Fun Friday Nature @ Long Key Nature Center

I love to be pleasantly surprised. That's what happened last Friday when we went to Long Key Nature Center for their Fun Friday Nature program. I figured they would have a couple of puppets, some coloring pages, someone would read a story, etc. When we walked into the center's discovery room, I saw many tables set up with all kinds of different activities. The theme was bugs. As a teacher, I immediately appreciated the amount of planning and coordination that went into the lesson. It made me think of a vibrant, hands-on kindergarten classroom. The activities included memory games, magnets, dead and live bugs in small containers, a very creative butterfly life cycle activity using pasta, etc. My daughter was busy and engaged for a good hour. She didn't want to leave. When she completed 10 stations, she earned a little prize. She was super happy with her heart-shaped plastic, pink bracelet. The program was educational, enjoyable, and engaging. Another bonus was the volunteers. They were seated throughout the room, helping and guiding the kids through the projects and games. I loved to watch all the kids enjoying themselves while learning about nature. I think that when kids learn about nature it makes them broad-minded, appreciative, and, hopefully, more responsible. The naturalist truly does a great job planning and coordinating the program. Here is some information for the next Friday Fun Nature event: (It says on the calendar that there is one on 7/13, but that is a mistake.)

Fun Friday Program – Can You Dig It?

Date:                     July 27^th

Time:                     10a-1p

Cost:                      $5 per child

This program focuses on dirt!  Activities for “Can You Dig It?” feature geology, archaeology and paleontology – in other words soil, rocks and fossils.  Children will learn the importance of soil, how it is formed and what it’s made of.  They will find out why Long Key is called “Long Key” even though it isn’t part of the Florida Keys.  Participants will learn what Florida looked like thousands of years ago and how changing sea levels have shaped the peninsula.  They will explore the ancient animals of Florida’s past and compare modern animals from Africa, Asia and South America to their ancient cousins from Florida.  They will also learn what an archaeologist does and why some of them might don wet suits and SCUBA gear to dive off the coast of Florida in search of artifacts.  A collection of real and replica fossils and geologic specimens will be on display.  Games and hands-on activities will help the children learn and apply the concepts. 

Fun Friday Programs – General

Fun Friday Programs are aimed at children who are out of school on vacation.  We offer several Fun Friday Nature Programs during the summer and at least one during Christmas and Spring Breaks.  Each program has a nature and/or science theme and focuses on the Florida connection to the theme.  Most activities feature native Florida plants, animals, and ecosystems, as well as Florida’s native peoples.

Food Trucks at Flamingo Gardens

July 6, 2012

First Friday Food Trucks
5pm to 9pm

Enjoy the lingering daylight of summer at July's Food Truck event with gourmet food trucks to tempt your taste buds while DJ Mike spins the tunes. Plenty of picnic tables and seating in the courtyard parrot Aviary. Free parking.

Confirmed July Food Trucks:
Big Ragu Truck
Cajun on the Go
Chamos On Wheels
Dolci Peccati Gelato
Fire Foods
Freddie's Pizza
Fry Daddy
GastroPod Miami
Jefe's Original Fish Tacos & Burgers
Kratos Greek
Latin Burger
Mojo on the Go
Ms. Cheezious
Nacho Bizness
The Real Chill
Taco Heat
Top Fries

My Top 5 Favorite Spots for Kids

At Vista View Park when my K. was a toddler

Maybe it's because I'm in my thirties and I have two little ones, but as of late, I've begun to feel like I'm truly rooted in South Florida. Now, I've lived here for almost 25 years. It was about time, I guess. I was born in Nicaragua and that's where I lived the first decade of my life. That will always be where I'm from. But, like I said, I've realized what a great influence South Florida has had on me. It is such a part of who I am and I'm glad it is.
One of the reasons this place has a permanent spot in my heart is because it has so much to offer. My family and I enjoy visiting different places every weekend. The other day I started an album on Facebook with some of my favorite pictures of my crew and me enjoying the area. One of my friends asked for recommendations of places to visit. This gave me an idea. I decided to post my five all time favorite spots to take the kids. Here it is:

Little Java's Family Fun Center in Weston
Two of best things about this place is how clean it is and how friendly the staff is. Both of my kids could play here for hours. They never want to leave. The management/owners have done a great job lately of providing more activities for the kids who are a little older. They now have a bigger game room, a rock wall, and this week then are installing some kind of high ropes activity. I haven't seen it yet, so I'll have to update you. Or you could go check it out.

Young at Art Children's Museum in Davie
If you have kids, you already know that YAA has reopened in a new and fabulous building. This is like a child's paradise. There is so much to see and do that your kiddos will be thrilled and eventually exhausted from all the fun. Nap time, anyone? :)

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca
My kids love animals and plants. This place is so educational and enjoyable. They have an outdoor walking path and tanks with all sorts of marine creatures. Make sure you go in the gift shop because they have an interesting hands-on display and a short video about sea turtles.

Alvin Sherman Library at Nova in Davie
Many of my friends go for the activities, like story time. The activities are so good and so popular that it gets really packed during those times. We like to go when it's quiet. A. loves the little tables with crayons and papers and K. loves the computer games. My husband checks out CDs for the kids. Their selection is incredible. And my favorite activity is sitting by the big windows in the back in one of those really comfy, huge, floor-chair things watching my kids be calm (most of the time) and happy. (You do pay a small fee for parking.)

Vista View Park in Davie
This park is covered and they have a great selection of play areas for the kids. I love driving up to it and seeing all the colors of the play equipment. It also has a great section for children with special needs. Love that.

Pembroke Pines and Miramar Residents Appreciation Day

What: Free Admission to Flamingo Gardens
When: Sundays, October 25th, 9:30 to 5:00 pm
Where: 3750 S Flamingo Road, Davie
Who: Pembroke Pines and Miramar Residents
How Much: Free

(I got this info from their website)
Admission for others is $17.00 ages 12 and up, $8.50 children 4-11, children under 4 are free. Admission includes the botanical gardens and Everglades wildlife sanctuary with native wildlife exhibits including panthers, bobcats, otters, alligators, tortoises free-flight aviary, birds of prey including owls, hawks, golden and bald eagles, live wildlife encounter shows, tours of historic 1930s Wray Home 10-4, narrated tour by tram on the hour from 11-4 (at additional cost). Lunch, smoothies, snacks, and beverages available.

Neighbor Appreciation Days at Flamingo Gardens

What: Free Admission to Flamingo Gardens
When: Sundays, Oct. 4th and 11th
Where: 3750 S Flamingo Road, Davie
Who: Residents of nearby cities
How Much: Free

Davie and Cooper City Residents Appreciation Day
Sunday, October 4
9:30 to 5:00 pm

Weston, Southwest Ranches, Plantation and Sunrise Resident Appreciation Day
Sunday, October 11
9:30 to 5:00 pm

(I got this info from their website)
Admission for others is $17.00 ages 12 and up, $8.50 children 4-11, children under 4 are free. Admission includes the botanical gardens and Everglades wildlife sanctuary with native wildlife exhibits including panthers, bobcats, otters, alligators, tortoises free-flight aviary, birds of prey including owls, hawks, golden and bald eagles, live wildlife encounter shows, tours of historic 1930s Wray Home 10-4, narrated tour by tram on the hour from 11-4 (at additional cost). Lunch, smoothies, snacks, and beverages available.

Be a Rock Star!

What: Guitar Hero Contest

Who: All Ages

When: Saturday, Sept. 26th, 7 pm

Where: Scoop of Heaven Ice Cream Parlor

Besides the divine ice cream treats, Scoop of Heaven offers fun-filled family events, like the Guitar Hero contest they are hosting this weekend. It's your opportunity to rock out and show off your skills. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners. So go party like a rock star.

A Day for Children

What: Children's Health Fair
Who: For ages birth–15 years
When: Sunday, September 13, 2009, 11:00a.m.–5:00p.m.
Where: NSU’s ALVIN SHERMAN LIBRARY, Located on NSU’s main campus, off University Drive and S.W. 30th Avenue
How Much: Free

This is going to be informational, helpful, and fun. I think this is an incredible event for families.

FREE health screenings for hearing and balance, vision, speech-language, dental health, medical, and more Social services and other resources to meet children’s behavioral needs

FREE games, bounce house, storybook characters, and supervised sports activities

FREE food

FREE fingerprinting and identification cards from the Broward Sheriffs Office and Crimestoppers

FREE safety and installation demonstration of child car seats by SafeKids Broward and the Davie Fire Department

No registration necessary. Just show up with your children.
For more information, call (954) NSU-CARE (678-2273)

Win 4 Passes to Alice's Wordenland Tea Party at Young at Art

What: Alice's Wonderland Tea Party
Who: All Ages
When: September 26th, noon to 4 pm
Where: Young at Art, 11584 West State Road 84, Davie
How Much: Free if you win the 4 passes, come dressed as an Alice in Wonderland character, or are under 2 years of age, otherwise it's $8

Young at Art Children's Museum is throwing Alice a tea party and you are invited. In addition to the exhibit, there will be art activities, games, face painting, stories and more. The party is to say goodbye to Alice's Wonderland: A Most Curious Adventure exhibit. Remember, even if you don't win the passes, you can still get in free if you dress up as an Alice in Wonderland character. Don't be late to this very important date.
The museum also offers other permanent wonderful exhibits. You can read a little more about the museum here.

In order to win the passes to the tea party, answer the following question in the comments:

What is your favorite children's book or your favorite children's book character?

I will announce the winner on Saturday, Sept. 19th. Good luck.

How Much Ice Cream Can You Eat?

What: Ice Cream Eating Contest
Who: All Ages
When: Saturday, September 12th, 7:30 pm
Where: Scoop of Heaven, 11392 W State Road 84, Davie
How Much: $10 to enter the contest, free to watch people stuff their face

If you think you can consume 15 scoops of ice cream with toppings and whipped cream faster than most people you know, this is the contest for you. Scoop of Heaven is hosting a fun-filled ice cream gobble-down this Saturday. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. You never know. Maybe you are the next ice cream-devouring champion. If so, your picture will go on the wall and everyone will recognize you as the supreme ice-cream eater, a rightfully earned title. And hey, even if you're not planning on stuffing you face for the tournament, don't you think it might be entertaining to watch? I do.

Take a Bite Out of the Library

What: Take a Bite Out of the Library Fall Kickoff Bash
Who: All Ages
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: NSU's Alvin Sherman Library
How Much: Free

In celebration of National Library Card Sign-Up Month, NSU's Alvin Sherman Library will host a "Take a Bite Out of the Library" fall kickoff bash.

This FREE fun-filled afternoon will give participants the chance to:
* Meet Elmo and Princess Reads-A-Lot from 1-2 p.m.
* Groove at Mr. Brian and the Boppets' Rock and Roll puppet show at 2 p.m.
* Get help from NSU Cheerleaders and mascot Razor to sign up for library cards from 1-3 p.m.
* Win special prizes such as tickets to the Broward Center for Performing Arts' Family Fun Series and the Sesame Street Live Elmo's Green Thumb show.

While at the bash, don't forget to sign up for Sharkey's Reading Club, which lets participants set reading goals and collect a new prize each month after reaching their target. Any child can join the club with an Alvin Sherman Library card.

As a special treat, those curious about their roots can also visit the Ancestors Roadshow table from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for a free genealogy consultation to learn how to find out about your family's tree.

After the kickoff bash, teens are also invited to the "Get Carded" Back-to-School Dance from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Show your Alvin Sherman Library card or completed application to get into the party, for a night of dancing to hot DJ mixes and hanging with friends.

Labor Day Family Splash and Craft Show

What: Labor Day Family Splash and Craft Show
Who: All Ages

Where: Pine Island Park Aquatic Center (3800 S.W. 92 Avenue), Davie

When: Monday, September 7, 2009, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Pool Splash! Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Arts & Crafts Fair (front lawn)

Noon

Petting Farm

Free Climbing Wall

Free Bounce Houses and Slide

DJ Music by the pool (to 4:30pm)

12:30 p.m.

Jimmy Jam Cloggers

2:00 p.m.

Billie Joe Bob Youth Show

2:30 p.m.

Puppet Show

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Pool Party Spash Continues (weather permitting)

Free Movies (in building)

1/2 Price Admission at Flamingo Gardens

What: 1/2 Price Admission at Flamingo Gardens: Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary
Who: All Ages
When: Labor Day - Sept. 7th and Grandparents Day - Sept. 13th
Where: Davie
How Much: 1/2 price admission is $8.50 ages 12 and up, $4.25 children 4-11, children under 4 are free, not valid with any other offer

We visited Flamingo Gardens back in July. While it was hot, hot, hot, we still had a wonderful time. Lush tree canopies provide sweet shade in almost all parts of the park. We watched the Wildlife Show and one of the highlights was the story of a friendly little owl who is being rehabilitated at the Gardens. I would also recommend taking the narrated tram tour, $4 for adults, $3 for children (4-11), and free for anyone 4 and under. It was K's first tram ride and she got a kick out of the wind blowing in her hair. On the tram, we had access to parts of the sanctuary that you don't otherwise get to see and you learn some great plant and wildlife facts on the way. The best days to visit Flamingo Gardens are during "special events" because they have 1/2 price admission. Check out the calendar of events on their website for additional events and discounts throughout the year.

Take a Hike, Go to the Museum, or Get Some Free Grub

What: Full Moon Hike
Who: All Ages
When: Friday, September 4th, 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: Long Key Nature Center
How Much: $3 per person, Preregistration is required by the day before the event

This Friday night is going to be a full moon, which means you can go take a hike at Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area. Long Key is one of my favorite nature spots in the area, day or night. The trails are lined by majestic live oaks and it's the perfect place to spot some owls and butterflies. Besides regularly holding Nature Tots, an incredible program for 2-4 year-olds, they also have fun nature activities for older kids and people of all ages, like the Full Moon Hike they are having this Friday. If you're never been to Long Key, you're missing out.

What: Target First Friday
Who: All Ages
When: Friday, September 4th, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: Young at Art Museum
How Much: Free

Another option for this Friday is a night at the museum at Young at Art. The current exhibit is Alice's Wonderland: A Most Curious Adventure. Thanks to Target, you don't need to pay the price of admission this Friday. Can't beat that, right? I also posted about Target Free Fridays here. The website says they offer hands-on art activities, music, story time, refreshments, and more.

What: Funtastic Fridays
Who: All Ages
When: Every Friday in September, 5-9 pm
Where: Anniversary Park (20th Ave. & Hollywood Blvd.)
How Much: Free

I've also been meaning to tell you guys about Funtastic Fridays in Downtown Hollywood. The website says that music, magic and more are in store for youngsters and their families at Funtastic Fridays and that it promises to be the best free family social event in town. Many eateries in the area, like Dolce Vita and Cafe Italia, offer kids eat free specials to go along with Funtastic Fridays.

If you check out the link to Cafe Italia, notice that Tuesday nights are kids night and they have a clown, face-painting, magic, balloons, and free gelato.

Yummy in My Tummy

What: Organic Baby and Toddler Food
Where: 13770 West State Road 84, Davie and online store
How Much: Food - about $1 or $2 per portion
Phone: 954-358-2414

I am a foodie. When I finish breakfast, I start contemplating lunch: guacamole, hummus, turkey sandwich, mmm...? If I'm having a bad day, I daydream about gallo pinto or a juice burger with crunchy fries. One of the my most relaxing activities is zoning out to someone chopping and dicing on the Food Network. I savor capers, artichokes, and olives. And I can probably tell you where there's a Thai restaurant in your city. My husband says I'm obsessed. But I know it's genetic. Once, someone said that it's cheaper to buy the women in my family diamonds than it is to feed us. A blissful moment for me was the day I had to give K some prune juice (hear me out). She was four months old and, as she downed the bottle, licked her lips, and cried for more, I knew a had a baby foodie on my hands. She enjoys trying new flavors, even unusual things, just like her mommy.
And my baby foodie is into Yummy in My Tummy. The owners, Michael and Karen, are a mom and dad team who provide the highest quality organic baby and toddler food. The store is clean, organized, and the staff is always sweet. I have to admit, I buy food for myself when I visit. One of my favorites is the scrumptious mac and cheese, not salty and artificial, but creamy and authentic. Besides the delicious food, they sell all kinds of eco-friendly products, like utensils, bibs, sippy cups, etc. I recently found out that they do "tastings" for groups where you can sample the food and get a discount on what you purchase that day. When you go, buy yourself a little cup of Dutch Apple. Trust me.

Wee Wiggle and Sing

What: Music and Movement Classes
Who: 2 to 5 years old
Where: Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, and Hollywood
How Much: About $88 for 8 weeks

I haven’t met Lisa, but after a long phone conversation and some email correspondence, I‘ve decided I already like her. Lisa is a music and movement teacher with some impressive credentials. She has been teaching for over 20 years and she is the owner and director of Wee Wiggle and Sing: Broward Music and Movement Classes. Starting this fall, she will be teaching classes in Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, and Hollywood. Registration begins in August. Her fee is about $88 for 8 weeks. I have been looking around for music lessons for K. and this is the best price I have come across so far. But beyond price, what I like about Lisa is that she has an obvious passion for teaching music to young children. For example, I found this declaration on her website, “I am strongly committed to my endeavor to teach effectively and use the best possible resources at my disposal. I am an advocate of classical music and art appreciation and dedicated to promoting its value in education”. Her mission is to provide quality music lessons at reasonable prices with no hidden fees and no pressure to buy extra materials. She believes a mom can find musical instruments throughout the house, like pots, pans, and wooden spoons. She’ll teach you how to make shakers so you don’t have to go out and buy them. It seems to me that not only the little ones, but also the parents, will get some valuable lessons on being resourceful and creative in this class.

Artsy Fridays

What: Free Family Museum Days
Who: All Ages
When: Certain Fridays
Where: Miami Children's Museum and Young at Art Museum
How Much: Free

Sacrifice is an integral part of motherhood. We all had a crash course in that lesson during childbirth, didn’t we? We constantly need to sacrifice alone time in order to tend to our little ones. Sometimes we put our careers on hold for our families. And now that the economy is struggling, we often need to make financial sacrifices in order to provide enjoyable experiences for our children. That’s one of the main reasons I started this blog. I want to share as many great free events with you as I can find. For example, did you know that Target hosts free family nights at museums across the country? These are two museums in our area that participate in the program:

Miami Children's Museum - Target Free Third Fridays
Free Third Fridays, 3–9 p.m.
980 Mac Arthur Causeway
Miami, FL 33132
305-373-5437
The next one will be July 17th, 2009

Young at Art Children's Museum - Target Free First Fridays
Free First Fridays, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
11584 West State Road 84
Davie, FL 33325
954-424-0085
The next one will be August 7th, 2009

Young at Art is a small museum. K. is still too young for Young at Art. She’s eight months old. Nevertheless, I went with one of my meetup groups and I watched kids in the group who were older enjoy the place. They had a great time at the Global Village banging on the African drums and they learned a little about recycling in the Earthworks exhibit. The current traveling exhibit is Alice’s Wonderland: A Most Curious Adventure. I think this is a good museum for children between the ages of 2 and 8.
Mommy Tip: I imagine it will get crowded since they are free events. Maybe it’s better to get there early.