23 minute read
Party Planning Guide
Opening Tour in 2001 years of the Annual Motor Car Exhibition, 19 years of Holidays at McKee, and 16 years of the Annual Waterlily Celebration. The Garden has garnered a national reputation for excellence and is known for its award-winning exhibitions including internationally renowned exhibits such as Guy Darrough’s Dinosaurs, or sculpture exhibits by Hans Godo Fräbel and Seward Johnson.
McKee is recognized as a Florida landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also recognized by the Garden Conservancy as a preservation project of national significance. In addition, the Garden is home to the first permitted, engineered bamboo structure in the United States and the world’s largest one-piece mahogany table. The Garden serves as an important haven for biodiversity with its renowned horticulture collection of exotic and tropical plants, one of the largest and most celebrated collections of water lilies in the state of Florida, and is home to two State Champion Trees.
McKee Botanical Garden has been featured in National Geographic Traveler Magazine and was named one of “22 Secret Gardens – Soothing Places of Surprise and Sanctuary in the U.S. and Canada”. The Garden has also been featured in Better Homes & Gardens “Florida Treasures,” Coastal Living Magazine “10 Most Romantic Places in Florida,” and in Southern Living Magazine both on the cover and in articles “Take a Break for Sunshine and Flowers” and “Warm Getaways,” Home and Garden, Travel and Leisure Magazine, and the New York Times. The Garden was awarded the Hall of Fame Excellence Award by TripAdvisor.com in 2019.
In January 2020, McKee opened its new Children’s Garden. The Children’s Garden is
a natural complement to McKee’s existing offerings and is being enjoyed by thousands of children of all ages who are exploring the land of pirates and fairies, reading in the Blue Crab Reading Circle, discovering nature and enjoying being outdoors and playing in the water features. Since opening the Children’s Garden, McKee has hosted hundreds of children’s workshops and activities.
In recognition of McKee Botanical Garden’s 20th Anniversary, the Garden is planning an exciting revitalization project which includes a new Hall of Giants interpretive exhibit which will showcase historical photographs, documents, and artifacts dating back to the 1930s, telling McKee’s magnificent story of past and present. A horticultural revitalization project will also take place which will enrich the visitor’s experience with diverse new plantings providing added beauty and inspiration. There are also plans to include new landscape experiences where original features were lost due to previous hurricane damage. Lastly, the Palm Grove Folly area will be enhanced offering an additional inviting spot for comfortable small gatherings or solitary enjoyment of the Garden’s beauty.
The Garden is open Tuesday – Saturday (10 am – 5 pm), Sunday (12 pm – 5 pm). The last admission ticket is sold at 4 pm. Admission: $15 Adults, $13 Seniors (65+)/Youth (13-17), $10 Children (2-12). McKee members and children under 2 free. Come discover the many wonders of McKee.
For more information about McKee Botanical Garden visit www.mckeegarden.org. Photos by JPR Images and McKee Archives
Explore. Discover. Just Be A Kid.
Now is a great time to visit this enchanting garden where families can delight in nature as they set out on a whimsical adventure sure to inspire young and old alike.
FEATURES INCLUDE:
Scorpion Ship in Grand Discovery Tree, Fairy House& Fairy Forest Trail, Karst Splash Garden, Waterlily Fountain, Blue Crab Reading Circle, and more…
Check our website for daily children’s activities in the Children’s Garden
350 US HIGHWAY 1, VERO BEACH FL 32962 | 772-794-0601 | www.mckeegarden.org NOW–APRIL 25
PRESENTED BY DAVID AND BARBARA MCKENNA
Produced by Imagine Exhibitions. Sculptures ©Sean Kenney. Photography ©JPR Images
Sean Kenney’s award-winning NATURE CONNECTS® made with LEGO® bricks,
features 13 gravity-defying and astounding sculptures made from over 800,000 toy bricks. The sculptures explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SCULPTURE ARTIST SEAN KENNEY VISIT: www.seankenney.com
PARTY
Adrenaline Entertainment Center
When planning your child’s birthday party, we’ll make sure everyone has a memorable day of fun! Every party includes 2 hours of jump and party time, access to trampoline events, party host to serve you, bottled water for all party attendees, 1 free jump pass for a future visit, 1 free adrenaline T-shirt, a pair of jump socks for all party guests, plus party set up and clean up. Can accommodate parties for 5-100 guests! Located at 7645 Lake Worth Rd just east of the Turnpike. For more information call 561-440-1400 or visit www. jumpadrenaline.com/lake-worth. SPECIAL PB
PARENTING OFFER! SAVE 20% WITH PROMO CODE: PBPARENT.
artNEST
Celebrate your birthday artNEST style! Birthdays deserve to be special, not stressful. With us you have all the memories with none of the stress. We have different options of celebrations based on your comfort level...Private Birthday Sessions, Private Birthday Photoshoots, and Small Birthday Parties. Choose from splash to character themes or customize it! Let’s talk – we can customize to whatever your heart desires! We continue to follow guidelines for health, safety and cleaning. Located in Delray Beach and Boca. For more information visit artNESTstudios.com or call 561-562-8897.
Kids Choice Sports, Dance & Fitness
Let us give you the full “Star Treatment” for your special day filled with fun and games! Choose a Gymnastics, Ninja, or Circus Arts party. Party times are available on Saturday and Sundays. Parties include: 1 hour in the gym: warmup, games, obstacle course/ circuit, bars, beams, vault, parachute. ½ hour in party area. Packages start at $275. For more information please email us at info@gokidschoice.com or call us at 561-998-4225.
Loggerhead Marinelife
Center is the perfect place for your child to turn one year older! Celebrating a birthday at Loggerhead Marinelife Center means giving a gift that gives back. The cost of your birthday party helps fund the Center’s education, research and rehabilitation programs with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. Birthday parties are held on Saturdays & Sundays at 11:00
129 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach For more information about the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, please visit:
Turtley Aw ome Birthday Parti !
Celebrate your child’s next birthday at Loggerhead Marinelife Center and support sea turtle research, rehabilitation and education!
Private, sanitized room for you and your guests
Guided Activiti & Cra s emed Party options
Located in Loggerhead Park • 14200 U.S. Highway One • Juno Beach, Florida 33408 (561) 627-8280, ext. 119 or reservations@marinelife.org More Information Online at | PBParenting.com | February 2021 21: Marinelife.org/Birthday
am and 2:30 pm. Private, sanitized room for party guests. Visit marinelife.org/birthday for more information.
Make your child’s special day one to remember with a party at The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum! It’s truly a unique destination for your next birthday or special occasion! Our colorful, interactive galleries provide the perfect backdrop for celebrating your special day! We can help you to make your party a memorable and fun occasion for all your guests – parents and children alike! Party hosts have use of the party room for two hours. All party attendees have free play in our award-winning museum during your party, accompanied by adults. Parties also include e-invitations, birthday balloons, free return pass for each child & more! Masks required. Visit www. schoolhousemuseum.org or call 561-742-6780 for details.
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
Make your child’s next birthday a memorable one by hosting your party virtually or in-person at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium! With more than 100 handson educational exhibits, a 10,000 gallon aquarium, full-dome planetarium, brand new outdoor science trail, mini golf course and much more, the Science Center provides a unique venue for your upcoming birthday party. We have a variety of birthday themes to choose from including: Diggin’ Dinosaurs, Kabam! Chemistry, Under the Sea and more. For more information, please call Kristian Zambrana, Manager of Visitor Services at 561-3707703 or email kzambrana@sfsciencecenter.org. Don’t forget to tell them you saw
PB Parenting their listing in Party Planning Guide
Birthday Party Checklist from
PB Palm Beach County’s Parenting Resource
Parenting
SIX WEEKS BEFORE
• Choose a theme with your child • Start making a guest list • Set a date and reserve your party venue, hire party entertainers and photographer (if needed)
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE
• If mailing or handing out paper invitations prepare or hire someone to design and print your invitations • Determine games, activities and menu to match your party theme • If ordering a cake, place your order
THREE WEEKS BEFORE
• Mail/handout invitations or send out evite • Purchase party supplies, especially if ordering online • Arrange for extra help especially if you are having a party at home
ONE OR TWO WEEKS BEFORE
• Create a party flow schedule • Purchase more party supplies as needed • Call families who have not yet responded to your invitation
THREE DAYS BEFORE
• Purchase food • Charge cameras • Call entertainers/photographer to confirm appearance and expectations • If using a party venue call to confirm all details • Assemble party favors/goodie bags
ONE OR TWO DAYS BEFORE
• Bake cake or pick up cake • Confirm help if using extra help • Decorate home or gather decorations for party venue • Prepare make-ahead food
DAY OF PARTY
• Last minute cooking/set up food • Set up craft/activities • Create a list of gifts and who gave them for thank you’s
PARTY!!!
Mommy & Me • Preschoolers Boys Gymnastics • Camps Tumbling • Cheerleading Recreational and Competitive Teams
Mention PB Parenting & receive a FREE trial class! For more info call 561.868.0288
6752 Lantana Rd Ste B • Lake Worth Between Jog Road & Hagen Ranch Road www.geniesgymnastics.com
24 HOURS A DAY! 7 DAYS A WEEK! PB PARENTING NEVER SLEEPS!
FIND US ONLINE WWW.PBPARENTING.COM FACEBOOK.COM/PBPARENTING OR JOIN ONE OF OUR FB GROUPS
Gymnastics • Cheer • Dance Martial Arts • Ninja Zone • Personal Training Classes • Summer Camp Birthday Parties • Parents Night Out
6500 South Rogers Circle #1000 Boca Raton • 561.998.4225 www.gokidschoice.com
February Sessions
$200 - 20 minutes 10 digital images. Mention this Ad.
www.lynnstudios1.com 561-267-3214
Easy as 1...2...3 Party Planning Tips
Check out these easy party planning tips to help make planning your child’s birthday party easy and stress free as 1, 2, 3!
Start with an invite list. It dictates everything: How large a venue, what kind of theme or activities you pick, etc.
What about siblings? Before age 7, inviting siblings is a nice gesture if you have the space and funds. However, other parents understand your predicament firsthand. If it’s not feasible, don’t be afraid to say no. If childcare is an issue for the sibling perhaps offer to have them drop the birthday guest off. If your child’s friend list is a mile long consider making it Just Family - Don’t be afraid to make your child’s party just family plus a few friends.
Skip the paper invite. Everyone is online these days (even grandmas have email and Facebook!) Utilize any of the many free services out there or create a private Facebook event!
Get creative. Regardless of your theme, there are lots of places to go for inspiration including Pinterest. By the time your child is 3 or so, they’ll have lots of input on what they want too maybe too much input!
Skip the Goodie Bags! There! We said it! We love the generous spirit behind goodie bags and party favors, but we could all do without random tchotchkes that get played with for five seconds (if that) and then stuffed in a drawer. How about hosting a simple craft activity and letting the result serve as the parting gift? Or taking a group photo and printing out copies (at the party or after) for each child to keep?
Food- Offer a variety of foods. Ordering a few pizzas takes care of the main course, but think about including fruit, nuts, cheese, crackers, or popcorn for snacking. Serve food in single serving containers (not group bowls) to keep germs at bay.
Visit the venue- Plan a visit to your venue if you are throwing it outside your home before
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**Limited Seating** Reserve your spot NOW
And more…
Spring Camp – March 15th. To 19th . -- Summer Camp starts June 21st.(Right after the end of the school year) Locations in Boca Raton & Delray Beach - Monday to Friday - Regular Hours are 8am. To 5pm. For K Through 6th. Graders -- From any School Tuition starts at $220. per week - Plus a $50. registration fee. See all Rates and Discounts on website. WWW.THESCIENCEACADEMY.ORG OR CALL 561.285.7552 0% Financing & Pay Plans Available - Register now with a deposit.
Instead of lugging a trunk full of gifts
suggest NO GIFTS - If you are overflowing with toys, try something new, host a book exchange. On the invite, ask that everyone bring a book in lieu of a gift, which they will then exchange for a new one.
Keep it short! You need one or two activities that will take you to cake time! Party experts recommend 90 minutes for children under 5. Two hours for ages over 5. Set an End Time. Always err on the side of a shorter party, and note a specific end time on the invitation. As kids get older, most parents will expect to drop off their kids and pick them up at the end of the party. If you’d Take a lot of Photos. When the party is done all you have left is pictures. Make sure to designate someone to.
Write thank-you notes. While sending email invitations is standard these days, most guests still appreciate a good old-fashioned physical thank-you card—particularly one written by the birthday child. It can even be a picture if your child can’t write yet. Can’t stand the thought of more wasted paper inevitably ending up in the trash? Send a personalized thank-you email and include pictures of the party.
Consider Throwing Parties Every Few
Years - Everyone should feel special on her birthday, but there’s no rule that says your kid has to have an elaborate party every year.
Keep it Safe. Encourage masks, provide hand sanitizer, keep activities at a safe distance. Provide single serve drinks and food.
Planning a birthday party doesn’t have to make you want to pull your hair out! It also helps to connect with the right vendors to make sure your party goes off without a hitch! Check out Page 20 for PB Parenting’s bi-annual party planning guide which is also online all year long at pbparenting.com.
ATTENTION SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORS!
Don’t miss out on PB Parenting’s 10th Annual Summer Camp Directory coming out in NEXT month’s issue!
E-mail Jennifer@ pbparenting.com or call 561-223-9223
pbparenting.com
WE ARE OPEN! WE ARE OPEN!Go online or call Go online or call to reserve your to reserve your party today! party today!
TRAVELS
& Places to go
COVID-19 has challenged families in different ways, and many had to cancel or reschedule trips during the pandemic due to travel restrictions, which meant missing out on quality time with loved ones and the mental health and self-care benefits of going on vacation.
Although 61% of families had a trip canceled due to the pandemic in 2020, travel is still top of mind as 82% of families already have travel plans in mind for 2021, according to the 2021 Vrbo Trend Report. The report, which includes vacation rental marketplace data as well as survey data from family travelers, also revealed some travel habits that arose during the pandemic are likely to remain popular this year. “Let’s face it, the pandemic makes it tough to predict what travel will look like in 2021,” said Melanie Fish, Vrbo’s travel expert. “That’s why we combined search and demand trends with a first-of-its-kind traveler survey of U.S. families. The combination gives us the most accurate picture possible of the plans families are making.”
Consider these pandemic-era trends as you make your vacation plans moving forward:
Staying in the Driver’s Seat
With travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines in place throughout much of 2020, many families opted to avoid flying and visiting crowded places by instead jumping in the car to hit the open road. This trend is likely to continue in 2021 with 59% of families saying they are more likely to drive instead of fly on their next trip. A change of scenery can be refreshing and motivating after staring at the same four walls in your home, so consider taking a road trip and exploring a new destination, even if it’s just down the road from home.
3 Pandemic Travel Trends That May Stick Around
Mixing Work and Play
Many people were forced to adapt to working from home or facilitating e-learning for their children due to COVID-19. While turning homes into makeshift offices or classrooms wasn’t an easy task for many families, the schedule flexibility provided by the remote setup allowed for the rise of the “flexcation” – mixing vacation time with virtual work and school. In fact, 1 in 3 families surveyed said they were able to travel because they were working from home, and 52% of those who took a flexcation during the pandemic found the experience refreshing with 67% saying they would do it again.
Another benefit of flexcations is experiencing amenities you may not have access to at home. Consider some of Vrbo’s most sought-after amenities and vacation spots when planning your next getaway: • Splash in the sun in Cape Coral, Florida where 92% of vacation rentals have pools. • Cook over an open fire in Sevierville,
Tennessee, where barbecue grills are included at 87% of vacation homes. • Cozy up by the fire with a book and some hot chocolate in Steamboat Springs,
Colorado where fireplaces are an amenity offered in 87% of vacation rentals.
Seek Wide Open Spaces
Many travelers gravitate toward vacationing in peaceful and picturesque destinations, and the open sky, fresh air and scenic views may be even more appealing amid the pandemic. According to the report, 61% of U.S. families said they are more likely to visit an outdoorsy destination than an urban one and 54% are more likely to head to a national park than an amusement park.
Find more ideas for planning your next vacation – or flexcation – along with the full Trend Report at vrbo.com. Source: Family Features/Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
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EVENTS
& Things to Do
Wear your toddlers out at Adrenaline
Entertainment Center
with their KIDS RUSH Special. Children Ages 6 & Under can jump for $10 (Mon-Fri 10AM -1PM) All passes good until 1 PM. 2 & Under free with purchase. First Sundays of the month are Sensory Sunday & Kid’s Rush Extended are back! NO Music, no crowd, just Fun. 10-12 PM available to Sensory Sensitive (All Ages) and Toddler U7 only. A special time for special needs and working parents to have fun together at our discounted prices. Just $10 for 2 Hours Check out www.jumpadrenaline.com/lake-worth for more information. Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 AM join
Schoolhouse Musem and Learning Center for Sensational Story ‘N
More-FREE with paid admission. No need to sit still as a statue for this story. Instructors bring children’s books to life through interactive performance, singing, movement, and props. An engaging art activity complements each session. Enrichment skills: early literacy, listening, and response, movement, creativity. For Ages 2-5, each child will receive his/her own baggie of sanitized materials to use. This class is FREE with paid admission to the schoolhouse. Classes are limited to 10 children total. Masks are required for ages 2 and up and preregistration is required. Please make a reservation online prior to attending and ask for your wristband when you arrive - www.schoolhousemuseum.org. Explore the McKee Botanical
Garden Children’s Garden-
Now is a great time to visit this enchanting garden where families can delight in nature as they set out on a whimsical adventure. Features include Scorpion Ship in Grand Discovery Tree, Fairy House and Fairy Forest Trail, Karast Splash Garden, Waterlily Fountain, Blue Crab Reading Circle and more. Also check out Sean Kenny’s Nature Connects® Made with Lego® bricks now through April 25. This exhibit features 13 gravity-defying and astounding sculptures made from 800,000 toy bricks. The sculptures explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. Check out their website for daily children’s activities www.mckeechildrensgarden.org.
Wed. Feb. 3 • 7 PM Free workshop with Meyer
Prep: The research is clear: reading is profoundly important and the role of parents is essential! Parents of preschool and elementary age children are invited to this thought-provoking online workshop on February 3rd at 7 pm to learn how to help your child become a good reader. Dr. Richard Cuenca will share insights from recent research, highlight the common mistakes we often make when trying to help our children read, and will
offer best practices that we can all implement. Free and open to the community - invite your friends! Details & RSVP: nbarak@meyerprep.org.
Tues. Feb. 23rd • 9 AM - 1 PM Stroller Daze at the South Florida Science Center &
Aquarium - Bring your little ones to the Science Center for a fun-filled event just for them! Proudly presented by PB Parenting - Palm Beach County’s Parenting Resource**Safety guidelines such as maskwearing for ages 3+ and physical distancing will be in place.** Special event includes age-appropriate outdoor science shows, splash pad fun, free Planetarium shows, Discovery Center & Playground exploration, giveaways and more! This event is geared toward children 5 and under and their parent/guardian. 2021 Activities: Live Bubbles Science Show, Sensory STEM Kit and Giveaways. Cool off in our new backyard Splash Pad and play a round on our Conservation Mini Golf Course. Free Planetarium Show (with paid science center admission) at 10am and 11am: “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure”. Unique learning opportunities while exploring our blockbuster exhibit “Real Bodies: The Exhibition”. 50% off general admission for adults and free for kids under 5! For more information, please call (561) 832-1988 and RSVP at the facebook event https://www. facebook.com/events/235569171410308
Thursdays at 10: 30 AM ArtSEA Kids Paint Class is back at Loggerhead Marinelife Center!
During this program, children will paint their own ceramic ocean friend to take home with them and then participate in a story time with an ocean conservation theme. This program is hosted outdoors, under the canopy on our back deck, so please come dressed for the weather! Painter (ages 3 – 8): $10/painter Cost: $10 Adults: FREE – to comply with social distancing, please limit attendance to one adult per painter. Preregister online at www.marinlife.org.
PB Palm Beach County’s Parenting Resource Parenting Pediatric Dentistry Specializing in Dentistry for Infants, Children, Adolescents and those with Special Health Care needs Specializing in Dentistry for Infants, Children, Adolescents and those with Special Health Care needs Michael J. Roseff, DMD, LLCMichael J. Roseff, DMD, LLC Pediatric Dentist Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Canyon Town Center Boynton Beach, FL 33472 Delicious Flickr Twitter Retweet 8784 Boynton Beach Blvd, #103, Boynton Beach, FL 33472 ph# 561-732-8333 fax# 561-732-8375 roseffpediatricdentistry@comcast.net 561-732-8333
www.roseffpediatricdentistry.com
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