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Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Holiday Festival returns with more than 80 free live performances, Sunday movies, Thursday theme nights, and nightly snowfall. The downtown Orlando celebration runs Nov. 27-Dec. 31, with headliners including Maggie Rose, The Frontmen, Michael Cavanaugh, and Emmaline.
Free concerts, holiday movies and nightly snowfall return to Dr. Phillips Center
Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Holiday Festival returns with more than 80 FREE live performances, Sunday movies, Thursday theme nights, and nightly snowfall. The downtown Orlando celebration runs Nov. 27-Dec. 31, with headliners including Maggie Rose, The Frontmen, Michael Cavanaugh, and Emmaline. more
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The Florida Lottery is encouraging holiday shoppers to leave lottery tickets off children’s gift lists. Through the 2026 Gift Responsibly Campaign, the agency is joining a broader effort to raise awareness about youth gambling risks and promote responsible play.
Florida Lottery urges adults to gift responsibly
The Florida Lottery is encouraging holiday shoppers to leave lottery tickets off children’s gift lists. Through the 2026 Gift Responsibly Campaign, the agency is joining a broader effort to raise awareness about youth gambling risks and promote responsible play. more
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The Foundation for OCPS has received a $400,000 grant from the Florida Blue Foundation to strengthen school-based food pantries and expand access to nutritious food. The funding will support students and families facing food insecurity throughout Orange County Public Schools.
Foundation for OCPS receives $400,000 to expand school food pantries
The Foundation for OCPS has received a $400,000 grant from the Florida Blue Foundation to strengthen school-based food pantries and expand access to nutritious food. The funding will support students and families facing food insecurity throughout Orange County Public Schools. more
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Florida’s Department of Health is considering ending the school requirement for chickenpox vaccines. ArtistGNDphotography/E+ via Getty Images
Florida Department of Health considers dropping 4 school vaccine requirements – here’s what that could mean for kids
Florida health officials are considering removing four vaccination requirements for school and childcare entry. Epidemiologist Katrine L. Wallace explains the diseases these vaccines prevent and why declining vaccination rates could put more children at risk. more
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Orange County has adopted new rules governing e-bike and electric scooter speeds, parking, and safe operation. The ordinance requires riders to yield to pedestrians and allows citations and impoundment of devices for certain violations.
Orange County adopts speed limits and safety rules for e-bikes and scooters
Orange County has adopted new rules governing e-bike and electric scooter speeds, parking and safe operation. The ordinance requires riders to yield to pedestrians and allows citations and device impoundment for certain violations. more
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Halloween is an opportunity for children to explore the balance between excitement and fear.
Boo! How to pick scary books for kids that thrill but won’t haunt for life
A spooky story that delights one child may terrify another. From “Frog and Toad” to “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” literature professor Liz Rosenberg explores how adults can match Halloween books to a child’s readiness for fright. more
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Children play at RCMA Bowling Green Daycare Center on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Bowling Green, Florida. Citrus and fruit were the founding industries of Bowling Green and Hardee County.
Amendment 3 could squeeze children’s programs despite school funding exemption
Florida’s public school districts are exempt from Amendment 3’s proposed property tax reduction, but programs supporting their students could still face substantial cuts. Children’s services leaders warn that reduced local revenue could mean fewer after-school opportunities, higher family fees and added pressure on school budgets. more
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A survey from AAA found that 66% of Florida adults have seen children riding e-bikes or e-scooters without helmets, while 83% support helmet requirements. AAA urges riders to wear properly fitted helmets certified for their devices' speed and capabilities.
AAA: Two-thirds of Florida adults have seen children ride e-bikes or e-scooters without helmets
A survey from AAA found that 66% of Florida adults have seen children riding e-bikes or e-scooters without helmets, while 83% support helmet requirements. AAA urges riders to wear properly fitted helmets certified for their devices' speed and capabilities. more
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More than 4,000 Florida children were hospitalized with firearm injuries from 2018 through 2024, with a small number of ZIP codes accounting for a disproportionate share of the cases. Orange County’s 32805 ZIP code recorded the state’s highest rate.
A child’s ZIP code can shape the risk of being shot in Florida
More than 4,000 Florida children were hospitalized with firearm injuries from 2018 through 2024, with a small number of ZIP codes accounting for a disproportionate share of the cases. Orange County’s 32805 ZIP code recorded the state’s highest rate. more
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Federal SNAP reductions could affect Florida classrooms by weakening the formulas that fund free school breakfast and lunch programs. Most Orange County Public Schools students remain covered this year, but declining enrollment in assistance programs could reduce future federal reimbursements.
Federal SNAP cuts put free school meals at risk across Florida
Federal SNAP reductions could affect Florida classrooms by weakening the formulas that fund free school breakfast and lunch programs. Most Orange County Public Schools students remain covered this year, but declining enrollment in assistance programs could reduce future federal reimbursements. more
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The free Frontyard Holiday Festival will transform Dr. Phillips Center’s outdoor spaces into a holiday destination from November 27 through December 31. Visitors can enjoy nightly snowfall, firepits, movies, live performances, seasonal refreshments, interactive attractions, and the return of North America’s only transportable carillon.
Dr. Phillips Center’s free holiday festival returns in November
The free Frontyard Holiday Festival will transform Dr. Phillips Center’s outdoor spaces into a holiday destination from November 27 through December 31. Visitors can enjoy nightly snowfall, firepits, movies, live performances, seasonal refreshments, interactive attractions, and the return of North America’s only transportable carillon. more
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Orange County Fire Rescue and Children’s Safety Village use realistic simulations to teach children how to prevent injuries and respond during emergencies. Lessons in the Fire Safety House help participants practice escaping smoke, checking doors, and following a safe evacuation plan.
Orange County program teaches children lifesaving fire safety skills
Orange County Fire Rescue and Children’s Safety Village use realistic simulations to teach children how to prevent injuries and respond during emergencies. Lessons in the Fire Safety House help participants practice escaping smoke, checking doors, and following a safe evacuation plan. more
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Back-to-school preparation extends beyond purchasing notebooks, backpacks and other classroom essentials. A UF/IFAS expert offers practical ways families can prepare healthy, affordable meals in minutes.
Beyond School Supplies: UF/IFAS expert shares healthy, affordable meal plans you can prepare in minutes
Back-to-school preparation extends beyond purchasing notebooks, backpacks and other classroom essentials. A UF/IFAS expert offers practical ways families can prepare healthy, affordable meals in minutes. more
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AAA is asking motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, and remain alert as students return to school and traffic increases around campuses and residential neighborhoods. The organization is also urging families to review safety practices for walking, riding the bus, and using e-bikes and e-scooters.
AAA urges drivers to slow down as students return to school
AAA is asking motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, and remain alert as students return to school and traffic increases around campuses and residential neighborhoods. The organization is also urging families to review safety practices for walking, riding the bus, and using e-bikes and e-scooters. more
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Cornerstone Connections has received a $100,000 grant from the Truist Foundation to expand its Connecting H.O.P.E. employment program for non-custodial parents. The funding will enhance career coaching, case management, and wraparound services designed to help participants secure long-term employment and better support their children.
Cornerstone Connections receives $100,000 Truist Foundation grant to expand employment program
Cornerstone Connections has received a $100,000 grant from the Truist Foundation to expand its Connecting H.O.P.E. employment program for non-custodial parents. The funding will enhance career coaching, case management, and wraparound services designed to help participants secure long-term employment and better support their children. more
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Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church's Kids at the Well summer camp has doubled in size this year, drawing more than 160 children from 17 communities across Central Florida. Organizers say the expanded program combines STEAM education, athletics, leadership development, and Christian values to prepare students for success both in and out of the classroom.
Patmos Church summer camp doubles enrollment with expanded STEAM, leadership programs
Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church's Kids at the Well summer camp has doubled in size this year, drawing more than 160 children from 17 communities across Central Florida. Organizers say the expanded program combines STEAM education, athletics, leadership development, and Christian values to prepare students for success both in and out of the classroom. more
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Experts at British Swim School of Northwest Orlando say swim lessons should focus first on building comfort and safety in the water rather than advanced swimming techniques. Foundational skills such as floating, reaching the wall, and responding to instructor cues help children gain confidence through consistent, year-round practice.
Building Confidence: Why swim skills are a year-round commitment
As families spend more time around water during the summer months, swim instructors are reminding parents that water safety starts earlier — and lasts longer — than many realize. Beyond learning strokes, swim lessons help children develop confidence, awareness, and essential survival skills that grow over time. more
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Why Water Survival Skills Matter So Early
Swim lessons are about far more than learning strokes or swimming across a pool. Early lessons help children build confidence, comfort, awareness, and foundational water safety skills that can stay with them for life. more
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Back-to-School Health Events in Orange County
Services includes school physicals, vision and hearing screenings with referrals for glasses, basic  dental services, activities, games, giveaways, and more.  more
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Get ready for a summer reading recharge
Summer is the perfect time to power up your child’s literacy skills through playful reading activities that keep their minds active and ready for the new school year. From hopscotch with letter sounds to creating poetic rhythms and imaginary maps, these ideas make reading fun for all ages. more
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Facilitating Language Growth in Early Children
Language is essential for children to express their thoughts and feelings and understand  each other. It supports your child's ability to communicate, express, and understand their  feelings, while supporting their thinking skills and helping them develop and maintain  relationships.  more
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June edition of The Young Observer has arrived!
In this issue, I’ve gathered some of our favorite stories, fun facts, and creative activities to keep your imagination soaring all summer long. more
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What's an Ozobot?
The “Kids at the Well” summer camp runs from June 2nd to July 26th at the Well Activity Center in Apopka. more
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May edition of The Young Observer is here!
This month, we're celebrating curiosity, creativity, and the joy of learning something new everyday! Check out stories, puzzles, photos and more to inspire you to keep reading, wondering, and dreaming big. more
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City announces its 2025 summer camp program
The camp will run Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, offering recreational activities and field trips for youth aged 6 to 13. more
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