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

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This Weekend's Memorial Day and other Family Activities

May 21, 2009

Memorial Day weekend has always been the official start to summer in our family. A barbeque and a baseball game are both prerequisites. But so that we may remember the real reason we have a long weekend, check out some of the Memorial Day events for families – including some fabulous benefits for military personnel – being offered around the Tampa Bay area this weekend.

The Florida Aquarium offers free admission to military. From May 23 -25, military personnel are being offered 2 free general admission tickets. Up to four other family members will receive 50% off their tickets also.

Lowry Park Zoo offers free admission to military. On May 25th, military personnel and as many as three direct dependants will receive free admission into the zoo.

Busch Gardens free admission for military. Don’t forget, Busch Gardens offers free admission to military personnel once a year (which is not limited to Memorial Day).

Memorial Day Freedom Fest 2009 at Riverwalk. From the main stage at Cotanchobee Park to the Florida Aquarium, a patriotic festival will be held with music, entertainment and food. Don’t forget about the Memorial Day Service at 10am on Monday.

Military Families Day at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Military personnel and their family members are offered free admission on Memorial Day. There will be a performance re-enacting the experiences of Henry Dobson, a soldier who traveled through Tampa during in the Spanish-American War also.

Memorial Day Carillon Concert at Bok Tower Gardens. Bok Tower Gardens is offering free admission to military personnel and 50% off three family members. A patriotic musical salute will be featured on Monday at 1pm and 3pm.  

The Florida Orchestra accompanies a screening of the Wizard of Oz. On May 23rd and 24th, the Mahaffey Theater presents the Florida Orchestra as they musically accompany a screening of the Wizard of Oz below a theater sized screen.

Disney’s High School Musical will be performed Friday at 7:00pm at the Patel Youth Theater.

Reminder: Tickets for “Disney Live!”, which will be performed in Lakeland on Saturday, August 22, have just gone on sale.  Read more...

Top Ten Spring Family Activities in Tampa Bay

April 14, 2009

While the weather is still a perfect 80 degrees, dry and sunny - and schools are still in session - now is the time to take advantage of all that outdoor Tampa Bay has to offer. Here are my top ten suggested spring activities for Tampa Bay families.

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This Weekend's Family Activities

March 18, 2009

Happy Spring! This weekend officially ends the winter season. If you are feeling a little spring in your step, consider checking out one of the following activities with your family this weekend.

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This Weekend's Family Activities

March 12, 2009

You better start digging through the family's closets and find all the green you've got - Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner! But perhaps you and your family don't want to wait for the 17th to celebrate? Well consider it the luck of the Irish, there are some Saint Paddy's events in Tampa this weekend. As well as a few other events that you might want to check out.

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This Weekend's Family Activities

March 05, 2009

It is suddenly March and spring is finally on its way. The temperatures promise to warm up this weekend so it’s the perfect time to get out with the family and enjoy a weekend of “sunny and seventy-five“.

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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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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...

This Weekend's Family Activities

January 30, 2009

Between Gasparilla and Super Bowl Sunday , there is a whole lot going on in Tampa this weekend. Its enough to overwhelm us a bit. If you are looking to avoid the crowds and do something else with your family, consider checking out one of these activities. Go (insert your Super bowl pick here)! Royal Lipizzan Stallions Winter Training Do your children love horses? How about dancing horses?  Read more...

Favorite Tampa Bay Holiday Performances

December 18, 2008

I have vivid memories as a child of getting dressed up in my Christmas best to go see the Nutcracker with my family. Giddy in my red velvet dress and patent leather shoes, I remember running down the aisle to see the orchestra pit and then feeling goose bumps as the curtain lifted and the performance began. Here is a list of favorite Tampa Bay Holiday performances you might want to share with  Read more...

This weekend's family activities

December 12, 2008

Holiday preparations are in full swing right now and our weekends are filled with parties, shopping and decorating. Or you may need a break from all of those preparations and you're looking for something to channel your child's excitement this weekend. Here are some ideas for family fun this weekend. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center This classic movie has  Read more...

Holiday Traditions in Tampa Bay

December 02, 2008

Who says we can't have a "real" holiday season here in Florida? We don't need snow to get in the spirit in these parts. There are some wonderful holiday traditions for families here in our area. You may already be familiar with some of these traditions. Or perhaps your family will start a new tradition this year while attending one of the following events. Holiday in the Park at Upper Tampa  Read more...

This Weekend's Family Activities

November 21, 2008

The weekend is upon us once again! Next week brings the start of a busy holiday season. Perhaps you will be traveling to see family or having family visit you for Thanksgiving. Either way, there is a lot of excitement ahead. Take the time to enjoy this weekend with your children before the holiday rush is upon us. Free Circus and Food Drive at the St. Pete Times Forum Today between 11am and  Read more...

The New Shops At Wiregrass: Your Kids will Love it too

November 06, 2008

If you live north of Tampa you may have heard about a new open air, main street style mall that has recently opened. If you live in the New Tampa/ Wesley Chapel area, my guess is that you've already been over there to check it out. As a new, exciting, town center for that area, I want to be sure to fill you in about all that The Shops at Wiregrass have to offer our children. Barnes and Noble  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, 9/18

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, 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, 8/27

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, 8/21

August 21, 2008

Thursday, Aug. 21 7 p.m. Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh , The Lakeland Center's Youkey Theatre , tickets $12, $22, $26, $40. Call 863-834-8111 for more information. 7 p.m. American Idols Live (top 10 contestants from season 7), St. Pete Times Forum , tickets $39.50, $52.50 and $70.  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, 8/15

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, 8/8

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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 6/17

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, 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, 6/11

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...

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...

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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