Curious George Fans, Listen Up

What: Curiosity Day Party
Who: All Ages
Where: Books & Books, Coral Gables
When: Saturday, Sept. 12th, I need to find out the time
How Much: Free

In honor of the birthday of H. A. Rey, the creator of the beloved children's book icon Curious George, Books & Books is having a Curiosity Day Party at the Coral Gables store. Curious George himself will be there – along with his buddy, the Man in the Yellow Hat – and kids can have their photos taken with Curious George.

There will also be activities throughout the store designed to bring out the curious nature in your little ones –
Curious George Story Time with the renowned and beloved Jeanne
The Jumping Tree: Are You Curious How High You Can Jump?
Curiosity Boxes: What’s Inside?
Coloring and activity stations, treats and more

Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children

What: Children's Concerts
Who: All Ages (It is a concert, so use your discretion)
When: Various Sundays at 3 pm, see website link for schedule
Where: Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables
How Much: Adult $12, Child $10

Exposing children of all ages to music, is not only fun, but it's also so good for their brains and their hearts. In this busy world of computers, video games, and TV, how nice would it be to go to a musical concert especially created to delight and entertain the little ones? And what a quality bonding experience for the whole family. How about if after the concert the kiddos got to go to an ABC party (that's for Apple juice, Balloons and Cookies) and visit a musical instrument petting zoo? If any of this is sounds good to you, check out Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children in Coral Gables. One of the shows I'm looking forward to is Peter and the Wolf on November 8th.

The website says that the hour-long children's concerts are an informal and friendly introduction to the exciting world of music, song and dance. Fun is the first step to music appreciation and that's what these concerts are all about. Audience participation and interaction is part of the musical fun providing children with experiences that will last a lifetime. There’s no better way to encourage the love of music than by introducing children to the music and the musicians who make the magic happen!

I got this information from my music teacher friend Lisa at Wee Wiggle and Sing. She offers music classes for babies, toddlers, and kids.

Last Free Sunday

What: Free Sundays in August
Who: All Ages
When: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
How Much: Free

Don't forget that this Sunday is the last Sunday in August, which means it's the last time you can get into Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens for free. I posted about Fairchild here. It's a great place for the kids.

A Garden for your Flower Child

What: Free Sundays in August
Who: All Ages
When: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
How Much: Free

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has the potential to charm many: tree huggers, art-enthusiasts, photography lovers, and almost anyone under the age of six. There is so much to see. It’s an 83-acre property with plenty of room for the kids to run around. And during the month of August, everyone gets in free on Sundays. It’s a picturesque, world-famous green space with natural exhibits and pathways lined with palms, flowering shrubs, vines, and fruit trees. One of the highlights for me is the butterfly area. The other great part is the appealing works of art throughout the garden, like Di Suvero’s industrial steel pieces, which make an interesting contrast to all the greenery, and Chihuly’s psychedelic blown glass. Fairchild also hosts wonderful events, like the International Mango Festival happening this Saturday and Sunday. Personally, I’m looking forward to the International Chocolate Festival in January. The regular prices of admission are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (65 and over), $10 for children (6-17), and children 5 and under are free. Free Sundays for everyone is a sweet deal in my book.

Fun & Books at Books & Books

What: Kid-Friendly Events at Books & Books
Who: 2 years and up
When: Saturdays (see below for specific dates), 11 am
Where: 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables
How Much: Free

Not that I’m an expert on any topic, but if I were to be an expert on something, (as a writing teacher, bona fide book club member, library explorer, novel collector, and former nerd) then that something would be bookstores. And, in my “expert” opinion, Books & Books is the best local bookstore we have. It’s a pretty courtyard building surrounding an outdoor café. The inside is a storybook romance for any bibliophile. The walls are crammed with pages and pages of words waiting to be read. The people who work there really know their stuff, too. Also, it is THE place in South Florida to meet famous authors, if you’re into that kind of thing, which I am. And, parents, this is the best part for you: they have the coolest free activities for your little readers. For example, on Saturday, July 11 at 11:00 am, kids get to meet the real actors from the Actors’ Playhouse production of Stuart Little. They come over in costume to hang out and chat. This summer, Books & Books is also doing something called Summer of Fun Book Clubs for Kids. Here is a schedule of some of the activities:

Saturday, July 18, 11:00 a.m.
Join us for the first of our Summer of Fun Book Clubs for Kids with Katie Kazoo’s Switcheroo for You Club. We’ll celebrate democracy in action, reading from and talking about Katie Kazoo Switcheroo: Vote for Suzanne and stay for our Katie Kazoo Craft. See you there!

Saturday, July 25, 11:00 a.m.
If you’re reading this, it’s not too late … to join our The Name of This Book Is Secret Book Club. As we get ready for a visit from author Pseudonymous Bosch -- with his new book, This Book is Not Good for You on Tuesday, September 22 -- we’re reading the infamous impostor’s The Name of This Book is Secret and having some cool contests and crafts with it. Get your copy today and start reading up before July 25, but remember: The Name of This Book Club Is Secret. Shhhh….

Happy reading.

Mommy Tip: They also have stores in Miami Beach and Bal Harbour, but the Coral Gables location is my favorite.