PLAYGROUND June/July 2020

LIVE | LOVE | PLAY

PLAYGROUND a lifestyle magazine for central florida's modern parents

MEET THE MOM BOSSES WHO BRING US THE NAKED BAR SOAP CO.

JUNE / JULY 2020

THE PARTY GUIDE Page 44

ASEKY Speaks Out

Orlando's Motherhood & Lifestyle Blogger Shares Her Family and Her Motherly Fears NEW TREND:

SLOW TRAVEL PG. 32

Dine Like the Dutch SHAKE OFF THE CORONAVIRUS COBWEBS!

Now Enrolling for Fall Preschool 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: 352-356-4217

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

CHOOSE CLOSE FOR

KIDS’ MISADVENTURES. Emergency care for kids is provided at all Orlando Health ER locations: • Clermont • Downtown Orlando • Dr. Phillips • Four Corners • Kissimmee • Lake Mary • Leesburg • Longwood • Ocoee • Winter Garden Transport to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children provided by our transport team for any child needing more acute care.

ArnoldPalmerHospital.com/ER

CONTENTS June/July 2020 Issue

Calling All PLAYers...

Stay connected between issues by signing up for our free Weekend PLAYguide e-newsletter at playgroundmagazine.com or on Facebook @PLAYGROUNDMagazine

The Travel Issue LIVE

• 8 Talk of the Playground • 10 Growth Mindset • 12 Elize Restaurant • 18 Navigating Through Dyslexia

LOVE

• 14 Aseky & Co. • 18 Laughing • 20 Travel: The Joy of Missing Out • 26 Autism Certified Travel Experience • 28 Player: Naked Bar Soap Co.

PLAY

• 30 D.I.Y. Lemonade Stand • 32 Summer Family Activities • 40 See/Saw: Party My Yard, Ripley's Belive It or Not, TradeWinds

• • • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION • • •

PARTY GUIDE

Your guide to the Orlando area's exciting party services!

PAGE 36

Shake Off Those Coronavirus Cobwebs Page 32

Subscribe now to get all six issues of PLAYGROUND Magazine delivered to your door for $15 per year.

PlaygroundMagazine.com/Subscribe 4 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

Nominate a Mom

We’re shaking it up a bit for the 3rd Annual Mom’s Morning Out event.

Mom’ s Morning Out  ENTER TO WIN:

Quarantine Edition at Winter Park Village To the stay at home mom, the working mom, the unfortunately furloughed mom, the virtual learning mom, the mom who nailed every craft time, the mom who cried during nap time, the mom who knows it’s completely acceptable to have cereal for dinner and the (insert your victory here) mom - today (and every day) we salute and celebrate you!

Let’s be real, these last few months have been tough — but tough times don’t last … tough moms do! AdventHealth for Children, Playground Magazine and the Winter Park Village have joined together to recognize your victories (big and small) and reward you with a kid-free day of pampering and relaxation.

For a chance to win a much needed break, simply nominate a mom you think is worthy of winning and tell us how she is making the world a better place or just simply surviving this thing we call #momlife.

HOW TO NOMINATE: Visit PlaygroundMagazine.com/Nom-A-Mom between July 6 – July 27 to fill out the online form and to review offical contest rules and criteria.

for Children

PLAYGROUND M A G A Z I N E

For contest updates follow us on social: @AdventHealthForChildren | @ShopWinterPark | @PlaygroundMagazine @AdventHealthWomenChildren | @winterparkvillage | @PLAYorlando

Moms Morning Out, 2018 Photo: Jessica Friend Photo Design

THE DETAILS:

50 Lucky Moms will be chosen at random from all nominations submitted to receive a Survival Kit of relaxation inspired goodies (including a 30-minute massage voucher), courtesy of AdventHealth for Children, and a VIP Pamper Day at Winter Park Village that includes a gel manicure or deluxe pedicure appointment, plus dining and shopping discounts! (Prize package valued at $150.) And because mom’n ain’t easy, each winner can bring one guest!* Winners will be contacted by July 31, 2020, and can choose to have their Mom’s Morning Out experience at Winter Park Village on Friday, August 14 or Saturday, August 15, 2020. *The Mom’s Morning Out contest is open to moms in the Tri-county area (Orange, Seminole, Osceola) with school aged kids.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE Hand lettering artwork by Pretty Peacock Paperie, Winter Park (ShopPrettyPeacock.com)

PLAYGROUND LIVE | LOVE | PLAY Heather Reneau Founder and Publisher heather@playgroundmagazine.com Brant Muekeley Financial Manager brant@playgroundmagazine.com Jessica Ventura Advertising Manager jessica@playgroundmagazine.com Cortney Thekan Copy Editor cortney@playgroundmagazine.com Jessica Friend Graphic Design & Photography jessica.friend@playgroundmagazine.com

A Season of Change As summer unfolds, a revolution to end systemic racism, injustice and inequality is underway in our communities. The team at PLAYGROUND Magazine supports the Black Lives Matter movement (BlackLivesMatter.com). We are educating ourselves on how to provide anti-racist content to ensure that we are a part of the solution. We're listening and learning. We can and will do better. To begin, we are donating to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (naacplegaldefensefund.org). On our social media accounts, we will continue to seek and share resources from local and national experts to help parents approach important and difficult conversations with children about racial injustice (@PLAYGROUNDMagazine).

As we guide our families through this unprecedented time, it’s essential that we also take care of ourselves mentally and physically as best we can. It's more important than ever to parent ourselves, too, so we can show up for our families in the calmest, most authentic way possible. In this issue, we've included some mindfulness techniques on page 10 and a reminder about the importance of laughter on page 18. With COVID-19 restrictions beginning to lift, we've also rounded up some ways to ease your way out of your house on page 32.

For a little inspiration, check out what amazing mom bosses have created on pages 12 and 28.

Celebrate those summer birthdays (and spring birthdays too!) using resources in our 2020 Party Guide on page 36.

Let's take several deep breaths together. I hope that these struggles will ultimately lead us to a better future with equal rights for all. We must come together, listen with empathy and unite to support one another to build a truly free and just nation for everyone. It's literally a matter of life or death, so now is the time to look in the mirror and get to work.

- Heather Reneau

Alicia McKee Sales Assistant, E-newsletter Coordinator & Circulations alicia@playgroundmagazine.com Wendy Meyer Writer, Events Editor & Social Media Coordinator wendy@playgroundmagazine.com Contributing Writers: Amy Nielsen, Aseky Bonnaire, Chris Karel, Erin Sullivan, Malia Jacobson, Maddy Zollo Rusbosin, Sandi Shwartz, Wendy Meyer Contributing Photographers: Aseky Bonnaire Jessica Friend Photo Design 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.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Natalie Henry-Charles is the owner of Pretty Peacock Paperie, a social stationery company based in Winter Park. We believe in good times, with good people, over good wine. We believe that life is too short not to celebrate! shopprettypeacock.com

6 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

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For more information, visit our website at playgroundmagazine.com.

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SUBSCRIBE NOW Don't miss an issue! Subscribe today to have PLAYGROUND Magazine delivered to your door. Our bimonthly issues come out in February, April, June, August, October and December. Get a whole year of issues for only $14.99!

Go to playgroundmagazine.com/ subscribe or scan the QR Code to take you directly to the page.

Check out Our Exclusive Online Articles:

Your Kids’ Beach Questions Answered

Go To:

PlaygroundMagazine. com/your-kids-beachquestions-answered

By Cheryl Maguire

FREE Digital Issues All of our print issues are available in digital format on our website. Flip through the pages, download PDFs or share an article with friends, all for free.

My curious children combined with multiple hours by the ocean has led to many inquiries about their surroundings. Often I have no idea how to answer their questions. My daughter actually said to me, "Do you know anything about the beach or the ocean?"

I culled this list of Q&As to help parents like me find the correct response to their kids' beach questions and prevent your children from wondering if you passed science class (for the record, I got an A in Biology!)

LIVE | LOVE | PLAY

Weekend PLAY Guide Sign up for our weekly e-newsletters for a list of our picks of the top family-friendly events and activities for Central Florida's modern parents. playground-magazine.com/ the-weekend-playguide

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

MEET THE MOM BOSSES WHO BRING US THE NAK ED BAR SOAP CO.

D

JUNE / JULY 2020

THE PARTY GUIDE

Page 36

ASEKY Speak

s Out Orlando's Moth erhood & Lifestyle Blogger Shares Her Fami ly and Her Moth erly Fears NEW TREND:

SLOW TRAVEL

PG. 20

Dine Like the Dutch SHAKE OFF THE CORONAVIRUS COBWEBS!

ABOUT THE COVER ...

Local blogger Aseky Bonnaire originally shared the words and images featured in this issue (page 14) on Instagram (@asekyb). We love her work, so we asked Aseky to bring her art and inspiration for change to the pages of PLAYGROUND Magazine. Believe it or not, she dressed her kids and took these photos during quarantine using a tripod! With images this gorgeous, it's no wonder Aseky is one of the most popular local bloggers in Instagram-land.

JunJul20_Cover-Ase

kyb.indd 1

6/9/20 6:23 PM

@PLAYGROUNDMagazine

@PLAYmag

@PLAYorlando 7 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

@PLAYmag

@ PlayMagCF

The Talk of the Playground The inside scoop and what’s happening around town for Orlando families!

Words by Wendy Meyer @LittleRebelMom

School of Rock's Remote Session on the History of Rock Music

DONATE YOUR LEGOS!

Lose Yourself in the Music

Brick Hearts is an Orlando nonprofit organization that collects and redistributes donated LEGO bricks to adults, teenagers and children experiencing extended hospital stays. Not sure what to do with those old Legos? Send them to 214 South Lucerne Circle East, Orlando, Florida 32801 or visit the website to arrange a driveway pickup!

School of Rock has been providing a performance-based music education for brickhearts.org kids (and adults) during quarantine through remote instruction, workshops and artist sessions. They teach guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals.

Your kids can start their summer musical journey from anywhere. Remote lessons are available now, and limited in-person lessons will be offered during the summer at their two locations in Central Florida: Oviedo & Southwest Orlando. Schedule a free trial lesson at SchoolofRock.com.

OPENING IN THE FALL: Central Florida Academy of the Arts The Central Florida Academy of the Arts (CFAA) will launch its inaugural school year in August 2020. The school, founded by Shanda Batchelor, is a product of the Winter Springs Performing Arts Foundation, which has provided after-school and weekend theatre programs for kids for more than 14 years. Designed in collaboration with Florida Virtual School, CFAA is an innovative private school for grades 4–12 that stimulates academic excellence and individual growth by providing a nurturing environment that encourages artistic creativity and collaboration. WinterSpringsArts.org/central-florida-academy-of-the-arts

New Art Studio in WP Local mom and artist Becky Vlaming has opened Creative Jane Art Studio for makers and creatives of all ages. From sensory and art bins that can be delivered to your door to open studio time in her Winter Park location, Creative Jane Studios offers artistic outlets inside and outside the studio for children of all ages and those of us who are kids at heart. Thinking about an upcoming birthday?

This is the place to throw a colorful good time.

CreativeJaneArt.com

8 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

Sports Heaven Is Here!

No, really ... it is!

Are the kids ready for some healthy and fun outdoor activity? We thought so.

Central Florida's newest batting cages and sports training facility is now open!

Sports Heaven, located in Winter Springs, has 7 batting cages (5 baseball, 2 softball), 2 half-court basketball courts and a 5,500 sq. ft. artificial turf training area, including pitcher's mounds. Introductory individual memberships are available. They will also be hosting training workshops with pro athletes, plus offering summer sports leagues, birthday party packages, as well as private and group lessons in soccer, basketball and baseball. Visit SportsHeavenOrlando.com for hours, location and pricing.

AGE 4 - COLLEGE FRESHME N

Come in to see our beautiful new store in Downtown Lake Mary or shop online at @shopbunnyandclyde or BunnyAndClyde.com

PERFORMING ARTS

SUMMER CAMPS CAMPS START JUNE 1ST

FOR MORE INFO: OR

LANDO SHAKE S.ORG

Photo: Jessica Friend

Hours: Tues, Thrs & Fri: 10-5 • Wed & Sat:10-4 • Sun & Mon: Closed 122 N 4th Street, Ste. 1014, Lake Mary • 321-926-3677

We know Winter Park kids!

Dr. Sabiha Siddiqui and Dr. Robert Quigley know Winter Park kids, because they are Winter Park kids!

They’re here to help keep their young neighbors in the swing of things with compassionate care including: • • • • • • • •

20-AHMG-04258

Now Accepting New Patients | Same-Day Appointments Medicaid Accepted | Video Visits Available To schedule an appointment, call 407-646-7070.

AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Winter Park 133 Benmore Drive, Suite 200 | Winter Park, FL 32792

Acute and chronic disease management Immunizations and flu shots Minor injuries Newborn, child and adolescent healthcare Preventive health screenings School and sports physicals Sick visits Well-child exams

LIVE

Ready, Set, Grow!

How a Growth Mindset Encourages Resilience, Happiness and Success

By Malia Jacobson Let’s face it — raising kids is hard work. But what if there were a simple way to make parenting easier, your kids happier and your household more harmonious? Turns out, there is. When children develop traits like resilience, adaptability and tenacity, known as a growth mindset, they’re more peaceful, more open to new ideas and less likely to melt down when they don’t get their way, say Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling authors of The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity and Resilience in Your Child (2018).

EARLY YEARS 0–5

ELEMENTARY YEARS 6–12

TEEN YEARS 13–18

A for Effort

Ready, Set, Grow

Fear Factor

The term “growth mindset” was coined by

While some children seem to slip into a growth

Even if kids reach high school with a fixed

Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck,

mindset easily, others may seem firmly in the

mindset, it’s not too late to work toward a more

Ph.D., and refers to the understanding that

“fixed” mindset camp or fall somewhere in

positive, flexible attitude. First, notes Wood, help

abilities and intelligence can be developed

between. “Signs that a child is using a fixed

teens learn to recognize and counteract ANTs

through effort. Building a growth mindset

mindset include only doing things that they're

(automatic negative thinking). “These types of

— as opposed to a fixed mindset, or the

good at, using the same tools, and relying on

thoughts occur routinely with a fixed mindset

belief that ability is predetermined and can’t

skills that they know well. A child with a fixed

because the general idea is that you’re either

be changed through hard work — is linked

mindset may be unwilling to try new things or

born able to do something or not,” she says.

to better grades, more resilience and higher

to explore other ways of thinking,” says Nedra

When “I can’t do that” seems to be your teen’s

levels of achievement. Caregivers can begin

Glover Tawwab, LCSW, owner of Kaleidoscope

default thought pattern, asking gentle questions

encouraging a growth mindset in toddlerhood

Counseling in Charlotte, North Carolina.

can help uncover what’s underneath. Often,

simply by ditching the “good job” habit.

When a child seems stuck in a fixed mindset,

these automatic “no” responses are rooted in

This type of reflexive, automatic parental praise

it’s worthwhile to nudge them toward a more

fear of failure, says Wood. “To help uncover the

seems harmless, but the unintended lesson

expansive, growth-oriented perspective because

underlying fear, caregivers can ask questions

for children is that a good outcome is the only

a fixed mindset can contribute to issues with

like ‘Is it true that you could get better at

acceptable one and that their effort matters

self-esteem, anxiety and depression, notes

this?’ or ‘Let’s assume that you are able to do

less than the results of those efforts. When

Tawwab. Encouraging creativity and self-

this, how would that feel?’ The point is not to

children focus on outcomes instead of effort,

expression, characteristics of a growth mindset,

convince or force your teen into action, but to

they’ll be less likely to accept failure and less

can help a child break out of the “fixed” zone.

allow them to feel their fear while considering

open to the idea that consistent effort creates

“When a child struggles with a fixed mindset,

a new viewpoint,” notes Wood. Helping teens

success. Shift your focus to a child’s effort by

caregivers can encourage them by celebrating

begin to look past their fear of failure to see

swapping phrases that focus on outcomes,

moments where they try something new,” says

the value in trying something challenging —

like “Good job!”, for phrases that emphasize

Kamini Wood, a certified life and resilience coach

even if they don’t succeed — helps build the

effort, like “You worked really hard on that!”

for girls, teens and young women in Cary, North

resilience that leads to lifelong success.

or “I can tell you really focused—way to go!”.

Carolina. “Reveal the growth to the child. Allow the child to embrace the moment where they tried something outside of the comfort zone.”

10 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

Birthday Party

Enjoy a unique outdoor birthday experience when you visit our citrus and cattle ranch estate, and the birthday guest gets to drive the monster truck! Our monster truck tours provide adventure for all ages. $200 Package Includes:  Monster truck tour for up to 35 guests  Reserved covered tiki hut picnic area for 2 hours  Birthday guest receives a monster truck driver’s license  Use of playground next to picnic area  Visit farm animals

www.showcaseofcitrus.com (352) 394-4377 5010 US Highway 27 Clermont, FL 34714

Party timeslots are 10am-12pm, 12-2pm, 2-4pm, and (46pm during daylight savings time). Monster truck tour begins 1 hour after your party starts. Bring your own food and cake, or have it delivered.

Discount rates available:  Gem mine bag - 3lb bag $5  Feed the farm animals - Souvenir feed cup $2  Slushy - Small $2  Creamsicle - Small $4  U-Pick citrus (seasonally) Reservations are required. Request a reservation through our online form and find more information at www.showcaseofcitrus.com/group-events

open-air venue!

Travel down the gravel path of our Drive-thru Safari Park and see more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African plains, to the forest of North America, all from the comfort of your car.

BOOK ONLINE AT

www.WILDFL.com!

(407) 957-3135 3301 Lake Cypress Rd. Kenansville, FL 34739

LIVE

Parents’ Night Out: Elize Restaurant Dine like the Dutch at this Downtown Orlando gastro bar.

I

Words by Maddy Zollo Rusbosin | Photos by Jessica Friend

f you’ve ever traveled to Europe, you know that eating out there is an entirely different experience than it is here. There’s no rush to get the check, no multi-page menu offering everything under the sun and no chef who shies away from embracing local ingredients or their cultural heritage. That’s why it’s so refreshing to welcome Elize into Orlando’s dining scene. It’s a Euro-style restaurant that melds together Dutch influences with a creative take on comfort food.

Started by owner Michelle Lagerweij and her sister Anne, Elize is ideal for a date, girls’ night out, birthday dinner or any other celebratory evening. With a spacious bar serving up craft cocktails, a chic yet cozy dining room and a chef’s table with a bird’s eye view of the kitchen, it’s an eatery that exudes warmth while also serving up a scratch-made menu that’s built upon the ethos of “complexity through simplicity.” It includes everything from tuna “upside down” pizza to a 12 Floridian vegetable salad to roasted white shrimp with mashed potato mousseline, brown butter and buttermilk.

The inspiration for Elize came from the sisters’ memories of their childhood home — a place where friends and family were always gathering to enjoy the inviting ambiance and the good food that their mother (the restaurant’s namesake) created. “We want guests to experience that same welcoming feeling of never feeling rushed and at the same time enjoying high-quality food and drinks at an accessible price,” explains Lagerweij. At Elize, customers are encouraged to sit back and stay awhile — a feeling that can be summed up by the Dutch word gezelligheid.

Elize’s feel-good approach to dining is something that the founders hope guests will take to heart and share with their kids at home.

“It’s amazing how much of children’s interest in food and their willingness to try new things seems to be determined by how much they’ve been exposed to it at an early age,” says Lagerweij, which is why she encourages parents to broaden their kids’ taste bud horizons by incorporating more unexpected ingredients into the mix. Even though it can be a challenge to convince little ones to try globally inspired cuisine due to picky eating habits, hesitancy of the unknown or a palette that prefers chicken fingers above all else, a good way to expose children to more international flavors is by serving up classic European dishes disguised as comfort food. Just take inspiration from Elize’s recipe for glazed veal cheeks, mashed potatoes, roasted cabbage and sunflower seeds below.

“This dish is the ultimate slow and comfort food,” explains Leon Mazairac, Elize’s executive chef. “It feels like home and it’s something with lots of flavors, but also requires less ingredients.” Another way to keep your children engaged in their meal is to cook with them and allow them play chef. “Give them an apron and decide together what to make,” he continues. “Let them be in charge of the menu.”

You can have them perform simple tasks like washing veggies or helping mash potatoes. An added bonus is that the act of cooking together provides children with a greater appreciation for the work that goes into making dinner each night. “And if it’s made with love, what more do you need?” says Mazairac.

12 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

The Recipe: Glazed Veal Cheeks with Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Cabbage and Sunflower Seeds Serves 4

THE CHEEKS:

THE POTATOES:

• 4 nice and clean veal or beef cheeks • 6 cups of concentrated veal stock • 2 bay leaves • A few peppercorns (mignonette) • Some grape seed oil

• 1 1/2 pounds firm russet potatoes (800 g) • 3 1/2 ounces salted butter (100 g) • 2 cups of whipped heavy cream • Fine sea salt

– Season the cheeks and fry them in some grapeseed oil.

– Once roasted, add the veal stock and the bay leaves and pepper.

– Bring to boil, then and let simmer for 2 to 3 hours.

– When the cheeks are cooked, the sauce (and the cheeks) become sticky.

– Keep the cheeks on the side and reduce the sauce until it is nice and glazy.

HOW TO DRESS THE PLATE:

– Clean the potatoes under running water, place them in a pan, and cover with cold water.

– Add a handful of coarse gray sea salt and simmer gently.

– Drain the potatoes and dry in a 285°F (140°C) oven for five minutes.

– Peel the potatoes, then place in a container set over a double-boiler.

– Mash with a fork, leaving some large chunks before folding in the salted butter and mixing with the whipped heavy cream.

– Season with salt and pepper to taste.

– Place the mashed potatoes in a bowl and serve the cheeks on top.

– Add some roasted cabbage and 2 tablespoons of the reduced veal stock.

– Finish with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds.

13 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

THE CABBAGE AND SUNFLOWER SEEDS: • 1/2 green or white cabbage • Sunflower seeds – Cut the cabbage in quarters, taking away the root.

– Place the leaves in boiling water and cook them until they are done (they should still have a little crunch).

– Grill them on the BBQ or gas grill for a few seconds so they burn slightly.

Then put some glazed veal stock on the leaves.

– Roast the sunflower seeds in a dry nonstick pan.

ASEKY & CO.

Motherhood & Lifestyle Blogger Aseky Bonnaire — an Orlando woman, wife, mom and social media influencer (asekybonnaire.com) — shares her pain, fear and prayers about the continued racial injustice in the U.S. and the call for change.

14 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

"

My funny, handsome, smart, athletic, strong, family-oriented [husband]. Every day that he leaves the house without me, I worry ... because he is a black man in America.

"

"

My beautiful black babies, their lives matter.

" 15 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

"

It makes me sick that I have to fear for when my boys grow up, and sometimes will only be viewed for the color of their skin. Not their fun and witty personalities, not their intelligence, just a black man in America ... I pray for protection over my black husband, my black children and all the black men and youth of America.

16 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

"

I’m here to share pieces of my life — the cute matching outfits and the hard reality of our country that my family and other black families are facing.

If you don’t want to hear it, you are a part of the problem. To the rest of you who love, support and speak out: Thank you, we all see you.

"

Follow Aseky Bonnaire on Instagram @asekyb | AsekyBonnaire.com

17 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

LOVE

The Hidden Power of Laughing Sometimes life can be tough. Whether we are feeling anxious about current affairs or dealing with a health issue, something as simple as laughter can help us persevere.

Words by Sandi Schwartz

As adults, we tend to get bogged down with our to-do lists and stresses of daily life and forget how beautiful it is to let loose and have a good laugh. Unfortunately, most adults do not laugh enough.

In fact, one study found that healthy children may laugh as many as 400 times per day, but adults only laugh 15 times per day.

If we stop for a moment and observe our children, they are probably laughing and playing freely without the weight of the world on their shoulders. We can learn so much from them when it comes to being lighthearted.

Science shows us that laughter really is like medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughing is one of the easiest ways for us to reduce stress and anxiety in our lives. Laughing transforms our body and mind in so many amazing ways, boosting positive emotions like happiness, peace and humor.

When we laugh, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex of our brain is activated. This releases feel-good hormones called endorphins that allow us to experience pleasure and satisfaction. Laughing also reduces our stress response because the level of stress hormones, like cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline) and dopamine, is lowered. We feel energized because we take in more oxygen-rich air when we laugh. Finally, laughing relaxes our muscles, which soothes tension from stress. In fact, a good laugh can leave your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes.

Laughter is beneficial because it also changes how we look at a situation. A silly moment can offer a healthy distraction from

negative emotions like anger, guilt and stress. It sure is hard to feel negative when you're cracking up! It also gives us a more lighthearted perspective when faced with challenges and helps us view such events as positive opportunities as opposed to threats.

Additionally, resilience can help cushion us from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression because it improves our ability to cope, according to Mayo Clinic. Laughter plays a huge role in how we handle adversity by allowing us to escape from our problems for a little while. By teaching our kids to laugh even in times of pain, we are giving them a key tool that will help them be more resilient as they grow older.

Laughing with our kids is so special because it builds a bond with them. These joyous moments create a more uplifting environment at home. What’s really fun is that laughter tends to be contagious, so before you know it, your whole house could be giggling up a storm.

So, how can we laugh more with our kids? Here are five ideas to get you ROTF (rolling on the floor)…

• Start a contest to see who can make the other person laugh first.

• Play fun games like charades, Twister, Pictionary and Hedbanz.

• Have a family talent show and see who comes up with the funniest routine.

• Watch a stand-up comedy show or AFV on TV together.

• Try talking to each other in different accents during dinner.

SANDI SCHWARTZ is a freelance writer/blogger and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness and environmental issues. You can find her at happysciencemom.com. Get her free course on raising happy, balanced kids at bit.ly/2i53TDV. 18 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

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Joy of Missing Out

The

Words by Maddy Zollo Rusbosin

Over the past few months, your idea of travel has likely changed thanks to COVID-19.

Planning for weekend getaways or future Euro vacations has been replaced with trips to the grocery store and Instagram-fueled daydreams. However, now that things are beginning to return to normal, getting out of the house is going to be a priority. While on one hand you’ll be raring to go anywhere beyond the confines of your neighborhood, the more practical side of you will surely be more cautious about where to go and what’s considered safe for your family.

That’s why there’s no better time to embrace an idea known as slow travel. The concept rejects traditional tourism and instead encourages you to soak in your environment at a leisurely pace while being open to new or unexpected experiences. That means steering clear of typical traveler-filled hotspots and heading to places that are off the beaten path. To fully immerse yourself in a slow travel mindset, you need to resist the urge of having FOMO and embrace JOMO: the Joy of Missing Out. While there are a ton of ways to experience slow travel within the Sunshine State, some of the best locales have a few common characteristics: picturesque natural beauty, a variety of outdoor adventures and plenty of familyfriendly accommodations and dining options. Explore this article to find our favorite driving destinations across Florida that’ll have you hashtagging #JOMO before logging off social media for the rest of your vacation:

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Be a Day Tripper If you’re still wary of staying someplace other than your home, here are some slow travel activities that are doable in a day: • Sip & Stomp Lakeridge Winery is a win for both parents and kids. Adults can sip vino while kids take part in fun activities like the winery’s annual grape stomp festivals that happen in June and August.

Homosassa If your kids love animals, look no further than Homosassa, a classic Florida fishing village that’s less than two hours away from the City Beautiful. It’s home to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, the state’s only park dedicated to Florida’s native wildlife. Think flamingos, Florida panthers, river otters, Key deer, roseate spoonbills, and of course, manatees. There’s a network of boardwalks to check out and an underwater observatory where you can watch fish and manatees thrive in their natural habitat.

While there are plenty of fishing opportunities in town, a more unique way to spend quality time with the family (and one that may hold little ones’ attention a bit longer) is a scalloping excursion. Scallop season lasts from July until September, and it starts off with a boat ride to the Gulf’s shallow flats, an off-shore area that’s 4–6 feet deep. Snorkel and swim at the surface as you try to find scallops hiding in the seagrass below. Once you spot one, dive down to retrieve it. The best part? Most local restaurants will cook them for you.

Other must-dos include kayaking and paddleboarding within the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, checking out the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins and eating at The Monkey Bar, a casual restaurant on Monkey Island, which is an island inhabited by spider monkeys.

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• Go Tubing Cool off by floating down one of Florida’s waterways. Both Blue Spring State Park and Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park offer rental innertubes so that you can spend a relaxing day on the springs.

• Get Pedaling Hop on your bike and cycle down the West Orange Trail, a 22-mile path that goes through historic Winter Garden.

TRAVEL | The Joy of Missing Out

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo Channel your inner cowboy by taking the family to a true dude ranch. Just 90 minutes south of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo is a 1,700-acre resort that’s surround by cattle country and protected wetlands. It’s said to be the area where Florida’s first cowboys roamed.

The property is known for its take on glamping, and trust us, these glamping tents are the opposite of roughing it.

Each one is constructed on a platform and fully outfitted with air-conditioning and furniture, including real beds.

You can also stay in a Luxe Teepee, a one- or twobedroom cabin, a room within the main resort or in your own RV or tent.

Beyond its charming accommodations, there are onsite activities for the whole family too. From horseback riding and archery to rock climbing and mini golf to skeet shooting and zip-lining, it’s hard to run out of things to do. Additionally, the resort has a full-service marina, so you can rent a boat, fish, or go on a swamp buggy ride.

However, if there’s one can’t-miss activity, it’s the Saturday night rodeo, where you can watch real cowboys ride bulls and barrel race.

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Amelia Island Part of the Sea Islands chain off the Atlantic Coast is Amelia Island, a longtime favorite of Central Florida families thanks to its laid back, Southern charm. There are plenty of bigger resorts you can stay at like The Ritz-Carlton or Omni Amelia Island Resort, but the northern Florida town also has quaint options like the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, a modernized 17-bedroom hotel located in Amelia Island’s first schoolhouse (built in 1886).

Beach days can be spent swimming, shelling, shark tooth hunting or even going on a horseback ride at Kelly Seahorse Ranch. If you feel like heading into town, the historic district in Fernandina Beach has local boutiques and art galleries along with a variety of family-

friendly eateries. For a spooky activity, book a nighttime adventure with Amelia Island Ghost Tours to hear the island’s history and folklore while seeking out paranormal spirits.

Another great thing about Amelia Island is its proximity to other day-trip destinations. About 50 miles north is Georgia’s Cumberland Island, a place that’s home to over 50 miles of hiking trails along with Dungeness Ruins, an old estate belonging to the Carnegie family.

For a more urban escape, head south to Jacksonville to check out their beaches, go to the zoo or spend a day at Adventure Landing, which includes a water park, mini-golf course, a roller-coaster, laser tag and more.

Captiva and Sanibel Islands For fun in the sun, head to the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva. The two sister islands are located 25 miles south of Fort Myers. Sanibel, the bigger of the two, is a seashell collector’s paradise, so bring a bucket and get ready to hunt for conchs, sand dollars and more on the popular Bowman’s Beach. You can also go to the BaileyMatthews National Shell Museum, which offers guided beach walks, touch-pools, and shell arts and crafts.

Another way to get your nature fix is by heading to one of the islands’ parks or gardens.

At J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge, go hiking or hit up their 4-mile Wildlife Drive.

Everglades Wonder Gardens offers yoga classes next to their Flamingo Lagoon along with garden walks, gator watching and a butterfly garden. Lakes Park has bicycle rentals and the Railroad Museum of Southwest Florida, where you can ride a miniature train.

On rainy days, stay dry by taking the family to The IMAG History & Science Center that has hands-on animal demonstrations, an aquarium and 3-D virtual reality exhibits.

There’s also the CROW Clinic, where you can learn about rehabilitating wildlife while enjoying live animal experiences. Head over to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates to tour the property where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford lived.

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Spark Lab at Ediso

n and Ford Winter

Estates

TRAVEL | The Joy of Missing Out

The Florida Keys There’s no shortage of things to see in the Florida Keys, but if you want to lean into a more JOMO mentality, try going on a family camping trip to really soak in the natural beauty.

Space out the drive down Route 1 over a long weekend with stops in Key Largo, Marathon and Key West. In Key Largo, pitch a tent at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, an undersea park that has the only living coral reef in the U.S. Beyond its beachfront campsites, it has snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours, motorboat rentals, kayaking and paddle boarding, so your family can spend the day on the water.

Once you hit the road after your time in Key Largo, make a pit stop to check out Robbie’s of Islamorada, where you can feed tarpon right off the dock. Then continue driving until you reach the Middle Keys, which includes Marathon. While there are lots of lodging options, try settling in at a waterfront cottage at Fiesta Key RV Resort on Long Key before hitting the sights. One of the most popular to-dos in the area is The Turtle Hospital, where sea turtles come for rehabilitation (they even have their own turtle ambulance!). Other fun stops include a visit to the Florida Keys

Aquarium Encounter, where you can swim with rays, or to the iconic No Name Pub in Big Pine Key, where you can leave behind a signed dollar bill on the money-covered walls.

And no vacation to the Keys is complete without a stop in Key West, so plan on ending your road trip at the southernmost island. For a true camping experience, head to Boyd’s Key West Campground. Not only does it have Instagram-able water views, but it also has a jam-packed activity schedule along with a game room, pool and other family-friendly activities on-site.

For travelers looking for a little more luxury, rent a place at the Sunset Key Cottages, a resort you can reach via ferry. In town, must-dos include walking Duval Street, catching the sunset carnival at Mallory Square that includes circus cats trained to jump through hoops, exploring the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, touring The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum that’s inhabited with his famed six-toed felines, taking a sunset sail and indulging in a stack of pancakes or a slice of Key lime pie at the famed Blue Heaven restaurant.

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South Walton Between its white sand beaches and turquoise water, it’s hard not to fall in love with South Walton. Sixteen different coastal towns make up this stretch along the panhandle, so there are plenty of picture-perfect spots to stay, such as Seaside (where The Truman Show was filmed), Rosemary Beach and Santa Rosa Beach.

With 26 miles of beaches, fill your days with snorkeling, paddle boarding, fishing or swimming.

You can also take a boat down to Crab Island, a popular sand bar with an inflatable floating waterpark nearby. At night, get your s’mores fix by arranging a beach bonfire. Beyond its coastal beauty, 40 percent of South Walton’s total land is preserved, making it an ideal place to explore local wildlife by foot or by bike.

The downtown areas also have a lot to offer. One popular place to take kids is The Shard Shop (located in Grayton Beach and Miramar Beach), where you turn repurposed glass shards into works of art. There’s also The Sweet Peddler, an oldfashioned candy and ice cream shop, or The Hub, an open-air space with food vendors, live music, movies under the stars and more.

Need a Break After Homeschooling?

Book a trip with your significant other to the adults-only Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, the U.S.’s only private island resort. Located on Little Torch Key in the Florida Keys (it’s only accessible via seaplane or ferry), the island has recently reopened after Hurricane Irma. With their luxurious thatched-roof bungalows, you can relax in a tropical paradise without any outside interruptions. With romantic vistas, water activities like dolphin encounters and sailing, a worldclass spa and top-notch dining, it’s a couple’s retreat worth booking a sitter for.

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LOVE

DoubleTree and SeaWorld:

Making Vacations More Fun for Families Impacted by ASD Family vacations are usually planned around children’s school schedules, parents’ ability to take time off work and budgets. However, when you have a family member with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), an entirely new set of factors dictates what vacations, if any, your family can experience.

Words by Amy Nielsen

M

y youngest son is 5 years old and has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and ASD. Before he was born, my husband and our older three children enjoyed taking vacations and sharing new experiences. Those trips have since come to a screeching halt. Things such as severe sensitivity to sensory input, dysregulation due to disruptions in routines, safety concerns, extreme meltdowns, communication struggles and my worries about his behaviors disrupting others are just a few of the potential results of stepping out of our comfort zone.

With 1 in 59 children now being diagnosed with ASD, some businesses are taking steps to open the world back up to families like mine. Two of those businesses are the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando and SeaWorld.

My family recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend at the DoubleTree to experience their new Certified Autism Center accreditation, which they received through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

During the training, the hotel staff was given the tools and skills necessary to work with guests with ASD or other sensory needs in a variety of areas, such as sensory awareness, motor skills, autism

overview, program development, social skills, communication, environment and emotional awareness.

Upon arrival, we noticed signs that read Certified Autism Center, which made my family feel welcome. During check-in, we were greeted by one of DoubleTree’s Autism Champions, David Perez.

Perez, whose own family is impacted by autism, checked us in quickly. He also gave us a sensory bag full of items such as fidget toys and noise-canceling headphones. Although those things were appreciated, what stood out was Perez’s genuine interest in forming a connection with my son. He noticed my son holding a Star Wars Millennium Falcon, so he struck up a conversation about Star Wars and showed my son pictures of Star Wars characters on his phone. Perez knew how to interact with children like my son, and I could tell his interest was sincere.

Once my family settled into our ground floor room, which was another appreciated accommodation, I met with Ana Isabel Mieses, the social media marketing manager, and Marje Jones, director of sales and marketing. Mieses gave me a tour of the beautiful property and pointed out areas such as designated Quiet Spaces, where families can bring a loved one who may be experiencing

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sensory overload to wind down. There are also areas called Green Spaces, which feature open grassy areas to run or play as well as calming water features and comfortable furniture for relaxing.

Jones shared with me, “Our goal is to not only accept guests with special needs but to support your cause.” Because of their recent accreditation, groups who support autism, such as behavioral study groups, are choosing to host conferences and trainings at the DoubleTree’s on-site Palms Convention Center.

The community is noticing DoubleTree’s desire to not only accommodate families impacted by autism but also to become part of our support system by hosting events that directly benefit us.

Even though the DoubleTree has already received the autism endorsement, they haven’t stopped evolving. Prior to my visit, the resort brought Rob Gorski of The Autism Dad blog and podcast. Jones also said that feedback from families impacted by autism is key to adding more accommodations to fit the wide range of needs those impacted. Gorski, who has three sons on the autism spectrum, said, “One of the biggest takeaways for me was that they legitimately want to make a difference.” Because of his sons’ wide-ranging challenges, Gorski and his family had taken only one other trip in 20 years. Now, the 20-hour drive from his home state of Ohio to Orlando to stay at the DoubleTree will become an annual family vacation.

Another great feature for families is the partnership DoubleTree has with SeaWorld Orlando. Located within walking distance of the resort, SeaWorld is also a Certified Autism Center. Some of the accommodations the theme park has made to support families impacted by autism are their Ride Accessibility Program, Sensory Signs and Quiet Rooms.

Because wait time can be challenging for people on the autism spectrum, the Ride Accessibility Program acts as a virtual placeholder in an attraction line. To take advantage of this feature, families simply visit Guest Services and are given a document to present to attraction attendants. If the wait time is less than 20 minutes, the entire family can enjoy the attraction immediately. If the wait time is more than 20 minutes, the family is given a return time.

At the entrance to each attraction are puzzle piece-shaped signs that highlight the sensory experiences associated with that attraction. Numbers between 1 and 10 are displayed, with 1 being the lowest sensory sensation and 10 being the highest sensory sensation for touch, taste, sound, smell and sight. These signs give families the ability to determine if an attraction will fit within the sensory threshold for their family member with sensory sensitivities.

There are two Quiet Rooms located within the park: one next to the Information and Reservations counter and the other inside the Child Care building in Sesame Street. The Quiet Rooms are a great place for guests who have become

Listen to Amy Nielsen’s Podcast “Vacationing with Children with Autism”, featuring “The Autism Dad” Rob Gorksi at bigabilities.com.

overstimulated to hit the pause button and reset.

Our family visited a Quiet Room during our visit when my son needed a sensory break. It was dimly lit, and there was a tunnel for him to crawl into, a few large cushions to rest on and interactive artwork. It was a welcome relaxation for him and enabled us to finish out our day.

Before visiting SeaWorld, guests can download the complete Sensory Guide from its website to become familiar with all the services and accommodations offered to families impacted by autism in advance.

The biggest takeaway from our weekend at the DoubleTree and SeaWorld Orlando was more than the great treatment we received; it was the message that treatment represents. I felt that the message was this: People with autism are not just welcome here; we want them here.

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PLAYERS

Naked Bar Soap Company Words by Amy Nielsen | Photos by Jessica Friend

A

fter a 2002 vacation to Orlando, New Yorker Jennifer Peets just could not stop thinking about the Sunshine State. She began to long for the warm, tropical climate of a Florida lifestyle. A year later, she and her husband relocated to Florida, and shortly after, became first-time parents. Being not only new to the area but also new to motherhood, Jennifer joined a local moms’ group to connect with other women. In that group she met her future best friend and business partner, Natasha Byrd-Gaylon.

Years later, Natasha, who up until this point had been a real estate agent, began searching for a natural cure for her son’s eczema.

During her research, she uncovered the benefits of holistic and natural products. Her desire to share what she had learned with others led her to start the Naked Bar Soap Company, a home-based business making natural soaps and other skincare products. In October 2013, the friends became partners with plans to grow the business.

Jennifer says they chose to use the word “naked” in their branding because it implies “undisguised” and “natural,” which is what customers can expect in their products such as artisan soaps, bath balms, oils, body scrubs and deodorants. Naked Bar Soap Company uses ingredients many of us might find in our pantries, like turmeric, paprika, cocoa, sea salt, coconut oil and olive oil.

Soap making is a precise and detailed process. In the beginning, the team made all the products in Natasha’s home. But as demand grew, they realized the arrangement could not be long-term and would impact their ability to expand. In October 2015, the company transitioned into a brick and mortar storefront. Originally, they planned on solely using the building for production with all transactions occurring online. However, because of the building’s location and spaciousness, they eventually chose to open their doors to customers. Jennifer and Natasha quickly realized how much their customers enjoyed the retail experience and also how much they enjoyed interacting with and educating their customers.

The personal connection Natasha and Jennifer began to build with their customers then led them to begin offering private events.

Groups of up to six people can enjoy the holistic and therapeutic process of creating products such as bath balms, body scrubs and soap customization.

The Naked Bar Soap Company also offers wholesale purchasing.

Jennifer says the company has plans to continue to build the wholesale side of the business and expand their retail outreach.

Jennifer believes it is every woman's job to uplift other women.

Naked Bar Soap Company is the perfect way to provide women with the tools they need to feel natural and beautiful.

Check out nakedbarsoapco.com. You can also find the Naked Bar Soap Company on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

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TheParke Parke House Academy House Academy Inspiring ExceedingExpectations Expectations Inspiring Learning, Learning, Exceeding

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Now Enrolling for the 2020/2021 School Year.

Call for•aLimited Private Tour.

Now Enrolling for Our New 1 & 2-Year-Old Program Availability

www.ParkeHouseAcademy.com • Winter Park, FL • 407-647-1121 • 1 Years Old-5th Grade www.TheParkeHouseAcademy.com The Parke House Academy admits students of any race, creed, national or ethnicBY origin, gender or religious affiliation. Accredited by FCIS and FKC . DCF License Pending ACCREDITED FCIS, KFC, & DCF 407-647-1121 • Preschool-5th Grade • 1776 Minnesota Ave. • Winter Park, FL 32789 The Parke House Academy admits students of any race, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender or religious affiliation. Accredited by FCIS and FKC.

PLAY

DIY: COOL LEMONADE Here’s an easy recipe for a cool and sweet summertime treat!

Words by Erin Sullivan of the Orange County Library System

Nothing says summer like the tart-butsweet taste of delicious lemonade.

Store-bought lemonade is OK, but making fresh lemonade is an easy and fun activity you can do at home. It doesn’t take any special cooking skills or tools. Try this recipe from our friends at the Orange County Library System’s Cuisine Corner Jr. program, and you’ll be quenching your thirst with fresh lemonade all summer long!

Kitchen tools needed:

Ingredients:

• Juice pitcher • Large stirring spoon

• 1 ½ cups of freshsqueezed lemon juice

• Napkins

• ¼ cup of sugar

• Knife

• 5 cups of water

• Cutting board

• 6 lemons

Directions:

The Orange County Library System’s annual Summer Reading Program is going virtual for 2020!

The library will offer programs for kids and adults of all ages through Zoom, YouTube and other virtual platforms.

To find out more about library programs available online, visit ocls.info.

Slice the lemons in thin rounds and then in half so they look like half-moons. Mix the measurements of each ingredient in a large pitcher and stir until the sugar is dissolved. You can add more sugar to this recipe to sweeten to your taste or try adding ½ cup of honey to your recipe for a delicious variation. Recipe makes 10–12 cups of lemonade.

After you’ve mastered the recipe for regular lemonade, you can experiment by adding your favorite fruits or flavors for variety.

Lemonade Stand FOR A CAUSE

By Kerrie McLoughlin

Create Watermelon Lemonade by adding one cup of watermelon diced or muddle into your recipe.

For Hawaiian Punch Lemonade, add a ½ cup of fruit punch soda and three fresh lemon slices.

To make a Sparkling Mint Lemonade, add ¼ cup of chopped mint, ¼ cup of simple syrup and 1 cup of sparkling water.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) was started in 2000 by Alex Scott, who was diagnosed with childhood cancer when she wasn’t even one year old. When she was four, she set up a lemonade stand to donate the money to help find a cure. Soon, others around the country were also setting up stands to raise money as well. Alex died at the age of eight, but her lemonade stand legacy has raised over $200 million for childhood cancer research and more. If you want to get your kids involved, visit alexslemonade.org to register your stand, and they’ll send you a packet of materials to make your fundraiser a success. This year's lemonade stand days are August 1-9, 2020.

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THE GENEVA SCHOOL

where an education is an adventure when students are inspired to develop a lifelong love of learning by engaging God’s world with joy, discovery, wonder, and confidence.

2025 SR 436 | Winter Park, FL (K4–6th Grade) NEW Campus! 1775 Seminola Blvd | Casselberry, FL (7th–12th Grade)

Safety First: Current CDC Guidelines for safe public gatherings recommend: keep a 6 ft. distance from others; wear a mask in public; stay home when you're sick; wash your hands often; don't touch your eyes, mouth or face. cdc.gov/coronavirus

Get Up and Go Kayaking tour at Three Sisters Spring in Crystal River

Shake Off the Coronavirus CobwebsThis Summer

After weeks of social distancing, being around people again is going to feel a little weird. Our five-step program will help you and your family emerge from the COVID-19 cocoon.

By Chris Karel

STEP 1: Just Get Us Out of the House Desperate to leave your place but still need your space? Ease back into things with these self-isolated adventures.

CAN YOU KAYAK? Feel the anxiety melt away as you paddle down some of the most scenic waterways in the country. We love the clear kayak tours with Get Up and Go Kayaking (getupandgokayaking.com). They can take you on amazing experiences in Winter Park, Rock Springs, Rainbow Springs, Crystal River and beyond!

TAKE A HIKE. The hundreds of miles of nature trails in Central Florida offer sweet seclusion in wide-open spaces. Our favorite hike for families is the section of the Florida Trail that runs through Little Big Econ State Forest. Start at the Florida Trail head on Lockwood Boulevard and the intersection of Evans Street in Oviedo. Go to floridahikes.com to find trails near you.

SADDLE UP. Learn how to ride and care for horses at Painted Oaks Academy in East Orlando (paintedoaksacademy.com) or go on a private, guided trail ride on horseback through the Lake Jessup Conservation Area in Sanford at Hidden Palms Ranch (hiddenpalmsranch.com).

FARM THERAPY. Family Time on the Farm is a new experience at Wildflower Farm (wildflowerfarmorlando.com) in Orlando, and it's open to all ages. Get in touch with your inner kid again as you bond with baby goats and chickens or partake in other fun family activities.

Also, check out their other family events like Fables on the Farm and Baby Goat Yoga.

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Wild Florida Airboat Tours

STEP 2: Don’t Stand So Close to Me Ready for the next step? Try these activities where people are in the place without being in your face.

BIKE TRAILS. Family-friendly bike trails abound in our area, from the rolling hills of the West Orange Trail and the natural oasis at the Howell Creek Bridge Trestle on the Cross Seminole Trail to the murals along the Seminole Wekiva Trail ... There are some exciting bike trails to explore with the family. Remember, stay to the right!

ENJOY THE SPRINGS. Even the summer weekend crowds can’t detract from the verdant beauty of Rock Springs Run (B.Y.O.Tube) in Kelly Park, Apopka and Wekiwa Springs State Park (B.Y.O.Snorkel).

OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET. Bring the whole family (including your four-legged friends) and experience what makes community farmers markets so special. While the Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola is arguably the biggest in the area, there are plenty of smaller iterations spread throughout the ‘burbs.

STEP 3: Overdose on Giggles

NEW!

If laughter is the best medicine, a child’s laughter can work miracles. Follow your kids through some of the area’s play havens.

PLAYGROUNDS like Castle Park in Winter Park (officially Community Playground) are magical places year-round, but in the summer heat, splash pads take center stage.

Wooton Park in Tavares has both — it’s sandwiched between a steam train station and a sea plane dock. It’s like the pages of a children’s book have come alive. But there's a new option for families — Torcaso Cove Playground just had its grand opening in Winter Springs! This brand new playground, splash pad and sand play area is located at 104 Moss Road by the Winter Springs Police Department.

GET YOUR FLORIDA BONA FIDES. Can you really call yourself a Central Floridian if you haven’t held a gator or ridden an airboat? Tick both items off your list at Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park (wildfloridairboats.com) or at The Black Hammock in Oviedo (theblackhammock.com).

TAKE TO THE TREES. Monkey around in the treetop ropes course at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park (orlandotreetrek.com), which has two thrilling kids courses for ages 6-8. Also, the Screamin' Gator Zipline (Gatorland.com) will take kids on an adventure they’ll never forget as they soar over live gators!

Hidden Palms Ranch Trail Rides

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Step 4: Feeling Social-ish That imaginary 6-foot circle is shrinking, and you and your kids are ready to potentially — maybe — jump into a crowd again.

PLAY Tip: Check each business's COVID-19 safety rules online prior to your visit to ensure you're in compliance.

VOLUNTEER TOGETHER. There are so many ways that families can be of service to others. Hands On Orlando (handsonorlando. com) has tons of opportunities and make it easy to get involved.

GET YOUR ART FIX. Whether you take a stroll through the Maitland Art Center (artandhistory.org) or take a class at Crealdé School of Art (crealde.org), just get out there and get artsy. They need your support!

Brevard Zoo

CHECKMATE! Play a game of life-sized chess with your kids at Winter Park Village (shopwinterparkvillage.net), then enjoy dinner at The Hangry Bison (thehangrybison.com) or Bar Louie (barlouie.com). Both restaurants offer plenty of outdoor seating.

WHAT RHYMES WITH ZOO? TWO! We have two outstanding zoos nearby: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford and Brevard Zoo in Melbourne. They’re both worth a visit, as they offer more than just wild animal encounters. Visit centralfloridazoo.org and brevardzoo.org for more info.

RETRO GAMING. Impress your kids with your Galaga and Donkey Kong skills, experience the new VR games and play some board games too, at the newly expanded Arcade Monsters (arcademonsters.com) in Oviedo.

Island H2O Live!

Chocolate Kingdom

Step 5: Ready to Face the Crowds Here are some ideas for when you’re ready to queue up and rejoin the throngs.

MAKE YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE BAR. Learn the history of chocolate and the role it's played in ancient culture during this unique chocolate tour that concludes with a makeyour-own chocolate bar experience at Chocolate Kingdom (chocolatekingdom.com) on I-Drive.

HIGH TECH WATER PARK. Island H2O Live! (IslandH2OLive. com) is now open at Sunset Walk, right next door to Margaritaville Resort Orlando.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT. When you’re feeling down, spare a thought for Charles Osborne, who had hiccups for 68 years. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium (Ripleys.com/Orlando) is full of bizarre stories, fascinating relics and interactive exhibits just waiting to be discovered.

ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER. A must-do for Central Florida families, OSC has five floors of interactive exhibits, live animals and fun demonstrations as well as an immersive theater and planetarium. A family membership is only $165 per year!

AUTHOR'S NOTE: The situation with COVID-19 is fluid, with reopening timelines and government regulations changing frequently. While we anticipate that these activities and attractions will be open this summer, be sure to confirm before planning a visit.

34 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

Ripley's Belive It or Not!

Stop the Spread of Germs Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

6 ft Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.

When in public, wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

cdc.gov/coronavirus 316917-A May 13, 2020 11:00 AM

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2020 Party Guide

Check our resource list of fantastic party services for your next celebration!

A Kid’s Gym Jump, climb, play and laugh through our brightly colored, exciting gym area. Every party is packed with activities, including trampolines, obstacle courses, parachutes, hoops, balls, games and more. At every party, we aim to create new surprises and fun! Two trained party “Energizers” will lead the kids in organized activities that they will literally flip over. Enjoy food and cake and your choice of decorations in our party room. Call today to book your next birthday party! You won’t regret it!

1495 Evans St., Oviedo 407-365-6800 • akidsgym.com

Camp Sweet Dreams is Orlando’s original slumber party company! We offer a full delivery and styling service for an unforgettable sleepover party for boys and girls. Simply choose your favorite theme and let us do the rest! For more information about our services and locations, go to our website. campsweetdreamsorlando.com

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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Creative Jane Art Studio is the perfect place to celebrate your artsy kiddo! Big Kid Parties include two art projects such as pom-pom necklaces or giant paper stars. Little Kid Parties include themed sensory bins and art play experiences. All birthday parties include a hand-drawn birthday wall poster that party-goers can paint! Contact us for pricing and save-the-date!

1781 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 321-972-9100 • creativejaneart.com

Emotions Dance Let us celebrate your next birthday with a party at Emotions Dance Studio! A fun and dance-filled way to celebrate your birthday! You pick the theme, bring the cake and everything else is done for you! Dancing, games, characters, photo opportunities and more!

111 N. Longwood St., Suite 201, Longwood 407-788-1659 • emotionsdance.org/birthday-parties

Farm to You Revue is Florida’s premier traveling petting zoo and pony ride party service! Make your next event unforgettable by inviting our clean, healthy, and happy animals. We offer a large variety of packages, including Barnyard Animals, Party Llamas, Pony Rides, Beverage Burros and more! Our professional company is fully licensed, insured and staffed by educated, reliable animal specialists.

Serving all of Central Florida farmtoyourevue@icloud.com • FarmToYouRevue.com

Mad Science Our birthday parties entertain young and old with exciting, high-energy, interactive shows at one of our Mad Science Laboratories OR at a location of your choice. Kids will be amazed by the Foaming Volcanoes, Launching Rockets and Bubbling Dry Ice! Parents will love that Mad Science birthday parties are messfree, stress-free and hassle-free. With themes like Magic, Chemistry, Dinosaurs, and Space, there’s something for everyone!

Oviedo Lab: 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd. (inside the Oviedo Mall) Ocoee Lab: 9401 West Colonial Dr. (inside the West Oaks Mall) 386-898-4570 • CFL.MadScience.org

Orlando Shakes Celebrate your little one’s birthday at Orlando Shakes! Enjoy one of our exciting live performances from the Children’s Series along with a private party in either the Dr. Phillip’s Patrons Room or the beautiful Darden Courtyard. Visit oshak.es/rent to download our Birthday Packet.

812 E. Rollins St., Orlando 407-447-1700, ext. 200 • oshak.es/rent

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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Orlando Science Center has birthday parties down to a science! Our all-inclusive STEM party packages are designed to take the hassle out of planning your child’s party so you can relax and celebrate too! Choose the package that works best for you, then customize your event with awesome add-ons and science-themed programming. osc.org/birthdays

Party My Yard is a rental service for celebratory yard signage.

Started by two moms looking for a fun way to celebrate their friend’s 40th birthday, Party My Yard specializes in larger-thanlife set-ups with personalized and vibrant icons to brighten anyone’s special day! partymyyard@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/partymyyard Instagram: @party_my_yard

Painted Oaks Academy has been the #1 designation for children parties for over 14 years. We offer three all-inclusive party packages for all ages. Packages start at $500 and go up to $920. All packages include 15 guests, pony rides, family hayrides and an animal petting area. Other packages include activities such as face painting, a play area and more.

15100 Lake Pickett Rd., Orlando 407-929-0970 • paintedoaksacademy.com

Showcase of Citrus has something for everyone! Call us for party package pricing! While you’re here for your party, you can enjoy the monster truck, feeding farm animals, digging for gems in the gem mine and tasting slushies or creamsicles.

We are an open-air venue that offers plenty of space for social distancing, so take a trip out to see us this summer!

5010 Hwy. 27, Clermont (15 minutes west of Disney) 352-394-4377 • showcaseofcitrus.com

Wild Florida Make your next birthday party a wild one! Animal lovers of all ages can explore their wild side at our place. They can even have some party guests that are true “animals”! From leaping lemurs to sleepy sloths, we’ll put the “wild” in “wild fun”.

301 Lake Cypress Rd., Kenansville, FL wildfl.com

38 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

PLAY SEE/SAW

Party My Yard Party My Yard is a custom sign service that has been bringing smiles to many faces during these challenging times of social distancing. From birthday celebrations to congratulating graduating seniors and thanking medical workers, this company has been busy creating adorable yard signs that brighten everyone’s day! Just send a direct message to Party My Yard through Facebook or Instagram to check availability and provide the details about your event. Then they'll set up a unique, custom message for 24 hours that will let the neighborhood know that it’s time to celebrate!

Facebook.com/partymyyard Instagram.com/party_my_yard

40 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

PLAY SEE/SAW

Newly Renovated Ripley’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is where the impossible is possible. Let curiosity be your guide as you explore all 10,000 square feet of this amazingly unique and newly renovated attraction! Explore the world through hundreds of fascinating exhibits and marvel at some of the strangest artifacts around, from awe-inspiring micro-sculptures in the eye of a needle to real shrunken heads. You can also get hands-on with entertaining experiences and interactives, like the spinning vortex tunnel and brand-new Weird Florida gallery! Ripleys.com/orlando

41 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

PLAY

SEE/SAW

The Most Kid-Centric Resort in St. Pete Beach The TradeWinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach, FL, is composed of two adjacent properties: Island Grand and RumFish Beach Resort. The two properties share amenities to deliver the most family-friendly experience on the West Coast — even Fido is welcome! Your kids will be thrilled by the activities around every corner. In addition to mini golf, paddleboats, gem mining, a bungee trampoline, a floating water park in the ocean, a huge High Tide inflatable beach slide, a Surf WipeOut experience and rides on a mechanical shark and gyrosphere, there's also the Kids Krawl passport that rewards kids with a free tee for having fun at things such as petting sea life in the Touch Tank, a family pirate show, pottery painting and more. If you really want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, families can book a “Swim with the Fishes” snorkeling experience inside a giant aquarium (seriously!) filled with some of Florida’s indigenous fish species, like snook, tarpon, eel and grouper.

Book directly with the resort to take advantage of the 7 Suite Nights or Florida Resident Discount packages. Check the website for the most upto-date offers as well as live video cams around the property so you can see for yourself. TradewindsResort.com/packages

42 PLAYGROUND Jun / Jul 2020

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Locally-Owned, Kid-Approved Add these businesses to your shopping list.

Independent Executive Director

Christina Lahr

Horse riding | Grooming | Tacking up | Painting | Hay rides | Pizza Party | Play time

Painted Oaks Academy Summer Camp

15100 Lake Pickett Rd Orlando, FL 32820 lisa@paintedoaksacademy.com 407-929-0970

cplahr@hotmail.com | mythirtyone.com/cplahr facebook.com/groups/cgifts | 407.766.8207 TEXT me for a catalog!

Buy. Host. Join.

FUN SPANISH LEARNING & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES Toddlers-5th Grade

Now offering online live programs PLAY

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Fall registration is open 2902 N. Orange Ave. Ste. 206 • Orlando Fl 32804 321.460.2844 • admin@allkidspanish.com • www.allkidspanish.com

SUMMER CAMPS START JULY 6 ages 5-15!

emotionsdance.org 407-788-1659

Looking for a

Life Insurance Quote?

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Traveling Animals for Education & Enjoyment Serving all of Central Florida

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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

Like a GPS for Your Child’s Health

20-AHFC-02108

Managing your child’s health care should feel easy. AdventHealth for Children’s Health Navigators are your guides for everything from finding the best doctor for your family to scheduling office visits. As specially trained registered nurses, our navigators are here to help you feel prepared, feel supported, feel whole.

To contact our children’s health navigators, call 407-537-5516 or visit AdventHealthforChildren.com/HealthNavigator