Time: 2-6 p.m.
Date: First Tuesday of every month, from March through August
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Cost: FREE; Pay for parking in the nearby Poe Parking Garage or at nearby parking lots
Info: Contact Marissa at marisalangford@msn.com; Playin’ in the Park Web Page

What’s Doing?
Playin’ in the Park with Fit Kids Playground offers families FREE healthy outdoor fun, so head out to the park and … PLAY! The 2013 season begins on Tuesday, March 5 and ends on August 7.

Did You Know?
Childhood obesity effects as many as one in every five children in the United States. Two of the most common causes are lack of exercise and unhealthy eating patterns. The mission of the Playin’ in the Park program is to make children age 1-13 more aware of all the different activities they can enjoy so that they are encouraged to become more physically active. The program also offers children an opportunity to sample healthy snacks in an effort to encourage healthier food choices.

“Playin’ In The Park” will be held on the first Tuesday of every month — March through August — in Downtown Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Each month will feature new activities and guests, and Hula Hoops, jump ropes, bubbles and balls will be available for all kids to play with and enjoy.

Here are some highlights of the 2013 Playin’ in the Park event season:
— Fit Kids Community Sponsor: Each month, families can visit the Humana tent to receive a jump rope, frisbee and water to keep you hydrated while playing.
— Fit Kids Fun Bags: Pick up one of the 300 Fit Kids Fun Bags at the Fit Kids Playground tent. The bags are filled with coupons for healthy foods, a sample of Pirate Booty, a Tampa Bay Parenting magazine, a Chop Chop magazine and more. You can also register for the Fit. Fun. Family contest and take the “Healthy Tampa Bay” pledge while you’re there.
— Fit Kids Sport Zone: Throughout the season, community partners will provide sample classes for kids to try out. Some examples of the types of classes you might find there are Zumba, Fit Kids Boot Camp, Kids Yoga, Karate, Cheerleading, Step, Hip Hop, Gymnastics, Hula Hooping, etc.
— Launch into Tennis with the USTA: Playin’ in the Park is the official event of the USTA during their launch into Tennis month. There will be nets and more so kids can try out their tennis skills, and all children age 10 and younger can sign up for a FREE USTA membership.
— Fit Kids Cool Down Zone: After playing hard, the kids can cool down in the fountains in the “Cool Down Zone” sponsored by Magic 94.9.
— Tampa Bay Lightning: On March 5, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be at the park getting active with the kids.
— Rays Baseball: The Rays Street Teem will hit the park during the May, June, July and August events.
— Glazer Children’s Museum: Need to cool off? Head inside Glazer Children’s Museum. In March, April and May, Museum admission is FREE from 2-7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. Admission will be $2 per person from 2-7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month in June, July and August.

Address:
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 North Ashley Drive
Tampa, FL 33651

Image courtesy of pat138241 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of Fit Kids Playground

Thanks to Marissa L. of Fit Kids Playground for contacting us about this event!