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.

Win 2 Passes to A Latte Fun Indoor Playground and Cafe

In an effort to improve Palm Tree Playground, I spent like one hour yesterday updating the links. I added some great resources for South Florida parents, places to visit when it's 99 degrees outside, and places to visit on days when the weather is perfect and you are reminded of the reasons you chose to live here. It's basically an inventory of my favorite virtual destinations and also some real chill spots for South Florida kiddos and their parents. It's not meant to include everything. However, is there something you think just needs to be added? Answer my question in the comments section below and you could win two passes to A Latte Fun Indoor Playground and Cafe. The only stipulation is that it needs to be your first visit to A Latte Fun (They are 1st Time Visit Free Passes). So sorry to all those of you have have already been there, and like me, have discovered that it is by far one of THE best indoor playgrounds in South Florida. There will be 5 winners. That's a latte winnners! ha,ha. Anyway, I select the fortunate readers by using random.org. I'll let you know who wins by Jan. 12th, 2010. Good luck.

Deals4Moms

What: Discounts on services and products (and a chance to win a hotel stay in September)
Who: All Ages
Where: Many of my favorites like Yummy in my Tummy, Busy Bee, Lessons with Julie, Lolliposh, and so much more

Deals4Mom is a must-visit virtual destination for all moms who are looking for real useful discounts. It's a collection of valuable family-oriented businesses who are offering moms a break on much-needed services and products. And trust me, we could all use a break right about now. You can find a free one-hour play pass and a $44 one-hour massage. There are discounts on swim lessons and baby signing classes. If you're trying to get in shape, check out the mom fitness free classes or the discounted gym memberships. Deals4Moms encourages all of its sponsors to donate their advertising dollars to 4KIDS of South Florida. 4KIDS receives 100% of their contribution. 4KIDS is a child welfare agency dedicated to meeting the needs of foster care children.
I know Tera, the woman who created Deals4Moms, and she is an amazing and kind human being. Not only is she bringing a great service to moms, she's helping to provide for children who truly need someone to care. It's a win-win. And you could literally win big in September if you join Deals4Moms' email list. The prize is a two-night South Florida hotel stay. I made sure to join because I would love, love a mini-vacation.

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.

Win 4 Passes to Busy Bee Kidz ($60 Value)

In order to win the 4 passes to Busy Bee Kidz Interactive Play and Party Center (one of my favorite indoor playgrounds) all you need to do is answer the following question:

Moms and dads, what are your time-saving tricks and tips?

Now that I am a working mom, I have so little time in my life. I'm sure I'm not the only parent with this concern. =) Everyone, please share your time-saving tricks and tips with the readers of this cool blog.

(I'll announce the winner on Thurs. Sept. 25th. I use random.org to select the winner.)

Puppets, Art, and Sensory Fun at Cafe Bambini

What: Puppet Show by Sarah & Friends
Who: 1 - 6 years old (my opinion)
When: Monday, Sept. 7th
Where: Cafe Bambini, Aventura
How Much: $10, includes unlimited open play after the show (open play is usually $5 on regular days, i.e. non-puppet show days)

I believe that Cafe Bambini is one of the cleanest indoor playgrounds in South Florida. While it's not a large play space, it has another huge perk - great food and gelato for everyone. Besides having periodic puppet shows, they now also offer these fun events:

Parents and their babies (birth to 13 months) can now enjoy award winning Baby Sensory classes at with Miss Carolina 10am Thursday mornings, first class FREE trial!

“Artistic Thursdays”, 4pm at hosted by Creative Minds. $5 one piece of plaster $8 for two pieces.

Get Creative at Cafe Bambini

What: Artistic Fun Day
When: Thursday, August 27 at 4:00 pm
Where: Cafe Bambini in Aventura
How much: Free for first ten children, $8 everyone else

Café Bambini & Creative Minds have joined together to bring the community an fun artistic day. This Thursday, August 27 at 4:00 pm children will have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their creative, artistic talents.

In addition, as an inauguration incentive, Creative Minds will donate the first ten plaster pieces to the first ten children to show up to the event. Soon after, Creative Minds will offer two plaster pieces for an incredible discount price of $8.00.

If you have never been to Cafe Bambini, you need to go. It's a modern indoor playground in Aventura. It's small, but they have great toys for the kids and the food is delicious.

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.

A Latte Fun

What: A Latte Fun Indoor Playground and Cafe
Who: 1 to 5 years old (in my opinion)
Where: Coral Springs
How Much: $10.00 (2 years - 6 years), $8.00 (6 months - 2 years), $5.00 (siblings)

I convinced my husband to visit an indoor playground this past weekend. It helped my case that my brother-in-law, his wife, and their kids were coming with us. My niece is 5 and my nephew is 3. We decided to visit A Latte Fun in Coral Springs. My good friend and her nine-month old baby joined us, as well. It just opened last week, and man, let me tell you, everyone and their mother was there. The place has a coffee lounge section for parents decorated with comfy couches, stylish high chairs, jazzy background music, and a huge glass panel overlooking the play area. They also have a great menu. In the lounge, there is a variety of toys for sale, many of the same toys that are available to the kids inside. Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. The play area has a super fun foam pit. Right next to it is the ground-level trampoline, which I really enjoyed. Yes, I enjoyed it. K. hung out with her daddy while I frolicked, bounced, and slid with my niece. (When you go, you need allow your self the freedom to glide down the inflatable slide.) My niece and I decorated ourselves with boas, ballerina skirts, and one of those cone-shaped princess hats. Later, we played “super market”. My friend and her nine-month old enjoyed the foam pit while my nephew happily played with a little remote control car. There was only one thing I didn’t enjoy, I felt the music was too loud. With the kids playing and screaming and the music blasting, for a second there, K. was a little overwhelmed. Two things I did like, first, the comfortable parent-chairs scattered along the perimeter, good thinking, and second, the staff was very amiable and polite and there was plenty of supervision. A Latte Fun is a perfect place for anyone between the ages of 1 and 5. Or anyone who wants to remember what’s it’s like to be between the ages of 1 and 5.
P.S. Don't forget your socks.

Having a Ball in the Ball Pit at Busy Bee Kidz

What: Open Play Busy Bee Kidz Indoor Playground
Who: Best for kids 1 - 4 years (in my opinion)
When: Tuesday - Friday (9:30 am -12:30 pm and 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm)
Saturday (10 am - 12 pm)
Where: Cooper City
How Much: $12 (Under 2 years) $15 (2-8 years)

It is July in South Florida, which means my new hobby is continually searching for entertaining, air-conditioned play areas. Last week, I went to open play at Busy Bee Kidz in Cooper City with my eight-month old, two of my mommy friends, and their three toddlers. I would have had to pay $12, if I didn’t have the free open play pass I received back in April in my goody bag from Lolliposh Bazaar (future post). K., who is only eight months, had a blast and her toddler friends were absolutely engaged for the two-and a-half hours we were there. This place is perfect for kids between the ages of 1 and 3, maybe 4. There are two rooms. One room is filled with dress-up clothes, little trains and cars the kids can ride, kitchen play areas, a great selection of infant toys, a small ball pit, play houses, etc. The other room has the bigger stuff, like a rock climbing wall, a trampoline, an airplane see-saw, and a slide that was a big hit with the toddlers. The place is clean and it wasn’t too crowded at all. The kids who were there seemed genuinely amused. Three boys sat and created multiple looks for the Mr. Potato Heads while a little girl pranced around in a princess costume practicing her high heel skills. They have a parent lounge with TVs and Internet access, an infant sleeping area, a snack machine, and also offer parent/child classes. Their website says they have free tea, coffee, and snacks for parents while the kids play. What I liked about it is that they have toys K. enjoyed and she got to try out stuff like the Little People Noah’s Ark, the activity tables and cubes, and walkers. Now I know which toys she would actually play with if I were to buy them. And she had a ball in the ball pit. Mostly, she sampled the taste difference between the green and red balls while giggling at the antics and tricks of her older friends. But she was in there for like 20 minutes! My friends and I actually got to discuss the hilarity of The Hangover (the movie) among other actual conversation topics. Yes, we conversed. And the four kids played and were happy for a couple of hours. Honestly, I would have paid $12 for such a luxury these days.
Mommy Tip: Don't forget your socks