New Kids On The Block

New Family-Friendly Businesses

by Jennifer Hughes

Little Pros Academy
The Lake Mary Center is the first location in Florida. The unique curriculum includes a movement and sports program that introduces rhythm & dance, basketball and gymnastics to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Little Pros Academy’s décor is definitely worth scheduling a tour. The playground even has a round bike path for tricycles. Love it! 1032 AAA Dr., Lake Mary 407-444-2268 www.littleprosacademy.com

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Kid Tropolis
While the kids get their groove on playing Dance Dance Revolution, parents are equally excited about the Deal or No Deal game. A separate tot area keeps the little ones contained. There is Wi-Fi available for laptop junkies, and movies playing on the enormous projection screen. Kid Tropolis also serves delicious fresh food made by a chef (be sure to sample the pizza; it is to-die-for). Try the “Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar.” 4932 W. SR 46, Sanford 407-936-3900 www.kidtropolis.net

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Learn2ride
We all know what a monumental milestone it is for kids to learn to ride a bike without training wheels. Learn2ride offers group lessons on Sundays to get your kids off and riding. Special bikes provided during the lesson (basically, a bike without pedals) help kids learn to balance with less emphasis on pedaling. After a number of practice runs and a few turns, kids hop back on their bike and try with pedals. Information on Learn2Ride is available at both Loco Motion bike shop locations at 125 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-629-2680 or 1776 Jake St., Baldwin Park 407-898-6411.

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The Pink Chalet

This is a “preppy chic” destination for shopping. One of the newest boutiques in Southwest Orlando, they offer a sophisticated and fresh look for women, cool products for home, bath and body, as well as trendy gifts for baby. Check out the Pocket Buddies by Barefoot Dreams - possibly the cuddliest travel blankets out there. And look no further for baby bling: Crystal Palace pacifiers or a Prince Charming by Aristabrat make the perfect accessory for baby. 7940 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando 407-363-PINK www.thepinkchalet.com

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Aldi
This grocery store has just arrived in Central Florida and is committed to bringing the lowest possible prices to customers. One of the ways Aldi cuts down on cost is by eliminating bags. Yes, you will need to bring your own and “bag” the groceries yourself. Designed to make shopping a “time saving” experience and as easy as possible, careful planning went into the layout of the store. They have thought of every way to save money for busy and smart shoppers. 6766 Aloma Ave., Winter Park www.aldifoods.com

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Pixie Dust Décor
Straight from California, this new Winter Park design studio creates beautiful décor and luxuriously soft fabrics for any child’s room. Their innovative “Poufs” go anywhere (think beanbag on a smaller scale) and are made with coordinating fabrics. They even offer adorable aprons for your little ones, perfect attire for hosting a tea party, dramatic play or cooking up something special in the real kitchen with mom or dad. The talented sewing staff can customize your décor with Pixie Dust fabric to make any room in your house magical. www.pixiedustdecor.com

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Earth Inspired Living
Husband and wife team Allen and Linda Semmler opened their doors with one goal in mind: To carry products made from recycled, reclaimed, organic and/or sustainable materials. This high-end eco-friendly home and gift store also has baby clothing and blankets spun from bamboo (yes, we said bamboo), puppets made from organic cotton, cleaning supplies made from plant-based materials and a line of natural personal care products. Recycled gifts, accessories and home décor sure have come a long way. 300 N. Park Ave., Winter Park 407-644-2344

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Spark! Family Enrichment Center
This place has the largest array of classes that we’ve ever seen under one roof. This innovative new center offers classes (for all ages) on topics like: Etiquette, sewing, music, magic, computers, belly dancing, yoga, art, landscaping, hip-hop dance, reading, health & nutrition, not to mention the only Spanish language class for preschoolers in the area. Parents’ night out and birthday parties are also available. 5965 Red Bug Lake Rd., Winter Springs 407-679-7775 www.sparkec.net