Westfield Family Fun Days

My friend Heliana is one of those moms who always knows all the good activities for the kids. She told me about Westfield Broward Mall Family Fun Days.
I am so glad we decided to go. The theme of the event was Paris. As soon as we got there, K. sat down and started working on her beret. I love when she works on arts and crafts outside of my house. She gets to practice her fine motor skills and develop her imagination, but I don't have to clean it up. Then she got her face painted for the first time. This in itself was an event. She wore that purple butterfly with beaming pride all day because it was imperative that her daddy got to see it when he got home from work. By 6 pm it was looking more like abstract art, but she didn't care.
At the Family Fun Day, they also had book readings, dancing, and snacks. My one year old's favorite part was snacking on pretzels, pop corn, and ice cream. He has very little interest in anything other than eating, running, throwing, and unrolling toilet paper when I'm not looking. 
The event was well-organized and it was relatively educational, if the kids payed attention to the books. Most of them didn't. There was a lot going on. It was definitely age appropriate and the entertainer was sweet and attentive with the kids.
The only downside to the whole thing was that it was crowded. I imagine once the kids go back to school it will thin out. I won't be enjoying it because I'll be hanging out with some inquisitive middle schoolers by then.
Oh! another great thing is that they separate the big kids from the little kids by holding different fundays at different times. Very clever. And it's all free! The next one is Wednesday, July 25 from 11:00 am to 1:00pm at the JCPenney Court.

Also, at the event, they gave me a savings card that got me 15% off The Children's Place. You also get other offers and discounts with the card. I wasn't supposed to spend any money, but I couldn't help myself. I mean the little pink shorts were right there.

This is from their website:
WFamily Days (2-5 yrs)
Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday
We ́ll travel to distant lands this month as we continue our theme of “Let ́s See the World!” Two books will take us around the globe as we explore many wonders far and wide. We ́ll also enjoy a healthy snack.

WFamily Days (6-12 yrs)
Every 3rd Tuesday
The fun continues for big kids! This month, they can let their imaginations go as they build their very own unique dream house out of graham crackers and then decorate it any way they want!

Our Incredible Miami Day

One of the reasons I love living in South Florida is because I can get the kids in the car and drive a relatively short distance to so many great places. For example, on Saturday we invited my mother-in-law to come along and decided to have a Miami Day. We went to 94th Aero Squadron for lunch. I'm not sure if I recommend this restaurant for little kids. Older kids, definitely. Warning though, it is pricey. Now, the coolest part of this restaurant experience is the airplanes. They have headphones next to the tables and you get to listen to the air traffic controller from the airport. And you get to see airplanes land take off every couple of minutes. K. was mesmerized. She would not take the headphones of the whole time we were there.

Next, we went to HistoryMiami for their Free Family Fun Day. K. had a great time painting at one of their stations, working on puzzles, making a guayabera, and "riding" an old Miami trolley. Totally worth the drive, especially because it was all free.

K. tracing at HistoryMiami.

We also went to the Miami Art Museum since it's right in the same plaza and they also had free family activities going on. My favorite part was Needle Woman by Kim Sooja. You walk into a large room with projections on the wall whre you see a woman standing in the middle of a crowd. You watch most people ignore her and some of them react to her. She chose 8 of the most populated cities in the world. It was interesting trying to figure out where she was. Also, it was fascinating to see how different cultures reacted to her. We had fun talking about what the exhibit meant to each of us.

My husband, mother-in-law, and my two kiddos watching the big ship sail away.

Then we went to South Pointe Park in South Beach and it was just awesome! We got there around 4:30 pm so we got to wave goodbye to the outgoing cruise ships. A. loved the big boats. He was even waving to the tiny people sailing away on vacation. This park just has so much to offer. We also walked to the beach, the kids entertained themselves in the playground, and we all had fun watching the people, dogs, bicycles, etc. at the park. This park is a must-see. One thing. They were charging $20 for parking! I know. Ridiculous. We just parked a little ways down the road at the meter parking and walked over. The walk was great because we got to see all the fancy new buildings next to the park.

Family Fun Days at History Miami

Join History Miami the second Saturday of each month from 12 to 5 p.m. for FREE things to do, learn and experience with the whole family!
Spend the afternoon exploring the history and culture of our vibrant metropolitan city.

Family Fun Day Schedule

Passion for Fashion

July 14, 2012
Strike a pose in celebration of our new exhibition The Guayabera: A Shirt’s Story. Learn how clothing can tell stories about the past and present on our “Time Travel through Textiles” tour of the galleries, and enjoy a guayabera-inspired craft activity.

Summer Games

August 11, 2012
Come play with us! Celebrate the closing of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London with a full day of games and sports. Visit a variety of game stations throughout the galleries, learn about local athletics and create your own Olympic gold medal.
Family Fun Days are presented with the support of Miami-Dade County, The Michael and Diane Rosenberg Foundation, The Bachelor Foundation and The Carnival Foundation. 

Contact the museum if you have any questions:

Education Center
HistoryMiami
101 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
305-375-1629
tmartin@historymiami.org

Free Museums

These are my two little ones loving life at new EcoDiscovery Center at the Museum of Discovery and Science. K. and A. are watching otters frolic around in the new tank. We arrived at the museum around 1 pm. The kiddos played, explored, touched, and watched the exhibits for over two hours. In the end, it was my husband and I who wanted to leave to go take a nap. :) Well, both whippersnappers did pass out in their car seats as soon as we drove off the parking lot. One great part of the museum visit was to see my children learn and enjoy themselves. But a huge bonus was that neither my husband nor I had to pay the price of admission. We use the Museums on Us program by Bank of America. If you have a Bank of America card, you get in free to many museums in our area the first full weekend of the month. This weekend coming up counts because it is the first full weekend in July. The museum is worth the money, even if you don't have a Bank of America card. But, if it's already in your wallet, why pay full price?

A Full Day of Free Yoga Classes

In celebration of National Yoga Day, Weston Yoga is having a full day of free classes this Saturday. As I was searching around their website, I discovered that they regularly offer yoga classes for kids and tweens. I stared doing yoga in high school, but the way I look at it, the sooner you start the better. I can think of hundreds of benefits yoga can bring K. For example, patience, tolerance, flexibility, a better understanding of herself, etc. She's too young to start right now, but as soon as she's old enough, I will definitely be looking for a class. For now, I'll be the one going to Weston Yoga to take the restorative class. Every mom needs some restoration time.

This is the schedule of free classes for Saturday, January 23rd:
(Donations for the Humane Society of Broward County will be collected)

8:30-10 am Ashtanga
10:30 am-Noon Heated
12:30-1:30 pm Hatha - All Levels
2:30-4 pm Heated
5-6 pm Restorative

Weston Yoga
2600 Glades Circle, Suite 400
Weston, FL 33327
(954) 349-6868
info@westonyoga.com

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.

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.

I Wish for Free Ice Cream

What: World's Largest Ice Cream Social
Who: All Ages
When: Thursday, Sept. 24th, 5 - 8 pm
Where: Cold Stone Creamery

Score some free ice cream this Thursday from 5 to 8 pm when you visit Cold Stone Creamery. The best part is that when you choose to make a donation, your money will go to the Make A Wish Foundation. Enjoy!

Entry to Metro Zoo is Free this Saturday!

What: Smithsonian Magazine Free Museum Day
Who: Two people per household, all ages
When: Saturday, Sept. 26th

Smithsonian Magazine is hosting a free museum day this Saturday. You need to download a card here. Provide some information about yourself and then receive free admission to many local museums and cultural venues. Below is a list of some participating places. Please call before you go to make sure they are still participating:

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
Hollywood
Art and Culture Center of Hollywood
Hollywood
Bass Museum of Art
Miami
Boca Raton Museum of Art
Boca Raton
Cason Cottage Historic House Museum
Delray Beach
Coral Springs Museum of Art
Coral Springs
Historical Museum of Southern Florida
Miami
International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum
Fort Lauderdale
Lowe Art Museum
Coral Gables
Miami Art Museum
Miami
Miami Metrozoo
Miami
Norton Museum of Art
West Palm Beach
The Frost Art Museum
Miami
The Wolfsonian - FIU
Miami Beach

Peanut Butter and Jelly Time

What: Ms. Peanut Butter
When and When: Thursday, Sept. 24th at 10:30 am at Learning Express Toys of Sunrise
(954) 846-8697
Where and When: Saturday, Sept. 26th at 10:30 am at Baby Love
(954)720-2300
How Much: Free, call to reserve a spot

Miss Peanut Butter is an engaging and energetic children's entertainer who puts on a charming show where kids play, dance, listen, sing along to music, and enjoy some bubbles.

This Thursday she will be at Learning Express Toys of Sunrise. This store is a treasure box of family-friendly fun with amusing activities on an almost-weekly basis.
On Saturday, she will be at Baby Love in Tamarac. This is extrordinary news for all working moms like me! Now our little ones can still see Miss Peanut Butter, even if our weekday calendars are booked with less exciting activities these days, like bringing home the bacon.

BTW, there are Learning Express Toys all over the place. Some other locations are Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, and Boca.

Your Library Card is Your Ticket

What: Family Tour and Story Time at the Museum
When: Saturday, Sept. 26th, 2 - 4 pm
Where: The Museum of Art - Fort Lauderdale
How Much: Free for kids with a Broward County library card, regular museum admission for adults ($10)

The Museum of Art - Fort Lauderdale is opening its doors to families this Saturday. They are hosting 'Stories and Sketching with Spring Raulerson'. This event will begin with a family tour of the museum and continue with the reading of a story. Afterward, all budding artist can sketch in the galleries to celebrate the opening of the Glackens as Illustrator Exhibit. Even if you're not a library-card-carrying-member, you can sign up to get one at the museum that day.

And the Winners are ...

Zach and Ana, you each won a family-four pack of tickets to Alice's Tea Party this Saturday, Sept. 26th from noon to 4 pm at Young at Art Children's Museum. Congratulations!

Everyone is invited. There will be face painting, arts and crafts, and all sorts of fun. And even if you didn't win the tickets, you can still get in free to this great event. All you need to do is dress as a Wonderland character.

Free Fridays at MODS

What: Free Ford Fridays
Who: All Ages
When: Sept. 18th and 25th, 10 am - 5pm
Where: Museum of Discovery and Science, Fort Lauderdale
How Much: Free

One of the best places in South Florida for kids is the Museum of Discovery and Science. It has tons of interactive exhibits. You can find the largest living Atlantic coral reef in captivity and a great exhibit on the Everglades, among many others. The Discovery Center is also designed especially for children under seven. For the last two Fridays in September, you may now enjoy all of this free of charge.

A Cafe au Play: Tailor-Made for the Littlest Ones

What: Grand Opening of A Cafe au Play
Who: Infants - 5 year-olds
When: Sunday, Sept. 20th, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: 12335 Pembroke Road, Pembroke Pines
Phone Number: 954.367.3491
How Much: Free on Sunday the 20th, $12 open play on regular days

One of the downsides of visiting indoor playgrounds/playspaces is the idea of having your tiny baby trampled by busy, game-involved older children. Not that older children mean to do this, but it happens. Also, the last thing you want is to fork over your hard-earned cash for the entrance fee, only to find out that they really don't have many age-appropriate toys or activities for the youngest member of the family . This is why A Cafe au Play is getting my attention. It is a playspace dedicated for the younger crowd, infants to five year-olds. This Sunday is their Open House. From 10 am to 2 pm, mommies and tots can scope out the place free of charge. There will also be giveaways and refreshments. Sounds promising. Will see what the mouths of babes have to say.

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.