but 12 is best Cost: $450 for up to 8 children; $25 for each additional child; pony cart rides cost an additional $100 If you’ve got a little animal lover, this horseback riding party combines a lesson with a fun time. Ailey’s 2.5-hour party was held at Mardebri Manor in Longwood (Facebook.com/MardebriManor). This working horse farm offers customized birthday parties for children ages 4 to 14. Ailey chose a cowgirl theme for her sixth birthday party. Parents stayed with the kids at this party, so there was a hay bale seating area along with country music and snacks. Lunch included barbeque paired with watermelon and pineapple cut into horse shapes. What set this party apart is that the kids all experienced a genuine horseback riding lesson on a full-size horse rather than a traditional pony ride (however, pony rides are available if you prefer). The stable
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provided all the equipment and safety gear (vests and helmets), assistance getting on and off the horse, and supervised rides. For an extra charge, the stable also offers rides in carts pulled by miniature ponies. Kiddos waiting for their turn on the horse can fingerpaint real horses with non-toxic glitter and hair gel, decorate a wooden horseshoe or horse silhouette to take home as a favor or play on the hay wagon. Don’t be surprised if a rooster or hen sidles up to you while you’re snacking. Petting zoo animals roam the grounds freely.
Visit playground-magazine.com to view the entire photo gallery from this party.
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Glam Time
Sofia’s Fashionable 10th Birthday Party on the Glamour Bus Words by Tracey C. Velt | Photos by Jessica Friend Party Planning and Decor by Alisha Champ, Consider Any Thing Done, LLC
Best for Ages: 7 and up (consider doing this for a mom’s night out too!) Group Size: Up to 20 (12 is best) Cost: $469 for 1.5 hours for 12 girls, plus the cost of food Don’t you just love birthday parties that pack a huge punch but don’t take months to plan and execute? For Sofia’s 10th birthday, it was all about the glitter and glam. One call to the Party ‘N’ Roll Glamour Bus (glamourparty2u. com) and the party was in full swing. The Glamour Bus comes directly to your house or a location of your choice (such as a park). Sofia gathered 11 of her buds for an afternoon of primping, karaoke, photo bombing and video games. Seriously, the girls are on the bus for an hour and a half and never get bored. They can move from station to station to get their hair and make-up done (chalk, braids, beads!) and nails painted. Or, they can sit in a massage chair, play video games, make a craft and sing karaoke. Plus, there’s a photo booth where they can do their best duckfaces and print out the photos for instant memories. That’s all included in the package. That price doesn’t include food, drinks or cake, but does include two glamour guides who staff the hair and make-up stations.
Parents need not be on the bus! Sofia’s party was a drop-off party, but if you want parents to attend, plan on having them in your house or outside of the bus. The bus is huge, but it gets a bit loud and crowded in there. After the bus, the girls came inside for chicken nuggets, fruit salad and chips. Macaroons from Chez Jacqueline’s Bakery in Lake Mary and cake from 4 Rivers Smokehouse and Sweet Shoppe were served after dinner. The girls drank lemonade out of decorated mason jars. The décor was girly with an edge — lots of bright colors, boas, flowers and stripes. After dinner, Sofia opened her presents. Older kids love to ooh and ahh over the presents the birthday child receives. Goodie bags included fun, girly erasers, candy and a gift card to Claire’s. Hint: To avoid spending a ton of cash on junk to fill goodie bags, consider a small gift card to places like Menchie’s, Justice or Claire’s. The same company also has a bus popular with boys called the Party N’ Roll Mobile Video Game Theater (partynroll.com).
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Visit playground-magazine.com to view the entire photo gallery from this party.
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Party Animals
Skyler's Wild 4th Birthday at the Central Florida Zoo Words by Heather Reneau | Photos by Jessica Friend
Best for Ages: 1 and up Group Size: Up to 35, but larger groups can be accommodated Cost: $250 to $600 depending on the number of guests and whether you are a Central Florida Zoo annual pass holder (which gets you a discount) I always try to theme my kids’ parties around their current interests. Skyler is into animals and absolutely loves going to the zoo. Plus, I wanted a nostress party package that would allow us to just show up with the birthday girl and the cake. I found the perfect package at the Central Florida Zoo (centralfloridazoo.org). Our guests met at one of the private party rooms inside the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center (just past the ropes course outside the front entrance to the zoo). There were cute, customized yard signs along the pathway that directed our friends to "Skyler’s Wild 4th Birthday Party." The room has murals with outdoor jungle scenes and was decorated with colorful pendants. We had two party planners facilitating the food and games during the hour in the party room. They were extremely friendly and professional.
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I customized the menu a bit, which the Zoo was able to accommodate because they have food services on-site. The party package includes cheese pizza, fruit punch, lemonade and water. We were able to add a salad, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers and iced tea for an additional fee. While we were in the party room, the children played animal games. Then everyone ate lunch and sang “Happy Birthday” to Skyler. We also added a face painting activity so all the kids could have animal faces. Highly recommended! The Zoo uses Tifinie Boutot, who is the best face painter in Orlando. After an hour in the party room, we were escorted to a private animal encounter. Skyler got to choose the animal: a snake, a tortoise or a rabbit. She chose to meet a cuddly rabbit named Chocolate. Next, we went as a group to watch Skyler feed a giraffe. To end the day, the kids played on the playground for awhile and then everyone went their separate ways to visit their favorite animals. We reminded our guests about their free ticket to the Little Florida Coastline train ride to enjoy on their way out. Parents stayed with their kids at Skyler's party, but the Zoo does such a fabulous job that this celebration would also run smoothly as a drop-off party for older kids.
Visit playground-magazine.com to view the entire photo gallery from this party.
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Sound The Alarm
Kai’s 3rd Birthday Party at the Ocoee Fire Station Words by Tracey C. Velt | Photos by Jessica Friend | Party Planning and Decor by Alisha Champ, Consider Anything Done
Best for Ages: 5 and under Group Size: 15 to 20 kids Cost: $200-$300, depending on the food, goodie bags and decorations. What kid doesn’t remember their first trip to the fire station? Combine that with cake and ice cream, and you’ve got a party that will burn the house down (figuratively, of course!). For Kai’s third birthday, it was hats and horns at the Ocoee Fire Station, where the kids went for a tour of the station, watched demonstrations with the fire hose, sat in the fire engine and more. I mean, when you’re three years old, does it get any better than sitting in that big, red truck? Don’t forget to schedule the tour ahead of time, especially with 15 party goers! Firefighters handed out goodie bags filled with fire safety items.
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After about an hour, the party moved to Kai’s house. At the house, kids and their parents (this was not a drop-off party) had lunch and played. Lunch was Chick-Fil-A nuggets, fruit salad and chips. Snacks included flavored popcorn and B Cupcakes’ (www.bcupcake. com) mini cupcakes decorated with firefighter-themed toppers. The house was decorated with banners, real fire helmets, Dalmatians and more. Kids played outside, where they expressed their creative side with sidewalk chalk. For the more active kids, there was a trampoline with a guard net. Other games included a water balloon toss where the kids threw the balloons at cardboard boxes painted to look like burning buildings.
Visit playground-magazine.com to view the entire photo gallery from this party.
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Photos by Marliese Carmona Wardrobe Styling by Angela Campolongo and Wendy Grauer Hair & Makeup by Tracie Cervero Prop Design by Reem Symons Special Thanks to The Fun Bus (www.funbus.party)
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ZACK, 9, Winter Garden Pump Up the Volume tee, H&M, $5; green puffer jacket, H&M, $13; blue spot slim fit pants, H&M, $15; blue Michael Jordan shoes, Marshalls, $35
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SOPHIE, 9, Fleming Island Light grey sweat pants, $15; grey tie-dyed tee, $15; mustard yellow beanie, $8; teal sunglasses, $5; multicolored bracelet, $5 from Target; grey sweatshirt with jean jacket, $82; purple canvas Toms, $42 from Nordstrom
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DREW, 8, Winter Garden Black tie-dyed pants, $19; grey and white tie-dyed tee with yellow pocket, $10; grey vest with yellow zipper, $20 from Target; white Levi shoes, $17 from Marshalls ADAM, 9, Winter Garden Hamburger tee, $6; grey hoodie, $20; Conscious blue sweatpants, $13; New York high tops, $18 from H&M; pink hat, $15 from Bealls ZACK Pink skater shirt, $13; black joggers, $13; black Tokyo beanie, $10 from H&M; black penguin high tops, $20 from Marshalls
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SOPHIE Green tulle skirt, $10; floral tee shirt $9; striped white and blue fringed vest, $20 LAUREN, 7, Winter Garden Mint green leather jacket, $28; Wild and Free tank top, $13; cookie socks, $3; silver and pink high tops, $15 from Target; neon pink dance tutu, $13; light pink tutu, $15 from H&M; roller skates, $35 from Sports Authority GRACE, 10, Orlando Ruby & Bloom metallic gold long skirt, $39 from Nordstrom; Ten Sixty Sherman Girls grey graphic tee, $30 from Nordstrom; black pleather jacket, $28; peach bow, $3 from Target
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DREW Forest green jogger pants, $17; yellow graphic shirt, $7; white and blue tie-dyed collared shirt, $15 from Target; Penguin white and blue striped high tops, $20 from Marshalls
ADAM NYC tee shirt, $10; denim hoodie, $30; green twill pans, $10 from H&M
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PLAY MOMS’ GUIDE TO HALLOWEEN
So Cute It’s Scary Halloween Costumes Local families got creative with these handmade costumes.
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1. Garden Gnome 2. UNO Game Cards 3. My Little Pony 4. Lego Movie Characters 5. Team Fortress 2 Engineer and American Girl Doll 6. Starbuck’s Frappuccino 7. Rufio from Peter Pan
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PLAY
Go PLAY! Fall means cooler weather (maybe?) and tons of fun things to do around Central Florida for families! Here are our suggestions. Words by Jenna Shinn and Heather Reneau
Kiddie Culture
ROCK THE PRESIDENTS
October 10–November 13 Orlando Repertory Theatre Rock the Presidents is a high-octane musical revue spanning the entire history of the American presidency from George Washington to Barack Obama, while looking ahead to the future! The men who rose to the highest office in the land are brought to life through all-new original songs in a variety of genres: rock, hip-hop, blues, pop, jazz, reggae, country, and more! Audiences young and old will learn something new about our presidents, while perhaps seeing something of themselves reflected in the stories on stage. orlandorep.com
FANCY NANCY THE MUSICAL October 23 at 2 p.m. Theatre South Orlando Theatre South’s Professional Company presents the off-Broadway smash hit Fancy Nancy the Musical. Join Nancy and her crew of adorable friends as they go on a musical underwater adventure. Come dressed up as your favorite fictional character or your “Fanciest Self!” This is suitable for boys and girls of all ages. Bonus option: Stay after the show (3-3:45 p.m.) for the Costume Tea Party and enjoy etiquette games with the entire cast! Tickets range from $15 to $40. theatresouthorlando.com/fancy-nancy-musical
Get Outdoors NIGHT HIKE AT THE ZOO
SCOTT’S MAZE ADVENTURES
September 17 at 7:30 p.m. Central Florida Zoo Discover what happens when the sun goes down and the zoo comes alive during a night hike at the zoo. The evening will start in the Discovery Center with animal encounters. Attendees then take a guided flashlight tour and explore the zoo after-hours! Check-in begins at 7:30 p.m., and the program begins at 8 p.m. $10 for pass holders; $15 for non-pass holders. centralfloridazoo.org
October 1–December 11 Saturdays from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sundays from 1–5 p.m. Long and Scott Farms Get lost in over seven acres of family fun at Long and Scott Farms in Mount Dora. Other activities include a giant jumping pillow, hayrides, a new amazing playground, kid’s zip lines, a super slide and more. Admission is $12 for ages 4 and up. Hayrides are $4 per person. Field trips and parties for groups over 20 are welcome Tuesday through Friday. On October 29 and 30, anyone dressed in costume gets $1 off admission. longandscottfarms.com
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BOUNCING BLUEBERRIES October 4 from 9 a.m.–Noon Southern Hill Farms Bring your little one out to the farm for this monthly event that includes story time, a craft, hayrides, the Southern Hill Market and blueberry picking! Yummy blueberry pancakes will be available for purchase from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., story time is at 10:30 a.m. with a craft following shortly after. Hayrides will be available throughout the morning. The Southern Hill Market will be open and serving blueberry muffins, local raw honey, blueberry jam and other local treats. There is a playground for children as well as a covered barn with picnic tables. While the event and parking are free, you are encouraged to bring donations of new or used clothing and coats. southernhillfarms.com
LLAMA LLAMA September 12–October 16 Orlando Repertory Theatre Join Llama and his Mama as they grow together through the everyday experiences of llama life. Their adventures include the first day of school, a trip to the supermarket and bedtime drama (we can relate)! Your little one and Llama can learn together about self-control and bravery that comes from within. Show times are on select dates at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tickets range from $14 to $20. orlandorep.com
BACH TO SCHOOL September 23 at 7 p.m. Orlando Repertory Theatre One of the nation’s finest family theatres joins forces with the Bach Festival Society to present an evening of music for the whole family. Members of the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra, under the baton of Dr. John Sinclair, offer a unique opportunity to introduce classical music to our youngest friends and family members to help nurture a lifelong love of music and concert-going. orlandorep.com
Family Flicks PEANUT BUTTER MATINEE FAMILY FILM: THE KARATE KID September 25 at Noon Enzian Theater On the last Sunday of every month, the Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film Series features its free monthly movie. This month, watch The Karate Kid. Tickets are $8 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. enzian.org
ZOOVIE: KUNG FU PANDA 3 September 3 at 2 p.m. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Love the movies and the zoo? Then head to the Central Florida Zoo for a free ZOOvie! Kung Fu Panda 3 will be playing in the Safari Room of the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center. Zoo admission is not required to attend this special screening. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. centralfloridazoo.org
STUART LITTLE October 27–November 18 Orlando Shakespeare Theater Stuart Little is an extraordinary mouse born into an ordinary New York City human family. Through a series of adventures – a boat race in Central Park, a drive in a gasoline-powered model car, and a chase to find his best friend – Stuart expertly navigates the challenges of being a small mouse in a big world. Before the show, join members of the cast for interactive pre-show fun for the whole family! www.orlandoshakes.org
REMINDER:
Don’t forget to book your family’s annual photo shoot for your holiday cards. Many photographers start booking in September. Look for their mini session dates if you want a deal. Need an extra hand with styling and wrangling the kids? Call Alisha at Consider Any Thing Done at 352-895-7535 or e-mail Alisha@ consideranythingdone.com SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 PLAYGROUND
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PLAY
GO PLAY!
PUMPKIN PICKING
FULL MOON GREAT PUMPKIN 5K
October 14–17 Southern Hill Farms Families can enjoy a day of pumpkin picking at the abundant pumpkin patch at Southern Hill Farms. southernhillfarms.com
October 15 Southern Hill Farms Experience a beautiful fall full moon and run on the moonlit clay roads surrounding Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. After the race, enjoy live entertainment, s’mores and more! southernhillfarms.com
FALL FESTIVAL October 21–23 Southern Hill Farms Swing by to celebrate this hometown fall festival and enjoy a pumpkin patch, live music, beer, food, face-painting and other family-friendly activities. southernhillfarms.com
Educational Opps MAKER FAIRE ORLANDO 2016
October 22 and 23 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expositions Park Discover, learn, share and explore at the 5th annual Maker Faire with over 300 exhibits. This familyfriendly, community-focused event is a celebration of our local makers, featuring DIY science, art, rockets, robots, crafts, technology, music and more. Bring your creativity cap and see what you can make. makerfaireorlando.com
TOYTOPIA September 24–January 4 Orlando Science Center Relive your childhood in the amazing world of Toytopia! The OSC's newest traveling exhibit will take you on a trip to the toy store that spans the past 100 years! Toytopia offers a unique experience to learn about the history of toys, dolls, board games and more! Walk past vintage life-sized toys and take a photo at the World’s Largest Etch-A-Sketch! Tour the Larger Than Life Doll House, a 20-foot tall, two-story interactive dollhouse that visitors can actually enter and play in. Let your inner child wander around the many fun and interactive qualities of the exhibit, which is sure to be a delight throughout the holiday season! osc.org
Just For Funsies ANTI-ORDINARY KID’S CLUB Thursdays from 5–7 p.m. Artegon Marketplace Get your kids away from the iPad, iPhone, iWhatever and give them a new outlet for creativity! Every Thursday, Artegon Marketplace features art activities that your kids (and you) will love. Activities are free and supplies are limited, so get there early! artegonmarketplace.com
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INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY September 19 at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Amaya Papaya Play Lounge "All hands on deck" for a pirate-themed playtime at Amaya Papaya. Your little pirate can make special crafts, listen to shiver me timbers tunes and play pirate games with the rest of your friends. Don’t forget to wear your best pirate ensemble! This is for both parents and children as part of the Baby and Toddler Buddies playtime. The toddler playtime will begin at 10:30 a.m. The baby playtime will begin at 1 p.m. amayapapaya.com
WHERE MUSIC BRINGS STORIES TO LIFE!
2016-2017 SYMPHONY STORYTIME SERIES All events begin at 10:00 am and 11:30 am
Corn in the Rock
Emperor and the Nightingale
November 18 & 19
March 10 & 11
Carnival of the Animals
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
January 7 & 9
April 21 & 22
The Plaza Live 425 North Bumby Avenue Order tickets online at orlandophil.org/tickets For questions or group rates: (407) 896.6700, ext. 232 or Education@orlandophil.org Order your tickets before September 1 with code EARLYBIRD and receive $1/off!
PLAY MOMS’ GUIDE TO HALLOWEEN
So Cute It’s Scary Halloween Costumes Local families got creative with these handmade costumes.
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1. Garden Gnome 2. UNO Game Cards 3. My Little Pony 4. Lego Movie Characters 5. Team Fortress 2 Engineer and American Girl Doll 6. Starbuck’s Frappuccino 7. Rufio from Peter Pan
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TRICK OR TREAT IN THE WILDEST PLACE IN TOWN IT’S A SAFE, FUN, AND NOT-TOO-SCARY EVENT FOR YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE. TREAT STATIONS
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PLAY MOMS’ GUIDE TO HALLOWEEN
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Spookapalooza 13 Ways to Celebrate With Your Little Boo! 1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Select dates from September 2 through October 31 Magic Kingdom • The park closes early for this special evening event. All the characters are decked out in special not-so-scary costumes. Trick-or-treat stations are located throughout the park. Most rides are open with much shorter wait times than usual. Oh, and the “Boo-To-You” Halloween parade is the best! Tickets start at $72. 2. Halloween Spooktacular Weekends in October SeaWorld Orlando • This super cute party includes fun underthe-sea costumes, trick-or-treat stations and all kinds of good-time activities like dancing, storytelling and more. The special event is included in the cost of admission. 3. Brick or Treat Weekends in October LEGOLAND Florida • Brick or Treat will be back with more spooky, kooky Halloween fun for kids. Families can trick-or-treat along the Brick or Treat Trail, participate in LEGO build activities and a scavenger hunt with prizes, see the world’s largest LEGO jack-o-lantern, join a scavenger hunt with prizes, and see a Halloween-themed fireworks show in Pirates’ Cove. The special event is included in the cost of admission. 4. Technoween Orange County Library, Downtown Orlando October 15 from 1-4 p.m. • Experience some terrifyingly good family fun featuring the history of horror films from the Enzian, an appearance from the Tourist City Ghostbusters, makeup-effects demonstrations and a costume contest! 5. 02B Kids’ Spooktacular October 22 from 6-10 p.m. O2B Kids, Oviedo Mall • Kids will be spellbound with all the fun activities. There’s a costume contest for four different age groups, so come dressed to impress in your best costume.
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6. Dracula with Orlando Ballet October 28-30 Dr. Phillips Center Michael Pink’s internationally renowned Dracula combines with the horror of Bram Stoker’s 1897 classic with dramatic choreography, theatrical effects, a colorful score and character-defining costumes. Suggested for children 10 and older. 7. Lil’ Frankenstein’s Monster Bash October 29 from 10 a.m.-Noon Orlando Science Center • This holiday workshop is designed for preschoolers (3 to 5 years old) and their adults to celebrate Halloween with science and fun! It’s a great way to extend the Halloween festivities with your little monster. 8. Zoo Boo Bash October 22, 23, 29 and 30 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Central Florida Zoo • Bring your wild animals to enjoy all kinds of outdoor Halloween activities while supporting the Central Florida Zoo. 9. Healthy Halloween Baby Boogie Bash October 28 from 6-8:30 p.m. Amaya Papaya • Get down to funky (and kid-friendly) beats at this dance party complete with Halloween decor, healthy snacks, face painting, character visits and story time! Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 10. Trick or Treat Safe Zone Block Party October 29 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Orange County Regional History Center and Orlando Public Library • The Orlando Public Library and the Orange County Regional History Center team up for a free Halloween event featuring fun for families with children ages 12 and under! Visit both locations for trick-ortreating, a scavenger hunt with a spooky reward, games and more. Don’t miss a special Halloween show by Phantasmagoria Orlando on the Library’s main stage at 1 p.m. Costumes are encouraged!
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11. Mr. Richard and the Pound Hounds Halloween Concert October 29 at 1 p.m. Orlando Repertory Theatre • Have some Halloween fun with Orlando’s favorite rock band for children. With singalong tunes about fish, skunks and cool snakes, Mr. Richard & The Pound Hounds play great music for hip kids. Bonus: Kids can preview their costumes by wearing them to the concert before the big night! Tickets are $10. 12. Early Trick-or-Treating October 31 from 4-6 p.m. Oviedo Mall • If you want to do some safe and early trickor-treating and still hit that 7 p.m. bedtime on Halloween night, then hit Oviedo Mall for store-to-store treats. 13. Halloween on the High Seas Select ships and departure dates September through October Disney Cruise Lines • All aboard the Halloween-themed Disney Cruise! Pirates, princesses and villains galore will haunt the ship as you experience the best Halloween of your life.
COSTUME SWAP October 8, 4 p.m. Orlando Public Library 101 E. Central Blvd. Orlando Have you outgrown last year’s costume or just want something different? Bring your kids’ clean, gently used clothing and accessories and swap them out for your next best disguise. Costumes for kids and teens of all ages and sizes are welcome.
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Experience a mommy-and-me play group at Amaya Papaya on Mondays to meet other parents, build friendships and connect with your child through PLAY.
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THEATRESOUTHORLANDO.COM 407-489-4458 259-346 PM - Playground-JulyAugust-Markv3.pdf
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Welcome to Park Maitland! A legacy of leadership for over 45 years. Since 1968, Park Maitland has been growing the leaders of tomorrow. We offer a proven foundation of excellence in education and provide children the tools they need to realize their dreams!
For more information: call 407-647-3038, or visit ParkMaitland.org Fully accredited by The Florida Council of Independent Schools and The Florida Kindergarten Council
DR. MARK SPERLING
Park Maitland Class of 1996 • Tulane University – 2002 Tufts University School of Dental Medicine – 2011 Mark is a General Dentist at Sperling Dental in Downtown Orlando, specializing in cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry.
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Party
PLAYguide
TM
Check out these party locations, services and planners for your child's next birthday party! SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER2016 2016PLAYGROUND PLAYGROUND51 51 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER
Party PLAYguide
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
A KIDS GYM Jump, climb, play and explore our bright, exciting space filled with bounce houses, trampolines, obstacles courses, parachutes, hoops, balls and more! Two party "Energizers" will lead the kids in organized games and activities that they will literally flip over! Enjoy food and cake in the party room and a special chair for the birthday child. Call today to book the best party ever. 1495 Evans St., Oviedo 407-365-6800 • www.akidsgym.com
ARTEGON MARKETPLACE makes any party "antiordinary." Any party worth throwing (and attending) starts with great food; Artegon has more than a dozen food vendors. Fun is required: glow-in-the-dark mini golf, trampoline park, aerial obstacle course, first-run movies and more! Send your party-goers home with something special, a gift from any one of our 150+ artists and vendors. Start planning today. 5250 International Dr., Orlando • 407-351-7718 www.artegonmarketplace.com
CONSIDER ANY THING DONE can do it all! Planning a birthday party, baby shower or family celebration? We handle the party theme, decorations, location, invitations and all the details in between. Put the fun back into your parties and Consider Any Thing Done! Call for a complimentary consultation. 352-895-7535 • champ_alisha@yahoo.com www.consideranythingdone.com
CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO Each birthday is an opportunity to enjoy a celebration with family and friends. Make it EASY for you and FUN for everyone by booking a ZOOper Birthday Party at the Central Florida Zoo! For information and reservations, please call us or register online. 3755 US 17, Sanford • 407-323-4450 ext. 138 bdayparties@centralfloridazoo.org www.centralfloridazoo.org
CRANIUM ACADEMY offers the coolest parties for kids ages 2 to 8, plus a private, worry-free experience for parents! Your action-packed celebration includes up to 24 children and nearly exclusive use of our 10,000+ sq/ft indoor play areas with customized games, bouncers and slides, parent lounge areas and a private party room. Our party pros handle everything for your child’s special day! Two Locations: 10275 Savannah Park Dr., Orlando; 4068 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Winter Garden 407-255-2171 (Orlando), 407-294-6950 (Winter Garden) www.craniumacademy.com/birthday-parties
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Party PLAYguide
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
KELLY’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM offers many options for your child’s birthday party. Our ice cream truck can come to you, or you can host your party at our shop. We also do custom ice cream cakes for any occasion. All of our ice cream is homemade at our shop, and we have dairy-free sorbets and shaved ice. 3114 Corrine Dr., Orlando • 321-226-8685 info@kellyshomemadeicecream.com www.kellyshomemadeicecream.com
LET’S SKATE ORLANDO is a fun skating rink for the whole family to enjoy together and the greatest place in Orlando for birthday parties. Choose from our six themed party rooms, including Beautiful Princess, Rock and Roll, Celebrate, Sports, Wizard and our wonderful Icy Frost Room. Schedule your parties early. See photos of our party rooms online. 14207 West Colonial Dr., Winter Garden 407-614-3812 • letsskateorlando@aol.com www.letsskateorlando.com
LIL ANGELS PARTY RENTAL is here to make your next party or event a success. Serving Central Florida and surrounding areas, we offer the best prices for bounce houses, combos and waterslides in town! We offer FREE delivery and 1-day rentals. Please choose us for your next event. 407-286-5643 lilangelspartyrentals@gmail.com www.lilangelspartyrentals.com
LOU & PEPPER Hi, we’re Lou & Pepper and we LOVE parties. We’re also really good at planning them! We curate stylish + quirky parties from start to finish for kids ages 0-101. As a boutique party planning company based in Central Florida, our focus is to partner with you to celebrate life's party-worthy moments. 407-476-9659 • info@louandpepper.com www.louandpepper.com
MAD SCIENCE has birthday parties down to a science! Our parties entertain children of all ages with exciting, high-energy, interactive shows at our Mad Science Laboratory OR at a location of your choice! Kids will be amazed by our cool, interactive demonstrations, crazy reactions and activities! Parents will love that Mad Science birthday parties are mess-free, stress-free and hassle-free. 1680 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo (We travel all over Central Florida!) • 386-898-4570 MadScienceRocks@gmail.com • CFL.MadScience.org Facebook.com/MSCentralFlorida SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 PLAYGROUND 53
Party PLAYguide
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION O2BKIDS OVIEDO Five reasons why O2BKids parties are the best! 1. Your birthday child will feel like the most important person in the world! 2. Your guests will have a blast! 3. We set up! We clean up! You enjoy! 4. Our environment is safe and secure! 5. Our parties are a great value! 1175 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo 407-542-8899 • Trudy@o2bkids.com www.o2bkids.com
ORLANDO REPERTORY THEATRE (The REP) is a professional theatre with a mission to create experiences that enlighten, entertain and enrich families and young audiences. In addition to professional productions, the award-winning REP Youth Academy provides classes and workshops for children, along with professional development opportunities to classroom teachers. Visit our website for tickets and info on birthday parties! Come see Llama Llama, opening September 12! 1001 East Princeton St., Orlando 407-896-7365 • www.orlandorep.com
ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER We’ve got birthdays down to a science! Orlando Science Center’s allinclusive party packages are designed to take the hassle out of party planning so you can relax and celebrate with your kids! Parties include a private decorated party room, party staff just for you, themed activities and admission to the Orlando Science Center. Visit us online for more information. 777 East Princeton St., Orlando 407-514-2112 • www.osc.org/birthday-parties
ORLANDO SHAKESPEARE THEATER Celebrate your child’s birthday at Orlando Shakes! We offer group ticket rates, room rentals, autograph sessions with characters after the performance and plenty of other special surprises to make the day unforgettable! Performances this season include Stuart Little (October 27–November 18, 2016) and Pinkalicious: The Musical! (April 6–May 6, 2017). 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando • 407-447-1700 ext. 200 rentals@orlandoshakes.org • www. Orlandoshakes.org
PAMPERED CHEF Are you looking for a unique birthday party idea? A hands-on cooking class with Pampered Chef Director, Christina Epperson, is the perfect idea. Our Basic Party Package ($150) includes all the ingredients for a cooking class for 6–8 party guests (each additional child is $12). Choose from several themes, and each child gets their own high quality Pampered Chef cooking tool to take home! We offer a Premium Party Package as well! 352-804-9374 • Christina@sassychefs.com www.sassychefs.com
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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PIGTAILS & CREWCUTS Whether it’s a pretty princess or a peppy pirate, we’ve got a party for you! Our salon has its own party room where kids can put their imaginations to the test. Our team will plan the party and lead the group in giggles galore as they play dress up, get a fancy hair-do, create arts and crafts and make great memories. EVERYTHING is included. Call or e-mail us to start your party planning. Two Locations: 7536 Dr. Phillips Blvd., #300, Orlando 407-351-1017 5872 Red Bug Lake Rd., Winter Springs 407-790-7302 www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com
RDV SPORTSPLEX ICE DEN Have the COOLEST party ever! Birthday parties at RDV Sportsplex Ice Den include 2+ hours of ice skating, a private party room, party leader, set up & clean up, pizza and unlimited soft drinks! Upgrade your party package to include paper products, decorations, invitations and goody bags — just bring the cake and candles! Call us to book your party today! 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd., Orlando 407-916-2550 • info@mvpsportsclubs.com • www. RDVSportsplex.com
REBOUNDERZ Indoor Trampoline Arena of Apopka is dedicated to providing a safe, exciting and fun environment for friends and families to enjoy together. Our mission is to explore the creation of unique extreme fun, to provide new stimulating activities for everyone and to boldly go where no one has gone before! Superior Engineering – Maximum Safety! 474 S. Hunt Club Blvd., Apopka • 407-3075192 www.rebounderzapopka.com
SPARKLED PINK offers a large selection of spa services, including mini-manicures, mini-pedicures, mini-facials, makeup, hair up-dos, and themed spa parties. Our parties are sure to make your child’s birthday sparkle. Party themes include: Princess & Pirates, American Girly Girl, La Bella Princess, Jazz It Up Rock Star, Paris Fashion Show, Jammin’ PJ, Glow-in-the-Dark and Sparkled Pink Spa. We offer mobile parties too! 457 Avalon Park S. Blvd., Suite 200, Orlando • 407-277-2184 info@sparkledpink.com • www.SparkledPink.com
THE SUGAR TABLE Bring your party to life with a custom candy buffet. Your guests will be in awe and your event will have an extra memorable flair! We will create a unique dessert bar that enhances your party’s theme. A Sugar Table is perfect for birthday parties, showers, weddings and more. Contact us for a free consultation. 407-476-6145 • thesugartable@gmail.com www.thesugartable.com
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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SKY ZONE ORLANDO Ready to take your next birthday to the SKY? Sky Zone Orlando offers several out-ofthis-world birthday party packages to make your party soar, literally! Packages include one hour of jump time, private party room, dedicated party host, party supplies and pizza, unlimited fountain drinks, party room set-up/ clean-up and evite invitations. Plus, the birthday child will receive a Sky Zone T-shirt & two 1-hour jump passes. 5250 International Dr., Suite C1, Orlando 407-917-2676 • www.skyzone.com/Orlando
TUTU TALES PARTY PRODUCTION is the LARGEST children’s event company in Central Florida, offering party services to custom-create unforgettable events! Services include characters, decorations, baked goods, photography and more! Choose from our cast of 80 characters for girls and boys, close your eyes and make a wish! Thank you for trusting us in taking your party from concept to completion! 321-804-5726 • info@tututalesparty.com www.TutuTalesParty.com
VICTORY MARTIAL ARTS is a family fun place to celebrate exciting birthdays and parties! Let us do all the work while you just sit back and enjoy your child’s party… Victory style! Choose from one of our 13 Central Florida locations. Call to schedule your upcoming birthday celebration. All PLAYGROUND Magazine readers will receive 10% off their next party! 4418 Edgewater Dr., Orlando • 877-797-7988 contactus@victoryma.com • www.victoryma.com
WONDERWORKS Turn your birthday upside-down at WonderWorks! Choose from our party packages to experience laser-tag, over 100 interactive and handson exhibits, a 4D extreme motion ride, virtual roller coaster, indoor ropes course and the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show! With so many adventures to choose from, WonderWorks is the perfect place to celebrate your birthday! 9067 International Dr., Orlando • 407-351-8800 birthdays@wonderworksorlando.com www.wonderworksonline.com
ZOOm AIR ADVENTURE PARK ORLANDO at the Central Florida Zoo is taking your celebration to a higher level — in the trees! Choose from several birthday party ZOOm Air packages/courses. Contact us you have any questions or would like to schedule a birthday celebration that rises above the others. We’ll be happy to help! 3755 U.S. 17, Sanford • 407-330-0767 office@zoomair.us • www.zoomair.us/orlando
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PLAY
New Toy-Enthusiasm Curve When a child receives a new toy, his or her interest in that item will follow a predictable downward trajectory and then come to rest at an established baseline, unless it is influenced by an outside force.
Unwavering Focus
While it is still giftwrapped Right after it is opened
When a sibling touches it
When you try to throw it away
When another child touches it
This cartoon is an excerpt from the new book Science of Parenthood: Thoroughly
When another child looks at it
Unscientific Explanations for Utterly Baffling Parenting Situations. Based on the popular humor blog, ScienceOfParenthood.com,
Two minutes after it is extracted from its Jaws-ofLife-defying packaging
which uses scientific principles to lampoon parenting SNAFUs, the book drills deep into the core sciences — biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics — to provide tongue-in-cheek “explanations” for the ridiculous situations otherwise capable adults find themselves in as a result of giving birth and/or caring for tiny humans.
Complete Disinterest
NORINE DWORKIN-MCDANIEL and JESSICA ZIEGLER are the co-creators of Science of Parenthood, named one of the “blogs every parent should read” by Parenting.com and voted Funniest Parents of 2015 by TODAYParents. Norine is a local mom living in Winter Garden.
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Buy it today on Amazon.com or BN.com.
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Mom-Owned, Kid-Approved Put these local mom-owned businesses on your shopping list.
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Advertise your mom-owned business in the next issue of PLAYGROUND Magazine. 1 Jessica Ventura 407-243-8253Let'sSkate_MOMowned_0514.indd jessica@playground-magazine.com
4/14/14 1:07 PM
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