Mar-Apr 2017 Baby Issue + Maternity Guide

A Lifestyle Magazine for Modern Parents

March / April 2017

PLAYGROUND www.playground-magazine.com

Orlando Mom's Guide to

Nontoxic Baby Gear

Gender Creative Kids

Mini Me Fashion B.Y.O.Baby WHERE TO GO WITH BABY IN TOW

>the baby issue! + Maternity PLAYguide

I choose compassionate care for women.

I choose Orlando Health.

Not actual patients.

Everyone deserves specialized care at every stage of life and personalized treatment plans for any condition.

Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies provides just that, just for me. They have doctors who recognize my needs and create plans unique to me. At every age and every stage of life, they have a network of women’s health specialists ready to provide me with everything from screenings to childbirth care to minimally invasive surgery.

It’s an easy choice and the right choice for me.

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The Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Score Program, Fall 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MARCH / APRIL 2017 LIVE 10. PLAYGROUND Chatter 14. Pregnancy Cravings Delivered!

16. Nursery Décor Wish List 18. DIY: All Natural Cleaner

20. Date Night: Newborn Friendly Dates 22. Mompreneur: Hannah Harshman of Dance 360

24. Mommy and Me Fashion 30. Mom's Guide to Nontoxic Baby Gear 35. Gender Creative Kids

PLAY 38. B.Y.O.Baby 40. See/Saw: Knit-In at Florida Hospital 42. See/Saw: Storytime Symphony by Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra 44. Go PLAY: Spring Activities in Orlando for Families 48. 2017 Maternity PLAYguide March / April

ND PLAYGROU Orlando -magazine.com

www.playground

Mom's Guide

to

Nontoxic

ABOUT THE COVER ...

Baby Gear

This issue's cover was photographed

by Jessica Friend Photo Design (jessicafriendphotodesign.com). Jasmin Rolon, 5, was photographed with her new baby sister, Leena Rolon, 9 days old, at their home in Kissimmee.

Gender Creative Kids

4

Chrissy Allen Co-Founder Brant Muekeley Chief Financial Officer brant@playground-magazine.com Tracey C. Velt Managing Editor tracey@playground-magazine.com

Cortney Thekan Copy Editor

Emily Weiss Advertising Assistant emily@playground-magazine.com Alisha Champ Special Projects Manager ConsiderAnyThingDone.com Contributing Graphic Designers: Jessica Friend JessicaFriendPhotoDesign.com Contributing Writers: Amber Clore, Anna Karasik, Cortney Thekan, JJ West, Lisa A. Beach, Luna Jauregui, Shawn Shannon, Stephanie Patterson Contributing Photographers: Amy Smith AmySmithPhoto.com Jessica Friend JessicaFriendPhotoDesign.com Kelly Clore KabikiPhotography.com

2017

ern Pare nts azine for Mod A Lifes tyle Mag

MarApr17_Cover.indd

Heather Reneau Founder and Publisher heather@playground-magazine.com

Jessica Ventura Advertising Manager jessica@playground-magazine.com

FEATURES

WHERE TO GO IN TOW WITH BABY

FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA’S MODERN PARENTS

Anna Karasik Online Editor anna@playground-magazine.com

LOVE

Mini Me Fashion B.Y.O.Baby

PLAYGROUND

>the baby issue!

+ nity Mater Yguide PLA

AM 2/27/17 9:38

1

PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

PLAYGROUND Magazine is published bi-monthly by Playground Media Group, LLC, 10151 University Blvd., Ste. 326, Orlando, FL 32817. Telephone 407-2214932. PLAYGROUND Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein. We are not responsible for the return of manuscripts, artwork and/or photographs. The entire content of PLAYGROUND Magazine is copyrighted by Playground Media Group, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Playground Media Group, LLC, 10151 University Blvd., Ste. 326, Orlando, FL 32817.

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EDITOR'S NOTE

It's Baby Time!

When my niece had her baby girl last year, our entire family rolled our eyes when she claimed she only wanted organic clothing and non-toxic accessories. After all, if it was good enough for our babies, it should be good enough for her baby girl, right? Wrong.

After she sent me information about the toxins in our food and other household items, I was shocked. So, I asked her to put together a list of baby products that are nontoxic, organic and safe for baby (page 30). Plus, she recommends referring to the Environmental Working Group’s website (ewg.org) for more information about the foods and products we choose for our families. We also asked a local doula share her recipes for clean (and cheap!) laundry detergent and bathroom and kitchen cleaner. It’s super easy; check out DIY: All Natural Cleaner (page 18).

PLAYGROUND's managing editor Tracey C. Velt and her family in front of their home in Lake Mary.

When I was pregnant with my two children, I had very specific cravings. I quickly devoured anything salty and crunchy. Now, mommies-to-be can have their Pregnancy Cravings Delivered (page 14)! Everything from fried pickles to delish egg sandwiches can be brought to your doorstep by one of Orlando’s food delivery services.

Looking for some fun things to do in March and April? First-time parents, it's okay to leave the house with your new baby. Check out the B.Y.O.Baby article (page 38) for our favorite places, classes and storytime locales in the area.

Our family events calendar (page 44) is your go-to resource for family-friendly family activities. Looking for something new? Get the scoop on all the new kid stuff in the Orlando area featured in PLAYGROUND Chatter (page 10).

Happy Spring!

Tracey C. Velt

Pregnancy Cravings Delivered Use OrderUp's $8 off discount code only for PLAYGROUND readers by entering the code CRAVINGS8 online at orderup.com/Orlando.

Valid until April 4, 2017.

tracey@playground-magazine.com

4 Things My 11-year-old Daughter Is Obsessed With…

1. Lush Bath Bombs. My 11-year-old daughter can’t get enough of these fizzy, colorful, all natural bath bombs from LUSH Cosmetics (lushUSA. com). She also loves the bubble bars for a tub full of bubbly.

8

2. Monograms. Backpacks, necklaces, tee shirts — anything that can be monogrammed is fair game. Check out Chloe Lane (chloelaneboutique.com, 839 S. Orlando Ave, Winter Park) for all things monogrammed!

PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

3. Musically app. My daughter is constantly filming herself lipsyncing songs on this app.

4. The COOP. My whole family can eat fried chicken and mac and cheese nightly. That’s why we love The COOP (asouthernaffair. com) in Winter Park. Kids eat free every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday — three days!

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LIVE

PLAYGROUND

chatter

Words by JJ West and Tracey Velt

Pass on this local info to the other moms during your next play date.

Spanish and Cultural Immersion for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Grade Schoolers

Hey, Winter Garden...

Romp n' Roll (rompnroll.com,14131 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden) is coming to soon! Romp n' Roll, featured on the TV show Shark Tank, offers movement, art and socialization experiences for children under age 5. They also offer monthly Parents’ Night Out programs for children ages 2-5.

All Kids Spanish (allkidspanish.com) offers instruction (tutoring, group classes, library programs, field trips, cultural fairs and summer camps) for children from 18-months-old through 5th grade. They even have an experience that involves Frida Kahlo coming to visit your school/library/homeschool co-op. All of the instructors are native Spanish speakers who are also certified educators. Be sure to check out their summer camp options, prorated discounts for the spring semester and social media specials.

All programs are held at the First Congregational Church of Winter Park, 225 S. Interlachen Avenue.

Hometown General Store The custom quaintness of an old-fashioned general store but a lot more edgy: New General in Winter Park (newgeneral.us, 155 E. New England Avenue, Ste. 101, Winter Park). Built on the concept that the general store is a hub for the community to get together and catch up over locally roasted coffee and fresh seasonal food, New General carries local brands such as Humble Bumble Kombucha, Makr leather accessories and cactus plants sourced by Florida Cactus.

They also carry products from small businesses throughout the country, including kids clothing, pantry items, chocolate, espadrilles and an eclectic mix of housewares, clothing and more.

The adjoining cafĂŠ offers counter service coffees, tea and healthy bites for breakfast and lunch. This is the perfect stop along your Park Avenue stroll.

10 PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

april 1st from 10-2 `

j

v

`j

jv

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join the parke house academy

winter park police/fire dept. s.w.a.t. tank ormc helicopter landing

for our 4th annual summer outdoor safety fair

bounce houses & family fun

Special thanks to: City of Winter Park•Playground Magazine•Fresh Market•Orlando Regional Medical Center

For exhibitor participation or complete listing of events, please visit www.TheParkeHouseAcademy.com or email jaltomare@theparkehouseacademy.com

TheInspiring Parke House Academy Learning, Exceeding Expectations Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I remember.

Involve me and I learn.

-Benjamin Franklin

Schedule your tour today! 407-647-1121

www.TheParkeHouseAcademy.com • 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.

LIVE PLAYGROUND CHATTER

Orlando Baby Name Trends Looking for a baby name and wondering what’s trending in O-Town?

The Baby Place put together a list of the most popular baby names in 2016 at Winter Park Memorial Hospital.

TOP 10 BOYS' NAMES

1. Alvin

TOP 10 GIRLS' NAMES

1. Kayla

2. Annabelle

2. Carter

3. Elizabeth

3. Elijah

4. Carolyn 5. Grace

4. William

5. James

Club Pilates Ready to get back in shape post-baby?

Try Club Pilates (clubpilates.com/ winterpark, 1222 N. Orange Avenue, Suite B, Winter Park). This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Pilates class with an exercise ball and yoga mat. Certified instructors use exercise apparatuses to guide you through specialized core and strength training. Because you’re not lying on the floor supporting your own body weight, the exercise routine is perfect for beginners or those who need to strengthen their core to aid in mobility and general health.

6. Stephanie

7. Sarah

6. Gordon

7. Josiah

8. Abbigail

8. Henry 9. Ryan

10. GRAYSON

9. Lexy 10. Jazlynn

Designer Kids’ Clothing on the Cheap Max and Marley (maxandmarley.com, 111 North Center Street, Winter Park), Winter Park’s premiere upscale resale shop, has a new owner. Leslie Lucibello is excited to continue to offer gently used boutique and couture brand clothing and accessories at reasonable prices. Located in a super cute cottage behind the HomeBanc on Morse Boulevard, the quaint little shop is the perfect place for you to buy or sell unique, high-end clothing. The shop carries sizes newborn through children’s 14, and the stock is continuously updated.

O2BKids (o2bkids.com) recently opened its second Orlando area location in Altamonte Springs. If you've never heard of this kiddie mecca, O2B Kids offers a monthly membership to a super cool indoor playground that includes enrichment classes — everything from technology to art to karate. The facility also houses a preschool, afterschool and summer camp program separate from play membership. You can go check it out, without a membership, for a daily rate. Your kids will never want to leave!

One-stop Custom Baby Shop Custom screen printing. Handmade baby moccasins. Custom tutus. Yes, one store offers all of these services. B and B Babytalk (facebook.com/BandBBabytalk, 12315 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando) is your one-stop shop for all custom baby items and more. The store offers a play area so you can shop with your children and an etsy.com digital storefront for you to shop their custom designs from your home.

12 PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

IBLE INCREDND A R G G OPENIN S! G IN V A S

Come Meet the New Kid in Town!

Classes, Camps, and Par ties for the Five & Under Crowd

©2017 Romp n’ Roll LLC. All Rights Reserved.

• • • • • • • • • •

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Introductory Class

$100 OFF

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($25 value) Offer valid on 45 and 60 minute classes only. Must present coupon at time of registration. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 5/31/2017.

Use promo code PlayFree.

Cannot be combined with other discounts. May be used on weekend and weekday parties. Valid on new reservations only. Party must be held by 5/31/2017.

Use promo code BB100.

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EARLYLEARNING THE ORANGE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM’S FOCUS ON EARLY LEARNING HELPS YOUR CHILD GROW, LEARN AND PLAY. BUBBLE PLAYTIME, ARTSY TODDLER, SMART START, LITERACY & LOCOMOTION AND MORE! CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE TO DISCOVER HOW OUR FREE INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS SET YOUR CHILDREN UP FOR SUCCESS. VISIT OCLS.INFO/EARLYLEARNING FOR DETAILS, LOCATIONS AND TIMES.

ocls.info | 407.835.7323

LIVE

PREGNANCY CRAVINGS

Delivered!

If there’s one thing we mamas know, it’s that satisfying a pregnancy food craving can make your day! A good bowl of ice cream or a fried pickle can help you (temporarily!) forget the swollen feet, tight clothing and uncomfortable nights. Now you can have local treats to delivered to right your door.

Check out some of OrderUp’s delivery options:

1.

2.

3.

4.

1. Colossal triple chocolate chunk cookie from Z Baked 2. Fried pickles from Buffalo Wild Wings 3. All Geared Up breakfast sandwich (egg whites, cheese, avocado, spinach and chipotle mayo on ciabatta bread) from Coffee Factory & Café 4. Tomatillo red chili salsa and chips from Chipotle

LOCAL FOOD DELIVERY OPTIONS •

Doorstep Delivery: orlando.doorstepdelivery.com

• OrderUp: orderup.com • Grubhub: grubhub.com/delivery/fl-orlando • UberEats: ubereats.com/Orlando • YELP!

Eat24: orlando.eat24hours.com

14 PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

Girl or Boy? You’ve surely heard the myths about pregnancy cravings indicating whether you’re having a girl or a boy, right?

You’re having a boy if: • You crave salty or sour foods.

• You crave proteins, such as meats and cheeses.

You’re having a girl if: • You crave sweets.

• You crave fruits and orange juice.

Is it true? Probably not, but it’s fun to play.

GUIDED BY FAITH.

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Orlando’s Only Christian, Independent T K-8 School

Be the Talk of the Playground Beyond Great Haircuts • Stylists that care about kids.

• A colorful space that promotes fun.

• An environment that welcomes all.

Marketplace @ Dr. Phillips 7536 Dr. Phillips Blvd. #300 Orlando, FL 32819 407.351.1017

$3 off

first haircut package

Not valid with other offers. Valid at Dr. Phillips and Winter Springs location ONLY. EXP: 5/31/2017

Red Willow Plaza 5872 Red Bug Lake Rd. Winter Springs, FL 32708 407.790.7302

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LIVE 4.

LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNER, AMBER CLORE, SELECTED THESE MUST-HAVE ITEMS TO GO ON YOUR NURSERY DECOR WISH LIST. 2.

3.

Styled by A. Clore Interiors 1.

6.

5.

7.

8.

1. Lollaland play mat, $150 from Baby Bottoms Boutique, Casselberry 2. Mud Pie ultrasound frame, $14 from Tugboat & the Bird, Winter Park 3. Candice hot air balloon chandelier, $960 from Bellini.com 4. Annie Sloan chalk paint, $35 from Adjectives Market, Winter Park Village, Altamonte Springs and Winter Garden locations 5. Aden + Anais Classic crib sheet and blanket in metallic primrose, $32 from Macrobaby, Orlando 6. Max glider, $800 from Bellini.com 7. Tucker toy chest in smoked gray, $400 from Pottery Barn Kids 8. Baby’s Dream Brie crib, $410 from Crib 4 Life, Altamonte Springs

AMBER CLORE of A. Clore Interiors (acloreinteriors.com) is a licensed interior designer who has been practicing for over 15 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Her youthful energy and mature sense of style have made her a favorite in Sanford and the design world. She is currently the director-at-large for the ASID Florida North Chapter.

16 PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

ART IS FOR EVERYONE

JOIN THE

2017 Summer ArtCamp – June 5 to July 28

LEADING

Simply Shelby Photography

from professional artists on Crealdé’s lakeside campus in the heart of Winter Park.

Learn your inspiration from two on-campus galleries and our contemporary sculpture garden.

Find from one- or two-week camps for youth ages 4 to 17, placed in small, age-based groups for individual instruction.

Select

DANCE STUDIO IN ORLANDO

6th Annual Free Family Festival Saturday, March 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Face painting, pony rides, and more at this free family event.

Register for ArtCamp at a discount!

ORLANDO BALDWIN PARK premier The dance premier studiodance of studio of 4867 NEW BROAD STREET,The premier dance| studio of 600 St. Andrews Blvd., Winter Park,TheFL, 32792 Central Florida Central Florida 407.704.6800 | WWW.DANCE360ORLANDO.COM 407.671.1886 • crealde.org Central Florida !

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4867 New Broad 4867 Street New Broad Street Orlando, FL Orlando, 32814 FL 32814 407.704.6800 407.704.6800

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The premier dance studio of Central Florida

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4867 New Broad Street Orlando, FL 32814 407.704.6800

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Young minds need room to grow.

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4867 New Broad Street Orlando, FL 32814 407.704.6800

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10/19/16 11:06 AM

THE GENEVA SCHOOL 2025 SR 436, WINTER PARK, FL 32792

INSPIRING STUDENTS TO LOVE BEAUTY, THINK DEEPLY, AND PURSUE CHRIST’S CALLING See how The Geneva School can make the difference in your child’s future. Schedule a tour today.

K4–12th GRADE | GENEVASCHOOL.ORG | #GENERATIONGENEVA | 407-332-6363

LIVE

DIY:

All Natural Cleaner Words by Luna Jauregui, Doulas of Orlando

Did you realize that with a few items from your pantry, you can mix your own kitchen and bathroom spray cleaners? Bonus: They’re a lot cheaper and healthier for your little one!

Exposure to chemicals in our environment could affect your baby, even in the womb. After all, we absorb these chemicals through our skin and cleaners like bleach may penetrate your lungs and enter into your blood stream. So, eliminate your toxic household cleaners and replace them with white vinegar, baking soda and essential oils. It’s cheaper and healthier for you and baby!

SUPPLIES

Fresh, Stain-free Laundry Cleaner

2 cups water

Stop using expensive and potentially toxic stain cleaners and go all natural! After trying several different variations, I’ve discovered that the following combination can take out the toughest stains and keep clothing looking and smelling fresh.

Mix an organic laundry detergent (I use Mrs. Meyers for the scent) with ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup white vinegar for each load of laundry. Cut a piece of lemon, wrap it in a cheesecloth bag and throw it in your washer. Take it out before putting the clothing in the dryer.

12-oz. or 24-oz. glass spray bottle

2 cups white vinegar

STEP 1: Organize supplies over the kitchen sink. Be sure to use a glass spray bottle because vinegar can warp a plastic container unless it’s a foodgrade spray bottle.

Essential oil (lemongrass or tea tree)

It’s like magic: no stains, bright colors and a fresh scent!

STEP 2: Mix water and vinegar together in glass spray bottle. You should always mix half water and half vinegar, so adjust portions appropriately.

STEP 3: Drop in 3 to 5 drops of essential oil. Lemongrass has disinfectant properties and a fresh, clean scent that is perfect for kitchen and bathroom counters. To ward off mold and bacteria in the shower or toilet, choose tea tree oil. For tough mold, put a little baking soda and white vinegar on the stain, let it sit for 5 minutes and then wipe clean. The mold comes right off.

LUNA JAUREGUI is an Orlando-based certified doula with Doulas of Orlando (doulasoforlando.com) and mom to two daughters.

Her journey to becoming a doula began when she realized there was such a large gap between couples’ expectations and the reality of current birth practices. Luna, who speaks both English and Spanish, prepares parents to help them achieve their vision of an ideal birth. She also works with families after baby, offering lactation support and other services.

18

PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

UPSCALE CHILDREN’S RESALE BOUTIQUE MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 AM TO 4 PM

Every child deserves a champion Central Florida Home-school Academy celebrates each child.

The program offers the love of a home environment with the excellence of highly qualified teachers.

Matilda Jane • Vineyard Vines • Lilly Pulitzer • The Bailey Boys • Florence Eiseman Anavini • Strasburg • Mini Boden • Luli & Me • And many more!

111 CENTER STREET, WINTER PARK (OFF OF PARK AND MORSE) 407-636-6204 FOLLOW US ON @MAXANDMARLEYSHOP

Winter Park and Winter Garden campuses! North Central FL Campus coming soon!

Cfhainfo@gmail.com | (321) 972-5601 | www.cfhacademy.com

LOVE DATE NIGHT

Newborn-Friendly Dates 4 Date Night Ideas That Don’t Require a Sitter Words by Stephanie Patterson

As a new parent, date night may be the last thing on your priority list. Yet, a regular night out is an important part of a happy and healthy relationship, and there’s no need to forgo it once your baby has arrived. Choose from these creative newborn-friendly ideas, and celebrate your family date night success. No babysitter required!

1. Audubon Park Dessert Hop

3. A Day at the Gardens

2. Winter Park Alfresco Dining

4. Romantic Night In

Audubon Park combines casual dining establishments with walkability, offering perfect conditions for a date with baby in tow. Keep things light and fun with a dessert hop around the district, starting at East End Market (eastendmkt.com) for a cookie at Gideon’s Bakehouse. Continue your sweet-toothed adventure with an ice cream flight at Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream and a cupcake from Blue Bird Bake Shop (audubonparkgardens.com).

Take advantage of Orlando’s pleasant year-round temperatures and dine alfresco on Park Avenue (experienceparkavenue.com/ dining). Taste the best of Italy at Prato, or indulge in weekend brunch at The Parkview. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through Central Park or wander the brick-lined streets.

If your baby is happiest when in motion, pack the stroller and spend a few hours in the great outdoors. Harry P. Leu Gardens (leugardens.org) boasts wide, paved trails and a tranquil garden environment year-round. Admission for children under age 4 is always free. More free fun for the family can be found at Mead Botanical Garden (meadgarden.org) in Winter Park, which features a scenic boardwalk and picnic pavilions.

For date night fun without leaving home, order food from UberEATS (ubereats.com/Orlando) or Postmates (postmates. com/Orlando), put on your [comfy!] date night best and light a few candles. Then, treat yourselves to a DIY spa day with backrubs and homemade mimosas or dust off your favorite board games for a little friendly competition.

STEPHANIE PATTERSON is a contributor to Orlando Date Night Guide, the area’s most comprehensive resource for local date night ideas. A local photographer, travel blogger and food tour guide, she shares her creativity on traveltasteclick.com.

20

PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

Your Just in Case Specialists Let’s face it: sometimes accidents happen. When your child has an orthopaedic injury, count on the dedicated team of fellowship trained pediatric orthopaedic experts at Orlando Orthopaedic Center to help get your child back laughing, playing and smiling as quickly as possible.

Tamara A. Topoleski, M.D. Orlando’s only independent, board-certified pediatric orthopaedist

Michael D. McCleary, M.D. Pediatric trained with a fellowship in primary care sports medicine

Michael D. Riggenbach, M.D. Pediatric hand / upper extremity surgery specialist

No Appointment Needed at Our Walk-In Clinics Downtown • Open extended hours and Saturdays Oviedo • Open Saturdays SAME DAY, NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Request Your Appointment at OrlandoOrtho.com

407.254.2500

LOVE MOMPRENEUR

Hannah Harshman

Through Life Words by Tracey C. Velt | Photos by Jessica Friend

H

annah Harshman is no stranger to dance. “My mom put me in dance class when I was 3 years old,” says Hannah, artistic director and owner of Dance 360 Orlando in Baldwin Park. “It started as a summer activity to keep me busy, and I’ve been dancing ever since.

I even went to an arts high school in Lexington, Kentucky, where I danced for hours every day,” she says. In fact, by the age of 15, Hannah had already decided she wanted to make a career out of dancing. “I realized that I love to teach and choreograph,” she says.

"

What sets us apart is that we have something for everyone — that’s what the 360 stands for. We offer all different styles for the casual or serious dancer, including musical theater.

So, in the summer of 2014, Hannah founded Dance 360 (dance360orlando.com) in Baldwin Park. At the time, she had one son, Shwyer (4). “Three months into construction, I found out I was pregnant with my second son, Shepherd (2). Dancing competitively taught me time management and how to find balance. I tapped into those resources!”

She also notes that it takes a village at home to manage a business and two small children. “My husband, Brian, has been so supportive,” says Hannah, who notes that her mom, Jolynn, works as her office manager. “You can’t do everything. I’m a Type A personality, and delegating is hard, but I’ve had to learn that I can’t do it all myself,” she laughs.

Both of Hannah’s sons are dancing. “We have a program called Twos in Tutus and a creative dance program geared toward dancers ages 3 to 5,” she says. Dance 360 has a unique curriculum for the younger dancers that allows them to learn to follow directions and work as a group. “Of our staff of 12 teachers, four of them teach the younger children,” she says.

Right now, Dance 360 is thriving. “We’ve expanded so quickly and have about 300 students registered (at the time of the interview, registration was still open),” she says. “We’re quickly outgrowing our space and are looking for a new space in the same neighborhood. It’s been exciting to watch,” she says.

Like most moms, Hannah finds it difficult to balance work and family; however, she has built a culture at Dance 360 that encourages everyone to put family first. “I am a mom first and a business owner second,” she says. “If I have a child who is sick, I’m staying home. If I keep that mindset, everything falls in place.”

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“What sets us apart is that we have something for everyone — that’s what the 360 stands for. We offer all different styles for the casual or serious dancer, including musical theater,” she says. The studio is also the only Dance Masters of America studio in Central Florida.

With boundless energy, a clear vision and a passion for dance, Hannah is excited about building on the foundation she started.

M

Y

Y

Y

2017 Summer Camps

You won’t believe what your child can do JUNE – JULY 2017 MUSIC • MOVIES • GAMES • ROBOTICS Kids Ages 7–12 • Teens Ages 13–17

Sign up at learn.FullSailLabs.com/PGM Winter Park | 407.673.6249 259-362 PM - Playground Nov-Dec - Beth.pdf

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Welcome to Park Maitland!

A legacy of leadership for over 45 years.

Since 1968, Park Maitland has been growing the leaders of tomorrow.

We offer a proven foundation of excellence in education and provide children the tools they need to realize their dreams!

For more information: call 407-647-3038, or visit ParkMaitland.org Fully accredited by The Florida Council of Independent Schools and The Florida Kindergarten Council

Beth Littleford Comedic Actor • Star on Disney hit TV show, “Dog With a Blog” Original female correspondent on “The Daily Show”... and much more!

Education: Swarthmore College/The New School, NYC. Graduated from Park Maitland in 1980.

Mommy and Me

FEATURE FASHION

Photos by Amy Smith Wardrobe Styling by Alisha Champ Hair and Make-up by Rosie Torres Shot on location at Leu Gardens

spring Fling Elaine, Orlando Magnolia Dreams tunic top, $62 from Matilda Jane; black skirt, $6 from H&M; aqua Hudson necklace, $40 from Tugboat & the Bird; aqua polka-dot rain boots, $25 from Target; clear umbrella, $20 from DSW Celine, 2 Sweet Clementine dress, $58 from Matilda Jane; black cardigan, $15 from Children’s Place; black rain boots, $16 from Walmart; color-changing umbrella, $26 and aqua bow headband, $16 from Tugboat & the Bird

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PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

Stripes and prints

Brooke, Orlando Navy striped tee shirt, $17; coral Pixie pant, $25; and floral sneakers, $23 from Old Navy Sloane, 14 months Coral striped dress, $25 from Crazy 8; navy jacket, $12 from Carters; color splatter sneakers, $36 from Zara; Turret headband, $18 from Matilda Jane MARCH / APRIL 2017 PLAYGROUND

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FEATURE FASHION

Denim and Floral

Britney, Winter Garden Navy flowered dress, $33 from Old Navy; denim shirt, $30 from H&M; Tahari tan shoes, $50 from Marshalls Sydney, 19 months Denim shirt, $16 from Zara; flowered leggings, $10 from Old Navy; navy polkadot bow tie, $6 from Carters; maize yellow bow, $8 from Tugboat & the Bird; fringe sandals, $20 from Crazy 8

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PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

Edgy AND BOLD Laura, Orlando Red Pixie pants, $25 from Old Navy; Can Today's Mystery Mousekatool Be Wine message tee, $26 from Roll and Raspberries (rollandraspberries.com); distressed denim jacket, $40 from H&M; black pointed-toe flats, $50 from Gap Louis, 2 Cool Story Mom message tee, $22 from Roll and Raspberries; distressed suspender jeans, $20 from H&M; red Converse sneakers, $30 from Converse MARCH / APRIL 2017 PLAYGROUND

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FEATURE FASHION

Jumpsuits

Sheetal, Lake Nona Jungle green jumpsuit, $90 from Gap; pink scarf, $13 from Old Navy; Jessica Simpson denim heals, $70 from DSW; wrap watch, $20 from H&M Suriya, 15 months Carters chambray jumpsuit, $7 from Marshalls; Knee-High by July bib threepack, $34 from Matilda Jane (contact Traci, 407-620-0607); Cat & Jack laceup flats, $19 from Target

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PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

Orlando Catholic Schools

Education that engages, empowers and transforms!

From PreK through 12th grade, our children grow in a safe, faith-filled and nurturing learning environment. Our challenging curriculum is enriched with fine arts, foreign language, religion, athletics, and an array of extracurricular programs, giving students the skills needed for life-long success.

Learn more at: www.orlandocatholicschools.org

We welcome children of all faiths, ethnic groups, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Traci Farina tk #192

Matildajaneclothing.com/tracifarina 407.620.0670 tracif@matildajaneclothing.com

FEATURE

Mom's Guide Nontoxic Baby Gear to

RAISING A HEALTHY, HAPPY BABY Words by Shawn Shannon

W

hen my husband and I found out we were expecting, I had just begun to delve into the very complex, unsettling world of nontoxic living. Although it is nearly impossible to detox our immediate environment entirely, I was determined to limit my daughter Fallon’s exposure in any way that I could. I started with the items she would come into contact with most frequently, such as diapers, blankets, bottles, etc.

In a 2005, the Environmental Working Group did a study and found over 200 industrial chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of 10 babies. Preservatives, fire retardants, pesticides, and plastic production byproduct can be found among the disconcertingly long list of carcinogenic substances.

Companies aren’t required to disclose the toxicity of their products, so I will provide a list of the most common chemical irritants mentioned throughout this guide. My recommendations are broken down into five categories, organized by the amount of time spent in or around those specific items. You may have noticed the ridiculous price markup on organic produce versus the conventional alternative while perusing your grocery store aisles. The same economic bias exists when it comes to nontoxic baby gear. That being said, protecting our precious bundles is a matter of reducing exposure in any way possible.

These tiny bodies play by their own rules. Sometimes, despite our best intentions, even the purest products can cause adverse reactions. In that case, as the saying goes, do what works for you and baby!

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PLAYGROUND MARCH / APRIL 2017

travel As of 2013, Britax eliminated all chemical flame retardants from their products while exceeding all governmental standards. The Britax B-Agile 3/B-Safe 35 Elite Travel System starts at just $470. This means that Britax can truly grow with your child safely while not breaking the bank. Available at buybuy Baby in Altamonte Springs.

sleep Between naptime and bedtime, babies spend the majority of their young lives sleeping. Sleep is a time for full-body healing and restoration, so it seems counterproductive to force their little bodies to fight off harmful chemicals emitted by a standard mattress and crib bedding. If you’re on a budget, a nontoxic mattress is the one investment I highly recommend making.

• Naturepedic Lightweight Organic Cotton Classic Crib Mattress ($259) Manufactured without flame retardants, BPA, synthetic latex rubber, phthalates and VOCs. Find it at Maison Baby in Maitland (maison-baby.com).

• Aden + Anais Organic Muslin Crib Sheets ($32) Find it at Maison Baby (maison-baby.com).

• Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddles ($55) Find it at Tugboat and the Bird in Winter Park (tugboatandthebird.com).

skin

Composed of only natural, soothing ingredients, these products are an excellent choice for everyday use on even the most sensitive skin.

• Babo Botanicals Lavender Bubble Bath & Shampoo ($16 for 15 ounces) Find it at babobotanicals.com.

• Acure Organics Bare Baby 4-in-1 Foamer ($10 for 16 ounces) Shampoo, bubble bath, baby wash and hand soap in one gentle, fragrance-free product. Find it at acureorganics.com.

• Original Sprout Natural Shampoo ($20) and Deep Conditioner ($10) Find it at Pigtails & Crewcuts in Dr. Phillips and Winter Springs (pigtailsandcrewcuts.com).

MARCH / APRIL 2017 PLAYGROUND

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FEATURE

diapering Disposable diapers are tricky business. Reducing our collective carbon footprint is important; however, cloth diapering doesn’t work for many parents’ lifestyles. If cloth isn’t your thing, try the 100 percent biodegradable diapers.

• Honest Company Diaper and Wipes ($14 for a 40-count pack) Plant-based and free of chlorine, phthalates, chemical brighteners, latex, fragrances, dyes and dioxin. Find them at Target or subscribe online (try.honest.com).

• Seventh Generation Free and Clear Diapers ($12 for a 40-count pack) Disposable diapers with an ultra-absorbent core; hypoallergenic with zero chlorine bleaching. Find it at your local Target or Walmart (seventhgeneration.com).

• Jackson Reece Natural Baby Wipes ($40 for a 10-pack case) Free of all questionable ingredients and biodegradable.

Find it on Amazon (amazon.com).

feeding Look for bottles that are made of glass or BPA-free plastic to limit the amount of toxins your baby may consume.

• 5 Phases Revolutionary Hybrid Glass Bottles ($20 each) BPA-free, phthalate-free and PVC-free plastic bottle with a glass insert to eliminate the danger and mess of broken glass if dropped. Find it at Maison Baby (maison-baby.com).

• Phillips Avent Natural Glass Bottle ($6 to $10 each, depending on capacity) Made of premium quality, BPA-free pharmacy-grade borosilicate glass. Heat and thermal shock resistant. Find it at usa.philips. com or at B&B Baby Talk in Orlando (bbbabytalk.com).

• EzPz Products ($20 to $25 each) Made with food-grade silicone, these innovative mealtime mats suction to the table to prevent spills and are free of BPA, latex, PVC and phthalates.

Find it at B&B Baby Talk in Orlando (bbbabytalk.com).

SHAWN SHANNON is an Orlando-based mom of 9-month-old daughter Fallon. She and her husband Zack believe passionately in leading a healthy, vegan and non-toxic life.

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LOVE TO LEARN Find out why kids

LOVE TO LEARN at our progressive independent school in Winter Park, Florida.

•Programs from 6 weeks - 9 years M-F 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

•Full time and Part time •Excellent VPK provider •Before & After School Program with Transportation •Dance, Gymnastics, Music, Spanish and More!

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We provide environmental, physical, nutrition, art, and character development education as part of curriculum.

Kindergarten-8th grade

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OPEN HOUSE: MARCH 7 & APRIL 11 FROM 6-7:30 PM

4595 Howell Branch Rd., Winter Park WaldenCommunitySchool.com 407-677-8225 Walden is accredited by AdvancED Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

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LovingEarth.indd 1 4/7/16 12:02 PM

7/30/12 5:16 PM

love your local farmer

CENTRAL FLORIDA U-PICK BLUEBERRY FARM Southern Hill Farms is a family owned and operated u-pick and commercially harvested blueberry farm. We are located atop one of Central Florida’s rare and picturesque rolling hills in Clermont, just southwest of Orlando. Visit us during our family events on select dates throughout the remainder of the year and we will re-open the 40 acres of blueberry u-pick bushes next spring at the peak of their ripeness.

create a new fam ily traditio n

OPEN SELECT DATES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS IN 2017: • Sunset at Southern Hill Farms Event: APRIL 15 • Bouncing Blueberry events weekly BEGINNING MID-APRIL • Clermont Clay 5K with Sommer Sports: APRIL 29 • Blueberry Festival of Greater Orlando: MAY 6-7 • Mother’s Day Event with live music from the Jeremy and Andrea Mix: MAY 14

visit us at SouthernHillFarms.com for event details times, prices and more information.

16651 Schofield Road, Clermont, FL 34714 • 407-986-5806

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We Work with Special Needs

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Visit PrincessBallOrlando.org for tickets & event information

Office Manager: Debbie Franks

Hours: Mon-Thurs 8-6:30 Fri 8-5:30 Saturday 9-1 7635 Ashley Park Court, Suite 501 Orlando, FL 32835 WindermerePediatrics.org

Phone: 407 297 0080

Fax: 407 295 3080

FEATURE

Gender

Coloring Outside the

Kids

Lines MARCH / APRIL 2017 PLAYGROUND

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FEATURE

Gender Creative Kids in a Pink and Blue World Words by Cortney Thekan When my first child was born, I didn’t give gender much thought. He was a boy, and it was the late '90s, so I dressed him in a hideous navy onesie emblazoned with "Little Slugger" or something equally conventional. I painted his room blue. I bought him Thomas the Tank Engine toys. A few years later, my second child was born. She was a girl, so I dressed her in lavender seersucker sundresses. I painted her room pink and bought her Care Bears toys.

As it turned out, my daughter loved her Care Bears toys. But by age 3, she was dead set against seersucker sundresses, bellowing, “But I feel so uncomfortable!” while stomping around that pink room with her arms crossed defensively. For nearly a year, she insisted on wearing a baseball cap and a tie wherever she went. My son loved those Thomas the Tank Engine toys with a passion; he memorized the entire catalog at age 2. As a preschooler, he had an equal fervor for The Little Mermaid and Star Wars, running through the house wielding a lightsaber with a red scarf tied around his head (Ariel’s hair, of course). A few years after that, he was Hannah Montana’s biggest fan.

Gender is far more complex than toys and clothes (although that's part of it), but neither of my kids fit neatly into society’s expectations of what it means to be a boy or a girl. Family members asked questions like, “She won't wear a dress? Who’s the boss — you or her?” or, “Do you really think you should let him wear that? It's for girls!” I worried about my kids being teased, or worse, harmed for not following society’s gender rules. I wondered: What does this mean? What will people think?

What should I do? What if my child colors outside the gender lines?

What Is Gender?

First, it’s important to understand the distinction between sex and gender. According to Gender Spectrum (genderspectrum.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a gender sensitive and inclusive environment for all children and teens, sex refers to the physical and biological sex characteristics a person is born with, including genitalia, chromosomes and hormones. Gender is the intricate web that weaves together a person’s biological sex (gender biology); a person’s sense of themselves as being male, female, both or neither (gender identity); and a person’s expressions to the outside world related to their perception of themselves (gender expression).

Most of the time, things work out as we expect. This is a simplification, but it usually works like this: A baby is born. The baby’s sex is determined based on the baby’s external genitals, the world assigns the corresponding gender, and the baby is raised as that gender. So, if a baby is born with a penis, the birth certificate is marked male, the parents raise the baby as a boy, their extended circles of family and friends treat the child as a boy, and most importantly, the child thinks of himself as a boy. He expresses himself (behaviors, clothing, preferences, etc.) the way society expects boys to express themselves. That’s that, right? Not for everyone.

What Our Society Tells Us About Gender We usually don’t even notice, but society’s gender messages and expectations bombard us constantly. Almost everything in our society is slapped with either a pink or blue sticker — clothes, toys, colors, behaviors — even toilets in some states. Society tells us that we have two choices: You can be a boy, or you can be a girl. This is the binary gender construct. Within this construct, society has specific expectations of how to be a boy or a girl. To be a boy means A, B and C, but never X, Y or Z. If a person strays from these expectations, other people may become uncomfortable or even afraid.

What Does Gender Creative Mean?

So what if a child doesn’t fit into society’s defined gender boxes? What about the boy with a passion for princesses? Or the girl who insists on wearing a Batman costume wherever she goes? What about the child whose biological sex is female but who has insisted since she could talk that the world has it all wrong, and she is actually a boy?

Dr. Diane Ehrensaft, a developmental and clinical psychologist and an expert on children and gender, invented a term to describe such children that I think is perfect: gender creative (similar terms include gender nonconforming, gender expansive and gender variant). In her book, Gender Born, Gender Made: Raising Healthy Gender Non-Conforming Children, Ehrensaft explains gender creative as, “a developmental position in which the child transcends the culture’s normative definitions of

RECOMMENDED READING : 36 PLAYGROUND

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• The Gender Creative Child: Pathways for Supporting Children Who Live Outside Gender Boxes by Diane Ehrensaft, PhD

NATIONAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS: • Gender Spectrum genderspectrum.org • My Kid Is Gay mykidisgay.com • Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) pflag.org • You Are You Project youareyouproject.com

• Gender Born, Gender Made: Raising Healthy Gender Non-Conforming Children by Diane Ehrensaft, PhD

male/female to creatively interweave a sense of gender that comes neither totally from the inside (the body, the psyche), nor totally from the outside (culture, others’ perceptions), but resides somewhere in between.” These kids skip over being squished into society's defined male or female boxes and instead invent their own sense of gender that comes from their bodies, their minds, and the world they live in.

Dr. Carol Mikulka, a board-certified psychiatrist and founder and director of the Walden Community School in Winter Park, explains, "As with most pioneers and explorers, it is only with time that the rest of the world accepts novel ideas, discoveries and facts that challenge their preconceptions of gender identity and expression. Gender creative children are breaking the bounds of convention, questioning the status quo and showing the determination and courage to experiment and explore all of who they are, want to be and decide to be."

People who know gender creative children — the children’s parents included — have so many questions (I know I did!). Are these children transgender? Some are. And some children know this from a very young age; others discover this in time. Will these kids grow up to be gay? Some will.

Gender identity and sexual identity are not the same thing, and like gender identity, sexual identity is far more complex than the binary construct of just straight or gay. What exactly is this child’s gender? Well, we have to wait and see. It’s our nature to want to classify people right away, but we have to give these children time to figure out who they are on their own.

What I've Learned from My Kids As children often do, my kids challenged me to think differently and consider things I hadn’t before, including my ideas and misconceptions about gender and the prejudice and unfairness in the treatment of gender creative people — especially kids.

See, my daughter rejected most things our society labels “girl stuff.” But people think it’s cute to see a little girl in Vans sneakers and pigtails on a skateboard. Our culture is OK with tomboys — as long as they’re not too masculine, yet another of society’s unwritten gender rules. It was different for my son. People don’t think it’s so cute to see a 5-year-old boy playing dress-up. It was fine for my daughter to wear a tie — adorable, even! — but if my son tied a dishtowel around his waist to fashion a skirt? No way. This made many people uncomfortable. A family friend once chuckled, “What’s he got on? Must be a kilt, right?” My son spun around and responded unequivocally, “No. It’s not a kilt. It’s my skirt.” My friend looked shocked. I stumbled over what to say next, “Umm … yep. That’s his skirt.” But I learned so much watching my son at that moment.

Over time, from the things I got right and from the things I got so, so wrong, I learned the answers to my three biggest questions about raising gender creative kids: 1. What does this mean? The only person who knows the answer to this question is your child. You may wonder if your child will grow up to identify as LGBTQ+. Maybe. You may wonder if your child is transgender. Maybe. But there is only one way to find the answers to your questions: Listen to your child. Your child is working on figuring out who they are. And if they feel your love and acceptance, they will show you in time.

LOCAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS: • PFLAG Orlando/Central Florida pflagorlando.org • Zebra Coalition zebrayouth.org

2. What will people think? The look of shock on my friend’s face when my son told him he was wearing a skirt and not a kilt? It was the look most people have when they first encounter a gender creative child. Parents of gender creative kids should remember that there was a time when they weren't sure quite what to say or do either. Most people aren’t intentionally cruel or intolerant; they just don’t understand — at least not yet. Give them a chance. There are people in your child's life who will do whatever they can to understand your child. Sadly, there will be others who will not, and you will have to accept that they may never change their perspective. You'll have to decide whether to keep these people in your child's life or walk away. But if you ask your child to to hide who they are — even if you think you're protecting them — you perpetuate the message that you and your child have something to hide. You don’t.

3. What should I do? Find support. Learn more. Speak up. Fear less. Listen closely. Love fiercely. It’s not easy to be a kid — heck, it’s not easy to be an adult. Sometimes it’s difficult to be yourself. Gender creative kids — they just want to be themselves — their true, individual, colorful, beautiful little selves. What should you do? You should help them.

CORTNEY THEKAN lives in Orlando and is the mother of two brilliant, quirky teens.

She is a professional writer and editor and serves as PLAYGROUND Magazine’s copy editor.

• My Kid Is Gay: A Question and Answer Guide to Everyday Life by Dannielle Owens and Kristin Russo

• Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family by Amy Ellis Nutt

• Raising My Rainbow: Adventures in Raising a Fabulous, Gender Creative Son by Lori Duron MARCH / APRIL 2017 PLAYGROUND

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PLAY

B.Y.O.Baby Orlando's Best Places to Go PLAY with Your Baby

You might think this play business is just for the older kids. Not so. Orlando has a plenty of great places geared for baby play.

FREE PLAY

Love playgrounds but worry the older kids will trample your baby? There are plenty of fun indoor playgrounds geared toward babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Let them explore with safe and clean toys that promote learning through play. These places also have scheduled activities and special events for guided and engaging programs.

• Amaya Papaya, Casselberry, amayapapaya.com • Grammy's Indoor Playground, Oviedo and Winter Park, grammysindoorplayground.com • Peanut's Playhouse, St. Cloud, peanutsplayhouse.net • Romp n' Roll, Winter Garden, rompnroll.com • Lucky Monkey's Indoor Playground 4 Kids, Altamonte Springs, luckymonkeys4kids.com • O2B Kids, Oviedo and new Altamonte Springs location opening soon, o2bkids.com

GET SMART

Yes, you can sign up your baby for engaging classes. From music to language, these places offer fun and educational opportunities to bond with your child.

• Kindermusik with Grow & Sing Studios, parent/baby music and art classes and workshops at several locations in Central Florida, growandsing.com • All Kids Spanish, parent/baby Spanish language and culture class, Winter Park, allkidspanish.com • Shayna's Village, parent/baby enrichment classes at the Jewish Community Center, Maitland, orlandojcc.org/ preschool/shaynas-village

GET FIT

Movement and play is important for baby's brain to grow and develop. Plus, it's a fun way for parents to socialize, exercise and pick up some new parenting tricks!

• Smart Start at A Kids Gym, parent/child movement and brain development classes in Oviedo starting at 4 months old, akidsgym.com • My Gym, fitness classes for kids starting at 6 weeks old; locations in Lake Mary, Maitland, Waterford, Orlando and Winter Garden, mygym.com • Gymboree Play & Music, play, music and art classes that are just right for your child's development, gymboreeclasses.com • Mama & Baby Yoga, mothers bring their (not yet crawling) babies to this fun class, offered at Full Circle Yoga (fullcircleyoga.com) in Winter Park and Harmony Yoga Studio (HarmonyYogaMaitland.com) in Maitland • Baby Boot Camp, a stroller workout program designed to balance the fitness needs of moms while caring for their children, babybootcamp.com

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STORYTIME

Here are our favorite storytime spots.

• Orange County Public Libraries, check the website for locations and times of all the free programs that focus on early learning for your baby: Storybook Fun, Bubble Playtime and more, ocls.info/earlylearning • Orlando Science Center, daily storytime at 11:30 a.m. in Harriett’s KidsTown Theater inside the new KidsTown exhibit (infant to age 7), osc.org • Leu Gardens Storytime, free indoor event on the first Monday of each month. 10-10:15 a.m. is Infant Time (up to 18 months); 10:20-10:35 a.m. is Toddler Time (18 months to age 2); 10:40 -11 a.m. is Preschool Time (ages 3 to 5), leugardens.org • Pottery Barn Kids Storytime, enjoy a book reading and activity every Tuesday at 11 a.m., Mall at Millenia • Storytime at the Zoo, enjoy animal stories and special visits at the Rainforest Pavilion on select Wednesdays from 10-10:30 a.m. Zoo admission is not required to attend this free program, centralfloridazoo.org

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Half & Full Day Camps (Ages 6-12) Sprouts and Seedlings Programs (Ages 2-5) To register call 407.323.4450 x 123, email education@centralfloridazoo.org, or go online at www.centralfloridazoo.org 3755 NW Hwy 17-92 (I-4 Exit 104), Sanford

www.DoulasOfOrlando.com 321-804-2969

For more information, please visit www.osc.org/summercamps

PLAY

See/Saw

Raising Awareness for Congenital Heart Defects Words and photos by Florida Hospital Each year, 40,000 babies in the United States are born with a congenital heart defect — the nation's most common birth defect. To raise awareness for these little survivors, dozens of knitters and crocheters joined the American Heart Association and Florida Hospital in December to stage a knit-in. Dedicated volunteers from across Central Florida created as many red hats as possible in one hour for the AHA’s “Little Hats, Big Hearts” program. At the event, volunteers completed over 3,000 hats, surpassing their goal by double! The hats are distributed to babies born in area hospitals for American Heart Month in February.

40 PLAYGROUND

MARCH / APRIL 2017

ZIP LINES... AND MORE! Hours of Self-Propelled Treetop Eco-Adventures for All Ages...

ZOOm Air’s aerial adventure courses will stimulate your senses and activate your muscles as you take on our ziplines, challenges and games in our beautiful treetop canopy.

, Too! Kids’ Courseup children 4 and

Orlando/Sanford at Central Florida Zoo I-4 Exit 104

407-330-0767

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PLAY

See/Saw

Symphony Storytime Photos by Jessica Friend The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra hosted this special event at Bloomingdale's to promote its Symphony Storytime Series. This new program is an entertaining intro to the world of music, suitable for children ages 2 to 7. Orlando Philharmonic musicians, along with a kidfriendly narrator, bring beloved stories to life! Before sitting down to enjoy the show, families join musicians in the lobby for a character matching game, coloring station, instrument petting zoos and photo opportunities. Tickets are $9 each. Upcoming shows are at The Plaza Live. â&#x20AC;˘ March 10 and 11: The Emperor and the Nightingale â&#x20AC;˘ April 21 and 22: Goldilocks and the Three Bears Reserve tickets here: orlandophil.org/family-friendly

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WHERE MUSIC BRINGS STORIES TO LIFE!

2016-2017 SYMPHONY STORYTIME SERIES All events begin at 10:00 am and 11:30 am

Emperor and the Nightingale March 10 and 11

Goldilocks and the Three Bears April 21 and 22

The Plaza Live 425 North Bumby Avenue Order tickets online at orlandophil.org/tickets For questions or group rates: (407) 896.6700, ext. 232 or Education@orlandophil.org

PLAY

Go PLAY

Spring has sprung in Orlando!

Mark your calendar for these family functions.

Words by Anna Karasik

Community Play

WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL Central Park and Park Avenue, Winter Park March 17-18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Walk through rows and rows of talented local artists at this annual festival.

Parents will love shopping from the artists and vendors; kids will love the Children’s Workshop Village, filled with painting easels and other arts and crafts activities. The festival is free to explore and enjoy! wpsaf.org

CRUZ’N CAR SHOW Downtown Winter Garden April 15 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Bring the whole family out for Winter Garden’s Cruz’n Car Show!

This recurring event is perfect for your little automobile enthusiast.

Downtown Winter Garden will be filled with all kinds of classic and stateof-the-arts automobiles. The Cruz’n Car Show is free. cwgdn.com

Celebrate Food FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City March 2–12 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Take the family out to Plant City during the days of the Strawberry Festival to celebrate the much-loved strawberry! There are also bigname music headliners, food stands and animal competitions as well as tons of local vendors to browse. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up; $5 for ages 6 to 12. Ages 5 and under get in for free! flstrawberryfestival.com

COOKIES & MILK WITH A COP Winter Garden Library March 18 and April 15 from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m.

Meet your local law enforcement officers! There’s also story time and arts and crafts! Join Cookies & Milk with a Cop on the third Saturday of every month. cookiesandmilkwithacop.org

TASTE OF OVIEDO

SOUTHERN HILL FARMS

Oviedo Mall March 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Local flavors collide at this delicious festival, happening right outside of the Oviedo Mall! Watch cook-offs, taste food from local restaurants and enjoy live music and entertainment all day long! It’s all free for the family to explore. tasteofoviedo.org

16651 Schofield Rd., Clermont Sunset at Southern Hill Farms Event: April 15 Bouncing Blueberry events weekly beginning in mid-April Clermont Clay 5K with Sommer Sports: April 29 Southern Hill Farms is a familyowned and operated u-pick blueberry farm. Located atop one of Central Florida’s picturesque rolling hills in Clermont, Southern Hills Farm is the perfect place to bring the family to pick blueberries. Visit during its family events on select dates throughout the remainder of the year. Blueberry u-pick bushes are at the peak of their ripeness. southernhillfarms.com

THE FESTIVAL OF BACON Seneff Arts Plaza, Orlando April 22 at 11 a.m.

It’s a day to celebrate all things covered, wrapped and smothered in sweet, savory bacon! Local chefs will show off their best bacon-infused dishes. There will also be live music as well as other family and pet-friendly entertainment.

Admission is $24. drphillipscenter.org

Moms Night Out

DISENCHANTED! THE HILARIOUS HIT MUSICAL! The Plaza Live, Orlando April 11-14 and 17-20 at 8 p.m., April 15 at 2 and 8 p.m.

Forget the princesses you think you know — the original storybook heroines have come back to life to set the record straight. This hit musical is perfect for moms who want to have a night out with the ladies! Come on April 13 for PLAYGROUND Magazine’s Bad Moms Night Out. You’ll get 30% off admission, plus a VIP pre-show cocktail party! Join our private “Party Like A MOTHER with PLAYGROUND” Facebook group for updates on all of our Bad Moms Night Out events. theplazaliveorlando.org

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Kiddie Culture SYMPHONY STORYTIME SERIES The Plaza LIVE, Orlando Emperor and the Nightingale March 10 and 11 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears April 21 and 22 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents two classic fairytales in a most musical way.

Children ages 3 to 7 will love watching their favorite stories brought to life with musical instruments, a narrator and hand-drawn illustrations. Shows begin with 30 minutes of fun activities in the lobby. Admission is $9. orlandophil.org

KIDS FRINGE

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Orlando March 7 to 10 at 8 p.m.

March 11 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

March 12 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Take a trip under the sea with Ariel, Sebastian and all of their friends from the classic Disney film. This Broadway-caliber show is a spectacular way to introduce your kids to the stage! Tickets start at $34. drphillipscenter.org

PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL Orlando Shakespeare Theater April 8 to May 6, select times Sensory-friendly performance April 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Watch the story of a little girl whose addiction to pink cupcakes turns her pink! This play, based on a children’s book, is sure to delight picky eaters and parents alike. All performances include a pre-show activity and autograph session with the cast after the performance. Tickets start at $14. orlandoshakes.org

NANCY DREW AND HER BIGGEST CASE EVER Orlando Repertory Theatre Saturdays and Sundays, April 15 to May 14, select times The talented kids at the Orlando Repertory Theatre tell a chapter in the story of Nancy Drew! The famous kid detective takes to the stage to solve her latest mystery, following clues and uncovering motives to find a thief. Tickets start at $14. orlandorep.com

Orlando Fringe Festival Loch Haven Park May 20-21 and May 27-28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kids Fringe is a special part of the Orlando Fringe Festival just for kids and families. Kids Fringe offers performances by Fringe artists and local arts organizations, workshops and hands-on-art activities. Kids Fringers can watch kid-friendly theater, music, magic and dance performances on Fringezilla’s Main Stage, take creative movement and drum classes, stroll with puppets and crazy characters, play dress-up with theatrical costumes, and much more!

Admission is free. orlandofringe.org/what/kids-fringe/

KIDS CONCERT AND PLAY SERIES Amaya Papaya, Casselberry March 22 and April 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Bring your kids ages 6 and under to Amaya Papaya for a fun, kid-friendly concert by Mr. Harley! Kids can play around the lounge while they listen or get up and groove to the beat. Don’t forget to bring socks.

Cost is $6 to $10, depending on age; admission includes two adults. amayapapaya.com

POKÉMON: SYMPHONIC EVOLUTIONS Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Orlando April 30 at 2 p.m.

This is a Pokémon master must-see! The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will play music from all your favorite Pokémon videogames through the generations. There will also be a big-screen projector showing images from each game. Tickets start at $26. drphillipscenter.org MARCH / APRIL 2017 PLAYGROUND

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PLAY

GO PLAY!

Educational E ducational Events

MICHELEE PUPPETS SUNDAY FAMILY FUNDAYS

Maitland Civic Center, Maitland March 26 and April 30 at 11 a.m.

Kids will love watching colorful puppets act out real-life situations that teach important lessons, like staying healthy and stopping bullying. This show is the best combination of fun and education. $5 per family suggested donation. micheleepuppets.org

BRAIN CANDY LIVE!

NIGHT HIKE AT THE ZOO

Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Orlando March 16 at 8 p.m.

Adam Savage and Michael Stevens are heading to Orlando to answer your questions about science in their own exciting way! Watch as they test everything from the limits of technology to the laws of gravity onstage, right before your eyes. Tickets start at $37. drphillipscenter.org

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford March 25 at 8 to 10 p.m.

Bring your kids 5 years and older to the zoo to experience the sights and sounds of the wild at night! There will be close-up animal encounters and a flashlight tour through the zoo. Reserve your spot for this special after-hours event. Register by March 17. centralfloridazoo.org/events

Cant Can ’ -Miss -Miss Events STAR WARS CELEBRATION

NATIQUE WAKE OPEN

Orange County Convention Center April 13-15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

April 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate all things Star Wars at this huge convention! See celebrities from the trilogy in-person, get one-of-a-kind goods from vendors, and show off your best intergalactic costume. If purchased in advance, admission is $65–$75 for adults; $35 for children (ages 6-12). starwarscelebration.com

Orlando Watersports Complex April 30 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Watch extreme wakeboarding talent come together in Orlando for a big competition!

Families can watch the athletes and enjoy slides, caricature drawings, local sports' team mascot appearances and more all-around fun. thewwa.com/wakeopen

Celebrate Easter TAKE A PICTURE WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

Oviedo Mall April 1-15, by appointment It’s that time of year — the Easter Bunny is coming to town! Visit him at the Oviedo Mall near O2B Kids to snap a photo before he hops away for the year. No need to wait in line. Reserve a spot by texting “Bunny797” to 39771 or visiting the Oviedo Mall website. myoviedomall.com

HIPPITY HOP ADVENTURE Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford April 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hop along the Adventure Trail at the Central Florida Zoo and keep your eyes peeled for clues leading to goodies from the Easter Bunny! There will be surprise bunny stops, candy, prizes and more for the kids to explore. It’s all included with regular zoo admission. centralfloridazoo.org/events

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EASTER BRUNCH & EGG HUNT FEATURING STUART LITTLE Enzian Theater, Maitland April 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Bring out the whole family on Easter Sunday for an egg hunt and brunch at the Enzian. There will also be a petting zoo and an afternoon showing of Stuart Little (1999). Admission is $40 adults; $20 for children (ages 3 to 12). enzian.org

BABY BOOGIE BASH: EASTER SPRING FLING Amaya Papaya, Casselberry April 14 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Bring your toddler out for an Easter celebration at Amaya Papaya play lounge! There will be kid-friendly jams, free playtime, games, food and much more! Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the door. amayapapaya.com

o r a n g e The C ohiu n T yC en rTer egional s Tory

h i sTory C e nT e r

SUMMer

cAMpS All New priciNg

JUNe 12 – AUgUSt 11

Leu Gardens is being invaded by

DINOSAURS! Discover what life was like millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

NOW – APRIL 30, 2017 register online at thehistorycenter.org History and fun collide at our Adventures in History Summer Camp.

Kids can learn about animals, participate in dance and drumming workshops, visit other museums via SunRail, and explore downtown Orlando’s history. Your children are sure to leave with lasting memories.

Call 407-836-8500 for more information 65 east Central Blvd. • orlando, fl 32801 thehistoryCenter.org

Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thank you to Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Grant and the Friends of Leu Gardens for their generous support of this project.

1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, FL 32803 | 407.246.2620 | leugardens.org

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2017 Maternity PLAYguide Here comes baby! These local services for expectant mothers will make your new baby's transition into the world a little easier.

Photo: Kabiki Photography

B & B Babytalk offers a unique shopping experience.

From Once Upon a Time to Happily Ever After! Fulfilling your needs from maternity to childhood. This familyowned business has everything. Maternity, infant & children’s clothing, baby gear & necessities, toys, new & resale, custom everything & even a photo studio. Hate shopping with your kids? Not here. We have a play area, and we happily welcome kids!

12315 S. Orange Blossom Trl., Orlando 407-412-5043 • bbbabytalk.com

Birth In Awareness Homebirth and Midwifery Services Maggie McCarthy, LM, CPM offers comprehensive prenatal care, including home birth, water birth, VBAC and prenatal midwifery care for those choosing hospital birth. Actively sharing in decision-making helps women feel empowered in their health care. Appointments are personalized for individual care and education. The Birth In Awareness team is confident and compassionate, focusing on creating family through education, awareness and support. Serving Central Florida 407-234-7482 • Birthinawarenessfl.com Maggiemccarthy723@gmail.com

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Consider Anything Done, LLC Provides customized fullservice assistance for families in the greater Orlando area.

For over 25 years, owner Alisha Champ has been helping families in many different ways, such as new motherhood consulting (from swaddling to potty training), nanny services (including tutoring and survival swim lessons), event planning (birthdays and baby showers) and/or home organization and interior design. I will lighten your load to allow you more time for making memories with your family. If there’s a need, Consider Any Thing Done!

352-895-7535 • ConsiderAnyThingDone.com

Doulas of Orlando The doula is a positive contribution to the care of women in labor. By tending to the woman’s emotional needs, obstetric outcomes are improved plus early mother/infant bonding and breastfeeding are enhanced. A woman’s satisfaction with the birth experience improves with a doula’s assistance during childbirth. We offer Birth & Postpartum Certified Doulas, Childbirth Education, Placenta Encapsulation, Breastfeeding Assistance and Birth Consulting. Hablamos Espanol. Serving Central Florida • 321-804-2969 DoulasofOrlando.com • lunardoulas@gmail.com

Florida Hospital for Women is not only a haven for women’s health, but is also Florida Hospital’s newest addition to the extension network of women’s services.

The 12-story, 332-bed comprehensive women’s hospital offers an array of services, including obstetrics, gynecology, surgery, breast care, and cardiovascular services. The hospital will soon be home to a Level 3 NICU, oncology, and innovative mental health services.

601 East Rollins St., Orlando 407-303-4HER • www.FH4Women.com

Jessica Friend Photo Design Jessica Friend is an Orlando-based lifestyle portrait and event photographer whose work has a fresh, light, natural style with a photojournalistic feel. She loves to catch those inbetween moments that showcase the love family members have for one another as well as their individual personalities. Her goal is to capture brief moments in time and turn them into family memories that will be cherished forever.

407-212-7881 • JessicaFriendPhotoDesign.com jessica@jessicafriendphotodesign.com

Lou & Pepper love babies! Boutique Party Planners & MOMS, Andrea and Cristina, will partner with you to celebrate all of your baby’s party-worthy milestones. We specialize in parties for kids ages 0-101, so you can count on us for baby showers, faith-based celebrations and 1st birthday parties, and 2nd, and 3rd, and 4th … Contact us today for a free consultation.

Serving Orlando and surrounding areas 407-476-9659 • louandpepper.com info@louandpepper.com

Lou & Pepper Final Logo Colors used:

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2017 Maternity PLAYguide Maison Baby Owned and operated by local moms, Maison Baby children’s boutique brings you the best of the best in gear, gifts and surprises for a variety of ages! Take the guesswork out of what’s great for your little one. Our products are mom-tested and kidapproved!

485 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-605-2860 • www.maison-baby.com

Romp n’ Roll Winter Garden We offer a Baby Gym class (3-12 months) with a different theme and setup each week for your baby to develop appropriate skills and muscle groups. The 45-minute class includes instructor-led activities, yoga and relaxation tips, music, parachute time, sign language, and discussion topics for parents to share information with one another. Class opens with a book and ends with a lullaby, bubbles and song. Come play and discover with your baby!

14131 W. Colonial Dr., Winter Garden 407-656-ROLL • rompnroll.com

Simply Shelby Photography is an on-location boutique studio specializing in modern baby, children, family and maternity photography. Owner and photographer, Shelby Finkelstein, uses only natural light and believes in taking a more “lifestyle” approach to her photography. Shelby’s style is PERFECTLY IMPERFECT. Being a mother of three has inspired her playful style and ability to connect with her subjects. Central Florida and Surrounding Areas 407-951-5123 561-654-4339 (cell) • SimplyShelbyPhoto.com shelby@simplyshelbyphoto.com tugboat & the bird was established in 2001, and is known by locals for its bright yellow door and playful interior. We carry traditional children’s clothing and layette, fun accessories, unique room décor and oneof-a-kind newborn and children’s gifts. Our cheerful employees are passionate about what they do and welcome the opportunity to help customers choose the perfect gift for their own children or for those of another. Baby registry in-store and online! 318 Park Ave. N., Winter Park 407-647-5437 • tugboatandthebird.com

Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies Our 11-story hospital provides complete women’s care, from obstetrical care and high-risk births to minimally invasive gynecological surgical services. We are also home to one of the largest, most advanced Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the country, with national recognitions and outstanding care.

83 W. Miller St., Orlando 321-8HEALTH WinniePalmerHospital.com

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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Mom-Owned, Kid-Approved Put these local mom-owned businesses on your shopping list.

VISIT WWW.COOKIECOUSINS.COM FOR OUR NEW EASY ONLINE ORDERING!

Independent National Executive Director

Ashley Haley ashleyEhaley31@gmail.com | www.giftswithashley.com 321.231.6221 TEXT me for a catalog!

Buy. Host. Join.

LIFE IS HECTIC, REAL ESTATE SHOULDN’T BE. I understand the unique needs of parents, and am 100% committed to creating a stress-free experience for you!

Call for a FREE market analysis, answers or advice.

Cookies always make for a Special Delivery!

407-420-7940 • 2322 Edgewater Dr.

babies Boutique Party Planners

Celebrating life’s party-worthy moments baby showers • faith-based celebrations •1st birthdays

• 20 Years of Professional Marketing Expertise • Gold Key Certified for Excellence in Professionalism • Team with Over $150 Million in Sales, 1400+ Transactions

Mindy Colón, LICENSED REALTOR® (407) 230-6548 • Mindy@MetroBrokersFL.com

www.LouAndPepper.com 407.476.9659

SPANISH IMMERSION PROGRAM Mommy & Me / After-School Saturday Programs / Private classes Looking to outsource your Spanish language program?

Bring us to your school!

Now serving: Park Maitland, The Christ School, The Parke House Academy and Trinity Prep. Contact us to find out how Emmabean can feed your little Sprouts!

225 S Interlachen Ave. Winter Park Fl 32789 • 321.460.2844 admin@allkidspanish.com • www.allkidspanish.com

What if you could run a home based business around your busy life and children?

You can.. by partnering with the #1 premuim skincare company!

CONTACT ME TO LEARN MORE!

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

Jessica Ventura www.jessventura.myrandf.biz 407-353-5923 | jmv11909@gmail.com Advertise your mom-owned business in the next issue of PLAYGROUND Magazine.

Jessica Ventura 407-243-8253 jessica@playground-magazine.com

Extraordinary Care for Extraordinary Kids

Supported by the strength, innovations and mission of the Florida Hospital

system, Florida Hospital for Children is committed to delivering world class programs, extraordinary patient care and clinical excellence. Our flagship childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospital is the heart of a network that includes

FloridaHospitalforChildren.com (407) 303-KIDS

17-FHFC-00445

primary care pediatricians, specialty clinics, emergency departments and Kids Urgent Care.