whatsdoingtampabay.com | Tag Archive | what’s doing in tampa bay for families

19th Annual Winter Wonderland

Filed under Charity/Fundraisers, Ongoing Events by whatsdo2 on November 26, 2011 at 12:30 pm {no comments}

Time: 6-9 p.m. (Weekdays), 4-9 p.m. (Weekends)
Date: Friday, December 2, 2011 through Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Location: NW Corner of Ft. Harrison Avenue and Drew Street, Downtown Clearwater, FL
Cost: FREE admission, but visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item and/or a new, unwrapped toy for donation to local area charities; Small charge for some rides and refreshments

What’s Doing?
Each year since 1993, the Clearwater Community Volunteers have hosted this Winter Wonderland event, a 3-week long charity drive in downtown Clearwater that benefits the children of Pinellas County through charitable organizations that include: The Children’s Home of Tampa, The Homeless Emergency Project, Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Clearwater Little League.

Winter Wonderland is a complete Christmas village with an entertainment stage featuring live performances nightly (Click Here to see the entertainment schedule), photos with Santa, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, a hot chocolate shop, a petting zoo, pony rides, playground, a bounce house, a giant slide, and the Holiday Express Train.

This event kicks off with the Winter Wonderland Grand Opening, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 2, when Santa arrives to help turn on the holiday lights.

Address:
NW Corner of Ft. Harrison Avenue & Drew Street
Downtown Clearwater, FL 33755

Nights of Shimmering Lights

Filed under Ongoing Events by whatsdo2 on November 25, 2011 at 1:00 pm {no comments}

Time: Dark
Date: Saturday, November 26, 2011-Saturday, January 7, 2012 (Thursday-Sunday)
Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Cost: $20/car (Extra charge for buses; Cash and all major credit cards accepted)
Info: Website

What’s Doing?
Nights of Shimmering Lights, the brainchild of two Hillsborough County, FL residents who enjoy Christmas lights and spending quality time with their children, is sure to become a new family holiday tradition. In it’s first season, this spectacular light and sound show features more than 500,000 lights twinkling in time with music you’ll hear from their private FM radio station. Drive your car, truck, van or bus to discover why Nights of Shimmering Lights will become an essential holiday tradition for many families. The self-paced drive takes you through more than 600 dazzling illuminated tunnels, wireframe displays and dancing LEDs lights.
Even Better! Click Here to print a $2 Off coupon!

Kris Mouse

Kris Mouse Hunt
Kris Mouse has disappear, and they need you to help find him. When you visit, count how many times you see him, then submit your guess online. There will be a drawing on January 10, 2012 for $50.

Address:
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
State Road 60 and Sydney Washer Road
Brandon, FL 33567

Holiday Lights and Illuminated Park Displays

Filed under Ongoing Events by whatsdo2 on November 25, 2011 at 12:43 pm {no comments}

Time: Nightly
Date: Saturday, November 26, 2011 through Saturday, December 31, 2011
Location: North Straub Park & South Straub Park
Cost: FREE to enjoy the holiday lights!
Info: (727) 893-7441; Website

What’s Doing?
Bring the family out for an evening walk to enjoy the holiday magic of sparkling lights, the holiday tree, and illuminated displays across the waterfront.

While you’re in the park, take time for some Glice Skating and a visit with Santa. (NOTE: These events take place on select nights in December; see link for details.)

Address:
North Straub Park
350 5th Avenue NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

South Straub Park
490 First Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

9th Annual Holiday in the Park

Filed under Oct. 2010 Events by whatsdo2 on November 25, 2011 at 12:23 pm {no comments}

Time: 6-9 p.m. (Fri.) & 12-9 p.m. (Sat.)
Date: Friday, December 2, 2011 & Saturday, December 3, 2011
Location: England Brothers Park
Cost: FREE admission
Info: (727) 541-0952; Website

What’s Doing?
The Pinellas Park Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association is presenting their annual “Holiday In The Park” — a community-wide family event featuring children’s games, entertainment, photos with Santa, hayrides, a children’s train ride and more!

Address:
England Brothers Park
5110 81st Avenue North
Pinellas Park, FL 33781

Campfires in the Park Series

Filed under Oct. 2010 Events by whatsdo2 on November 23, 2011 at 7:29 am {no comments}

Time: Dusk
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2011
Location: Largo Central Park (The campfire is located in LOT 1)
Cost: FREE to attend; Campfire treats and concessions will be available for purchase
Info: (727)587-6740 ext 5014; Website

What’s Doing?
Grab a chair and a blanket and cozy up for a fun, family campfire in the park. Children and parents alike will enjoy s’mores, banana splits, popcorn and more, as everyone gathers around the campfire ring. The December 3 campfire event will take place in conjunction with Largo’s Holiday Stroll Event.

Address:
Largo Central Park — LOT 1
101 Central Park Drive
Largo, FL 33771

Trees & Traditions – A Centennial Celebration

Filed under Oct. 2010 Events by whatsdo2 on November 23, 2011 at 7:22 am {no comments}

Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2011
Location: Pinellas County Heritage Village
Cost: Suggested donation of $2/adult, FREE for children
Info: (727) 582-2233; Website

What’s Doing?
Join the Pinellas County Historical Society for this special holiday open house filled with holiday excitement:
— Enjoy refreshments
— Participate in children’s activities and crafts
— Listen to holiday music and carols
— Visit decorated homes from holidays past
— Visit from Santa Claus

The Beach Cottage Gift Shop will also be open for holiday shopping.

Address:
Pinellas County Heritage Village
11909 125th Street North
Largo, FL 33774

2nd Annual Winterfest at Winthrop

Filed under Charity/Fundraisers, Tree Lighting Events by whatsdo2 on November 23, 2011 at 6:04 am {no comments}

Time: 7-9 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-Dusk (Sat.), & 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun.)
Date: Friday, December 2-Sunday, December 4, 2011
Location: Winthrop Town Centre
Cost: FREE to attend; Food available for purchase; Lunch with Santa tickets must be purchased (proceeds benefit the Brandon Foundation and its many registered charities)
Info: (813) 689-6889; Website

What’s Doing?
The Greater Brandon Community Foundation is presenting their annual WinterFest, a fun way for families to come together to kick off the holiday season. Enjoy entertainment by Spirit FM radio, Keith Day, Community Carolers, The Tampa Bay Lightning Truck and many others. Plus, there will be snow!

The weekend event begins with the Christmas tree lighting and entertainment from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, December 2. Families can also enjoy a family holiday movie and the hospitality tent.

Santa’s Kid’s Workshop (Saturday 10 a.m.–dusk & Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.):
— Kids get to create gifts and stuff their stocking full
— Face painting
— Crafts
— Games and treats
— And a chance to see Santa

Children’s Fun Zone (Saturday 10 a.m.–dusk & Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.):
— Bounce houses
— Hayride
— and more!

Lunch with Santa
Your family is invited to lunch with Santa from 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Click Here to buy tickets.

Address:
Winthrop Town Centre
6030 Winthrop Town Centre Avenue
Riverview, FL 33578

Breakfast with Santa at Brio Tuscan Grille

Filed under Oct. 2010 Events by whatsdo2 on November 22, 2011 at 1:58 am {no comments}

Time: 8:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2011
Location: Brio Tuscan Grille
Cost: $10.95/adult, $5.95/child
Info: (813) 877-3939; Website

What’s Doing?
Brio Tuscan Grille is hosting a special brunch with Santa, featuring a special menu, treats and fun activities! Here’s what you can expect on the breakfast buffet:
— French Toast
— Scrambled Eggs
— Breakfast Potatoes
— Frittata
— Bacon
— Fruit
— Includes coffee, tea, soda, juice and milk

Even Better! Guests will not only enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and get to visit with Santa, but there will also be a coloring contest, a goody bag for each child, and more! Plus, attendees who bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots will have the chance to win a Nintendo DS or other prizes.

Address:
Brio Tuscan Grille
International Plaza and Bay Street
2223 North West Shore Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33607

Click Here for a list of Breakfasts with Santa taking place in the Bay area in December 2011.

Image: Paul / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

St. Pete Beach’s Breakfast with Santa

Filed under Oct. 2010 Events by whatsdo2 on November 22, 2011 at 1:33 am {no comments}

Time: 9:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Location: St. Pete Beach Recreation Center
Cost: $5/child Pre-register by December 16, 2011!
Info: (727) 363-9245; Website

What’s Doing?
This Breakfast with Santa event for kids in grades K-5 features:
— A catered breakfast (This event is sponsored by Chick-fil-A)
— Keepsake photo with Santa
— Souvenir make-and-take holiday craft station
— Festive holiday music

Address:
St. Pete Beach Recreation Center
7701 Boca Ciega Drive
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

Click Here for a list of Breakfasts with Santa taking place in the Bay area in December 2011.

Henry B. Plant Museum’s 30th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll

Filed under Ongoing Events by whatsdo2 on November 21, 2011 at 12:16 pm {no comments}

Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily (The Museum will close early at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 for a private party)
Date: December 1-23, 2011 (The Museum will close at 6 p.m. on December 2 for a private party.)
Location: Henry B. Plant Museum
Cost: $13/adult, $11/senior and $7/child (4-18 years). Discount Days (December 5, 6, 12 & 13): $9/adult, $8/senior and $5/child (4-18); Museum admission is FREE for children age 3 and younger (proceeds fund significant museum restoration and preservation projects, as well as educational programming)
Info: (813) 254-1891; Website

What’s Doing?
Experience the warmth and charm of an old-time holiday. Beneath towering silver minarets, the former Tampa Bay Hotel will be trimmed for the holidays – Victorian style. Complimentary spiced cider and cookies will be served on the veranda each day. Every evening, guests are invited to sing along with carolers in front of the 15-foot tree in the Grand Hallway.

Play a Game of “Where’s Henry?”
Children (and the young at heart) are invited to search for an image of Henry Plant, strategically placed in each exhibit room amid the decorations. Guests will receive a checklist, and if you can locate his image in every room, you’ll receive a prize.

Visit with Santa Claus
Santa Claus is coming to the Victorian Christmas Stroll on Wednesday, December 23 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (complimentary with your Stroll admission.) Santa will listen to your child’s holiday requests. Parents are invited to bring a camera to capture the moment. (Note: no flash photography in the Museum.)

Address:
Henry B. Plant Museum
On the University of Tampa Campus
401 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33606