Charlotte Blanton

Charlotte Blanton, a Central Florida native and mom of three, holds a business degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). After a career in corporate finance, she pivoted to stay home with her kids and found her passion for writing through Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring local theme parks and discovering fun activities for families in Central Florida.

Latest posts by Charlotte

A Guide to The Florida Mall for Orlando Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 12/05/2025 - 12:41pm

The Florida Mall offers endless things to do for kids, including enjoying a meal at the American Girl store. Photo by author

My kids and I recently spent an afternoon at The Florida Mall, and it quickly reminded me why this spot remains a favorite for Orlando families. Between hands-on attractions, interactive stores, and delicious treat stops, the mall hits that sweet spot of "getting things done" while keeping kids genuinely entertained.

Visiting in December adds an extra layer of sparkle, with holiday décor, festive photo ops, and Santa sightings, creating an easy, low-stress way to celebrate the season without the theme park crowds. But even outside the holidays, The Florida Mall is packed with family-friendly experiences year-round. Whether you’re escaping the heat, avoiding a rainy afternoon, shopping for back-to-school essentials, or squeezing in fun between theme parks, The Florida Mall delivers plenty of entertainment for kids of all ages.

Repticon, Light Up Events, Christmas Parades, and More Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 9:41am

This weekend features tons of Christmas parades, like the one in Mount Dora. Photo by author

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

This weekend is packed with festive fun across Central Florida! Enjoy dazzling Light Up celebrations at Lake Eola, Sanford, Winter Garden, and more. Catch Christmas parades rolling through Winter Park, St. Cloud, Avalon Park, Winter Springs, and don’t miss the sparkling boat parades lighting up the waters of Mount Dora and Leesburg. For a unique holiday moment, watch Santa make a grand entrance by helicopter(!) at Edgewood's Santa Fly-In! And if you're looking for something beyond the holiday spirit, Repticon returns to Orlando on Saturday and Sunday. Scroll down for all the details!

Is Disney Jollywood Nights Good for Kids? Here’s What to Know!

Submitted by Charlotte B on Tue, 12/02/2025 - 1:12pm

Disney's Jollywood Nights makes the perfect holiday event for kids and adults alike! Photo by author

I recently visited Disney Jollywood Nights with my husband, and while we originally planned it as a fun holiday date night (which it absolutely was), I walked away thinking: This event is fantastic for adults and kids (especially those who can stay up late)! Jollywood Nights has a different energy than other Disney holiday events —it feels stylish, relaxed, festive, and full of surprises without the pressure of trying to squeeze in a million things at once. So if you’re wondering whether Disney's Jollywood is worth bringing the kids or saving it for an adult-night out, read on and learn what to expect.

30 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sun, 11/30/2025 - 11:16am

Experience the illuminating Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Photo by the author

As the calendar inches toward Christmas and the holidays, Central Florida is shining with seasonal celebrations to enjoy with your family this December. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Orlando in December!

The theme parks are in full force for December, with lights and festive holiday decor, which include SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, Holidays at Universal Orlando, and Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays. Christmas parades take place in cities all around Central Florida, including Apopka, St. Cloud, and Winter Park. And don't miss the spectacular ICE! exhibit at Christmas at Gaylord Palms, as well as the enchanting Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Read on for the top events in Orlando and happening around Central Florida this December!

And from all of us at Mommy Poppins, have a happy and healthy holiday season and new year!

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Orlando: Parades, Turkey Trots, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Charlotte B on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 9:17am

Enjoy holiday blooms and a gnome scavenger hunt throughout Leu Gardens during its annual holiday event, which kicks off this weekend. Photo by author

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Orlando is bursting with things to do with kids this Thanksgiving weekend, including turkey trots and Christmas and holiday events. Sanford's Turkey Day 5K features a Thanksgiving costume contest in addition to the race; and Oviedo Mall's Turkey Trot has a free kiddie run with the regular 5K. After Thanksgiving, celebrate the holiday season in Eustis, Celebration, and at tourist attraction events like Epcot International Festival of the Holidays and Holidays at Leu Gardens. Looking for something beyond the seasonal holidays? Celebrate Central Florida's diverse cultures at Fusion Fest, complete with a street party, parade, and more!

61 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Orlando for Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sun, 11/23/2025 - 9:14am

The holidays have arrived at Disney Springs! Stroll through the Tree Trail and enjoy nightly snow flurries...all for free! Photo courtesy of Disney

Take a break from holiday spending with FREE Christmas events in Orlando! The holidays in Orlando are absolutely magical, with nice weather and festive decor all over town, and sometimes no money is needed. From tree lightings and holiday parades to Christmas movies and holiday festivals, get in the spirit with these free Orlando events suitable for all ages. Read on for all the details about these awesome free holiday activities and Christmas events in Orlando!

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Orlando

Submitted by Charlotte B on Fri, 11/21/2025 - 11:56am

Orlando isn't known for getting snow, but visitors to Cross Christmas can experience "snow" flurries every 30 minutes.

It's time for the most spectacular residential Christmas lights Orlando has to offer! We’re continually amazed by the creativity and passion homeowners pour into their holiday lights. From mesmerizing, choreographed light shows to impressive walk-through light displays perfect for photos, these Orlando Christmas homes deliver holiday magic like no other. Fun fact: Two of the displays on this list have even been featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight!

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with Kids: The Best Things to Do on a Smoky Mountains Vacation

Submitted by Charlotte B on Sat, 11/15/2025 - 10:56am

Enjoy rides and attractions at the Anakeesta mountaintop theme park. Photo courtesy of Anakeesta

Looking for the perfect family vacation in the mountains? My Florida-based family loves Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, home to endless family-friendly attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities. We've visited this beautiful southern vacation spot several times and always find new things to do in Gatlinburg and new kids' activities in Pigeon Forge for all ages to enjoy.

It helps that both of these Tennessee towns are just moments away from two of the area's top attractions: Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood. And with so many family-friendly Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge hotels, plus cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you won’t have trouble finding a great place to stay.

Read on for our extensive list of things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN with kids. Our Southern States Vacation Guide also includes our lists of the best Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg hotels for families and our guide to visiting Dollywood with kids.

Charlotte Blanton

Latest posts by Charlotte

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