Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Tampa, FL

History lesson: Step back in time aboard the SS American Victory

by Becky

First, read up on the history of the SS American Victory, the Merchant Marines , the Naval Armed Guard and nautical terminology on the Web site or at the library. Draw pictures of ships and the sea. Find out where the ship has been and look for those places (Europe, Korea, Vietnam) on a globe or in an atlas. Then take a tour of the SS American Victory, a functioning 1940s era merchant cargo ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 6/10

by Becky

Things to do today 10 a.m. free movies 11 a.m. Story time, Terrific Tuesdays (toddlers >3), Barnes & Noble, Carrollwood 11 a.m. Story time, Terrific Tuesdays (toddlers >3), Barnes & Noble, Tampa 6 p.m. Go, Diego, Go, Live! Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, tickets $19, $25 or $32 Related post ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 6/12

by Becky

Things to do today 10:30-11:15 a.m. Book Time: Izzie Lizzie Alligator: A Tale of a Big Lizard, Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, admission is free, but registration is required, ages 3-5. Program includes craft, game or other hands-on activity related to the story. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wee-time at Weedon: Water Beds: Sleeping in the Ocean (by Gail Langer Karwoski), The ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 6/16

by Becky

June 16, Monday 10 a.m. Story time (toddlers >3), Barnes & Noble, Brandon 10:30 a.m. Story time, (preschool 3-6), Barnes & Noble, Clearwater ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 6/26

by Becky

Thursday, June 26 1 p.m. Story time (toddlers >3), Barnes & Noble, Brandon 10:30-11:15 a.m. Book Time: Eliza and the Dragonfly (by Susie Caldwell Rinehart), Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, admission is free, but registration is required, ages 3-5. Program includes craft, game or other hands-on activity related to the story. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wee-time at ... Read more >

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Imagination Library offers free books to toddlers

by Becky

Do you have children born on or after Sept. 1, 2006, and do you live in Hillsborough County? You can sign them up for the Imagination Library program that mails free age-appropriate books to your home once a month until they are 5. Imagination Library was started by Dolly Parton in 1996 to encourage children to read. Check out United Way of Tampa Bay or call (813) 272-5017 for more information ... Read more >

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Tampa: What's in a name?

by Becky

Where did Tampa get its name? According to some historians, it started out as Tanpa, the Calusa Indian word meaning 'sticks of fire. Some think this refers to the abundance of kindling and driftwood along the Hillsborough River. Others think it refers to the abundance of lightning strikes that has earned Tampa Bay the nicknames Lightning Capital of the World (although some disagree it's the ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 7/4

by Becky

Friday, July 4 3 p.m. Story time, Fantastic Friday Bilingual, Barnes & Noble, Tampa 4 p.m. Story time with Maisy, Special Costume Character, Barnes & Noble, Tampa Where to celebrate the 4th of July. Clearwater ~ 4 p.m., Thursday, July 3, and 2 p.m., Friday, July 4, 18th Annual Clearwater Celebrates America, Coachman Park, Clearwater, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on July 4, ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 7/1

by Becky

Tuesday, July 1 11 a.m. Story time, Terrific Tuesdays (toddlers >3), Barnes & Noble, Carrollwood 11 a.m. Story time, Terrific Tuesdays (toddlers >3), Barnes & Noble, Tampa 10 a.m. free movies ... Read more >

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Kids can be 'king or queen for a day' for free at nearby castle

by Becky

Dress up your little knights or princesses and take them to the castle in Kissimmee for some Medieval Times fun. Children get in free Mondays at 7 p.m. until Sept. 1 when accompanied by one full-paying adult. Check here for more information and discount codes. ... Read more >

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Things to do, upcoming week

by Becky

Saturday, July 5 10 a.m. Free movie at Beach Theatre, St. Pete Beach, Shirley Temple's A Little Princess 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Miniature train rides in Largo 11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Family Fun Saturday, Salvador Dal Museum, St. Petersburg, hands-on activities, all ages, admission: $15/adult, $4/ages 5-9, free/4 & younger (annual membership/family is $70), call (727) 823-3767 Sunday, July 6 10 ... Read more >

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Best things about vacation and best things about coming home

by Becky

As I mentioned before, my family went on summer vacation to Iowa in June. We lucked out with the weather, getting there just days after the worst flooding ever and a week without running water. With blue skies during the day and cool temperatures at night, it was hard to believe we had just missed tornadoes and torrential rain. Maybe it was just good old Iowan hospitality -- they ordered good ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 7/8

by Becky

10 a.m. free movies 11 a.m. Story time, Terrific Tuesdays (toddlers >3), Barnes & Noble, Tampa

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Three days in Tampa, Day 3

by Becky

As part of our July Escapes theme, I am highlighting over three days fun things for travelers with preschoolers to do in Tampa. On Tuesday, I suggested Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, rated the No. 1 children's zoo in the country. On Wednesday, I talked about The Florida Aquarium, which offers 200,000 square feet of exhibits, shows and indoor fun. Today, I have suggestions for great festivals and ... Read more >

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Books: favorite readalouds

by Becky

Dinosaurumpus! By Tony Mitton For ages baby to preschool What's a dinosaurumpus? It's a whole lot of fun for little ones in a book written by Tony Mitton and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees. Mitton was a schoolteacher specializing in special needs before writing children's books. My children adore this book as we read about dinosaurs twisting, dancing and having great time. (One of my ... Read more >

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Things to do, upcoming week

by Becky

Friday, July 18 10 a.m. Tickets go on sale to public for Sesame Street Live: Elmo Grows at Ruth Eckerd Hall. 11 a.m. Puppet show at Great Explorations, The Children's Museum in St. Petersburg. Call 727-821-8992, Ext. 209 for more information. Saturday, July 19 10 a.m. Free movie at Beach Theatre, St. Pete Beach, Batman with Adam West. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Snooty's 60th birthday bash at ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 7/21

by Becky

Monday, July 21 10:30 a.m. Story time, (preschool 3-6), Barnes & Noble, Clearwater 6 p.m. Monday Family Movie Night, Children's Program Room, Largo, popcorn included, call (727) 587-2516 8-10 p.m. Summer Concert in the Park Late Night Brass, Largo Central Park, Largo, free, Call (727) 587-6740 ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 7/24

by Becky

Thursday, July 24 10:30-11:15 a.m. Book Time: Tale of a Tadpole by Karen Wallace for ages 3-5. Admission is free, but registration is required. Call 727-453-6800. ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 8/4

by Becky

Monday, Aug. 4 10:30 a.m. Story time, (preschool 3-6), Barnes & Noble Clearwater

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Picks for my favorite pirates

by Becky

We're all about pirates in Tampa Bay, whether it's the Gasparilla, John Levique Pirate Days or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. By far the favorite pirates in our house, though, are the Backyardigans. I've heard the "pirate song" so often that I can't help singing, "... a pirate ... a pirate ... a pirate ... says arr!" when I hear someone talk about pirates. It's on their "It's Great to be a ... Read more >

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Guest post: Learn about Big Cat Rescue

by Becky

Bobcat photograph courtesy of Big Cat Rescue Big Cat Rescue is a non-profit educational sanctuary in Tampa devoted to rescuing and providing a permanent home for exotic (wild, not domestic) cats that have been abused, abandoned, bred to be pets, retired from performing acts or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats. Its goal is to educate the public about these animals and the issues ... Read more >

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Things to do, upcoming week

by Becky

Friday, Aug. 8 5-8:30 p.m. Nite Zoo, Lowry Park Zoo, free unlimited rides after 5, cost included in admission, free for members. 7-9 p.m. Ulmer Park, Largo, Panakolada, steel drums, free for all ages. Saturday, Aug. 9 Puss In Boots in Bradenton, Bits N Pieces Puppet Theatre, call 813-659-0659 for more information. 10 a.m. Free Kids' Matinee, The Princess Bride, Beach Theatre. 10 ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 8/11

by Becky

Monday, Aug. 11 9 a.m.-5 p.m. MOSI Homeschool Educators Open House, take free self-guided tours of exhibits and learn about MOSI's Homeschool Education programs, get 20 percent discount on membership with on-site registration, call 813-987-6100 for more information. 10:30 a.m. Story time, (preschool 3-6), Barnes & Noble Clearwater 10:30 a.m. Magical Monday ~ What I Like About Me ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 8/14

by Becky

Thursday, Aug. 14 10:30-11:15 a.m. Book Time at Brooker Creek ~ The Lady and the Spider by Faith McNulty, includes craft, game or other hands-on activity, Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, ages 3-5, admission is free, but registration is required. Call 727-453-6800. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Wee-time at Weedon ~ What's It Like to be a Fish? By Wendy Pfeffer, includes ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 8/18

by Becky

Monday, Aug. 18 Back to school! First day of school for Hernando, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. 10:30 a.m. Story time, (preschool 3-6), Barnes & Noble Clearwater ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 8/20

by Becky

Wednesday, Aug. 20 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 20th Anniversary Recognition Day ~ 2 tickets for $20, Lowry Park Zoo, admission for ages 3 and older (2 and younger are always free) with $2 special in food, gifts and rides. Call 813-935-8552 for more information. (Special prices also available Sept. 20, Oct. 20 and Nov. 20.) 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday Night Movie ~ In the Company of Wild Butterflies produced ... Read more >

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Things to do, upcoming week

by Becky

Friday, Aug. 22 12:30-1:45 p.m. AquaTots ~ Smart Animals: Learning from Parents, The Florida Aquarium, ages 3-4 with parent, $14/1 child & 1 adult, ($10/members). Call 813-273-4015 for more information. 5-8:30 p.m. Nite Zoo, Lowry Park Zoo, free unlimited rides after 5, cost included in admission, free for members. Saturday, Aug. 23 10 a.m. Free Kids' Matinee, E.T., Beach Theatre ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 8/28

by Becky

Thursday, Aug. 28 10:30-11:15 a.m. Book Time at Brooker Creek ~ Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert, Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, includes craft, game or other hands-on activity, ages 3-5. Admission is free, but registration is required. Call 727-453-6800. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wee-time at Weedon ~ Wish for a Fish: All about Sea Creatures by Bonnie Worth, The ... Read more >

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Picks for my favorite mermaids

by Becky

You might believe that mermaids exist only in fairy tales or animated movies. Well, you've never been to Weeki Wachee Springs, then, to see real mermaids. The Weeki Wachee Mermaids perform Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, who yearns to find her prince and grow legs instead of a tail. Andersen's version of The Little Mermaid includes other fairy tales, if you want to read it ... Read more >

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Things to do, upcoming week

by Becky

Monday, Sept. 1 Labor Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Pioneer Days, Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, Dade City, children's games, arts & crafts show, war re-enactment, call 352-567-0262 for more information. 1-3 p.m. Fun in the Sun ~ outdoor brass-band concert, Carrollwood Cultural Center, free, call 813-269-1310 for more information. 4-9:30 p.m. Salsa En St. Pete Celebration, Waterside ... Read more >

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Safety Harbor library airs story time on television

by Becky

Puppets Plus story time will air on InSight, Safety Harbor's 24-hour government access station (Brighthouse channel 615 and Knology channel 15). Set to begin Saturday, check the library's site for the schedule or call 727-724-1525 for more information. ... Read more >

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Things to do, upcoming week

by Becky

Friday, Sept. 5 9:30 a.m. Preschool Story Time, St. Petersburg Johnson Branch library, ages 3-5, call 727-893-7113 for more information. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Mother Goose, St. Petersburg main library, ages infant-3, call 727-893-7724 for more information. 10 a.m. Preschool Story Time, St. Petersburg South Branch library, ages 3-5, call 727-893-7244 for more information. Saturday, ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 9/10

by Becky

Wednesday, Sept. 10 10 a.m. Toddler Tales, Largo Public Library, ages 18 months-3 years, call 727-587-6715 for more information. 10 a.m. Preschool Story Time, St. Petersburg main library, ages 3-5, call 727-893-7724 for more information. 10 a.m. Mother Goose, St. Petersburg North Branch library, ages birth-3, registration required, call 727-893-7214 for more information. 10 a.m. Mother ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 9/11

by Becky

Thursday, Sept. 11 10 a.m. Toddler Tales, Largo Public Library, ages 18 months-3 years, call 727-587-6715 for more information. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Book Time at Brooker Creek ~ Hungry Hoppers: Grasshoppers in Your Backyard by Nancy Loewen, Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, ages 3-5, free but registration is required, call 727-453-6800. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wee-time at Weedon ~ ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 9/17

by Becky

Wednesday, Sept. 17 10 a.m. Preschool Story Time, St. Petersburg main library, ages 3-5, call 727-893-7724 for more information. 10 a.m. Mother Goose, St. Petersburg North Branch library, ages birth-3, registration required, call 727-893-7214 for more information.http://www.splibraries.org/Pre_School.htm 10 a.m. Mother Goose, St. Petersburg South Branch library, ages birth-3, all ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 9/18

by Becky

Thursday, Sept. 18 10 a.m. Toddler Tales, Largo Public Library, ages 18 months-3 years, call 727-587-6715 for more information. 10:45 a.m. Start with the Arts Pre-School, Tampa Museum of Art, ages 3-5, accompanied by parent/guardian, $4/first child and adult, $2/each additional child, registration is required, call 813-274-7328. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Clearwater Jazz 'N Art Walk, featuring an ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 9/19

by Becky

Friday, Sept. 19 Today is International Talk Like A Pirate Day! 9:30 a.m. Preschool Story Time, St. Petersburg Johnson Branch library, ages 3-5, call 727-893-7113 for more information. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Mother Goose, St. Petersburg main library, ages infant-3, call 727-893-7724 for more information. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Clearwater Jazz 'N Art Walk, featuring an Educational Youth Display ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 9/24

by Becky

Wednesday, Sept. 24 10 a.m. Preschool Story Time, St. Petersburg main library, ages 3-5, call 727-893-7724 for more information. 10 a.m. Mother Goose, St. Petersburg North Branch library, ages birth-3, registration required, call 727-893-7214 for more information. 10 a.m. Mother Goose, St. Petersburg South Branch library, ages birth-3, all 727-893-7244 for more information. 10 a.m. ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 9/25

by Becky

Thursday, Sept. 25 10 a.m. Toddler Tales, Largo Public Library, ages 18 months-3 years, call 727-587-6715 for more information. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Book Time at Brooker Creek ~ The Snail's Spell by Joanne Ryder, Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, ages 3-5, free but registration is required, call 727-453-6800. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wee-time at Weedon ~ Great Sharky Shark: A ... Read more >

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Things to do today, 9/26

by Becky

Friday, Sept. 26 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Mother Goose, St. Petersburg main library, ages infant-3, call 727-893-7724 for more information. 9:30 a.m. Preschool Story Time, St. Petersburg Johnson Branch library, ages 3-5, call 727-893-7113 for more information. 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Preschool Story Time, St. Petersburg Mirror Lake Branch library, age 3 (at 10 a.m.) and ages 4-5 (at ... Read more >

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Things to do, upcoming week

by Becky

Monday, Sept. 29 10 a.m. Preschool Story Time, St. Petersburg South Branch library, ages 3-5, call 727-893-7244 for more information. 11 a.m. Mother Goose, St. Petersburg Mirror Lake Branch library, ages walkers-3, call 727-893-7268 for more information. 7 p.m. Family Puppet Theatre, East Lake Community Library, all ages, call 727-773-2665 for more information. 7 p.m. Family Story Night ... Read more >

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Things to do today, Sept. 30

by Becky

Tuesday, Sept. 30 10 a.m. Preschool Story Time, St. Petersburg West Community library, ages 3-5, call 727-341-7197 for more information. 10:15 a.m. Toddler Story Time, East Lake Community Library, ages birth-3, call 727-773-2665 for more information. 11 a.m. Preschool Story Time, East Lake Community Library, ages 3-5, call 727-773-2665 for more information. 11 a.m. Mother Goose, St. ... Read more >

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