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5 things to do with kids in Tampa Bay this week: Jan. 11-17

Pick up some free trees at Gulfport’s Arbor Day, check out a train show or learn how best to use your telescope.
You won't get one this big, but maybe one day after you pick up a free sabal palm seedling at Gulfport's Arbor Day celebration.
You won't get one this big, but maybe one day after you pick up a free sabal palm seedling at Gulfport's Arbor Day celebration. [ SHADD, DIRK | Tampa Bay Times ]
Published Jan. 11, 2021

1. Arbor Day Gulfport: Join the city of Gulfport to plant a tree. Then, pick up a free sabal palm or sweet gum seedling to take home, while supplies last. Masks are required for the tree-planting ceremony at 3:45 p.m. Friday. Free. 4526 29th Ave. S, Gulfport.

2. Train Show: Kids can check out a running train layout as vendors sell model trains in various gauges and other die-cast toys. $5, 12 and younger free. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., Brooksville. 727-244-1341.

The Professional Bull Riders tour will open the 2021 season in Ocala with 30 of the top bull riders in the world.
The Professional Bull Riders tour will open the 2021 season in Ocala with 30 of the top bull riders in the world. [ CLIFF MCBRIDE | Times (1998) ]

3. Unleash the Beast: The Professional Bull Riders association would normally hold a big show at Amalie Arena in Tampa, but COVID-19 sidelined its season last year. This year it will open the 2021 season in Ocala with 30 of the top bull riders in the world. Each rider takes on a bull in round one. The top 12 advance to the championship round. The arena will only be sold to 50 percent capacity with seating in every other row. Social distancing and masks are required at concession stands and in restrooms. $50, $15 ages 5-12, 4 and younger free. 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala. 800-732-1727.

4. Birds of Prey: In addition to its regular exhibits, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium will have stations set up to learn all about Florida raptors including owls and hawks. Included with admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday through Monday. 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater. 727-441-1790. cmaquarium.org.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton will show you how to set up and get the best use of your telescope.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton will show you how to set up and get the best use of your telescope. [ CAROLYN KASTER | AP ]

5. How to Use Your Telescope: Did you get a telescope for Christmas? Bring a telescope and experts will show you how to properly set it up, adjust it and view stars and planets through it. $30-$35. 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday. Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton. 941-746-4131. bishopscience.org.