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'Shrek' brings theater to theatre
Are you looking for less theater and more theatre in your family’s lives? Shrek the Musical may be just the ticket. Slated for a run at the Straz Center in Tampa May 3-8, this musical is the perfect show to introduce younger audiences to the theatre (pronounced THE-uh-tuh). The characters, plot and dialogue are almost identical to the blockbuster movies, but the music is completely new for this stage performance. ... Read more
Bug exhibit has the right creep factor
I tagged along on a recent school field trip to see MOSI's new "Bugging Out" exhibit, which just crawled in for a three-month stay, and after I stopped twitching my nose and scratching my head at the sight of thousands of swarming bugs, I gained a new respect for nature's workhorses. You can read my review here.
There's a hands-on exhibit with real ladybugs in one case, a real ant farm in another and an art center to make bug relief pictures. There's also a lovely butterfly video special effect where butterfly images flutter around and land on a kid's shadow of his head or hand until he shakes them off. On weekends there is a bug chef, cooking up crickets and mealworms for, well, meals. And there's a race track ready for bug races. ... Read more
Disney will end Grad Nite for students
It's the end of era. The Disney Parks Blog has announced that this spring will see the last Grad Nite celebrations at Magic Kingdom. The larger springtime crowds at the park have made it too difficult to schedule this separate-ticket late night event.
Is this news making anyone else nostalgic? My mid-1980s self couldn't wait for our turn at Grad Nite, when Kool and the Gang or Night Ranger might be playing in Tomorrowland.
It's been a rite of passage. Disneyland launched Grad Nite in 1961 (and the California park will continue to do so). Disney World, which has also held the annual after-hours party since 1972, with squeal-worthy big musical acts, from Katy Perry to New Kids on the Block.
Who played at your Grad Nite? The Times in 2008 ran this list of the entertainment going back to the beginning with Paul Revere and the Raiders. ... Read more
Going to Children's Gasparilla Parade? We have tips
Pirate invasions don't scare veteran moms. Try keeping up with kids in a crowded, daylong parade event while resisting the siren call of street vendors hawking cotton candy and securing precious bathroom breaks without a long wait. Now that's a feat worthy of Jose Gaspar's admiration
With this weekend's Children's Gasparilla Extravaganza, we have some tips for weathering the invasion.
The alcohol-free event welcoming the Gasparilla season includes the pre-schoolers stroll, a bicycle safety rodeo starting at 11 a.m., an air invasion, a family-friendly Gasparilla parade at 3:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at 7 p.m. Oh did we forget something? Right ... BEADS! ... Read more
My Florida bucket list
In the waning weeks before our move, I’m knocking things off my Florida Bucket List. I’m taking inventory of those uniquely-Sunshine State places where our family loves to go to or at least wants to see before losing our Florida resident status. So here it goes: ... Read more
Two more things to do
Hey, are you still undecided what to do with the kids this weekend? We gave you several ideas yesterday but we have one more to add. You can drop them off at the Art Spot at the Tampa Museum of Art. Each Saturday, parents can drop off their kids at the museum for a few hours of art work and inspiration. This Saturday, kids will learn about mosaics and piece together a colorful one like those found in Ancient Greece. ... Read more
Camp under the moonlight -- in your own backyard!
Dust off those tents and unfurl those sleeping bags, summer is here and it’s time for a campout.
The National Wildlife Federation is hosting the sixth annual Great American Backyard Campout, an event to encourage families to get out and enjoy the great, and not too far away, outdoors.
This Saturday all across the country folks will literally get out for a night by taking part in a campout that could certainly be at a local campground or park, but not necessarily. Your own backyard is a perfect place location.
Here in these neck of the woods, late June can be a little on the warm side so you may want to consider a handy battery-operated camp fan. Livestrong.com even suggests a large box fan placed in front of a block of ice to make instant air conditioning, but you’ll probably be fine with a tent set up in the shade and just dressing in light, loose clothing with a sheet or thin blanket rather than a bulky sleeping bag for comfort in the heat without defeating the spirit of camping.
Back in 2008, the Times told you how to make the most of this very special evening. You also can get more tips and information on the NWF website to make your kids happy campers this summer.
-- Tracey Henry, Suburban Diva ... Read more
Making time for memories
At the school, my daughter proudly showed me to her chair. She took the perch beside me, spread out her napkin and waited patiently to receive her treat. Finally, it was muffin time. My girl could barely stay seated and eat. She was so excited to have mommy there. So happy for me to see her clean up after herself and be a big girl. ... Read more
Rediscover the Sponge Docks
Before sponges lived in pineapples under the sea, they could be found in the warm waters off Tarpon Springs.
If you haven’t been to the Sponge Docks lately, I suggest an immediate return to this wonderfully quirky and absorbent destination. ... Read more
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THE AUTHORS
E-mail Sharon Kennedy Wynne:
wynne@tampabay.com
E-mail Kate Brassfield:
katedaphne17@gmail.com