Orlando Central - Issue #5 (July 2025)

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OFM 0725 Sydney Sweeney - CENTRA - FINAL_Dept 6 / 9 / 25 2 : 15 PM Page 4 Behind the scenes on Echo Valley with Julianne Moore experience — good or bad . But yeah , when it there’s something enticing about stepping back Who do you look up to in Hollywood and didn’t hit the way we hoped , it stung . I care in time , embodying characters from different were there you any role models or actors about the work I do , and I don’t take any job eras and experiencing their worlds . you wanted to be like when you were lightly , whether it’s an indie in the desert or a I’m also fascinated by the complex personali - growing up ? Marvel - adjacent blockbuster . ties in psychological thrillers . Acting is all about I’ve always admired Meryl Streep for her The discourse around it got kind of mean , change and growth . It lets you constantly chal - range and dedication . Growing up , I was also honestly , but the truth is one project doesn’t lenge yourself and discover new sides of you . inspired by the likes of Natalie Portman and define you . I’ve been doing this since I was 12 , Julia Roberts . They are all tremendously strong and there have been plenty of “ no’s ” and Were you a big fan of film growing up ? women who have forged unique paths , and I “ almosts ” along the way . You brush yourself off , Notreally — most of my time was spent outdoors love that . thank the people who worked hard beside you , andTV or film didn’t really come into it . I was a and you focus on what’s next . very sporty child , and that taught me a lot about You’ve surprised people with your love of teamwork , discipline and resilience , all of which cars and motorsports . Where did that pas - Is there any role that you want to do in the come in handy in the film industry ! sion come from ? future ? Despite the allure of sport , I never truly envi - I think people assume I’m all pink dresses and I have a particular fondness for period dramas ; sioned a future in athletics . makeup , but honestly , give me an oil - stained hoodie and a wrench and I’m happy . I rebuilt a 1969 Ford Bronco during the Sweeney in pandemic — took it apart with my own hands a scene from Americana and rebuilt the engine from scratch . My grandfather used to race stock cars , and when I was little I’d hang out in the garage with him in Idaho , watching him work on his old pickup . And that stuck with me . Now I have a little garage of my own in L.A . , and it’s my escape . No cameras , no scripts — just me and the car . I’ve posted some of it on TikTok and Insta - gram and people are like , “ Wait , this isn’t a sponsored video ? ” It’s not — it’s just a genuine love . I think there’s power in women taking up space in traditionally male - dominated hobbies . Plus , it’s nice to know if Hollywood ever kicks me out , I could be a mechanic ! O R L A N D O F A M I L Y | J U L Y 2 0 2 5 | O R L A N D O F A M I L Y M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 1 3

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OFM PARENTING GUIDE 0725 - FINAL - CENTRA_Pages 6 / 9 / 25 5 : 29 PM Page 1 ParentingGuide 2025 FEW WOULD ARGUE that parenting is one of the most difficult jobs in the world , filled with challenges that are easy to anticipate and others that are unimaginable . Yet there is also no role that has a greater payoff , as proud moms and dads get to see their child ace the big test , knock down the winning shot , head off to a prestigious university or start the career of their dreams . The milestones are always fun to celebrate , but the obstacles can also be overcome , even if it takes some outside help . Our annual par - enting guide addresses some of the pertinent issues that parents face today and offers advice from the experts on how to tackle them . pg . 24 pg . 38 EDUCATION SPECIAL NEEDS pg . 30 pg . 44 HEALTH & SENIOR WELLNESS LIVING and artifacts spanning across three centuries . With exhibits honoring native and Western pioneer artists , family fuN and incredible works of art to gaze upon , there’s a lot to learn . Special exhibitions add value to the museum by allowing visitors a fresh experience each visit . “ RARE AIR : Endangered Birds , Bats , Butterflies An Educational & Bees ” is currently on display through Sept . 14 showcasing 70 of Sarah Kaizar’s detailed illustrations of endangered North American flying species . Good Time Instilling a love for education at an early age can go Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Since 1936 , the garden has been “ the keeper of the along way in securing a successful future for your trees . ” Founded as part of the Great Depression re - child , and Florida has plenty of venues to help . covery effort , it continues to help preserve and educate about the beauty of the plants and animals BY CHELSEA VALCOURT found across its 15.2 acres . The garden’s walking FLORIDAISATREASURETROVEof entertainment , them — opening their eyes to the importance of the app allows visitors to learn more about the plants arts and culture , educational centers and beyond . environment , art and future career avenues . they’re seeing as they walk along boardwalks and Museums and other educational attractions nature trails . aren’t just for children , they’re for parents too . As GlazerChildren’s Museum To encourage children to connect with nature you go through exhibits , be engaged . Increase your Combiningplay with learning , the Glazer Children’s and understand the importance of conservation own knowledge , interact with your child’s questions Museum makes learning fun for kids of all ages . efforts at an early age , admission for kids 12 and and don’t be afraid to ask a guide . They can learn valuable lessons like the value of under is free . In addition , dogs on leashes are wel - “ Parents can help make experiences away from money at the central bank , build their confidence as come — making the garden a great place for the screens interesting by actively researching and dis - they make their way through Water’s Journey whole family . covering new educational and fun experiences for Climber , embrace their inner creativity in the Art “ We have no gimmicks . We don’t have any their children , ” says Meghan Kenny , Osceola History’s Smart zone and more as they traverse through rides.We’re all about what belongs here — conservation communications and outreach coordinator . “ By various exhibits . The museum is also home to “ Big is paramount , " says Misha McRae , executive director reading Orlando Family Magazine you’ve already John , ” the world’s largest triceratops fossil , allowing of the Key West Botanical Garden Society . “ We’re taken the first step ! Continue to take an active guests the unique opportunity to get up close and the only frost - free tropical forest in the continental interest in your child’s education by engaging with personal with the remains of a prehistoric beast . United States … and what really sets us apart are our them during the activities and outings you plan for efforts to conserve and protect endangered species . ” them . ” JamesMuseum of Western and Wildlife Art The following educational spaces are excellent A celebration of Western life and art , the James Lightner Museum places to teach your child about the world around Museum’s permanent collection includes artwork Thestudy of art is more than understanding what is 14 ORLANDO FAMILY july 2025 ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

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