PLAYGROUND Apr/May 2022 Baby Issue + Camp Guide

#PLAYorlando

PLAYGROUND a lifestyle magazine for central florida's modern parents

APRIL / MAY 2022

ULTIMATE SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Page 38

The

Baby

Issue

Karla Ray's Post-Partum Journey Page 16

B.Y.O.Baby Places to Go With Baby in Tow

ASK THE EXPERT:

Decluttering Tips from a Pro!

FOOD

ALLERGIES

Now Enrolling Kiddie Academy has the teachers, tools and inspiration it takes to nurture oversized confidence and big ideas. It’s all part of becoming an amazing adult, and begins with our Life Essentials® philosophy:

Learn more at kiddieacademy.com

Apopka Phone: 407-605-5410

Hunters Creek Phone: 407-664-2073

Orlando-Conway Phone: 407-601-3366

Sanford-Heathrow Phone: 407-732-0080

DCF License #:C09OR0993

DCF License #: C09OR1065

DCF License #: C09OR1160

DCF License #: C18SE0334

Clermont Phone: 352-989-5894

Longwood-Lake Mary Phone: 407-332-0045

Oviedo Phone: 407-554-3816

Winter Park Phone: 407-664-2072

DCF License #: C05LA0088

DCF License #: C18SE0249

DCF License #: C18SE0325

DCF License #: C09OR1199

INFANTS • TODDLERS • PRESCHOOL • PRE-K BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL • SUMMER CAMP

When it comes to your kids, turn to the experts who lead with compassion. Recognized nationally for 12 straight years — and the only children’s hospital in Orlando ranked in five specialties — Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is nearby to provide the very best pediatric care.

For care, closer to you, choose Orlando Health.

ArnoldPalmerHospital.com

CONTENTS April / May 2022 Issue

Karla Ray's PostPartum Journey PAGE 16

The Baby Issue LIVE

• 8 Talk of the Playground • 10 New Parent-Approved Must-Haves • 12 Just Keep Swimming • 16 Karla Ray Opens Up • 18 Ask the Expert: Babies & Food Allergies

LOVE

• 22 Amari Furgeson Wants Every Kid to See Themselves in the Pages of His Books

• 26 B.Y.O.Baby • 28 Meet the Mama Behind a

Popular Orlando Mom's Group

• 30 Keep Calm & Declutter On

PLAY

• 32 Baby-Friendly Playgrounds

• 34 Go Play! Family Activities & Events

• 36 See/Saw: Dr. Phillips Center's Grand Celebration & Enchantment Ball

• • • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION • • •

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

The ultimate list of exciting day camps in Central Florida PAGE 38

Simply Shelby Photography

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PlaygroundMagazine.com/Subscribe 4 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

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Editor's Note

Oh, Baby!

PLAYGROUND

Once you become a parent, you know how true the saying, “The days are long, but the years are short” really is. It feels like yesterday that I was working on my first Baby Issue for PLAYGROUND Magazine, but somehow 365 days have passed. My daughter was a teeny 9-month-old then; now, she’s a confident toddler who wants to explore everything and anything.

Jackie & Maddy at Orlando Museum of Art Photo: Jessica Friend

My toddler isn’t the only one who has evolved — I’ve learned so much during my second year of parenthood, which makes crafting this issue dedicated to babies and toddlers a little easier. From the products you actually need (page 10) to places to take your tot (page 26), the stories in this issue were designed with new parents in mind.

Of course, every new parent’s experience is different, which is why it’s so fitting that Karla Ray, local WFTV Channel 9 journalist, is gracing our cover. Not only is she an amazing working parent, but she’s also an advocate for open dialogue about the not-so-glamorous side of parenthood. She opens up about her journey on page 16.

Other must-reads include Amy Nielsen’s article on the importance of swim lessons for children (page 12). Our Ask the Expert article provides advice on food allergies in babies (page 18). And we're excited to introduce the authors and inspiration behind the locally published book series Life with Amari (page 22).

Regardless of where you are on your parenting journey, I hope you enjoy this issue. And if you’re in the thick of endless diaper changes and sleepless nights, know we all feel you.

You’ll be missing that newborn phase before you know it!

PLAYfully,

Maddy Zollo Rusbosin @maddyzollo #PLAYorlando

PLAYGROUN a lifesty le maga zine for centra l florid a's mode rn paren ts

The

ABOUT THE COVER SHOOT:

Baby

D

APRIL / MAY 2022

ULTIMATE SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Page 38

Issue WFTV Channel 9 journalist Karla Ray, husband Brandon Williams, and their son Cayman Karla Ray's Post-Partum welcomed PLAYGROUND into their Mills 50 Journey home. The family completely remodeled their Flamingo Drive bungalow (you can follow along on their fixer upper journey at @fixer.on.flamingo), but one of the coolest things we heard during the shoot was that B.Y.O.Baby Karla and Brandon did a nursery gender Dec lutter ing Tip Places to Go s Wi th Baby in Tow fro m a Pro !

FOOD reveal! They partnered with Titusville ALLERG IES designer Jessa Bray (@jessabrayy) and discussed design options for a girl (flamingos and floral) or a boy (more abstract and neutral). “I gave her two days of access to the room, made her close up the door and windows, and we walked in together a few days later to learn the gender. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!,” says Karla. Photos captured by Simply Shelby Photography (@simplyshelbypic).

Page 16

ASK THE EXPE

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6 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

@PLAYorlando Heather Reneau Publisher & Creative Director heather@playgroundmagazine.com Brant Muekeley Financial Manager brant@playgroundmagazine.com Jessica Ventura Advertising Manager jessica@playgroundmagazine.com Maddy Zollo Rusbosin Editor maddy.zollo@gmail.com Cortney Thekan Copy Editor cortney@playgroundmagazine.com Jessica Friend Photographer & Graphic Designer jessica.friend@playgroundmagazine.com Alicia McKee Advertising Assistant alicia@playgroundmagazine.com Kristina Hodge Henry Online Editor kristinahodgehenry@gmail.com Contributing Writers: Amy Nielsen Cindy Marie Jenkins Heather Reneau Jasmin Barone Maddy Zollo Rusbosin Contributing Photographers: Jessica Friend Shelby Finkelstein PLAYGROUND Magazine is published bimonthly by Playground Media Group, LLC, 10151 University Blvd., Ste. 326, Orlando, FL 32817. Telephone 407-221-4932.

PLAYGROUND Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein. The content of PLAYGROUND Magazine is copyrighted by Playground Media Group, LLC. Subscribe to PLAYGROUND Magazine at playgroundmagazine.com/subscribe.

To update subscription information, email subscriptions@playgroundmagazine.com.

I follow the path she blazed as a real estate professional.

I know I am making her proud.

No matter what, I will always be her baby.

CARLA STANTON REALTOR®

321.356.3370 Carla@CarlaStanton.com

CARLA STANTON & SALLY STANTON BROWN

Mother & Daughter with over 50 years of experience in residential real estate.

THE GENEVA SCHOOL A K4–12 CHRISTIAN CLASSICAL SCHOOL

407-332-6363 genevaschool.org

The new lower school and state-of-the-art competition gym will open in August 2022 bringing the whole community back together on one campus.

We inspire students to love wisdom and discernment, to think deeply about the world around them and who made it, and to pursue wherever they are called with excellence and confidence for Christ’s cause.

LIVE

talk of the playground News, trends, tips and more…

> Nugget of the Month

Baby’s First Haircut Snip, snip! Remember this milestone by booking a First Haircut Package at Pigtails & Crewcuts. The package includes a First Haircut Certificate with a lock of your baby’s hair and a post-cut photo.

Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcomed. The First Haircut Package is $29.95 and is offered at multiple Pigtails & Crewcuts locations: Clermont, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona and Winter Springs.

1

pigtailsandcrewcuts.com

Happy One Year Anniversary to Kidiverse!

This indoor play space in South Orlando was built for crawlers to 12 year olds. It's a great place to meet new friends, let the kids burn up some energy or escape the Florida heat and rain. ourkidiverse.com

Chick-fil-A of Greater Orlando and AdventHealth for Women have teamed up to celebrate one adorable baby each month as the Chick-fil-A “Nugget of the Month.” Each winner will receive free Chick-fil-A for 1 year along with other prizes. To enter, babies must have been born at an AdventHealth for Women location in Central Florida and must be under 1 year of age. Entering is easy: • Post a photo of your little “nugget” on Facebook or Instagram.

• Tag AdventHealth for Women.

• Use hashtag #nuggetofthemonth.

The post with the most likes each month will be named the “Nugget of the Month.” To learn more or view the full contest rules, visit Facebook.com/AdventHealthforWomen.

Book a Baby Proofing Pro! Keep your tot safe at home by enlisting the help of one of these experts.

For custom household baby-proofing: Full House Babyproofing is a Tampa-based company that does it all, so it's worth the travel fee to have a personalized protection plan. Or you can coordinate with a few friends and split the cost.

FullHouseBabyproofing.com For water safety: Baby Barrier Pool Fence Company specializes in self-closing pool gates that latch automatically. Choose a key-lockable gate for added protection.

BabyBarrierCFL.com For properly introducing pets: Beyond the Leash Dog Training prepares your fur baby for a human baby using positive reinforcement. Pups are trained on verbal commands, introduced to the scents of baby items and even meet a lifelike doll to get them ready for their new housemate.

BTL.dog 8 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

May Is National Water Safety Month!

There’s no better time to sign up your kids for swim classes. Whether they’re new to swimming, need a refresher or want to improve their stroke style, Little Aquatics offers classes for all ages (starting at 9 months) and skill levels.

The best part? They can even come to your house or neighborhood pool. In addition, Little Aquatics is so passionate about Water Safety Month that they issue over 50 scholarships for free swim lessons to qualifying families in May! littleaquatics.com • 407-913-SWIM

New Sibling Gift Basket

Laura Haftel, owner of Tugboat & the Bird in Winter Park, recommends brilliant gifts for your firstborn to celebrate the arrival of their new sibling. We loved these matching outfits, sibling dolls and cute crafts that will keep the older sibling busy once the baby arrives and mommy's hands are full. tugboatandthebird.com

30

Unique

Baby Names One of our favorite parts of the annual PLAYGROUND Magazine casting call is seeing the unique names local parents are choosing for their little ones. Here are 30 modern monikers from our most recent casting call:

Let Jessica Help!

Graduation season is coming up!

Give a gift that will help your favorite teen or young adult plan their next move: sessions with Hi-Lite Coaching + Consulting. With a background in corporate leadership, training and development, Jessica Villegas designed a program to help young adults effectively navigate change, leverage their unique strengths and hold themselves accountable. The program develops confidence, competence and resilience — all skills every young person needs to build the future of their dreams.

Take Your Gender Reveal To New Heights!

Is it a boy or a girl? For parents-tobe who are looking for a wow-worthy way to announce their bundle of joy’s gender, book a party at The Wheel.

Gather loved ones on ICON Park’s lawn, place your bets and then watch a pink and blue light show on The Wheel that concludes with the grand reveal.

Cap off the night with a private ride!

Iconparkorlando.com

hilitecoaching.com 9 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

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Apollo Arabella Arden Aurelie Britton Callahan Cannon Everett Ezla Havannah Hero Hudson Jameson Jeyziel Kalani

16. Kinley 17. Kyrie 18. Leif 19. Leighton 20. Olin 21. Payson 22. Phoenix 23. Quinton 24. Rayner 25. Ryu 26. Sanaa 27. Trancey 28. Tresslee 29. Ultima 30. Zayn

LIVE

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New Parent-Approved Must-Haves To help new parents navigate the sea of baby products out there, here’s a round-up of our editor's favorite gear.

By Maddy Zollo Rusbosin

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10 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

3.

When you’re planning for your first baby, it’s hard to know what you’ll actually need. For example, I thought I would need a baby food maker, but despite my daughter’s voracious appetite, it sat virtually untouched. Same goes for the bottle warmer and sterilizer. On the other hand, there have been things I’ve discovered that are a total gamechanger and that I still use with my almost 2-year-old.

1. Freshly Picked Moccasins

5. Little Sleepies Bamboo Viscose Zippy

While all baby shoes are adorable, some styles are constantly falling off or won’t fit on chubby feet. Enter Freshly Picked: They’re the only brand I’ve found that will properly fit my daughter’s extra chunky tootsies. They have soft soles for new walkers along with mini soles for more established ones. The best part? They have so many cute styles!

As a parent, it’s always a bit sad packing away the baby clothes that no longer fit. Little Sleepies pajamas are incredibly stretchy, so it takes a while for kids to outgrow them. The foldable mittens and footies make them super versatile as well, and you can’t beat the ease of the double zipper and adorable prints.

$65, freshlypicked.com

$32, littlesleepies.com

2. Corkcicle Baldwin Boxer Lunchbox

6. Little Partners Explore ‘N Store Learning Tower

While this isn’t marketed as a baby product, it should be. It’s an insulated purse that’s stylish and has just enough space to hold a bottle, a sippy cup and snacks. Whenever I’m traveling, I use it to store milk. $44.95, corkcicle.com

My daughter lives in this tower. Beyond being a safe place to climb, she can easily get up to counter height to watch us prepare meals, providing her endless entertainment. This sleek design is also easy to tuck away when it’s not in use. $159.99, littlepartners.com

3. Hatch Rest+ There’s nothing like white noise to help my girl drift off into a deep slumber, which is why we rely on this noise machine every night. It has 11 soothing sound settings, so you can pick what’s most pleasing to your child (I play white noise overnight and signal it’s morning with birds). Plus, when she’s older, we can use it as a night light and a time-to-rise alarm.

7. Kyte Baby Sleep Bag I’ll admit the $50 price tag deterred me at first, but after other brands’ sleep sacks didn’t hold up, I caved — and I couldn’t be happier. Not only are they made with the softest bamboo fabric, but these wearable blankets have plenty of room to grow so you don’t need to size up often.

$89, hatch.co

$50, kytebaby.com

4. Doona USA Liki Trike S5

8. VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker

Once your kiddo gets mobile, super long stroller rides may begin to feel confining for them. This push trike instantly makes walks fun again since they’ll feel more involved in the action. Plus, it folds up into a backpack (which makes it a must for air travel), and it can transform into a standalone bike once your child is old enough to go on solo adventures.

This push walker truly grows with your little. When they can sit, they’ll like pushing the buttons on the interactive play panel. Then, they can use it to pull to stand, and once they’re learning to walk, it’ll be their best friend. My daughter, whose been walking independently for over 9 months, still likes pushing this around the house and down the street.

$300, shopdoona.com

$39.99, amazon.com

11 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

LIVE

JUST KEEP SWIMMING Winter Park’s Goldfish Swim School helps little ones learn how to make a safe splash.

Words by Amy Nielsen | Photos courtesy of Goldfish Swim School

As a parent, you can never be too cautious when it comes to kids and water. “In Florida, we are surrounded by water. We have lakes, ponds, canals and so many other open sources of water that are accessible year-round,” explains Gina Jacobs Thomas, owner of Goldfish Swim School in Winter Park. “It is so important to keep water safety top of mind at all times and that kids keep water safety and swimming skills sharp throughout the year, not just before summer.”

Gina is right: Beyond the 1.4 million backyard swimming pools in the state, Florida also has over 825 miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, more than 11 million acres of freshwater and nearly 80,000 stormwater or retention ponds sprinkled throughout local communities. All this water poses an inherent risk to children who don’t know how to swim.

Layers of Protection Beyond always having undistracted supervision by a water guardian (an adult who knows how to swim) when children are in or around water, here are six other safety guidelines to follow:

1. Install a four-sided fence with self-

latching gates that separates the pool from the home.

2. Remove floats and toys from the pool after use to reduce child curiosity.

3. Put alarms on all doors and windows.

4. Drain water tables, bathtubs, buckets and other water-filled vessels after every use.

5. Learn CPR. 6. Enroll your child in swim lessons.

12 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

Dance 360 Orlando

Come Dance With Us! Baldwin Park’s Community Dance Studio

Offering Classes for ages 18 months to adult • • • •

Acro Birthday Parties Ballet Cheerleading

• • • •

Hip Hop Boys Hip Hop Jazz Lyrical

• • • •

Musical Theatre Parent & Me Summer Camp Tap

We also offer Heart and Sole (an adaptive class for dancers with special needs.)

Come see what makes us a Leap above the rest!

www.dance360orlando.com 4867 New Broad Street • Orlando, FL 32814

(407) 704-6800

• Swim lessons for ages 9 months and up • FUN and GENTLE approach • Convenient lessons at your home or neighborhood swimming pool • Private and Group Lessons • Infant Survival Skills, Beginner Lessons and Advanced Stroke Development

(407) 913-SWIM

littleaquatics@gmail.com • littleaquatics.com

Serving TK–8th Grade

VISIT OUR

STEAM LAB —where future scientists make exciting discoveries!

SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY! 407-849-1665 • thechristschool.org

The CDC estimates approximately 4,000 fatal drownings per year, and for children under the age of 4, drowning is the leading cause of death. Additionally, more than 8,000 people per year suffer from non-fatal drownings, which can cause long-term health problems and lengthy hospital stays.

It’s important for parents to be proactive by making swim lessons a top priority. Not only will knowing how to swim enable children to enjoy a pool party with friends or a visit to a water park, but it can save their life.

Gina shared Goldfish Swim School’s approach to learning and explains why it’s a great place for families to dive into:

Simply Put: Knowing How to Swim Saves Lives 69% of accidental drownings are because children had unintended access to water. With the sheer volume of water in Florida coupled with the curious nature of children, knowing how to swim is vital. Classes at Goldfish begin as young as 4 months old, where tiny tots learn to get acclimated to the water.

Goldfish Lets You Swim Year-Round Thanks to their heated indoor pool and climate-controlled environment, it’s always a good day to go swimming at Goldfish.

The best part: Students don’t need to wear sunscreen, and classes never get canceled due to weather. Their holistic playbased approach ensures children have fun while learning.

Students also move through the program on an individual timeline, targeting the skills they need. There’s no pressure to finish a level before the season ends; kids move at their own pace.

Babies Are Welcome Children under the age of 35 months are in the Mini (Parent/Tot) classes, meaning mom, dad or another caregiver is in the water with the child and instructor. These classes can have up to six students. While the sessions teach basic water safety skills and an introduction to swimming techniques, the socialization with other swimmers and the bonding between caregiver and child make these classes about more than just swimming.

There’s a Class for Every Age In addition to the under 35-month Mini classes, Goldfish offers a range of swim lessons for ages 3–12 for beginning, intermediate and advanced swimmers. Once a child has mastered all skills, swimmers ages 5–12 have the option of joining the Swim Force swim team, where kids can compete against their Goldfish peers. It’s a good halfway point between recreational swim and a competitive club league experience.

And So Much More…

How Parents Can Support Young Swimmers at Home 1. Prepare your child to go underwater. During bath time, use the same verbal cue as Goldfish: “Child’s Name, Ready, Go!” Pause 1 second, and then pour a cup of water over your child’s face. Now celebrate!

2. Wear goggles. Goggles improve balance in the water by 50%. Help your child get used to goggles by wearing them in the bath.

3. Blow bubbles. Blowing bubbles in the water is important for proper breath control. Have your child practice blowing bubbles while they’re in the tub.

Beyond lessons, Goldfish also offers other water-centric programs. For example, Family Swim lets parents and siblings jump in and join the fun. On a more educational note, Goldfish prides itself on its community outreach and hosts W.A.T.E.R Safety Presentations for children ages 3–7. These free-of-charge presentations are done in daycares, schools and other educational settings.

4. Practice back floats. Floating on your back is a crucial safety skill.

To prepare at home, fill the tub with enough water for your child to lie on their back with their ears fully submerged.

Want to dip your toes in the water? Contact Gina at Goldfish Swim School at 407-614-6363 and check out www.goldfishswimschool.com. Follow them on Instagram at @goldfish_winterpark and Facebook @goldfishwinterpark.

5. Practice around the house.

Encourage children to practice kicking on their stomachs or backs while lying on their bed.

14 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

Stay cool with ice skating & hockey camps!

(8 weeks)

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YOUTH PROGRAM 2022 June 6–August 4

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Karla Ray Opens Up Breaking news: Motherhood is hard.

The local news personality keeps it real about her post-partum journey.

Words by Maddy Zollo Rusbosin | Photos by Simply Shelby Photography If you live in Central Florida, you probably recognize Karla Ray. The 35-year-old has been gracing local television screens since she moved to the area in 2012. While she’s most widely known for her work as a hard-hitting investigative reporter and weekend anchor for WFTV Channel 9 News, she’s recently added another title to her resume: Mom. Like many new mothers, it’s a moniker she’s still getting used to — and Karla admits that she wasn’t always sure parenthood was in the cards for her. “It was something my husband always knew he wanted,” she explains. “It took a little more time for me to get there. I always knew we had career and personal goals we wanted to reach first.”

Ever since interning at a local news station when she was in college at the University of South Dakota, this Iowa native knew her future was in journalism. After starting her career in the Black Hills region covering everything from the Badlands to Mount Rushmore, Karla eventually landed at a station in Fort Myers.

At that gig, she met her now husband, Brandon Williams. The couple eventually moved to Orlando, where they both work in local news (Brandon is currently a managing editor at News 13).

“Thankfully, when we did decide to start a family, I had a textbook pregnancy and delivery,” Karla says. “But I really wasn’t prepared for what happened next.” Soon after welcoming her son, Cayman James Williams, in October 2021, Karla was suddenly overwhelmed with anxiety. “I had trouble sleeping and terrible separation anxiety, even when I knew he was being cared for by my husband,” she recalls. “It was a really dark period of time.”

Oppressive worries and thoughts weighed on Karla. With the help of her doctor and friends and open dialogue about her struggles, she began to see the light after the fourth trimester and is continuing to feel this heaviness lift with each passing day. “My doctor suggested doing small things away from the baby to help.

Going back to the gym and running a few errands alone have helped,” she says.

16 PLAYGROUND Feb Apr / May Mar 2022

Her transparency about her mental state on social media was a far cry from the sugar-coated version of post-partum many other new parents often feel pressure to put forward — and it was one of the best things Karla could’ve done for herself: “I’ve always been very honest about what I’m going through, so when I shared my experience with anxiety on social media, I was blown away by the responses and the solidarity I received from fellow moms,” she says. “It’s something that’s not talked about as much as it should be. I had viewers who are now in their seventies say they went through the same thing, but at the time, it was taboo.

I really feel like the narrative surrounding post-partum needs to change. I felt blindsided.”

With her investigative reporter instincts, motherhood also opened up her eyes to the realities parents face when navigating childcare. “It’s hard, especially with Covid, to find reliable care. Daycares and schools have a shortage of caregivers, and for many in our community, it’s not feasible to work with a nanny,” she explains. “It makes me wonder how much of the ‘Great Resignation’ is tied to childcare.”

Karla returned to work just before Cayman turned 4 months old, which was an adjustment to say the least. No longer were her days solely revolving around nap and feeding schedules. “You can’t just go back like nothing happened. It completely changes who you are,” she explains. “I just spent three months with a baby 24/7, so it takes a bit to switch your brain.” Fortunately, she has a group of current and former news colleagues who are all journeying through motherhood together, so she has their support along with all her loyal viewers cheering her on.

“There really is a sisterhood of motherhood,” says Karla.

“I would be lost without that support.”

Karla’s Faves!

Items this new mama can’t get enough of...

Infantino Swing “We seem to have a swing or rocker in every room, but none he likes more than this one! It can move in two different directions and keeps him entertained.”

Wrapsody Baby Wrap “I LOVE babywearing! I wear Cayman every day in the Wrapsody, and he goes right to sleep. It helps me be hands-free to get things done and allows me to get in a nice long walk outside.”

Spectra Pump “I’m an exclusive pumper, and this brand is quiet enough for overnight pumping and at work.

Even better, it was covered by insurance.”

Lovevery Montessori Toy Subscription Box “We just got our first box. Cayman loves everything so far! I love that the toys are focused on development and milestones.”

17 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

LIVE

ASK THE EXPERT Whitney Morgan Block, MSN, CPNP, FNP-BC

Topic: Babies & Food Allergies It’s normal for new parents to be nervous about introducing allergens for the first time. Not to mention, it’s hard to digest all the information out there about what (and what not) to do.

As a dual-certified pediatric and family nurse practitioner who specializes in food allergy treatments, I wanted to share the most common questions I hear from moms and dads.

Here’s everything you should know before cracking open a bag of peanut butter puffs: Is there a way to prevent food allergies in my baby?

Although there is no foolproof way to prevent food allergies, the Learn Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) study published in 2015 concluded that for babies at high risk for peanut allergy, eating peanut foods early and regularly reduced the risk of peanut allergy by more than 80%. This guidance has been generalized to all foods. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), the best way to prevent food allergies is to introduce babies to more foods early on rather than to delay introducing foods. In summary, the guidance is to introduce babies to as many foods as possible (except honey due to the risk of botulism or anything that could be a choking hazard) between 4 and 6 months old.

Why didn’t my pediatrician advise me to introduce foods early to my baby?

The new guidelines are fairly recent. In one survey, pediatricians were presented a 6-month-old infant at low risk for peanut allergy (mild-to-moderate eczema) and then were asked what to do next.

Only 54% of pediatricians chose the correct answer, which is to recommend the introduction of peanut-containing food. The guidelines for introducing foods, especially potentially allergenic foods like peanuts, tree nuts, egg, wheat, soy, and sesame, were updated in 2015 when the LEAP study was published.

What is the LEAP study?

The LEAP study was a randomized controlled study of 1,000 babies that proved feeding babies peanut-containing food early and often could reduce the risk of peanut allergy by up to 80%. The LEAP study had such definitive results and powerful

conclusions that the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its food allergy recommendations to start feeding infants peanutcontaining foods as early as 4 months old regardless of eczema status or history of other food allergies.

Does it matter if I breastfeed? Will that help prevent food allergies or eczema in my baby?

Fed is best. Regardless if your infant gets breastmilk, formula or a combination of both, scientific experts agree that having your baby growing and thriving is what matters most. Numerous studies have shown that breastfeeding (no matter how long) does not affect the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (eczema). Breastfeeding mothers should not avoid any foods in their diet unless they themselves are allergic.

If my child has/develops a food allergy, will they outgrow it?

Maybe. Milk and egg allergies are two of the food allergies that are most commonly outgrown. Among egg-allergic children, about 53% will outgrow their egg allergy by age 10 and 82% by age 16.

About 80% of kids will outgrow a milk allergy by their 5th birthday.

Only about 20% of children will outgrow their peanut allergy, most of whom do so by age 8. Shellfish allergy is one of the least likely allergies to be outgrown, with only 4–5% doing so.

I have one child with a food allergy and am currently pregnant. What are the chances of my new baby having/developing a food allergy?

If you have a kid with a food allergy, the chances of having another are about 14%.

18 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

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LIVE If my child does develop a food allergy, is there anything to do about it besides avoid that food?

If your child develops a food allergy, avoidance is not always the only option. There is a new therapy called oral immunotherapy (OIT) that is done with a trusted allergy specialist. OIT teaches the body not to react when the allergenic food is eaten. Recent data on peanut OIT suggests that the earlier your child starts this therapy (as young as 12 months old) and the lower their level of peanut-specific antibodies, the greater the child’s likelihood of being able to eat about 20 peanuts or about 1.5 tablespoons of peanut butter without having an allergic reaction 6 months after completing OIT.

What are the signs and symptoms that my child is having an allergic reaction?

What should I do if my child has an allergic reaction with mild symptoms?

If your child has an allergic reaction with mild symptoms, follow your food allergy action plan. A food allergy action plan that’s signed and approved by your physician outlines the recommended treatment in case of a flare-up. If you do not have an action plan, then give an antihistamine, like Cetirizine, and follow up with a trusted medical provider.

What should I do if my child has an allergic reaction with severe symptoms?

Like a mild reaction, the first thing to do is follow your food allergy action plan. However, if you do not have an action plan, then call 911 or safely get your child on the way to an emergency room or urgent care. If you have an appropriate epinephrine auto-injector, use it immediately.

Mild Symptoms

Severe Symptoms

Meet Whitney!

Whitney Morgan Block has dual board certifications as a pediatric and family nurse practitioner. Before joining Allergy and Asthma Specialists of Central Florida, Whitney founded and practiced at the National Allergy Center, which specializes in food allergy treatment. Prior to that, she was the lead nurse practitioner at Stanford University’s Sean N. Parker Center for Asthma and Allergy Research, where multi-allergen food desensitization was pioneered.

20 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

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RockYourSpace.net • Kellipastula@gmail.com

LOVE

AMAZING FAMILY

Amari COOPER Ferguson wants every kid to see themselves in the pages of his books Words by Cindy Marie Jenkins | Photos by Jessica Friend

A

mari Cooper Ferguson was only 4 years old when he learned about his dream job: A paleontologist. He simply couldn’t believe that there was a career where you could study fossils all day long. This discovery sparked something special in him, so Amari’s family set out to explore dinosaurs together.

However, while looking for books to read, they noticed something disheartening: “Books about dinosaurs or paleontology rarely, if ever, featured people of color,” explains his mother, Tammie Cooper. So she decided to do something about it.

Tammie began to write down the creative ways Amari played and noted his sayings like, “I’m going to use my box house as a time machine to go back in time and see my favorite dinosaurs.“ She then took his words and spun them into an exciting narrative, where Amari is the protagonist going on lots of scientific adventures.

After deciding to self-publish, Tammie and Amari released their first book: Amari Goes to Dinosaur Land. In it, Amari travels back in time to play with dinosaurs.

They partnered with illustrator Sameer Kassar, who specializes in African-American characters. “It was important to us to have representation for Amari and for other kids who look like him,’ Tammie says.

22 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

Happy SPRING

Meet the Easter Bunny!

April 16th & 17th Meet the Easter Bunny

Take the kids on an adventure to find and snap a selfie with the Easter Bunny who will be roaming Winter Park Village on Saturday and Sunday from 2:30-6:30 PM.

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Spend $150 atWPV our shops and Roaming on restaurants to receive 2 FREE Regal Saturday, 16 and Sunday, April 17 Cinemas MovieApril vouchers!

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Purchases totaling at least $150 must be made at Winter Park Village between Monday, between 11 AM – 6 PM between May 2 and May 6, 2022.

Property managed by ShopWinterParkVillage.com

Tammie Cooper and son, Amari Cooper Ferguson

AMAZING FAMILY

Amari has three books in total: Amari Goes to Dinosaur Land, Amari Goes on an Expedition, and Amari’s Dinosaur Adventures in Florida, along with a dinosaur coloring book and fun merchandise like a “Life With Mari” mug, shirt and face mask.

Tammie and Amari also found ways to organically add other elements from Amari’s life into the stories by including insights about how military families operate and how co-parenting works.

“Military life was very challenging for our family due to the frequent relocations, cultural shifts, deployments and other times of separation,” says Tammie. “Through Amari’s books, we’re able to show how military families can stay connected, even after divorce, and it sets a positive example for other families that may experience the same challenges.”

In his latest book, Amari’s Dinosaur Adventures in Florida, Amari holds a Zoom birthday party to honor celebrations that took place during the pandemic. He is wearing a mask on its cover to add realism and reflect current events.

Florida’s favorite future paleontologist has given away book bundles to military classrooms, hosted readings at the Sanford Police Department and at Texas Roadhouse for Literacy Week, and even shared his stories with his kindergarten class at One School of the Arts in Longwood. Amari’s teacher, Ashley Vasek, was overjoyed when he brought in his signature Dinosaur Book Bundle to share with the class.

“They were so excited to see a character in a book that looked just like him,” says Ashley.

"Each child in the classroom received a copy of Amari’s Dinosaur Coloring Book, and it is their favorite thing to grab when they have free time.”

“When the children saw Amari as a paleontologist, they were in awe!” she continues.

“Seeing someone they know was exciting for them and inspired them to create their own stories.” Inviting Amari to read from his own books is a great example of how Vasek and One School of the Arts create nurturing environments for their students. “When a child is given permission to be creative, we find that they soar academically. This has most definitely been the case for Amari. Amari is creative, intelligent and kind. I have loved having the opportunity to see him shine and grow in the classroom.”

Beyond reading his books, Amari’s fans can also watch an animated version. “We wanted to make his books come alive and to also have another affordable and interactive way for all kids (and adults) to enjoy Amari’s book,” explains Tammie. “Also, some of our readers have special challenges that inhibit their ability to read alone. That, along with the fact that we know that sometimes parents are super busy and may miss story time with their kids, inspired us to get creative and make the books more accessible to all. It’s still amazing to me when I see his characters moving in the animation! The thought of a child who is blind or who doesn’t have access to a nearby library being able to listen to or watch his books brings new purpose and meaning to our project.”

And how does the author feel about his success at just 6 years old? Amari simply accepts being a published author as part of his young life: “It makes me happy!” he says.

Amari's books and merch are available at amariferguson.com.

24 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

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B.Y.O.Baby!

Places to Go with Baby in Tow

By Maddy Zollo Rusbosin

Here are the best things to do around town — from the newborns to walkers, this guide has it all.

Story Time, Meet-Ups & Groups: Baby Bunch Support Group for New Moms by AdventHealth for Women Join this weekly virtual support group for new moms to share parenting tips, milestones and joys. adventhealthforwomen.com/ resources/classes-programs-events

Baby & Me at The REP

With sensory fun, circle time and songs, this mommy and me class has it all for ages 0–2. orlandorep.com

Bouncing Babies at Winter Park Library

Gather for storytime with your infant in your lap. The library offers classes for wobbly walkers and toddlers as well. winterparklibrary.org

Fables on the Farm at Wildflower Farm Orlando

Read a storybook in the pasture pavilion, then meet some animal friends. wildflowerfarmorlando.com

Mommy and Me Circle Time at Downtown Baptist Orlando

Each Tuesday, gather with fellow mamas for songs, support and socialization. dbo.church

Mother Baby Tea T.L.C., at Winnie Palmer Hospital Get post-partum advice and support from the pros. winniepalmerhospital.com

Mr. Richard's Teatime Dance Party at Infusion Tea

The queen would not approve of tea with this rowdy bunch, but Orlando area

parents love Infusion Tea’s monthly Teatime Dance Party at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of the month (excluding May). mrrichard.net

Orange County Library System

Check out your local branch for a variety of class offerings aimed at babies such as Tiny Tales and Zero to Five Storytime. ocls.info

Orlando Mommy & Me Adventure Meet-up Group

Daily meet-ups across Central Florida for moms and tots (ages 3 and under).

A monthly schedule is posted in their private Facebook group. facebook.com

Storytime at the Zoo

Enjoy animal stories at the zoo along with a special visit from an animal ambassador. This free program is designed for preschoolers. centralfloridazoo.org

Gymnastics & Fitness: Muscle Minds Program at A Kids Gym Parents and kids ages 4 months–3.5 years are guided through exercises that build coordination, motor functions and social skills. akidsgym.com

Bella Boppers at Bella Ballerina

This intro dance class is aimed for little ones ages 18 months–2.5 years. bellaballerinawinterpark.com

Brown’s Gym Orbit

Mr. Richard's Teatime Dance Party at Infusion Tea Photo: Jessica Friend

Walking tots (and their parents) will improve balance, strength and coordination at the gym. brownsgym.com 26 26 PLAYGROUND PLAYGROUND Feb Apr / Mar May 2022 2022

Legacy Gymnastics Giggling Guppies An hour for kids ages 18 months–2 years to climb, move and run around. legacygymnasticscenter.com

Orlando Metro Gymnastics The open preschool gym lets littles explore freely. orlandometrogyms.com

Soccer Tots at XL Soccer World

A program designed to teach the fundamentals of soccer to players ages 18 months–3 years old. xlsoccerworldorlando.com/tots-registration

The Little Gym

With locations in Lake Nona and Ocoee, the parent/child classes for kids ages 4 months–3 years focus on movement and early development. thelittlegym.com

Stroller Tours at OMArt

Monkey Joe’s

The Mini Monkey Zone lets toddlers have a safe space to run, bounce and play. monkeyjoes.com

My Little Town

Free Play: District Kids!

Indoor playground that includes a construction house, diner, grocery store, pet vet, gas station, science lab and inflatable obstacle course exhibits. districtoviedo.com/kids

Kidiverse

Pay as you play at this indoor playground and gym for children, crawlers to 12 years old. ourkidiverse.com

KIDZ Play & Party Club

In addition to free play and socialization for parents and children, they offer classes such as Zumbini music, infant massage, early childhood stimulation and more. ourkidiverse.com

ToddlerTown & KidsTown at Orlando Science Center

Indoor playground designed to look like a mini town with roads and buildings, for kids ages 6 months–7 years old. mylittletownkids.com

O2B Kids

Membership includes hundreds of weekly classes for kids, plus unlimited visits to their epic indoor playground that includes a café for parents. Locations in Oviedo and Altamonte Springs.

O2Bkids.com

Princesses & Princes

From the castle to the train table to the play market, this place is an all-out fantasy playground. Daily programming for babies includes sing-a-longs, crafts and storytime. princessesandprinces.com

Art & Music:

Kindermusik Classes with Grow & Sing Studios

Feel the beat with your babe at several locations in Central Florida. growandsing.com

Little Music Makers

This virtual class is led by a music therapist targeting developmental goals while keeping the experiences fun and engaging! adventhealthforwomen.com

Mini Music by Winter Park Music Academy

Instill an early appreciation of music by booking a private class in-studio or in the comfort of your own house. Mini Music is sampler for little kids to sing, dance and play music-based activities. winterparkmusicacademy.com

Stroller Tours at Orlando Museum of Art

On select Wednesdays, get cultured while touring the galleries with your little ones. omart.org

Bushel & Peck Musikgarten Studio

ToddlerTown is a separate area just for babies. Splash, climb, tinker and explore KidsTown's hands-on experiences designed especially for kids up to age 7! osc.org

These weekly classes introduce kids ages 0–5 to music-making through songs, movement and instruments. bushelandpeckstudio.com

Mille Moo’s

Get creative (and messy!) through sensory activities and hands-on craft stations. creativejaneart.com

This indoor play café is a curious child’s dream with plenty to explore, from playhouses to slides. millemoosorlando.com

Photo: Jessica Friend

Creative Jane Toddler Art Play

27 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

Toddler Art Play at Creative Jane

B.Y.O.Baby!

Meet the Mama Behind a Popular Orlando Mom’s Group

The local Facebook community every new parent needs.

Being a new parent can feel a bit a lonely sometimes; it can be tough to find others who are in the exact same stage of parenthood as you. So in February 2021, Sydney Sugrue decided to do something about it. Her idea? Plan meet-ups for local mamas and their kids to connect in an authentic way. In a little over a year, Sydney has created a Facebook community with over 3,000 members: Orlando Mommy & Me Adventure Meetup Group.

PLAYGROUND hung out with Sydney and her daughter (now 2 years old) at a circle time event at Lake Eola Park to learn why the group is a must-follow for Central Florida moms:

PLAYGROUND: Why did you decide to start the Orlando Mommy & Me Adventure Meetup Group?

Sydney: When my daughter, Rowan, was around 10 months old, I began searching everywhere for a mommy and me type of event. I joined all the mom groups on Facebook, but I couldn’t find anything that was reoccurring or somewhere I’d make solid connections. Plus, all the libraries were still closed because of Covid. One day at Jay Blanchard Park, I was looking around at other moms walking with strollers together, and it made me realize I wanted something like that. I want to make friends and have my daughter grow up with other babies too. When I got home, I made the Facebook group, having no idea it’d get so big at the time.

How did you plan your first event? u I had one friend who has twin daughters, so she started helping me invite random people to our first outing. We started sharing it with other Orlando mom Facebook groups and things took off from there. The first event was at Jay Blanchard Park since it was the inspiration, and I brought along snacks, fruit and water for everyone. We had a big turnout that day, like 15 people, so it was really successful and inspiring.

Syndey Sugrue (center) and moderators, Terrin Thomas, Elizabeth Carlson, Aly Cash and Melissa Harris, of the Orlando Mommy & Me Adventure Meetup Group with their children at the group’s weekly Lake Eola Circle Time

Another local mom, who’s now a group moderator, reached out to me since she was starting a circle time at the Downtown Baptist Church, so we teamed up on that as well. For the rest of the month, I added a few different parks for stroller walks along with the organized circle time.

Now, on the first of each month, you release a calendar of events with at least one event, maybe more, per day, which is amazing. What goes into the planning process? u The first month or two was definitely a learning process. I originally started the group for moms with children ages 0–3 and kept the focus within a 30-minute radius of downtown Orlando. I began getting constant feedback to include a broader age range and to do meet-ups in other parts of Central Florida.

Now, all ages are welcome, and we’ve branched out locationwise. I also get a lot of help from members who want to host an event near them or at an amusement park or library.

What’s been the best thing about starting this community? u The coolest and most rewarding thing is seeing friendships form.

I see people asking for play dates, starting group chats and forming bonds. I’ve also heard from people that they were depressed before finding us, so I do think [our group] helps a lot of people, whether they just moved here or don’t know other moms. You can find friends fast here. While we do occasionally attend events and places that require tickets or an admission fee, my main purpose is to foster connections in free, no-stress environments. We’re not going to judge you, and we’re going to be your friend regardless.

28 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

KEEP CALM & DECLUTTER ON! A Q&A WITH THE OWNER OF ROCK YOUR SPACE

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Kelli Pastula, the mompreneur and professional organizer behind Orlando’s Rock Your Space, has never met a mess she can’t tame.

The tidying expert shares how she decided to turn her penchant for neatness into a full-fledged business.

PLAYGROUND: What inspired you to start Rock Your Space?

uKelli Pastula

Rock Your Space rockyourspace.net kellipastula@gmail.com 626-318-0497

uKelli: I was in banking for many years, but I left when my girls were born. Once they were old enough to be in school, I got my real estate license. When I worked with clients, I kept thinking the houses would sell faster if clients would let me organize and arrange everything for them. At the same time, I was in a wonderful mom’s group, and many of them were burned out and having trouble keeping their lives in order. Between my work in real estate and this group, it occurred to me how many people don’t feel like their home is a place they like to show off or even spend time in. That became my ah-ha moment and the core of my business philosophy: The world is so crazy and stressful, but your home shouldn’t be. I offered to organize some of the ladies’ places for free, and once I saw those results, I knew there was a business opportunity.

What services do you offer? uI like to say that my specialty is “drowning moms” because I’m good at organizing kitchens, pantries, closets and spaces for kids. My daughters are now 9 and 11, so I know how important it is to have places for backpacks, clothes, homework, snacks, etc. I call it “family functioning.” It’s what I enjoy most and what many of my clients want.

Additionally, my real estate background comes in handy if my clients need help preparing their home for market or if they’ve just moved into a new home and aren’t sure how to maximize their new space. I work with many realtors, and they’ll often give my services as a closing gift to their clients to help them feel settled quickly.

I also help with decluttering and stylizing existing spaces. Honestly, I can do a little bit of everything, and I like to work with my clients to find out exactly what they need. It’s almost like therapy for most of my clients, and that makes it rewarding for both of us.

30 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

Since this is our baby issue, what’s your best advice or decluttering hacks for parents-to-be? uMy first piece of advice is to be OK with knowing that you don’t know it all. We’ve all been there! Next is preparation and determining which spaces should be addressed first. For example, your husband’s office might be a disaster, but we can get to that after we take care of the nursery, bathroom, kitchen and pantry — the spaces you are going to be in all the time.

As far as hacks go, baskets, clear storage bins and labels are my common go-to’s. My Instagram page features lots of before and after photos, where I arrange clothes, snacks, toys and even baby shower gifts you won’t need for a while. I like to think in terms of transitions: what do you need most right now, and what do you need in a few weeks or months? Will your child play with all of these toys at once or can they be rotated in and out? Oh, and creating a backstock of things you use regularly is a must.

Why do you think organization is so important? u When I started this business, I didn't realize how therapeutic creating an organized space was going to be for my clients — not just that they have a nicer pantry or they can finally find all their shoes, but they feel better and more positive. Clients often write me wonderful notes about how they’re finally on their way to being the person they want to be. It’s so rewarding to make a difference in someone’s life and add a little extra happiness!

What’s the biggest mistake people make when organizing? uOne of the most common is buying organizing tools (containers, baskets, labels, etc.) before you sort and purge. Sorting your belongings into trash, donate and keep categories helps you realize not only what you have, but how much of it you have. Also, measure, measure, measure! Don’t just buy stuff at the Container Store and hope it will fit. Let’s figure out what you need and then go shop for what will work in your space.

See more inspirational before and after photos of organized spaces on Kelli's Instagram page: @rockyourspace_

If someone made it their 2022 resolution to get more organized, what are the first few steps to take? uKeep your projects small and manageable in the beginning. People often bite off more than they can chew and get totally overwhelmed, and then become frustrated when the project doesn’t get completed. Go for the easy wins in the beginning.

Instead of tackling your entire closet, start with a section of shoes or the dresser. This gives you a quick victory and will make you want to keep going.

I also break my days into 4–5 hour sessions, which works not just for me but for my clients as well. And don’t forget to put on your favorite music; the time will fly! Of course, if you feel stuck, you can always call Rock Your Space!

Is there anything else our readers should know if they’re considering working with you? uThat one of the hallmarks of my business is that there are no judgements. By now, I’ve pretty much seen it all, so I don’t want anyone to ever feel reluctant or shy about reaching out to me. I love what I do, and I want my clients to love it too!

31 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

PLAY

Baby-Friendly Playgrounds Ba-by Parks! Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. Baby Parks! Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. Baby parks! If you’re in the stage of parenthood where everything sounds like Pinkfong’s Baby Shark song, then you’re probably in need of a tyke-friendly outdoor space away from sing-along music, books or videos.

Words and Photos by Jasmin Barone @DangerDadRuggedDuck

Here are three playgrounds that are perfect for tiny tots: Lee P. Moore Park

106 Sweet Bay Dr., Sanford Hidden inside a quiet neighborhood, this gem is perfect for your toddlers. The park features two pint-sized interactive spaces that offer musical play, eye-catching colors and fun for babies. Playground accesses are set low to the ground and have rubber flooring, allowing cruising, crawling, climbing and sliding. The park also has a parent-facing swing, among other styles.

Phelps Park

1206 N Phelps Ave., Winter Park This brand-new pirate-themed playground from Kompan Designs® allows littles to explore safely and develop their motor skills. While the entirety of the playground seems to target kids ages 8 and under, half the space is designed for the smallest players at ground level. Try swinging face-to-face with your toddler in the mommy-and-me swing or use the spider web swing for children who aren’t quite able to sit.

Young Pine Park

5201 Young Pine Rd., Orlando This fully fenced-in Florida-themed playground has bathrooms nearby and refrigerated drinking fountains to keep sippy cups cold. The entire play space is fitted with rubber flooring and has ADA inclusive swings and wide walkways in the play area, allowing parents access to all equipment. Designed with “all children in mind,” the playground also focuses on separating play areas to reduce stimulation and optimize the experience.

Other baby pleasers? Low-to-the-ground tunnels, musical elements, play tables and slides.

32 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

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PLAY

Go Play!

Spring is blooming with outdoor festivals, Easter celebrations and Mother’s Day fun for local families. Here are some great ways to PLAY in Central Florida:

Seasonal Activities: Happy Mother’s Day! Sunday, May 8

Of all days, Mother's Day should be stress-free. You can never go wrong with a mini vacay close to home.

Here are our top picks for a Mother’s Day staycation in Central Florida:

Spring Vibes Take the littles to the Butterfly Encounter at Lukas Nursery for an unforgettable experience. This climate-controlled enclosure is a treat for families as they meander multiple rooms of beautiful plants, adorable birds and tons of butterflies. You’ll never forget the first time you feed a butterfly right from your fingertips! Open: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. every day (last admission at 3:30 p.m.) Admission: $7 (age 3 and under are free). lukasnursery.com/butterfly-encounter

A Family Crafternoon

With art festivals abound in Orlando this time of year, channel your own creative juices at one of these workshops that the whole fam can enjoy together: • Pinspiration: There are tons of creative projects at this Pinterest-inspired DIY makerspace! For the most unique experience, reserve some time in the Splatter Room, where you can let down your guard and have a blast splatter painting and getting messy. pinspiration.com • Super Awesome Cool Pottery: Try your hand at throwing pottery during a family pottery workshop, where you create your own bowl on the wheel and then paint it afterwards. superawesomecool.com • Studio Saturdays: Don’t feel like leaving the house? Check out one of Rollins Museum of Art’s YouTube classes that will lead you through some creative expression in the comfort of your own home. rollins.edu • The Art Room: Sign up for a painting workshop for parents and kids ages 4 and up. artroomorlando.com 34 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

Lake Nona Wave Hotel: Explore a new hotel experience unlike any other in Orlando with impressive wave architecture, unique interior designs, luxury dining concepts and an outdoor sculpture garden. In the daytime, check out the Nona Adventure Park. In the evening, head over to the restaurantpacked Lake Nona Town Center for fun, relaxed choices like Boxi Park or Canvas Restaurant and Market.

Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World Resort: Enjoy some “me time” by getting seriously pampered with top-notch service and luxury amenities while the kids hang at the hotel’s complimentary camp.

The Alfond Inn at Rollins College: The award-winning boutique hotel in walkable Winter Park makes it the ideal retreat since you’re steps away from plenty of shopping and dining destinations. Don’t miss Mother’s Day Brunch at Hamilton’s Kitchen, one of Orlando’s best hotel restaurants.

Family Events: Play Is Life

The best family events calendar in Central Florida.

If You’re Hoppy and You Know It...

Check Out Our Easter Round-up!

Our online compilation of local Easter events features the best community festivities in Central Florida. From brunches to petting zoos, there’s a lot to choose from.

We know your time is valuable, so we did the work to create a list of only the best the Greater Orlando area has to offer. Here’s a cheat sheet below, but visit our website for a full listing and descriptions. playgroundmagazine.com

Theme Park Celebrations: • Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: March 2–July 4 • Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando: Now–May 8 • Cinco de Mayo at SeaWorld Orlando: April 29–May 8 • Viva La Musica at SeaWorld Orlando: May 14–22 • Mardi Gras at Universal: Now through April 24, 2022

Spring Festivals: • Spring Fiesta in the Park at Lake Eola Park: April 2–3 • Central Florida Earth Day at Lake Eola Park: April 23 • Party for the Planet at Central Florida Zoo: April 23

Don’t forget: It’s Blueberry & Peach Season!

Round up the whole fam to pick some sweet Florida fruit. Blueberries are ripe for picking mid-March through late May, and peaches are at their prime in April and May. Check out these nearby u-pick farms: Beck’s Brothers Blueberry U-Pick Farm This is a great community blueberry farm with plenty of parking and hand-cleaning stations.

12500 Overstreet Rd., Windermere Facebook.com/Beck-Brothers-blueberries-UPick-121170221296165 Southern Hill Farms This is the ultimate u-pick experience for families. There are wagon rentals, public restrooms, a market, lots of lawn games, a playground, a kids zone with carnival rides (open on some weekends), a food truck pavilion, a rooftop terrace, plenty of picnic benches and more.

16651 Schofield Rd., Clermont, FL 34714 southernhillfarms.com Graham’s U-Pick Peaches Escape the hustle and bustle to pick delicious peaches right off the tree at this family-owned farm in Umatilla.

14803 Lake Yale Rd., Umatilla, Florida grahamsupickfarms.com

• The Great Duck Derby at Mead Botanical Gardens: April 30

Local Performances: • Disney’s Freaky Friday the Musical Orlando Repertory Theatre April 1–May 8 • Yo, Ho, Ho! Let’s Go!: Theatre for the Very Young Dr. Phillips Center April 9 • Earth Explorers: Choose Your Own Exhibition Dr. Phillips Center April 10

• Shrek the Musical Dr. Phillips Center April 14–16 • Symphony Storytime: A Treeful of Monkeys The Plaza Live May 21 & 22 • Kids Fringe Theater Festival Orlando Garden Club May 21 & 22, 28 & 29

Need a Date Night?

Skip the sitter and reserve your kid’s spot at one of these fantastic drop-off programs: • Parents Night Out O2B Kids (Oviedo & Altamonte Springs) April 1 & May 6, 6–10 p.m.

• Kids Night Out Central Florida Zoo (Sanford) April 2, 6:30–10 p.m.

• Kids Night Out Florida Film Academy (Winter Garden): April 15 & May 6, 5:30–9:30 p.m.

• Kids Night at the Museum Orlando Science Center (Orlando): May 7 • Kids Night Out Mad Science Lab (Oviedo) May 27, 6–9 p.m.

Follow us on Instagram @playorlando or Facebook at @PLAYGROUNDMagazine for our weekly Top 5 Family Events.

35 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

PLAY SEE/SAW

Dr. Phillips Center’s Grand Celebration In January, the arts center fulfilled a dream 19 years in the making by opening their third theater, the acoustically advanced Steinmetz Hall. Now, the world’s greatest artists can come to one of the world’s greatest theaters — right here in Orlando. Artists like Leon Bridges, Yo-Yo Ma, The Royal Ballet, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and Jennifer Hudson, who performed the night of the grand opening gala, all traveled to Central Florida to mark its inaugural celebration. With this unique space, the Dr. Phillips Center can share Arts For Every Life® with so many new people, in so many new ways. Beyond being a perfect option for future parents’ night out, they’ll also have programming for kids like the upcoming Disney Princess – The Concert in November. The lineup keeps growing, so get the latest news at drphillipscenter.org.

36 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

PLAY SEE/SAW

Enchantment Ball Dads and daughters danced the night away on February 26, 2022 at Orlando World Center Marriott. Their enchanting evening included a magical carriage ride, visits with princesses, local performances and more. Proceeds from this event benefitted AdventHealth for Children’s Child Life Program to provide games, toys and activities for kids during their hospital stay. Learn more about this event and the cause at EnchantmentBall.com

37 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GUIDE Here's our list of exciting summer day camps located in the Central Florida area. From top-notch sports facilities to niche special interest camps, there's something for everyone.

A Kids Gym Camp Kids Academy has expanded its space to offer even more opportunities for children to explore, move, create and have fun with friends! We offer weekly themed camps for preschoolers as well as an exciting camp for kids in grades K–6. Weekly tuition ranges from $105–$168 (daily rates available). We bring in fun trips like balloon making, foam party, Serious Science and more!

Exciting daily activities include gymnastics, science, games, art and ninja kids gym! akidsgym.com

All Kids Spanish Give the gift of a second language! Sign up for this fun online summer Spanish program for children (toddlers to 5th graders).

We offer beginner, intermediate & advanced levels. There are group & one-on-one programs available with a range of time options to accommodate your busy schedule. Have fun learning Spanish through art, STEAM, virtual traveling, cooking and story time activities. Check out our early bird discounts!

321-460-2844 • allkidspanish.com

38 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Students ages 5–17 can spend their summer at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! Our Summer Camps are offered weekly June through August, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Campers will enjoy meeting animals, learning about wildlife conservation, playing games and more designed for their age group. Register your child for Summer Camp today! Visit our website to learn more.

3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford 407-323-4450 ext. 123 • CentralFloridaZoo.org Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) CFCArts offers exciting summer camps designed to meet students where they are! From half-day camps for our youngest children to full production camps for teens, we create fun, encouraging environments for youth to explore performing arts, work with professional directors and choreographers, make new friends and grow as a performer. Please visit our website or email youth@cfcarts.com for more information.

Camp locations vary 407-937-1800 • cfcarts.com/summer-camps Cranium Academy Cranium Academy offers a 10-week summer camp program for children ages 3–10. The camp offers new themes every week that combine science, art, sports and more. Cranium also offers STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) camps for children ages 4–10. With more than 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space and state-of-the-art classrooms, Cranium Academy is the ultimate summer camp destination!

Cranium Academy of East Orlando • 407-255-2171 Cranium Academy of Winter Garden • 407-294-6950 camps.endeavorschools.com Crealdé School of Art Immersed in creativity, kids ages 4–16 express themselves through a range of media, including sculpture, ceramics, digital and print photography, painting, printmaking, drawing and more. Instruction is by professional artists on Crealdé’s inspiring lakeside campus, with safety protocols in place. Experiences offered June 6–August 4, 2022. Sibling discounts available.

600 St. Andrews Blvd., Winter Park 407-671-1886 • crealde.org

Creative Core Art Classes Creative Core’s Summer Program offers 5-day classes of fun ART exploration and expression. Morning and Afternoon sessions available for children ages 4–10. Taught by a compassionate, professional artist in a charming little art studio.

Young artists develop practical skills and creative techniques, playing with a variety of materials.

FAVO Studio 142, Orlando 321-297-1617 • ccArt.studio

39 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Creative Jane Art Studio Summer at the Studio! Each week we’ll explore art and artists through a different theme. Mixed-media projects will include painting, paper mache and more! Monday–Thursday for K–5th grade from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Pre-K Art Camp for 3 & 4-year-olds, Fridays from 9 a.m.–Noon or 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Camps begin the week of June 6th!

321-972-9100 • creativejaneart.com

Dance 360 Orlando Spend the summer at Dance 360 Orlando. We offer a full day or half day option with a different theme each week. All summer camps include lots of fun, dancing, crafts, games, water day and Kona Ice. Ages 2 & up are welcome. Summer Camp begins the week of June 13th. We look forward to spending the summer with your child at Dance 360 Orlando.

4867 New Broad St., Orlando 407-704-6800 • dance360orlando.com

Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts Calling all artists from ages 6–19: Sign up now for summer camps and pre-professional programs in musical theater or comedy—or our full-scale production of “Catch Me If You Can”. drphillipscenter.org/camps

The First Academy Camp Roar at The First Academy is for all students 2 years old through 6th grade and features all-day and part-time camp opportunities from June 6–July 29 with engaging offerings, including academics, sports, the arts or other activities.

The First Academy 2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando thefirstacademy.org/academics/camp-roar

Florida Film Academy Filmmaking, Acting, Animation, Makeup FX, Prop Design and SO MUCH MORE happening this summer at Florida Film Academy’s backlot studio! Experiences for kids ages 7–12 and teens ages 13–18, day camps and overnight sleep-away options available as well. Check out our NEW Disney and Universal Summer Camps, Pre-College Intensives and other overnight camps online at www.FLFilmAcademy.com. Locations in Central Florida and St. Augustine areas.

1261 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Suite #250, Winter Garden FlFilmAcademy.com 40 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Full Sail Labs Full Sail Labs, designed by Full Sail University, offers STEAMbased summer camps for kids (ages 7–12) and teens (ages 13–17) in topics they love, including entertainment, media, art and technology. Full Sail Labs is proud to offer 5-day virtual and campus summer camps this year. All camps include instruction, interactive practice, development, collaboration, feedback and the assessment of projects.

221 S. Semoran Blvd., Winter Park • 407-673-6249 fullsaillabs.com/campus-virtual-summer-camp-2022

Garden Theatre Talent is blooming at the Garden this season, and we can’t wait to welcome students for our exciting Summer Camps!

Each engaging camp is taught by local, experienced theatre professionals and is tailored to fit the needs of each grade and skill level. Students entering grades 1–12 will have a blast singing, dancing and acting their way through summer.

160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 407.877.GRDN (4736) • gardentheatre.org/classes

The Geneva School The Geneva School is excited to offer a number of summer camps in 2022 at our 40-acre campus in Casselberry. Unique offerings include Puppet Camp, Archery, Battle Camp, Flag Football, To Infinity and Beyond and more! Programs range from K4 through 12th grade. For more information, please visit our website at genevaschool.org/summercamps.

1775 Seminola Blvd., Casselberry 407-332-6363 • genevaschool.org

Grow & Sing Studios Kindermusik is a playful and nurturing environment where your child will sing, move, play instruments and hear stories—all while developing social skills, problem-solving skills, pre-math skills and a foundation for reading. Classes focus on wholechild development and help you understand how your child is developing musically, cognitively and socially. In-person/virtual summer options available for newborn–age 5 and their loving adults.

407-970-2774 • growandsing.com Kiddie Academy Kiddie Academy’s® CampVentures® program turns your child’s ordinary summer into a summer of exciting exploration. It nurtures your child’s development by expanding on the Life Essentials® curriculum and helping to make connections to the world around them.

CampVentures inspires imagination through hands-on activities, field trips and themed events while balancing individual needs and interests. We are enrolling! Call or visit today!

Multiple locations across Central Florida kiddieacademy.com 41 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Lake Cypress Summer Camp Campers choose their own adventure! Every week is a different theme and includes on-campus field trips, lots of specialty camp rooms, swimming, sports, dance, martial arts, inflatables and more! June 6–July 29, 2021. Choose any weeks you'd like! 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. ($290) Camp Day or 7:45 a.m.–5:45 p.m. ($360) Extended Day! 6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd., Windermere 407-905-7737 opt. 7 • camp.windermereprep.com

Lake Highland Preparatory School Highlander Summer offers 50+ summer camp options for Pre-K through 12th grade students. Enroll in fun, high-energy, weeklong camps that focus on STEM, innovation, sports, arts, technology and more! Highlander Summer also provides specialty-themed camps for young pirates, mermaids and adventurers. General day camps are also available. Registration is open to the public. Visit highlandersummer.org to learn more.

901 Highland Ave., Orlando 407-206-1900 ext. 1176 • highlandersummer.org

Leadership 4 Girls Leadership 4Girls is dedicated to preparing girls for a lifetime of success. Leadership 4Girls offers summer camps focused on learning leadership skills, navigating social media, building quality relationships and friendships, working effectively in groups, negotiating challenging situations, identifying personal strengths and encouraging and motivating others. cindy@leadership4girls.org To register for summer camp, visit: leadership4girls.org.

O2B Kids O2B Kids Summer Camp offers FUN first to every child every day. Our integrated activity approach offers weekly themes, field trips, lunch and snacks included. A few of the themed weeks will be Safari, Extreme Games, Superhero and Survivor. This will be a summer your child will remember forever!

Oviedo: o2bkids.com/locations/o2b-kids-oviedo-child-care Altamonte Springs: o2bkids.com/locations/altamontesprings-day-care

One School of the Arts One School of the Arts' Summer Camp offerings range from Kindergarten Readiness to STEAM activities, Outdoor Fun to Reading and Math where the heart and mind are fully engaged.

1675 Dixon Rd., Longwood 407-774-0168 • oneschool.net/summer-camps

42 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

WILD SUMMER CAMP

ADVENTURES

WHERE HISTORY & FUN COLLIDE!

HURRY...

CAMPS FILL QUICKLY!

May 31- August 5

SUMMER CAMP

PROGRAMS Full Day Camps Ages 5-17

TheHistoryCenter.org

Our summer camps provide a safe environment with fun weekly themes combining cool history & STEAM content through hands-on activities.

Classes for ages 6-8 and ages 9-11.

Register online at centralfloridazoo.org/summercamps For questions email education@centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450 x 123 3755 W Seminole Blvd (I-4 exit 104), Sanford

65 E. CENTRAL BLVD. ORLANDO, FL 32801 407-836-8500

Become a member and save! Early bird registration ends March 26.

Register online at TheHistoryCenter.org

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Orange County Regional History Center History and fun collide at our Adventures in History summer camp program. We provide a safe and fun learning environment that combines cool historical facts with STEAM content through hands-on activities. Campers will discover the history that surrounds us every day! Each camper receives before- and after-camp care and an exclusive summer camp T-shirt. We offer classes for ages 6–8 and ages 9–11. May 31–August 5, 2022 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando 407-836-8580 • bit.ly/HistoryCtrSummerCamp

Orlando Magic Youth

BOYS & GIRLS AGES 7-17

Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camps are designed to improve your child’s basketball skills and include expert instruction, live games, giveaways, a ticket to a Magic home game and more. Children ages 7–17 of all skill levels are welcome! orlandomagicyouth.com

Orlando Reparatory Theatre Orlando REP offers the most dynamic theatre-based camps in Central Florida with offerings for students in Pre-K through high school. We help your child build confidence, create joy and explore personal artistry through theatre, design, dance and much more. With something for everyone, your child will SHINE this summer!

407-896-7365 • education@orlandorep.com orlandorep.com/camps-classes

Orlando Science Center Fun and discovery await your kids with weekly STEM camps that build 21st century skills! Experiences include hands-on activities, labs, exhibits, live shows and more! Topics and fees vary by grade (Pre-K–9). Our most popular camps are filling up fast with few spots left for campers in Pre-K–grade 4, so sign up today!

More spaces are available for campers in grades 5–9 with engaging opportunities for fun, learning and career exploration.

777 E. Princeton St., Orlando 407-514-2112 • osc.org/learn/summer-camps Park Maitland Bring out their best this summer! At Park Maitland School, we’ve designed the perfect camp for your child, complete with more options to explore, including Day Camps, Academic Camps and Specialty Camps. They’ll grow more independent, develop new skills and continue to learn — all while having fun and making friends!

1450 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-647-3038 • ParkMaitland.com

44 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

on sale now for ages 6–19

new summer camps & youth theater production musical theater | take it from the top: broadway improv comedy | catch me if you can production Camps fill up fast—sign up today. drphillipscenter.org/camps scholarships & payment plans available

Summer Camps Are Here!

Explore, Discover, Create

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION RDV Ice Den Beat the summer heat at the COOLEST place in town! Visit us for daily public skating! Don’t know how to ice skate? Don’t worry! You can learn to skate in one of our summer camps or group classes! There is ice skating fun for the whole family to enjoy at RDV Ice Den! 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd., Orlando 407-916-2550 • RDVIceDen.com

Serendipity Learning Center Camp Serendipity is located at Serendipity Learning Center.

We provide FUN on our campus! We offer an organized and structured day along with BEAM Interactive Floor, art & crafts, science/STEM projects, game room, a trip to pirate ship water park (weather permitting), nutritious meals & snacks included, warm & engaging teachers, along with photos/videos sent to you throughout the day. Complete peace of mind while you work!

410 Ridge Rd., Casselberry • SerendipityLearning.Center

XL Soccer World XL Soccer World Summer Camp offers a fun, rewarding soccer experience for ages 4–14. Our half-day or full-day camps offer a daily themed soccer program with extended care, lunch and specialized coaches. Our brand-new facility in Lake Nona is adding enrichment programs, field trips and STEM activities.

Orlando: 825 Courtland St., Orlando 407-641-4791 • xlorlando.com Lake Nona:12314 Suttner Ave., Orlando 407-863-3101 • xlnona.com

YMCA Join us for summer day camp at the YMCA of Central Florida!

Youth in grades 1–5 will enjoy a wide variety of reimagined, unique sessions this summer, including sports, aquatics, STEM, service learning, the arts and much more. Summer camp starts May 31.

407-896-9220 ymcacf.org/camps https://ymcacf.org/camps

OUR FAMILY GUIDES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE:

Pediatrics Guide

Camp Guide

Party Guide

Enrichment Guide

Photography Guide

Family Favorite Awards

To be included in an upcoming Guide, contact Jessica Ventura at 407-243-8253 or jessica@playgroundmagazine.com 46 PLAYGROUND Apr / May 2022

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Locally-Owned, Kid-Approved Shop these locally-owned businesses.

Independent Executive Director

ONLINE SPANISH PROGRAM FOR KIDS Learn Spanish in a fun way through: ART, STEAM, VIRTUAL TRAVELING, COOKING, STORY TIME

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Buy. Host. Join.

One-on-one & Group options SCHEDULE A FREE TRIAL Registration is Open 321.460.2844 • admin@allkidspanish.com • www.allkidspanish.com

Capture what matters most a healthy smile begins at birth

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines state that dental visits should occur within the first year of life.

Dr. Lincoln B. Taylor TWO LOCATIONS 11309 Lake Underhill Rd., Suite 103, Orlando 7250 Red Bug Lake Rd., Suite 1024, Oviedo

407-208-0288 | pediatricdentalcareorlando.com

www.SeventhWavePhotoFilms.com

Musikgarten is honored to have won the Family Favorite Award for favorite music class! We love you a Bushel and a Peck!

Register now for May Musikgarten Weekday AND Saturday Classes

bushelandpeckstudio.com

Looking for a

Life Insurance Quote?

Let me help you protect your family.

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Licensed Life Insurance Producer

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407-353-5923 Advertise your locally-owned business in the next issue of PLAYGROUND Magazine.

Contact Jessica Ventura today for affordable rates and package options: 407-243-8253 jessica@playgroundmagazine.com

Reimagining Pediatric Cancer Care So He Can Dream Big Internationally Accredited Treatments You Can Trust When it comes to fighting childhood cancer, we’re putting the power of innovation to work. Like using pioneering therapies to help a child’s own blood cells destroy cancer cells. We’re the only children’s hospital in Central Florida offering this type of care, so your child can keep dreaming big.

Learn more at ReimaginingPediatricCare.com.

Our pediatric cellular therapy program is internationally accredited by the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy for meeting the most rigorous quality standards in every aspect of stem cell therapy.