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.

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.

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?

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 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.

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.

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.

The Last Weekend

This is the weekend before SCHOOL starts again....Let's make it a good one. Here are some things I thought may interest you:

What: Kids Konvention
Who: All Ages
When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Coral Square Mall in Coral Springs
How Much: Free

Kids Konvention in Coral Square Mall offers all kinds of kid-related exhibits, giveaways, and performances. Sounds interesting to me. This is a Saturday and Sunday event.

What: A Bug's Eye View
Who: All Ages
When: Sunday, Aug. 23, 2-3 pm
Where: Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach
How Much: $3 (exact change, please)

I am a firm believer that the more you expose kids to nature, the happier they will be. For this reason, I'm constantly on the lookout for nature activities and some of my favorite places in Broward are the four incredible nature centers we have. Tomorrow, at 2 pm there is a great program called "A Bug's Eye View" at Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach. This is what the calendar says about the event: Discover what critters live in and around the nature center's Butterfly Island with hands-on exploration and a movie.

P.S. Don't forget about the fun Back to School events happening at Whole Foods this weekend and next weekend.

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.

The Whole Picture

What: Mom Workshops and Kids Club Workshops
Who: All Ages
When: See below for specific times
Where: Your local Whole Foods store
How Much: Free

We did it back in April. We let our sweet, innocent baby scream her lungs out as we sat outside the door watching the monitor, pulling our hair out, biting our nails, our bodies twitching. It’s supposed to last three to four nights according to the doctor. It took K. one long week. Finally, something clicked in her brain and she figured out that we weren’t coming to soothe her. That was her job now. I can’t say that it was easy, but I can say that it was worth it. I didn’t read a book or attend a workshop for helpful hints on how to make the process run more smoothly. But it’s good that there is a workshop. See below.
In case you have not discovered all the free events for mommies and kids at your local Whole Foods store, this post is for you. In the upcoming events, you can figure out how to set a productive bedtime routine, score free coffee and muffins, and add some new, natural, family-friendly recipes to your repertoire. The kiddos can learn about sea turtles and alligators. And of course, it’s the perfect place to pick up some fresh, organic produce.

Plantation Store
Tuesday, July 14th
Mom's Morning Workshop with MSI
9:00-10:30pm FREE
Join Laurie Waldman, Coordinator of Infant/Toddler Programs at MSI's Parenting Place, for a discussion on "Bedtime Challenges." Explore various alternatives and strategies that provide nurturing approaches to the bedtime routine. This lecture will focus on children from birth- 5years.
Moms will receive a free muffin and cup of coffee along with a chance to relax and learn about different parenting techniques from the experts. Plus, relax with a free 5-minute massage from My Massage Corner.
Pick up your coupon at Customer Service and bring it to the Juice Bar to receive your goodies.

Coral Springs Store
Saturday, July 11th
Kids Club event - The Best Basic Potato Salad
3:00 p.m. FREE!
Attention all kids, make your own custom potato salad in our Café. The class is limited to the first 30 kids who register at our customer service desk.

Tuesday, July 14th
Mom's Morning
9:00 - 10:30 a.m. FREE!
After you shop, stop by the Cafe and have a cup of Allegro Coffee and breakfast pastry on us while supplies last.

Saturday, July 18th
Creature Feature with the Sawgrass Nature Center
1:00 p.m. FREE!
Every month, representatives of Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital come to Whole Foods Market Coral Springs to teach kids all about a live animal. This month's "Creature Feature" is the alligator.

Aventura Store
Thursday, July 9th
Mom's Morning Out!
9:30 -11am FREE
Moms of all ages are invited to take a morning off and relax! Starting at 9:30am, you are invited to pamper yourself in our café. Join Marketing Specialist and mother of two, Vanessa Hassele as she shares all natural, kid-friendly recipes to make with and for the kids! Stop by, and share your own tips and tricks with other Moms as you sample Allegro Coffee blends and freshly baked pastries. Then head over to Baby Posh Garage with your 25% Off Coupon and pick up something for the kiddies to soothe any mommy-guilt over taking time for yourself! All attendees will receive a 25% Off Coupon for use at Baby Posh Garage in Aventura. Bring a friend and you will also both receive a $10 coupon off a future Whole Foods Market purchase! Children welcome. Pre-registration is recommended.

Saturday, July 11th
Kids Club - Save the Sea Turtles!
9 - 10am FREE
Kids (aged 4 - 12) and parents are welcome to join us as we listen to a story about Sea Turtles and decorate turtle sun-catchers in honor of our summer-long support of the Sea Turtle Hatchling Program at the Museum of Discovery & Science in Ft. Lauderdale. Please make reservations at Customer Service. Class size is limited.

There are also stores in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, South Beach, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and Wellington. Almost all of them offer Mom’s Mornings and Kids Club Events.