Model Railroad

So this past weekend we followed our own advice and checked out a couple of the events going on in the Orlando area. We did the Car Festival in Celebration on Saturday, which was great. And on Sunday we went to check out the open house at the Orlando Society of Model Railroads. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I have to say I was impressed. I had fun taking pictures of everything while my little boy watched the whole thing in awe; and asked all the "how" questions he could think of. I found out they do four open houses a year, but couldn't get the upcoming dates. I'll keep an eye out and let you know though. In the meantime, if you have a little boy, or girl, that's into trains, they told me they were there every Saturday between 10 - 3, and that everyone is welcome. This is fun, and it's free. (If you do bring in some cash there is a bucket for donations)

7208 Aloma Ave. 
Winter Park

Bob the Builder in Orlando

Bob the Builder is coming to Orlando! The Project Build It Touring Exhibit will open at the Orlando Science Center this Saturday, January 28th. It looks like it might be similar to the Curious George exhibit they previously had there. That one was pretty fun. We are exhited about this one!

Max & Oli, Winter Garden

We met some friends at Max & Oli and spent a few fun hours there the other day. The kids didn't want to leave. It's not a huge place but it has lots to do. There's a train, a merry go round, spaceships and cars to ride on, inflatables, and, the big hit – the pool of balls. It's basically a little indoor amusement park, which is nice considering the heat right now. The cost is $8 for children 3 and under, and $12 for 4 and up.

Max & Oli
4036 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. 
Winter Garden FL 34787

Monday through Saturday 10 am - 7 pm, Sunday 10 am - 6 pm

Update on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 3:53PM by Zig & Zag

Max & Oli is no longer open -

Axum Coffee

"I like that coffee place mama. That coffee place has a lot of toys. Do you like it to?" I do! And here's why: Nice ambiance, super friendly staff, delicious hot chocolate and coffee, and yes, most importantly, TOYS that keep the toddler entertained while I can take a second to relax and have a conversation with another adult.

And, as an added bonus, they give 100% of their profits away to serve the world. You can read more about it on their website. 

Axum is in Downtown Winter Garden, just a few steps from the Splash Park

146 W. Plant St., Ste. 110
Winter Garden, FL 34787

Monday-Friday  7:00 AM  – 10:00 PM
Saturday 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Orlando Science Center

If you haven't taken your kids to the Orlando Science Center yet, I highly recommend you do. I have yet to hear of any child not liking this place. It opens at 10 a.m. and, with our determination to always avoid crowds, that's usually when we get there. Here are some of O's favorites:

1. Kid's Town (Level 1): Playing with boats, kitchen area, and picking oranges.

2. Science Park (Level 2): The favorite activity here is the race car ramp. (Even though he can't reach yet and I have to pick him up to participate)

3. All Aboard (Level 2): He loves this whole area!

4. DinoDigs (Level 4): Not into the giant dinosaurs so much, but he does enjoy digging for bones in the sand boxes.

They also have fish, turtles, alligators, and the likes on Level 1. And, if hunger strikes there's a Subway also on Level 1 for a quick fix.

The temporary exhibits are worth checking out too. The last one we saw was Curious George and it was really great.

Tip: Parking is $5, and admission isn't cheap. However, if you become a member after you spend a day there, what you paid for parking and admission will be taken off of the membership price.