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

Win Passes to Butterfly World ($50 Value)

Motherhood for me has been a transformation. One way I've changed is that I'm more open to the simple pleasures in life.
We took K to the park yesterday afternoon and as she toddled through the grass searching for her favorite blade, I realized that her curiosity and sense of humor are like my battery. Sharing her delight in bubbles and ducks makes me more relaxed and less guarded. Following her lead, I have the courage to be myself more often. Her babyness is inspiring.

What are some of your simple pleasures? What simple activities do you enjoy sharing the most with your kids?

I'd like to give you two passes for Butterfly World. Answer the question (s) and I'll let you know who wins the passes by Tuesday, Feb. 2nd. I'll choose using random.org.

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.

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.

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.

When We Rejoin the World, We're Going to The Bonnet House

What: Family Days at The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Who: All Ages
When: July 18, Aug. 1, and Aug. 15, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Last house tour 2:30pm
Gates close at 3:30pm
How Much: Kids free, Adults $10, Broward County Teachers Free

I miss the world. K.’s stomach flu has held us captive for the last 8 days. I miss other kids and my mommy friends. I’m looking forward to rejoining humanity. When we get better, one of the first places we are going is the The Bonnet Museum and Gardens. We’re going to wander through the five ecosystems looking for squirrel monkeys, gopher tortoises, and cygnets. The monkeys are not captive, which makes me happy. I’m looking forward to seeing the house too. It belonged to an artist who designed it as a whimsical Caribbean plantation-like dwelling with airy indoor and outdoor spaces. The property is a place full of art and orchids. Great combination. Some Saturdays in July and August, they have family days. Which means kids are free and parents are half price. (Regular adult admission is $20). BTW, Broward county teachers get in for free all the time. During family days, the house tours cater to kids. They go a little more quickly. Another plus is that families can bring their own food to eat at one of their many picnic tables. They don’t sell food at the Bonnet House. And this bit of info may interest the kids, Bonnet House was the main location for the movie "Hoot" and the finish line for season 7 of the "The Amazing Race". So, don’t forget your camera.

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.