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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026 Volume 18 • Issue 5 gigglemagazine.com

THE 2026

Halloween Issue

SUGAR RUSH HALTED! ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUGAR, SWEETS AND YOUR KIDDOS HEALTH TRICK-OR-TREAT 101: LOCAL DEPUTY SHARES HIS PLAYBOOK FOR A SAFER HALLOWEEN ENJOY A TASTE OF FALL: A GUIDE TO FALL DRINK AND TREAT MENUS AROUND TOWN ALL HALLOWS HANDBOOK: YOUR SPOOKTACKULAR GUIDE TO HALLOWEEN FUN!

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2024

2025

KIDS ONLY DENTAL PLACE

publisher's letter

Season Full of Magic There’s something about this time of year that makes childhood feel just a little more magical. Costumes are being planned, candy bowls are being filled, calendars are getting crowded and before we know it, the holidays will be here. Our October/November issue of Giggle Magazine celebrates all the fun — and a little bit of the chaos — that comes with this season of family life. We’re diving into Halloween with plenty of festive inspiration, including costume fun and important trick-or-treating safety tips from a local deputy to help keep our little ghosts, superheroes and princesses safe while they’re out collecting their treats. And because we know those overflowing candy buckets can quickly take on a life of their own, we’re also talking about how families can navigate all that extra sugar without taking the fun out of Halloween.

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As October turns into November, our attention shifts toward the holidays — and everything that comes along with them. Between gifts, gatherings, travel and traditions, holiday spending can add up quickly. Inside, we’re sharing practical ways to spend thoughtfully, plan ahead and enjoy the season without letting your budget become another source of holiday stress. We’re also excited to introduce The Mom Edit, a new feature that puts the spotlight on the amazing moms in our community. Each issue, we’ll get to know one local mom beyond the everyday titles and to-do lists — from her parenting perspective and favorite family traditions to the little things that make her her. We hope you’ll enjoy meeting our first featured mom and find a little inspiration, connection and maybe even a few “me too!” moments along the way.

costume parades, enjoy a piece of Halloween candy (or two!), make room for the traditions that matter most and remember that the best parts of the season usually aren’t the perfectly planned ones. Here’s to making memories — and finding plenty of reasons to giggle along the way. Happy fall!

These next few months will be busy, messy, sweet and memorable. So, soak up the

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

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Nicole Irving, Publisher nbirving@irvingpublications.com

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oct ● nov 2026

happy family • happy community™

conception 2 college™ 62

PREGNANCY

Wait, You Didn’t Know You Were Pregnant? 64 EARLY CHILDHOOD

Eleven Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Childcare Center 67

ELEMENTARY

The After-School Meltdown: Why Children Can Unravel After School

17 parenting & guidance 10 SPECIAL NEEDS When the Expected Doesn’t Arrive 12 PEDIATRICIAN Q&A All About Sugar, Sweets and Your Kiddos Health 14 MENTAL HEALTH Back to School: When Parents Feel the Stress Too 17 FAMILY SAFETY RESOURCES

Before You Trick-or-Treat: A Crime Prevention Deputy’s Must-Read Halloween Playbook 20 FINANCE The Holidays Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune (or Your Sanity)

schools & education 38 HOMESCHOOL Homeschooling Doesn’t Have to Mean Homeschooling Alone

40 SCHOOL INFORMATION Twenty Alachua County Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

local family guides 43 FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING Fall Drink and Treat Menus Around Gainesville 47 DESTINATION

AND ACTIVITY

Top Five Places in Florida to Visit for Thanksgiving Break

health

HIGHSCHOOL+

Cultivating Gratitude and Purpose in Emerging Adults

things to do

community 56 CHARITY SPOTLIGHT Ronald McDonald House Gainesville: When Family Stays, a Community Stays

mom's corner 58 THE MOM EDIT Meet Amber Robinson

50 CRAFTING WITH KATIE Stalk Up on Autumn Fun! Paper Corn Crafts for Kids

TWEEN/TEEN

When You Have Concerns About Your Teen’s Friend: How to Handle It Delicately 70

54 GET PRETTY Eight Fabulous Fall Finds

happy home

72 SEASONAL PLANNING GUIDE Alachua County Manatee Viewing Guide: Where to View, Rules to Know and Conservation Efforts 74 FREE ACTIVITIES Gainesville’s Guide to Trunk-or-Treats 76 CALENDAR October/November 2026

giggle stamp 53 WRAP YOURSELF IN AUTUMN

The Ultimate Blanket Gift Guide

features

on the cover:

23 All Hallow’s Handbook Your Fun and Informative Guide to Autumn and Halloween Fun

33 Our Community Goes Back-2-School

PEDIATRICIAN Q&A ALL ABOUT SUGAR, SWEETS AND YOUR KIDDOS HEALTH PAGE 12 ... AND MORE!

Giggle readers shared their kiddos' first day of school photos with us! GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

parenting & guidance | special needs

When the Expected Doesn’t Arrive BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.

There’s a famous poem about the experience of parenting a child with a disability. “Welcome to Holland” beautifully illustrates the challenges and joys of parenting our children. It speaks to the season of life when parents first learn that their child likely won’t experience life as expected. The hard truth is that, for many, those seasons come and go throughout life. From the time children are young, parents often imagine future moments: watching them drive away for the first time, getting ready for a first date, walking across a graduation stage and more. However, adolescence and young adulthood may bring the realization that some of these anticipated moments may happen later, look different or never happen.

Celebrate, Yet Feel

Parents may feel sad when an expected milestone does not occur. These feelings can emerge unexpectedly when we see online posts of another teenager getting a driver’s license or walking across a graduation stage. We may feel guilt for our sadness as we grieve our dreams while loving our children so deeply. In those moments, let’s remember that these feelings don’t mean we wish something different about our children. Through those moments, we continue to love them fully for who they are, even as we grieve missed milestones. Give yourself permission to acknowledge those feelings rather than minimize them. You’ll be better able to support your child if you do, especially if they also recognize these missed or delayed milestones. Missed milestones can lead to overwhelming thoughts about the future. A child who doesn’t get a driver’s license may need continued transportation well into adulthood. A child who isn’t ready or able to live independently may affect your retirement, financial, housing or caregiving plans for much longer than expected. Throughout these times, we may simultaneously experience love, pride, worry, disappointment, uncertainty and hope.

Allow Yourself to Adjust

The beauty of "Welcome to Holland" lies in the recognition that, while this isn’t the destination we intended, it’s a beautiful one. That realization sometimes requires us to adjust the way we think. Recognize when the feelings are hard and allow yourself to step away from social media or others’ celebrations for a moment. Then look for the joy in your child, in your family and in your heart. When needed, seek support. Friends and relatives can be supportive, but connecting with other parents of teens and adults with disabilities provides a different type of understanding.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

parenting & guidance | special needs

Parent groups provide space to discuss concerns about caregiving, independence, finances, employment, relationships, housing and the future. If needed, seek counseling, caregiving support, faith communities, respite and family organizations to help you process changing expectations over time.

Where Parents Can Find Support

The Arc. Family resources and programs supporting people with developmental disabilities across the lifespan. Support services can specifically address challenges associated with the transition to adulthood. Center for Independent Living (CIL). Among services for individuals with disabilities, CIL also offers local parent and caregiver support services for families of adults with disabilities.

Family Network on Disabilities (FND). FND’s Parent Support Network provides training and information to help parents prepare their children for school and beyond. Their Parent-to-Parent group connects trained parent volunteers to provide support, build community and reduce isolation.

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). APD’s Hope Florida provides individualized support to parents and families through personalized planning and referrals to appropriate local, community-based partners.

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parenting & guidance | pediatrician q&a

ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN:

All About Sugar, Sweets and Your Kiddos Health BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

As candy buckets fill up and trick-or-treating season begins, Halloween serves as a great reminder for families to start thinking more about sugar, sweets and their little ones' health. Rising sugar consumption can increase the risk of tooth decay, weight gain, stomachaches and long-term health complications. To better understand how parents can prepare, I spoke with Dr. Jacquelyn Crews, a pediatrician and clinical assistant professor in the University of Florida Department of Pediatrics, to answer common questions about sugar, sweets and childhood health.

What are the current recommended daily guidelines for added sugar intake in children? Could you give us a practical visual/example of what that allowance looks like in daily meals or treats? The current recommendations are for children over 2 years old, limiting intake to 25 grams of added sugar per day. Children under 2 should aim for no added sugars. Replacing sugar-sweetened drinks like juice and soda with water or milk helps take a good amount of sugar out of kids’ diets. 25 grams (or 6 teaspoons) of added sugar could look like a packet of flavored oatmeal (12 grams), a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread (6 grams) and pasta with store-bought red sauce (8 grams). That meal list had no sugary drinks, between-meal snacks, sides or desserts — it can add up fast! What are the most common "hidden sugar" traps — foods or drinks that parents routinely offer thinking they are healthy, but are actually loaded with added sugar? Sugar can hide in very unexpected places. Yogurt is a common one because there are so many benefits of yogurt, but flavored varieties often have lots of added sugars. Breakfast cereals are often marketed as a healthy meal or snack because they have vitamins and minerals added, but they also tend to have lots of sugar per serving. Even pasta sauce and ketchup can have sugars added! That’s not to say you have to totally avoid these products, but be mindful when serving them and consider what’s on the label in terms of your child’s total daily sugar intake. Parents often talk about a "sugar rush" when kids are bouncing off the walls after eating sweets. Is there a medical/scientific explanation for this behavior? That’s a great question, and surprisingly, there is evidence to suggest the “sugar rush” does not happen in real time. Kids who are otherwise healthy and don’t have trouble processing their foods will regulate their blood-sugar levels to be kept in a normal range, regardless of how much sugar they eat or drink in one sitting. This myth might be brought on because you can imagine a birthday or holiday party (where sugar is loaded on the menu) is overstimulating

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

anyway, which could also cause behaviors that are blamed on lots of sugar. Now, there is some weak link between an overall high-sugar diet and symptoms of ADHD, but that evidence is not strong, and it doesn’t mean the same as once-in-a-while high-sugar intake. Beyond immediate energy spikes or tooth decay, what are the primary longterm physiological risks of high sugar consumption during early childhood development? You hit the nail on the head with the one about tooth decay; that’s a known connection. That, and weight problems, are two of the biggest concerns with high sugar intake. Being overweight in early childhood can lead to later-on issues like heart problems, diabetes and blood pressure issues. And having a diet high in sugar can replace higher-quality nutrition. We’re still learning if there is a connection between sugar and brain development. Are "sugar-free" alternatives safer or better for growing children, or do they carry their own health risks? I wouldn’t make a blanket statement that if all sugar is replaced with “sugarfree” alternatives, everything will be fine. Sugar-free alternatives can certainly help with tooth cavity concerns, and in kids with diabetes or pre-diabetes, they may be helpful with preventing weight gain, and possibly even a small amount of weight loss. We just don’t know enough about their long-term effects yet. They might change the makeup of “good bacteria” in the gut, some may potentially be linked to some types of cancers and they basically reinforce a preference for a sugary taste. Beyond just added sugars, what concerns exist regarding ultra-processed sweets and artificial additives, such as food dyes or synthetic preservatives? This is still a topic of lots of research, but there seems to be a link between some food dyes and preservatives and behavior concerns, mainly hyperactivity. The research is ongoing, but if a parent tells me they avoid these things in their child’s diet because they see the behavior change, I believe them.

From a pediatric perspective, are there specific types of candies (like gummies, ultra-sour treats or hard candies) that should be strictly limited? If so, why? I always try to take into account that each family has their own story, culture and preferences, so I give advice about “strictly” limiting things like this differently depending on certain situations. Hard candies are a choking risk for anyone, but around age 5, kids can start to better handle them. Put a stick on it and it becomes a lolli-pop and may be easier to handle. Gummies are very sticky on the teeth and can cause dental issues, like cavities. Same with ultrasour treats. In general, candies don’t add anything to the diet and can certainly cause issues, so they should be eaten in moderation.

EMBERS

How can parents effectively teach young children the concept of moderation, like understanding they don't need to finish a treat all at once, without creating an unhealthy fixation or obsession with "forbidden" foods? One of the easiest ways to prevent a child from constantly asking for treats is to not keep them in the home. That makes them only available on special occasions. Also, practicing these habits yourself can demonstrate to your kids healthy diet habits without having to explicitly say anything about it. I would recommend serving portions you would be OK with the child finishing and not requiring finishing any meals. Letting the child listen to their body tell them when they are satisfied is a skill that can be learned or unlearned. What are some nutritious, low-sugar alternatives or simple food pairings (like combining fruit with fat or protein) that parents can use to help satisfy a child's sweet tooth while maintaining stable blood sugar? Fruits have natural sugars and come in so many flavors and colors that it’s easy to keep things from getting boring by offering a variety. Swapping ice cream for frozen yogurt takes out some sugar, and you can add fresh fruit as a topping to make it extra sweet. Smoothies make a great treat, and you can add protein with yogurt and nut butters, and usually get some veggies like spinach in there.

Dr. Jacquelyn F. Crews

Dr. Crews is a pediatrician and clinical assistant professor in the University of Florida Department of Pediatrics. She completed her pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, and is interested in areas including asthma, breastfeeding, conjunctivitis, sports injuries in young children and well-child visits.

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parenting & guidance | mental health

Back to School: When Parents Feel the Stress Too BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L2

Back to school season is full of emotions — excitement, anticipation, nerves, dread. It’s not just the students who feel it — the parents do too. Once the kids get back in the swing of things with school, life for many families gets much more hectic. There’s homework, afterschool activities, school events, reuniting with friends, tutoring and more. While this can be fun and exciting, it can also be exhausting. Many parents may experience additional stress around managing the family schedule, coordinating carpools, packing lunches and deciding who will attend which events. Homework can be another major stressor both for parents and children, between trying to find time to get it done to being able to help with those new math techniques.

Give Yourself Some Grace

Tackle the most important to-do items and let the other ones go. Don't allow the stress to overshadow the quality time you have together.

For the Working Parent

Balancing the back to school busyness with a full-time job can be an extra challenge in itself. By the end of the day, mental fatigue has set in, just in time for tackling the evening family routine. Give yourself some grace. Spoiler alert — you won’t get it all done — but that’s OK. Tackle the most important to - do items and let the other ones go. Try not to let the stress overshadow the quality time you have together. Your kids will remember how you showed up for them, not that your bake sale cookies were store bought instead of homemade.

For the Stay-at-Home Parent

Back to school can bring a sense of relief as well as sadness. The kids are out of the house during the day, and you may miss their presence, while at the same time relish a chance to get back into your own routine (and have some alone time). You may actually feel more productive and on top of household duties once school is back in session. Or you may feel like a chauffeur and social director. Make sure you take some time for yourself to explore your own interests. The laundry can wait.

For the Parent Whose Child Is Off to College or Work

If your child is in college or headed out into the world, this time can be filled with a lot of conflicting emotions. You hope that you’ve prepared them well. You may feel a loss of identity without them. You miss them, but you’re happy for the opportunities they are now faced with. Life can feel both empty and liberating. This is a great time to explore new activities. Try a new hobby, invite those long-lost friends out for coffee, reconnect with old hobbies. Many colleges also have parent forums online so you can stay connected to the college. Send your child care packages or notes in the mail. Check in on them to make sure they’re adjusting well.

If Overwhelm Is the Primary Emotion

If you feel like you’re drowning in to-do’s and overwhelmed by everything, schedule a 30 - or 60 - minute block with yourself to get organized. Write out everything on the calendar and determine what the top priorities are and where you can let some things go. Delegate tasks and decide who

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

parenting & guidance | mental health is responsible for what (including your kids). Make a meal schedule and include some quick and easy mid-week meals. If you are able to set yourself up for success during the weekends, take a little time and do it. Your weekday self will thank you.

If Sadness or Loneliness Is the Primary Emotion Reach out to other parents or family members and open up about how you’re feeling. Get involved in new activities and expand your social circle. Journaling can also be very helpful for these moments, including journaling about gratitude. Explore the experiences you’re grateful your kids are getting to do. Stay busy with activities that bring you personal joy and fill your cup. Connect with your kids when you can. While it’s likely you’re experiencing conflicting emotions all at once, know that is normal. In our hustle bustle society, we often stay so busy that we don’t take time to fully process our emotions. Take time to sit with each feeling, explore what’s going on under the surface, then accept it. This is a season of life, and although it can feel both very fast and very long, it will ultimately pass. Do your best to enjoy the highlights and not get too bogged down in the details. In the end, spend as much time enjoying your kids as you can, and try not to get so worried about the small things that you can’t enjoy the big things!

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parenting & guidance | family safety resources

Before You Trick-or-Treat:

Stick to What You Know

Gallop's first piece of advice: Trick-ortreat where you actually know the people, not just the streets.

A Crime Prevention Deputy’s Must-Read Halloween Playbook BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

Halloween is one of the only nights children gets to walk the neighborhood, knock on doors and come home with a bag full of candy. It's also one of the few nights that the neighborhood fills up with strangers, dim lights and unlocked front doors. To help local families navigate it, Cary Gallop, a crime prevention deputy for the Alachua County Sheriff 's Office and R.A.D. coordinator, shared his rundown of ways parents can keep children safe this Halloween. Gallop has spent 38 years in law enforcement and is a part-time national instructor for radKIDS, a curriculum that teaches children ages 5 to 12 how to recognize danger, avoid it and, if needed, physically get away from it. “This [radKIDS] is to me the bravest thing I've ever had the opportunity to do," he said.

"If it's in an area where we don't know what we're getting, it's important to inspect what they have before consumption or before use," he said. "Along with that, it's super important that there's some type of adult supervision while they're doing it." He's seen parents get too comfortable. "I believe there are some neighborhoods where parents have an overconfidence of the neighborhood they live in and their kids' knowledge of it, so they're okay with letting them trick-or-treat or go door to door on their own,” he said. “I think that's a major problem." Don't bother trying to rank which neighborhoods are "safest," either. "When I do neighborhood watch, I tell people the neighborhood is safe because you, the residents who live there, make it safe," Gallop said. For actual data, he pointed families to cityprotect.com, a Motorola-sponsored site where the sheriff 's office and other local agencies upload call volumes. "You can actually go to that website, and you can look up to six months in reverse," he said.

The Buddy System Isn't Optional

No matter the age, Gallop said, kids shouldn't trick-or-treat alone. "It's always safest if you go with a buddy or a group of buddies," he said. "That's not only accountability, but we know if there's a predator or somebody that's wanting to do something, the group of kids is a worse idea than an individual child by themselves." That applies even to middle schoolers who want to go without a parent.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

parenting & guidance | family safety resources "I don't believe, with the way human trafficking is in our world today, including Florida, there's any age where they're safe by themselves," Gallop said. "So again, the buddy system is important."

Set the Ground Rules Before They Walk Out the Door

Asked what rules parents should set before kids head out on their own, Gallop kept it simple: "Don't eat anything until we look at it together. Don't separate from your group. And don't go inside anyone's home."

Gallop said two things are worth extra attention on Halloween night: cars and houses that feel off. "Cars that look like they don't belong, a vehicle that doesn't seem to have children getting in and out of it to go trick-or-treating — it's just sort of driving around for no apparent reason,” he said. “Those are reasons to call and get law enforcement in the area." Houses deserve the same instinct check. He described it as anything that "makes your stomach turn looking at it and say, 'I don't think I want my kid to go up to that door.'"

He also recommends mapping a route ahead of time and having kids stick to it.

He also recommends checking the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's sex offender registry for addresses near a planned route.

"What is the route you're going to take, and do not deviate from the route, because if I need to go looking for you, I want to be able to walk that route and either catch up to you or find you," he recommended parents ask their children.

When it comes to talking to younger kids about it, he keeps the language simple. "We just say that's a person we don't want to talk to or become a friend of, even though they seem friendly. They're not our friend."

Part of that plan should include identifying trusted adults along the way in case a child gets separated. "A trusted adult is someone who doesn't want to hurt you, doesn't want to take you into a place you’re not comfortable in," Gallop said. "It's someone who can help you."

Check the Candy Before It's Eaten

Gallop said to look over every wrapper before it's opened. "We look for any wrapper that looks like it's been opened or tampered with — if it's a hard plastic wrapper of some kind or has other puncture holes," he said. Gallop also said it doesn't matter whether the damage looks accidental or intentional. "Are either of those scenarios worth the risk of the health of your child?" he asked. Homemade treats and fresh fruit get the same scrutiny. "As much as I love for my kids to eat fresh fruit, if it's an apple, banana or peach, you probably shouldn't eat it, because you really don't know the conditions in which it comes from," he said.

Make Them Visible After Dark

Reflective gear and flashlights matter more than most parents think, Gallop said, especially since kids tend to sprint ahead of the adults walking with them. Deputy Gallop recommended giving children flashlights or providing them with sneakers that have reflective or flashy lights. "Flashlights are a great idea because kids can at least use them to see where they're going, but they also help illuminate where they are," he said.

Watch for What Doesn't Belong

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

Costumes Need A Safety Check, Too

Before a costume gets approved, Gallop suggests running it through a quick test. "Can you do the things that you need to do to stay safe while wearing it?” he recommended asking. “Does it obstruct my vision? Do I have clear vision to see where I need to go, where I'm going, who I'm going with? And if I need to run, can I run in it?"

Use Tracking Apps or Devices

Gallop's advice is to explain the "why" for tracking your child. One way to do this is to say to them: "Can Mom or Dad make another child just like you? No, there's no one else in the world exactly like you. And so I give you this tag so that I always know where to find you, so that we can make sure you grow up to be who you're supposed to be." Framed that way, a tracker isn't about distrust; it's about keeping them safe.

Where to Learn More

Gallop's radKIDS curriculum runs for eight hours and teaches children from ages 5 to 12 how to recognize and avoid danger and physically stop violence, he said. Families interested in a local class can find more information at radkids.org. For neighborhood-specific crime data, visit cityprotect.com. To check the sex offender registry near your trick-or-treating route, visit the FDLE website.

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parenting & guidance | finance

Start With a Number

Before making a gift list, figure out what you can actually afford to spend. That sounds obvious, but it's easy to start shopping first and add up the damage later. The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends creating a realistic holiday budget and tracking spending throughout the season. Think beyond presents, too. Wrapping paper, decorations, food, shipping, travel and school or workplace gifts can all add up. Give yourself one holiday number, then divide it into categories. If the budget is $1,000, for example, decide ahead of time how much goes toward gifts, food, travel and everything else. Once the money has a job, it's much harder to accidentally spend it twice.

Don't “Buy” the Memory

Kids aren't likely to remember whether you spent $50 or $150 on a toy. They may remember driving around to look at Christmas lights, making cookies with Grandma, watching the same holiday movie every year or waking up to a living room full of people they love.

The Holidays Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune (or Your Sanity) BY COLE PURVIS

Try choosing a few traditions that cost little or nothing and making them your family's “thing.” A neighborhood lights tour, a pancake breakfast in pajamas, a holiday movie marathon or a night spent decorating cookies can become the moments everyone looks forward to.

Give With a Plan

And then there's the spending.

The pressure to find the perfect gift can be surprisingly expensive. The APA notes that the pursuit of the “perfect” present can add stress, particularly when it leads to excessive spending.

Between presents, decorations, family gatherings, holiday outfits, food and travel, it's easy for the most wonderful time of the year to become one of the most expensive. But before the shopping begins, there's an opportunity to do something a little different this year: Make the magic without kicking off 2027 in debt!

Instead of buying something simply because it's on sale or because you think your child needs more gifts under the tree, make a list and stick to it.

The holidays have a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute you're packing away Halloween decorations and the next you're staring at a gift list, travel plans, school parties and a calendar that somehow has no empty spaces left.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't buy presents. It just means the value of the gifts doesn't have to carry the entire weight of making the holidays magical.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

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You can also consider gifts that create experiences rather than clutter: tickets to a local attraction, a family game, art supplies for a shared project or a special outing together. And don't be afraid to talk with extended family about spending limits. A gift exchange with a set dollar amount can be just as festive without requiring everyone to buy something for everyone.

Give January a Gift, Too

The real test of a holiday budget isn't whether the presents fit under the tree. It's whether you still feel good about your spending when the decorations come down. According to NerdWallet's 2025 holiday spending survey, 31% of people who used credit cards for 2024 holiday shopping still hadn't paid off those balances by the following holiday season. Holiday spending can follow families long after the wrapping paper hits the recycling bin. This year, consider giving your future self something, too: a January without a financial hangover. Spend on what matters. Skip what doesn't. And when the holidays are over, put some of that same energy toward 2027. Even a small monthly contribution to a holiday savings fund can make next year's season easier to afford. Because making holiday magic isn't about how much you spend. It's about making sure the magic lasts a lot longer than the receipt.

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GIGGLE MAGAZINE’S

All Hallow’s Handbook Your Fun and 2026 Informative Guide to Autumn Fun BY A L E X A N D R A B U R N S

SPOOKY SEASON HAS O F F I C I A L LY A R R I V E D . . . and we are serving up the ultimate countdown to the most bewitching night of the year! Whether you are looking to track down this year’s top-trending costumes for every age, craft an enchanted pumpkin fairy house or whip up a fragrant stove-top autumn potpourri, this quick-guide is your official blueprint for a perfect October. From fascinating “Did You Know?” blurbs to a jam-packed seven-day itinerary leading straight to Halloween night, dive in to discover fresh inspiration, eerie trivia and cozy fall traditions guaranteed to make your celebrations absolutely spellbinding.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

Did You

T H E PA R T I C U L A R S ABOUT BATS • Some bat species can fly up to 100 mph, making them the fastest mammals on the planet.

Know?

• There are over 1,400 species of bats. • Bats pollinate over 300 species of fruit, including bananas, avocados, cacao and mangos. The bats help spread the seeds. • Bats clean themselves like cats. • Bats can eat more than 1,200 mosquitoes an hour. • A bat’s wings resemble a human hand. They have long bony fingers with wing membrane stretched between each finger.

O D D D E TA I L S A BO U T S P I D E R S • A spider’s blood is blue due to a copper-based oxygen-carrying protein, rather than iron.

INTERES TIN G FACTS ABOUT BL AC K C ATS • There are 22 breeds of cats that have black fur.

• A spider’s blood pressure works • A spider’s fangs to propel them inject enzymes upwards when into prey that melt they jump, rather their insides. than muscles.

• In ancient Egypt, black cats were worshipped and believed to be a vessel for the goddess Bastet. • Certain genetic mutations found in black cats can help them resist diseases like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). • Most black cats have striking yellow, gold or green eyes because of their high amount of melanin. • Their fur can turn reddish-bronze in prolonged sunlight. This is because ultraviolet (UV) rays break down the dark pigment in their fur.

• A strand of spider silk is stronger than a strand of steel that is the same width.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

• Spiders rarely bite humans because they do not view them as prey. • Some spiders can see ultraviolet (UV) light. • Most spiders have eight eyes that are grouped in pairs or rows on the front and top of their head.

s y a D 7 of fall magic YO U R W E E K - L O N G H A L L O W E E N F A M I LY I T I N E R A R Y

Halloween isn’t just one night; it’s a whole week. By the time Oct. 31 comes around, we’ve already decorated our home, carved pumpkins, watched almost every spooky movie in existence and eaten more candy than we probably should have. If you want to spread the Halloween magic into more than a single night of trick-or-treating, here is our sevenday family itinerary, complete with spooky activities, themed dinners, movies, treats and more.

M O N D AY, O C T . 2 6

Pumpkin Patch and Carving Night After the kids get out of school, head straight to the pumpkin patch. Pick out your favorite pumpkin(s), then come home and carve them together before dinner starts. ––––––––––– DINNER:

Pigs in a blanket, but make them mummies. Wrap the dough in strips around the hot dogs, leaving a little gap for candy eyes. ––––––––––– TONIGHT’S ACTIVIT Y:

Pick tonight’s movie from our spooky watch list below. Snack on some roasted pumpkin seeds during the movie. To make, toss them in butter and salt (plus any preferred seasonings) and roast at 325 F until golden brown. ––––––––––– F I L M S F O R YO U R S P O O K T A C U L A R F A M I LY M OV I E N I G H T

Coraline (PG), Corpse Bride (PG) Frankenweenie (PG), Practical Magic (PG-13) Hocus Pocus (PG), The Boxtrolls (PG) Goosebumps (PG), Hotel Transylvania (PG) Hubie Halloween (PG-13), Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (G) Curious George: Boo Fest (G) Casper (PG), ParaNorman (PG)

T U E S D AY, O C T . 2 7

W E D N E S D AY, O C T . 2 8

Pick a movie and build the whole evening around it: dinner that matches, decorations, etc. For example, my go-to is decorating the living and dining room with fall leaves and fairy lights and then eating a roast chicken with warm apple cider while watching “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” –––––––––––

After school, turn the house or yard into a candy hunt, similar to an easter egg hunt. Hide packaged miniature candy and let the kids run around with a bucket or small treat bag. –––––––––––

Themed Movie Night

Halloween Candy Hunt

DINNER:

Witches’ soup: tomato soup served with tiny mozzarella balls; stew with ghost-shaped carrots.

BONUS ERRAND:

If anyone’s costume still isn’t sorted, this evening after school is a great time for last-minute Halloween shopping.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

T H U R S D AY, O C T . 2 9

Baking and Board Games Bake something spooky together: a brownie “pumpkin patch” or brownies piped with spiderweb icing. ––––––––––– DINNER:

Orange bell pepper stuffed with ground beef or cheese; jack-o’-lantern quesadilla; pumpkin-shaped pasta with a sauce of your choice. –––––––––––

F R I D AY, O C T . 3 0

Bat Watching Night Head out to watch the bats fly out at dusk from the University of Florida’s Bat Houses, located on the north side of Museum Road. Get there before sunset and bring a blanket to sit on. ––––––––––– DINNER:

Homemade pizza with mozzarella-shaped ghosts on top.

TONIGHT’S ACTIVIT Y:

Play a spooky-themed board game, such as “13 Dead End Drive” (a popular recommendation according to online forums).

S U N D AY, N O V. 1

Relaxation

S A T U R D AY, O C T . 31

Halloween

Let the kids sort and trade candy piles while a Halloween movie plays in the background. This is a perfect, quiet way to say farewell to a full week of spooktacular magic.

BREAKFAS T :

Spider web-shaped pancakes or pumpkin-shaped waffles with berries for the eyes and a strawberry-slice smile. ––––––––––– DINNER:

Grilled cheese, cut and pressed into pumpkin shapes. ––––––––––– AFTERNOON:

Paint mini pumpkins as a family and set them out on the porch. ––––––––––– G E T T I N G R E A DY :

Put on costumes with a Halloween movie playing in the background. ––––––––––– TONIGHT’S ACTIVIT Y:

Trick-or-treating!

C H E C K O U T O U R S P O O K TAC U L A R H A L LOW E E N P I N T E R E S T BOA R D FO R M O R E INSPIRATION ON HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES, TREATS, MEAL S, CRAFTS AND MORE!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

Turn Your Home into an Autumn Oasis:

SIMMER POTS

A simmer pot, also called a stovetop potpourri, is a pot of water that is filled with herbs, spices and dried fruit, and then simmered low and slowly to create aromatic steam. According to an article from Mountain Rose Herbs, it is a natural way to create a seasonal fragrance, as well as a wonderful excuse to use the spices sitting in the back of your pantry. For heat, simmer it on the stove over low heat or on a candle warmer for less maintenance. Don’t use a special pot. Some spices can stain.

Potpourri Nothing beats walking into a house that smells like fall. Warm pumpkin spice, dried citrus, hints of vanilla and pine, the type of scent that makes you immediately want to cuddle up in a blanket for movie night. That is the point of potpourri: A mix of dried flowers, herbs, spices and fruit peels that work to release a fragrance slowly and naturally in a room. This fall, we’re doing it two ways: a stovetop simmer pot to fill your whole home with scent, and a dried, bagged version you can gift to friends and family or store for later use.

Every 45 minutes to an hour, make sure there’s enough water in the pot. If the pot runs out of water, the botanicals can become scorched and ruin your pot.

B U I L D YO U R OWN BLEND

There is no perfect combination. Just pick a few of your favorites from the list below and mix and match based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for this fall. • Pumpkin pie spice • Cinnamon sticks • Whole clove • Fresh rosemary sprigs • A pine cone • Dried orange slices • Dried apple slices • A pinch of allspice and nutmeg • Star anise pods • Vanilla bean, sliced down the middle, or a splash of vanilla extract • Lemon peel • Fresh ginger root, sliced • Fresh or dried cranberries • A splash of maple extract • A small piece of amber resin

If you are struggling to choose, pick two to three base ingredients, such as cinnamon sticks and dried apple slices, then add one or two accents, like maple extract and star anise.

TURN IT INTO A GIFT

If you are looking for something special to offer to friends or family this fall, this is the perfect handmade gift. Dry your chosen ingredients and portion them into small tea bags or clear cellophane bags tied off with a fall-covered ribbon. You can also store your potpourri for later by placing it in a mason jar or an airtight container, ready to use whenever you want to embrace the autumn spirit.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

Give Your Jack-O’-Lantern

M U S T - H AV E S U P P L I E S AND TOOLS • Pumpkin (small or large, but keep in mind that smaller pumpkins are easier for small hands to manage) • Super glue (classic Elmer ’s glue is OK if being used by children, but keep in mind that it will take longer to dry) or a hot glue gun • Tweezers • Placemat or disposable tablecloth to allow for easy cleanup • Carving tools (scooper and knife)

This Halloween We’ve carved the classic jack-o’-lantern year after year. They’re cute, but now it’s time to level it up and spark your family’s imagination by turning a simple pumpkin into a cozy fairy cottage. Grab the glitter, craft tiny furniture, tweezers and sticks, and let your imagination run wild. Think whimsical. Think magical. Ask yourself: What would I want if I were a tiny fairy living inside a pumpkin?

• Candle or miniature LED lights for inside of pumpkin • Scissors

L E T ’ S G E T S TA R T E D •TWIGS AND STICKS: Tie them with twine or dab them with some glue to build tiny ladders, window frames, doors, benches or fences. •DOORS AND DOORKNOBS: Cut a door out of cardboard and glue on a bead for a knob. Or reuse the hard pumpkin shell piece you cut out for the doorway and anchor it with a jewelry wire. •NATURAL TOUCHES: Grab fresh flowers, fallen leaves, pine cones or acorns to decorate the home’s front entrance. For example, use a fallen leaf and stick to create an umbrella. •FAKE MOSS: Glue green moss and small flowers around the base of the pumpkin, on its door frame and window sills and wherever else your heart desires. You can order the moss on Amazon or buy it at craft stores like Michaels. •PEBBLES: Use small rocks to recreate a stone path to the house. •ROOFING: Use tree bark scraps or pinecone scales glued in overlapping rows for miniature roof shingles. •Place a BATTERY-POWERED LED TEA LIGHT inside so the house can glow at night. •STORE-BOUGHT EXTRAS: Shortcut the extra work by purchasing tiny accessories (benches, furniture, doors, garden gnomes) on Amazon or at craft stores. •ADD SOME MAGIC: Sprinkle biodegradable craft glitter along the doorstep to imitate fairy dust. * Always supervise children while crafting.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

What’sTrendingThis Halloween? AG E - BY- AG E C O S T U M E I D E A S Halloween often spotlights the year’s most popular moments, from television shows to iconic film characters and classic superheroes and princesses. Pinterest saves are already through the roof for “Wicked” and “KPop Demon Hunters” looks, TikTok can’t stop talking about “Scooby-Doo” group costumes and Depop searches are trending for “Fantastic Mr. Fox” couples’ costumes. Whether you’re dressing a newborn or planning a costume that will create the perfect Instagram snapshot, here’s the full breakdown by age group.

NEWBORN

MIDDLE SCHOOL

H I G H S C H O O L /A D U L T

• Little pumpkin (will never not be cute)

• Kiki from “Kiki’s Delivery Service”

• “Wicked” (Elphaba or Glinda)

• Strawberry

• Wednesday Addams or a Nevermore Academy student

• Ryland or Rocky from “Project Hail Mary”

• Harry Potter, Hermione or a Hogwarts student

• “The Odyssey” (a siren, knight or other creature)

• An emotion from “Inside Out”

• Jean Grey from “X-Men” and “SpiderMan”

• Little bear • Knit/crochet everything (hats, jumpers, the whole handmade look) • Boo from “Monsters, Inc.” • Baby Yoda • Baby Groot from “Guardians of the Galaxy” • Baby Moana

• Minecraft

• Supergirl

• “Super Mario Bros”

• “Mean Girls”

• “Clueless”

• “Grease”

• A cat or cheetah

• “Dune” (Paul Atreides or Chani)

• “Ready Player One”

TODDLER

• “Challengers” (tennis player core)

• “Star Wars”

• “The Mandalorian” • “Top Gun” (aviators and a bomber jacket)

• “Toy Story” (Woody, Buzz, Jessie) • Moana

COUPLES

• “Lilo & Stitch”

• “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (Mr. and Mrs. Fox)

• Clown (the circus aesthetic is trending all over socials)

• Minion from “Despicable Me”

• Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker/Spider-Man

• Gnome

• “Bluey”

• Superman and Lois Lane

• “SuperKitties”

• Mavis and Jonathan from “Hotel Transylvania”

• “Scooby Doo” (Velma, Daphne, the gang)

• Marvel superhero • “Kpop Demon Hunters” • Unicorn • “Gabby’s Dollhouse” • Disney princess • Butterfly • “Coraline” (Wybie, Coraline or the black cat) • Wendy, pirate or Peter from “Peter Pan”

• “The Drama” (Emma and Charlie postwedding scene) • Padmé (any era) and Anakin • “Romeo and Juliet” (1996 film) • “Fight Club” • Megara and Hercules • Tarzan and Jane • “The Office” (Jim and Pam)

• Ms. Frizzle • Bumblebee, ladybug or fairy • Mermaid or Aquamarine • Strawberry • “High School Musical” (the Disney+ show or the OG movies) • Batman or Catwoman, especially Zoë Kravitz version • “Pretty in Pink” (the prom dress scene)

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Back-2School

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Thank you to our Giggle readers who shared their first-day-ofschool photos with us! We hope you all have a great school year!

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ADDI, 3RD GRADE BRADY, PRE-K

ALAN, 2ND GRADE

ALEJANDRO, PRE-K

CHLOE, SENIOR

ALYNNA, 4TH GRADE

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learn | back to school Photos submitted by local families.

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AUDRINA, 1ST GRADE

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schools & education | homeschool

Homeschooling Doesn’t Have to Mean Homeschooling Alone BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.

Most new homeschooling families have the same fear: How will I do this alone? The good news is that you don’t have to. The flexibility that naturally comes with homeschooling allows you to homeschool alone, in small groups, with friends, through classes and in countless other settings. Homeschool groups are among the most popular ways to maintain the flexibility we all love while building community, sharing resources and finding new opportunities around every corner. Participating in a homeschool group enriches the homeschooling experience for parents and children.

Building Friendships and Community Homeschool groups create a sense of belonging for children and families without requiring families to give up their individualized approach to education. Children develop friendships around shared interests, activities and experiences. Parents benefit from relationships with other homeschooling parents who understand the rewards and challenges of homeschooling. For both, the relationships formed through homeschool groups can become some of the best and most supportive friendships you’ll have.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

Expanding Learning Opportunities Let’s be honest. We can’t all be experts at everything. That’s one of the biggest challenges to homeschooling, especially as children age. Homeschool groups provide experiences and expertise that may be more difficult for one family to organize independently. Field trips, science labs and experiments, book clubs, art, music and drama clubs, academic competitions, guest speakers and service projects — all experiences common in public schools — can also be enjoyed by homeschoolers through these groups. As parents share their individual passions, talents and knowledge, children are exposed to new subjects, perspectives and interests.

Shared Resources and Support Homeschool groups provide a venue where parents can learn from one another while still making educational decisions that fit their own family. Parents can exchange curriculum recommendations, teaching ideas and information about local resources while providing practical guidance to those new to homeschooling. Groups may also share materials or coordinate activities that would otherwise be expensive or difficult for individual families.

Finding the Right Homeschool Community Homeschool groups vary considerably in size, purpose, philosophy and activities. As you learn about the homeschool groups in our community, consider their educational philosophy or faith orientation, ages served, activity frequency, academic versus social emphasis, parent participation expectations, cost and location. You may also want to visit or attend an activity before committing if possible.

Stronger Together Joining a homeschool group is not necessary for successful homeschooling, but it can broaden the experience. The combined benefits of friendships, learning opportunities, resources and parent support encourage families every day. Explore your local groups and find a community that complements your homeschooling goals. Start by searching social media or the Florida Parent Educator’s Association (FPEA).

Alachua Homeschool Groups to Consider (FPEA Members) Classical Conversations (NW Gainesville & Abundant Grace). Two different homeschool groups based on Classical

Conversations curricula. Groups meet weekly and work on additional content at home throughout the week.

Community Christian Homeschoolers (CCH). CCH

offers fellowship, support and academic enrichment to families in and around Alachua County. Parents may select the activities that meet their family’s individual needs.

IGB Education. IGB is a K12 program providing flexible,

structured learning in a supportive environment. Families have the option of weekly full- or half-day instruction in small-group settings. Lessons address English, math, science and social studies, emphasizing financial literacy, communication, emotional wellness and problem-solving.

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schools & education | school information

20 Alachua County Students Named National Merit Semifinalists BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

Twenty Alachua County Public Schools seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, according to a Sept. 9 announcement from Alachua County Public Schools. The total is a 25% increase from the previous year and includes students from four Gainesville-area high schools. National Merit Semifinalists represent fewer than 1% of high school seniors nationwide. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation said more than 1.2 million students took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as juniors, with about 16,000 students selected as Semifinalists.

Which Alachua County Students Were Recognized? The students named by Alachua County Public Schools are: • Buchholz High School: Jubili BamzaiWokhlu, William Bigger, Mira Bubenik, Alexander Hughes, Dylan Lamb, Jonathan Lin and Amy Xiao • Eastside High School: Derek Ai, Ethan Dodds, Neha Gupte, Noah Jang, Jaden Jeng and Matheus Ribeiro Do Vale • Gainesville High School: Gabriel Duterte, Navya Goyal, Sigrid Noah, Alejandro Probert and Anna Russ • Professional Academies Magnet at Loften High School: Aurora Conklin and Evelyn Orsini

What Happens Next? The recognition is an early step in the National Merit Scholarship competition. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, Semifinalists must meet additional requirements to advance to Finalist standing. Those requirements include strong academic performance, school endorsement and submission of a scholarship application with information about academic achievements and activities.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

About 95% of Semifinalists are expected to become Finalists, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The 2027 competition will ultimately include approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships, with winners selected from the Finalist pool. The students will continue through the National Merit Scholarship process this fall, with Finalist selections expected in early 2027.

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13005 SW 1st Road, Suite 233, Gainesville, FL 32669 *Must mention this offer to receive discount. New patients only. May not be combined with any other offer, discount, insurance, or reduced-fee program. Not valid on previous treatment or treatment already begun. Includes comprehensive exam, all necessary x-rays as determined by provider, routine cleaning, and fluoride treatment. ADA includes 0150, 0272, 1120, 1203. Offer expires 60 days after receipt. Jose Peralta, DDS & Associates. THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAVE A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAM OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED, REDUCED-FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. LIC #DN13891

• Infant Dental Care • Children’s Dental Care • Emergencies Welcome • Nitrous Oxide • Preventative Care • Pediatric Crowns Office Hours Mon - Thurs: 8 AM - Noon and 1 PM - 5 PM Fri - Sun: Closed

$149

New Patient Children’s Special Includes exam, x-rays, cleaning and fluoride*

MILLHOPPER FAMILY DENTISTRY

Flowers Montessori School We are a second generation Primary Montessori school serving the Gainesville area since 1973, committed to helping each child develop personal autonomy, as well as respectful and productive peer relations.

ENROLLING

NOW!

We strive to provide education that is tailored to the needs of each student, which encourages the development of their mental, physical, and emotional abilities. We are constantly evolving and adapting our materials, to maintain interest and inspire independence in our students.

Call to schedule a tour 352-376-4700

Through our child-focused approach, we hope to instill effective learning strategies in each child, and kindle a life-long love of learning. As guides to your children, we continue to grow and learn alongside them.

FLOWERS MONTESSORI SCHOOL INC

Our daily pledge is to be sensitive to the needs of each child, and to approach them with understanding, patience, and love. “The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence” - Dr. Maria Montessori

Ages 2.5 - 6

Mixed age group

Lots of outdoor access and free play

Low student/teacher ratios Sibling discount available

Specialty classes included in tuition- spanish, ASL, dance, yoga, gym, music, art, gardening Step Up partner - state scholarships for Kindergarteners Free morning care from 7:30 - 8:30 After school available at additional charge until 5:30 pm

flowersmontessori.com flowersmontessori. school@gmail.com 3111 NW 31st Avenue Gainesville, Florida 32605

local family guides | family-friendly dining

Foxtail Coffee Co.

Fall Drink and Treat Menus BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

Fall flavors are hitting Gainesville menus. Here's a roundup of seasonal drinks and specials from local cafes and chains.

Daydreamer Cafe

Oaks Mall food court ––––––––––––––

1225 W. University Ave. Ste 100, Gainesville, FL ––––––––––––––

108 Vine 3735 W. University Ave., Gainesville, FL –––––––––––––– House-made syrups: Pumpkin spice, maple pistachio, butterscotch, caramelized brown sugar, Fruity Pebbles, vanilla, mocha

SEASONAL DRINKS: • Pumpkin Spice Latte • Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: Cold brew topped with pumpkin cream cold foam • Butterscotch Latte • Saturday Morning Cartoons: Fruity Pebbles latte with cold foam and a Fruity Pebbles garnish • Slow Burn: Caramelized brown sugar with a touch of salt • Pistachio Maple Matcha Latte • Study Aide Fruit Cider: Caffeinated bubbly fruit refresher

SEASONAL DRINKS:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Featuring pumpkin, warm fall spices and rich espresso • Maple Banana Cold Brew: Smooth maplespiced cold brew topped with creamy banana cold foam • Crème Brûlée Latte: Rich espresso combined with creamy sweetness inspired by the classic dessert • Caramel Apple Latte: Sweet apple butter combined with rich espresso

FOOD: • Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll: Gooey cinnamon swirls topped with sweet pumpkin spice frosting • Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich: Sausage, egg and cheese stacked on a hearty biscuit • Almond Croissant: Buttery and flaky croissant paired with fall lattes

Patticakes

Coterie Market Cafe • Honey Bun: Honey drizzle, salted brown sugar vanilla syrup and cinnamon on top • Pumpkin Cloud: Seasonal pumpkin syrup finished with a dash of housemade pumpkin spice on top • Salted Caramel Vanilla: Miso caramel drizzle, vanilla syrup and flaky Maldon salt • Lemon Sweet Tea: Hong Kong-style black tea paired with honey and lemon, served iced or hot

Several Gainesville locations ––––––––––––––

• Pumpkin Pie Latte: Latte with pumpkin pie sauce and cinnamon bun syrup, topped with vanilla cinnamon cold foam and Biscoff crumbles • Apple Pie Matcha: Matcha with apple syrup and brown sugar, topped with vanilla cinnamon cold foam and Biscoff crumbles • Pecan Pie Chai: Chai with praline syrup and brown sugar, topped with vanilla cinnamon cold foam and praline pecan crumbles

The Honeybee Café 910 NW 57th St. B, Gainesville, FL ––––––––––––––

THE CLASSICS:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte • Pumpkin Pie Latte • Pumpkin White Mocha • Pumpkin Marshmallow Latte • Pumpkin Chai

9124 SW 51st Road B-102, Gainesville, FL 12921 SW 1st Road #111, Newberry, FL –––––––––––––– • Sweater Weather Latte: Creamy pumpkin latte with warm spices and a cozy finish • Spiced Pumpkin Chai: Spiced pumpkin paired with black tea and a touch of vanilla • Caramel Apple Shaker: Shaken espresso crafted with caramel, apple and apple cold foam • Salted Honey Latte: Smooth latte mixed with sweet honey and a pinch of sea salt • Marshmallow Matcha Cloud: Smooth matcha with creamy milk, topped with marshmallow cold foam • Maple Pancake Cloud Latte: Maple pancake latte topped with cold foam • Pumpkin Cloud Cold Brew: Smooth cold brew with pumpkin sweet cream and cozy spices

FOOD:

FALL IN LOVE WITH SOMETHING NEW: • Maple Cardamom Latte: Maple and cardamom • Pumpkin Pancake Latte: Half maple, half butterscotch, with pumpkin pie flavoring • Pistachio Velvet Latte: Brown sugar, pistachio and cinnamon • Hazelnut Cocoa Chai: Chocolate and hazelnut chai

• Pumpkin Patch Loaf: Baked pumpkin loaf served with maple cream cheese spread • Pumpkin Patch Donut Rings: Pumpkin donuts served with maple cream cheese spread

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

local family guides | family-friendly dining

Jeff's Bagel Run 3254 SW 35th Blvd., Gainesville, FL ––––––––––––––

SEASONAL DRINKS:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte • Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam Cold Brew • Maple Spice Latte

RETURNING: • Pumpkin Spice Latte • Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino • Pumpkin Cream Chai • Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew • Pecan Crunch Latte (hot or iced) • Pecan Cortado • Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin

FOOD AND SPREADS: • Pumpkin Bagels (available daily) • Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese: Includes a new vegan option.

Chick-fil-A

• Maple Brown Sugar Cream Cheese

NEW:

Dunkin' Donuts (all locations) ––––––––––––––

PUMPKIN LINEUP:

• Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte • Pumpkin Cloud Dunkalatte • Pumpkin Pie Coffee Chiller • Pumpkin Patch Cloud Latte • Nutty Pumpkin Protein Latte Pumpkin swirl can also be added to any hot or iced coffee, cold brew or espresso drink. Pumpkin Donut, Pumpkin Munchkins and Pumpkin Muffin are back in the bakery case

NEW TIRAMISU COLLECTION: • Tiramisu Cloud Latte • Tiramisu Shakin' Espresso • Tiramisu Marshmallow Matcha • Tiramisu Protein Latte

ALSO NEW: • Berry Clementine Refresher and Berry Daydream Refresher: Both customizable with tea, lemonade, oat milk, protein milk or sparkling water

Starbucks (all locations) ––––––––––––––

NEW THIS YEAR:

• Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso • Pumpkin Spice Chai • Pumpkin Cream Matcha • Chaider • Banana Bread Latte • Banana Bread Chai • Chicken Bacon Protein Pocket • Hedgehog Cake Pop

(all locations) –––––––––––––– • Chicken & Waffles Sandwich: Original, spicy or grilled • S'mores Milkshake: Ice cream blended with chocolate shortbread and graham cracker crumbles, marshmallow-flavored syrup and marshmallow-flavored whipped topping • S'mores Frosted Coffee: Cold-brewed coffee blended with ice cream, marshmallow-flavored syrup, chocolate shortbread and graham cracker crumbles

Cracker Barrel

––––––––––––––

SEASONAL DRINKS:

• Sweet Honey Latte • Granny Smith Apple Tea • Granny Smith Apple Mimosa

FOOD: • Sweet Cream Caramel Apple Pancakes: Topped with warm fried cinnamon apples, caramel drizzle and sweet vanilla cream sauce; served with eggs and bacon or sausage patties • Sweet Cream Caramel Apple French Toast: Topped with warm fried cinnamon apples, caramel drizzle and sweet vanilla cream sauce; served with eggs and bacon or sausage patties • Crispy Homestyle Chicken Entrées & Sandwiches: Featuring new variations like maple bacon, BBQ smokestack, Nashville hot and honey butter • Apple Cobbler Cheesecake & Carrot Cake

Panera Bread

––––––––––––––

SEASONAL DRINKS:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Freshly brewed espresso combined with foamed milk and pumpkin spice sauce, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spice crumbles • Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte: The classic Pumpkin Spice Latte served over ice • Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee: Dark roast coffee with pumpkin sauce over ice, topped with sweet cream cold foam and pumpkin spice crumbles • Pumpkin Spice Frozen Java: A frozen blended coffee drink with dairy blend and pumpkin sauce, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spice crumbles

FOOD: • Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll: Sweet dough stuffed with cinnamon and pumpkin filling, topped with pumpkin spice icing • Caramel Pumpkin Slice: A slice of cake with pumpkin pie spices, brown sugar, vanilla and salted caramel swirls, topped with pumpkin spice icing • Pumpkin Cookie: A pumpkin-shaped shortbread cookie decorated with icing

Krispy Kreme

––––––––––––––

SEASONAL DRINKS:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Served hot, iced or frozen • Pumpkin Spice Coffee • Apple Crisp Latte: Blended with warm apple-crisp-flavored syrup; topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and cookie crisp topping

FOOD: • Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut: Original glazed old-fashioned cake doughnut infused with warm pumpkin spice flavor • Biscoff Cookie Butter Doughnut: Unglazed shell filled with Biscoff cookie butter kreme, dipped in cookie butter icing, topped with Biscoff crumble and drizzled with white icing • Maple Cheesecake Doughnut: Unglazed shell filled with cheesecake kreme, finished with sweet maple icing drizzle and crunchy graham-flavored topping • Café Mocha Doughnut: Original glazed doughnut dipped in chocolate icing, topped with a swirl of coffee-flavored buttercream and finished with a mocha bean For continuous updates on new fall flavors and menus, visit our website.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

local family guides | destination and activity

Top Five Places in Florida to Visit for Thanksgiving Break BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

The one-week Thanksgiving break is the perfect time for a short in-state road trip — explore hidden gems, relax and soak up cozy fall, quaint-town vibes. From small historic towns to beach escapes, here are five places in Florida for the perfect Thanksgiving break getaway with the whole family.

Mount Dora

St. Augustine

Mount Dora truly is a hidden Florida gem. From its historic downtown district to its parks and water views, it feels like home.

In St. Augustine, autumn brings cool, crisp weather, perfect for wandering through the historic district without the summer heat.

Downtown is packed with small shops and local businesses: famous Florida ice cream stops, clothing boutiques, cafes, craft stores, spice shops, family-owned dining and TikTok-trending restaurants, plus lunch spots with live music. This is the place to be. Light Up Mount Dora, held a few days before Thanksgiving, kicks off the season with lights strung throughout downtown, plus live music and a fireworks show.

The timing of Thanksgiving break works perfectly, too: Nights of Lights kicks off the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year, when downtown gets strung with about three million white lights. The tradition can be linked to the Spanish custom of placing white candles in windows, and National Geographic has labeled it one of the world’s top 10 holiday light displays. It’s magical and cozy, just like Thanksigivng. Downtown St. Augustine’s plaza is also full of dining options with nearby parks and beaches. For a Thanksigivng day meal, plenty of local restaurants offer sit-down Thanksigivng meals. Just make sure to try the seafood and local beer at least once during your trip. And of course, history is everywhere, from the brick streets to Castillo de San Marcos.

local family guides | destination and activity

Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island Fernandina Beach is a warm, welcoming place that feels luxurious, beachy and restful. Enjoy local spas, upscale dining, shopping and family restaurants by the water, plus beach days with clear water and soft sand (and some incredible seafood). It also features a historic downtown district, with brick buildings and tree-lined streets that glow with lights at night. It's calm and comforting, exactly the kind of ease you want for a Thanksgiving break with family. The town offers Thanksgiving Day meals at restaurants spanning multiple cuisines, from casual to fine dining. There's also the annual Turkey Trot, where you can celebrate the Thanksgiving spirit and connect with the community and your own wellness, whether you're walking or running.

Walt Disney World, Orlando For some people, Thanksgiving means being one step closer to Christmas, and if that's you, Disney World is the place to be. By Thanksgiving week, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and many of the resorts are fully decorated for the Christmas season, so you're surrounded by trees, bows and twinkling lights, maximizing that cozy holiday feel. Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays, a tradition featuring global culinary traditions and special events, also kicks off the day after Thanksgiving, making it a great activity for the whole family.

Cedar Key Cedar Key is the perfect beach destination for families looking for relaxation, sea breezes and cozy vibes.

Select restaurants at Disney World, like Whispering Canyon Cafe and Diamond Horseshoe, also offer special menus on Thanksgiving Day.

Packed with community events, local seafood and cool weather, it's great for bike rides, sunset walks and lying on the beach: the perfect setting to feel thankful for the world.

The days after Thanksgiving (starting that Sunday, typically) are reported to be some of the least crowded of the holiday season there. The resorts are also great for keeping kids entertained onsite while parents relax.

Activities include golfing, nature walks, paddling and boating, plus restaurants serving locally harvested clams and fresh seafood.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

Be sure to enjoy its coastal charm and small-town vibes!

Is youR child struggling?

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happy home | crafting with katie

CRAFTING

with Katie

Stalk Up on Autumn Fun! Paper Corn Crafts for Kids BY KATIE OSTERHOUT

Hello to all the a-maize-ing crafters out there! Are you ready to lend us your ears? This fall we’ll show you how to turn simple paper into the coolest crop in the patch.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

Photos courtesy of Katie Osterhout

This seasonal project will have you popping with excitement. It’s not just a regular craft— it’s totally corny in the best way! Follow these simple steps to grow your very own paper corn stalk. Don’t forget to make popcorn to snack on while you create your fall project!

happy home | crafting with katie

Supplies • Green construction paper • White construction paper • Yellow paint • Paint brush • Bubble wrap • Scissors

Instructions 1. Using your white paper, draw the shape of an ear of corn and cut it out. Make as many ears as you’d like and set them aside. 2. Prepare the bubble wrap “stamp” by painting the bubble side with yellow paint in an area large enough to cover one whole ear of corn. Once painted, place your white paper ear of corn over the painted bubble wrap and gently press down so the paint transfers. 3. Slowly pull back the white paper to reveal your corn kernel print. Set aside to dry.

Photos courtesy of Katie Osterhout

4. Using the green paper, cut out husk shapes to hold the ears of corn. They can be any shape you like. Glue these to the ears of corn once they've dried and enjoy your harvest!

Tip:

Use your corn crafts as place cards for Thanksgiving dinner! We’d love to see your custom paper corn stalks! Share with us and tag creative_household or post #creativehouseholdfl to show off your fun!

CAMERON DANCENTER

JORDAN GLEN SCHOOL

giggle stamp

Wrap Yourself in Autumn THE ULTIMATE BL ANKET GIF T GUIDE BY NICOLE IRVING

s the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves start to change, there is nothing quite like transforming your home into a warm, inviting sanctuary. This fall, we have curated a collection of ultra-plush blankets designed to bring ultimate comfort to your seasonal routine. Whether you are curling up by a crackling fireplace with a warm mug of apple cider, diving into a captivating new book or searching for the perfect meaningful present for a loved one, these handpicked throws offer the ideal blend of luxurious texture and cozy warmth.

Harbor House Living's Faux Fur Blanket

*Photos provided by manufacturer

$349.99 harborhouseliving.com

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Graphite Throw $158 The Yellow Acres

Harbor House Living — Catalina Botanical Cotton Jacquard Throw $99.99 harborhouseliving.com

Snuggle Sac Throw Blanket $29.99 Amazon

Ridgeline Faux Fur Throw Blanket $69.99 evergracehome.com

Chenille Handmade Chunky Knit Throw $121 madisonpark2010.com

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

health | get pretty

Biolage Hydra Source Serum Moisture Method Scalp + Hair Serum $40 (90 mL), $25 (30 mL) | biolage.com

BY NICOLE IRVING

This fall, treat yourself to our top fall beauty picks that are destined to become a year-round staple!

Kiehl’s 1CC* CollaShot Plump Serum $55 (30 mL), $78 (50 mL) | kiehls.com

essie Moonlight Ballet collection Shades include: essie classics like Ballet Slippers, Muchi, Muchi and Licorice, along with new shades Twisted Tutu, Prima Plum, Midnight Encore and Onyx Swan. $10 each | select retailers Dr.G Black Snail Collagen to Mist Serum $20 | Amazon

Charlotte Tilbury NEW! Airbrush Flawless Blush Blur $42 | charlottetilbury.com

Dyson Supersonic™ Travel hair dryer $299.99 | dyson.com

Dr. G Black Snail PDRN Booster Cream Mask $22 | Amazon

ureology Smooth Gloss Silkmorphose™ Spray $42 (13.5 oz) $26.50 (8.5 oz) sephora.com

*Photos provided by manufacturer

FABULOUS FALL FINDS

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community | charity spotlight

After his transplant, Cooper returned to the House with his family, and Room 49 became home. Cooper made sure it was a home filled with life. He brought fun and positivity everywhere he went, along with a huge love for dinosaurs and chocolate chip cookies. During a season filled with uncertainty and incredibly difficult days, Cooper's family never had to leave his side. They could simply be together. That is what Family Stays means. It is more than a room. It is a warm meal after a long day at the hospital. It is siblings staying together and parents remaining close to their child. It is a kitchen, a bed, a familiar face and a place to exhale. Sometimes, it is even a chocolate chip cookie waiting for a 10-year-old who has been through more than most of us can imagine. Stories like Cooper's unfold behind our doors every day. Founded in 1982 by Gainesville physicians who saw families sleeping in hospital waiting rooms and cars, Ronald McDonald House Gainesville began as an 18-room House. As the need grew, so did we. Today, our House has grown to 50 family suites, allowing more families to stay close to their child's care. Yet even with 50 suites, the need continues to exceed our capacity. For families we cannot accommodate, the need to remain close to their child does not disappear simply because our rooms are full.

Ronald McDonald House® Gainesville:

When Family Stays, a Community Stays BY JOHN THOMAS AND STEVIE DOYLE

At Ronald McDonald House® Gainesville, we believe family is not a visitor. Family stays. Behind the door of Room 49, that belief came to life in a very special way. Ten-year-old Cooper came to Gainesville for something his family desperately hoped for: a new heart. Through the waiting,

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

So far in 2026, we have welcomed 316 families across our House and Family Room, providing nearly 11,000 nights of care, with families at the House staying together an average of 41 days while their child receives treatment. Behind each of those numbers is a family who stayed. Our care also extends inside UF Health Shands Children's Hospital through the Ronald McDonald House® Family Room, giving families a place to rest and recharge without leaving the hospital. This holiday season, our Behind Every Door, There's a Story campaign will share more of the stories that live within our House and what is possible when family stays. Because behind every door is more than a room. There are hard days and hopeful ones. There are milestones, meals, laughter and sometimes dinosaurs and chocolate chip cookies. And when family stays, a community stays with them.

To help families stay, volunteer or learn more, visit ronaldmcdonaldhousegnv.org.

Photo courtesy of John Thomas and Stevie Doyle

the lifesaving transplant and the long road to recovery, Ronald McDonald House Gainesville became home for Cooper and his family for more than 200 nights.

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Let’s Celebrate... Call today (352) 474-0005 or scan QR to learn more!

mom The

mom's corner

edit

Meet the moms who make our community shine. The Mom Edit gets personal with local moms about motherhood, family life and everything in between — from their must-have parenting hacks and favorite traditions to their coffee order, guilty pleasures and the little things that keep them going. Real moms. Real life. A little fun along the way.

AMBER ROBINSON’S days used to be filled with the hustle and bustle of owning a booming business and busy days of parenting alongside her husband, Derrick, raising their two amazing kiddos, Dash and Dylan. After selling her successful franchises, Amber's days are now filled with sports, homeschooling and living her best life with family and friends in Gainesville. She opens up about what she's had to let go of, her momma mantra and what she says she'll never do as a mom.

What does a typical morning look like in your house: organized and out the door, or controlled chaos? A typical morning in my house is breakfast (fixed by the kids, hooray for independence) followed by a few chores and then out the door. We recently began homeschooling, and my kids attend a learning co-op a few times a week. It doesn’t start until 10 a.m., so we’ve been embracing and enjoying slower mornings. This age feels very organized because we’ve implemented a chore chart, and my kids really LOVE crossing off their items. Allowing them time to wake up and not have to rush definitely cuts down on the chaos and meltdowns.

What’s one parenting hack you swear by? ALWAYS have a snack. Maybe it’s just my two, but my kids are ALWAYS hungry. I always have something in my bag, or in my car, to keep them satiated. I use snacks to bribe, convince or distract my kids when needed.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

What’s something you said you’d never do as a mom… and now totally do? I always said I would wait until my kids were teens to get them phones. Somehow, my husband and I ended up with two extra lines and an unbreakable contract with AT&T. Now both of my kids have a phone. I do love that they can FaceTime grandparents on their own and the phones don’t leave the house. There are restrictions, but I hate that I folded so easily.

What’s your favorite way to spend an unscheduled Saturday with your family? We are a sports family to the max. My kids play every sport in every season. My favorite way to spend an unscheduled Saturday is at home! They get to run around and play with their toys or the neighbors, and I usually get to catch up on my favorite podcast and enjoy being inside!

What family tradition (no matter how big, small or silly) do you hope your kids always remember? That I never “let” them win. In this family, you have to earn your win fair and square! Also, Robinsons never quit. We are not raising sore losers or quitters over here!

What’s your go-to dinner when you have absolutely no idea what to make? Ground chicken or turkey, jasmine rice from Trader Joe's (IYKYK) and broccoli.

What’s currently saving your sanity? Having a treadmill in the house! I love being able to get a quick walk in (because Lord knows I’m not jogging) and then moving on with my day.

What’s the funniest or most memorable thing your child has said or done lately? My son was talking to a family friend and asked him what he had been up to lately. My friend responded that he had just been working. My son then asked, “So what do you do for work?”

When my friend responded, Dash said, “Oh, that’s a humble job.” LOL. What does a 7-year-old know about a humble job? It was a very funny interaction and caught us all off guard.

What’s something you’ve learned to let go of since becoming a mom? Perfection. In a few of my past lives, I always liked to show up in a very polished and put-together way. Now I’m embracing presence over perfection and learning to enjoy this messy middle I’m currently in. The real answer probably should be having a clean car.

How do you make time for yourself when life gets busy? I don’t feel guilty about tapping out and tapping my husband or village in. I’m very vocal to my supportive husband about my limits and where I might need to step away. My life is always busy, so I really must be intentional about getting time to myself. Now that we homeschool, everyone is always around. I’ve recently implemented a rule in my house where no one can talk to me when I'm on the toilet. That’s been a game changer for my sanity.

What’s your favorite local Gainesville spot to take the kids? Celebration Pointe. My kids love the ice cream, the open area to run, Dave & Buster's, Texas Roadhouse and brunch at Spurrier’s. We also spend a lot of time at the Nike store there.

Where do you go when you get a rare kid-free afternoon or evening? TJ Maxx or Marshall’s. I love some good retail therapy.

What’s one thing you hope your children learn from watching you? I hope they learn to love and trust God even when things seem unclear. I like to say, “Okay, Lord. Your turn.” I hope my kids learn to let things go and let God.

GET TO KNOW

Amber HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE? Iced Lavender Cream Matcha

CURRENT BINGE-WATCH: “Ride or Die” on Amazon Prime

KIDS’ CURRENT OBSESSION: Squishies and Needoh’s

MOM UNIFORM: Athleisure. Give me all the comfort. I’m here for sport, not style; I’m also usually attending said sport.

ALWAYS IN MY BAG: Snacks!

FAVORITE FAMILY MEAL: Bowtie pasta with homemade alfredo

DREAM KID-FREE DAY: I’d sleep in. Listen to my audiobook with no interruptions, then head out for a massage and have someone else wash my hair. I’d end the day with a nice dinner or date with Derrick.

CAN’T-LIVE-WITHOUT-IT MOM HACK: Shared calendar with my husband and weekly meetings with the whole family to get everyone aligned.

ONE THING I’M BUYING ON REPEAT: Sports equipment and socks! Where do they go?

MY MOTHERHOOD MOTTO: I actually stole this one from my mother-inlaw, but I live by it: “NO, is an okay answer and a complete sentence.” My kids need a happy mom, not an overstimulated one. We are already overscheduled, so sometimes “no” just must be okay. I can’t always make it; sometimes I don’t want to volunteer. Saying “no” helps me stay sane.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

conception2college™

PREGNANCY Wait, You Didn’t Know You Were Pregnant?

EARLY CHILDHOOD Eleven Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Childcare Center

ELEMENTARY The After-School Meltdown: Why Children Can Unravel After School

TWEEN/TEEN When You Have Concerns About Your Teen’s Friend: How to Handle It Delicately

HIGHSCHOOL+ Cultivating Gratitude and Purpose in Emerging Adults GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

c2c | pregnancy

One in 475 pregnancies remained unrecognized after 20 weeks. British Medical Journal

{PREGNANCY}

Wait, You Didn’t Know You Were Pregnant? BY COLE PURVIS

Imagine heading to the hospital because you think you have a really bad stomachache, only to find out you’re actually in labor. It sounds like something out of a movie, but it can happen. In rare cases, a pregnancy can go unrecognized until the very end — even until labor begins. Medical researchers use terms like pregnancy denial, cryptic pregnancy or unperceived pregnancy to describe situations in which someone genuinely does not realize they are pregnant. That’s different from a concealed pregnancy, in which someone knows they are pregnant but intentionally keeps it private. So how does a pregnancy manage to fly under the radar for so long?

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

When Pregnancy Doesn’t Look Like Pregnancy

For many people, pregnancy comes with some pretty obvious clues: morning sickness, a missed period, weight gain, breast changes and, eventually, a growing belly and fetal movement. But those signs don't look the same for everyone. Some people experience few or none of the more recognizable symptoms. Others may have bleeding they mistake for a period, gain little weight or interpret changes in their abdomen as something unrelated to pregnancy. Even fetal movement can sometimes be misunderstood as gas, digestive activity or muscle movement. And pregnancy denial isn't necessarily a sign that something is psychologically wrong. Reviews of the research have found cases among people who are otherwise physically and mentally healthy. Some cases do involve underlying psychiatric conditions, but that isn't true for everyone.

How Rare Is It?

It's important not to take every surprising pregnancy story online as evidence that this happens all the time. An unrecognized pregnancy is uncommon. One population-based study published in the British Medical Journal looked at nearly 30,000 births in Berlin and found that about one in 475 pregnancies remained unrecognized after 20 weeks. In about one in 2,455 births, the pregnancy wasn't recognized until labor.

MONTINI Those numbers come from a specific German population and shouldn't be treated as an exact rate for the United States. Still, they show that while rare, pregnancies can occasionally go much further than expected without being recognized.

When Labor Is the First Clue

The most surprising cases are the ones in which someone doesn't realize they're pregnant until labor begins. Sudden abdominal or back pain, pressure and contractions can be confusing if pregnancy isn't even on someone's radar. And because there may have been little or no prenatal care, there hasn't been an opportunity for a health care provider to monitor the pregnancy along the way.

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That's one of the biggest medical concerns. Prenatal care isn't just about seeing the baby on an ultrasound. Regular appointments give providers opportunities to monitor fetal growth, check blood pressure and other aspects of the parent's health and identify potential complications.

Welcome to Your Care Community

Why It Matters An unrecognized pregnancy is unusual, but it is a good reminder that our idea of what pregnancy "looks like" isn't universal. Not everyone experiences the classic symptoms, and the absence of them doesn't necessarily mean pregnancy is impossible. For anyone who could become pregnant, unexplained changes in their body — particularly changes in menstrual patterns, nausea, breast changes or abdominal growth — are worth paying attention to. A home pregnancy test or visit with a health care provider can usually help clear up the mystery.

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And if someone is experiencing severe abdominal pain, regular contractions, vaginal bleeding or other signs that they could be in labor, they should seek urgent medical care.

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Finding out you're pregnant when you thought you were dealing with a stomachache would certainly be a surprise. But behind the shocking stories is a more important takeaway: Pregnancy doesn't always follow the script, which is exactly why early recognition and prenatal care matter. Dr. Ashley Holland

Michelle Schentrup, APRN

c2c | early childhood 2. What's the parent-to-teacher ratio? This one matters a lot. A lower ratio usually means your child will receive more attention and care, so make sure you ask exactly how many children are assigned to each teacher and how many teachers there are in a room.

3. Do they help with potty training, or is that on the parent? Some centers will work with your child on potty training, while others expect your child to already be trained. Ask up front so there's no surprise later.

4. What do they offer for food? Do they provide meals and snacks, or do you need to pack everything yourself? And if they do provide food, ask what's actually on the menu. This can play a role in your nightly and morning routine when it comes to packing lunchboxes.

5. Do they offer any kind of education or curriculum? Some centers are just childcare, and some build in early learning too. Figure out what you want for your child and ask if that's something they actually offer. If they do offer a form of education, what exactly does that look like?

6. Are the teachers and staff licensed/certified? Ask about their credentials, background checks and any required training they've gone through.

{1-5 YEARS}

Eleven Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Childcare Center BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

Choosing a childcare center is a big decision, and a personal one. Every parent is different, and so is every child, so what matters to you might not matter as much to someone else. There's no one-size-fits-all list. But there are some things you should be asking when you tour a center or talk to the staff; questions that help you figure out what actually matters for your family. Here are 11 to get you started.

1. How clean is the facility? When touring, take a real look around you, and not just at the front office, but the bathrooms, nap areas and the locations the children actually eat and play in. Cleanliness offers a strong reflection of how a place runs day by day.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

7. What are people saying on Yelp and Google reviews? Reviews won't tell you everything, but they can give you a sense of other parents' experiences (good and bad).

8. Does anyone you know recommend or refer this place? A personal recommendation from someone you trust can carry a lot of weight, more than a random review online. This individual might also be able to answer certain questions that the center can’t.

9. Does the center send pictures, videos or updates throughout the day? Ask how often you can expect updates and if there's an app or system that lets you check in on your child during the day. Some centers text videos and pictures or written updates about your child or the day’s activities.

10. What kind of security do they have? Ask about how children are checked in and out, who's allowed to pick them up and what security measures they have in place overall.

11. Do they allow helpers or volunteers in the classroom? Some centers allow extra hands in the room; others keep it strictly staff-only. Ask what their policy is and how those people are vetted, too.

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A day filled with love, respect, and learning. Congratulation to Ms. Belinda and Ms. Norma for completing 20 years of continuous service to families of Holy Trinity Episcopal School. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our School. We are so fortunate that you are a part of our School family!

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c2c | elementary { 5 -1 1 Y E A R S }

The After-School Meltdown: Why Children Can Unravel After School BY COLE PURVIS

At school, your child is a model student. They listen to their teacher, play nicely with classmates, raise their hand and apparently remember how to use an indoor voice. Then they walk through the front door. Suddenly, the backpack is thrown across the room, someone is crying because dinner isn't ready fast enough and a simple question like, “How was your day?” is apparently the final straw. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And before you wonder what happened to your well-behaved child, there may be a simple explanation: They may be running out of emotional fuel.

Holding It Together All Day

School asks children to manage a lot. They have to follow directions, wait their turn, navigate friendships, solve problems and manage their emotions, often while surrounded by other children. That's a lot of self-regulation for a developing brain. According to the American Psychological Association, children's ability to regulate emotions is influenced by physical development and outside factors such as stress, hunger and tiredness. Those skills are still developing throughout childhood. So when your child gets home and suddenly loses it, it doesn't necessarily mean they've behaved perfectly at school and saved all their bad behavior for you. Home may simply be where they feel comfortable enough to let their guard down.

The Timing Can Be Rough

There are also some very practical reasons for the afternoon meltdown. Your child may be hungry (lunch was likely a few hours ago). They may be tired. They may have spent hours concentrating, following rules and navigating social situations. Just like a long day of work for many of us, an ordinary school day can leave a child feeling plain overwhelmed.

To help combat this, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends building downtime into after-school routines, along with things like a snack, exercise or relaxation. In other words, going straight from the school bus to homework, chores and a list of questions about their day may not be the easiest transition. Sometimes the best first question to ask them isn't, “Did you finish your homework?” It's, “Do you want a snack?”

What Parents Can Do

The goal isn't to eliminate every meltdown. Children are still learning how to handle big emotions, and occasional after-school explosions are part of growing up. Instead, try making the transition home a little easier. Give your child a few minutes to decompress before jumping into homework or questions. Keep snacks available and stick with predictable routines when possible. If your child is already upset, save the big conversation for later. And remember: You don't have to match their volume. Staying calm, acknowledging that they're having a hard time and giving them space to settle can help more than immediately handing out consequences.

When to Look a Little Closer

An occasional meltdown is one thing. But if your child's behavior changes dramatically, happens consistently or comes with frequent stomachaches, headaches, sleep changes, school avoidance or other signs of distress, it may be worth looking beyond the afternoon routine. Talking with your child's teacher or school counselor can help you figure out whether something is happening during the school day. So the next time your perfectly behaved student walks through the door and turns into a tiny tornado, take a breath. It may not be that they're giving everyone else their best behavior and saving the worst for you. They might just feel at “home.”

c2c | tweens/teens { 1 1 -1 4 Y E A R S }

When You Have Concerns About Your Teen’s Friend: How to Handle It Delicately BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

“They’re a bad influence on you.” A parent’s famous last words. Countless disagreements over a friend you don’t want your teen to hang out with, all of it building toward a hostile environment where you’re both frustrated and neither one of you knows how to talk about it.

So how do you navigate this without harming your relationship with your teen or adding more tension? How do you prevent that tension while still teaching them important life lessons and behaviors and still giving them room to grow?

Don't Ban the Friend

I remember when my mom did this to me. It didn't stop anything. It just made me angrier and more determined to see that friend behind her back. What felt like protection to her felt like control to me, and it made me want to rebel. Banning a friend tells your teen they're not trusted to make their own calls. And a teen who feels controlled is a teen who wants to push back. Do this, and you'll usually get the exact opposite of what you were going for.

Label the behavior. Not the friend.

If a friend is doing something you don't want your teen anywhere near (drugs, alcohol, etc.), don't tell your teen that the friend is bad. Tell them that the friend’s behavior is bad. That distinction matters. Your teen isn't defending the label "bad influence." They're defending a person. Separate the behavior from the person, and you're not asking your teen to throw a friend under the bus just to agree with you.

Help your teen create a stronger sense of self. And most of all, talk it out.

You can't follow your teen around and vet every friend they make. What you can do is help them build a strong enough sense of self that they're not easily swayed by what's around them. This can include: • Validating their emotions (anger, sadness, jealousy, etc.) • Teaching them how to stand up for themselves and their beliefs • Allowing opportunities to make independent choices • Giving permission to fail Your teen isn't doing this to upset you. The teen years are a confusing time, and a lot of what looks like bad judgment is really a kid trying to figure out who they are. According to Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour in her podcast “Ask Lisa,” for young teens especially, fitting in and feeling like part of a group functions almost like a survival instinct. Wanting to be near friends who seem to have that figured out, even ones making questionable choices, often comes from that same place. Having a friend who does something your teen doesn't do isn't a warning sign on its own. A friend who smokes doesn't mean your teen will start. If they've got a strong sense of who they are and their values, they can be near a bad choice without making it their own.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

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c2c | highschool+ {14 YEARS AND ABOVE}

Cultivating Gratitude and Purpose in Emerging Adults BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

The teen years can bring a wave of selfishness that might leave some parents wondering, "What happened to my sweet little kid?" Don't worry, it's just a phase. Teens are wrestling with their identity, juggling school and social pressure and still operating under the impression that the world revolves around them. It's a normal part of growing up. So how can you help your teen find purpose, learn more about themselves and the world and grow into someone who feels grateful for their life? Here's what psychologists, parenting experts and a few well-chosen movie nights can do.

Finding Purpose Begins With Knowing They Matter A sense of purpose can be the motivating reason to get out of bed. It can be tied to a career, a relationship, a hobby or a belief system. According to the Center for Parent & Teen Communication, expecting teens to have this “purpose” all figured out can be both unrealistic and overwhelming, especially as they face a competitive job market, academic pressure and constant comparison on social media. William Damon, author of "Path to Purpose" and director of the Stanford Center on Adolescence, found that teens with high levels of gratitude, compassion and tenacity are more likely to develop a lasting sense of purpose, according to the Center for Parent & Teen Communication. Parents aren't responsible for identifying that purpose for their teen (that is the teen's job), but they can assist in opening doors, asking good questions and modeling a life that looks meaningful. A few ways to help the process, as stated by the center, include: • Let your teen know they matter. Celebrate effort and positive character, not just achievements. • Praise and acknowledge what makes them different. Every teen is good at some things while still growing in others. Help them notice what they’re good at. • Frequently ask small questions, instead of one big question. For example, ask, “What was one way you helped someone today?” instead of, “What do you want to do with your life?” • Be patient. Purpose is a process, and it will most likely take longer than you expect.

Teens with high levels of gratitude, compassion and tenacity are more likely to develop a lasting sense of purpose. ————— Center for Parent & Teen Communication

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

Encourage Volunteer Work, but Let Your Teen Lead

Volunteering offers teens a sense of control over their time and insight into the impact they can have. It also has the power to alter your teen’s mindset, reminding them of the opportunities they have that others don’t (physical abilities like walking without assistance, constant access to food and snacks, etc.).

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Instead of assigning your teen a specific organization, give them room to research causes on their own or offer a short list they can choose from. That sense of choice matters and can turn an obligation into something they're proud of. Websites like dosomething.org can help connect teens to opportunities that match their interests, whether that's animal welfare, environmental cleanups or mentoring younger kids.

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• "Chef" • "Lady Bird" • "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" • "Soul Surfer" • "Dead Poets Society" • "Good Will Hunting" Growing into gratitude and purpose isn't a single conversation but 100 small ones, spread out over years. The goal is to be there for your teen to help them find their own answers in life.

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things to do | seasonal planning guide Best Manatee Viewing Locations Near Alachua County 1. Manatee Springs State Park (Levy County) is built around a spring that, according to Florida State Parks, releases about 100 million gallons of water a day at a consistent 72 F. From November to April, manatees swim up the Suwannee River and gather in the spring run to escape the river's colder water. 2. Fanning Springs State Park (Levy County) attracts manatees in smaller, less predictable numbers during the same winter stretch, according to Florida's Smart. Visitors can watch from the park's river overlook or spot them from a boat on the Suwannee.

Alachua County Manatee Viewing Guide: Where to View, Rules to Know and Conservation Efforts BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

Manatee season in Florida officially starts Nov. 15, and Gainesville is about an hour's drive from two popular manatee viewing spots. I spoke with Rachel Shanker, the conservation and education manager for FPL’s South Florida eco-discovery center, Manatee Lagoon, about why manatees gather in specific places, how to safely view them in the wild and what families can do this season.

Why Do Manatees Come to Florida’s Springs and Outflows? According to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, manatees head for Florida's springs and warm-water outflows each winter because the surrounding coastal and river water falls below the temperature they can tolerate. Manatees lack the thick blubber layer that helps other marine mammals endure the cold, so longer exposure to water below about 68 F can bring on deadly cold stress, Shanker said. Once temperatures drop, she said, manatees need to find warm water fast, and that urgency is what drives the seasonal gathering at specific springs and outflows across the state, including two near Gainesville. Spring water flows out of the aquifer at almost a constant 70 F to 72 F year-round, which makes it a reliable home for manatees regardless of what's happening at the surface.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

What to Expect During Manatee Season According to Manatee Lagoon, manatee season officially runs from Nov. 15 to March 31 every year. Manatees could show up in November or December, Shanker said, depending on the weather. The manatees will stay as long as it's cold, then spread out again as temperatures rise.

Rules for Viewing Manatees in the Wild Manatees are a protected species under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, meaning it's illegal to touch, harass, feed or give water to one. But Shanker said the same courtesy should extend to all wildlife, protected or not. "We should leave all wildlife alone, give them their space, not feed them or give them water and just let our wildlife be wild,” she said. Feeding manatees or giving them fresh water (even accidentally, like rinsing a boat with a hose) can teach them to approach docks and boats, Shanker said. That puts them in the path of the single biggest human-related threat they face.

things to do | seasonal planning guide The basics, according to Shanker: • Stay at least 50 feet away and observe from a distance. • Never touch, feed or give water to a manatee. • If a manatee approaches you while you're paddleboarding, kayaking or swimming, keep your hands to yourself and let it move on its own. • Manatees are large and strong. As Shanker put it, "Even though they're not aggressive, if it gets spooked, they're very big and very strong," and an accident could hurt the manatee or a person nearby."

The Biggest Threats Manatees Face Boats are the leading human-related cause of death for manatees of any age, Shanker said. To help, she recommends: • Slowing down in manatee zones. • Wearing polarized sunglasses to spot manatees through glare.

Areas to Avoid During Manatee Season

• Following posted speed limits and no-wake zones, especially during manatee season.

Manatee sanctuaries and protection zones go up around the state during manatee season, marked with buoys reading "no motorized vessels," Shanker said.

Cold weather is the biggest natural threat, according to Shanker. Manatees can't survive water below about 68 F, so they have to find warm water pockets around the state each winter. Manatees can also get entangled in debris or get sick from eating trash in the water, she said.

How to Help Manatee Conservation Efforts Shanker's suggestions: • Make sure trash ends up in a trash can. • Reduce, reuse, recycle and refuse single-use items. • Join a beach or waterway cleanup. • Learn about manatees and share what you learn. “One of my favorite ways that everyone can help manatees, no matter where you are,” Shanker said.

Shanker advises avoiding water sports, swimming or any interaction in areas where manatees are known to gather for warm water. Scaring them out of those spots can push them back into cold water and put them at risk of getting sick, she said.

Signs a Manatee May Be in Distress According to Shanker, watch out for: • An open wound that looks fresh or is actively bleeding (healed injuries typically show up as light gray or white scarring, which is normal for manatees that have survived a boat strike). • Floating consistently on one side, known as listing, rather than floating evenly with its back up and belly down.

• Breathing more often than once a minute (manatees normally surface every two to five minutes while moving, and can hold their breath up to 20 minutes while resting). If a manatee is floating calmly and not moving for 10 to 15 minutes, she said, it's likely just resting. If you see a manatee showing signs of distress, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). Keep your distance and don't try to help the manatee yourself; leave that to trained responders. Taking photos and video and noting how often the manatee is breathing can help wildlife experts assess the situation when they arrive, Shanker said. The next time you encounter a manatee in the wild or find yourself curious to see them up-close, just remember to keep your hands to yourself and learn with your eyes. Keep a respectful distance, skip the touching and feeding, and let these sea puppies do what they came to the springs to do: stay warm.

• Its tail riding higher than its head consistently while it's in the water. GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

things to do | free activities

Gainesville’s Guide to Trunkor-Treats BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

Halloween means trunk-or-treats — driveways and parking lots packed with decorated cars, candy and costumes. It's Halloween without the door-todoor trek, and it's become one of the best ways for Gainesville families to meet their neighbors and build a little community along the way. Here's your guide to every trunk-or-treat happening around Gainesville this October.

Annual Fall Family Festival & Trunk-or-Treat 2026 WHEN:

Saturday, Oct. 24, 4-8 p.m. WHERE:

16779 US-441, High Springs, FL (across from Oak Ridge Subdivision) HOSTED BY:

Deeper Purpose Community Church & Outreach Ministries, Deeper Purpose Family Resource Center-TRC and Deeper Purpose Kids Academy WHAT TO EXPECT:

Trunks with treats, face painting, animal encounters, hayrides and train rides, a Kidz Zone, games, music, photos, giveaways and prizes and community food and treat vendors. COST:

Free

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) Trunk-or-Treat: Carni-Ville WHEN:

Friday, Oct. 16, 6-8 p.m. WHERE:

ASO grassy lot, 2621 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville, FL HOSTED BY:

Alachua County Sheriff's Office WHAT TO EXPECT:

Carnival theme, free candy, decorated trunks, costumes welcome, "fun and a little spooky — never scary.” Businesses and community organizations are invited to contribute, donate or set up a trunk. COST:

Free

Fifth Annual Magnolia Ridge Trunk-or-Treat WHEN:

Thursday, Oct. 22, 5-7:30 p.m. WHERE:

6517 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL WHAT TO EXPECT:

Kid-friendly trunk-or-treat with community vendors. COST:

Free (no vendor fees either)

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

things to do | free activities

Littlewood Elementary 2026 Trunk-or-Treat WHEN:

Friday, Oct. 23, 5:30-7 p.m. WHERE:

Littlewood Elementary School parking lot, Gainesville, FL WHAT TO EXPECT:

Trick-or-treating at volunteer-decorated trunks, food trucks on site for dinner and a pumpkin donation drive. No play costume weapons are allowed. COST:

Free (candy and prize donations are welcome)

Trick or Treat on Main

(not a trunk-or-treat — a walkable street event) WHEN:

Saturday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. WHERE:

Downtown Main Street, Gainesville, FL HOSTED BY:

Alachua Chamber WHAT TO EXPECT:

Stores and businesses line Main Street, handing out candy and about 2,000 people attend each year. Halloween music is playing, and costumes are encouraged. COST:

Free

Third Annual Gainesville Street Rods Trunk-or-Treat WHEN:

Saturday, Oct. 24, 5-8 p.m. WHERE:

The Home Depot, 7107 NW 4th Blvd., Gainesville, FL WHAT TO EXPECT:

Car club trunk-or-treat (more details to be announced) COST:

Free

Archer Train Depot Trunk-or-Treat & Fall Festival WHEN:

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 5-7 p.m. WHERE:

Archer Train Depot, 16994 SW 134th Ave., Archer, FL HOSTED BY:

Archer Historical Society WHAT TO EXPECT:

This trunk-or-treat is paired with the weekly farmers market (3 - 7 p.m.) and offers fall festivities and kid activities.

Boo at the Zoo WHEN:

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 3-7 p.m. WHERE:

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL HOSTED BY:

Santa Fe College WHAT TO EXPECT:

The zoo transforms into themed candy stations (Rio, How to Train Your Dragon, Toy Story, Nightmare Before Christmas, Scooby Doo, Monster Mash). There are games with Santa Fe student clubs and Saints Athletics before the trick-or-treat line; Fun4GatorKids KidsZone in the parking lot with crafts and more candy; a live “Thriller” trilogy performance from Danscompany of Gainesville, food trucks including Kona Ice and Domino's Pizza; accessible parking and more. COST:

Free with donation of one canned good or non-perishable food item per person (benefits Saints Food Share and Catholic Charities)

COST:

Free

Abiding Savior Trunk-or-Treat WHEN:

Saturday, Oct. 24 WHERE:

9700 W. Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL HOSTED BY:

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and School WHAT TO EXPECT:

A trunk-or-treat with candy, costumes and family fun! There will also be a pumpkin patch open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

things to do | calendar Depot Park Parkrun 7:30-9 a.m. Depot Park parkrun.us/depotpark A free, weekly community 5k! This event repeats every Saturday. (Free)

Art After Dark 5-9 p.m. Harn Museum harn.ufl.edu Enjoy the Harn Museum’s extended evening hours with activities, entertainment, refreshments and art exhibits. This event repeats every Thursday. (Free)

Stay and Play Wednesday 9:30-11:30 a.m. Friday 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday 3:15-5:15 p.m. Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com

oct/nov Recurring Events Sun Country Sports Center Kids Night Out 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Sun Country Sports Center (West) suncountrysports.com/kidsnightout Take your kids to a night out at Sun Country Sports. Here, your children will get to play group games and enjoy a ninja zone and outdoor playground. Pizza is included, and preregistration is recommended. This event repeats the third Friday of each month.

Free Fridays Concert Series 7-9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza gainesvillefl.gov Every Friday, go see amazing free music at Bo Diddley Plaza. This event repeats every Friday. (Free)

Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper 10-11 a.m. | Devils Millhopper Geological State Park floridastateparks.org Learn about Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park on this ranger-led tour. Reserve your spot. This event repeats every Saturday.

Haile Farmers Market 8:30 a.m.-Noon 5213 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville, FL hailefarmersmarket.com Head out to Haile to enjoy fresh, local produce, meats, honey, oils and more! This event repeats every Saturday. (Free)

Alachua County Farmers Market 8:30 a.m.-Noon 13900 Tech City Circle 441market.com/index.html Enjoy a “growers only” market with fresh fruits, vegetables, Cottage Food items, meat, dairy and more. This event repeats every Saturday. (Free)

The Home Depot Kids Workshop 9 a.m.-Noon Gainesville Home Depot Store Locations homedepot.com Visit your local Home Depot for a kids workshop while supplies last! This event repeats on the first Saturday of every month. (Free)

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

Stay and Play is a safe and fun environment for kids 5 and under and their parents. Kids will enjoy open play and obstacle courses. This preschool gym offers equipment especially designed for your little ones. This event repeats every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Grove Street Farmers Market 4-7 p.m. Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. grovestreetfarmersmarket.com Enjoy fresh eggs, organic fruits and vegetables, meats, honey, dairy, artisan-crafted foods and products and more at Grove Street Farmers Market. This event repeats every Monday. (Free)

Splash Jam 11:30 a.m.-Noon Sun Country Sports Center (West) suncountrysports.com Come for some extra time in the pool to improve your skills! Available for children ages 3 and up. This event repeats every Saturday.

Ninja Jam Noon-12:55 p.m. Sun Country Sports Center (West) suncountrysports.com Learn the ways of the ninja. Available for children ages 3 and up. This event repeats every Saturday.

GRINS & GIGGLES

community | calendar Gym Jam & Gym Jam Junior

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

12:20-1:15 p.m. Sun Country Sports Center (West) suncountrysports.com

UF vs. Missouri TBD | Faurot Field

Gator Gallop

Participate in gymnastics classes divided by age and skill level. Gym Jam is available for children ages 5 and up. Gym Jam Junior is available for children aged 3 years and 9 months to 5 years. This event repeats every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11

Little Sparks

Saturdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays Noon-7 p.m. Red House Ranch redhouseranch.org Saddle up for fall fun at Red House Ranch Fall Festival! There will be a sack slide, crop maze, pony rides, pig races, concessions, shopping and more. This event repeats every weekend.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Bryer Patch Farm thebryerpatchfarm.com

10:15-11:00 a.m. Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention cademuseum.org Little Sparks is a fun and interactive program that introduces littles (ages 0-5) to science concepts through music, dancing, crafting, story time and more. Each child will receive a personal Little Sparks kit with all their own supplies to extend the fun and learning at home. This event repeats every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Jazz on the Green 7-9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe celebrationpointe.com Sit outdoors and enjoy live music, food and drinks & more. This event repeats the second Saturday of each month.

Story Time at the Zoo 10:30-11 a.m. | Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo aclib.us/storytime The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo and the Alachua County Library host a free story time in front of the zoo on the lawn. Feel free to visit the zoo afterward! This event repeats on the third Wednesday of every month. (Free)

Gainesville Cars & Coffee at Tioga 9-11 a.m. | Tioga Town Center gainesvillecarsandcoffee.com Tioga Town Center local automotive enthusiasts can get together and enjoy a cup of coffee while looking at everyone’s vehicles! All cars are welcome, regardless of whether they are imports, exotics or classics. This event repeats on the first Saturday of every month. (Free)

Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Mill Creek Farm millcreekfarm.org Bring two carrots to pay for your admission to feed retired horses! This event repeats every Saturday.

University of Florida Plaza of the Americas gatorgrowl.org/gatorgallop

Red House Ranch Fall Festival

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

37th Annual Central Florida Peanut Festival

This 2-mile fun run throughout campus is a UF Homecoming tradition that will have photo-ops, music, prizes and more!

Pumpkin Festival at The Bryer Patch Prepare for a day of fun in the sun with a crop maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, farm animals, live music and more. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

Homecoming Game: UF vs. South Carolina

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Heritage Park facebook.com/events

TBD | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

If you like peanuts, this event is for you! There will be rides, arts and crafts, live music and more.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

High Springs Fall Festival Weekend Two

41st Annual Thornebrook Fall Arts Festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Shoppes at Thornebrook shoppesatthornebrook.com

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Central Florida Fairgrounds facebook.com/events Enjoy vendors, food trucks, family-friendly entertainment, fall vibes and more!

Celebrate the arts and the talent of local artists at the 41st annual Thornebrook Fall Arts Festival! There will be sculptures, paintings, woodwork, jewelry and more. You can also stroll through the shops and enjoy bites from food trucks and restaurants. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

Gator Growl and UF Homecoming All day University of Florida gatorgrowl.org Show your Gator pride and celebrate the University of Florida at different events before the homecoming game! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

Tioga Concert Night Featuring 352 Experience 7-10 p.m. Tioga Town Center tiogatowncenter.com At this Tioga Concert Night, bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy live music by 352 Experience!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 Indigenous Peoples’ Day THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

Trunk or Treat: Carni-Ville 5:30–9:30 p.m. Alachua County Sports and Events Center facebook.com/events An incredible evening featuring 40+ participating restaurants from around our community. Tasting portions are just $3 each. Purchase your food tickets through the GCM app.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

Trunk-or-Treat: Carni-Ville

McIntosh 1890s Festival

6-8 p.m. | Alachua County Sheriff’s Office facebook.com/events For this free family-friendly Halloween event, the field next to the main entrance of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office will be decorated and ready for your kids to collect candy. No ticket required! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

The Great Pumpkin Bash Noon-5 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza Kick off the season at the inaugural Great Pumpkin Bash at Bo Diddley Plaza. Celebrate the arrival of fall right in the heart of downtown Gainesville. Enjoy a variety of festive activities including a corn maze, games, pumpkin patch, delicious food, face painting, a themed photo booth, a pumpkin carving contest and much more! Bring your family and join us for a funfilled autumn day. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

Kickin’ It 2026 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Gainesville Health and Fitness A youth martial arts tournament benefitting Stop Children’s Cancer for kids 16 years old and younger. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

UF vs. Texas TBD | Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

Spurrier’s Tailgate for Kids TBD | Holloway Touchdown Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Now entering its third year and proudly benefiting Girls Place, Inc., this high-energy community fundraiser brings together local businesses, families, UF supporters and community leaders for a game-day experience on the big screen, food, adult beverages from local vendors, tailgate games, auctions, entertainment, networking opportunities and more. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

Cancer Chomp 2026 8-11 a.m. UF Cancer & Genetics Research Complex neurosurgery.ufl.edu The 5th annual Cancer Chomp will support patients and their families undergoing brain tumor treatment at UF Health. This event includes a 5K run/walk, mini therapy horses, a kid zone, vendors, the UF Band and more.

McIntosh Historic District east side of U.S. 441 mcintosh1890sfestival.com Enjoy a day on the tree-lined streets of Victorian McIntosh and browse arts, crafts, jewelry, plants, decor, treats and more! There will also be children's activities. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

Fall Horticultural Expo & Plant Market

Evening Under the Stars

9 a.m. Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center facebook.com/events Free entry, free food, music, a KIDZONE, plants, bugs, birds and more. Learn how to grow a food forest! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

Annual Kanapaha Fall Plant Sale & Orchid Show 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens kanapaha.org/fall-plant-sale Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and the Gainesville Orchid Society welcome you to browse booths selling all kinds of plants. There will also be an orchid show.

Granville Plantation, Newberry facebook.com/events Enjoy a night with dinner and impact, benefitting Tyler's Hope for a Dystonia Cure. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

9th Annual CountryWay Town Square Pro Rodeo 8 p.m. | CountryWay Town Square eventbrite.com The 9th annual CountryWay Town Square Pro Rodeo is a boot-stomping rodeo event! There will be cowboys and cowgirls participating in barrel racing, bull riding and more. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's 9 a.m. | Trinity United Methodist Church act.alz.org

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

Gainesville Gone Home 6-9:30 p.m. | Santa Fe River Ranch childadvocacycentergainesville.com Our 18th Annual Signature Fundraiser, Gainesville Gone Home, will not just be about reminiscing on the amazing small towns that make Alachua County such a great community, but what that feeling of home really means to you and how the Child Advocacy Center is bringing that feeling to all the children we serve. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

Tioga Movie Night: Ghostbusters II 7:30-9 p.m. | Tioga Town Center tiogatowncenter.com At this Tioga Movie Night, bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the movie “Ghostbusters II.” FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

Littlewood Elementary School Trunk-or-Treat 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Littlewood Elementary School facebook.com/events Join the Littlewood Elementary PTA in the Littlewood parking lot. This event allows students to “trick or treat” at volunteerdecorated trunks in a safe and fun, family friendly environment! Food trucks will be on location serving up dinner.

Raise awareness for Alzheimer’s at this annual walk. All funds raised will go toward furthering the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

The Hope Tournament Hawkstone Country Club facebook.com/events A premier golf experience that drives real progress for dystonia research. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

Howl-A-Palooza presented by Grins & Giggles 1:30–4:30 p.m. | Sun Country Sports Center West suncountrysports.com Kids ages 3 to 12 are invited to dress up and join us for a Halloween bash including obstacle courses, bounce houses, rock climbing, NinjaZone challenges and a spooky dance party. Event proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

22nd Annual Florida Bat Festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lubee Bat Conservancy | lubee.org Celebrate these winged nocturnal animals with activities and exhibits! You can also see the world’s largest bats and explore the beer garden.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

community | calendar SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8

3rd Annual Gainesville Street Rods Trunk-or-Treat

Trick or Treat at the Shoppes at Thornebrook

Living Covenant Church Annual Fall Festival

5-8 p.m. | The Home Depot facebook.com/events

5-8 p.m. | Shoppes At Thornebrook shoppesatthornebrook.com

A free event with food, games and more!

Enjoy a trunk-or-treat hosted by The Home Depot.

Come trick or treat at the Shoppes at Thornebrook! Local vendors will be showcasing their best spooky goods as you gear up for Halloween.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25

High Springs Fall Festival Weekend Three 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Central Florida Fairgrounds facebook.com/events Enjoy vendors, food trucks, family-friendly entertainment, fall vibes and more! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31

UF vs. Georgia 3:30 p.m. | Dooley Field SELECT OCTOBER DATES

Historic Micanopy Ghost Tour 4-7 p.m. | Eventbrite.com Explore Historic Micanopy and its haunted past on this ghost tour! Hear chilling tales of paranormal activities, learn historical tidbits and encounter supernatural occurrences.

Tioga Movie Night: Wicked for Good 7:30-10 p.m. | Tioga Town Center tiogatowncenter.com

This is the largest Friends of the Library sale in Florida! Shop for books, art, comics, manga, CDs, DVDs, records and more. All proceeds support the Alachua County Library District and area literacy projects.

Not So Scary Triathlon 8-9 a.m. | 946 NW 31st Drive facebook.com/events Triathlon (swim, bike, run) for kids 4 to 15 years old. All experience levels are welcome. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27

Trunk-or-Treat 5-7 p.m. | Archer Train Depot facebook.com/events Enjoy a trunk-or-treat along with fall festivities, kids’ activities and a farmers market. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28

30th Annual Boo at the Zoo 3-7 p.m. | Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo sfcollege.edu The whole family can enjoy a spooky and safe trick-or-treating experience! There will be a kids' zone, live entertainment by Danscompany of Gainesville, animal encounters and more. Admission per person is one non-perishable food item, which will be donated to local food banks.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Veterans Day FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Sunday-Wednesday Noon-6 p.m. Friends of the Library Alachua County folacld.org

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25

4-6 p.m. | Living Covenant Church

At this Tioga Movie Night, bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the movie “Wicked for Good.”

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 Halloween SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Annual Micanopy Fall Festival Downtown Micanopy | micanopyfallfestival.org Explore booths set up by artists and crafters, enjoy live music and celebrate autumn at this annual festival!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Tom Petty Weekend Heartwood Soundstage | heartwoodsoundstage.com This three-day festival is full of music and storytelling to honor Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

12th Annual Krawl'n for the Fallen offroadunitedfoundation.com The annual Krawl'n for the Fallen is an off-road event to remember, honor and respect those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

UF vs. OU Ben Hill Griffin Stadium SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Annual Fall Sunflower Festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Bryer Patch thebryerpatchfarm.com Join the Bryer Patch for their “Fall on the Farm” season and annual Fall Sunflower Festival! There will be farm activities, live music, vendors and activities including u-pick flower fields, a crop maze, hayrides with ducks and cows, farm animal petting, photo ops, games and more.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 World Diabetes Day

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Art from the Archives Exhibition Opening

Alachua Harvest Festival

UF vs FSU

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | facebook.com/events

Doak S. Campbell Stadium

11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Matheson History Museum mathesonmuseum.org This exhibit will include rarely-seen art like oil paintings, watercolor, photographs and more! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Shop and celebrate local and small businesses. All proceeds benefit the Alachua Business League Scholarship Fund. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

UF vs. VU

Newberry Main Street’s Fall Festival

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Downtown Historic Newberry newberrymainstreet.com

Light Up Ocala

Live music, old-fashioned games, food trucks, family fun, local vendors and more! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Gainesville Downtown Festival and Art Show 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Downtown Gainesville gainesvilledowntownartfest.net The city transforms into an open gallery featuring over 200 visual arts from across the country. Explore stunning paintings, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, photography and more. There will be live music and a food court.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

3-8 p.m. | Downtown Ocala | ocalafl.gov Don't miss the annual Light Up Ocala! There will be over 100 vendors, live entertainment, a holiday parade, a visit from Santa and, of course, the lighting of downtown Ocala. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Morningside Nature Center's Cane Boil and Fiddle Fest 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Morningside Nature Center gainesvillefl.gov The Cane Boil & Fiddle Fest continues the ageold traditions of celebrating the fall harvest and live homespun music.

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