South Florida Family Life, October 2022

A Moment to Shine

For 30 years, families have trusted our team at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to care for their children like our own. Our passion to help more kids grow up healthy and strong is why we’ve expanded with four new floors. Opening this month, the expansion features:

y State-of-the-art private patient rooms

y Cardiac hybrid operating and procedure rooms

y ICU and cardiac ICU

y Neurosurgical/Intraoperative MRI (iMRI)

y Training/Simulation Lab

y Additional surgical and interventional radiology suites

y Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone with therapeutic play

The addition gives us room to grow, too. So we’ll always be there for our families and children in the moments that count most. Together, we’re reaching new heights to give more children a healthy, bright future.

CREATE YOUR FUTURE

JOIN US AT OPEN HOUSE

Calling all Foodies to Downtown Hollywood!

Walkable and loaded with dozens of cafes and restaurants, Downtown Hollywood is filled with options from around the world. American, French, Italian, Irish, Greek, Mediterranean, Peruvian, Mexican, Indonesian, Jamaican, Thai, Japanese, Spanish, Vegan and more! The variety ranges from al fresco seating, to sophisticated spaces perfect for special occasions, to trendy eateries led by successful and innovative chefs.

FloridasHollywood.org

Our mission is to enrich family life in South Florida by offering the highest quality publication and an unparalleled commitment to our readers and our community.

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Lisa Goodlin

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Stacey Jacques

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Michelle Liem

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Shannon Pease-Severance

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Suzy Miguelez • Sheila Ranson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carrie B. Weeks

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS

Toni Kirkland • Linda Seavey

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Tom Gonzales

CONTACT US:

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Comments and suggestions are welcome.

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Copyright 2022 by Family Life Media Group. All rights reserved.

Pool Pawties

LOCAL WATER PARKS ARE GOING TO THE DOGS

It was a long, hot summer, but luckily for our four-legged friends, October starts on a cool note.

Broward County Parks closes out the summer water park season with Barktoberfest on October 1 and 2 at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach and with K9 Water Festivals held over the course of three weekends in October at T.Y. Park in Hollywood.

Barktoberfest includes 50-minute splash time sessions (separated for small and large dogs) on the hour between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., a doggie marketplace, a costume contest for dogs, adoptions and rescue and nonprofit displays. The cost is $6.50 per dog, plus the park admission fee.

The K9 Water Festivals at Castaway at T.Y. Park are planned similarly, with 50-minute sessions taking place on the hour and a designated small-dog area for pups 25 pounds and under. The festivals are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 8-23. For rules, restrictions and rabies vaccination requirements, visit www.broward.org/parks.

In Miami, canines can take in the beauty of the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, while perfecting their doggy paddle at the Paws in the Pool event. The morning sessions on Oct. 2 are dedicated to small dogs (up to 30 pounds), while the afternoon sessions cater to large. For more information and requirements, visit www.coralgables.com.

THE POWER OF PINK

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with it comes a variety of events to raise awareness of the disease, promote the importance of screening and early detection, and to bring the community together. Here are some ways you can get involved.

Komen Miami/Ft. Lauderdale More Than Pink Walk

Saturday, October 8

One step at a time, the community will come together to walk in support of those affected by breast cancer and in memory of lives that were lost. Registration begins at 7 a.m., opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m., walk begins at 9 a.m. Amelia Earhart Park, 401 E. 65 St., Miami, www. komen.org

Making Strides of Palm Beach County

Saturday, October 15

Community members, individuals, groups and companies with one collective goal will lace up their walking shoes to walk together for the cause. 7:30am, Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Circle, Boca Raton, www.acsevents.org

Making Strides of Broward County

Saturday, October 22

This walk typically draws hundreds of teams and tens of thousands of participants to downtown Fort Lauderdale. 7:30am, Huizenga Plaza, 32 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.acsevents.org

Not My Daughter…Find A Cure Now

Monday, October 24

Shopping boutique, fashion show and luncheon to benefit breast cancer research and support services. Shopping boutique opens at 10am, luncheon starts at noon. Marriott Heron Bay, 11775 Heron Bay Blvd., Coral Springs, www.notmydaughter.org

S’more Fun!

Nothing says fall like being pulled along in a hay-filled cart and cooking marshmallows over a crackling campfire.

Ah, yes, the popular Family Hayride & Campfire series is back for the 2022-2023 season from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on select Fridays at five Broward County operated parks. The cost is $4 per person (ages 3 and up) and includes one hayride and one bag of s’mores fixings to take to the campfire after the ride. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required online at Webtrac.Broward.org for Quiet Waters and T.Y. Park, and at the park offices for all other locations. Here are the participating locations and dates.

, 1000 NW 38 St., Oakland Park, 954-357-5190; Fridays, December 9, January 20, February 24 , 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, 954-357-5100;

Fridays, October 14, November 11, December 16, January 13

Reverend Samuel Delevoe , 2520 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-357-8801;

Topeekeegee Yugnee (T.Y.) Park, 3300 Park Rd., Hollywood, 954-357-8811;

Fridays, October 21, November 18, December 30, January 27, February 17

, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, 954-357-8870;

Fridays, February 10, March 3

Hur ting Your

5 LITTLE LIES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR WELLNESS

BY SANDRA GORDON

Is it so bad to have a second piece of cake or to skip a week of exercising when you feel overwhelmed by work, kids, life? The experts say no, as long as you don’t convince yourself that it’s always okay. “We all need an occasional break from being ‘good,’ says Carol Kauffman, Ph.D., a coaching psychologist at Harvard Medical School. “If rationalizing that you can be ‘bad’ here and there becomes a pattern, though, it can sabotage all your stay-well efforts.” To help counter these “little killers,” we’ve dissected five common self-deceptions. Here’s how to defy denial and keep your health on course for the long run.

1YOU TELL YOURSELF: I don’t have to work out – chasing my kids around is enough.

REALITY CHECK: If you spend an hour or so a day running after your kids, you are getting some health benefits — a modest calorie burn, an immune- system boost and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But it’s the more intense, sustained movement lasting 30 minutes or more that provides the maximum health and weight-loss benefits, says registered dietitian, Heather Fink. The solution: Transform

kid duty into exercise. If you typically stroll in the park with your 2-year-old, for example, pick up the pace and try to log in for 30 minutes. And while your child naps or plays, strength-train at home. Build a workout around push-ups, lunges, walking lunges, squats (sitting in a chair then standing up), calf raises (going up and down on your toes when you’re standing on a stair) and triceps dips. “Try to do 8 to 12 reps and two sets of each exercise,” advises Fink. You can also use easy at-home equipment such as resistance bands and hand weights and exercise videos. 2

YOU TELL YOURSELF: I can have two glasses of red wine — research shows it’s healthy.

REALITY CHECK: One drink a day can slightly reduce your chances of heart disease but make that two glasses daily and your breast cancer risk can rise 25 percent. Your odds of ovarian and esophageal cancer go up as well, according to the National Cancer Institute. Plus, one study found that women who had two to four drinks a day took in nearly 30 percent more calories overall than nondrinkers.

Keep tabs on how much you’re pouring: Experts consider four ounces to equal one serving — about one-fourth to one-half of a big goblet.

To get more mileage out of one judicious glass, “drink it when it really matters to you,” says psychologist Robert Rhode. “Decide whether you prefer it as an aperitif or if you’d savor it more with your dinner.”

3YOU TELL YOURSELF: I can get by on five hours of sleep a night.

REALITY CHECK: Skimping on shut-eye is okay every once in a while but getting fewer than seven hours a night will make you moody, irritable and less productive.

“Sleep debt makes multitasking and the ability to focus more difficult,” says Clete A. Kushida, director of the Stanford University Center for Human Sleep Research. The health consequences are pretty steep too: People who typically get five hours a night have 15 percent higher levels of ghrelin, a hormone that can stimulate appetite, than those who get eight hours, according to researchers at the University of Bristol in the U.K. Other studies have shown a possible increased risk for heart disease, diabetes and breast cancer.

If you feel like nodding off whenever you’ve got quiet time — a train ride or a long movie — then you need more zzzzs. To get more sleep when you’ve got a baby or toddler who won’t sleep through the night, try to go to bed earlier, such as 9 p.m. If that’s not possible, grab an afternoon nap when your baby does — instead of picking up the house or catching up on your e-mail — at least a couple of days a week.

4YOU TELL YOURSELF: My “bad” cholesterol is high, but I don’t have to worry because my “good” cholesterol is high, too.

REALITY CHECK: “A really high LDL (bad) cholesterol reading can outweigh

Health

the benefits of high HDL (good) cholesterol,” says cardiologist Christie Mitchell Ballantyne. Cholesterol should be less than 100 and HDL cholesterol should be higher than 50 — preferably in the ’80s. “The further you are from that optimal LDL level, the less likely a high HDL will protect you,” Dr. Ballantyne says.

To lower LDL cholesterol, eat lots of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, nonfat dairy and lean protein. One study found that adding plant foods (salad, vegetables, beans) to a low-saturated fat diet lowered LDL more than simply cutting saturated fat alone. And don’t cut out all fats: Eliminating unsaturated fats can cause both good and bad cholesterol to drop. Aim to get about 20 to 25 percent of your calories from unsaturated fats like olive and canola oil and less than 10 percent from saturated fat, which is found in animal products like meat and dairy. 5

YOU TELL YOURSELF: I’m not overweight, I’m just big-boned.

REALITY CHECK: We know it’s hard to hear, but if your body mass index (BMI) — a measure of fat based on height and weight — is 25 or higher and it has been a year since your baby was born, you may need to lose 5 to 10 percent of your weight, says Dr. Ballantyne. Unfortunately, bone mass can constitute only 4 to 7 percent of your total weight — about 6 to 10 pounds if you weigh 150 — and that’s considered too small to affect BMI, says Gregory W. Heath, an epidemiologist and exercise physiologist.

Thrills &

Have a fang-tastic time with the family at these frightfully fun Halloween events

COMPILED BY SHANNON PEASE-SEVERANCE

Chills

Broward County Coconut Creek

Fall festivities include nature walks, a pine needle weaving demonstration, crafts and a pumpkin patch photo area. 10am-2pm, Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Rd. South, 954-357-5198

Thursday & Friday, October 20 & 21 Celebrate Halloween with costume contests, arts and crafts, trick-or-treating, spooky storytelling and carnival-style games. $5/resident, $10/non-resident. 6-8pm, Coconut Creek Community Center, 1100 Lyons Rd., www.coconutcreek.net

Come dressed in costume for stories, songs and lots of silliness. 10:30am-11:15am, North Regional BC Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., www.broward.org/library

Cooper City

TRICK-OR-TREAT SHOP-TO-SHOP

Saturday, October 29

In a safe alternative to trick-ortreating, little ghouls and goblins can gather goodies from shop to shop.

10am-noon, Countryside Shops, 5524 S. Flamingo Rd., 954-434-4300 www.coopercityfl.org

Coral Springs

HALLOWEEN CRAFTS

Thursday, October 20

Children and teens ages 5-18 can create some fun Halloween crafts provided by the Coral Springs Woman’s Club. 4-5pm, Northwest Regional Library, 3151 N. University Dr., www.broward.org/library

THRILLS & CHILLS

Saturday, October 22

Ghouls and boys can have lots of fun at this Halloween-themed event. 4-9pm, Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Dr., www.coralsprings.gov

Davie

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION

Fridays, October 7 & 21

Use a variety of equipment and techniques to discover who from the past remains in the historic building. $40. 7:30-10:30pm, Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Rd., 954-797-1044 www.olddavieschool.org

HARVEST FESTIVAL

Saturdays-Sundays, October 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30

Celebrate the season with themed weekends, activities, harvest displays, hayrides, pony rides, music, entertainment, and more. 9:30am-5pm, Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., 954-473-2955 www.flamingogardens.org

HALLOWEEN TALES

Wednesday, October 26

Listen to some fun, slightly spooky tales told by a storyteller. 10:30-11:15am, NSU Alvin Sherman Library, 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr. Blvd., www.broward.org/library

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

Saturday, October 29

Not-so-spooky activities, live entertainment, horse costume contest, kids/family costume contest and more. 10am-1pm, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 4201 Rodeo Way, 954-797-1181 www.davie-fl.gov

HAUNTED HOT RODS

Sunday, October 30

Get creative and decorate any vehicle from a car to a school bus to compete for prizes in categories including most spooky, most spirited, most “tricked” out, most Frankenstein-ed, most boo-tiful and more. 11am-2pm, Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Rd., 954-797-1044 www.olddavieschool.org

continued on page 16

Deerfield Beach

FALL FESTIVAL

Saturday, October 15

An old-fashioned gathering with activities including hayrides, a pumpkin patch, live entertainment, arts and crafts, treats and more. 9am-1pm, Pioneer Park, 217 NE Fifth Ave., 954-480-4429 www.deerfield-beach.com

Fort Lauderdale

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR 5K/10K

Saturday, October 22

Burn some calories at this Halloween-themed road race. 1100 Seabreeze Blvd., www.runsignup.com

PUMPKINS AND PALM TREES

Sunday, October 23

A seasonal event South Florida style with fall activities, contests, food, live music, vendors and more. Free. 9am-4pm, Las Olas Oceanside Park, www.theloopflb.com

TRAIL OF TREATS: HALLOWEEN SCAVENGER HUNT

Monday, October 31

See how many spooky characters you can spot as you travel the aisle to find characters to turn in for books and treats. 5-7pm, Tyrone Bryant Branch Library, 2230 NW 21 Ave., www.broward.org/library

Hollywood

HOLLYWEIRD

Saturday, October 29

Hollywood turns Hollyweird during this downtown block party that includes family-friendly activities early in the evening. 6pm-2am, Hollywood Boulevard between 19th and 20th Avenues. www.hollyweirdfestival.com

Lauderhill

SPOOKTACULAR SCAVENGER HUNT

Monday, October 31

Families can earn some candy while exploring the library during this all-day event. Lauderhill Towne Centre Library, 6399 W. Oakland Park Blvd., www.broward.org/library

Margate

FALL FESTIVAL

Saturday, October 22

There’s something for everyone at this seasonal celebration for all ages. 6-11pm, Margate Sports Complex, 1695 Banks Rd., www.margatefl.com

Miramar

KIDS KITCHEN LIVE!

Saturday, October 22

Kids ages 5-9 can make some festive DIY Halloween treats to eat and take home. $15 per table. 11am & 1pm, Miramar Cultural Center, 2300 Civic Center Place, www.miramarculturalcenter.org

Pembroke Pines

BOW WOW WEEN

Saturday, October 8

Halloween fun that includes pooches, with a costume contest, activities, prizes and more. 9am-1pm, Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park, 9751 Johnson St., 954-392-2116 www.ppines.com

BOO-VILLE

Wednesday, October 26

Have a spook-tacular time with Halloween-themed fun. 6-9pm, Charles F. Dodge City Center Way, 601 City Center Way, 954-392-2116 www.ppines.com

continued on page 18

HOWL-O-WEEN FAMILY FEST

Saturday, October 29

Halloween happenings include games, a treasure hunt with candy, crafts and a seasonal photo display throughout the afternoon. A family and pet costume contest, presented by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, begins at 2:30pm. Winners of the contest will receive prizes and be featured on www.southfloridafamilylife.com.

Pre-registration for the contest is required at www.southfloridafamilylife.com. Limited to 100 registrants. No walk-ins. Noon-4pm, The Shops at Pembroke Gardens, 527 SW 145 Terrace, www.pembrokegardens.com

HALLOWEEN MOVIE NIGHT FOR CHILDREN

Monday, October 31

Get in the spirit of Halloween by watching the movie Coco together. 5:30-7:30pm, Pembroke Pines/Walter C. Young Resource Center, 955 NW 129 Ave., www.broward.org/library

Plantation

HALLOWEEN EVENT

Wednesday, October 19

Dress up for some Halloween fun with games, crafts, treats and more. All ages. 6:30pm-7:30pm, West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., 954-765-1585 www.broward.org/library

HALLOWEEN CREATIONS

Saturday, October 29

Make a creative Halloween craft to take home. Ages 6-11. 2-3pm, West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., 954-765-1585 www.broward.org/library

Pompano Beach

BOO BASH

Friday, October 28

Little ghouls and goblins are invited to participate in a haunted maze, costume contest, carnival rides, trick-or-treat and more. 5-10pm, Pompano Community Park, 1660 NE Tenth St., www.pompanobeachfl.gov

Sunrise

TRICK OR TROT 5K

Saturday, October 22

Dress in costume for this sixth annual race for the whole family. 7:30am, Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, 954-747-4600 www.sunrisefl.gov

HALLOWEEN FALL FESTIVAL

Monday, October 31

Celebrate the fall season with Halloween stories, games and lots of fun. 4-5:30pm, Sunrise Dan Pearl Library, 10500 W. Oakland Park Blvd., 954-357-7440 www.broward.org/library

Weston

ONE, TWO…BOO!

Saturday, October 8

Little ones of all ages can enjoy a festive program for Halloween. 11am-noon, Weston Library, 4205 Bonaventure Blvd., 954-357-5420 www.broward.org/library

TODDLER STORYTIME

Thursday, October 13

Come in costume for a special storytime just for tots. 11:30am-noon, Weston Library, 4205 Bonaventure Blvd., 954-357-5420 www.broward.org/library

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN BEHIND THE BELL TOWER

Monday, October 31

Head to the center of town for lots of Halloween fun and activities. 5-8pm, Weston Town Center, 1675 Market St., westontowncenter.net

Miami-Dade County Coconut Grove

COCONUT GROVE PUMPKIN PATCH FESTIVAL

Saturday-Sunday, October 22-23

Fall festivities include a giant pumpkin patch, carnival, kiddie cornstalk maze, a scarecrow dress-up village, face painting and more. 10am-6pm, Regatta Park, 3500 Pan American Dr., www.coconutgrovepumpkinpatch.com

Coral Gables

PUMPKIN FLOAT

Saturday, October 29

It’s Halloween fun South Florida style as families carve jack-o-lanterns and then send them off to float in the Venetian Pool. Prizes will be awarded for scariest, most creative and cutest. Costumes encouraged. $25/family of up to four. 6-8pm, Venetian Pool, 2701 De Soto Blvd., www.coralgables.com

Cutler Bay

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

Friday, October 28

Families will have a spooktacular time with

continued on page 20

OCT. 8-9: Cowboys & Cowgirls

OCT. 15-16: Sci-Fi Weekend

OCT. 22-23: Pirates & Princesses (w/live pirate encampment)

OCT. 29-30: Halloween Weekend

HAYRIDES, COSTUME CONTESTS, LIVE PERFORMANCES

activities galore. 6-10pm, Cutler Ridge Park, 10100 SW 200 St., www.cutlerbay-fl.gov

HALLOWEEN GOLF CART PARADE & MOVIE NIGHT

Saturday, October 29

Bring the family for a golf cart parade, haunted house, trunk or treat, a costume contest, food trucks, music and more. 6pm, Cutler Ridge Park, 10100 SW 200 St., www.cutlerbay-fl.gov

Doral

HOWL-O-WEEN

Saturday, October 15

Disguise your four-legged friend for a dog costume contest with prizes. 5pm, Tails & Trails Park, 11645 NW 50 St., 305-593-6600 www.cityofdoral.com

MOVIE NIGHT AND TRUNK-OR-TREAT

Friday, October 21

Kids can collect treats and then settle in for an outdoor movie. Free. 6pm, Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 St., 305-593-6600 www.cityofdoral.com

HOUSE OF HORROR HAUNTED CARNIVAL

Through October 31

Prepare to be scared as you creep through a giant, abandoned department store where frightening inhabitants lurk throughout four haunted experiences – Silent Mall, Drown Town, Insanitorium and Scare Studios. Miami International Mall, 1625 NW 107 Ave., www.houseofhorrorcarnival.com

Miami

THE HORRORLAND

October 1-31

Prepare for zombies, monsters and other creatures of the night as you experience 15,000 square-feet of devilish dens and lurid lairs. Geared toward ages 13 and up. Prices vary. Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, www.thehorrorland.com

FLIPPER’S FALL FESTIVAL

Through November 13

Celebrate Halloween and the fall season with themed shows, trick-or-treating, craft vendors, a glow-in-the-dark sea cave maze and more. Miami Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, 305-361-5705 www.miamiseaquarium.com

NOT SO SCARY FAMILY HALLOWEEN BASH

Sunday, October 16

Trick-or-treat through the museum’s 17 galleries while stopping for mini pumpkin decorating, story time, theater performances, character meet and greets and more. 1-5pm, Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway, 305-373-5437 www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

HISTORIC GHOST TOUR

Thursday, October 27

Step into the past as a guide shares stories of historic events, insights and paranormal activity that has been experienced on the grounds. $40. 7:30-9:30pm, Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave., 305-235-1668 www.deeringestate.org

GHOST HUNTING ON THE RAILS

Saturday, October 29

Take a paranormal tour at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. $30. 7-11pm, Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 12450 SW 152 St., www.goldcoastrailroadmuseum.org

SPOOKY SCIENCE MONSTER MASH

Saturday, October 29

Come in costume for science experiments that range from color and smoke to giant bubbles. Free with paid museum admission. 11am-4pm, continued on page 22

Major support for Flamingo Gardens provided by Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts & Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Presented by

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, 1101 Biscayne Blvd., www.frostscience.org

ZOO BOO

Saturday-Sunday, October 29-30

A wild adventure with trick-or-treating for kids under 12, costume contests, crafts, games and prizes, special characters and more. See the animals get their own special treats. Free with zoo admission. 11am-3pm, Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St., 305-251-0400 www.zoomiami.org

Miami Beach

HALLOWEEN HALF MARATHON

Saturday, October 22

Dress in costume or just come as you are for a half marathon or freaky 4-miler Halloween-themed race. Register online. Along Miami Beach, www.halloweenhalfmarathon.com

Pinecrest

TRACK OR TREAT

Friday, October 28

Take a stroll and get some treats from 5-7pm before settling in for an outdoor movie at 7:30pm. Evelyn Greer Park, 8200 SW 124 St., www.pinecrest-fl.gov

HOWL-O-WEEN

Saturday, October 29

Bring your pooch to have a pawsitively good time with tricks, treats, a costume contest, doggy agility course, live entertainment, a spooky Kids’ Zone and more. $10/online, $12/gate. 11am-5pm, Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd., 305-669-6990 www.pinecrestgardens.org

Palm Beach County

BOCA RATON PUMPKIN PATCH FESTIVAL

Saturday-Sunday, October 15-16

Celebrate all things fall at this event featuring carnival rides, a cornstalk maze, a dress your own scarecrow village and a pumpkin patch. $25. 10am-6pm, Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, www.bocapumpkinpatch.com

NIGHTS AT THE MUSEUM

Friday, October 28

Enjoy extended museum hours and interactive activities during this Spooky Science Night. $17.95/adult, $13.95/child. 6-9pm, Cox Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, 561-832-1988

www.coxsciencecenter.org

PUMPKINPALOOZA

Friday-Monday, October 28-31

Have a wild time with the family at this fall-themed zoo event. Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, www.palmbeachzoo.org

ALL HALLOWS’ EVE

Saturday, October 29

Fun for all ages, this event features family-friendly activities from 11am-4pm and scary activities for adults 21 and over from 6-11pm. The daytime lineup includes a kids’ costume contest, live shows, a Halloween hunt, games, food trucks and more. Tickets available online and at the door. Sanborn Square Park, 72 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, www.aspookyaffair.com

Every effort has been made to provide up-to-date information, however changes and cancellations do occur, especially due to weather. Please double check details before setting out for your celebration.

ENROLLiNOURCLASSESFOR ACTiNG|SiNGiNG|DANCE

33YEARSOF EXCELLENCE.

College Bound

9 HELPFUL APPS FOR YOUR HIGH SCHOOLER

BY TANNI HAAS, PH.D.

There’s nothing easy about applying to and preparing for college. Thankfully, there are many great apps that can make the process a little more manageable. Here are nine top picks. They’re all free on Apple Appstore and Google Play, so encourage your high schoolers to download any or all of them when they’re ready to start the journey.

1) SAT: Practice, Prep, Flashcards. For most high schoolers, the college admissions process starts when they take the SAT, the most widely used admissions test in the U.S. There are many SAT apps available; one of the best is SAT: Practice, Prep, Flashcards. The app includes fulllength practice tests, lots of questions from the different subject areas, and an extensive database of flashcards as study aids. Students can track their progress

over time and get feedback on their strengths and weaknesses.

2) ACT Online Prep. Many high schoolers choose to take the ACT instead. ACT test takers can use a calculator for all the math questions (you can’t do that for the SAT) but, unlike the SAT, the ACT also includes a science section. ACT Online Prep is a great resource for preparing for the test. The app includes a practice test that automatically generates personalized study suggestions, lots of practice questions and detailed explanations of answers.

3) College Search Guide. The next step in the process is to find colleges that suit your kids’ interests and preferences. Many helpful apps exist; the most comprehensive one is the College Search Guide which lets them search almost all of the 7,000

colleges in the U.S. They can search by type of college, degrees offered, campus environment, cost, acceptance rates and distance from home, among other things. The app also has a list of the top 100 colleges across different categories.

4) YouVisit Colleges. Once they’ve narrowed down the search, it’s great to visit the colleges they’re most excited about to get a sense of what these colleges have to offer. When that’s not possible, or if they just want to get an idea of what a certain college looks like, download YouVisit Colleges. This app lets them virtually tour more than 500 colleges across the U.S.

5) Scholarships.com. For most parents the biggest concern isn’t which college to send their kids to but how to find the money for it. After all, college tuition is

getting higher and higher every year. The largest and most widely used scholarship app is Scholarships.com. It has a database of more than 3.7 million scholarships and is continuously expanded and updated. Your kids list their academic interests and accomplishments and are then matched with scholarships for which they’re eligible to apply.

6) Khan Academy. College work isn’t high school work; it’s much, much harder. As your kids are getting ready for college, they should stay up-to-date on their academic knowledge. If they’re a little rusty in one or more subjects, encourage them to download the Khan Academy app. It has 10,000 video tutorials on all the major academic subjects as well as in-depth articles and interactive exercises.

7) My Study Life. Once your kids arrive at college, they should stay organized and on top of everything. First task: download My Study Life. This easy-to-use app lets them keep track of all their homework assignments and exams which will help them organize their time efficiently. They can also use the app to set reminders so that they get alerts before any particular task is due.

8) Flashcards with Cram. When your kids sit down to study, one of the most useful study tools is flashcards. Flashcards with Cram lets them access more than eight million flashcards on all the major academic subjects. They can also create their own flashcards, using text and images, and share them with study partners. They can go through entire sets of flashcards when they study or hide flashcards they already know for more effective studying.

9) Mint: Personal Finance & Money. For many kids, college is the first time in their lives they get to experience real independence, and that includes budgeting their money. If you don’t want them to call you every time they run out of money, encourage them to download Mint: Personal Finance & Money. This money-management app lets them track their expenses, see the balances on their checking and savings accounts, and create realistic budgets.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

Free Workshops

In addition to online apps geared toward helping students prepare for the SAT or ACT tests, the Broward County Library System is also a great resource for teens striving to meet their testing goals or improve their scores. Focal points include fundamentals, technique, recognition/reaction and timing manipulation. Upcoming in-person and online workshops to prepare for the Nov. 5th SAT are scheduled for the dates below. This intensive, five-session series is free.

IN-PERSON: Wednesdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pembroke Pines/Walter C. Young Resource Center. Register at http://broward.libnet.info/ event/7037872

ONLINE: Tuesdays, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1 from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Register at http://broward.libnet.info/event/7009573

The library also offers workshops on other topics for college-bound students, including financial aid applications and essay writing. For a complete list of upcoming workshops, success tips, online resources and more, visit BCL’s Ready for College webpage at https://www.broward.org/Library/Pages/ SATACTProgram.aspx

OctoberEvents

Please e-mail listing information to calendar@southfloridafamilylife.com by the 5th of the month prior to the event date. Include the name of the event, location, address, date, time, brief description, price and telephone number for the public.

hayride, activities, games, nighttime movie and more. QUIET WATERS PARK, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, 954-357-5100 www.broward.org/parks

Vegan Block Party

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

A plant-based festival featuring vegan food, drinks, music, entertainment, wellness workshops, a family fun zone and more. 2-9pm, HUIZENGA PLAZA, 32 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.veganblockparty.com

Caribbean Culture Fest

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15-16

Two-day festival features food, music, live performances and entertainment. Tickets available online. 4-11pm, MIRAMAR REGIONAL PARK, 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, www.caribbeanculturefest.eventbrite.com

Pony Jail ‘N Bale

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

BROWARD COUNTY

Blue’s Clues & You

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1

Help Blue solve clues as a magical adventure unfolds live on-stage. $24.50 and up. 2pm, BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222 www.browardcenter.org

Miami Carnival Jr. Carnival

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1

Modeled after traditional Carnival celebrated in Trinidad and Brazil, includes a parade, colorful costumes and more. Tickets available online. 1-10pm, CENTRAL BROWARD REGIONAL PARK, 3700 NW 11 Place, Lauderhill, www.miamicarnival.org

A Day for Children

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2

Family event showcases free and low-cost health and wellness services for children birth to age 16, free games, activities and food. 10am-3pm, NSU ALVIN SHERMAN LIBRARY, 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr. Blvd., Davie, www.broward.org/library

Tamarac Community

FARMERS MARKET

Sundays, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

Enjoy the open air while you shop for fresh produce, tea, honey and other local products every Sunday. 9am-2pm, VETERAN’S MEMORIAL PARK, 7825 Southgate Blvd., Tamarac, www.tamarac.org

Sunny Days and Starry Nights

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6

Participate in free museum exploration the first

Thursday of every month. 11am-7pm, NSU ART MUSEUM FORT LAUDERDALE, One East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.nsuartmuseum.org

ArtsFest Japan

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

A full day of cultural enrichment and entertainment for the family includes local craft artists, a children’s area, food trucks, entertainment and live music. 10am-3pm, COCONUT CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER, 1100 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek, www.coconutcreek.net

Moonlight Movies in the Park

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to an outdoor screening of Hotel Transylvania: Transformania on a giant, inflatable screen. 8pm, WESTON REGIONAL PARK, 20200 Saddle Club Rd., Weston, 954-389-4321 www.westonfl.org

Girls Day Out

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

A fun-filled event for girls ages 10 and up celebrating International Day of the Girl. 9am-1pm, REVEREND SAMUEL DELEVOE MEMORIAL PARK, 2520 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, www.broward.org/parks

Brazilian Festival

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8-9

Celebrate the sights and sounds of Brazil without leaving Fort Lauderdale. Noon-11pm, SNYDER PARK, 3299 SW Fourth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, www.brazilianfestival.org

Family Bed and Breakfast

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14-16

Explore the great outdoors with a rent-a-tent,

A special afternoon of fun for the whole family with music, food, games, a dunk tank, splash area and more. The event serves as a fundraiser for this non-profit program that helps grieving children deal with loss. $10. 1-4pm, TOMORROW’S RAINBOW MINI-RANCH, 4341 NW 39 Ave., Coconut Creek, 954-978-2390 www.tomorrowsrainbow.org

Family Bonfire & Night Hike

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

Have some old-fashioned fun with a guided night hike followed by s’mores around a bonfire. $4. 6:30-9pm, MARKHAM PARK, 16001 W. State Rd. 84, Sunrise, 954-357-8868 www.broward.org/parks

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26-30

Displays of yachts and marine accessories, plus fishing clinics for kids ages 4-16. BAHIA MAR, 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.flibs.com

Disney

in Concert:

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28

See this classic film screened live with audio and musical accompaniment by South Florida Symphony Orchestra. $45 and up. 8pm, BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222 www.browardcenter.org

Storybook Science

WEEKENDS THROUGH OCTOBER

Families can enjoy additional museum activities every weekend throughout October, including STEMthemed books, challenges, animal encounters and more. MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, www.mods.org

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Dog Date Stroll

SUNDAYS, OCTOBER 2, 9 & 30

Bring your pup to stroll the lush gardens together.

8-10am, FAIRCHILD GARDEN, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Miami, www.fairchildgarden.org

Vizcaya Village Farmers Market

SUNDAYS, OCTOBER 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

Visit the historic farm and village as vendors sell homemade food and hand-crafted goods.

9am-2pm, VIZCAYA VILLAGE, 3250 S. Miami Ave., Miami, www.vizcaya.org

Tamiami International Orchid Festival

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7-9

Take in the beauty as a large array of orchids are displayed and sold. 10am-5pm, FRUIT & SPICE

PARK, 24801 SW 187 Ave., Homestead, 305-247-5727 www.redlandfruitandspice.com

Family Day on Aragon

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

Enjoy a day of family fun activities, arts and crafts, live performances and more every second Saturday of the month. 2-5pm, CORAL GABLES

MUSEUM, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, www.coralgablesmuseum.org

Family Fun Day

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

Experience Ukrainian culture through traditional music, dance, cuisine and more, during this free Family Day. 10am-4pm, HISTORYMIAMI MUSEUM, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami, www.historymiami.org

Bacon & BBQ Classic

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

Fun for all ages, the day includes live music, cooking demos, lawn games, scavenger hunts, contests and more. 10am-5pm, FAIRCHILD

TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables, www.fairchildgarden.org

ZooRun

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

Have a wild time walking or running through the

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Sensory Saturdays

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1

Families and children affected by autism spectrum disorder can explore the museum for an hour before the center opens to the public. Lighting and sound adaptions are made during this time. 9-10am, COX SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, 561-832-1988 www.coxsciencecenter.org

Click, Clack, Moo

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

See this “moooving” musical around featuring Farmer Brown, animals and themes of negotiation and compromise. $12. 10am, KRAVIS CENTER FOR

zoo, while supporting a charitable cause. The event includes a Kids Dash, and costumes are encouraged. 6:30-9:30am, ZOO MIAMI, 12400 SW 152 St., Miami, 305-251-0400 www.zoomiami.org

La Fiesta!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with stories, music, dance and a live performance. 5-6:30pm, NARANJA BRANCH LIBRARY, 14850 SW 280 St., Homestead, www.mdpls.org

Night Hike & Campfire

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12

Explore the woods and wildlife at night during an evening hike, followed by a campfire. $15. 7-9:30pm, DEERING ESTATE, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, www.deeringestate.org

Growfest

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15-16

A weekend that highlights all things edible, green and growing. Learn about what it takes for farmers to produce the food we eat. 10am-5pm, FRUIT & SPICE PARK, 24801 SW 187 Ave., Homestead, 305-247-5727 www.redlandfruitandspice.com

Love-In Music Festival

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

Get into the groove at this family-friendly music festival that celebrates the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. $20/adult, free/12 and under. 10am-6pm, GREYNOLDS PARK, 18501 NE 22 Ave., North Miami Beach, 305-945-3425

Gables Bike Tour

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

Bring your bicycle and take a guided tour of Coral Gables’ oldest cemetery. The excursion begins at the museum and the cost includes museum admission. $10/person. 10am-noon, CORAL GABLES MUSEUM, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, 305-603-8067 www.coralgablesmuseum.org

Laser Evening

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

Get ready for a Halloween-themed laser show under Frost Planetarium’s 67-foot dome set to music by Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, the Stranger Things soundtrack and more . $10/adult, $8/child.

THE PERFORMING ARTS, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-832-7469 www.kravis.org

Art & Jazz

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26

Bring the family to explore art, live music and more in a closed street-style format. 6-9:30pm, DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH, www.downtowndelraybeach.com

Sandoway Animal Talks

WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS

Learn all about alligators during this fun, informative session. 2:30pm, SANDOWAY DISCOVERY CENTER, 142 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, 561-274-7263 www.sandoway.org

Mother Nature & Me

THURSDAYS

Little ones learn all about nature through crafts,

7-11pm, PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-424-9600 www.frostscience.org

Sesame Street Live!

Make Your Magic

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22-23

Have a magical adventure with favorites, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Grover, Count and Rosita. $26-$76. WATSCO CENTER, 1245 Dauer Dr., Miami, 305-284-8686 www.watscocenter.com

Kids Jamm at Pamm

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

Families can enjoy live music, art-making activities, gallery exploration and more. Tickets available online. 10am-1pm, PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-375-3000 www.pamm.org

Matilda the Musical

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28-30

A musical take on the life of Matilda, a girl who dreams of a better life. $15 and up. Friday, 7pm; Saturday and Sunday, 2pm & 7pm. AVENTURA ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER, 3385 NE 188 St., Aventura, www.aventuracenter.org

Female Superheroes

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30

Enjoy free museum admission, art activities and more during this free family day. 2-4pm, THE BASS, 2100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-7530 www.thebass.org

Food Truck Wednesdays

WEDNESDAYS

Bring the family, and your appetite, to this food truck event featuring a variety of dishes to choose from. 5-10pm, PELICAN HARBOR MARINA, 1275 NE 79 St., Miami, www.miamifoodtrucksevents.com

Kids’ Drawing Class

SUNDAYS

Aspiring artists ages 13 and under can learn techniques for bubble letters and characters from a local artist. Free with paid admission. 10-11am, MUSEUM OF GRAFFITI, 299 NW 25 St., Miami, www.museumofgraffiti.com

garden exploration and story time. Ages 5 and under with caregiver. $10/child. 10am-noon, DELRAY BEACH CHILDREN’S GARDEN, 137 SW Second Ave., Delray Beach, www.delraybeachchildrensgarden.org

Every effort has been made to provide accurate information. Changes and cancellations do occur. Please double check the details before setting out on your adventure.

A Walk in My Shoes

THIS MOM OF TEENS CAN’T SHOP ALONE — HERE’S WHY

BY KATY M. CLARK

Flush with cash from my recent birthday, I strode through the mall.

I had no strollers to push or play spaces to visit like a decade ago when my kids were little. Nor was I dragged into stores selling overpriced joggers or anything with emojis and sequins like last week while shopping with my teen and tween.

Today I could stop at any store at any time and spend money on myself, not my kids.

Giddy with purchasing power, I bought some decadent body wash. Then I treated myself to a new lipstick. Next, I peoplewatched, noticing high schoolers subtly checking each other out and middle schoolers not-so-subtly checking each other out. I saw mothers and teen daughters dressed alike and wondered if that would be me and my 12-year-old daughter one day. I even dodged a few mall walkers.

As my energy and cash dwindled, I found myself staring at a wall of brightly colored tennis shoes. “I would love a new pair,” I thought. My eyes were drawn to several styles from my favorite brand.

Wearing a size 10, I knew it was impossible that every pair would be available to try on. Indeed, the salesperson returned with just one.

But in a stroke of good luck, that pair fit perfectly.

“I really like them,” I said to no one, admiring the cobalt color and styling. There was something vaguely familiar about them, too. Did I have similar shoes before?

“I’ll take them!” I announced, with vigor. The salesperson was nonplussed by my enthusiasm.

I drove home with my treasures and was greeted by the love and affection of my tween daughter and teenage son. In other words, they barely acknowledged my presence when I walked through the door.

As I put my purchases away, my daughter wandered over. I let her sniff my body wash and try on my lipstick. Then I pulled out my favorite purchase, my new kicks.

“Mom!” she cried aghast.

“What?” I replied. What was wrong? Were they ugly? From an unethical company using child labor? Or were they just soooo not cool?

“Mom,” my tween said more calmly, a hint of smile tugging at her lips.

Then she reached into the shoe rack of our mudroom and pulled out her own pair of tennis shoes which were the exact same brand and color as my new pair. Yup, my new pair was identical to the pair my tween already owned.

“I’ll take them back!”

I gushed. “I knew they looked familiar!”

My teenage son appeared to see what the ruckus was about.

“Mom!” he shouted, noticing our twin pairs. “That is so not cool!”

“I said I’ll take them back,” I replied, this time like a petulant child.

But then I noticed my daughter was laughing. And I started to laugh. My son wandered away, shaking his head and snapping his friends.

“You can totally keep them,” my daughter said, shaking her head with what may have been pity. I believe she even patted my head, but I can’t remember because I think I blacked out from embarrassment.

“Really?”

“Really.”

I hugged her and she hugged me back, still giggling. I truly hadn’t wanted to be her twin and was pleased that she didn’t mind we would match. Maybe we could wear them the next time we went to the mall together?

“Just don’t wear them the same time I wear mine,” she instructed. “Moms,” she said, shaking her head.

Moms, indeed.

Katy M. Clark is a writer who embraces her imperfections as a mom.

We’re #1 in Florida*

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is proud to be #1 in Florida in U.S.News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Children’s Hospitals listing*. We know it’s great to lead, but when you do it with compassion and extraordinary care, you show the world why children matter most.

* Nicklaus Children’s is tied with two other hospitals in Florida for U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-23 Pediatric Rankings, and is the only top-ranked hospital in South Florida.

nicklauschildrens.org