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.

Music for Munchkins

In my perpetual search of family-friendly activities that stimulate our little one's brains, I was thrilled to find Music for Munchkins. It's a program run by the Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra designed specially for kids. Some of the best parts of this concert series: they are free, take place early in the day, and are short (30-minutes). Even better, the concerts are followed by juice and Munchkin donut holes. Always a crowd pleaser. All concerts begin at 11:00 a.m. They are held at Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University in Davie.

I found this information on their website: Conductor Dr Lynn Luce, affectionately known as Dr. Mom, interacts with the young audience during the performance and teaches basic principle of classical music in a light-hearted fashion. The friendly Maestro has some tricks up her sleeve to entertain this special audience. These child-friendly concerts are sure to endear young listeners to orchestral music, cultivating the concert-goers of tomorrow.

Upcoming concerts:

Music for Munchkins- All-Star Young Artist’s
Saturday, January 23, 2010
11:00AM

Music for Munchkins- Ars Flores Rising Stars Alumni
Saturday, March 13, 2010
11:00AM

Music for Munchkins- Five-Star Chamber Music
Saturday, April 17, 2010
11:00AM

Sing-Along and Mom's Morning at Whole Foods

Whole Foods Plantation Store
7720 Peters Rd
Plantation, FL 33324
954.236.0600

Sing-Along this Saturday, January 9 from 11am to 12pm

Sing along with Brittney Coe, from the Mailman Segal Institute at Nova Southeastern University, as she plays children's favorite songs including, "You are My Sunshine", "Down by the Bay", "The Wheels on the Bus", and many more!

Please make reservations at Customer Service, class size is limited. 954.236.0600

Mom's Morning this Tuesday, January 12th from 9 to 10:30am

Moms will receive a free muffin and cup of coffee along with a coupon for a free five minute massage from My Massage Corner.

Pick up your coupon at Customer Service and bring it to the Juice Bar to receive your complementary treat.

Family Fest at the Adrienne Arsht Center

Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts at the Adrienne Arsht Center
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM (FREE!)



Upcoming Schedule:
* January 9 - Cinderella Ballet
* March 6 - Step Afrika!
* May 8 - Rock Odyssey
See! Touch! Learn! Discover! The Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza becomes Miami’s most exciting interactive arts playground! Hands-on, free, fun learning activities for children include crafts, face-painting, storytelling, movement and theater classes, as well as outdoor performances. Make a puppet, learn a song, or try out a few new dance moves, it’s the best way to spend the day! Food and Drinks available for purchase. For more information, call the box office at 305.949.6722. Free Parking until 12:00 Noon in Lot C — across from the Center.

One of My Favorite Local Libraries

As a bona fide bibliophile, I can quickly give you the location of the best libraries within a given-mile radius. And if you asked me "What's the best library for kids in Broward County?", I would point you in the direction of the Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University. They have some of the best programs for tots and teens including concerts, story hours, writing workshops, socials, art exhibits, movie nights, and puppet shows. One of the best things about this library is that just as many of their programs take place on the weekends or in the evenings, so workings moms and dads don't have to miss out on the fun.

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.

And the Winner is ...

Stephania, you won four tickets to the Grand Opening of Disco Kids on September 12th from 1-4 pm at Revolution Live. Congratulations!

Everyone, I'm still giving away a $25 gift certificate to Learning Express Toys in Sunrise. Visit this post and leave a comment. You can still win.

Goofles Ice and Custard

What: Kids Night Specials and Entertainment by Miss Peanut Butter
Who: All Ages
When: Tuesdays in September, 6-8 pm
Where: Goofles Ice and Custard

I don't know about you, but every once in a while, I just need a sweet treat. Anything chocolate is my number one favorite, but ice cream, gelato, custard, frozen yogurt, all those are a close second. I've never been to Goofles Ice and Custard, but I'm definitely willing to give it a try. And a good time to visit would be on a Tuesday, because they have all kinds of specials for the kiddos and Miss Peanut Butter provides the entertainment. I posted all about Miss Peanut Butter here. She puts on a wonderful high-energy, sweet-hearted, fun-loving show for the little ones.

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.

The Best of Miami/Fort Lauderdale

Nick's Parents Connect conducted this great survey, Parents' Picks Awards 2009, where local parents got to select some of their favorite spots, services, and products in South Florida. I concur with most of the selections. For example, A Latte Fun was selected as Best Kid's Party Place, Quiet Waters Park got Best Park/Playground and Jungle Island is Best Tourist Spot. Also, congrats to Tropic of Mom for winning Best Local Blog. I would have liked for there to be two winners in that category and to have it include The Work/Life Balancing Act.
However, there is one selection on the survey I object to. Best Bookstore. It totally should have been Books and Books. No contest. I think Barnes and Noble got it. Not that I have anything against Barnes and Noble. Cool place. But, Books and Books is just not even on the same level. Come on. I wrote all about Books and Books here. Anyway, check out the other categories. Congrats to all the winners.

Win 4 Tickets to Disco Kids on Sept. 12th

What: Disco Kids - Family Dance Party
When: Saturday, Sept. 12th, 1-4pm
Who: Kids 6 months to 8 years old (and their parents)
Where: Revolution Live, Fort Lauderdale
How Much: $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $40 for family four-pack if you buy the tickets online

Back in February, my mom and I took Karina to a Baby Loves Disco event. Technically, we were 'sneaking her in" because she was too young. She was only 4 months old at the time and the age "to get in" was 6 months to 8 years. Luckily, they weren't checking IDs that day. It was a super fun party. And now, though Baby Loves Disco decided to leave the South Florida market, Ellen, a local mom, has created Disco Kids. (To me, that's even better, because I love supporting local moms). Disco Kids is an afternoon family-friendly celebration hosted at a night club where kids dance and play, while their parents dance and play. Good thinking, right? The grand opening shindig will be on Saturday, Sept. 12th at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale. Parents and kids will be rocking from 1-4 pm. And Ellen is donating 4 tickets to readers of this blog. All you have to do is answer the following question in the comments section:

What type of kids activities would you like to see at a Disco Kids Event?

I'll announce the winner on Tuesday, September 1st. I select the winner using random.org. Good luck!

Win a $25 Gift Certifcate to Learning Express Toys of Sunrise

In order to win, you may answer either one or both of the following questions in the comments section below:

What's a good place to have a children's birthday party? Do you have any tips or advice for hosting a birthday or do you know any great activities or themes for a kid's party?

I select the winner using random.org. Good luck. I will announce the winner Saturday, Sept. 5th.

Get on Board with Ms. Peanut Butter at Learning Express

What: Ms. Peanut Butter and Elmo and Dora
When: Thursday, Aug. 13th 11 am and Sunday, Aug. 16th 11 am
Where: Learning Express Toys of Sunrise
How Much: Free

Learning Express Toys of Sunrise is a treasure box of family-friendly fun. The owners of this place have the right idea. This toy store has great activities on an almost-weekly basis. For example, this Thursday, Ms. Peanut Butter will be there at 11 am. Ms. Peanut Butter is an engaging and energetic children's entertainer who puts on a charming little show with her buddy Jelly, the Monkey, where kids play, dance, listen, and enjoy some bubbles. I participated in her free, weekly Mommy and Me class at Baby Love in Tamarac, and I image she does something similar at Learning Express. K warmed up to Ms. Peanut Butter very quickly. She was delighted during the performance.
Remember, Ms. Julie will be there on Saturday at 11 am. And on Sunday at 11 am, Elmo and Dora will be coming by. There is no doubt in my mind that they are a big hit with the kids.
The toy store offers a great selection for all ages. My husband and I like to take K on lazy, Sunday afternoons when there isn't much to do and just walk around and explore the aisles of books, favors, little cars, dolls, knickknacks, games, etc. The other day I saw the Twilight Turtle Constellation Nightlight and I think I'm going to buy it for K. The staff at the store is always welcoming and friendly.
Part of the charm of every toy store is the nostalgia it conjures of our own childhood. They are innocent, playful places. The little girl in me is drawn to oodles of toys and games. And the mom in me gladdens at the sight of K's smiling baby face as she participates in the activities they offer.
BTW, there are Learning Express Toys all over the place. Some other locations are Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, and Boca.

Mr. Blue's Water Safety Puppet Show

What: Puppet Show
Who: 1 to 7 year-olds (my opinion)
When: Saturday, Aug. 15th, 11 am (for additional dates see below)
Where: Learning Express Toys of Sunrise (for additional locations see below)
How Much: Free

My good friend and I took our fidgety 10 month-olds to a puppet show this weekend at the Learning Express Toys of Coral Springs. The store itself is worth checking out. The staff is so friendly and the store has an incredible selection of toys for all ages. The show was all about Mr. Blue, a fish who forgets how to swim. His friends teach him water safety lessons as they get him back in the water. K watched was enthralled from beginning to end. She did not move. The puppets were a hit with the audience. The audience members varied in age from baby to about 6 or 7 year-olds. The creator is Julie, a private swimming instructor who will have your little one swimming in less than a week. She travels all over Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. Julie is likable, honest, and passionate about water safety, swimming, and kids. My friend and I purchased the story book about about Mr. Blue, which also comes with a DVD. A meaningful moment for me was when (after the show) a father told a personal story of how he had put swimming lessons on the back burner and later got a phone call about his daughter being in the hospital after an incident when she almost drowned. His daughter is now happily swimming after lessons with Miss Julie. When you live on a peninsula, swimming lessons aren't just fun, they can be a real life saver. Here are some other upcoming shows:

August 10th at 3pm
Boynton Beach Library
208 South Seacrest Blvd.
Boynton Bch Blvd, 33435
561-742-6883
Contact Person: Ms. Cheryl Fishman
www.boyntonlibrary.org

August 29th at 11am
Learning Express Toy Store
4425 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, 33073
954-773-8509
www.coconutcreek.learningexpress-toys.com