Archive | Special Needs Family Events | whatsdoingtampabay.com

C.A.R.D. Day of Discovery at The Florida Aquarium

Autism Friendly emblem from CARD Time: 8-9:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4, 2013
Location: The Florida Aquarium
Cost: Tickets: $5 in advance or $8 at the door
Info: (813) 273-4000; For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, please call (813) 273-4000, ext. 4255; Florida Aquarium Website

What’s Doing?
The Florida Aquarium is partnering with C.A.R.D. USF to host this event for local families with sensory disabilities like Autism. This morning is an opportunity to experience the Aquarium in a way that is geared especially for families with sensory disabilities, and will include special activities and animal interactions.

Even Better! Although this event ends at 9:30 a.m., guests will be welcome to stay and continue to enjoy the Aquarium throughout the day.

Address:
The Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602

Image courtesy of Department of Child & Family Studies • College of Behavioral & Community Sciences University of South Florida

Special Sensory-Friendly Hour at Pirates Lair Family Fun Center

Time: 10-11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2013
Location: Pirate’s Lair Family Fun Center
Cost: $6/adult, $5/child under 12, and FREE for children age 3 and younger with a paying adult (Fee is for two 18-hole rounds of mini-golf); Take home 3D glasses are only $1 (they make the props and art work come to life); Arcade games are $0.25-$1; Snacks and drinks are available for purchase
Info: (813) 395-5929; Pirates Lair Facebook Page

What’s Doing?
Pirates Lair Family Fun Center features a pirate-themed 18-hole blacklight mini-golf course and arcade. This Saturday, they will offer a special sensory-friendly hour for children with Autism, ASD or other conditions who can benefit from a calmer, quieter and less intense playing environment.

Their snack bar offers a large variety of prepackaged items, including chips, pasteries, chocolates, candy, ice cream treats, sodas, bottled water and sports drinks. Some of these items are gluten-free.

Address:
Pirate’s Lair Family Fun Center
37815 State Road 54
Zephyrhills, FL 33542

Image courtesy of Classroom Clipart

WestShore Plaza’s Easter Garden Becomes “Sensory Friendly” for Sensitive Bunny

Filed under Easter 2013 Events, March 2013 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on March 12, 2013 at 9:12 am {no comments}

WestShore Plaza Sensitive Bunny Event Flyer Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Date: Sunday, March 17, 2013
Location: WestShore Plaza
Cost: FREE
Info: E-mail wspevents@glimcher.com; WestShore Plaza Facebook Page; View the Sensitive Bunny event flyer online

What’s Doing?
WestShore Plaza will host a Sensitive Bunny event this year especially for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Easter Garden will become “sensory friendly” with low lighting and quiet surroundings.

Even Better! Each family attending will receive a FREE Bunny photo and enjoy a special treat.

Address:
WestShore Plaza
250 WestShore Plaza
Tampa, FL 33609

RELATED LINKS:
1. Sunshine Sunday: Egg Hunt Edition

Image: Naito8 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of WestShore Plaza / Glimcher Realty Trust

Sunshine Sunday: Egg Hunt Edition

Filed under Easter 2013 Events, March 2013 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on March 11, 2013 at 9:38 am {no comments}

Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2013
Location: Glazer Children’s Museum
Cost: FREE for members, $5/person for non-members (Register in advance, or purchase admission the day of the event; the event is limited to 300 guests); Pay for parking in adjacent Poe Parking Garage
Info: Call Lael Arango at (813) 443-3810 or e-mail larango@glazermuseum.org; Glazer Children’s Museum Events Calendar

What’s Doing?
Enjoy all the features of this interactive children’s museum with the lights dimmed, along with special programming and resources for children and families with special needs. Plus, this month will also feature an egg hunt reserved for children with special needs. The egg hunt will begin at 10 a.m. and continue while supplies last.

Address:
Glazer Children’s Museum
110 West Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL 33602

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of Glazer Children’s Museum

Sunshine Sunday: January 2013

Filed under Jan. 2013 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on January 23, 2013 at 5:32 pm {no comments}

Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, January 27, 2012
Location: Glazer Children’s Museum
Cost: FREE for members, $5/person for non-members (Register in advance, or purchase admission the day of the event; the event is limited to 300 guests); Pay for parking in adjacent Poe Garage (regular parking is $1.20/hr.)
Info: Call Lael Arango at (813) 443-3810 or e-mail larango@glazermuseum.org; Glazer Children’s Museum Website

What’s Doing?
Enjoy all the exciting features of this interactive children’s museum with the lights dimmed. Plus, there will be special programming and resources for children and families with special needs.

Address:
Glazer Children’s Museum
110 West Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL 33602

Image courtesy of khuruzero / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of Glazer Children’s Museum

FREE (And Really Cheap) Family Movies Happening in January 2013 + AMC Sensory-Friendly Film

Filed under Family Movies, Jan. 2013 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on January 2, 2013 at 10:26 pm {no comments}

We love to give our kids fun experiences that don’t require us to check our bank account first, and we suspect that’s true for you, too. To help you out, we compile this list of FREE and really cheap movies you and your family can enjoy each month in Tampa Bay.

Plus! Find out what AMC Theater’s sensory-friendly film will be showing!

Gather up the kids and head on out! Here’s what’s playing in January:

~~~ FREE MOVIES ~~~

Sunsets at Pier 60 Sunset Theatre
Time: Movies begin at dusk (Approx. 6 p.m.)
Date: Every Friday and Saturday night, weather permitting
Location: Pier 60
Cost: FREE; Popcorn and soft drinks are available for sale
Info: (727) 449-1036; Pier 60 Website

What’s Doing?
Sunsets at Pier 60 is a daily FREE family festival that includes artisans and crafters, street performers, musical entertainment and, of course, a beautiful sunset every night! Every Friday and Saturday night, you can also enjoy a FREE film screening. Bring a blanket or low chair, and watch a movie on the jumbo screen.

— Friday, January 11: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride/PG
— Saturday, January 12: The Bourne Legacy/PG-13
— Friday, January 18: Cirque de Soleil – Kooza (all ages)
— Saturday, January 19: Dark Shadows/PG-13
— Friday, January 15: Cirque de Soleil – Ka Extreme (all ages)
— Saturday, January 26: Moonrise Kingdom/PG-13

Address:
Sunsets at Pier 60
10 Pier 60 Drive
Clearwater, FL 33767

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Movies in the Park
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Date: Friday, January 11, 2013 (This event takes place the 2nd Friday of each month from January through March and then again from October through December.)
Location: Baybridge Park
Cost: FREE
Info: Westchase Community Association Calendar

What’s Doing?
Westchase’s FREE family movies in the park continues. Bring chairs and blankets and settle in for a great movie night. Showing this month: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted/PG

Address:
Baybridge Park
10017 Bridgeton Drive
Tampa, FL 33626

Thanks for forwarding the 2013 information, Deirdre T.!

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NOTE: This movie event will resume again in Spring 2013.

Spring & Fall Free For All
Time: Movies begin at dusk
Date: NO MOVIE IN JANUARY (The 3rd Friday of each month, except October, six months each year)
Location: Sims Park
Cost: FREE
Info: (727) 967-6726; New Port Richey Cultural Affairs Website

What’s Doing?
The City of New Port Richey’s Cultural Affairs Committee hosts the Spring & Fall Free For All featuring a FREE family movie in the park on the third Friday of each month (except October) six months each year in Sims Park. Bring your own chairs or a blanket, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and spend some quality time with family and friends. Arrive early to find your spot and let the kids play at the playground. Rainy nights doesn’t stop the fun! In case of rain, the movie will be shown inside Queen of Peace Hall, located directly behind the Sims Park Bandshell.

Address:
Sims Park
6341 Bank Street
New Port Richey, FL 34652

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Firefighters’ Movies In The Park
Time: Dusk
Date: Saturday, January 12, 2013
Location: England Brothers Park
Cost: FREE to see the movie; Food and drinks available for purchase
Info: (727) 687-4494; Website

What’s Doing?
Pinellas Park Firefighters’ host this FREE outdoor family movie event every month, raising money for their Benevolent Fund by selling hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as candy, popcorn, nachos and drinks. The Benevolent Fund helps victims and families in the community throughout the holidays.

Address:
England Brothers Bandshell Park
5010 81st Avenue North
Pinellas Park, FL 33781

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Chick-fil-A Movie Night Series
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Seating will begin at 6 p.m.)
Date: Saturday, January 26, 2013
Location: Chick-fil-A at North Dale Mabry
Cost: FREE movie and Icedream (after the movie begins), you pay only for your food
Info: (813) 908-0787 for information concerning delays or changes; Chick-fil-A at North Dale Mabry Facebook Page

What’s Doing?
Each month FREE ice cream is served to any guest who wants it once the movie begins. Showing this month: How to Train Your Dragon (G)

Address:
Chick-fil-A at North Dale Mabry
15801 North Dale Mabry Highway
Carrollwood, FL 33618

Image courtesy of DreamWorks™

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~~~ REALLY CHEAP MOVIES ~~~

Ruskin Family Drive-In
Time: Box Office will open at 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) and 7:30 p.m. (Sun.-Thurs.)
Date: Nightly
Location: Ruskin Family Drive-In
Cost: $6/person, $1/child (age 5-8), FREE for children 4 years old and younger (CASH ONLY; admission includes BOTH movies); Food and drinks available for purchase at the concession stand
Info: Ruskin Family Drive-In Website

What’s Doing?
Bring the kids out to experience a bit of yesteryear at Hillsborough County’s only digital drive-in theatre. Visit the Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre website to find out movies are being shown this month.

Address:
Ruskin Family Drive-In
5011 US Highway 41 North
Ruskin, FL 33572

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Joy-Lan Drive-In & Swap Shop
Time: Box Office will open at 7 p.m. (Closed Mon. & Tues.)
Date: Wednesday through Sunday nights
Location: Joy-Lan Drive-In & Swap Shop
Cost: $4/adult, $1/child (age 4-9); Food and drinks available for purchase at the snack bar
Info: (352) 567-5085; Joy-Lan Drive-In Website

What’s Doing?
Enjoy a family evening at the drive-in! Contact the theater for movies coming in January.

Address:
Joy-Lan Drive-In & Swap Shop
On US Highway 301 near Jordan Road
North of Dade City, FL 33523

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Sci-fi & Sky Night
Time: 5:30-10:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, January 19, 2013
Location: Science & Technology Education Innovation Center
Cost: $5 donation to support STEM Education (includes all activities)
Info: (727) 384-0027; Science Center of Pinellas Website

What’s Doing?
Catch a showing of Star Wars Episode IV, join in a costume contest, view Planetarium shows, and more during this classic Sci-fi & Sky Night at the Science Center of Pinellas. Here’s the schedule of events:
— 5:30 p.m.: Doors open
— 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. & 10 p.m.: Planetarium shows by the St. Pete Astronomy Club (limited availability)
— 7 p.m.: “Discovery of the God Particle” by Brian Southworth, Physicist with ASPEC
— 8 p.m.: Star Wars Episode IV begins
— 9 p.m.: Intermission and costume contest
— 9:30 p.m.: Star Wars Episode IV resumes

Address:
Science & Technology Education Innovation Center
7701 22nd Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710

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Family Movie Series at the Capitol Theatre
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, January 27, 2013
Location: Capitol Theatre
Cost: $5/person; FREE parking
Info: (727) 791-7400; Capitol Theatre Website

What’s Doing?
Bring the family for a movie at the historic Capitol Theatre, constructed in 1921. This classic structure features a large mezzanine and furnishings reminiscent of a classic Hollywood theater, and is one of the oldest operating theatres in Florida. The theatre reportedly began as a vaudeville theater and movie house, and many of the world’s best performed have graced its stage over the last century.

On Sunday, you and the kids can watch the movie Labyrinth (PG), starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, in this beautiful theater.

Address:
Capitol Theatre
405 Cleveland Street
Clearwater, FL 33755

The Family Movie Series ad was published in the January 2013 edition of Tampa Bay Parenting magazine.

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~~~ SENSORY-FRIENDLY MOVIE ~~~

AMC Sensory-Friendly Films
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, January 5, 2013
Location: Participating AMC Theaters
Cost: Regular ticket prices apply
Info: AMC Theaters Sensory-Friendly Films Website

What’s Doing?
AMC Theaters, in partnership with The Autism Society, offer AMC Sensory-Friendly Films to families affected by autism. Come watch in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down, and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing.

— Saturday, January 5: Monsters, Inc. 2-D/G

(NOTE: Dates and films are subject to change.)

Address:
AMC The Regency 20
2496 West Brandon Boulevard
Brandon, FL 33511

AMC Veterans Expressway 24
9302 Anderson Road
Tampa, FL 33634

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RELATED LINKS:
1. Check the WDTB calendar to find more family-friendly events happening around the Tampa Bay area in January.
2. FREE (Or Almost FREE) Crafts for Kids: January 2012

Popcorn Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Film Poster Images are from IMDB.
Find movie information, ratings, cast listings and more at IMDB.

Warriors for Autism, Inc.’s 3rd Annual Sensory-Friendly Holiday Extravaganza

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on December 5, 2012 at 10:44 am {no comments}

Time: 2-5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2012
Location: The Enchanted Forest @ The Event Factory
Cost: $15/adult, FREE for children (limit 3 children per adult); Registration is required for both adults and children, even though children are FREE (Tickets can be purchased online on the Warriors for Autism website.)
Info: Call (813) 857-1698 or e-mail Deena@warriorsforautism.com; Purchase tickets online at Warriors for Autism Website (NOTE: Warriors for Autism has informed us that they are what the IRS terms “Pending Approval” on their tax exempt status, and that are licensed in the state of Florida as a not-for-profit organization. They’ve been told by the IRS that all donations would be deductible. They also pride themselves on creating the most sensory-friendly and allergen aware programs and events possible.); Warriors for Autism Incorporated™ Facebook Page

What’s Doing?
Warriors for Autism is hosting their annual event for families with children on the Autism spectrum. Enjoy a calm, nurturing holiday event. Here are some highlights:
— Gluten-free cookie decorating
— Crafts
— Story time with Mrs. Claus
— Games
— Visits with Santa Claus

Address:
The Enchanted Forest @ The Event Factory
7565 West Hillsborough Avenue
Tampa, FL 33615

Image courtesy of nirots / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Thanks for the information, Deena R.!

The Lawyers Autism Awareness Foundation (LAAF) Hosts 2nd Annual Sensory-Friendly Santa Event

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Special Needs Christmas Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on November 30, 2012 at 9:00 am {one comment}

Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012
Location: Chester H. Ferguson Law Center
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Info: This event is free to the public, but guests are encouraged to register on the LAAF website

What’s Doing?
For a second year, LAAF is sponsoring a controlled environment for children with Sensory Processing Disorders to visit with Santa Claus and have a complimentary picture taken. There will be natural lighting, low noise, and minimized waiting times to prevent anxiety and create an enjoyable experience for families with children on the Autism Spectrum.

Trained professionals will be on hand for children who may find the situation challenging. In addition, there will be an opportunity to learn about various public and private educational resources, such as Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay (available to families with children with ASD) during the information resource fair.

Many children who are on the Autism Spectrum suffer from Sensory Processing Disorders. A child with sensory integration issues may be overwhelmed by the mall during the holidays. The wide open spaces, busy shoppers, bright lights, and long lines may cause a sensory overload for your child, which can result in a meltdown. Because of this, many families and their children may find it difficult to leave their homes for holiday events. LAAF has provided a sensory-friendly atmosphere where children on the Autism Spectrum can experience the simple joy of visiting with Santa Claus, telling him their secret holiday wish, and having their picture taken.

About Lawyers Autism Awareness Foundation (LAAF)
LAAF’s mission is to assist and empower the families of the Tampa Bay area who have a child on the Autism Spectrum and create sensory-friendly events throughout the Tampa Bay area; support families with information on public and private educational resources and fund need-based grants to assist families with approved Autism therapies. LAAF recognizes that not all families can afford or have access to the many public and private therapy options that are available to families of children on the Autism Spectrum. They have received an overwhelmingly positive response from the Tampa Bay area from local legal and business communities and continue to make strides to assist families and children who are on the Autism Spectrum.

About Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay
Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay provides Applied Behavior Analysis programs for children with autism and related disorders as well as children who engage in problem behavior. Their programs are individualized for each child and are focused on teaching socially-significant skills while reducing the likelihood of inappropriate behavior. Skills targeted during therapy include language/communication skills, self-help skills, academic skills, and social/play skills. In addition to the programs listed above, BCOTB also provides support and assistance with IEP development, intensive feeding programs and a 36-hour home-based intensive toilet training program.

Address:
Chester H. Ferguson Law Center
1610 North Tampa Street
Tampa, FL 33602

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Sunshine Sunday: November 2012

Filed under Nov. 2012 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on November 15, 2012 at 10:59 pm {no comments}

Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, November 25, 2012
Location: Glazer Children’s Museum
Cost: FREE for members, $5/person for non-members (Register online in advance, or purchase admission the day of the event; the event is limited to 300 guests); Pay for parking in adjacent Poe Garage (regular parking is $1.20/hr.)
Info: (813) 443-3861; Glazer Children’s Museum Website

Address:
Glazer Children’s Museum
110 West Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL 33602

Image courtesy of Glazer Children’s Museum

Children and Their Families are Invited to a Special Sensitive Santa Event

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Special Needs Christmas Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on November 9, 2012 at 9:14 am {no comments}

Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Date: December 15, 2012
Location: Gulf Coast Church
Cost: FREE (Registration is required); Gifts available for purchase from vendors
Info: Please e-mail PuzzlePiecesofPinellas@gmail.com to register your child or family; Questions or concerns can be addressed to Adrienne at (727) 641-7947 or e-mail AdrienneBurleigh@gmail.com

What’s Doing?
This first annual Sensitive Santa event, benefiting children on the Autism Spectrum, is hosted by Mid-County Autism Support Group and Alternative Systems Design (ASD). Soft music, FREE crafts and activities, and door prizes will be provided to entertain guests while you wait your turn to visit and have your picture taken with Santa Claus.

Even Better! Vendors will be on-hand with last minute gifts and stocking stuffers, and medical and therapy providers will be available to answer questions and offer information about services available in your area.

Address:
Gulf Coast Church
13301 Walsingham Road
Largo, FL 33774

RELATED LINKS:
1. FREE (And Really Cheap) Family Movies Happening in November 2012: See What the AMC Sensory-Friendly Movie is for November
2. Little Hands: Healthy Snacks and Homemade Gifts Kids Can Help Make
3. Check the WDTB calendar to find more events taking place around Tampa Bay this weekend.

Thanks to Adrienne B. for sending us this information!