The Talk of the Playground

The inside scoop on what’s happening around town for Orlando families!

Words by

Wendy Meyer @LittleRebelMom

Big Dreams Bloom

Local teacher creates virtual STEM and design thinking program for girls

Over the past two decades, Emily Blomquist has taught a variety of subjects at Windermere Prep, Park Maitland and Lake Highland Prep, including STEM and design thinking. During the pandemic, Emily saw that parents and kids working from home were seeking new opportunities to learn, so she created a virtual program for young girls. Big Dreams Bloom, a STEM program focused on empowering girls, explores the lives of influential women — from artists to activists, explorers to engineers — who followed their dreams and changed the world. The class follows up with book club-style discussions and complete science, art and maker-style STEM projects as a learning extension. Program supplies are delivered to the home in carefully curated surprise activity bags. The program has students enrolled all over the U.S. and most recently in Canada. Check it out at bigdreamsbloom.com.

Discovered: Planet Play

This new, interactive play-and-learn space for kids ages 2 to 12 has opened at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Children will enjoy learning fun facts as they play among replicas of the planets in our solar system. Kids can also map a constellation, climb a worm hole, walk on Saturn’s rings, slide through an asteroid field and more. PLAY Tip: While kids play, parents can enjoy a coffee, beer or wine in a comfortable lounge while watching their tiny explorers learn about space. kennedyspacecenter.com

NEW! Chubby Cheek Cookie Co.

Local mom, Megan Gardner, turned the quarantine and stayat-home order into an opportunity! She used her love of baking to make some silver lining in a dark time. Chubby Cheek Cookie Co. is a delicious and decadent home-based cookie bakery with delivery routes in Windermere and Ocoee as well as a partnership with Foxtail Coffee Co. in SODO for all of your downtown Orlando cookie needs. Check out their Instagram @chubbycheekcookieco for more info and ordering information.

Baby & Me Story Stroll

We love this new program from the Orlando Repertory Theatre for your newest family member!

Baby & Me Story Stroll combines sensory activities and creative play in the safe, outdoor setting of Loch Haven Park. Bring your stroller and mask up to enjoy a 30-minute, socially-distanced walk around the beautiful park with your baby or toddler (up to age 2). You are your baby’s first teacher, and The REP has great tools and playtime techniques to share with you to encourage learning and bonding with your baby. For just $10 per stroll, you can drop in or make a reservation for as many sessions as you like. Story Strolls are on Tuesday mornings from 11–11:30 a.m. through March. orlandorep.com/show/baby-me-story-stroll

Calling All Slime Lovers!

The Slime Factory at The Florida Mall is where it's at for gooey-gooey good times. In this super fun lab, children become scientists wearing lab coats and protective glasses while mixing up superstar slimemaker Maddie Rae’s superior recipes. Aspiring slime makers will have a blast decorating their creations at the topping station with a wide selection of charms and accessories. Slime lovers can also experience the Gooey Slime Pool and capture memories in the photo booth. At the end of the experience, each child will receive a certificate and take their slime home to enjoy with the whole family! theslimefactory.com/floridamall

Barre in the Park

Feeling healthy is so important these days, so let's get out and get moving with Barre 3!

Barre 3 is offering socially-distanced, outdoor classes to stay fit and feel strong during these ever-changing times. Barre in the Park classes are offered in both 45-minute and 60-minute lengths. They include strength training, cardio and mindfulness to leave you feeling balanced in body and empowered from within. Bring a yoga mat and weights, a b3 core ball and a b3 band if possible, but they are not necessary to get a great workout. Classes meet near the Barre 3 studio at Shady Park, West Meadow Park and Central Park. Classes are limited to 20 clients, and masks must be worn before and after class. online.barre3.com/studio-locations/winter-park