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It's $5 day at the zoo Sunday
Load up the kids and get to the Lowry Park Zoo early on Sunday because the $5 Day at the Zoo deal only comes along a couple times a year and it’s hugely popular. The crowds are often three times their usual size because everyone gets in for $5 — instead of the usual $23.95 adult admission — on Sunday starting at 9:30 a.m. You still have to pay for extra for some rides and experiences, like feeding a giraffe or riding a camel that can cost $1 to $5 each.
You get lots of exotic animals, from penguins to tigers to manatees, but the kids can also have fun in the splash play area (wear water shoes).
What I have done is give each kid a set amount, $5-$10, and let them choose how to spend it. That usually ends up being one or two rides and one hand-feeding of a giraffe and then we move on to the exhibits. Even on a busy day like this you can see whatever you want, but prepare to be patient while waiting for the crowds to move on. ... Read more
New exhibit helps kids Get the Message
It’s hard to imagine — especially for young smartphone fanatics — that Morse code could be faster than text messaging. But that’s the conclusion of a new exhibit devoted to communication at the Glazer Children’s Museum.
“Get the Message” has 15 hands-on stations for kids to explore different forms of communication, from totem poles to sign language.
The instant messaging station uses a video clip from The Tonight Show with Jay Leno pitting two guys text messaging against two guys using Morse code. Contrary to an audience member’s prediction, the Morse code team is the first to convey the message: “I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance.” The men in vintage news-editor uniforms cheer the 170-year-old technology. ... Read more
Free and cheap things to do with your kids
We can see our very own dolphin movie star at a free screening on the beach, or take advantage of low light for star gazing or see what artists have done to turn PODS into a portal into their imagination. We have these and more are cheap family diversions this week. Read on for more:
A hometown hero is the star of the free movie Friday on Clearwater Beach. Dolphin Tale tells the story of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s own Winter, the dolphin with the prosthetic tail. Bring blankets, low lawn chairs or towels. Movie starts at dusk. Concessions for sale; no alcohol. 10 Pier 60 Drive, Clearwater Beach. ... Read more
A new way for moms to meet other moms
But how do you go from hi-bye in the parking lot to asking someone out on a (play) date? ... Read more
Free and cheap things to do with the kids
This week brings the return of Monster Jam, a spy exhibit lurks, there's a $2 admission deal at a children's museum and all kinds of trucks will be available to climb on as we peruse all the free and cheap things you can do with kids.
Monster Jam roars back on Saturday. Giant custom-designed trucks crush lesser cars and even school buses in competition. Go early for tailgating and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and get a close-up view of the trucks and meet the drivers. Free Pit Passes will be available at participating Southern Ford Dealers through Saturday, while supplies last. $15-$35. Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Toll-free 1-800-745-3000. 7 p.m. Saturday. ... Read more
Free and cheap things to do with the kids
There's some great family-friendly diversions to choose from this week if you want to avoid the crowds of Gasparilla, from the folksy Kumquat Festival to free movies on the beach to a park filled with all manner of trucks and even a tank for kids to climb on. Read on for more:
It’s shark mania at this week’s free Sunset Cinema at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. Bring blankets, low lawn chairs or towels to plop on Clearwater Beach and watch free movies. Friday features the PG-rated film Shark Tale with the voice of Will Smith and Saturday features the PG-rated film about a shark attack victim, Soul Surfer. Concessions for sale. No alcohol. Free. Pier 60, 10 Pier 60 Drive, Clearwater Beach. (727) 434-6060. Shows start around dusk. ... Read more
Kids can see pirate ballet for $10
A new $10 ticket price for children 12 and under is available for Gaspar: A Pirate Fantasy, the swashbuckling ballet on stage Sunday at Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
"It's a family friendly event and the $10 ticket price is designed for kids to enjoy the Gaspar Ballet," said Sharon Sanchez, Gaspar executive producer.
The swashbuckling ballet features beautiful ballerinas, handsome pirates, daredevil swordfighters, acrobats and romance. It tells the tale of Jose Gaspar, Tampa's most famous pirate. Principal dancers from Philadelphia will perform lead roles with local dancers taking part as supporting cast. A KidsFest taking place in conjunction with the show will offer a magician, face painting, pirates, art/coloring centers and a visit with ballet dancers from Gaspar Ballet, one hour after the show in the lobby of Ferguson Hall. ... Read more
Moms and sons get a "Date Knight"
After whining that all the daddy-daughter dances and father-son campouts leave out us moms with boys, it's only fair that I report the news that Chick-fil-A has heard our complaint and on Feb. 4, Tampa Bay area eateries are hosting a mother-son "Date Knight." Click here to sign up and make a reservation. They have spots at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. at multiple locations. It's free for the fun, which includes games, music, and special appearances by a certain cow, but the food bill is up to you.
Back in October I vented a bit about the many daddy-daughter date nights, father-son picnics and mother-daughter tea parties ... But nothing for mom and sons? How come we mothers of boys get left out? Granted, we can (and do) create our own special times together. But it's nice to let someone else do all the planning. ... Read more
Meet Grave Digger, superstar of Monster Jam
Very nice story here by our colleague Pete Couture on the driver behind the legendary monster truck Grave Digger, who will be roaring into Raymond James Stadium on Saturday and Feb. 4 when Monster Jam comes to town. ... Read more
Free and cheap things to do with the kids this week
Monster trucks roar into Raymond James Stadium, the kids take over Gasparilla and a new family area opens up in the botanical gardens. We have these and more family-friendly (and wallet-friendly) suggestions in this week's list of free and cheap things to do with your kids:
I have never hidden my fondness for Monster Jam. What's not to love? First there's the meet and greet with the drivers and pictures next to the trucks. It's an amazing sight when you see a grown man isn't as tall as one of those wheels. Then there's the tailgating with the other families before the show starts and then the metal crunching begins. Despite all the testosterone, it's a very G-rated, family friendly event. Monster Jam is so popular here, it's coming twice. First up is this Saturday and then again on Feb. 4. Why is it so popular? Because it’s loud and the trucks fly 200 feet into the sky and it’s awesome when Grave Digger soars through the air and lands on a motor home and it explodes like a confetti cannon. That's why. It's also affordable. Tickets start at $15.
The kids take over Gasparilla this Saturday. There's lots of beads and even the pirate Jose Gaspar himself this year at the Children's Gasparilla Parade. Never been? Check out our insider tips and the day's schedule here. ... Read more
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THE AUTHORS
E-mail Sharon Kennedy Wynne:
wynne@tampabay.com
E-mail Kate Brassfield:
katedaphne17@gmail.com