Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in Tampa, FL

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Fun for the Littlest Ones

This Weekend's Family Activities in Tampa Bay

July 30, 2009

We’ve made it to August folks! Preparations for school begin soon so it’s time to take advantage of some family fun before our schedules get too hectic. Here’s what’s happening around town this weekend.

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Top Ten Recommended Magazines for Preschoolers

July 28, 2009

As we plod through the dog days of summer, we are all battling with constant questions about what to do, we’re passing the time with preschoolers on a road trips and we’re searching the house for another inside activity on a hot day. Today, Savvy Source is listing our top ten favorite preschool aged magazine choices. With games, puzzles, cartoons, funny stories and all sorts of fabulous illustrations, magazines can certainly come in handy this time of year. Not mention the fact that magazines are just one more great way to teach your children how much fun reading can be.

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This Weekend's Fourth of July Family Activities in Tampa Bay

July 02, 2009

Happy Fourth of July Weekend! Many of us are looking forward to a few days filled with family, friends, fireworks and food. Come check out what’s happening in the Tampa Bay area this holiday weekend.

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Bowling with Your Preschooler in Tampa Bay for Free

June 29, 2009

Are you looking for a cool, indoor, air-conditioned activity for your child this summer? An activity that involves balls, friends and loud cheering for one another? An activity that even teaches your young one how to take turns? An activity that may even be free to children on a daily basis this summer? I’ve got it. Bowling. Yes, bowling can be a wonderful activity even for a preschooler.

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Teach Your Child to Love Music with Play

March 23, 2009

Do you love music and wonder how you can foster the same love for music in your child? Today’s guest post is written by Karen Claugherty, a registered Music Together®, teacher and the licensed director of Music Together Ditties for Kiddies. She has 18 years of experience teaching adults as well as children. She is here to share some tips about how to encourage your young ones to grow up loving music just as much as you do.

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Visit the Florida Strawberry Festival this Weekend

February 26, 2009

If you’re from Florida, you know that this state is known for more than just oranges. In fact, we grow some very fine strawberries in this state of ours. And to celebrate just that, it is once again time for the annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City.

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SeaWorld through the Eyes of a Preschool Mother

February 16, 2009

Last weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity as a mom blogger to visit SeaWorld thanks to the folks at Izea. A crew of central Florida mom bloggers met at the front gate and spent an entire day checking out the park together. Surprisingly, even after living in the area for four years, I had never been to SeaWorld. So in case you haven’t been to SeaWorld recently either - and you are possibly considering a trip - here is my take on the park from the perspective of a preschool mother.

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Baby Loves Disco Comes To Tampa

February 13, 2009

So when was the last time you went dancing at a local night club? Since having children, I am guessing the opportunities to “get your groove on” are few and far between. Well warm up those dancing shoes, we’ve got the perfect solution for your booty shaking blues coming up this Sunday. And the best part? It involves dance party fun for the entire family.

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The Shops at Wiregrass: Kid's Club Wednesdays

February 01, 2009

Are you looking for something to do on Wednesdays with your preschooler? Take a quick trip up 275 to Wesley Chapel and see what's happening every Wednesday at the Shops at Wiregrass. I took my preschooler last Wednesday and we had a great time. There is nothing better than free and local kid friendly entertainment! The Shops at Wiregrass have begun lining up entertainment in their main quad  Read more...

Celebrate the Super Bowl with your Children here in Tampa Bay

January 29, 2009

In case you hadn't heard, the Super bowl is being hosted in Tampa this year! There is certainly excitement in the air and your youngest might be ready to be a part of the fun. Whether you're hosting a hopping Super bowl shin-dig on or simply enjoying the game with your family at home, here are some websites with ideas, games, printables and recipes for your Super bowl Sunday. Super bowl  Read more...

Top 5 Things To Do with your Child before Kindergarten.

January 27, 2009

Kindergarten is an exciting transition for any child. While it means the beginning of elementary school, it also means your child will be in school full time for 5 days a week. Think about all you do with your child during the day. It is time to take advantage of that time before absences and tardiness are made note of on a report card. Here are my top five suggested things you should do with  Read more...

Things to do today, Sept. 30

September 30, 2008

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  Read more...

It's time for pumpkins!

September 29, 2008

Looking for pumpkins? Ask at your local farmer's market, or check out one of these pumpkin patches. Fruitville Groves, Sarasota, call 941-377-0896 for more information. Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch benefits the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Oct. 18-31, call 813-251-3500 for more information. Hydro Harvest Farms Fabulous Pumpkin Patch , Oct. 4-Nov. 3, call 813-251-3500 for more  Read more...

Things to do, upcoming week

September 29, 2008

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.  Read more...

Things to do today, 9/25

September 25, 2008

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  Read more...

Things to do today, 9/24

September 24, 2008

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  Read more...

Things to do today, 9/23

September 23, 2008

Tuesday, Sept. 23 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. Mother Goose , St. Petersburg West Community library, ages birth-3, call 727-341-7197 for more  Read more...

Things to do today, 9/18

September 18, 2008

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 ,  Read more...

Things to do today, 9/17

September 17, 2008

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,  Read more...

Things to do today, 9/16

September 16, 2008

Tuesday, Sept. 16 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. Mother Goose , St. Petersburg West Community library, ages birth-3, call 727-341-7197 for more information. 11 a.m.  Read more...

Things to do, upcoming week

September 15, 2008

Monday, Sept. 15 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. 11 a.m. Mother Goose , St. Petersburg North Branch library, ages birth-3, registration required, call 727-893-7214 for more  Read more...

Things to do today, 9/11

September 11, 2008

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  Read more...

Things to do today, 9/10

September 10, 2008

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  Read more...

Things to do today, 9/9

September 09, 2008

Tuesday, Sept. 9 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. Mother Goose , St. Petersburg West Community library, ages birth-3, call 727-341-7197 for more information. 11 a.m.  Read more...

Things to do today, 9/8

September 08, 2008

Monday, Sept. 8 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. 11 a.m. Mother Goose , St. Petersburg North Branch library, ages birth-3, registration required, call 727-893-7214 for more  Read more...

Safety Harbor library airs story time on television

September 05, 2008

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...

Things to do, upcoming week

September 05, 2008

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.  Read more...

Things to do, upcoming week

September 01, 2008

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 ,  Read more...

Things to do today, 8/28

August 28, 2008

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  Read more...

Things to do today, 8/27

August 27, 2008

Wednesday, Aug. 27 Noon-3 p.m. Oldies But Goodies ~ the Ron Berringer Trio, Dockside Activity Room, The Pier in St. Petersburg, free for all ages.  Read more...

Things to do today, 8/25

August 25, 2008

Monday, Aug. 25 10:30 a.m. Story time, (preschool 3-6), Barnes & Noble Clearwater  Read more...

Things to do, upcoming week

August 22, 2008

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 ,  Read more...

Things to do today, 8/20

August 20, 2008

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  Read more...

Best places to see fish

August 19, 2008

See dolphins, sharks, turtles and oh yeah fish at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium , which specializes in rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing sick or injured marine animals. Admission is $11/adults, $7.50/children 3-12, or a Party of Four membership is $55/year. Call 727-441-1790 for more information. Plenty of fish live at The Florida Aquarium 's 200,000 square feet of exhibits, shows  Read more...

Things to do today, 9/19

August 19, 2008

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  Read more...

Things to do today, 8/18

August 18, 2008

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...

Things to do today, 8/15

August 15, 2008

Friday, Aug. 15 11 a.m. Puppet show , Great Explorations, The Children's Museum in St. Petersburg, call 727-821-8992 for more information. 5-8:30 p.m. Summer Safari Night , Lowry Park Zoo, free rides after 5 p.m., included in regular admission prices and free for members. Call 813-935-8552 for more information. 6-10 p.m. 3rd Friday Music Series , John Wilson Park Gazebo,  Read more...

Things to do today, 8/14

August 14, 2008

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  Read more...

Things to do today, 8/11

August 11, 2008

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  Read more...

Things to do today, 8/8

August 08, 2008

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.  Read more...

Things to do, upcoming week

August 08, 2008

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,  Read more...

Things to do today, 8/6

August 06, 2008

Wednesday, Aug. 6 10 a.m. free movies 10 a.m. $1 movies  Read more...

Things to do today, 8/5

August 05, 2008

Tuesday, Aug. 5 10 a.m. free movies  Read more...

Local beaches and water fun

August 05, 2008

Tampa Bay has some of the best beaches , state parks and water fun in the world. Whether you want to play in the water and collect seashells, swim in the springs or see mermaids up close , you can find it here. If you want to stay closer to home, pack a lunch and pretend you're on the beach at Oldsmar spraygrounds . Speaking of water, staying closer to home and pretending about the beach,  Read more...

Space: Wish upon a shooting star

August 04, 2008

The Perseids meteor showers will give a great display throughout August. Its peak is Aug. 12-13, but you should be able to see them during the entire month. Watch a time lapse of the meteor showers here . If your children are interested in space, the moon and stars, take them to the brand-new Saunders Planetarium at MOSI . It has up to three shows daily. Check here for the schedule.  Read more...

Things to do today, 8/1

August 01, 2008

Friday, Aug. 1 5-8 p.m. Free First Friday , Kid City, all ages  Read more...

Things to do, upcoming week

August 01, 2008

Friday, Aug. 1 August Double Dino Days ~ Buy a Dinosaur World ticket in August and get a free ticket for December. 10-11 a.m. Flash! Bang! Boom! Discover our Amazing Weather! Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center , ages 5 and up, free but registration is required. Call 727-453-6800. 5-8 p.m. Free First Friday , Kid City, all ages 5-8:30 p.m. Nite  Read more...

Things to do, upcoming week

July 25, 2008

Saturday, July 26 10 a.m. Free movie at Beach Theatre , St. Pete Beach, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad . 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dolphin Encounter cruise on a double-deck, 125-passenger boat into the Gulf of Mexico along Clearwater and Caladesi Island , all ages, $65/person. Make reservations here. 11 a.m. The Backyardigans Live! The Tale of the Mighty Knights , Tampa Bay Performing Arts  Read more...

Things to do today, 7/21

July 21, 2008

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...

Things to do today, 7/16

July 16, 2008

Wednesday, July 16 10 a.m. free movies 10 a.m. $1 movies 11:15 a.m. Jungle Boogie at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg includes crafts and walks in the preserve for children 3 to 5. Cost is $2.50. Parents get in free.  Read more...

Things to do today, 7/15

July 15, 2008

Tuesday, July 15 11 a.m. Story time, Terrific Tuesdays (toddlers >3), Barnes & Noble, Tampa 10 a.m. free movies  Read more...

Books: favorite readalouds

July 15, 2008

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.  Read more...

Things to do, upcoming week

July 11, 2008

Friday, July 11 3 p.m. Story time, Fantastic Friday Bilingual, Barnes & Noble, Tampa 7-9 p.m. Ulmer Park, Largo, Tim Mullally, rock & folk guitarist Saturday, July 12 10 a.m. Free movie at Beach Theatre , St. Pete Beach, Mysterious Island 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tropical Plant Fair , USF Botanical Gardens, $4/adults, free/children 12 & younger 11:45 a.m.-4:30  Read more...

Three days in Tampa, Day 3

July 10, 2008

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...

Things to do today, 7/8

July 08, 2008

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

Three days in Tampa, Day 1

July 08, 2008

As part of our July Escapes theme , I am highlighting over the next three days fun things for travelers with preschoolers to do in Tampa. First on the list is one of the best children's zoos in the country, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo . It was rated the No. 1 zoo for kids in 2004 by CHILD magazine. It has more than 2,000 animals, including elephants, Florida panthers and even penguins. It also  Read more...

Best things about vacation and best things about coming home

July 08, 2008

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  Read more...

Things to do, upcoming week

July 05, 2008

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,  Read more...

Things to do today, 7/4

July 04, 2008

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,  Read more...

Things to do today, 7/1

July 01, 2008

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...

Things to do today, 6/30

June 30, 2008

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

Things to do, upcoming week

June 27, 2008

Friday, June 27 10-11 a.m. Story time, Kid City, Oldies but Goodies Books Every Child Should Experience , all ages, free with admission 11 a.m. Story time, Fantastic Fridays (toddlers >3 & preschool 3-6), Barnes & Noble, Carrollwood 3 p.m. Story time, Fantastic Friday Bilingual, Barnes & Noble, Tampa Saturday, June 28 WEDU Summer Smash 50th Birthday Bash  Read more...

Things to do today, 6/26

June 26, 2008

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  Read more...

Landmarks: Bridges of Tampa Bay

June 24, 2008

Most children love bridges, and Tampa Bay has plenty. Take a look at a map and find Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the bridges in the area. Then take a ride over some of the bridges and get a beautiful view of the water, land and sky. Go for sunrise or sunset. Watch for birds, boats and planes while you're at it! Bayside Bridge Courtney Campbell Causeway Gandy Bridge Howard  Read more...

Things to do, upcoming week

June 20, 2008

Friday, June 20 11 a.m. Story time, Fantastic Fridays (toddlers >3 & preschool 3-6), Barnes & Noble, Carrollwood 11 a.m. Puppet show , Great Explorations, The Children's Museum in St. Petersburg 3 p.m. Story time, Fantastic Friday Bilingual, Barnes & Noble, Tampa 6-10 p.m. 3rd Friday Music Series , John Wilson Park Gazebo, Safety Harbor, free, all ages  Read more...

Great spot for a wet play date ~ Oldsmar sprayground

June 19, 2008

Put on your swimming suits, pack a lunch and call all your friends to meet for some fun water play! Cypress Forest Park at 650 Pine Ave., N., in Oldsmar is a 10-acre park with picnic shelters, restrooms, a nature walk, boardwalk and recreation center. But most popular of all? Hands down the 1,500-square-foot 'sprayground with water to play in perfect for hot summer days. Hours are 11  Read more...

Things to do today, 6/17

June 17, 2008

June 17, Tuesday 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 4 p.m. Go, Diego, Go, Live! The Lakeland Center, Youkey Theatre, Lakeland, tickets $36.50, $24.50, $15.50 5:30-7:30 p.m. Learn to Ice Skate and Play Hockey Open House,  Read more...

Imagination: The Really Big Art Show

June 16, 2008

My children recently put on The Really Big Art Show for me, with the help of their incredibly talented art director and babysitter, who they adore. It was quite a production, with drawings by each of them, and I got to judge and give out awards for most colorful and most creative title. Next up, I've been promised a dance show. What do your children do to show off their artistic  Read more...

Things to do today, 6/6

June 06, 2008

Things to do today 11 a.m. Story time, Fantastic Fridays (toddlers >3 & preschool 3-6), Barnes & Noble, Carrollwood 3-11 p.m. John Levique Pirate Days starts today and goes all weekend. 4 p.m. Story time with Froggy, Special Costume Character, Barnes & Noble, Tampa 5-8 p.m. Kid City , Free First Friday, all ages  Read more...

Birthday party ideas

June 03, 2008

Here are some unique birthday-party ideas. Hire a Fire Truck : For $350, a firefighter will arrive in a real fire truck, complete with lights, siren, horns and hoses. Parties are geared to the age of children, who will get fire tips, a tour of the engine, and they will get to try on firefighter gear. Each child gets promoted to junior firefighter and gets a plastic fire helmet and goody  Read more...

Mozart, Moby or Miles

May 30, 2008

Here are a few places to go for children to learn and listen to music. 1) Kindermusik teaches children music so they become better learners and develop cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language and musical skills. Each class comes with at-home materials. Register or attend a free preview class. Check for schedules and prices. 2) Music with Mar also aims to help a child's total  Read more...

99 (or So) Things To Do in Tampa Bay Before Your Children Grow Up

May 29, 2008

Air, land & sea Carriage rides at The Pier (St. Pete) HMS Bounty  (St. Pete) Hot-air balloon rides Jolley Trolley (Clearwater Beach) MacDill AFB Air Fest Streetcars (Ybor City) Suncoast Beach Trolley (St. Pete) Trains (Largo) Aquariums Clearwater Marine Aquarium The Florida Aquarium Parker Manatee Aquarium (Bradenton) The Pier Aquarium (St. Pete) Tarpon  Read more...

Five things to do in Tampa Bay when 'It's too HOT, Mommy!'

May 27, 2008

1) The Florida Aquarium ~ Pet stingrays, visit penguins and play in the water at Explore A Shore , a 2-acre outdoor water park with slides, sand castles, pirate ships and fountains. Open daily, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $17.95/adults and $12.95/children (>2/free). A Party of Six membership is $135/year.* 2) MOSI ~ Check out Kids in Charge! with hands-on learning from  Read more...

How to cultivate the tiniest green thumb in Tampa Bay

May 15, 2008

Learn about ecosystems, insects and how plants decompose at Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center in Tarpon Springs. Prices and age requirements vary (many are free!), so check the Web site or call (727) 453-6800 for more information. The Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo has more than 30 acres of gardens and 90 acres of natural landscape to  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in tampa

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy tampa:
Caroline, Becky

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