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5 things to do with kids this week in Tampa Bay: Dec. 7-13

See rare alligators, participate in a virtual holiday run and more.
 
A melanistic alligator named Midnight is among the rare alligators on display at the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center in Madeira Beach. Even rarer than albinos, they have an excess of pigmentation causing their skin and even their eyes to be jet black.
A melanistic alligator named Midnight is among the rare alligators on display at the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center in Madeira Beach. Even rarer than albinos, they have an excess of pigmentation causing their skin and even their eyes to be jet black. [ Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center ]
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Published Dec. 7, 2020

1. Rare Alligator Exhibit: The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center at John’s Pass in Madeira Beach has brought in rare alligators as part of a special exhibit on display for several months. The new visitors include albino alligators Pearl, Safari and Journey, three of approximately 100 albino alligators worldwide. At the other end of the spectrum is Midnight, a melanistic alligator. This type of alligator, even rarer than an albino, has an excess of pigmentation that causes its skin and even its eyes to be jet black. Rarest of all, guests will meet Sky and Horizon, piebald alligators, which exhibit mottled black and white skin patterns. There are estimated to be less than 20 alligators worldwide with coloration of this type. Special interactions, including photos or holding these animals, will be available for an additional fee. Admission is $8-$12. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center, 12973 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach. 609-329-8751. kissagator.com.

The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center at John's Pass in Madeira Beach has brought in several rare alligators as part of a special exhibit on display for several months. Shown here is an albino, one of about 100 albino alligators worldwide. In the center is a standard gator and the rarest of all, a piebald alligator, which has mottled black and white skin patterns. There are estimated to be less than 20 alligators worldwide with coloration of this type.
The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center at John's Pass in Madeira Beach has brought in several rare alligators as part of a special exhibit on display for several months. Shown here is an albino, one of about 100 albino alligators worldwide. In the center is a standard gator and the rarest of all, a piebald alligator, which has mottled black and white skin patterns. There are estimated to be less than 20 alligators worldwide with coloration of this type. [ Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center ]

2. Drive-In Movies: The Rooftop Cinema Club at Armature Works is all Christmas movies this week, including Thursday’s showings of Elf at 7:30 p.m. and Die Hard at 10 p.m. — because of course the terrorists at Nakatomi Plaza taught us all about family values and the spirit of Christmas. Audio can be picked up on local FM stations, and Armature Works food is available to order online. Parking is first-come, first-served depending on what ticket type you purchase. For a schedule, go to rooftopcinemaclub.com/armature. $22-$34 per car. 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa. 813-250-3725.

The Cross Bay Ferry, shown leaving the Vinoy Yacht Basin in St. Petersburg, headed to Tampa's Channelside area near the Florida Aquarium.
The Cross Bay Ferry, shown leaving the Vinoy Yacht Basin in St. Petersburg, headed to Tampa's Channelside area near the Florida Aquarium. [ Times (2019) ]

3. Cross Bay Ferry: Its future may be murky, but for at least one more season the region’s experimental Cross Bay Ferry has set sail across Tampa Bay, connecting passengers from downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa. All passengers will be required to wear masks and follow state and local health guidelines for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. The 50-minute scenic cruises run Wednesday through Sunday across the bay. Trips are more expensive this season, with one-way tickets $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children 5 to 18. Kids 4 and younger ride for free and all passengers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased at thecrossbayferry.com.

You can still dress up in glittery skirts to participate in the annual Boley Jingle Bell Run. But for its 38th year, the fun run will be virtual this year.
You can still dress up in glittery skirts to participate in the annual Boley Jingle Bell Run. But for its 38th year, the fun run will be virtual this year. [ Tampa Bay Times (2012) ]

4. Boley Centers’ 38th Annual Virtual Jingle Bell Run: Your participation in this year’s popular Jingle Bell Run brings hope to those in need. Since it’s virtual this year, you can complete the run on your own time and from wherever you are. Registration includes Jingle Bell Run swag mailed to your home. The official start time is 6 p.m. Friday, but you can do it anywhere you want to complete your event. Tune in live on Friday to see and hear local bands streaming favorite holiday classics. Proceeds benefit the Boley Centers, which provide services and support for people with mental illness and substance abuse issues. For details, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/boleyjbr. Register at runsignup.com.

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5. KidSpace: Kids can become scientific masters of the universe in this online exploration of the sun, planets, other moons in our solar system, newly discovered solar systems in our galaxy and beyond. Go to the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Facebook page to register for a Zoom ID. Free. 10:30 a.m. Saturday. 941-746-4131.

Up next:5 things to do with kids in Tampa Bay this week: Nov. 16-22

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