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

Find out more about:

Archives

Books and Stories

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.

 Read more...

Parenting Authors offer Seven Breastfeeding Tips

April 20, 2009

Today’s guest posters are parenting authors Suzanne Schlosberg and Sarah Bowen Shea who have recently written a book titled The Essential Breastfeeding Log. They would like to share with all of our new mothers seven helpful breastfeeding tips. As parents who each breastfed their own twins for at least 9 months, they certainly know what they’re writing about! We hope you find these tips useful. What are some of your own tips?

 Read more...

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday with your Children

January 19, 2009

Today, we are celebrating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This holiday offers us an excellent opportunity to teach our preschoolers about this great man's lessons and legacy. Here are various resources which should help you share the meaning of this day with your family. And then be sure to get downtown for the MLK parade starting at noon; details are listed here as well. Are you  Read more...

Top Ten Favorite Bedtime Stories

January 08, 2009

I had one of those nights tonight. My boys just would not settle down and focus on the fact that it was bedtime. Suddenly, I pulled out a recent favorite bedtime story. A hush fell over my tribe. They gathered around me, snuggled up and were enthralled. Every parent needs a good bedtime book to quiet down their young ones. Here is my personal top ten list of favorite bedtime stories. 1.  Read more...

Top Five Preschooler Transitions and Suggested Books that Can Help

January 05, 2009

As we settle into the start of a new year, we may be expecting some important transitions for our preschoolers. Whether preparing for a new sibling or starting school in the fall, we usually try to prepare our little ones for transition as best as we can. Here are five common preschooler transitions and some suggested children's books that might help your child with this upcoming adjustment.  Read more...

Holiday Fun with your Little One

December 23, 2008

There are only two days until Christmas and we are well into Chanukah. It's time to slow down, take a break from the shopping and gift wrapping, and start having some fun with your children. Here are some ways to celebrate the season with your understandably very excited young ones! Bake cookies: One of our favorite ways to prepare for Christmas with our children is to bake cookies with  Read more...

My Top Ten Children's Holiday Books

December 11, 2008

Today at Being Savvy, we're sharing our favorite holiday stories. With young ones, the Holiday season can be a bit confusing and overwhelming. A good children's book helps explain everything while giving it all some context. Come and check out my top ten favorite holiday books which I've selected out of my family's personal collection. The Polar Express Chris Van Allsburg: For anyone  Read more...

More Highlights from Savvy Source Book Reviews

December 04, 2008

Once again, I would like to share some comments I've made about a few Savvy Source book reviews. Coincidently, all five of my comments happen to be about books I grew up with and adored as a child. It has caught me off guard that sharing stories from my childhood have created some of my most cherished moments as a parent. What are some of your childhood favorites? Perhaps you will recognize  Read more...

Cooking with the Kids on Thanksgiving

November 26, 2008

It's the day before Thanksgiving - let the preparations begin! If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner and your children are home with you today, I am guessing you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. Well what better way to get everything done than put those kids of yours to work with you in the kitchen? Grab aprons for everyone - let's see what we can do to get cooking with the whole family.  Read more...

Top Ten Best Children's Books about Florida

November 25, 2008

Nothing is more fun for my children than reading books that are relatable to their daily lives. We certainly have the Thanksgiving books out right now and the Christmas books will be dusted off next. For every child growing up in Florida, here is a top ten list of children's books about our state and all that we celebrate about it. Take a look - maybe one or two of these would make good  Read more...

Highlights of great Savvy Source book suggestions in advance of the holidays

November 24, 2008

Did you know that the Savvy Source is an amazing resource for pre-schooler gift ideas? We have reviewed hundreds of books and toys on our site - I know I have found lots of new gift ideas for my children. I am going to share with you my comments about a few of my favorite books on their list. Be on the lookout for more highlights from me in December too. The Very Lonely Firefly Once  Read more...

Top Ten Funniest Children's Books

November 18, 2008

What is better than reading to your child? Reading a funny book to your child, of course. Today at Savvy Source, the city editors are listing our favorite funny children's books. If you are looking for something to bring giggles back to your bed time routine, check out my top ten funniest children's books. And in the name of full disclosure, please understand that I have boys. Much of the humor  Read more...

Storytimes offered in the Tampa Bay Area

November 11, 2008

One of the best ways to excite your children about books is to read aloud to them. And while we all take the time to do this, maybe we've read the same "Chika Chika ABC" book one too many times. How about a change? Here is a list of places we can take our children to hear some stories locally. Sitting with other children, hearing a new story with a new voice and even singing some songs can  Read more...

Top Five Things to Do on a Rainy day in Tampa

October 28, 2008

Despite the wonderful press our state receives for its sunshine, we know that it does actually rain in Florida. And since our children are so used to outdoor living - if it rains, we need a plan. Fast. So here is a "go to" list for Tampa parents. When those rain clouds come rolling in, think about visiting one of these fun indoor spots in the Tampa Bay area. The Florida Aquarium When it  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...

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, 9/26

September 26, 2008

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  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...

Celebrate literacy in September

September 11, 2008

For more than 40 years, Sept. 8 has been recognized as International Literacy Day , and September is Florida Adult and Family Literacy Month . Call the Florida Literacy Coalition at 800-237-5113 for more information. Florida is also celebrating September as National Library Card Sign Up Month . To celebrate, get in free at any Florida State Park , Sept. 7-13, by taking a library card, a  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...

Hispanic Heritage Month reading list for preschoolers

September 10, 2008

The Florida Department of Education recommends these books for children ages PreK to second grade to celebrate and explore National Hispanic Heritage Month. Abuela by Arthur Dorros Chato's Kitchen by Gary Soto and Susan Guevara Doa Flor by Pat Mora Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English by Alma Flor Ada Hispanic Scientists by Jetty St. John  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...

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a bookmark contest

September 04, 2008

Students in grades K-5 can participate by creating a bookmark to celebrate Our Hispanic Heritage. The contest ends Sept. 30 . First prize for each grade is a $100 U.S. Savings Bond. Second prize for each grade is a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2008, at the Hispanic Heritage Poetry Ceremony at the John F. Germany Public Library auditorium. Call  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, 8/25

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, 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, 8/14

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...

Books: adventures at sea

August 08, 2008

Captain Bob Sets Sail By Roni Schotter Ages 4-8 Captain Bob Sets Sail is the story about "the bravest and best captain that ever sailed the Soapy Seas." Bob starts out in his bathrobe, fuzzy slippers and pirate hat and embarks on the "waters of Bath Bay." Surviving Faucet Falls and the danger of the ruby-ringed Sea Hand, Bob came through his adventure powdered, pajamaed,  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...

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, 8/4

August 04, 2008

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

Space: Learn about solar eclipses

July 30, 2008

We probably won't be able to see it in Tampa, but the moon will eclipse the sun on Friday, Aug. 1, 2008. It is expected to begin at sunrise much farther north of here. Even though it won't be visible here, we could talk about it and learn more about solar eclipses and other space-related events with There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System from the Cat in the Hat.  Read more...

Things to do today, 7/28

July 28, 2008

Monday, July 28 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  Read more...

Things to do today, 7/24

July 24, 2008

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...

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, upcoming week

July 18, 2008

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  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...

Picks for my favorite mermaids

July 14, 2008

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  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...

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...

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 today, 7/7

July 07, 2008

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

Books about Florida

June 26, 2008

Author Carol Crane of North Carolina has written two books about Florida, in addition to other books about different areas of the country . S is for Sunshine: A Florida Alphabet , illustrated by Michael Monroe Sunny Numbers: A Florida Counting Book , illustrated by Jane Monroe Donovan Author and Floridian Sandra Friend has written Florida, a hardcover book illustrated by Laura  Read more...

Things to do today, 6/24

June 24, 2008

Tuesday, June 24 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, 6/23

June 23, 2008

Monday, June 23 10 a.m. Story time (toddlers >3), Barnes & Noble, Brandon 10:30 a.m. Story time, (preschool 3-6), Barnes & Noble, Clearwater  Read more...

Imagination Library offers free books to toddlers

June 23, 2008

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  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...

Things to do today, 6/19

June 19, 2008

June 19, Thursday 10:15-11:45 a.m. Shana Banana Throws a Beach Party , Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association in Brandon , $6 ($5/members), grades K-4, call (813) 685-8888 1 p.m. Story time (toddlers >3), Barnes & Noble, Brandon  Read more...

Things to do today, 6/18

June 18, 2008

June 18, Wednesday 10 a.m. free movies 10:30-11:15 a.m. Wee Wonder Wednesdays, Butterflies and Caterpillars , Kid City, free w/admission ($5), toddlers & preschoolers, registration required  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...

Things to do today, 6/16

June 16, 2008

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...

Things to do, upcoming week

June 13, 2008

On Fridays, I will post an extensive schedule of educational and entertaining things to do for the week and weekends ahead. Make sure to check the links or call ahead. Enjoy and have fun! June 13, Friday 10-11 a.m. Story time, Kid City, Oldies but Goodies Books Every Child Should Experience , all ages, free with admission ($5) 11 a.m. Story time, Fantastic Fridays (toddlers >3  Read more...

Things to do today, 6/12

June 12, 2008

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) ,  Read more...

Things to do today, 6/11

June 11, 2008

Things to do today 10 a.m. free movies 10:30-11:15 a.m. Wee Wonder Wednesdays: Rain, Rain, Go Away , Kid City, admission $5 (free/members), ages: toddlers & preschoolers, registration required 11 a.m. Go, Diego, Go, Live! Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, tickets $19, $25, $32 6 p.m. Go, Diego, Go, Live! Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, tickets $19, $25, $32  Read more...

Things to do today, 6/10

June 10, 2008

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...

Things to do today, 6/9

June 09, 2008

Things to do today 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 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...

Things to do this weekend

June 04, 2008

John Levique Pirate Days in John's Pass Village in Madeira Beach starts Friday. Admission is free. It runs from 3-11 p.m. on Friday, noon-10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. You can participate in a family treasure hunt from noon-6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Children can enter a costume contest at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Check out what else is going on  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...

Book nooks for tots

May 26, 2008

You have a range of choices for story times in Tampa Bay. Check each site for locations and schedules. Barnes & Noble Children's Museum of Tampa Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Pasco County Library System Pinellas Public Library Cooperative  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in tampa

urbanjungle.jpg

Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

doremi.jpg

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

artisticendeavors.jpg

Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

roomtorun2.jpg

Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

rain.jpg

Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

localhistory2.jpg

A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

naturalhistory2.jpg

Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

waterparks2.jpg

Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

holdinghands2.jpg

The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

bestofcity2.jpg

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

The Voice of Being Savvy tampa:
Caroline, Becky

Read more Being Savvy for: