whatsdoingtampabay.com | Tag Archive | what’s up in tampa Bay for kids and families

Carrollwood Village to Host Their 10th Annual Kid’s Day at the Village

Filed under May 2013 Events by whatsdo2 on May 8, 2013 at 9:03 am {no comments}

10th Annual Kid's Day in the Village Flyer Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2013
Location: Millennium Garden in Carrollwood Village
Cost: FREE and open to the public; Parking is FREE; Kid-friendly food and drink available at “kid-friendly” prices
Info: (813) 842-7066; Carrollwood Village Website

What’s Doing?
Carrollwood Villages Phases I, II and III HOA will be hosting this FREE event with activities especially for kids, such as:
— Arts and crafts
— Animal encounters
— Games
… and more!

Plus, there will be live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and more. Families are invited to enjoy a picnic in the garden; kid-friendly food and drink will be available for purchase during the event.

Address:
Millennium Garden
4535 West Village Drive
Tampa, FL 33624

Image courtesy of Carrollwood Village

Meet the Madagascar Characters at Westfield Brandon

Filed under May 2013 Events by whatsdo2 on May 7, 2013 at 12:13 pm {no comments}

Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Date: Friday, May 10, 2013
Location: Westfield Brandon
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 661-6255; Westfield Brandon Facebook Page

What’s Doing?
This is a special meet-and-greet with the Madagascar characters from Busch Gardens’ new show Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation. The characters will be available between 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; however, please keep in mind that they will take 30-minute breaks every 30 minutes, and space is limited.

Learn more about the new Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation live musical show at Busch Gardens and watch a clip from the movie. There will also be a chance to meet the characters and take photos with them as part of each scheduled performance in the Stanleyville Theater at Busch Gardens Tampa. The show will extend beyond the theater during its première weekend — May 18 & 19 — with dancing and DJs in Stanleyville, Gwazi and Cheetah Hunt plazas.

Address:
Westfield Brandon
459 Brandon Town Center
Brandon, FL 33511

Image courtesy of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

Spring Family Cookout & Campout at Bonner Park

Filed under May 2012 Events by whatsdo2 on May 2, 2013 at 1:15 pm {no comments}

Campsite illustration Time: 6 p.m.-8 a.m.
Date: May 10-11, 2013
Location: Bonner Park
Cost: $10/person, FREE for children age 2 and younger (includes dinner and breakfast)
Info: Call the park office at (727) 518-3047 to make a reservation; City of Largo Website

What’s Doing?
Plan on a memorable night camping out with the kids and other families. Hike the nature trails in the dark, roast marshmallows and tell spooky stories at the campfire. Just bring your tent and camping gear. Both dinner and breakfast will be provided.

NOTE: Children must be accompanied by an adult. It is recommended that you set your tent up early to avoid the mosquitoes.

Address:
Bonner Park
14444 143rd Street
Largo, FL 33774

Image courtesy of pakorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Go On a Family Treasure Hunt at the 12th Annual John LeVique Pirate Days Festival

Filed under May 2013 Events by whatsdo2 on April 30, 2013 at 12:51 pm {no comments}

John LeVique Pirate Days Skull Time: 3-11 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sun.)
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2013 & Sunday, May 12, 2013
Location: John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk
Cost: Although admission to the pirate festival is FREE, a gate donation of a “buck-n-ear” is appreciated (A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Fisherman Lost at Sea Memorial Fund); The VFW Post 4256 will serve a $5 Pirates Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the public is welcome; Some activities may require a fee; Parking: FREE parking is available at Madeira Beach Fundamental school (591 Tom Stuart Causeway Madeira Beach, FL 33708) with FREE Shuttle service to John’s Pass sponsored by FreeBeachRide.com. You can also pay for parking within John’s Pass Village and along Gulf Boulevard.
Info: John Levique Pirate Days Website; Radio Disney AM1380 Event Calendar

What’s Doing?
Head to Treasure Island for a weekend of pirate-themed family fun the entire family can enjoy, including:
— Face painting
— Craft projects
— Family-friendly entertainment
— Boat Parade & Sea Battle (12 p.m. Sat.): The parade will begin just north of the Treasure Island Bridge and will continue past Eleanor Island before entering the battle zone in front of the Johns Pass Boardwalk at High Noon.
— Parade through the Village (1:30 p.m. Sat.): Following the sea invasion, the Loyalists will rendezvous with their land-side troops and parade through the Village handing out beads and other trinkets to the children. They will wind through the village and end at the center square tent.
— Family Treasure Hunt (10-6 p.m. Sat. & 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun.)
— Children’s Costume Contest (4 p.m. Sat.; Windworks, 13009 Village Blvd.): Every child will receive a prize for participating. Larger prizes being awarded to the best dressed little pirates. Registration is required: call (727) 320-9463.
— The West Coast Mutineers performance group
— Fire Show performed by Bohemian Fire (7:30 p.m. Sat.)
… and much more!

View the full entertainment schedule online.

Family Treasure Hunt
The village-wide treasure hunt begins on Saturday at 10 a.m. and continues through Sunday at 4 p.m.
Families will receive a map with a list of clues. Participating merchants will provide a trinket for each family on the treasure hunt as proof that they have found their spot. Find all of the spots on the treasure hunt to qualify for the grand prize drawing, which will be held at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday. Treasure maps are limited to the first 500 families.
The hunt begins and ends at The Alligator Attraction, located at 12995 Village Boulevard. Families are encouraged to dress in pirate garb.

PUBLISHERS NOTE: My family participated in the family treasure hunt during the 2012 event and loved it! Don’t expect this to be a quick 30-minute run through the village collecting stamps on your sheet, though. The clues are challenging, even for us adults, so this is definitely an activity for the entire family to actively participate in together. It took the three of us all day to get through the sheet. However, we had a super time … in fact, we had such a fun time, we’re heading back to do it again this year! My daughter’s favorite part was seeing what the next trinket would be; the trinkets we collected in 2012 included stickers, beads, a refillable drink cup, popcicle, necklace and more. Who knows what we’ll be collecting this year!

Fun with the Radio Disney AM1380 Road Crew
Radio Disney will be at the festival on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Listen and dance to your favorite Radio Disney tunes, and visit the “Take Me Fishing” booth for games, contests and crafts. For more information call (727) 577-4500.

ANOTHER NOTE: The shuttle last year was a long wait (on both ends) in the sun. If you opt for the free parking, please keep that in mind. I’m not sure if there will be more shuttles available this year, but please consider how your family will do with a long wait outside when you make your parking plans.

Address:
John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk
1100 Village Boulevard
Madeira Beach, FL 33708

Image courtesy of SIK Promotions

Get Those Dress-up Clothes Ready for a Li’l Princess & Pirate Party

Filed under April 2013 Events by whatsdo2 on April 9, 2013 at 8:58 pm {no comments}

Pasco County FL Lil' Pirate & Princess Party Flyer Time: 1-3 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Location: J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex
Cost: FREE, but registration is required (Space is limited for this event)
Info: (727) 942-7439; Pasco County Website; View the Li’l Princess & Pirate Party Flyer (PDF)

What’s Doing?
Boys and girls age 5 and younger are invited to dress up in their gowns and crowns, vests and bandanas for a fun-filled afternoon of crafts, games, treasure hunts and bounce houses. Refreshments will be served as well.

Address:
J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex
2830 Gulf Trace Boulevard
Holiday, FL 34691

Images courtesy of Pasco County, FL

Sneak Peek Saturdays at Croc Encounters

Filed under April 2013 Events, Ongoing Events, Tampa's Secret Places by whatsdo2 on April 9, 2013 at 12:17 pm {no comments}

Crocodile with open mouth Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Date: Saturdays
Location: Croc Encounters
Cost: $5/person ($3 with coupon)
Info: (813) 217-4400; Croc Encounters Website

What’s Doing?
Croc Encounters is currently under renovation. As each section of the park is completed, it will open to the public. You can get a sneak peek each Saturday during “Sneak Peek Saturdays,” which offers guests a special up-close, personal look at areas of the park as they are finished, as well as a preview of what’s coming.

Now open is the first phase, which includes tortoises, some small reptiles, and the Crocodilian Loop, where guests can see a variety of crocodiles and alligators up-close.

Future sections will feature lizards, large snakes, turtle ponds and more large alligator exhibits.

See pictures of the facility on the Croc Encounters Facebook page.

Address:
Croc Encounters
8703 Bowles Road
Tampa, FL 33637

Images courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Have Fun and Play Games at “Healthy! That’s Me!” Kids Health Day at UT

Filed under April 2013 Events by whatsdo2 on March 30, 2013 at 8:50 pm {no comments}

Healthy! That's Me! Kids Health Day at UT Flyer Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2013
Location: University of Tampa
Cost: The event is FREE, and FREE event parking will be available on campus (look for signs)
Info: E-mail Lindsey at lpavlick@spartans.ut.edu for more information; P.E.A.C.E. Volunteer Center on Facebook

What’s Doing?
The P.E.A.C.E. Volunteer Center at the University of Tampa will host its first-ever “Healthy! That’s Me!” Kids Health Day for Bay area children and their families. Head over to the UT campus for a FREE day of health, fitness and fun as University of Tampa students provide games and activities to educate children on the importance of staying fit.

Address:
University of Tampa
401 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33606

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of P.E.A.C.E. Volunteer Center at the University of Tampa

Gigi’s Cupcakes New Menu Tasting Party & Easter Bunny Meet-and-Greet

Filed under Easter 2013 Events, March 2013 Events by whatsdo2 on March 28, 2013 at 10:29 am {no comments}

Gigi's Cupcakes Mini Tasting Party Flyer Time: 3-5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 30, 2013
Location: Gigi’s Cupcakes Carrollwood
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 968-CAKE (2253); Gigi’s Cupcakes Carrollwood on Facebook

What’s Doing?
Gigi’s is rolling some new cupcakes flavors, and you’re invited to stop by and try them! Bring the kids with you to meet the Easter Bunny; He’ll be hanging out at the event and posing for pictures with guests.

Did you know? Three gluten-free flavors are now available every Friday at every Gigi’s Cupcakes location.

Address:
Gigi’s Cupcakes Carrollwood
11640 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618

Images courtesy of Gigi’s Cupcakes USA

Thanks to WDTB reader Deirdre T. for forwarding us this event information!

Fit Kids Playground: Find Us “Playin’ in the Park” April 2!

Filed under April 2013 Events by whatsdo2 on March 27, 2013 at 10:25 am {no comments}

Fit Kids Playground hoola hoop Time: 2-6 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Cost: FREE; Pay for parking in the adjacent Poe Parking Garage or at various Downtown Tampa lots
Info: Fit Kids Playground;Playin’ in the Park Web Page

What’s Doing?
On the first Tuesday of each month — March through August — Fit Kids Playground hits Downtown Tampa with an afternoon of healthy, outdoor, family fun. There is so much to do!
— Try out a new sport in the Fit kids Sport Zone
— Enjoy a healthy snack, courtesy of Whole Foods Market
— Help kick off the Hillsborough County Children’s Board Pinwheels for Prevention campaign at 2 p.m. on the Fit Kids Playground Main Stage
— Sign up your kids, age 10 and younger, for a FREE USTA “10 And Under Tennis” membership
— Enjoy preschool activities by Primrose Schools
— Visit the Humana tent for a jump rope, frisbee and water to keep you hydrated while you play
— Stop by the Fit Kids tent to pick up a Fit Kids Fun Bag, filled with healthy coupons, samples of Pirates Booty, Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine, Chop Chop Magazine and more
— Play on the playgrounds
— Splash in the fountains

Even Better! This month is also your chance to meet some of the Mom bloggers from the brand new Tampa Bay Moms Blog, which will kick off on April 29. Come chat with us while the kids create. We’ll have an art project to stimulate your child’s imagination, while Fit Kids gets them moving and grooving!

Also Happening …
During the Fit Kids program, families can enjoy all the interactive exhibits inside Glazer Children’s Museum (2-7 p.m.) for FREE!

Address:
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 North Ashley Drive
Tampa, FL 33602

Get a Jump on Summer Camps at Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine’s Summer Splash 2013

Filed under April 2013 Events by whatsdo2 on March 26, 2013 at 10:09 am {no comments}

Summer Splash 2013 Postcard Time: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2013
Location: Glazer Children’s Museum
Cost: $5/person or FREE for Museum members; Pay for parking in the adjacent Poe Parking Garage or at various lots in Downtown Tampa; Food will be available for purchase in the Museum café
Info: Call (813) 949-4400 or e-mail info@tbparenting.com; Summer Splash Web Page

What’s Doing?
This is your chance to meet with representatives of Tampa Bay area summer, day and sleepover camps as you prepare for summer break. More than 75 summer camp booths will be present. Plus, there will be plenty of fun for everyone in the family to enjoy. Highlights of the event include:
— Live entertainment
— Bounce house
— Workshops
— Safety demonstrations
— FREE activities for the kids (interactive games and activities)
— Health and wellness resources
— Giveaways every half-hour

Even Better! The first 150 children will receive a goody bag.

This event is hosted by Tampa Bay Parenting magazine.

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

Image courtesy of Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine