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DECEMBER 2015 |
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December 2015 DEPARTMENTS 6
Editor’s Note JENNIFER JHON
8
South Florida News FPL to open manatee viewing center
8
Kids Eat Free South Florida BOGO meal deals
10
Nutrition Watch your words and actions during the holiday season
14
Family Health & Safety Tips for keeping kids safe during seasonal gatherings
18
SEE
OUR GIVEAW FOR DECE AYS Page 81
MBER
70
Financial Matters Teaching kids to give to others
72
MoMENTS The best presents aren't tangible
24
36
73
The best gifts are those personalized for the receiver and given from the heart.
The year's top toys and books for infants, toddlers, children, preteens and parents.
74
32
60
77
Holiday toys that are fun
Holiday events: Out & About
Let your child's interests guide your toybuying decisions.
Snow play days, Santa visits and parades fill the days and nights of the season.
Give gifts with no price
Family Travel Taking the kids to Key West
Mom-approved advice Careful planning can help you avoid travel headaches
2015 gift guide
Glamazon Putting the baby stroller to good work(out)
Loud Moms Measuring quality vs. quantity
STAGES 78
Child Wanted: Family play time BY MARGARET SAGARESE
68
CALENDAR
Winter camps
82
Our day-by-day calendar for December, plus Theater, Shows & Concerts, Fairs & Festivals and Exhibits for Families
South Florida's camp options make the school break even more fun for kids.
ON THE COVER T H E C H I LD
Juliet Roadruck, 4 Cooper City THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Janeris Marte
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Dress courtesy of Mora Surf Boutique, Deerfield Beach moragirls.com
Calendar of Events
ADVERTISING DIRECTORIES
60 71 74 75 76 77 80 90
Out & About Classes & After-school Shopping Camp/Miami-Dade County Camps Schools Party Planner Professionals
DECEMBER 2015
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Serving Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties The mission of South Florida Parenting is to be the most valuable source of parenting information and local resources for families in South Florida. We are committed to enhancing the lives of families by maintaining excellence in editorial content, presenting high-quality events and encouraging community awareness.
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editor’s » note
The season’s greatest gift For the first few years of their Consequently, I’ve already lives, I did not buy my children over-shopped for my kids this presents – not for their birthholiday season. days and not for Christmas. This is a problem I suspect They were getting more than I inherited from my parents. enough from family and I remember my Christmas friends, I reasoned. They mornings being filled with my didn’t need any more toys. favorite toys. “Santa” would But I am a gift-giver at visit on Christmas Eve and JENNIFER JHON heart, so even though I wasn’t leave our presents out in front buying that new game or of the fireplace like a store disprincess doll to put under the tree, I was play. I woke up one morning to a herd of stuffing their stockings with Pokémon toy horses complete with a barn, a scene cards and My Little Ponies. And now that which still ranks in my top 5 Christmas they are old enough to pay attention to mornings ever. the toy displays around them – and taking I want my kids to experience that such obvious delight in playing with the awesome-toy joy, but I also want them to test models at stores – it is getting harder know they don’t need any of that stuff to to resist the temptation to surprise them be happy. with those Avengers figurines or remoteSo the holidays are a balancing act. controlled car on Christmas morning. Although I love giving my children
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gifts, I don’t want them to mistake a plastic pony for real love. I want to give them fun things, but I have to teach them at the same time that they don’t need “stuff” to be fulfilled. What makes birthdays and holidays so special is the time you get to spend with family and friends; that “together” time is the greatest gift of all. I’m hoping your holidays, and mine, are filled to the brim with it.
Write to us Mail: E-mail:
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south florida » news
KIDS EAT FREE
Getting Merry at Magic Kingdom
Eating out is a great way to give parents a break from food preparation and kids a break from cleanup duty. Plus, plenty of South Florida eateries offer specials to tempt families out for the evening, including the following:
Orlando Sentinel report
Now is the time to enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom, a special ticketed event in which the park shuttles out the day’s crowd by 7 p.m. and a select few remain to enjoy the park with its holiday sheen. Similar to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween, the Very Merry event has its own parade, fireworks and oodles of stations around the park with free cookies and hot chocolate. The holiday hustle and bustle with the occasional blasts of snowfall on Main Street got the kids all starry eyed, especially being Florida children not in the habit of seeing anything of a flurry nature. And Frozen fever is still in full play with A Frozen Holiday Wish, with Elsa lighting up the castle. Being a limited ticket event, it’s best to take in the relatively spartan crowds of
the Magic Kingdom in the cooler temperatures of the five-hour event, which runs 7 p.m.-midnight, although you can enter the park before 7 p.m., which is paramount if you want to see the castle lighting. The official five hours, though, go by quick, so you have to juggle things. There are two parades, which feature Anna and Elsa as well as Santa Claus, but the latter has less crowds. The event runs on select nights through Dec. 18 ranging in price from $74-$82 for adults and $69-$77 for children 3 and older.
FPL to open manatee viewing center Sun Sentinel report
A tubby group of snowbirds is starting to arrive in South Florida, and they won’t be checking into local hotels. Manatee season has officially begun, when slow-speed zones take effect along South Florida waterways to protect the endangered mammals from being hit by boats. Unable to tolerate temperatures below 68 degrees, manatees stream south from Georgia and northern Florida, congregating around the warm water discharge zones of South Florida’s power plants. This season, for the first time in years, there will be a place for the public to see South Florida’s manatees. Florida Power & Light Co. will open a manatee viewing center called Manatee Lagoon at its power plant in Riviera Beach in early 2016.
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The free, two-story center will feature hands-on exhibits, skeletons of adult and juvenile manatees, and displays on the other creatures that live in the Lake Worth Lagoon. The center will open in February, leaving several weeks to see manatees before most head north for the summer. It includes a gift store, café and picnic area and will be open Tuesday through Sunday. This year could bring an unusually high number of manatees to the area because of the El Niño climate phenomenon, state and local wildlife officials say. This is a warming of the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of South America, which has worldwide climate consequences. For the southeastern United States, it could bring a cooler winter, and this would be likely to drive more manatees to South Florida for warm water.
IL GUSTO RISTORANTE ITALIANO Kids eat free Monday with purchase of adult entrée. Some restrictions may apply. 501 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach; 954-5442407 or thevillageatgulfstreampark.com BRU’S ROOM One kids meal per paying adult entrée from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday. All counties. brusroom.com DENNY’S Kids eat free 4-10 p.m. Tuesday. Ask server for details. Restrictions apply. dennys.com IKEA Up to two kids 12 and under eat free Tuesday with the purchase of an adult meal. ikea.com RUBY TUESDAY One free kid’s entrée with one adult entrée purchase after 5 p.m. Tuesday at participating Ruby Tuesday restaurants. rubytuesday.com DUFFY’S SPORTS GRILL One free kids meal per adult entrée. All day Wednesday, all three counties. duffysmvp.com QUARTERDECK Maximum of two free kids meals Wednesdays with purchase of one adult meal and beverage. Kid’s meal includes beverage and scoop of ice cream for dessert. Kids 12 and under. quarterdeckrestaurants.com BONEFISH MAC’S Kids eat free all day Thursday. 2002 Sample Road, Lighthouse Point; 954-781-6227 or bonefishmacs.com PACKY’S SPORTS GRILL Kids 12 and younger eat free Fridays with each paid adult item starting at 5 p.m. 11379 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton; 561-482-0052 or packyssportsgrill.com STEAK ‘N’ SHAKE One kid’s meal per adult meal Saturdays and Sundays with a purchase of $8 or more. Dinein only. steaknshake.com BRAZAVIVA Kids under 5 eat free every day. 14301 W. Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise, 954-514-5851, and 7910 NW 25th St., Doral, 305-513-6373; brazaviva.com
See more KIDS EAT FREE AT SouthFloridaParenting.com
DECEMBER 2015
11/18/15 4:22 PM
Winter camp with a wild twist.. At Jungle Island’s EdVenture Camp, every day is great! Kids walk in the footsteps of a zookeeper or chill out with the coolest reptiles around. Each session includes animal encounters, games and more. Enroll by November 30 and SAVE! Ages: 5 - 12 years | Dates: Dec. 21-23, 2015 — Dec. 28-30, 2015 Camp Hours: 9:00am - 4:30pm | Early and Late Care available
For information or to enroll call 305-400-7242 or email ed-venturecamp@jungleisland.com
DEC. 19 - JAN. 3
Down in the jungle, we’re making spirits bright all season long. Only in the jungle can you gather around the Banyan Tree, watch snow tigers and go caroling with parrots. Celebrate the season at Jungle Island’s Wild Holidays, with holiday-themed shows, animal parades, crafts, and more. December 19, 2015 - January 3, 2016 | 10AM to 5PM
Be sure to check back for discounts by visiting JungleIsland.com/WildHolidays @JungleIsland
DECEMBER 2015 |
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family » nutrition
WATCH YOUR WORDS: Model healthy eating and positive body image to children
By Rachel Sestrich, RD, LD
Many adults find extra weight creeping on during the end of the year with the changing weather and holiday gatherings. As parents, do you voice this out loud for your children to hear? Do they see you looking at yourself in the mirror in disgust or hear you say “I’m fat” or notice you avoiding foods that will “make you fat”? Children are absorbers, they see and hear everything and take it all in. We don’t want our children to hear or see these negative feelings of body image and food. It is difficult to shelter them from the outside effects of body image (television, friends, magazines, etc.) but you can make a great effort to ensure positive self-image at home.
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» »
If children hear these things, they may start to question and examine their own body and eating habits. We need to be instilling healthy habits and self-esteem in our children. Children at younger ages are developing “disordered eating,” which means regularly engaging in destructive, unhealthy eating behaviors like compulsive eating, skipping meals or restricting foods. You may be more familiar with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, but it is
important to know there are other unhealthy eating behaviors that can have a negative impact. According to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration, disordered eating includes the following:
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Fasting or chronic restrained eating
» » »
Skipping meals Binge eating Self-induced vomiting
Restrictive dieting Unbalanced eating, such as restricting “fatty” foods or carbohydrates
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Laxative, diuretic, enema misuse
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Steroid and creatine use (supplements that enhance athletic performance and alter physical appearance)
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Using diet pills
Many of us have done some of these things a few times in our lives, but it becomes an issue when any of these behaviors are done on a regular basis. If you notice yourself or your family or friends engaging in these behaviors, step in and seek the necessary help. Fad diets are everywhere. We need to get rid of the “dieting” mentality and shift the focus to developing and
DECEMBER 2015
11/18/15 10:38 AM
family » nutrition maintaining healthy eating and exercise habits. We want to prevent our children (and ourselves) from developing unhealthy eating behaviors. Counting calories can help some people, but not everyone needs to be doing so. Making healthy, conscious food choices is the best strategy for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. HERE ARE SOME GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW: » Eat 3 balanced meals every day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fill ½ your plate with fruits and vegetables, ¼ with grains, ¼ with protein, and include a serving of dairy on the side if desired. — Times may arise when you occasionally miss a meal, but you should avoid consciously skipping a meal. Some religious beliefs require periods of fasting, which is acceptable. — If you prefer, you can eat 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day.
» Include snacks when there are more than 5 hours between meals; snacks help tide you over until your next meal, helping prevent you from overeating and making poor food choices at the next meal. Snacks should be healthy and portion-controlled; below are some ideas: — 1 piece or 1 cup of fruit — 1 cup of raw veggies, can add 1 tablespoon of dip — Low-fat string cheese or slice of cheese with or without a piece of fruit — ¼ cup nuts, dried fruit, granola or trail mix — 6-ounce container of low-fat yogurt — 3 cups air-popped popcorn — 5-7 whole grain crackers and 1 tablespoon nut butter *For packaged items, look at the nutrition label for the correct serving size
»
Choose nutritious foods: foods with fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, low in fat and sodium. — There are no “bad” foods; some just do not provide as much nutritional value as others.
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family » nutrition »
Eat foods from all food groups every day; do not eliminate foods groups, as they all provide nutrients our bodies need. — Fruits: fresh, frozen or canned in its own juice or light syrup — Vegetables: fresh, frozen without sauces or canned (rinse to get rid of some salt) — Grains: 50 percent should be whole grains such as oats, wheat, wild or brown rice — Protein: skinless chicken, turkey, fish, lean cuts of beef and pork; bake, broil or grill your meats and cut off any visible fat — Dairy: low-fat dairy products such as cheese, milk, yogurt
» Include healthy fats, which are needed for healthy hair, skin and nails. — Nuts, nut butter and seeds — Avocados — Olive, canola, peanut, grape seed, flaxseed, sunflower oils — Olives » Limit intake of sweets. Cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream and candy should not be eaten every day. Set aside one day a week for a special treat or reserve these for special occasions; you don’t have to avoid these foods altogether. » Avoid/limit sugary beverages such as soda, juice, sweet tea, sports drinks or lemonade. — Milk and water are the only beverages to drink every day. » Stop eating when you are satisfied. We only need to eat enough at one time to keep us satisfied for a few hours until we eat again; avoid eating enough at one time to fill you up for the entire day. Food is energy and provides our bodies with the nourishment that children need for proper growth and development and that people of all ages need for our bodies to function properly. So build and maintain healthy eating habits to fuel your body appropriately and live a long and healthy life.
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DECEMBER 2015
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family » health
& safety
Holiday safety: Precautions to protect your family
certified by CSA, UL or ELT, such as light strings, extension cords, spotlights, smoke detectors, etc.
By Brian Lane, Florida Department of Health in Broward County
he holidays bring lots of opportunities for family fun and great gatherings, from home-cooked feasts to bright lights, decorations and evergreen trees in the living room. But be sure to take precautions to keep you and your family safe during all the holiday activity.
T
Here are some common-sense ways to stay safe during the holidays: IN THE KITCHEN:
4.
Keep outdoor light electrical connections off the ground and away from gutters and metal objects. Use insulated tape or plastic clips to fasten them.
5.
you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
4.
1.
Keep knives, matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children.
2.
Avoid dangling cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or counter-top mixer that can fall within easy reach of a child.
Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop, and keep an eye on the food. Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and away from hot food, hot liquids, steam and possible splash from cooking foods.
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Keep the floor clear so
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5. 6.
Test smoke alarms.
INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE HOUSE:
1.
Use an outdoor timer to switch lights on and off. Wait until 7 p.m. to avoid electricity peak hours. Turn them off when you leave home or go to bed.
6.
Find a freshly cut tree, as they are more resistant to catching fire. Keep it watered and away from open flames.
Use only one extension cord for each need. Never string them together.
2.
Don’t use your gas fireplace if the glass panel is removed, cracked or broken.
Inspect holiday light strings each year and discard any with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders or loose connections.
3.
7.
SOURCES: National Fire Protection Agency, CSA International
Shop for electrical items
DECEMBER 2015
11/18/15 4:23 PM
DECEMBER 2015 |
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family » health
& safety
ADVERTISER-SUPPLIED CONTENT FROM NICKLAUS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
What to Do if Your Child Has the Flu By Dr. Gloria Riefkohl
As the holidays get closer, flu season hits its stride throughout the nation, even in sunny South Florida. That means children (and parents) may develop the classic symptoms of influenza: a high fever, chills, headache, dizziness, fatigue and muscle aches. Other flu symptoms can develop a few days later, like a dry cough, runny nose or a sore throat. Usually, these symptoms last about a week, although a bad cough or nasal congestion might linger. Because the flu is caused by a virus rather than a germ, antibiotics won’t help your child recover. Instead, you should keep your son or daughter home from school, have them drink plenty of fluids, and let them get plenty of rest. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to lower your child’s temperature, but don’t use aspirin. Cough drops or throat sprays can make a sore throat less painful. While millions of children get the flu each year in the U.S., most get better in a week or two. But there can be serious complications, particularly for young children, such as a sinus infection, ear infection or pneumonia. The flu can make a child’s asthma or breathing problems worse and even cause brain seizures, meningitis or encephalitis (an infection of the brain). So pay close attention to your child’s symptoms and have your doctor evaluate your child if he or she has a high fever that lasts more than three days. Also, if your child complains about pain in the ear, neck or head, or has difficulty breathing, see your doctor right away. Many young children need to be
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hospitalized to help them recover from these types of complications of the flu. HOW TO PREVENT THE FLU The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that every child 6 months and older (as well as adults) get the influenza vaccine. Unlike a vaccination that can last a lifetime, you and your children should get new flu shots every year because the flu virus changes frequently. Healthy children older than 2 who aren’t coughing, wheezing or having other breathing problems can get the flu vaccine through a nasal spray. Other children should get a flu shot. It’s a good idea for parents, including pregnant moms, to get a flu shot as well. Since the flu virus can be spread by coughing or sneezing, it’s easy for a sick child in day care, school or college to expose other children or teens to the virus. Therefore, if your child is sick, keep him or her home until the virus has run its course. The flu virus thrives in the tiny liquid drops expelled through sneezing or coughing. Therefore, you and your child should wash your hands frequently and try not to touch your mouth, eyes or nose, where the virus can find a new home. OTHER TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH THE FLU: Avoid sharing food, glasses, cups or bottles. Have your child cough into a tissue, rather than into the air. Keep your child at home for at least one day after the fever has gone. Wash sheets, pillows and towels frequently.
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By following these suggestions, you can lower the risk of catching the flu and keep it from spreading in your home. Consider your doctor as a resource for professional advice throughout the flu season. Dr. Riefkohl is a pediatrician with the Gladys M. and Frederick Stewart Pediatric Care Center at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, part of Miami Children's Health System.
DECEMBER 2015
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Giving Hope, Delivering Miracles Through experience, training, and determination, our team is ready for every eventuality. Just ask Ivanna and David Gutierrez, who conceived quadruplets naturally – an extremely rare occurrence that happens in just 1 in 700,000 pregnancies. Six months into Ivanna’s pregnancy, the quadruplets’ doctors determined that they had to be delivered by emergency C-section. Because of specialized care in the neonatal intensive care unit at Holtz Children’s, the Gutierrez quadruplets are all happy, healthy, and active. At the largest public hospital system in the country, our team has seen a lot – and is prepared for even more. Visit HoltzChildrensHospital.org or call 305-585-KIDS.
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family » travel
Ten THINGS You Didn’t Know About Key West for Families BY JANET GROENE
Key West is known for boisterous, rum-fueled
CHECK OUT THESE TOP 10 SURPRISES:
adult fun, but it can also be a serene and
Butterfly Conservatory, like any nature attraction, is different every hour of every day. Start with the 15-minute film on how butterflies develop, then watch live caterpillars feeding on familiar Florida plants. See more than 50 types of butterflies plus exotic birds, all flying free in a glass-enclosed habitat.
educational destination for families with children. The tiny outpost played important roles in early American history. Surrounding waters teem with nature lessons. Swept by sea breezes, the island is literally a breath of fresh air. 18
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Custom House Museum houses Key West history in one capsule. Take it at your own pace according to the children’s grade levels. It’s also wheel-accessible and a quiet place to bring little ones who snooze in their strollers. Displays depict key events, such as the building of the railroad, shipwrecks, hurricanes, the Civil War and the battleship Maine
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Emergencies
dont‘ take holidays HCA East Florida Hospitals Hospita are here for you 24/7
Visit HCAEastFlorida.com to view our average ER wait times For more information or a FREE physician referral call Consult-A-NurseÂŽ at
866.442.2362 In an emergency call 911 Football Legend, Dan Marino #HCALegends
Aventura Hospital and Medical Center + Kendall Regional Medical Center Mercy Hospital A Campus of Plantation General Hospital + Northwest Medical Center Plantation General Hospital + University Hospital and Medical Center Westside Regional Medical Center + Westside Emergency Services Davie
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Entrance Exam/Open House February 6, 2016
family Âť travel
ESPINOSA ACADEMY
More Than A School. CEA is more than a school. It is a place where students learn more about more. They are empowered to look for the best in others and themselves and are shaped into young men and women who actively explore interests, hone talents, and advocate ideas. CEA is proud to see its students become well-rounded individuals who, upon graduation, shine in the best high schools across South Florida and not only follow their dreams, but live them.
tragedy that sparked the Spanish America War. Eco Discovery Center. The best free show in town, the Center presents serious science from the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, NOAA and other agencies. See a mock-up of Aquarius, the underwater ocean lab. Travel a mangrove shoreline, see a film and linger at the 2,500-gallon tank to view living corals and tropic fish. Fort Jefferson is an enormous brick island fortress filled with dark and mysterious chambers. Arrive by boat as soldiers did years ago when they imprisoned Dr. Samuel Mudd as a suspected conspirator in the murder of President Lincoln. Explore, swim, snorkel and picnic here. Ride the Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry or take a seaplane tour. Harry S. Truman Little White House introduces children to a building used by the U.S. Navy from the Spanish American War era to the Cuban Missile Crisis. A tour that could be dry as dust is made lively and relevant by fast-moving guides. Old Town Trolley or the Conch Train are carefree ways to tour the area. One- and twoday tickets allow hop-on, hop-off travel to points of interest, hotels and restaurants. Drivers provide a lively narrative, and they cheerfully help with getting strollers on board.
12975 SW 6th Street, Miami, FL 33184 Conchita Espinosa Academy is accredited internationally, nationally and regionally by Accreditation International (Ai), National Council for Private School Accreditation, National Independent Private Schools Association, Middle States Association, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Association of Independent Schools of Florida, and is a member of Independent Schools of South Florida.
Call Now to Schedule your Private Tour 305-227-1149 20
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The Marker, the first new hotel to be built in Old Town for generations, is a swank oasis in the heart of Old Town. Walk to iconic restaurants, museums and the harbor. A secluded haven, the hotel has three swimming pools, one of them adult only, and a casual restaurant. Book the Captain’s Quarters, which include a large, family-friendly porch. It overlooks the marina, where you can catch a nature cruise, sunset cruise or sportfishing adventure. The Gates Hotel is at the approach to Key West, so hotel guests must drive or take a
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Congratulations, Ms. Plaisance, WPS First Grade Teacher on winning “My Teacher Rocks” Contest with South Florida Parenting
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LOCATED AT 9135 LAKE WORTH ROAD JUST EAST OF 441 PHONE: (561) 649-7900 WWW.WELLINGTONPREP.ORG
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family » travel
World Class Performances Above, aerial view of Fort Jefferson. Left, an anchor at Fort Jefferson.
December 5 & 6 The Living Christmas Tree
tour to Old Town, but it’s pet friendly and has bicycles for guest use. Hang out by the pool with books from the hotel’s free Little Library and involve the kids in a game of cornhole.
December 12 Fancy Nancy: A Splendiferous Christmas
December 17 A Christmas Carol
Box Office 561-993-1160
All dates, artists and programs subject to change.
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Robert the Doll is a true “goosebumps” story that older children will love. Robert was the 40-inch-tall best friend of a real boy, Gene Otto, who grew up to became an artist at the East Martello Tower art museum in Key West. Come to see Robert, who is said to come alive after dark and haunt the museum. Southermost Beach Resort is on the nation’s southernmost beach, an immense strand of white sand. The resort has planned activities and a breezy restaurant right on the beach. The advantage for multi-generation travelers is that the property encompasses two historic homes that have been restored as adults-only bed-and-breakfast inns. While young ‘uns enjoy the bustle of a big resort, Granny and Gramps can sleep in quiet luxury and join the family after a leisurely breakfast.
IF YOU GO Butterfly and Nature Center, keywestbutterfly.com, 305-296-2988 Conch Tour Train, conchtourtrain.com, 305-707-6176 Custom House Museum, kwahs.org, 305-295-6616 East Martello Tower Art Museum, kwahs. org/visit/fort-east-martello, 305-296-3913 Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is free, email FKEDC@noaa.org, 305-809-4750 Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park, nps.gov. Arrive in your own boat or ask your hotel concierge to book your trip on a ferry or seaplane. Gates Hotel, gateshotelkeywest.com, 305-320-0930 Harry S. Truman Little White House, trumanlittlewhitehouse.com, 305-294-9911 The Marker, the markerkeywest.com, 844-229-8312 Old Town Trolley Tours, trolleytours.com, 305-707-6159 Southernmost Beach Resort, southernmostbeach resort, 800-354-4455
DECEMBER 2015
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givegifts
without the price Tags
BY GAYLA GRACE
i
recall giving wrapped, handwritten notes to my mom as a young child. They would say, “Redeem for extra help in the kitchen,” or “Good for babysitting my sister while you go to the store.” The special ones would say, “Redeem for an attitude adjustment on a cranky day.”
My mom loved getting my gifts and always made a big deal of exchanging the gift for whatever I offered. It gave me a special feeling of satisfaction to know I helped my mom through such simple, heartfelt gifts. It’s easy to take your children to the store and buy a gift of material value. This season, let them experience a gift with more meaning by giving one they are more personally invested in. Help your children make a list of ideas for gifts of service or gifts of the heart.
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DECEMBER 2015
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ESTABLISHED 1960
BELIEVE IN YOUR FAITH
BELIEVE IN YOUR CHILDREN
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We are so proud!!
OPEN HOUSE
16 Valedictorians or Salutatorians have been St. Joan of Arc School Alumni at local high schools in the past 9 years! Congratulations to our SJA Alumni who yearly reaffirm that St. Joan of Arc is a foundation for the future! Congratulations Christian Falgons! 2015 Valedictorian at Saint John Paul II Academy.
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• 30+ clubs including academics, sports & fine arts
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS • STREAM and Robotics • Hydroponic & Aeroponic Plant Growth Technology • Tech Club • Digital Class • Math Games Club • Family Science Lab Nights • Spanish in all grades • Spanish, French & Italian Clubs • Ballet • Irish Step Dance • Choreography Hip Hop
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For information, please call Mrs. Debora Bradley 561.392.7974 • info_school@stjoan.org 501 SW 3rd Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432 • 1 mile east of I-95 in south Boca Raton DECEMBER 2015 |
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If you’re looking for gift ideas for your children to give you, your husband, their grandparents, siblings, or another relative or close family friend, here are some ideas to help.
Mom: » » » »
Redeem for a weekend day of performing your chores. Good for a week of practicing my manners every day. Redeem for help washing the windows. Good for helping a younger sibling with homework.
Dad: » » » »
Redeem for help washing and vacuuming Mom’s car. Good for a day without electronics. Redeem for help with lawn care. Good for no grumbling when asked to do a special chore.
Siblings: » » » »
Redeem for cleaning your room. Good for a kind attitude toward you all weekend. Redeem for extra time on the Xbox (or TV or whatever works). Good for letting you and your friend have the evening alone.
Grandparent: » » » »
Redeem for time together at the movies. Good for help with a cleaning project. Redeem for help on your next shopping trip. Good for a game of cards or board game of your choice.
Beyond Gifts There are other ways to give gifts without price tags, but they don’t get wrapped up and put under the tree. They’re gifts we offer to those around us during the hectic, crazy holiday season. As a mom to five children, I’ve struggled through difficult holiday seasons – days full of out-of-control emotions, hectic schedules, non-cooperative kids and countless other stressors. After a particularly difficult year, I
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" !# ™ Serving Broward families since 1997 www.charterschool.com Tuition-free, public charter schools for grades K-5
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Curriculum Our rigorous, content-rich academic program uses researchbased curriculum.
Teaching Staff All teachers employed by The Charter Schools of Excellence are state-certiďŹ ed and licensed educators. Assisting each teacher in the classroom are Teacher Interns who are either certiďŹ ed or in the process of becoming certiďŹ ed.
Uniforms Students attending The Charter Schools of Excellence must wear the school uniform and abide by the dress code on a daily basis.
Parental Involvement The Charter Schools of Excellence believe in a strong partnership between home and school. Parents are required to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per year.
Morning and After School Care* breakfast and work on homework or guided enrichment activities under the supervision of qualiďŹ ed sta.
Four Campuses in Broward County Charter Schools of Excellence™ Fort Lauderdale 1217 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 954-522-2997 / Fax: 954-522-3159 Charter Schools of Excellence™ Davie Campus 2801 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 954-433-8838 / Fax: 954-433-8636 Charter Schools of Excellence™ Tamarac Campus 7595 NW 61st Street, Tamarac, FL 33321 954-721-8902 / Fax: 954-721-8908 Charter Schools of Excellence™ Riverland Campus 3550 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954-581-0167 / Fax: 954-581-0195
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evaluated the details of the season and determined the missing ingredients to our holiday season were ample doses of grace and flexibility. It’s easy to find ways to give grace and flexibility to your children, spouse, coworkers and others during tension-filled moments and stress-filled days. We can choose to offer grace toward hurtful words and to offer a flexible spirit when a stubborn demeanor shows up, enabling a peaceful environment. When I learned my husband’s job was ending as the holidays began a few years ago, I knew he would need extra grace and a flexible spirit from me as he explored new opportunities. It wasn’t easy for my always-have-a-plan character not to know what was around the corner, but I learned to accept uncertainty and change as part of our journey. I learned to recognize when the job-hunting seemed tedious and discouraging for my husband, and he needed an extra dose of grace. Our kids have hard days during the holiday season, too. Expectations of perfect behavior at grandma’s house, striving for a straight-A report card amidst too many extracurricular activities or hard feelings with a friend can bring on unexpected meltdowns. Be sensitive to your child’s surroundings and recognize when they need some extra grace to renew their overwhelmed spirit or deflated attitude. Heather Hetchler, mom to six, says, “While most gifts end up in a landfill, grace and flexibility help create cherished memories that will forever live in the hearts of those who receive these precious gifts.” Many families have unique challenges that show up during the holidays. Addiction seeps into homes, creating havoc and dissension. Mental illness rears its ugly head, resulting in confusion and uncertainty. The loss of a loved one creates a sad reminder that holidays will never be the same. Grace is the perfect answer when irritability, sadness or frustration set in. Remember to offer grace to yourself as well. During the holiday season, we face joys and challenges daily. Some days we handle the pressure well and show others DECEMBER 2015 |
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the love and respect they deserve. Other days we don’t and would like to request a do-over. Give yourself the gift of grace on tough days. Let go of the need for perfect holidays and strive for meaningful ones that will include bumps along the way. Flexibility becomes a necessary part of unwrapping holiday peace when schedules change or the unexpected happens – illness, job loss, marital disharmony. These unexpected events create heartaches that disrupt holiday peace. Flexibility becomes the key to creating a peace-filled moment amid stressed-out emotions. Model the gift of flexibility with your kids by maintaining a calm demeanor on busy days. Adopt a go-with-the-flow attitude as you move from classroom parties to Christmas band concerts. Jan Gull, stepmom to three, says she incorporates flexibility during the holiday season with “more being, less doing.” She maintains a schedule that allows time to create memories as a family through baking cookies together and making gifts for others instead of spinning the web of excessive spending and gift-giving. Grace and flexibility are not always easy to offer, but they can be priceless gifts when extended during stressful periods. We can intentionally make choices that allow for a peaceful season. Gifts without price tags are a great gift for anyone. Whether you choose one to wrap as a gift, or select one to offer in passing, you’re making the right choice. Give out a bunch this holiday season. OTHER GREAT GIFTS WITHOUT PRICE TAGS » A Smile » Respect » Kindness » A Hug » Gentle demeanor » Helping heart » Sweet words » A listening ear » Unconditional Love
Gayla Grace is an author and stepfamily coach with a his, hers and ours family. She loves helping nontraditional families learn to thrive in their relationships.
South Florida’s newest indoor children’s activity center offering family-friendly entertainment for kids six months to 14 years old. From our playgrounds to inventive game rooms to hosting your next birthday party, we have something exciting for kids of all ages.
Flippo’s offers modern, unique, and engaging activities for kids including:
• Indoor Playground • Toddler Area • Laser Maze • Time Freak Room • Fun Classes Modern, safe environment with 24/7 surveillance and monitoring coupled with trained staff and clean, reliable, state-of-the-art structures.
Come celebrate with Flippo and friends for your next birthday! We offer packages to make your party planning a breeze, or we’ll work with you to customize your child’s birthday to meet your needs.
3868 N. University Drive • Sunrise, FL 33351 1-844-FLIPPOS (354-7767) • hello@flippos.net www. Flippos.net /FlipposPlayground DECEMBER 2015 |
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y a d i Hol Toys: follow the fun! BY KAREN DEERWESTER, ED.S.
Children are what they play. Play is loving, and it is silly. It is powerful and courageous. It is quiet and loud, gentle and strong. Play shapes imagination, social skills, problem solving and creativity. It may involve stories or science. It is always about discovery – how things work or don’t work, what I can do, how I play with others and how others play with me, what excites me or what frustrates me. Play is learning. And yet, by definition, play is self-directed. So each child is in charge of their own play. Each child is the master of their own play. And that’s why the grown-ups have to tread lightly into the world of toys, especially the quagmire of holiday toy shopping. Watch out for gendered marketing, commercialized play, smarter play and enriched play. Play is play! One gender-neutral toy campaign says it all: Let toys be toys. The website asks: “Isn’t it time to stop limiting our children’s imagination by telling them what they ought to play with?” If we really want toys to support children’s play, follow the fun. Where and with what is your child most likely to play the longest? Start with developmental play. Babies poke and bang, crawl over and under, push things and roll things. Toddlers run, climb, collect, put things together and take things apart. Preschoolers investigate, pretend, design and build and create new worlds. The National Association for the Education of Young Children has an age-by-age guide called Good Toys for Young Children
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by Age and Stage for babies through 6-year-olds at NAEYC.org/ toys. The Strong National Museum of Play also has The National Toy Hall of Fame with favorite toys that have survived the test of time. If it’s fun to you, it might just be fun for your child. You are a trusted and experienced expert on play. Remember what you liked. Don’t be over-sold now by guilt marketing. If it looks stupid, take a pass. Of course you can keep an open mind, but trust yourself – it’s definitely more fun that way. So, take a look at The Toy Insider Holiday Guide 2015: Hot 20. Also check out South Florida Parenting’s 2015 gift guide (pages 36-59), which is broken down to from Infants to Preteens. After the “OMG, do I really need to think about all this?” moment, pick what you’d like or what you know will bring a twinkle to your child’s eye. I can eliminate more than half of the
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Give the Gift of
Play
All Year Long... With a Magical
Membership from C’mon! 38,000 sq. ft. of interactive exhibits Daily/Weekly educational programs
C’mon... Be Merry! Memberships start at only $125 per year for 2 adults and up to 6 children! (In the same household)
239-514-0084 • www.cmon.org
toys listed in any category as not for me. You don’t need everything. If you need to see multiple lists, Toys-R-Us, Amazon, Target and most other retailers have their top lists for 2015. New interests - Old interests: Your child’s interests are growing and changing. It’s OK to buy toys for the next stage - for complicated builders, for more elaborate pretend scenarios, for bigger and riskier adventures. Play should be out-of-the-box. Tiptoe to your child’s wild side or jump all-in. From Play Big on Pinterest to Big Body Play from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, kids need to stretch the limits of body, mind and soul. Play is one of the last places for children to break a few rules and invent a few rules of their own. Play is also safe and comforting. Tents and flashlights, animal families and teddy bear picnics – play is about friendship and belonging. Sometimes it’s revisiting ages and stages gone by or being all grown up, as big as a dinosaur or as tiny as an ant. Play is not linear or one-directional. Play is what every child needs and is made to fit the particular needs of each child in every stage and circumstance, from new siblings to the mysteries of outer space. When you begin toy shopping this season, think of what your child needs – really needs – and wants. In the end, trust that your child knows how to play, knows how to learn, can be excited from within, can make anything a toy and can make any toy interesting. Your child is a play leader. Follow your child’s lead; it leads to fun! Karen Deerwester is the owner of Family Time Coaching & Consulting, writing and lecturing on parenting and early childhood topics since 1984. She is the director of Family Time classes at The Ruth and Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center at B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton and is launching a new podcast, “See Me Hear Love Me.” Karen is the author of “The Potty Training Answer Book,” “The Playskool Guide to Potty Training” and “The Entitlement-Free Child.”
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2015 Holiday Gift Guide TOYS AND BOOKS FOR EVERY STAGE INFANTS BRIGHT BEATS DANCE & MOVE BEATBO This clever, 13-inch-tall robot features a multi-color LED grid tummy that glows as it encourages a child to say a phrase, which BeatBo will play back to a song. There are three modes: “Dance ’n Move,” “Learning and Games” and a custom sing-along that will grow with your child. BeatBo will get your child up and moving and strengthen fine motor skills. Ages 9-36 months. $40
WIN THIS!
TOMY TODDLER TOYS JUMBO JAMBOREE
The Jumbo Jamboree 7-in-1 breaks apart into 5 easy-to-play instruments (horn, jingle bells, drum, harmonica and xylophone) that your child can color-match to put back together. Ages 12 months+. $32.99
LIL’ CRITTERS ROLL AND DISCOVER BALL V Tech Baby Lil’ Critters Roll and Discover Ball has colorful ribbon tabs and a touch-activated voice that encourages the child to “throw, roll or kick the ball.” It plays more than 50 songs, melodies, sounds and phrases and teaches about animals and numbers. The ball is made of spot-washable fabric and offers volume control. Ages 6 months+. $14.99
SPIN AND LEARN BALL TOWER V Tech’s Spin and Learn Ball Tower has a ball spinner, a catapult and moving doors, so children can have fun plopping the colored balls in the top of the tower and watching them spin to the bottom. The balls work with the tower to identify colors, numbers and pictures on each ball. Ages 9-36 months. $29.99
TODDLERS
PLAYSKOOL STACK ‘N STOW CUPS The Stack ‘n Stow Cups are a great toy for home and on the go. Seven brightly colored stackable cups quickly nest together and lock into place, creating a sweet rainbow lion’s face and mane, so it is entertaining without being bulky or loud. Ages 9 months and up. $7.99
PLAYSKOOL ROLL ‘N GEARS CAR This 2-in-1 toy is both a car and a gears toy. The five gears are removable and stackable, and they snap inside when your little one is ready to drive away. Ages 12 months and up. $9.99
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GO! GO! SMART ANIMALS GROW & LEARN FARM VTech’s Go! Go! Smart Animals Grow & Learn Farm has an electronic barn that introduces colors, numbers and vegetables and a Reggie the rooster that interacts with seven SmartPoint locations to play different phrases, music or fun sound effects. The set connects with Go! Go! Smart Wheels and Go! Go! Smart Animals playsets (sold separately). Ages 1-5. $39.99
WIN THIS!
DECEMBER 2015
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Winter Break Camps 2015 DECEMBER 18 THROUGH JANUARY 2016 IN IMAX 2D 70MM FILM FORMAT
JEDI TRAINING AC ADEMY Ages 6-12 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Before and aftercare available WEEK 1
4-DAY CAMP
December 21-24, 2015
LUKE’S LESSONS Learn about real invisible forces like magnetism, gravity, centrifugal and centripetal forces. Tour our universe in the Museum’s new portable planetarium.
Members $175 • Non-Members $200 WEEK 2
5-DAY CAMP
December 28 - January 1, 2016
YODA TRAINING Design and build your own space craft. Complete a Jedi obstacle course. Experiment with lasers. Make your own mini Star Wars film scene. Build your own lightsaber.
Members $200 • Non-Members $225 Both camps include watching STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS PG-13 in the AutoNation IMAX Theater. An alternate activity will be provided to campers not seeing the film.
Call 954.713.0930
for more information or to register.
Advance Tickets Recommended www.mods.org
401 SW Second Street • Downtown Fort Lauderdale 954.467.6637
www.mods.org
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holiday » gift
WIN THIS!
guide
EDWIN THE DUCK Edwin the Duck is a 2-way interactive app-enhanced smart toy. To use, download the Edwin App, which has four areas: Story Time, Play Time, Song Time and Sleepy Time. Children can shake, tap and move Edwin to interact during Story Time. Parents can also add stories, games and songs to Edwin’s library monthly. Play Time teaches letters, colors, shapes and numbers. Song Time plays animated sing-along songs. In Sleepy Time, Edwin plays lullabies and acts as a color adjustable LED night light and white noise maker. Edwin is also waterproof with a built-in water temperature sensor, and it can float while playing Edwin Bath Time tunes. iOS compatible only. Ages newborn+. $99.99, edwintheduck.com
GEARS! GEARS! GEARS! BUILD AND BLOOM FLOWER GARDEN BUILDING KIT This building kit includes brightly colored gears, along with flowers, butterflies, bees, ladybugs and
more. Children can use all the provided parts to make endless combinations of moving and spinning designs. Ages 4+. $39.99, learningresources.com
DESIGN & DRILL BY BRIGHTWORKS
diaper changes after eating and says when it is nap time. Available in blond, brunette, African-American. Ages 3+. $49.99
The Design & Drill is a lighted black activity board that uses translucent bolts to make glow-in-the-dark designs. Kids use the real working power drill to make their own designs or they can follow one of the 12 patterns included in the kit. Great for STEM learning and improving handeye coordination and fine motor skills. Ages 3+. $39.99, educationalinsights.com
PLAY ALL DAY ELMO This well-loved pal has more than 150 responses and eight games and activities. Kids can tickle Elmo’s belly, hold his hand, give him a kiss or clap his hands to play. Ages 18 months–4 years. $59.99
FIRST BUILDERS BLOCK SCOOPING WAGON
BABY ALIVE SNACKIN’ SARA Just press the pretty pink bracelet on Snackin’ Sara, Hasbro’s latest edition of Baby Alive, and she speaks more than 30 phrases in English and Spanish, such as “Mommy, is it snack time? Snacks please!” and “Hugs, please, I love you!” The toy includes 10 accessories such as reusable doll food, diapers and cookie cutters. The doll asks for
Make cleanup and storage fun. Toddlers can push the wagon to pick blocks and watch them spin inside the clear compartment. Wagon includes 20 blocks. Ages 1+. $34.99
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Pompano Citi Centre presents
Santa
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Family Fun Days* every Saturday in December thru 12/19
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guide The set features 20 accessories and works with all Flipsies dolls and playsets. Ages 4+. $39.99
UNCLE GOOSE FOREIGN LANGUAGE BLOCKS Using block sets in more than 20 different languages, children can play with and learn from blocks that represent multiple cultures as well as languages. Uncle WIN Goose blocks are made using sustainable basswood THIS! fast-growing and non-toxic child-safe inks. The Hebrew set features 27 blocks decorated with Hebrew letters, numerals and animal pictures. Replacement blocks can ordered online. Made in the USA. $43, unclegoose.com
VTECH FLIPSIES SANDY’S HOUSE AND OCEAN CRUISER
WIN THIS!
In this Flipsies set, Sandy’s House transforms into an Ocean Cruiser and features eight Magic Point locations that prompt Sandy to say unique phrases. You can also sit Sandy and another Flipsies friend at the MagicChat table to hear the friends talk to each other.
MY LITTLE PONY CANTERLOT CASTLE Princess WIN Celestia and Spike the Dragon reign THIS! over Canterlot Castle in this 29-inchtall My Little Pony playset. The castle includes a throne elevator and 42 accessories. Cutie Mark Magic allows users to scan Princess Celestia and points throughout the castle to unlock and play games in the downloadable app. Ages 3+. $79.99
INSIDE OUT I CRY CANDY WIN BING BONG THIS! BY TOMY You might not know exactly what Bing Bong is, but Riley’s imaginary friend
from the movie INSIDE OUT smells like cotton candy and cries candy (tiny toy candies that stay inside his eyes) when you squeeze his center. He also sings “The Bing Bong Song” and says six different phrases from the movie. Ages 4+. $39.99
INSIDE OUT TALKING PLUSH BY TOMY Bring home Riley’s five emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust – and squeeze each plush character’s hand to hear their key phrases from the movie. Ages 4+. $19.99
MILES FROM TOMORROWLAND STELLOSPHERE In the Disney Junior TV series “Miles from Tomorrowland,” Miles Callisto
Award-winning competitive hip hop dance teams
• Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop We offer a wide variety of creative year-round classes! Serving Coral Springs and Parkland for the last 17 years! Owned and operated by Melissa Florio
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travels the galaxy with his older sister and parents, doing good and saving the day. The Stellosphere spaceship is a 3-ships-in-1 playset based on the show that includes a Mini StarJetter, a Zip Ship, and a Cross Vehicle Rocket System (XVR) that attaches to all 3 ships, plus other vehicles from the toy line. Ages 3+. $49.99
CHILD BARBIE SADDLE ‘N RIDE HORSE & DOLL
DESPICABLE ME SUPERVILLAIN JET Inspire your builder with the Mega Bloks Supervillain Jet. The set includes minions Kevin and Stuart and the building blocks for a jet with an opening cockpit and canopy, a working ejector seat, two side launchers and a trap door. The minions come with interchangeable parts as well, including overalls, goggles, arms, feet and hair. Ages 5+. $44.99
GALLOPING BUTCH
The set includes Barbie and her horse, Tawny, but the real magic is in the toy’s movement. Attach Barbie’s hand to a special handle on Tawny’s neck and press the horse’s forelock, and Barbie will swing into the saddle and go for a ride as Tawny walks forward about 5 steps. Another button sends Tawny walking without the mounting action. Ages 3+. $49.99
Straight from a starring role in Disney Pixar’s newest film, “The Good Dinosaur,” Butch is a rough and tough T-Rex with roaring sounds and galloping action. In addition to his jaw snapping motion and ferocious roar, Butch says 10 sounds and phrases from the movie. Ages 4+. $39.99
ownership to a new level. For $9.99 a month (2 years) or $14.99 a month (1 year), families receive a nabi 2 tablet as well as unlimited access to movies, music, ebooks, apps, games, learning content and other digital experiences in the Pass program. The 2-year subscription also include a full guarantee: if the tablet has any problems, Fuhu will replace it, no questions asked. What sets the nabi 2 apart are its unique learning features and parental controls. Fooz Kids University is an integrated learning system with K-5 curriculum from math to social studies. For homeschooled children, this system can be a great addition to a curriculum. The nabi also has parental controls that can be as strict or flexible as you wish and includes usage timers, coins earned for specific tasks and parent-approved content and apps. Ages 3-14. $179.99, nabitablet.com
ASK AMY
NABI PASS TAB Nabi makes some excellent tablets for kids, and now its Pass program is taking tablet
WIN THIS!
Ask Amy from Fairyland takes the idea of a talking doll to a new level. The interactive Ask Amy comes with a book that reveals
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Shimon Ito in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. © Alberto Oviedo.
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her story: She is from a magical place. Amy responds to a variety of phrases in detail, similar to the way Siri would on an iPhone. Some of the phrases she responds to are: “Do you like school?” “Tell me a story” and “Where are you from?” The doll tells six stories and nursery rhymes and sings nine songs, including a lullaby if a child tells Amy she is going to sleep. The doll blinks, moves its lips, turns its head and even tells the child tongue twisters. The doll is so interactive that it even giggles and says it is upside down when you flip the doll over. When you flip it right side up, it says “Thank you.” $120, www.askamydoll.com
GEOSPACE JUMP ROCKET LED NIGHT SHOTZ SET The Night Shotz set adds the cool factor of LEDlights to the fun of Jump Rockets. Turn on the LED in the nose of the rocket, then launch
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it with a foot stomp or a jump and watch your rocket fly as high as 100 feet. Set includes a Jump Pump, Launch Pad and 3 LED Rockets with soft foam nose cones. $9.49, geospaceplay.com
IRON MAN ARMOR UP FORTRESS Get Tony Stark ready for action with the Super Hero Adventures Iron Man Armor Up Fortress playset. The set allows your Marvel fan to drop Stark into his Iron Man armor and then give him a dramatic entrance with lights and sounds. Set includes the classic red suit and an extra blue suit. Ages 3-7. $29.99
JURASSIC WORLD TYRANNOSAURUS REX Thrill your adventure fan with the Jurassic World Tyrannosaurus Rex, which features light-up eyes and some great roaring and chomping action. The set includes a human figure and a capture cuff
for the T.Rex, but the head-chomping dinosaur might gobble the human figure up first (a sound complete with a stomach gurgle at the end). We had great fun playing T.Rex vs. superheroes and startling each other with T.Rex roars during suspenseful movies. Ages 3+. $29.99
HEROME CUSTOM SUPERHERO ACTION FIGURE If you want something unique for your action fan, HeroMe delivers. This custom gift starts online, where your child special-orders a superhero complete with the look and power levels that come with specialized limbs and customizable skin and hair. Once ordered, the HeroMe arrives with a HeroMe Handbook that your child can use to write his or her superhero story, ID Card, postcards to tell others about the superhero and a Rocket Ship Box. A female superhero line is launching in the spring. Ages 4-12. $40, HeroMeLab.com
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holiday » gift PIE FACE
guide
WIN THIS!
THE COOPER KIT BY COOPER&KID
Most kids love to get messy. Add some suspense to the fun with Pie Face, a jack-in-thebox-type game in which you hold the game card up to your face, turn the handle, and hope you don’t get a splat in the face with a handful of whipped cream (not included) or a wet sponge. Ages 5+. $19.99
MY LITTLE PONY EQUESTRIA DOLLS
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introduces vehicles to allow for racing and exploration in Skylanders SuperChargers. The game also comes in a special Dark Edition featuring Dark Spitfire, Dark Hot Streak and the Kaos Trophy, which unlocks special game content. Available for Wii, Wii U, 3DS, PlayStation4, PlayStation3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and iOS. Rated E – 10+; Ages 6-12. $74.99$99.99
When a magic mirror connected the world of My Little Pony to Canterlot High, My Little Pony Equestria Girls were born. Fans can join in the “Friendship Games” with Wonderbolts dolls from Canterlot High and Shadowbolts dolls from rival Crystal Prep. Ages 5+. $19.99
SKYLANDERS SUPERCHARGERS Skylanders, the video game that brings gaming figures to life through the Portal of Power,
DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS
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The Cooper Kit for dads and their kids is a box of theme-based projects and crafts sent via subscription every three months. We reviewed the “Super Luminal” kit, based on the theme of light and strongly scienceoriented. Father-and-kid teams could easily spend 5-6 hours simply reading through the guide and starting the projects. The Super Luminal kit contained a Solar Speedy Car (a dual battery- and solar-powered car) that was a lot of fun to put together and test in various lights. The kits are perfect for the earlyelementary-age child, but older and younger kids (with supervision) would also enjoy the materials. Ages 5-9 with parent. $65 (plus shipping), cooperandkid.com
Re-enact the Disney Channel movie “Descendants” with character dolls from Hasbro. Movie fans can choose the villain girls or Auradon girls in their coronation outfits, or sets of Mal and Ben or Carlos and Evie. Ages 6+. $24.99-$34.99
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Save an additional 10% on a second class. COMPLIMENTARY PARKING! Most classes are 10-week sessions. All dates, times, teaching artists and instructors are subject to change. Class fees are non-refundable.
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X SHOT BUG ATTACK BOW AND ARROW The X Shot Bug Attack line features various blasters and Creepeez Bug Targets that will crawl down a wall to provide a moving target for your huntsman. The Bow and Arrow comes with 3 targets and 3 arrows that fire up the 55 feet. The other blasters come with 8 darts. The Creepeez Wall Crawling Bugs, which come in 4 designs, are also sold separately. Ages 8+. $4.99-$12.99
NERF REBELLE CODEBREAKER CROSSBOW The Nerf Rebelle crossbow features an 8-dart rotating drum that can fire darts up to 75 feet in quick succession with the pump of a handle and a pull of the trigger. The best thing about the crossbow is that it locks with a combination lock that guarantees no unauthorized firing, giving it an extra layer of safety. The Secrets and Spies version comes with a coded dart and a decoder tube that reveals its secret message (Game On!, A Jugar!, etc.). Ages 8+. $24.99
POKÉMON ASH’S ARENA CHALLENGE Your Pokémon fans can re-enact their favorite battles by pressing buttons on the arena to launch Pikachu’s Quick Attack, Thunderbolt and Iron Tail attacks. Music, voice and attack sounds sync to the movement. Set includes Pikachu, Ash, a Wobbuffet figure and the arena and is compatible with most small size Pokémon figures. Ages 4+. $39.99
NINJA CONTROL LEONARDO It’s turtle time with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Ninja Control Leonardo. The remote gives users easy, 360-degree control of the 13-inch Leonardo, who comes with his katana, over 40 phrases and sounds, and three pre-programmed ninja combat routines. Warning: Although young boys will probably LOVE the way Leonardo burps and farts regularly, you might want to think twice about taking Leonardo out in public. Ages 4+. $59.99
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Eco Holidays at the Palm Beach Zoo
Visit the Zoo this December & See How We Celebrate Eco-Style • Holiday Crafts • Snow Fall • Entertainment • Holiday Themed Talks & Shows
COUNTDOWN TO THE NEW YEAR! Noon Year’s Eve – December 31 11 am to 1 pm New Year’s Day – January 1 10 am to 3 pm
December 13, 19 & 20 Ring in the holidays with a buffet breakfast, animal encounters, visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, photo opportunities and more. Register early; space is limited. 1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach 561-547-WILD (9453) Visit www.palmbeachzoo.org for times, pricing and reservation information. DECEMBER 2015 |
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PRETEEN OBVIOUS FUN Oddly Obvious is a board game where the answers are right in front of you. You’re given the clues and the answers. But the answers are each in different fonts and colors, written up, down and even upside down. Be the first to call out the most correct answers to win. The game is quick and funny. For 3+ players, ages 12+. (Younger children will enjoy laughing at the funny clues.) $13.99
THAMES AND KOSMOS SCIENCE AND SPARKS KITS Thames & Kosmos has more than 140 hands-on science kits for kids and young adults. The kits are divided into
13 categories, from chemistry and physics to Earth science, natural history, and arts and crafts. Kids can learn about the techniques used when panning for gold or how to make a plasma reactor to learn about the different states of matter. The kits are good for science beginners through advanced. $10-$100, thamesandkosmos.com
manicure without harsh chemicals. $7.99, piggypaint.com
JANE IREDALE PLAYON LIP CRAYONS There’s nothing worse than running out of the house without any lip color. Jane Iredale’s Playon Lip Crayons are the secret weapon for the mom on the go. Available in seven highly wearable colors, these creamy crayons moisturize lips and leave behind color without reapplying. $18, Janeiredale.com
LACELETS
PARENTS SOPHI BY PIGGY PAINT Piggy Paint, maker of the non-toxic kids nail polish, now sells an adult line of its signature non-toxic, odorless and hypoallergenic polishes. SOPHI also offers a PRIME + SHINE + SEAL System that helps create a scratch- and chip-resistant finish. Free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), or ethyl acetate, the polish delivers a beautiful
Get the baseball fan in your life a gift that shows off their passion. Lacelets are made with the leather specifically cut for baseball glove lace, and they can be personalized or inscribed with an established quote. Lacelets are sold in sizes for both men and women and fasten securely with a metal buckle clasp. $15-$25, baseballlacelet.com
Lock in Your Price for Summer Day Camp 2016 Pre-register for summer 2016 by December 31, 2015! Visit summer.miamicountryday.org today. 2 – 6 Weeks: Only $375 / Week | 7 – 8 Weeks: Only $355 / Week
Before There Was A School, There Was A Camp. 601 NE 107th St., Miami, Fl. 33161 | 305.779.7350 | summer.miamicountryday.org 50
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ENGINEERING FOR KIDS
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guide machine and shooting pad. Ages 5+. $7.99$59.99
WIN THIS!
MINECRAFT MINI-FIGURES Surprise your Minecraft fan with a mini-figure in the game’s 8-bit style. Ages 6+. $3.49
Caramel Corn, Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn and Double Chocolate Caramel Corn. $5.99
STAR WARS COOKIE CUTTERS
PLAYMOBIL CHRISTMAS ANGEL ORNAMENTS
HOLIDAY PEEPS
With Playmobil’s Christmas Angel Ornaments, children can play with the three detachable angels and then hang them on the Christmas tree (or substitute another favorite Playmobile figure) when playtime is over. Set includes winged angel figures, musical accessories and ornament stands. Ages 4-10. $16.99
America’s favorite marshmallow snack comes in seasonal flavors such as red velvet, sugar plum, chocolate mousse, hot cocoa, candy cane and sugar cookie. $2.75
May the cookie force be with you this holiday season with a set of six Star Wars character cookie cutters including Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Chewbacca, Yoda, C-3PO and a Stormtrooper. $14.99, Thinkgeek.com
PLAYMOBIL NHL FIGURINES
PUMPKIN SPICE POPCORN
BRICKSTIX REUSABLE STICKERS
Hockey fans can collect goalies and players from their favorite teams, or NHL referees with the Stanley Cup, in Playmobil’s NHL lineup, which also includes a hockey arena, Zamboni
G.H. Cretors, maker of the incredible Chicago Mix cheddar-and-caramel-coated popcorn, is celebrating the season with Limited Edition seasonal popcorns such as Orchard Apple
BrickStix Reusable Stickers are removable and repositionable stickers for plastic bricks like LEGO and MEGA BLOKS. BrickStix have a special adhesive that won’t leave any
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DECEMBER 15-27 Tickets starting at $35
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residue behind when removed. Each package contains 1 sheet, front and back, of reusable stickers. $4.99, brickstix.com
PIN PALS Pin Pals are enamel alphabet pins inspired by the ideas and drawings of young sisters Ava and Alexis Ehrlich. Each Pin Pal comes with a trading card with a silly personality profile of the letter’s hobbies, likes and dislikes. Ages 6+. $5, pinpalskids.com
BOOKS & DVDS
fairy tale characters using their Super Letters to find the Super Story Answers. $12.99
SMITHSONIAN LINE BY SILVER DOLPHIN BOOKS Silver Dolphin Books and The Smithsonian have created a fun and educational interactive series. Kids can learn about topics from the presidents of the United States to what ocean creatures eat. The series includes: Smithsonian Sticker Creations, Smithsonian Everything You Need to Know Fact Cards, Smithsonian Young Explorers: 50 States, and Smithsonian Discover: Earth. $15.95-$19.95
MY LITTLE PONY: EQUESTRIA GIRLS THREE MOVIE GIFT SET The DVD set has a Lenticular three-dimensional box with a transforming Twilight Sparkle that is sure to thrill any fan of the My Little Pony: Equestria Girls series. The gift
SUPER WHY CINDERELLA AND OTHER FAIRYTALE ADVENTURES There’s a super big problem: Prince Charming can’t find Cinderella, and it’s up to the Super Readers to help. Whyatt, Alpha Pig, Princess Presto and Wonder Red help a series of other
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Enhance Creativity, Literacy & Language Skills
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Saturday classes for children and teens! For children 6-10 and teens from 11-16. Previous knowledge of Spanish not necessary.
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Teatro Prometeo Theatre in Spanish at Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus-Downtown Miami
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“Transforming any Event into an Unforgettable Party”
★ Birthday Parties ★ Sweet “16” ★ Milestone Events ★ Bar/Bat Mitzvahs ★ Quinceañera
holiday » gift
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box includes Equestria Girls, Rainbow Rocks and Friendship Games and comes with bonus features, animated shorts and deleted scenes. $17.99, amazon.com
100 AMAZING PAPER ANIMAL SNOWFLAKES Animal-themed designs takes the traditional paper snowflake to another level, and each page within the book can be photocopied so designs can be made over and over again. $19.99
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This 64-page Hello Kitty activity book has puzzles, mazes, seek-and-finds, stickers, greeting cards and a pull-out poster perfect for Hello Kitty fans everywhere. $9.99
(786) 440-5619 www.Upmflorida.com
See Us At These Family Events:
STAR WARS: ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW: JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS DK Children Whether you are a new fan to the Star Wars universe or a llongtime ti fan, this book is a fun and informational read and has more than 100 pages of fun facts, trivia and pictures. $19.99
PICTUREPEDIA
December 5 December 19 Breakfast with Santa Piles of Smiles Palm Beach Outlets West Palm Beach
Sugar Sand Park Boca Raton
January 30 Tri Rail Fun Day
For more information go to
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Tri Rail Station Dania Beach
DK Children Picturepedia is a fact-lovers dream. Each page is a mini-encyclopedia on a wide array of topics, from technology to the human body. The book contains more than 10,000 full-color graphics, illustrations, and photographs and is a great resource for teachers and students at home and in the classroom. $29.99
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holiday » gift
guide
LEGO AWESOME IDEAS DK Children Detailed illustrations walk you through stepby-step ways to build with LEGO, as well as offering new ideas on building. Filled with tips and techniques, the book gives ideas to build LEGO worlds and models of your own creation. $24.99
LEGO: I LOVE THAT MINIFIGURE DK Children A minifigure encyclopedia packed with tons of interesting facts on more than 200 LEGO minifigures, including the rarest and most sought-after. Book includes an exclusive zombie skateboarder minifigure. $18.99
THE DISNEY BOOK K DK Children The Disney Book follows Disney from its start in 1923 to the present, following Disney’s evolution from the first drawings of Mickey Mouse to the newest live action films. It has more than 100 pages off ti timelines, sketches, li k t h facts, concept art and more, and comes with original 35mm filmstrip from Disney Pixar’s Brave. $30
THE NOT VERY MERRY POUT-POUT FISH By Deborah Diesen The Pout-Pout fish is back, and this time he is looking for the perfect holiday gifts for his friends. But when all the stores are closed, he learns the best gifts don’t come from a store, but from the heart. $16.99
• • • • • • • •
Established in 1976 Safe, Secure Environment Full Academic Curriculum Athletic Program Low Student-Teacher Ratio Blended Learning Tools Differentiated Instruction Strong Parent-Teacher Communication • Social Skills • Promethean Boards and IPad use for Interactive Education Technology • Hands-On Life Skills & Transition Program • Grades K-12
Scholarships Accepted John McKay • PLSA • Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Atlantis Academy is proudly accredited by SACS and CASI, an accrediting division of AdvancED
www.atlantisacademy.com MIAMI 9600 SW 107th Avenue Tel: 305.271.9771
CORAL SPRINGS 10193 NW 31 Street Tel: 954.752.7571
WEST PALM BEACH 1950 Prairie Road Tel: 561.642.3100
Atlantis Academy does not discriminate against any applicant due to race, sex, religion or national origin. DECEMBER 2015 |
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ENTER TO W A HOLIDAY BOOK IN at southfloridapar BUNDLE enting.com
guide
THE THING ABOUT YETIS By Vin Vogel What is a yeti to do on the coldest, wettest, windiest winter day, when all he is wishing for is summer? Readers will love Vogel’s colorful illustrations of a sweet but very cold yeti and his friends. $16.99
TOYS MEET SNOW By Emily Jenkins, Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky Lumphy, a stuffed buffalo; StingRay, a plush stingray; and Plastic, a red bouncy ball, have always wondered what snow was like. One winter morning the trio gets the chance to find out. $17.99
MAX AND MARLA By Alexandra Boiger Max and Marla the owl are not only the best of friends, they are also “real-life, honest to goodness, cross your heart, W-i-
n-t-e-r O-l-y-m-pi-c-s Olympians.” Even though their attempts at sledding don’t go as planned, the determined team never gives up. $17.99
out of time to make any more toy dogs. What will Santa do once he realizes he needs one more for little Polly? $9.99
LLAMA LLAMA GRAM AND GRANDPA By Anna Dewdney Fans of the Llama Llama series are in for a treat with a story of Little Llama’s first sleepover with his grandparents. Told in rhyming style, the book describes Llama’s trip away from Mama, and shows how Gram and Grandpa can help even when everything isn’t all right. $17.99
T GINGERBREAD MAN THE LLOOSE AT CHRISTMAS B Laura Murray, Illustrated By by Mike Lowery b IIn his third book adventure, tthe Gingerbread Man and his class are making holiday h ggifts. When the Gingerbread Man has to set off b on his own to deliver his gift, young readers will cheer him on to get there in one piece. $16.99
DEWEY BOB By Judy Schachner The author of Skippyjon Jones brings a new character to life: a sweet raccoon named Dewey Bob Crockett. Dewey Bob collects wonderful objects and his is house is filled with trash he’s turned to treasure, but he’s missing a friend. $17.99
THE CHRISTMAS PUPPY By Irma Wilde In the Christmas Puppy, part of a new Vintage series, it’s Christmas Eve and Santa has run
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MIRAMAR Miramar Cultural Center presents A Holiday Concert: Performance by Smokie Norful Dec. 12, 2015 | 8PM Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place
PURVIS ON PAPER Nov. 5, 2015 - Jan. 11, 2016 Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place
Miramar Cultural Center presents Annie Sing-Along Dec. 4, 2015 | 7:30PM Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place
HOLIDAY LIGHTING IN HISTORIC MIRAMAR Dec. 5, 2015 | 6PM - 9PM Shirley Branca Park 6900 Miramar Parkway
PASSPORT DAY Dec. 7, 2015 9AM - 3:45PM Miramar City Hall 2300 Civic Center Place
6:01 THURSDAY Dec. 17, 2015 | 6:01PM Public Event Town Center Plaza 2300 Civic Center Place
BALLET ETUDES’ NUTCRACKER Dec. 19 - 20, 2015 Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place
State Ballet Theatre of Russia presents Romeo and Juliet Dec. 26, 2015 | 7:30PM Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place
FUNK FEST Jan. 1, 2016 | 2PM - 11PM Miramar Regional Park 16801 Miramar Parkway www.funkfesttour.com
Household & Electronic Hazardous Waste Drop Off Jan. 10, 2016 | 8AM - 4PM Youth Enrichment Center 7000 Miramar Parkway
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ART EXHIBIAT Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2016 Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place
ZO’SWINTERGROOVE2016 Jan. 16, 2016 | 8AM OPEN TO PUBLIC Miramar Regional Park 16801 Miramar Parkway www.zoswintergroove.com
17th Annual Miramar-Pines Rotary 5K/10K/Walk & 1 Mile Family Run Jan. 16, 2016 | 8AM Miramar Regional Parkway 16801 Miramar Parkway
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION Jan. 18, 2016 | 12PM - 4PM Lakeshore Park 8501 Sherman Circle S.
6:01 THURSDAY Jan. 21, 2016 | 6:01PM Public Event Town Center Plaza 2300 Civic Center Place
Miramar Cultural Center presents Aida Jan. 23, 2016 | 8PM Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place
Miramar Cultural Center presents The Tortoise & The Hare Jan. 30, 2016 | 2PM Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place
A SHATTERED LOVE Jan. 31, 2016 | 6PM Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place
For more information, please call (954) 602-4357
2300 Civic Center Place | Miramar, Florida 33025 | www.MiramarFL.gov 58
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Celebratingg 60 Y Years
guide
HENRY’S STARS By David Elliot Henry is an adorable little pig who see a great big starry pig in the night sky. But his other animal friends don’t see it. Instead each one sees something totally different. t Elliot’s words and illustrations explore the different ways we all perceive the world around us in a gentle and humorous way. $16.99
Sea ofLights f ht
WILD IDEAS: LET NATURE INSPIRE YOUR THINKING By Elin Kelsey, Illustrated by Soyeon Kim “Wild Ideas” is the perfect mixture of science and storytelling that children will love to read, and parents and teachers will love to use as a teach tool. The animals can teach us a lot about how to solve problems and deal with difficult situations, all illustrated by Kim’s beautiful artwork. The book also includes more information at the end about the animals and research in the book. $18.95
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 7pm | FREE | Hollywood Beach Broadwalk PARADE ROUTE: SCOTT STREET SOUTH TO HARRISON STREET PARK DOWNTOWN AND RIDE THE FREE PATRON SHUTTLE FROM DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGES TO BEACH 5PM - 10PM
FOR INFORMATION CALL 954.921.3404
BAH! SAID THE BABY
PREVAILING GARAGE PARKING RATES APPLY
BROWARD
By Jennifer Plecas What exactly IS the baby saying? The characters scramble to figure out what baby is trying to tell them until they finally land on the correct words. And when they do, everyone celebrates! A delightfully funny book that parents will enjoy reading to their own babies. $16.99
LITTLE SLEEPYHEAD By Elizabeth McPike, Illustrated by Patrice Barton “Little Sleepyhead” makes you want to curl up and snuggle with your babies, big and small. It reads like a lullaby with soft sweet words and pictures that will make you nostalgic for those bedtime cuddles. $16.99
V RTUAL S C H O O L
Attend a Public School Online at No Cost!
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Allows students to satisfy the online learning graduation requirement Courses offered at no cost to residents of Broward County Fully accredited Allows self-motivated, hard-working students to pursue their educational goals in a more flexible environment • Allows parents to play a larger role in their child’s education • NCAA Approved BVS offers the following face-to-face extracurricular activities:
• National Honor Society membership • National Junior Honor Society membership • Key Club • Florida Future Educators of America • Academic Competitions
• College Planning Seminars • Junior/Senior Prom • Formal Graduation ceremony for Seniors • Field Trips
For more information visit our website or give us a call!
www.bved.net • 754-321-6050
Go to SouthFloridaParenting.com to enter to win some of these items
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out about WINTER 2015
in your neighborhood
HOLIDAY LISTINGS BY COUNTY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BASS PRO SHOPS SANTA’S WONDERLAND Through Dec. 24. Free photos with Santa, crafts for kids, games and activities to celebrate the season, and more. basspro.com/santa SANTA IS WAITING Through Dec. 24. Holiday photos with Santa. Miami International Mall, 1455 NW 107th Ave., Doral. 305-593-1777 or simon.com/mall/ miami-international-mall SANTA IS WAITING Through Dec. 24. Holiday photos with Santa. Dadeland Mall, 7535 N. Kendall Drive, Miami. 305-665-6227 or simon.com/mall/dadelandmall SANTA IS WAITING Through Dec. 24. Holiday photos with Santa. The Falls, 8888 SW 136th St., Miami. 305255-4571 or simon.com/mall/the-falls PHOTOS WITH SANTA Through Dec. 24. Holiday photos with Santa. Southland Mall, center court, 20505 S. Dixie Highway, Miami, 305-235-8880 or mysouthlandmall.com CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE PEANUTS GANG Through Dec. 24. Interact with Peanuts characters in the 30-foot dome Ice Palace, complete with falling snow and a light show. Kids can also watch scenes from the new movie, take photos with a life-size graphic of Snoopy and his doghouse and more. Visit with Santa Claus included with the Ice Palace experience. Those who visit Santa will receive a complimentary gift. Noon-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Noon-10 p.m. FridaySunday. Dolphin Mall, 11401 NW 12th St., Miami. shopdolphinmall.com/events THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE 2015 Through Dec. 27. Set to the sounds of the movie soundtrack, guests will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along to the Polar Express story. Santa will board to greet each child and present them with a special gift. Train ride is 60 minutes. Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 12450 SW 152nd St., Miami. Tickets start at $35. Children under 2 are free, but must sit in adult’s lap. 305-253-0063 or gcrm.org SANTA’S ENCHANTED FOREST Through Jan. 3. Holiday theme park and carnival featuring rides, shows, games and more. Admission includes parking, all rides and shows. 5:30 p.m.-midnight daily. Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40th St., Miami. Adults, $30.84 plus tax; children 3-9, $21.49 plus tax. 305-559-9689 or santasenchantedforest.com SANTA HOURS AT PINTO’S FARMS Through Jan. 11. 6:45 p.m. Monday-Friday; Noon, 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Pinto’s Farm, 14890 SW 216th St., Miami. pintofarm.com/winterland-at-the-farm
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WINTERLAND AT THE FARM Through Jan. 11. Illuminated forest, snow, holiday treats, hot chocolate, hay, train, battle boat and pony rides, meet Santa Claus, Nix the snowman and Sprinkle the gingerbread cookie. Visit website for prices and holiday closure dates. 3-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. SaturdaySunday. Pinto’s Farm, 14890 SW 216th St., Miami. pintofarm.com/winterland-at-the-farm SANTA PAWS Dec. 2, 9, 16. Bring your pets to Dolphin Mall for their photo with Santa. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Pets must be on leashes or in crates and all shots up to date. 11401 NW 12th St., Miami. 305-365-7446 or shopdolphinmall.com PET PHOTO NIGHT AT THE FALLS Dec. 2. Bring your pets to The Falls center court for their photo with Santa. 7-9 p.m. Everyone who visits Santa with their pets will receive a The Falls branded doggie bowl. Miami-Dade Animal Services will be doing “forever home” adoptions 4-8 p.m. in the parking lot by Talbots & Chicos. The Falls, 8888 SW 136th St., Miami. 305255-4571 or simon.com/mall/the-falls ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Dec. 4. Enjoy holiday music, and children can participate in the lighting of the tree. 7-9 p.m. Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72nd Ave., Miami. Adults, $12; ages 4-14, $7. 305-2351668 or deeringestate.org BARRY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS Dec. 4. Lights, Santa’s toy shop, marketplace, visit the “North Pole Post Office” to write a Christmas wish list, face painting, puppet-making, cookie, stocking and ornament decorating and more. 5-10 p.m. Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores. barry.edu/75 THIRD ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Dec. 5. Bounce house, popcorn and snow cones, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa Claus, live performances, and the Christmas tree lighting with a special guest. 2-8 p.m. CocoWalk, 3015 Grande Ave., Coconut Grove. coconutgrove.com or natalia@grovebid.com PINECREST GARDENS SIXTH HOLIDAY FESTIVAL Dec. 5. Performances, letters to Santa, holiday cookies, hot chocolate, pony rides, face painting, wild animal shows, arts and crafts, midway rides, model trains and pictures with Santa. See website for ticket information. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 S. Red Road, Miami. 305-669-6990 or pinecrestgardens.org SANTA AT MALL OF THE AMERICAS Dec. 5-24. Holiday photos with Santa. Visit website for times and dates. 1-3 p.m. Mall of the Americas, 7795 West Flagler St., Miami. malloftheamericas.com HOLIDAY FESTIVAL Dec. 6. Photos with Santa, carolers, live music, theater and dance, puppeteers, face painters,
pony rides, carnival rides, food and the lighting of the holiday tree at sundown. Tickets $5; ages 2 and younger free. 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest. 305-669-6990 or pinecrest-fl.gov 33RD ANNUAL SOUTH MIAMI PARADE OF THE ELVES Dec. 6. Starring Santa Claus and Billy the Marlin as the Grand Marshal and Pam Giganti, NBC6 anchor, as emcee. 2 p.m. Sunset Drive (US1 to 57th Ave.) and Red Road (72nd St. to 74th St.), Miami THE SHOPS AT SUNSET PLACE SANTA’S WORKSHOP Dec. 6. 3-7 p.m. Arts and crafts, face painting, giveaways, holiday music, entertainment and more after the South Miami Parade of the Elves. The Shops at Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Drive Suite 350, South Miami. 305-663-0482 or theshopsatsunsetplace.com CELEBRACIÓN NAVIDENA Dec. 12. 1-3 p.m. Mall of the Americas, 7795 West Flagler St., Miami. malloftheamericas.com SNOW FEST AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DAY PARADE Dec. 12. Snow mountain, ice skating, music, rides, slides, raffles, arts and crafts, food for sale, and more. 6-11 p.m. Along Northeast 19th Avenue between 168th and 172nd Streets, Miami. Snow pass, $5 a child. 305-948-2957 CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY AT NORTH Dec. 12. Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead a parade of Santa’s little helpers, Disney characters and marching bands. Photo opportunities with Santa, 12-foot mountain of snow, live performances, wild animal shows, petting zoo, games, arts and crafts pavilion, holidays-around-theworld center, Candy Land food court and more. Families are encouraged to bring a toy for the toy drive. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. MDC North Campus, 11380 NW 27th Ave., Miami. 305-237-1141 HISTORYMIAMI FAMILY FUN DAY: MUSIC OF THE HOLIDAYS Dec. 12. Holiday music performance, crafts, storytelling and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. HistoryMiami, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami. Free. 305375-1492 or historymiami.org HOLIDAY EVENING AT VIZCAYA Dec. 16. Historic holiday music on our pipe organ, old-world Christmas tree, and the courtyard decorated with wreaths and garland. 6-9 p.m. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami. Adults, $22.09, ages 6-12, $16.82. 305-860-8423 or 2015holidayatvizcaya.eventbrite.com LIVE LIKE BELLA NIGHTS OF LIGHTS Dec. 18-Jan. 2. Pictures with Santa every night, and select evenings will feature Christmas music, storytelling, pony rides and more. 6-9 p.m. Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 S. Red Road, Miami. 305-669-6990 or pinecrestgardens.org ZOO LIGHTS Dec. 18-30. After-hours family event with more than half a million bright, animal-shaped lights and tree lights. Free 3D glasses with admission, hot chocolate and cookies, yuletide carolers, carousel rides, and photos with Santa. Nominal price for some activities. Dinner with Santa on Dec. 19 is a special-ticket event. 7-10 p.m. Zoo Miami, 1 Zoo Blvd., 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami. $6.95 admission ages 3 and up, or $11.75 with refreshment package. Shop.zoomiami.org
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ICE PALACE 2015
Dolphin Mall 2nd Floor Ramblas featuring
IN THEATERS NOW
©2015 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. PEANUTS ©Peanuts Worldwide LLC
Visit Santa now through December 24
11401 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 305.365.7446 • shopdolphinmall.com
Go on a magical journey through the Ice Palace, have your picture taken with Santa and enjoy a very special gift.
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CITY OF NORTH MIAMI BEACH PARKS & R.E.C. IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NORTH MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
SN W FEST AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DAY PARADE
A FAMILY HOLIDAY EVENT SNOW PASS $5.00 PER CHILD
SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 D 6:00PM - 11:00PM SNOW MOUNTAIN • ICE SKATING • MUSIC RIDES • SLIDES • FOOD FOR SALE • RAFFLES ARTS & CRAFTS • AND MORE!
ALONG NE 19TH AVENUE BETWEEN 168TH AND 172ND STREETS FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (305) 948-2957
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WILD HOLIDAYS AT JUNGLE ISLAND Dec. 19-Jan. 3. Assorted activities including holiday parades with the park’s wild animal friends, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts through the jungle and more. Visit website for discount. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami. Adults, $34.95; children, $26.95. jungleisland.com/wildholidays MIAMI OUTBOARD CLUB HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE Dec.19. Bayfront Park is the official viewing site for the Miami Outboard Club Holiday Boat Parade, which expects to have almost 100 decorated boats participate. Park will have food vendors, a bounce house, a DJ and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami. mocholidayboatparade.com
BROWARD COUNTY WATER TAXI HOLIDAY LIGHT TOUR Through Dec. 16. Water Taxi light tour with musical performances by local churches and Christmas Carol sing-alongs. Dock can accommodate wheelchairs. 6-7:30 p.m. MondayWednesday. Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, 1881 SE 17th Street Causeway, Fort Lauderdale. Adults, $25; children, $10. 954-467-6677 or watertaxi.com SANTA IS WAITING Through Dec. 24. Holiday photos with Santa. Coral Square Mall, center court, 9469 W. Atlantic Blvd., Coral Springs. 954-755-5552 or simon.com/mall/coral-square
SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN Through Dec. 24. Visit Santa. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Westfield Broward, 8000 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. westfield. com SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS Through Dec. 31. Selfies with Santa, train rides and more. 6-11 p.m. Every hour on the hour. Gulfstream Park, Champions Plaza, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach. 954-4547000 or gulfstreampark.com HOLIDAY FANTASY OF LIGHTS Through Jan. 2. Three miles of giant animated holiday displays and illuminated trees. Open nightly including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 6-10 p.m. Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek. $15 per car. holidaylightsdrivethru.com 53RD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ON LAS OLAS Dec. 1. Sled down Snow Mountain, a two-story ice-covered slope, ice skating, choirs and performances, photos with Santa Claus, food, beverage, holiday booths, and a showing of “Polar Express.” 5-10 p.m. Between SE 6th Ave. and SE 11th Ave. on Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. 954-258-8382 or lasolasboulevard.com SANTA PAWS Dec. 2-16. Bring pets to the mall for their photo with Santa. Broward County Animal Care will be there with pets to adopt. Adoption times 4-6 p.m. 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Westfield Broward, 8000 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. westfield.com
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Yamila Lomba, Icons by Freepik.com
WINTER WONDERLAND Dec. 3-Jan. 9. Featuring over 40 themed Christmas trees, Hanukkah exhibit and Kwanzaa display. Santa Claus, steel drum, and tropical holiday music. Plantation Historical Museum, 511 N. Fig Tree Lane, Plantation. YULETIDE ON ATLANTIC Dec. 3. Floats, marching bands, dancers, fire clowns, children’s activities, glitter tattoos, inflatable slides and photo opportunities with Santa. Afterparty at McNab Park. 6:30 p.m. Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach. 954-7864111 or pompanobeachfl.gov HOLIDAY LIGHTS CELEBRATION Dec. 4. Annual lighting of the East Hallandale Beach Boulevard holiday lights, and visit with Santa. Food will be available for sale. 6- 10 p.m. East Hallandale Beach Blvd., 1750 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach. Free entry; $5 ride wristband for rides. 954-457-1452 or hallandalebeachfl.gov OCEAN WAY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION AND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Dec. 5. Musical performances, kids activities, photos with Santa, tasty holiday treats, and snow showers. 5-9 p.m. International Fishing Pier, 200 NE 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach. Free. 954-480-4429 60TH ANNUAL CANDY CANE PARADE Dec. 5. “Sea Of Lights” theme. Visit website for more information. 7 p.m. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. fl-hollywood.civicplus.com THE 12TH ANNUAL HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND LIGHTING CEREMONY Dec. 5. House tours, raffle and silent auction, live entertainment and DJ, food, and a visit from Santa and Ronald McDonald. Event helps raise money to help seriously ill children and their families stay at the Ronald McDonald Houses of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Festive attire. 6-9 p.m. Ronald McDonald House of Fort Lauderdale, 15 SE 15th Street, Fort Lauderdale. $30; ages 12 and under, free. rmhcsouthflorida.org LIGHTING OF THE GREENS AND SOUTH FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS JINGLE BELL PARADE Dec. 5. Santa arrives by fire engine, tree lighting, horse parade down Orange Drive, pictures with Santa, drinks and cookies, climbing wall, bounce house, entertainment, and 20 tons of snow. Small fee for some activities. 6 p.m. Town Hall, 6591 Orange Drive, Davie. Free admission. PAWS WITH CLAUS HOLIDAY PAWTY Dec. 5. Dress your pet up for the best-dressed holiday hound contest and photos with Santa. 9-11 a.m. Gary B. Jones Park for People and Pups, 8101 Southgate Blvd., Tamarac. 954597-3620 ANNUAL SNOWFEST CELEBRATION Dec. 5. Fifty tons of snow, visits with Santa, face painting, rides, games, arts and crafts, holiday performances, musical entertainment, Food Truck Round-Up, and more. Call or email for cost. 2-6 p.m. Pines Recreation Center, 7400 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines. 954-435-6525 or fnovo@ppines.com FAMILY FUN DAYS Dec. 5, 12, 19. Bring cameras to take free pictures with Santa. Call or visit website for more information. Also, have breakfast with Santa 10-11 a.m. Dec. 5 (ticketed event). 11-2 p.m. Pompano Citi Centre, 1955 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach. Free. 954-943-4683 or pompanociticentre.com
join us for fun and educational activities Come to HistoryMiami Museum to discover history through theme-based gallery activities and monthly interactive events.
fRee
FAMILY FUN DAYS Join us the second Saturday of each month for exciting, one-of-a-kind activities including guided tours, craft activities and live performances from community based artists.
OVERNIGHT CAMP-INS Embark on an overnight adventure filled with fun and learning, surrounded by captivating artifacts and thrilling stories. Campers will explore the galleries, enjoy arts and crafts, skits and other hands-on activities. Find, like and follow #HistoryMiami www.historymiami.org
101C West Flagler Street Miami, FL 33130
To request materials in accessible format, and /or any accommodation, please call 305-375-1621 or email: accessibility@historymiami.org. Support HistoryMiami Museum through our membership programs, call 305-375-1618 or email membership@historymiami.org. Parking available at discounted rate for museum patrons in the Miami-Dade Cultural Plaza Garage, 50 NW 2nd Ave.
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SANTA CLAUS AT POMPANO CITI CENTRE Dec. 6, 13, 20-24. Bring cameras to take free pictures with Santa. Call or visit website for more information. 11-3 p.m. and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Pompano Citi Centre, 1955 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach. Free. 954-9434683 or pompanociticentre.com 5TH ANNUAL FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA Dec. 6. 1-3 p.m. The Promenade at Coconut Creek, 4443 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek. promenade@peakseven.com 5TH ANNUAL FREE MENORAH LIGHTING Dec. 7. Crafts, games, songs and the lighting of the Menorah. 5:30 p.m. The Promenade at Coconut Creek, 4443 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek. thepromenadeatcoconutcreek.com 36TH ANNUAL SOUTH FLORIDA CHANUKAH FESTIVAL Dec. 7. Jewish musician Avraham Fried will headline. 7-11 p.m. Gulfstream Park and Casino, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach. 954-458-1877 or chabadsouthbroward.com SANTA’S SWITCHBOARD Dec. 9-10. Visit website and fill out the online form to receive a call from Santa. Santa is trilingual and can call in English, Spanish and Creole. 4-7 p.m. 954-786-4111 or pompanobeachfl.gov JOINING FORCES FOR THE HOLIDAYS CORAL SPRINGS HOLIDAY PARADE Dec. 9. This year’s parade will be led by Darth Vader and members of the 501st Legion Everglades Squad in their full Star Wars regalia.
The parade will also feature marching bands, decorated floats and other entries. 7 p.m. West Sample Road, Coral Springs. 954-345-2112, CoralSprings.org/holidayparade, or coralsprings.org RUDOLPH’S WINTER WONDERLAND Dec. 11. Reindeer games, bounce houses, face painting, carnival games, pictures with Santa, and a special appearance by Rudolph the rednosed reindeer. 6-8 p.m. Tamarac Park, 7501 N. University Drive, Tamarac. 954-597-3620 BETHLEHEM REVISITED 2015 Dec. 11-15. Living interactive recreation of the town of Bethlehem as it may have appeared 2,000 years ago. Featuring authentic marketplace, livestock, shepherds, Roman soldiers, storytellers, and a living Nativity. 7-9 p.m. Friday; 6-9 p.m. Saturday- Sunday; 7-9 p.m. Monday-Tuesday. First Church Coral Springs, 8650 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs. Free admission. 954-752-0333, firstchurchcoralsprings.com or bethlehem-revisited.com 44TH SEMINOLE HARD ROCK WINTERFEST BOAT PARADE Dec 12. Grand Marshal Nick Cannon. Honorary Parade Captain Capt. Lee, beauty queens and more, all celebrating on 12 miles of waterway with the theme “Fairy Tales Afloat.” 6:30 p.m. 512 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale. $25. 954767-0686 or WinterfestParade.com CHRISTMAS NEAR THE BEACH Dec. 12. Singers, dancers and bands. Lawn seating. Bring a beach chair or blanket. 4-9 p.m. ArtsPark at Young Circle, 1 Young Circle, Hollywood. christmasnearthebeach.com
DOWNTOWN IN DECEMBER Dec. 12. Holiday treats, hot cocoa and a chance of snow. Outdoor showing of short holiday films will begin at 7 p.m. at Downtown Coral Springs, 9400 W. Sample Road, just west of University Drive. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Food and refreshments available for purchase. 5 p.m. 9405 NW 31st Court, Coral Springs. 954-344-1111 or coralsprings.org SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS DEC. 12, 13, 19, 20. Snow Mound and holiday craft projects for the kids, then help Mrs. Claus pass out the animal’s gifts from Santa. Santa visits begin at 4 p.m. preceding the Garden of Lights show. 2 p.m. Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie. Activities included with paid admission. 954-473-2955 or admin@ flamingogardens.org GARDEN OF LIGHTS Saturday and Sundays Dec. 12-27. Lights and decorations, holiday music, visits from Santa, and a holiday light show set to music. 5-8 p.m. Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S Flamingo Road, Davie. 954-473-2955 or flamingogardens.org OLD DAVIE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY Dec. 13. Ages 10 and under. Pictures with Santa, pony rides, petting zoo, old-fashioned games, and lunch. Fee for some items and activities. Noon-3 p.m. Old Davie School Museum, 6650 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale. 954797-1044 WINTER WONDERLAND Dec. 13. Snow, Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, holiday games, and photos with Santa. 3-6 p.m. Sun-
KID’S CULTURE TORTOISE & THE HARE 1/30
Come an hour early for FREE facepainting, storytelling, art activities and meet our Kids Culture Mascot, Buddy the Bookworm. For information, visit www.miramarculturalcenter.org
ALICE IN WONDERLAND 3/5 ANNIE SING-ALONG 12/4
THE CONCH FRITTERS “GUMBO FOR KIDS” 4/2
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Miramar Cultural Center | ArtsPark 2400 Civic Center Place Miramar, FL 33025 F 954.602.4500 AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR 4/15
THEATRE | EDUCATION | EVENTS | EXHIBITS
DECEMBER 2015
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rise Civic Center Theatre, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise. $5. 954-747-4646 or sunrisefl.gov CHILDREN’S CANDY CANE HUNTS Dec. 15-16. Ages 3-9. Santa has hidden candy canes, so children can dress in pajamas, bring a flashlight, decorate a bag, and hunt for the canes. Frosty the Snowman will be attending. Ages 3 to 6, Dec. 15; ages 7-9, Dec. 16. Register online or by phone. 6:30-8 p.m. Coconut Creek Community Center, 1100 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek. Residents, $15; non-residents, $20. 954545-6670 or CoconutCreek.net/webtrac HOLIDAY HAYRIDE Dec. 18. Horse-drawn hayride through a holiday decorated park. Enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate, a holiday craft, and watch “Bah Humduck, A Looney Tunes Christmas” on an outdoor screen. No wristbands will be sold at the park, purchase wristbands at the Community Center. 6-8:30 p.m. Sabal Pines Park, 5005 NW 39th Ave., Coconut Creek. Residents, $5; nonresidents, $7. 954-545-6620 or coconutcreek. net/events SANTA’S CHRISTMAS EVE VISIT Dec. 24. Santa and his elves will visit every street in Plantation on Christmas Eve. Santa and his elves will be coming down Plantation’s streets, preceded by a police car with sirens announcing their arrival. Santa will be giving out candy canes to all the boys and girls waiting for his arrival. Children should listen for the sirens and be outside waiting curbside with parents. Call for more information. 5-10 p.m. Plantation. 954-452-2510 ROCK’N NOON YEAR’S EVE PARTY Dec. 31. Countdown and a Balloon Drop at Noon. Create a party hat and design a fireworks display to celebrate the New Year. Activities included with paid admission to the Museum. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Young At Art Museum, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie. $14; Broward County residents and children over 1, $12. 954-424-0085 or YoungAtArtMuseum.org
PALM BEACH COUNTY PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA Through Dec. 6. Sundays. The Gardens Mall, 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. RSVP. 561-775-7550 SANTA IS WAITING Through Dec. 24. Holiday photos with Santa. Boynton Beach Mall, 801 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-736-7902 or simon.com/ mall/boynton-beach-mall SANTA IS WAITING Through Dec. 24. Holiday photos with Santa. Town Center at Boca Raton, 6000 Glades Road, Boca Raton. 561-368-6001 or simon.com/mall/ town-center-at-boca-raton SNOWFALLS AT CITYPLACE Through Dec. 31. 6-7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 6, 7, 8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. 561-3661000 or cityplace.com DOWNTOWN LIGHTS THE NIGHT Through Dec. 31. Half a million holiday lights set to seasonal music. 6, 7, 8, 9 p.m. nightly. Downtown at the Gardens, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens. 561-3401600 or downtownatthegardens.com CHRISTMAS AT CASON COTTAGE Dec. 1-31. “Twas the Night Before Christmas” Children’s Night. Call for times. 5 NE First St.,
Delray Beach. 561-274-9578 or delraybeachhistory.org TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL Dec. 2. 6-8 p.m. Burns Road Recreation Center, 4404 Burns Road, Palm Beach. 561-630-1146 or jnelli@pbgfl.com SANDI LAND: HOLIDAY IN PARADISE Dec. 3-31. Free entertainment and familyfriendly festivities including “Sandi,” a holiday tree made from 600 tons of sand, standing 35 feet tall, that comes to life nightly with musical light shows. Other activities include creating a Florida-style snowman in Snowie-Ville, Glow FORE It mini golf, Holiday FantaSEA aquarium, and more. wpb.org/events or 561-822-1515 100-FOOT CHRISTMAS LIGHTING Dec. 3. Santa will arrive via helicopter at 7:15 p.m. to light the Christmas tree. Directly following the Tree Lighting Santa will be available for photos. 5 p.m. Old School Square Park, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 100ftChristmasTree.com 561-278-0424 9TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES Dec. 4-16. More than 25 professionally decorated trees, light and music show, performances by musicians, dancers and actors, holiday refreshments, and shopping in the Holiday House. Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, 2051 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Members and seniors $15; non-member adults $20; children $7. 561-832-5328 WINTERFEST LANTANA Dec. 4. Music, rides, drone simulation, food vendors, magic tricks, tree lighting, Santa and
more. 5-9 p.m. Lantana Recreation Center, 418 S. Dixie Highway, Lantana. Free. lantana.org HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AT EVENING ON THE AVENUE Dec. 4. 6-10 p.m. Cultural Plaza, 414 Lake Ave., Lake Worth. lakeworth.org/events 45TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE Dec. 5. Holiday floats, marching units, bands, and dance troops. 3 p.m. Downtown Boynton Beach, Federal Highway between Woolbright Road and Ocean Avenue. boynton-beach.org BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Dec. 5. A South Florida Parenting magazine event. After breakfast, activities for kids will run from 9-11 a.m. with visits with Santa, cookie decorating, holiday ornament craft activity, magic shows, a 4-in-one inflatable amusement, and face painting. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Palm Beach Outlets, 1751 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach. southfloridaparenting.com LUNCH WITH SANTA Dec. 5. Children can enjoy a festive lunch with Santa, face painting, crafts, games and entertainment. Children under age 11 can receive a gift from Santa himself. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Greenacres Community Center, Greenacres Community Park, 2905 Jog Road, Greenacres. $3. ci.greenacres.fl.us HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Dec. 5. Tree lighting followed by King Guys “The Cool Yule Band.” Please bring seating. 7 p.m. Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. 561-753-2484
Performing Arts Theatre “South Florida’s newest state of the art Ice Skating Facility”
January is National Ice Skating Month. Come celebrate with us on January 30th 6-8pm Public Skate
IT’S ALL HERE. IN ONE PLACE. Figure Skating. Hockey. Gymnastics. Birthday Parties. Public Skating. Pro Shop. Rapid Shot Training. Private Lessons. Group Classes. Synthetic Ice Rink. Ballet. Yoga. Fitness Center. And More.
Registration Open for Holiday Learn To Skate Camp 12-28 12-31 & Weekly Learn To Skate School starting in January
WINTER BREAK CAMP
Now in our 10th year! December 21st - 31st, 2015 9am- 3pm (extended day 8am-6pm)
Performance on Dec 31st Space is limited to the first 25 campers!! Generous Camp Discounts!
20% off tuition when registering before Thanksgiving (Nov 26th)!! plus always a 20% sibling discount!
For Details and Registration Visit www.showtimeboca.com or Call (561)-394-2626 503 SE Mizner Blvd. Boca
1590 N. FLORIDA MANGO RD. WEST PALM BEACH, FL | 33409 (561) 656-4046 | WWW.PBIW.ORG DECEMBER 2015 |
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Voted Best Academic/ Arts Program in Palm Beach County 2015! and Best Children’s Theatre in South Florida!
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NOW SHOWING AT MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN
NATURE CONNECTS:
Art with LEGO® Bricks Blockbuster Exhibit November 14, 2015 – February y 14, 2016
The Nature Connects: Art with LEGO® Bricks exhibit features nearly 500,000 LEGO bricks transformed by artist Sean Kenney into 15 amazing sculptures set in whimsical garden displays throughout 14 beautiful acres. Join us for this unforgettable experience! Contact Mounts at 561-233-1730 or visit mounts.org for more information.
Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County 559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
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FIESTA DE PUEBLO Dec. 5. Family event highlighting the Hispanic culture through food, music, art and fun inflatable amusements. 3-10 p.m. Greenacres Community Center, Greenacres Community Park, 2905 Jog Road, Greenacres. Free. ci.greenacres.fl.us THE 27TH ANNUAL LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE Dec. 5-6. Free pictures with Santa in the lobby before the show. Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, 1977 SW College Drive, Belle Glade. $5. 561993-1160 or dollyhand.org TIS THE SEASON FOR SCIENCE Dec. 5-20. Special guest appearances, Dinothemed activities, polymer snow, gumdrop lab and more. Tis the Season events are included with admission. 4 p.m. weekends. South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach. Adults, $16.95; children 3-12, $14.95. 561-832-1988 or sfsciencecenter.org ANNUAL HANUKKAH CELEBRATION Dec. 6. 5 p.m. Boynton Beach Mall, 801 N Congress Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-736-7902 or simon.com/mall/boynton-beach-mall MENORAH LIGHTING Dec. 6. Lighting of the Menorah at Delray Beach Center for the Arts front lawn. Sundown. 51 N Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 561-243-7000 or mydelraybeach.com or tmazer@delraybeach.com CHRISTKINDLMARKT Dec. 6. Traditional food and drinks, vendor shopping, an outdoor ice skating rink, family friendly activities, and live entertainment and performances. There will also be a lantern parade, tree lighting, and the chance to meet the Christkind and Santa Claus. Admission is waived by bringing a new unwrapped toy for the club’s Toy Run. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. American German Club of the Palm Beaches, 5111 Lantana Road, Lake Worth. $8; ages under 12, free. 561-967-6464 or americangermanclub.org BOYNTON BEACH 44TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE Dec. 11. Brightly-decorated boats line up at the Lantana Bridge near Old Key Lime House and motor south along the Intracoastal Waterway to the C-15 canal in Delray. Viewing areas are located at the Boynton Harbor Marina, Intracoastal Park and along the parade route. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. 5:30-8 p.m. Boynton Harbor Marina, 735 Casa Loma Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-243-7000 or catchboynton.com DANCE PARTY WITH SANTA Dec. 11. Dance and party with Santa himself. 6:30-8 p.m. Jupiter Community Center, 200 Military Trail, Jupiter. Adults, $8-10; ages 2-12, $12-15. jupiter.fl.us 32ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE Dec. 13. Parade of floats created by school bands, local organizations, baton twirlers, and Santa Claus. Vendors will be on-site with items available for purchase. 1:30 p.m. Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. 561-753-2484 or wellingtonfl.gov FREE FAMILY FUN FEST Dec. 13. Winter Wonderland. Visit website for more information. 1-4 p.m. CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. 561-3661000 or cityplace.com ANN NORTON CHILDREN’S GALA Dec. 13. Special performances, music, and child-friendly refreshments. 5-7 p.m. Ann Nor-
ton Sculpture Gardens, 2051 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. $40. 561-832-5328 COOKIE CRUISE WITH SANTA Dec. 13, 20. Join Santa for cruise on the Intracoastal. Price includes visit with Santa, cookies and milk or hot chocolate, coffee and tea, and a craft. Photo with Santa available for $10. Tickets must be purchased before event. $18; children under 2, free. 10 a.m.-noon. Delray Yacht Cruises, 801 E. Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach. 561-243-0686 or delraybeachcruises.com BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Dec. 13, 19, 20. Buffet breakfast, animal encounters, visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause, and photo opportunities. Visit website for times and prices. Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-547-9453 or palmbeachzoo.org SURFING SANTA Dec. 14, 18, 21. Join Surfing Santa as he teaches paddleboard, surfboard or kayaking lessons. Call to reserve time. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, 100 S Ocean Blvd, Manalapan. Mondays and Fridays. $30 per person. 561-540-4833 or AquaNuts@eaupalmbeach.com CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHIMPS Dec. 17. Santa Claus visits and brings gifts to Lion Country Safari’s chimp islands. 10:30 a.m. Lion Country Safari, 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee. Adults, $31.50; ages 3-9, $23. Parking, $7 per vehicle. 561-793-1084 or lioncountrysafari.com 5TH ANNUAL PILES OF SMILES SNOW DAY Dec. 19. Ages 4-12. 25 tons of real snow, giant inflatable polar bear slide, bounce house, sock skating rink, obstacle course games, sweet treat decoration station, Ice Age Excavation activity, crafts, music, character appearances, family movie, and more. Rides and activities for children only. Price includes snow play, plus wristband access to all winter activities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Adult admission included with child admission of $15. 561-347-3900 or SugarSandPark.org WINTER KIDS FUN FESTIVAL Dec. 22. Over 20 bounce houses, giant slides, and Crazy Games Kid Zone. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Royal Palm Beach Commons, 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Advance tickets, $10; day of, $12. 561-386-9703 or crazygames2011@hotmail.com FIRST NIGHT 2016 Dec. 31. Family friendly party for toddlers to teens includes a fireworks finale. Wristbands provide unlimited access to various activities 5 p.m.-midnight. Downtown Delray Beach. In advance, $10; at the door, $15; children under 3, free. visitdelraybeach.org/FirstNight NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION Dec. 31. Snowfalls, live music and more. Visit website for more information. CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. 561-3661000 or cityplace.com NOON YEAR’S EVE Dec. 31. Ring in 2016 with a dance party, science crafts and Dino-themed activities, popcorn, snow cones, a Dry Ice apple cider toast, decorate party hats and horns and enjoy Dino crafts and activities. Event is included with paid admission to the Science Center. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. South Florida Science Center, 4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach. $16.95, ages 3-12, $12.95. 561-370-7703 or sfsciencecenter.org
DECEMBER 2015
11/18/15 10:58 AM
DECEMBER Winners PRESENTED BY
BROWARD COUNTY
PALM BEACH COUNTY
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Ms. De La Cruz is always starting off the morning with a happy face. She’s always nice to me, and even when she’s mad at me, she’s always still amazing. She makes learning fun. She’s always happy to see me. She makes every grade the best grade. Carol I had her for 3rd grade, too. She’s the best on so many levels. She’s a De La Cruz wonderful person every single day. Fourth Grade She’s super nice every minute of every day. She’s impressive with her Horizon Elementary teacher skills. She’s super kind to me. She makes learning fun and easy.
Ms. Plaisance is the most caring and creative teacher. On the meet-the-teacher night, she gave cards to the students that were not supposed to be opened until the night before school started. The card had written in it: “I’ve made this magic confetti for you, Full of promises for the whole year through. On Sunday night when you lay down your head, Just sprinkle some under your pillow in bed. The confetti will help you sleep through the night, And wake up in the morning fresh and bright. I’ll sprinkle the confetti under my pillow too, Because I am so super excited to see you.” Ms. Plaisance has also come up with a program called Super Hero of the Week, and this is to keep the children motivated in several ways. I feel from these wonderful innovative ideas is why she rocks.
Miss Gispert cares about me, not just to make me learn, but to make me be a better person, more confident and aware of my feelings. Her teaching goes beyond math and reading. She is teaching me values that I will never forget. She is also passionate, funny and sensitive. She brings out the best in me.
Nominated by Preston Fay
Nominated by Kari A. Yerg-Reddy
Collette Plaisance First Grade Wellington
Gabriela Gispert Kindergarten The Mandelstam
Preparatory School
School
Nominated by Felix Dulce Barrionuevo
Nominate a teacher who deserves recognition PRESENTED BY
Throughout the 2015-16 school year, we ask parents and students from elementary schools in the tri-county area to nominate their favorite teachers who deserve to be recognized. A teacher and nominator from each county will be awarded each month and will be featured in print and online.
Tell us in 150 words or less why your teacher rocks,and you could win tickets to local attractions compliments of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Go to SouthFloridaParenting.com to nominate. Click on “My Kid’s Teacher Rocks” and fill out the form. PRIZE SPONSORS
Enhancing the lives of families since 1990
Winners will be chosen monthly from eligible entries from each county. Essays will be judged on content, creativity and clarity.
Go to SouthFloridaParenting.com to nominate DECEMBER 2015 |
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WINTER CAMPS offer cool activities for kids this holiday season BY JOANIE COX-HENRY It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and while, sadly, most adults do not get a winter break from work, most children are off school. In a home where both parents work full time, this can cause a conundrum. But South Florida’s winter camps might make your kids happy they are not home during winter break this year. Many cities, counties, zoos, museums, and sports and after-care programs offer mini camps during the break. Here are just a few:
PALM BEACH COUNTY SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM Montessori school with nationally certified Montessori teachers. Our students enjoy learning and consistently gain entrance into the finest schools: St. Thomas Aquinas, NSU University School, American Heritage, Cardinal Gibbons, International Baccalaureate Programs, South Plantation, Environmental Science Magnet Program. We are also the site of an accredidated Montessori Ask teacher training center. About VPK
5451 SW 64th Ave. Davie, FL 33314
(954) 584-3466 Call for a tour
info@summitquest.com www.summitquest.com
4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, 561-832-1988, Sfsciencecenter.org/camp Science-loving children ages 4 to 12 will delight in the Sub-Zero Science camp Dec. 21-23. Participants will get a chance to engage in some literally very cool experiments. Then Dec. 28-30 is Blizzard Blast Off. Children will explore the science behind the food our astronauts eat and learn just how that freeze-dried food is prepared. On Jan. 4, there is a one-day camp called New Year Explosions. The title pretty much says it all. One-day camps cost $50 for non-members, $45 for members. Three-day camps cost $150 for non-members, $135 for members. Before and after care is available.
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11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Suite 4102, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-630-3450, Crafthauspalmbeach.com Geared toward ages 5-12, this arts camp gets kids to unleash their crafty side Dec. 21-23 when they make glass snowflakes and their very own mug to take home for the holidays. Then Dec. 28-30, this cool winter camp continues where children can paint ceramic penguins and other Antarctic creatures. Full days cost $69 per child, half days cost $49 per child.
BROWARD COUNTY ACTS 2 ACRES 4000 NW 43rd St., Coconut Creek, 954-326-2528, Acts2acres.com Get your children in the saddle with Acts 2 Acres winter camp Dec. 21-24 and Dec. 28-31. Children ages 5-15 are grouped with their peers and given riding lessons, taught how to groom and tack horses, taught barn management and given the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts and even “paint the ponies.” Children must wear long pants, boots or sneakers and pack a lunch along
with sunblock and a hat. Cost is $225 per week, and extended care is available. Call or email acts2acres@gmail.com to register.
WINTER BREAK TENNIS CAMP Veltri Tennis Center, 9101 NW Second St., Plantation,954-452-2530, Plantationtennis.org Tennis players ages 6-16 will love taking a swing at this camp, which includes lessons, matches and more. Campers must bring their own lunch, drinks and tennis racquet for the camp, which runs 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Dec. 21-24 and Dec. 28-31. Early drop-off is available. Cost is $135 for 4 days; $250 for 8 days; $42 daily; and $32 for a half day.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY JUNGLE ISLAND 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, 305-400-7000, Jungleisland.com/camp Unleash your child’s inner explorer with a camp experience packed with Madagascan lemurs, Australian red kangaroos, giant Aldabra tortoises and many other wild creatures. Available for ages 5-12, Ed-venture Camp at Jungle Island includes access to more than 400 animals, arts, crafts, story time and how the holidays are celebrated around the world. There is even an opportunity for the kids to join Jungle Island’s orangutans for a pre-New Year’s Eve party. Ed-venture Camps run Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30. Rates begin at $135 per session.
FLORIDA GYMNASTICS TRAINING CENTER 13115 SW 89th Ave., Miami, 305-251-4414, FGTC.net Teach and motivate your young tumbler with gymnastics camp. High-energy gymnastics, parachute games, trampoline games, arts and crafts, egg races and more. Camp runs Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30, and extended care is available. Cost is $125 a week or $50 daily. Campers must provide their own lunch and snacks. Visit SouthFloridaParenting.com to find more Winter Camp options
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11/18/15 11:31 AM
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financial » matters
Resisting the lure of holiday overspending By Elizabeth Roberts
Paul’s fork was frozen in mid-air, his eyes fixed on Sally Struther’s 1987 ad for Christian Children’s Fund. Playing on the television, it unfurled images of starving children against a narrative: “For about 70 cents, you can buy a can of soda or ….” Paul he began to cry. “Do you want to help, Paul?” I asked. He nodded. “Then let’s gather up some food and take it to a food pantry.” I don’t remember what time of year that took place, but it was a moment that continues to inform my son and never more so than as we enter the season-of-freneticshopping. The December holidays pale only in comparison to Halloween as celebrations
kids can relate to. They are advertised as a time for giving, but for kids honest enough to examine their souls, they are all about getting. Sure, they give gifts. Even then, however, many are thinking about what they can get in return. Those habits, if they carry into life, can contribute to statistics reported by thecreditexaminer.com: 52 percent of Americans are spending more than they earn -- much of it at Christmas. Resisting that trend begins as soon as kids have money. Financial experts say kids should get three jars along with their first allowance: one for saving, one for spending and one for charity, with the allowance divided accordingly.
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financial » matters As far as my kids were concerned, however, that third jar was a slush fund to be drawn on whenever Bottle No. 2 ran short. It was perennially empty, and short of posting a guard or administering a penalty for drawing from it, it was going to remain empty. So I examined the rationale behind Bottle No. 3. The idea, apparently, is to teach kids compassion. Saving like a miser might be good training for life, but it risks raising a child devoid of empathy. Since the idea is good, but it failed in application, I encouraged my kids to give of their time and talent instead of chucking money into a jar. They sold cookies for the Girl Scouts and washed dishes after church dinners; Paul helped the gardening committee tidy the garden at church; Sarah volunteered with a school beach cleanup. At Christmas, I encouraged them think of those who, perhaps, were not able to celebrate the holidays. Why? Because many adults spend more than they can afford at Christmas. The reasons are mostly psychological. Stores aid and abet by laying snares with extended hours, hyped sales and free shopping bags – and consumers indulge in shopping as therapy for guilt, remorse and other negative emotions in the psyche. When better to learn to ignore those
false prompts than as a child? Rejecting the false values of consumerism for genuine values – the key to staying within budget – requires ground-up training. When the kids were little, we used the December break to pull toy boxes out of the closet, making room for new gifts by
We baked cookies for neighbors and for friends in nursing homes, put them on pretty paper plates tied up with a ribbon, and delivered them personally – then stayed for a visit. They got used to making choices on early trips to the grocery store: “Do you want grapes or apples? We are not buying both.” On Christmas Day, a few years ago, when we unwrapped gifts, it was clear Sarah had those lessons in her heart. For her father, the avid reader, she bought a book; for her brother, the computer geek, a zip drive; for her Mom, the cook, a tea towel. Every present was personal, completely appreciated – and purchased from the dollar store.
Financial experts say kids should get three jars along with their first allowance: one for saving, one for spending and one for charity, with the allowance divided accordingly.
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The Best Gifts use of them a necessity!” I’m not a big fan of Black FriAh – age. Yes, time zooms by day, Cyber Monday or any of quickly. Which brings me back the shopping days leading up to to Christmas shopping. Do I Christmas. want to waste my precious minThough I enjoy giving gifts, utes fretting over presents? No! the problem is, “What do you The best presents aren’t tangible get year after year for loved ones anyway (though Jessie thinks a who have everything they need?” very tangible horse would make Even buying presents for Jesa fantastic gift). sie, my 10-year-old daughter, is PATRICK HEMPFING I’ll take family hugs in the becoming more of a challenge. kitchen with the dog sandwiched between No, Jessie, you won’t be getting a horse for Mattie, Jessie and me. Massaging Mattie’s Christmas. feet, propped on my lap, as we laugh together What to buy? Rush to purchase. Stand in at a TV show. Holding hands during walks. long lines. Time to wrap. Too few presents. Hearing kind, supportive words – daily terms Too many presents? Big credit card bills in of endearment like “my love” – from my January. More long lines to return gifts. wife. These are the best gifts, ones that fill I’m not trying to impersonate Scrooge, but my days with joy. “Bah Humbug!” We all know the holiday seaWith that said, I’m not Ebenezer Scrooge, son is about love, peace and goodwill. Why do and I agree that it’s nice to have a few preswe drive ourselves crazy? ents to open, especially for children. Last Speaking of love, and crazy, after a relaxing Christmas, I printed out a couple of pages night of tennis a few weeks ago, I stopped from the Save the Manatee Club and let Jesfor dinner at a local restaurant. Through the sie select a manatee to adopt. She chose years, I’ve heard waitresses use many difa 3-year-old named Squeaky, the youngest ferent terms of endearment, like “Darling,” manatee in the adoption program from Blue “Hon” and “Sweetie.” However, when the Spring State Park in Florida. 20-something waitress delivered my double I thought she’d enjoy this, because we visit steakburger and said, “Here you go, my love,” the park to look for manatees at least once a I thought I heard her wrong. “My love?” year. I was surprised, however, that it turned Heck, I’ve been married over 30 years, and I out to be her favorite gift. Go figure. don’t even get a “My love, would you please We asked about Squeaky on our last trip to take out the garbage?” Blue Spring State Park, but she hadn’t been I enjoyed my meal, and then paid with a spotted in the springs. We hope to see her credit card. When the waitress handed my next time. I can already hear Jessie shouting card back, she said, “Here you go, my love.” “Hi Cutie” at her adopted manatee. We just I gave her a 20 percent tip. have to hope this term of endearment doesn’t Of course, I drove straight home and go to Squeaky’s head. playfully bragged to my wife, Mattie, that a Love, peace, goodwill and helping an woman more than 20 years my junior called endangered species. They all beat standing in me “my love” – twice. Mattie rolled her eyes, long lines and trolling online stores, and they not a bit concerned, and told me to get over cost a lot less than stall rent and food bills for myself. Mattie keeps me humble. a horse. However, I couldn’t let the fun end. I Until next month, remember to cherish the emailed my wise writing buddy, Jan, to see if moments. Happy Holidays! she had ever heard a waitress use this expresIf you’d like to learn more about Save the sion. Jan felt that “my love” was the server’s Manatee Club, please check out their website go-to term for customers, rather than a special name for a sweat-soaked tennis player, at savethemanatee.org. but suggested I enjoy the moment anyway. She pointed out that when working for tips, Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional using terms of endearment is a good strategy. career in banking, accounting and auditing Hey, it worked with me. before he became a father at age 44. He is now Jan, a few years older than me, also noted a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and writer. that the waitress “will be glad she started Follow Patrick at www.facebook.com/patricklusing terms of endearment when she was hempfing and on Twitter @PatrickHempfing. young, because age has a way of making the
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TIPS for holiday travel By Heather Lopez
We are traveling to Orlando to visit with family for the holidays this year. We are instilling this familial bond and sense of tradition in our kids so they feel part of the loving whole and so they will recreate their experiences with their own kids someday. Knowing many of you will be traveling this year, we would love to help you create your own loving memories and family ties by providing tips to ease the travel burden, especially when it comes to bringing along kids. Planning to fly? Little Passports co-founder and co-CEO Amy Norman says, “I am a big fan of Clear. For $75, you and your children are personally escorted to the front of the security line. It saves time and stress. Clear is only available in limited airports, but TSA also offers a pre-check option. During the holidays, if at all possible, I recommended paying for direct
flights. When traveling with children, flights with connections can turn into travel headaches with weather delays. That said, if you are looking to save money and willing to connect, I recommend connecting through cities in warmer climates, such as through Texas for cross-country flights.” Megan Colarossi, a panelist on The Meredith Vieirra Show & co-host of “Parental Guidance” on the Today Show Online, has a few suggestions that can make life easier this month. Shop for your presents early, and then ship them to your destination at least a week in advance. If you are flying, make sure you save room for your kids’ presents to come back with you in the luggage. Use apps like Hopper and Hotel Tonight to land the best deals on airfare and hotel accommodations during the holiday travel season. Bring something familiar from home for your kids, like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Having something that connects them to home will make them feel more secure when visiting somewhere unfamiliar. Pack holiday-themed treat bags with snacks,
stickers, small activities, etc., and distribute them throughout the trip as a reward for good behavior. Purchase holiday-themed pajamas they can wear when they are opening their presents. Pack pajamas on top so you don’t have to search for them when it’s dark and the kids are sleepy. Don’t allow your kids to spend the whole time on a tablet, smartphone or device. Plan out a schedule so they are doing other activities as well. It will give them a chance to connect with family members. If your child is afraid Santa won’t find him because he is not in his bed, put some cookies in the mailbox so Santa will know to stop wherever you are staying. If all else fails, have a glass of wine. It’s the holidays and you should enjoy them, not stress about everything going wrong. Overall, traveling during the holidays with kids can be a memorable and heart-warming experience. With planning and understanding, you can leave the stress at home and free yourself to enjoy the time you get to share with your kids and your family.
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glamazon » mama
Sometimes mama and baby just need to take a deep breath It’s hard to believe my son is bathroom breaks anymore. already a year old. Everyone So I decided to take the annoyingly told me it would advice of Boynton Beachgo by fast, and it certainly has based fitness guru and mom been flying by faster than a Kristy Wexler and trade my Taylor Swift relationship. If gym membership for a jogging only the baby weight I gained stroller. I have only been to could slip away as easily as his my gym twice since my son first few months on the planet, was born. I was paying $18 JOANIE COX-HENRY I’d be truly grateful. a month plus pricey annual But as it turns out, being a mama is maintenance fees for basically no reason. much more expensive, tiring and stressful As a longtime fan of all things Bugaboo, at times than I ever fathomed. I am not a I decided to give the Bugaboo Runner a mom who has the time or means to take spin. The Dutch brand launched its first fancy exercise classes or hire a personal stroller in 1994, and it has been coveted trainer or nutritionist. And as much as by parents all over the planet, including I’d like to slip away to a yoga or Zumba actress Amanda Peet, singer Gwen Stefani class, a sitter is not always readily availand royalty such as Kate Middleton. able to watch my son during a scheduled The company’s founder, Max Barenclass time. Heck, I hardly have time for brug, launched a stroller designed for
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running or jogging last year. It’s available on Bugaboo.com and costs $425 for the jogging extension chassis and seat adapters if you already own a Bugaboo stroller or $805 for the complete stroller. “The Bugaboo Runner is inspired by our passion for freedom of movement,” Barenbrug said in a press release regarding the stroller. “We wanted to create a jogging extension that lets parents move even more freely and focus on what they love doing. It’s modular, easy to use and helps you explore the world with your family.” I had never tried a jogging stroller before, but I was impressed with how easily the Runner glides down the street or sidewalk and even through the grass. The Bugaboo Runner’s sleek design features three large tires you pump with a hand pump and a suspension system built into the chassis that absorbs rough terrain during the jog. The adjustable foam bar that you push is sturdy yet comfortable to grip, and there’s a convenient bar beneath the foam handlebar that activates the stroller’s brakes. The seat is reversible and reclinable so baby can face you or face forward to see the world. But perhaps the best feature
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glamazon » mama is how easily the stroller folds, so if you want to throw it in the trunk to jog with it at the beach or the park, you can. The complete Bugaboo Runner comes with a cool unisex teal blue or red hood, but parents who want to add a designer edge can dress it up in the new limited edition Diesel collection. I have not only lost 10 pounds since I started using the Bugaboo Runner in September, but I have also found the most reliable workout partner ever, my son Jack. He’s always on time for our jogs and inspires me to keep going farther each day, even when I want to give up.
OXYGEN MONITOR The first month of my son’s life, I didn’t sleep without waking up terrified every 15 to 20 minutes to check if he was still breathing. Yes, this tiny human, who is now my lifetime responsibility after nine months of forming in my uterus, is mine to feed, bathe and, well, keep breathing. I recently discovered there are baby
monitors available to monitor a baby’s breathing patterns and alert you if something isn’t normal. Snuza Hero is a cordless device that clips onto a baby’s diaper and alerts if baby’s abdomen moves less than eight times per minute. The Owlet Smart Sock connects to a Smartphone and alerts parents if breathing or heart rate is abnormal. Mollie Evans is an Omaha mother who invented another baby monitoring device, the Baby Vida. “We started our business in 2012, but we got the idea in 2007 when my son was born,” Evans said. “We wanted all the information we could get as parents, so we decided to make Baby Vida. It’s like a little gladiator sandal. The sock slides over it, and it can even be worn with pajamas with footies. It monitors the baby’s oxygen and heart rate and gives you peace of mind.” The device connects via Bluetooth to an app that is compatible with Apple
iPhones and iPads as well as Android phones and tablets. An alarm will sound on the app if you go out of the 60-foot connection range. The alarm will also sound if your baby’s heart rate or oxygen level falls outside of its normal range. “We have zero to 3-month settings as well as a 3- to 12-month setting,” Evans said. “We didn’t want to make it complicated for parents. We got the idea to connect it to a smartphone since mostly everyone keeps their iPhones next to their beds. It comes with a USB plug and charges in 2½ hours. The monitor’s battery typically lasts 17 hours a day.” The mother of four, who was proud to develop her product in America, hopes it will bring other parents peace. “Sometimes, even when your child is sleeping next to you, you still worry if they’re breathing,” Evans said. “I think it’s comforting to bring this into your home.” Baby Vida is available at Walmart stores, Amazon.com and Babyvida.us.
miami-dade camp DIRECTORY
WINTER CAMP 2015 The holidays bring excitement to Miami Seaquarium with the return of Winter Camp. The two week-long camp programs include lots of fun and informative activities, animal interactions, arts & crafts projects, interactive games, animal shows and much more! December 21-24, 2015 — “Dive into the Deep” Explore what life is like far away from land! December 28-31, 2015 — “Life on the Reef” Learn about coral reefs and nearshore habitats! Camp Hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm Early and late care available.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 305-361-5705 EXT. 526 OR VISIT MIAMISEAQUARIUM.COM
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SM
DECEMBER HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
WINTER C
AMP
Join us as we celebrate
WEEK 1 | DEC. 2124 WEEK 2 | DEC. 2831
TROPICAL HOLIDAYS
with gingerbread decorating, holiday story time, seasonal art projects and so much more!
REGISTER
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437 ext.1 12
Miami Children’s Museum receives both private and public funding. MCM is sponsored in part by the City of Miami; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
visit us at miamichildrensmuseum.org for more info!
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980 macarthur causeway, miami, fl 33132
FLORIDA GYMNASTICS TRAINING CENTER
WINTER BREAK CAMP 2015
WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE THE BEST GYMNASTICS EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR CHILD!
December 21-30 flip
Kids will over our Winter Break Camp! Just look at the all the fun that Winter Break Camp has to offer: High-Energy Gymnastics - Pit Races - Parachute Games - Egg Races - Trampoline Games - Arts & Crafts - and much more! Winter Break Camp is a high energy, fun experience. Come join the FUN!
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December 21, 22 & 23 December 28, 29 & 30
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Follow us on facebook and instagram
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DECEMBER 2015
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loud moms » loud
life
Quality VS. QUANTITY both have the same amount), Oh yes, it’s the holidays, the time and we figure out (along with of year when Toys “R” Us sends Santa) which toys we’re going that damn catalog, and your kids to get. don’t let it out of their sight. Last year, as they woke up on It doesn’t sound like I enjoy Christmas morning, I saw a look the holidays, but I really do. on their faces that I’ve never Christmas is my favorite one. seen. It was not one of joy and Unfortunately, each year we excitement, but more of confustruggle with explaining quality sion. So I asked the question, vs. quantity to our kids. TEANA MCDONALD “What’s wrong?” Every year, both kids wait They both looked at each patiently for THE catalog. As (afraid to speak) and started opening their soon as it arrives, they cross-check their own gifts at lightning speed. After about 20 minpersonal lists that they’ve made throughout utes, the boy says, “Is that all?” the year against the catalog to make sure they Now over the years, you ALL have gotten to haven’t missed anything new. know me through this column, so I know you Once that’s done, they start showing us the can guess what happened next! No, I didn’t things they’d like to have. (Did I mention that slap him or return his gifts (both did cross my 85 percent of the booked is marked?) mind). I looked at him and said, “Quality vs. We just nod and say, “Well, we’ll see what Quantity!” Santa says.” Which is code for, “Did you lose Yes, I got that dazed and confused look, your mind?” but I kept repeating myself until my husband We take the time to look at the books and thankfully took over. make sure that they witness it so they do see We explained that there are so many things that we are paying attention and listening to to be grateful for during this time of year, and their ridiculous desires. gifts do not make the list. We also explained As Christmas gets closer, we decide how that as you continue to get older, your gifts much we’re going to spend on each child (they
become more expensive, and therefore you WILL see less under the tree. Again, the dazed and confused look! His sister (the sassy one) said, “Elijah, be thankful for what you did receive. Remember that you get what you get, and you don’t get upset,” which 100 percent summed up the discussion for me. This year, let’s all try to create opportunities for our kids to give more and understand what being thankful truly is. After this situation, we started a Thank You jar. Each night before bed, we all have to write a quick note about what we are thankful for. Then on Jan. 1, we empty the jar and read the fun, enlightening and thoughtful things that were written by each other. We love to give our kids all the things they want – which is great. But let’s remember to sprinkle a little quality in there, too. Happy Holidays!
Teana McDonald shares her enthusiasm and passion for social media, public relations and event marketing by running a thriving business, 3E Connections, Inc. Connect and continue the conversation with her on social media @3EConnections.
PRE-SCHOOL Ages 18 Months - 5 years
school DIRECTORY
Join us for our Open House! December 9th & January 13th
A NAEYC ACCREDITED PRE-SCHOOL
For more information, please contact Betty Aguiar-Perez at (305)373-5437 ext. 122 or betty@miamichildrensmuseum.org
Miami Children’s Museum receives both private and public funding. MCM is sponsored in part by the City of Miami; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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stages » child
Wanted…Needed… Family PlayTime BY MARGARET SAGARESE
On a weekly basis, how much time do you, your spouse and your children allot to family playtime? Think board games or cards, playing catch, hiking or visiting a museum. Youth sports (soccer or little league) don’t count; these involve too much pressure and expectation. Mentally scan your weeknights, your Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons, and tally up. Chances are, the hours are few. Despite the fact that 95 percent of adults say that play is important to their families, more than half (54 percent) spend less than 3 hours every week playing together,
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according to a 2015 survey of nearly 5,000 adults. It looks like families playing together is becoming obsolete. What’s happening?
An All Work and No Play Lifestyle Work has morphed into overwork for most fathers and mothers. It’s no surprise that 72 percent of those polled cite work schedules as standing in the way of play. The 40-hour work week is long gone. Americans work an average of 1,836 hours a year, up 9 percent since 1979, according to Current Population Survey data analyzed by Lawrence Mishel, president of the Economic Policy Institute. That equates to approximately 55 hours a week. That’s 11 hours a day during a five-day work week, or perhaps a shorter work day with weekends making up the slack. Blame a more competitive global economy, add insecurity about one’s job after a recession that sliced and diced jobs, and of course, technology enabling us all to work 24/7. With such a time-consuming daily grind, who has time for tossing a baseball out in the backyard? Not Dad or certainly not Mom since they have to grocery shop, cook, clean, do laundry and chauffeur kids to doctor appointments, activities and sports. Can everyone take a deep breath and wait for family vacation to relax and enjoy one another’s company? Nope, apparently family vacations are gone, too. Although 96 percent of American workers recognize the importance of taking vacation time, a “Time” magazine story recently pleaded “Save Our Vacation,” saying in the past 30 years, the U.S. has become a no-vacation nation. Although most folks working a year are entitled to 10 days, the average unused vacation days are 5.
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stages » child And even when workers take the vacation days, work intrudes. Sixty-one percent of vacationers say they still plan to work emailing (38 percent) doing work on computers (32 percent), texting (24 percent), calling (30 percent), and fielding requests from a boss, client or co-workers (20 percent). So much for rest and relaxation – not to mention paying attention to kids.
Kids Have Lost Play, Too
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Schools clamor for longer hours with less recess. After-school activities eat up schedules. “Over the last two decades, children have lost 12 hours of free time a week, including eight hours of unstructured play and outdoor activities,” says David Elkind, Ph.D., author of “The Power of Play.” Simultaneously, time spent in organized sports has doubled. Then there’s the hours spent on electronic devices – PCs, tablets, handheld video games and consoles, smartphones, social media and TV – spiraling every year. A more alarming subtler change lies beneath time measurements. Elkind said children’s programming rarely shows kids having fun playing. Instead kids act like high-achieving mini-adults, or they star in plots featuring the handling of issues and problems like divorce, substance abuse or job loss. Even cartoon characters like Bob the Builder and SpongeBob Square Pants are work-oriented. Free-wheeling Opie meandering with his Dad and a fishing pole on “The Andy Griffith Show” or Timmy letting the back door slam as he and Lassie go wandering – such images are nowhere on our televised landscape.
Pre-K3 - 8th Grade
It’s Not About the Fish Adults and children are endangering themselves when they take no time to embrace leisure together. Elkind insists that for children, “Play is not a luxury, but rather a crucial dynamic of healthy physical, intellectual and social-emotional DECEMBER 2015 |
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stages » child development at all age levels.” Adults (83 percent) in the survey revealed that playtime helped them grow closer. Creating lifetime memories was cited by 71 percent. Half claimed that their family leisure reduced stress, and they had fun themselves. Strengthening relationships between parents and small children is important, but during the preteen years, it becomes even more so. Preteens retreat from parents as they discover the world outside home; they become increasingly drawn to their friends. They talk less to parents, keep secrets as they weave a private life, and tend to be less open. Sharing family meals and attending a sports event or a concert together provides the relaxed atmosphere that prompts sharing the details of life effortlessly and naturally. A parent teaching a tween to fish or create a scrapbook weaves a bond between them.
This template for closeness and communication will prove indispensable as adolescence brings with it more complicated issues and temptations. Here are a few suggestions for adding family playtime: Rediscover a passion. Do you have a passion? Has it fallen by the wayside? Golf. Foreign films. Pottery. Gardening. Long-distance running. Rediscover that passion and make time for it. Attempt to share the activity with your child. Even if flowers or films with subtitle films don’t resonate with your tween, you will be modeling how rewarding it is to enjoy a passion. Call a family meeting to plan family playtime. Review everyone’s schedule of school, work and sports to see how and when you can make time for family fun. This process underscores this priority. Listen to everyone’s ideas on what they would enjoy doing.
»
»
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Incorporate family play in everyday routines such as family dinners or watching a TV show together. Or unwind with a game of Hearts. Focus on a weekly activity like birdwatching. Don’t let chores stand in the way (as it did in our survey for 39 percent). Make them a joint effort or a competition. Plan a family vacation, even if it’s only a staycation. Look at your locale as a tourist would. Pinpoint what’s special and where tourists would go. Have more family fun. If you take away time from your career or your kids’ academics, it will not be a loss. In a study of kids who attained eminence before age 40, the researchers tied those who excelled with feelings gained from family, feelings of love, respect and honesty. Play delivers that without having to work at it.
»
Margaret Sagarese is the coauthor of The Roller-Coaster Years.
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stuff we love »
to give away
Home When Oh, a loveable misfit from another planet, lands on Earth and finds himself on the run from his own people, he forms an unlikely friendship with an adventurous girl named Tip, who is on a quest of her own. Through a series of comic adventures with Tip, Oh comes to understand that being different and making mistakes is all part of being human. And while he changes her planet and she changes his world, they discover the true meaning of the word HOME. DVD available now.
Jurassic World Twenty-two years after the events of “Jurassic Park,” Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation, with visitor rates declining and to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to spark visitors’ interest, which backfires horribly. DVD available now.
Minions The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s “Minions” begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters, the Minions fall into a deep depression. But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he – along with teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob – ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss to follow, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock), the world’s first-ever female supervillain. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind from annihilation. DVD releases Dec. 8.
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Events updated daily on our website
December » calendar OM
NG.C IDAPARENTI
SOUTHFLOR
1 Tuesday Find more fun things to do online.
MIAMI-DADE
LEGO Monthly Mini Model Build. Ages 6-14 Build a mini model and take it home. 5 p.m. until supplies last. First Tuesday of the month. Aventura Mall, 19575 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Free. 305-792-7395
» calendar index
BROWARD
Children’s Holiday In The Pines Art Reception. Artwork, entertainment and light refreshments. Exhibit
82
Editor’s Picks
83 - 84
Theater, Shows, Concerts
86
Festival Highlights
88
Exhibits for Families
is through Jan. 11. 7-9 p.m. City Hall, 10100 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines. 954-986-5027 or hbonkowski@ppines.com
PALM BEACH
14th Annual Lighthouse A’ Glow. Meet Santa, and enjoy holiday refreshments and caroling. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Frank McDonough Park, 3500 NE 27th Ave., Lighthouse Point. city.lighthousepoint.com Christmas By The Sea. Holiday music, dancing, annual tree lighting, yuletide market, and Santa will arrive atop a fire truck. 5:30-9 p.m. Downtown Lauderdale-by-theSea. lbtsevents.com
PALM BEACH
Polar Bears. Ages 3-5. Stories, music and create a polar bear craft. 10:30 a.m. Lantana Road Branch Library, 4020 Lantana Road, Lake Worth. 561-304-4500
2nd Annual Snowman Decorating Contest. Ages 3-12. Pick up, decorate and return the template at the children’s information desk between Dec. 1-28. Prized awarded. Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach. 561-894-7500
2 Wednesday MIAMI-DADE
Bedtime Stories. Wear your favorite pajamas. 6-6:40 p.m. Sunny Isles Beach Branch Library, 18070 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach. Free. RSVP. 305-682-0726
BROWARD
Tamarac Holiday Lighting Festival.Lighting of the Christmas tree and Menorah, school choirs, crafts, free hot chocolate, Santa Claus, and children’s entertainment. 6-8:30 p.m. Tamarac Community Center, 8601 W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac. 954-597-3620 or tamarac.org
3 Thursday MIAMI-DADE
Paws to Read. Ages 5-12. Children read to therapy dogs. 3:30-4:30 p.m. West Kendall Regional Library, 10201 Hammocks Blvd., Miami. Free. 305-385-7135
BROWARD
Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Lighting the Menorah, Kinara, and the Wilton Manors Christmas Tree. 6:30 p.m. Jaycee Park, Wilton Drive / 21st Court, Wilton Manors. 954-3902130, mherman@wiltonmanors.com, or wiltonmanors.com
PALM BEACH
Jingle Bell Babies. Ages 3-12 months. Rhymes, songs and movement activities 11:15 a.m. Gardens Branch Library, 11303 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens. 561-626-6133
editor’s picks Dec. 5, Saturday BROWARD COUNTY
Secret Holiday Shop. Ages 4-12. No Parents Allowed. Teen Volunteers will help kids pick out special presents for family and friends. Most items priced at $2 or $3, and gift wrapping is free. 11 a.m. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. Free. RSVP. 954-765-1560
Dec. 12, Saturday PALM BEACH COUNTY
Opera @ The Waterfront. More than 100 musicians will present an afternoon of live opera. Bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy opera’s most recognizable arias and ensembles. No tickets are required. 2 p.m. Meyer Amphitheatre, 104 Datura St., West Palm Beach. Free. pbopera.org
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4 Friday MIAMI-DADE
Fiesta @ the Park. Drinks, food, art, music and entertainment by Pro Disco DJ. 6-10 p.m. Ponce Circle Park, Coral Gables. info@gableshispanicfestival.com
Friday Night Food Trucks. 5:30-10 p.m. First Friday of each month. Palmetto Bay Village Center, 18001 Old Cutler Road, Palmetto Bay. Free
BROWARD
Toddler Yoga With Nipa: Ages 1-5. 10:30 a.m. Young At Art Multi-Purpose Room, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie. Free. RSVP. 954-357-8585 ArtsPark Funtastic Fridays and Movie Night. Home Alone – PG. Bounce house, face painters, and more. Lawn seating. 5 p.m. Movie begins at 8 p.m. ArtsPark at Young Circle, Hollywood. Free admission. 954-921-3500 First Friday Food Trucks. Food trucks and live music. 5-9 p.m. First Friday of the month. Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie. Free. 954-473-2955
PALM BEACH
Toddler Art. Ages 1-2. Stories, songs, and art centers. 10:30 a.m. West Boynton Branch Library, 9451 Jog Road, Boynton Beach. 561-734-5556 Evening On The Avenue. Music, food trucks, art, specialty vendors. 6-10 p.m. First and third Friday of the month. Lake Worth Cultural Plaza, 414 Lake Ave., Lake Worth. Free. lakeworth.org Free Movie Night. Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG-13). 7:30 p.m. Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. 561-753-2484 or wellingtonfl.gov
5 Saturday MIAMI-DADE
“The Writing Circle” with Gabriella Chebli. Ages 10-14. creative writing. 10-11:30 a.m. Pinecrest Branch Library, 5835 SW 111th St., Pinecrest. Free. RSVP. 305-668-4571 Decorate For The Holidays. Help decorate library “Holiday” tree by creating unique and colorful ornaments. 3-4 p.m. Key Biscayne Branch Library, 299 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne. Free. RSVP. 305-361-6134
BROWARD
Breakfast With Santa. 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Mary Help of Christians (MHOC) Catholic Church, 5980 N. University Drive, Parkland. $5. 954-323-8012 or mhocrc.org Breakfast With Santa. 9-10:30 a.m. Westfield Broward, Brio Tuscan Grille, 8000 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. RSVP. 954-370-0491 or westfield.com Breakfast With Santa. Ages 12 and under. 10 a.m.Noon. Lighthouse Point Fire Station, 3740 NE 22nd Ave, Lighthouse Point. 954-941-2624 or city.lighthousepoint.com Breakfast With Santa. Continental breakfast and storytime. Get tickets online. 10-11 a.m. Pompano Citi Centre, 1955 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach. Adults, $10; kids $5. 954-943-4683 or pompanociticentre.com Cookies With Santa. Photo with Santa, crafts, music, stories and a free cookie from Hoffman’s Chocolates. 1 p.m. Historic Stranahan House Museum, 335 SE 6th Ave. at Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. $10. RSVP required. 954-5244736 or education@stranahanhouse.org Secret Holiday Shop. Ages 4-12. No Parents Allowed. Teen Volunteers will help pick out a special present for family and friends. Most items priced at $2 or $3 and gift wrapping is free. 11 a.m. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. Free. RSVP. 954-765-1560
PALM BEACH
Star Wars Celebration. Enjoy crafts, activities, “Star Wars” trivia. Cosplay welcome 2 p.m. West Boca Branch Library, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton. 561-470-1600 Ornaments Naturally. Ages 7-adult. Create ornaments and decorations. Materials provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own holiday décor. 2-3:30 p.m. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N. Ocean Blvd Boca Raton. Member, $7; non-member, $10. 561-544-8615 Home Depot Kids Workshop. Ages 5-12. First come/first served. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. First Saturday of the month. All counties. Home Depot. Free. Find participating store at homedepot.com
Events are subject to change CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM
» theater, shows & concerts HI-HAT HATTIE
Through Dec. 13. A musical play based on the life of Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American actress to win an Academy Award for her performance in “Gone With The Wind.” Call for tickets. Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW 9th St., Delray Beach. $30, ages 18 and younger, $15. 561-2721281 Ext. 4 NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. $45. 305-949-6722 or arshtcenter.org THE VELVETEEN RABBIT BY WELLINGTON BALLET THEATRE
Dec. 6. Please bring seating. 7:30 p.m. Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Free. 561-753-2484 or wellingtonfl.gov BLUE MAN GROUP
Through Dec. 20. Based on the story by C.S. Lewis. “All Kids Included” sensoryfriendly performance Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. Call for ticket prices. 2 p.m. Saturdays. Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. 305-4449293 or actorsplayhouse.org
Dec. 8-13. Show that combines comedy, music and technology with no spoken language. The Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. Tickets start at $27. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org
BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL
Dec. 8-13. Variety of holiday classics, plus a traditional sing-along. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. $20-85. 954-462-0222 or ticketmaster.com
Dec. 1-20. Billy, the youngest child of a blue-collar family, discovers his unlikely and extraordinary gift for ballet. Visit website for prices. Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter. jupitertheatre. org or 561-575-2223 ANNIE SING-ALONG
Dec. 4. Featuring the movie musical with all the words to the songs on the screen. Lap tickets for 12 months and younger. 7:30 p.m. Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar. $15. 954602-4500 or miramarculturalcenter.org
SYMPHONY OF THE AMERICAS: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
MOUSE KING
Dec. 10-13. A retelling of the Nutcracker from the point of view of the mice, in which the Mouse King is not a villain. Special discount for the school showing Dec. 10. The Mandelstam Theater, 8530 SW 57th Ave., South Miami. $20. averdi@tmsedu.org or MouseKingTickets.com THE NUTCRACKER
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
Dec. 3-20. Spin on the familiar classic fairytale “The Princess and The Pea.” Sol Children Theatre, 3333 N Federal Highway, Boca Raton. $15; 11 and under, $10. 561447-8829 or solchildren.org IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Dec. 4-5. The inspirational story of George Bailey and the angel-in-training, Clarence, who demonstrates how George has had a positive impact on people’s lives. 7:30 p.m. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. $25. 954-462-0222 or ticketmaster.com
Dec. 11-13. Choreographed and directed by renowned Ballet Master Vladimir Issaev. Not recommended for children under 3. Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St., Aventura. $10-40; children 12 months and under, $5. 305-466-8002 or ticketmaster. com MIAMI CITY BALLET: GEORGE BALANCHINE’S THE NUTCRACKER
Dec. 11-13, 17-24, 27-29. Miami City Ballet visit Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties. Visit website for locations, times, and tickets. Tickets starting at $25. 305-9297010 or miamicityballet.org
CHARLOTTE’S WEB
Dec. 4-13. The story of Wilbur, a little pig who becomes famous with the help of his clever friend Charlotte. Area Stage Company, 1560 S. Dixie Highway, Coral Gables. Adults, $25; ages 2-22, $10. 305-6662078 or areastagecompany.com A CHRISTMAS CAROL: FAMILY FUN SERIES
Dec. 5-6. Musical production of the Charles Dickens classic especially adapted for families. Lap tickets for 12 months and younger available at the AutoNation Box Office. Everyone must have a ticket. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. $16-18. 954-462-0222 or ticketmaster.com THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
Dec. 5-6. The Hip Hop Nutcracker re-imagines Tchaikovsky’s classic score through hip-hop choreography. The Adrienne Arsht
FANCY NANCY: A SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS
Dec. 12. Nancy is excited for Christmas, but when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? Refreshments and activities following the performance. 11 a.m. Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, 1977 SW College Dr, Belle Glade. $10, children under 12, $6. 561-993-1160 or dollyhand.org THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dec. 12. Muppet characters tell their heartwarming version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Includes a complimentary bag of popcorn. Picnic baskets, lawn chairs, blankets and beverages welcome. 7 p.m. Gosman Amphitheatre (outdoor theatre at the corner of Sapodilla and Iris Street), West Palm Beach. $5. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org
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» theater, shows & concerts Ask for David or Jack
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Dec. 12. Featuring Third Eye Blind and Adam Lambert with performances by Chemradery, Snack Pack and The Value Meal Killahs, Meresha, and the Dirty Voice winner. Doors open at 5 p.m. Show begins at 6 p.m. Mizner Park, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. $45-100. 561-750-1668 or wrmf.com THE NUTCRACKER BALLET
Candy Land
Dec. 12. Presented by the Russian Ballet of Orlando. 2 p.m. Sunrise Civic Center Theatre, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise. Adults, 18; children, $10. 954-747-4646 or sunrisefl.gov FANCY NANCY: SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS
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Dec. 13. Nancy is excited for Christmas, but when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? Appropriate for Pre-K and older. 11 a.m. South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211th St., Cutler Bay. $15. 786573-5300 or smdcac.org DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
Dec. 15-27. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. $35-85. 954-462-0222 or ticketmaster.com A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dec. 16. New adaptation of Dickens’ popular classic. 2 and 7 p.m. Crest Theatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. $45. 561-2437922 or oldschoolsquare.org A CHRISTMAS CAROL: FAMILY FUN SERIES
Dec. 17. New adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, 1977 SW College Drive, Belle Glade. Adults, $25; children, $10. 561-993-1160 or dollyhand.org Y100 JINGLE BALL
NE 8th St., Fort Lauderdale. $21.50-41.50. 954-462-0222 or parkerplayhouse.com or ticketmaster.com A MOUSE’S HOLIDAY
Dec. 20. Interactive theatre experience. Sing and dance to winter holiday favorites, including Jingle Bell Rock, Frosty the Snowman, Deck the Halls and Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 2 p.m. Sunrise Civic Center Theatre, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise. $7. 954-747-4646 or sunrisefl.gov THE STATE BALLET OF RUSSIA: SWAN LAKE
Dec. 27. Set to the music of Tchaikovsky and based on Russian folklore and German legend, the production follows a heroic young prince as he works to free the beautiful swan maiden from an evil spell. Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8th St., Fort Lauderdale. $31.50-61.50. 954462-0222, or ticketmaster.com DISNEY IN CONCERT: MAGICAL MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES
Dec. 27. Derived from some of the most famous movie scores ever: Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Aladdin, The Lion King, Frozen and more. Orchestra, projected video clips from iconic Disney films, and four leading vocalists. 7 p.m. The Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. $45-105. 305-949-6722 or arshtcenter.org THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Dec. 29-Jan. 3. The classical musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family. The Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. $29-115. 305-949-6722 or arshtcenter.org THE SPECTACULAR SEAS PRESENTED BY PUPPETS TO GO
Dec. 30. Black light show reveals that the oceans, along with the exotic creatures that inhabit them, must indeed be protected. This show is performed in complete darkness. Cookies and juice will be served in the lobby after the show. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Willow Theatre, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Adults, $6; children 12 and under, $4. 561347-3948 or willowtheatre.org
Dec. 18. Performers include The Weeknd, 5 Seconds of Summer, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Zedd, Shawn Mendes, Tove Lo, Charlie Puth, Hailee Steinfield, R. City, Conrad Sewell and DNCE. 7:30 p.m. BB&T Center Tickets, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise. Tickets start at $51. 1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR.
Dec. 18-20. Presented by the Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theater. Bailey Hall, 3501 Davie Road, Davie. Advance, $24.50; at the door, $28. 954-763-6882 or flct.org
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ARTS BALLET THEATRE OF FLORIDA: THE NUTCRACKER
Dec. 19-20. Professional dancers as well as a community cast with local character artists and children. Parker Playhouse, 707
DECEMBER 2015
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Focal Point Community Center, 301 NW 103rd Ave., Pembroke Pines. 954-450-6888 ArtTime Fun with YAA. Art Activity with YAA museum educators. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Westfield Broward Mall, 8000 West Broward Blvd., Plantation. 954-473-8100 Shalom Time. Chanukah. 4 p.m. Stirling Branch Library, 3151 Stirling Road, Hollywood. Free. RSVP. 954-357-7550
PALM BEACH
Send Season’s Greetings. Write a letter to Santa or make a holiday card for family and friends and drop it in the KidSpace mailbox. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Mandel Public Library, 411 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. 561-868-7703
11 Friday MIAMI-DADE
Family Movie Night. “Elf.” 7:30 & 7:45 p.m. Flashlight Tour. Movie begins at 8 p.m. Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest. $5. 305-669-6990 or pinecrest-fl.gov
BROWARD
Movies in the Park. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. “Glow” items for sale. 7 p.m. Hillsboro Park, 4111 NW 6th St., Deerfield Beach. 954-480-4429 or deerfield-beach.com Family Hayride and Campfire Series. Campfire and marshmallow roasting. 7-9:30 p.m. Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach. $3.50 per person for ages 3 and up. Purchase in advance. 954-357-5100 Music On Main: Rocking With Santa. Food trucks and live music by Funkabilly Playboys. Bounce houses and Santa snow village. 6-10 p.m. in front of Oakland Park City Hall, 3650 NE 12th Ave, Oakland Park. 954-630-4240 or oaklandparkfl.org Family Fun Fridays. Activities and entertainers. 7-9 p.m. Fridays. The Village at Gulfstream Park, Champions Plaza, 501 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach. 954-3999953 or thevillageatgulfstreampark.com
PALM BEACH
Friday Night At The Museum. Ages 7-12. Afterhours museum access, pizza, Toy Story 3 movie and learning about the science of static electricity. 6-9:30 p.m. Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. $20- $25; $7 discount for each additional child in the same household. 561-347-3900 or SugarSandPark.org
Beach Bonfires. Enjoy roasting marshmallows around a mini bonfire. 6-9 p.m. Lake Worth Beach, 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth. lakeworth.org Free Friday Concerts. String Theory Band - Rock to Reggae. Weather permitting; bring lawn chairs. No pets or outside food and beverage. Food trucks available. 7:30 p.m. Delray Beach Center for the Arts / Outdoor Pavilion, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 561-243-7922, DelrayArts.org Screen on the Green. Decorate cardboard boxes with wrapping paper and ribbon to become walking presents in the Present Parade, watch “Jack Frost” and “The Santa Clause,” and meet Santa. Bring blankets and lawn chairs 5:30-11 p.m. West Palm Beach Waterfront, 101 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Free. wpb.org/screen-on-the-green
12 Saturday MIAMI-DADE
A Very Wolfsonian Winter Celebration. Local artist Mary Larsen will be on hand to guide guests through a cookie and card decorating activity amidst carols, story time, and more. 1-4 p.m. The Wolfsonian, 1001 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Free for children under 12 and accompanying adults. 305-535-2622 or wolfsonian.org
Storytime Sing-a-long with the Palm Beach Opera. Ages 3-5. Young audiences learn and sing memorable tunes. 11:00-12:00 p.m. Lemon City Branch Library, 430 NE 61st St., Miami. Free. RSVP. 305-757-0662
Family Funday. Ages 3 and up. Explore the museum and create art projects. 3 p.m. Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs. $5. RSVP. 954340-5000 or coralspringsmuseum.org Breakfast With Santa. Ages 5-12. Breakfast and games with Santa. Toy donation welcome. 9 a.m.-noon. Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6th St., Pompano Beach. $7. 954-786-4111 Friends Of The Library Book Tent Event. Used books, CDs, audio books, DVDs, and videos in exchange for a small donation. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. 954-390-2195 or wiltonmanors.com Holiday Puppet Show. 1 p.m. Miramar Branch Library & Education Center, 2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar. Free. RSVP. 954-357-8090
Character with game host $149 add a face painter for $75
• Birthday • Parties • Schools • Special Events
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HAVE A SUPERHERO COME TO YOUR CHILD’S NEXT BIRTHDAY PARTY FEATURING: BATMAN & ROBIN • X-MEN • HULK • CAPTAIN AMERICA • IRON MAN • THOR • BLACK NINJA STAR WARS • NINJA TURTLE • RED RANGER TRANSFORMER & SPIDER MAN!!!
PALM BEACH
Star Wars Celebration. Heroes vs. Villains. Celebrate the new movie with a “Star Wars” party. Games, crafts, snacks and more. 2:30 p.m. Glades Road Branch Library, 20701 95th Ave., South Boca Raton. 561-482-4554 Breakfast with Santa. Pancakes, activities and a photo-op with Santa. Event and all day admission, $24.95; event only, $15. 9 a.m. Cool Beans, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens. RSVP. 561-627-1782 22nd Annual Breakfast With Santa. Pancake breakfast with crafts, live music and a picture with Santa. 8:30 a.m.-noon. Children’s Museum, 498 Crawford Blvd., Boca Raton. 561-368-6875 or wendy@cmboca.org Opera @ The Waterfront. More than 100 musicians will present an afternoon of live opera. 2 p.m. Meyer Amphitheatre, 104 Datura St., West Palm Beach. Free.
13 Sunday MIAMI-DADE Photo opportunity with Santa. Includes one 5x7 keepsake photo per girl, plus meal. 9:30-10:30 a.m. American Girl – Miami, 8888 SW 136th St., Suite #395A, Miami. $20 per person. RSVP required. 877-247-5223 or americangirl.com
Family Day on Aragon Family And Youth Films. Admission includes a free popcorn and soda. Second Saturday and Sunday of the month. 11 a.m. Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. $5. 786-3859689 or gablescinema.com
BROWARD
Family Christmas Concert. The Chancel Choir, the Celebration Singers and other musicians will present the sounds of the season, concluding with a live nativity. Refreshments following. 4-6 p.m. 4845 NE 25th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. echristchurch.org/concert
Theme Parties and more
• Princess • DJ Dance • Tea Parties • Fun Games & Sports • Movie Themes • Slime Time • Fairies In The Garden • Spa • Glamour Girl • Candy Land
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Tri-County
• Plastercraft • Sun Catchers • Sand Art • Textile Art • Airbrush Tattoos • Go Green Crafts • Photo Novelties
ZUMBA 4 KIDS PARTIES Best Face Painting, Glitter and Airbrush Tatoos, Balloons Animals, Songs and Game with Parachute Call now: 305-519-0195 Or 786-973-prty (7789) Text me! Terrysfacepainting.com Email: Terryfacepaints@comcast.net
free backstretch tram tours, giveaways and prizes, and guest speakers. 7-10 a.m. Saturdays. The Village at Gulfstream Park, Champions Plaza, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach. 954-454-7000 or gulfstreampark.com
party planner DIRECTORY
by Otter John and his team
6 and up. 2 p.m. Alvin Sherman Library, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Free. RSVP. 954-262-4600
Breakfast At Gulfstream. Character appearances,
American Girl Welcomes Santa. Ages 3 and up.
BROWARD
1½ hr face painting & balloons with free sand art $125
WILD FLORIDA PRODUCTION
The Magic Toy Box. Momentum Dance Company. Ages
PHYLLIS ROBBINS
954-298-3838
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» exhibits for families MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE AND AUTONATION IMAX 3D THEATER,
401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale. $14; Ages 2-12, $12. 954-463-IMAX (4629), mods.org, or mods.org/imax Oct. 1- Jan. 3: Great Balls Of Fire Explore the mysteries of comets, asteroids and meteors. Through Feb. 11: WILD AFRICA 3D The guide through this enchanted kingdom is water. Water crafts wild Africa from its jungles to its deserts, conjuring up life wherever it journeys on its eternal continental cycles. THRESHOLDS: WORKS BY SCOTT ROSS AND WILLIAM RULLER
Through Jan. 20. Abstract ceramic sculptures and paintings. The Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery, 3501 SW Davie Road, Building 6, Davie. 954-201-6984 or aclyman@broward.edu STUDENT ART PROGRAM EXHIBIT
Through January. Wellington high school student’s original works of art on display. Village Park Gymnasium, 11700 Pierson Road, Wellington. wellingtonartsociety. blogspot.com TRANSFORMATION OF ECHO: WORLD OF DREAMS
Through Jan. 3. A fabric landscape and video projection over towering figures cloaked in white. Pieces are created from clay, found objects, fabric and hair, which are then cast into plaster and reinforced with fiberglass. Young At Art Museum, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie. $14; Broward residents, $12. 954-424-0085 THE WIZARD OF OZ EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT
Through Jan. 10. “Find Your Home.” $18 admission, $14 Florida residents, children under 1 year free. Daily. Miami Children’s Museum, 980 Macarthur Causeway, Miami. 305-373-5437 PABLO PICASSO: PAINTED CERAMICS AND WORKS ON PAPER
Through Jan. 10. Exhibition includes 72 objects of which 14 are etchings dating 1931-33 from Picasso’s famous Vollard Suite (1931-37), as well as aquatints, ceramics, etchings and linocuts. NSU Art Museum, One East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Adults, $12; ages 13-17, $5. 954525-5500 or nsuartmuseum.org SHARKABET! A SEA OF SHARKS FROM A TO Z
Through Jan. 17. An alphabet of living and extinct sharks in a series of colorful, whimsical, yet scientifically accurate drawings by Ray Troll. West Dade Regional Library, 9445 Coral Way, Miami. Free. 305-5531134 or mdpls.org
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OPERATION PEDRO PAN: THE CUBAN CHILDREN’S EXODUS
Through Jan. 17. Exhibition documenting and displaying artifacts of the largest recorded child refugee exodus. Exhibition features video testimonials, private letters, journals and photographs. HistoryMiami, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami. Adults, $10; children 6-12, $5. 305-375-1492 or historymiami.org DINOSAURS AROUND THE WORLD: THE EXHIBITION
Through April 16. View 13 life-sized roaring, breathing dinosaurs. Learn about the latest paleontological research, discover and name a dinosaur, determine what colors dinosaurs actually were and more. South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach. Adults, $16.95; Ages 3-12, $12.95. 561-370-7710 or sfsciencecenter.org NATURE CONNECTS: ART WITH LEGO BRICKS
Through Feb. 14. See 15 super-sized structures in 13 different displays made out of nearly a half-million LEGO brick, including a peacock, herd of deer, giant corn spider, and monarch butterfly on milkweed. Tuesdays-Sundays. Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Adults, $10; children 3-12, $7. 561-233-1757 or mounts.org ONGOING THE MARY ALICE FORTIN CHILDREN’S ART GALLERY “Illustrating Words: The Wondrous Fantasy World of Robert L. Forbes, poet and Ronald Searle, artist.” 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. MondayFriday . Free admission. The Society of the Four Arts, 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. 561-655-2776. SCIENCE ON A SPHERE
Room sized, global display system that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a six foot diameter sphere, analogous to a giant animated globe. South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach. Adults, $15; Ages 3-12, $11. 561-370-7710 or sfsciencecenter.org SKETCH AQUARIUM
Interactive virtual aquarium where children’s physical artwork becomes an animated and digitized part of the rich undersea environment. $14, Children under 1, Free. Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami. 305-373-5437 ext. 100 or ext. 145
Home Grown Concert Series. Jess Taylor: Country. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Food Trucks. 4-5:30 p.m. Band Shell, 1100 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek. Free. 954-545-6620 or CoconutCreek.net/Events
PALM BEACH
Star Wars Celebration. Ages 5-10. Star Wars themed program with games and crafts. 2 p.m. Lantana Road Branch Library, 4020 Lantana Road, Lake Worth. 561-304-4500
Community Hanukkah Candle Lighting. Games, crafts, food trucks, the Daniel Show, and more. 2-4 p.m. Mandel Jewish Community Center, 8500 Jog Road, Boynton Beach. 561-740-9000, erickah@jcconline.com, or jcconline.com/bb
14 Monday MIAMI-DADE
Girl Scout Flower Garden. Ages 5-12. Craft and story. Open to both boys and girls. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Palmetto Bay Branch Library, 17641 Old Cutler Road, Palmetto Bay. Free. RSVP. 305-232-1771
BROWARD
Food Trucks At Artspark.
Over 20 different food trucks. 5:30-10 p.m. Mondays. ArtsPark at Young Circle, 1 Young Circle, Hollywood. Free admission. 954-921-3500
PALM BEACH
Frozen Fling. Ages 5-9. Play with fake snow, make ice paintings, and color activity sheets while listening to the movie soundtrack. 4 p.m. Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach. 561-894-7500 Lake Worth Food Truck Invasion. 6-10 p.m. Second Monday of the month. Cultural Plaza, Lake Worth. Free. lakeworth.org or foodtruckinvasion.com
15 Tuesday MIAMI-DADE
Doodletime. Make a calendar for the New Year. Simple art and craft materials provided. 11-12 p.m. Edison Center Branch Library, 531 NW 62nd St., Miami. Free. RSVP. 305-757-0668
BROWARD
Big Big Winter Holiday Party. Celebrate the holidays with games, stories, music, treats. 6-7:30 p.m. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. 954-765-1585 Read-Along with Troop 10863. Girl Scouts will read to kids in the IKEA Children’s department. 6-7 p.m. Third Tuesday of the month. IKEA Sunrise, 151 NW 136th Ave., Sunrise. 888-888-4532 or ikea.com
PALM BEACH
International Ninja Day. Ages 6 and up. Learn what it takes to become a ninja. And make an origami shuriken/ninja star. 3:15 p.m. Gardens Branch Library, 11303 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens. 561-626-6133
16 Wednesday MIAMI-DADE
Miami Seaquarium Mommy and Me Program. Ages 2-5. “Conservation Crusaders.” Mother and child will learn about, interrelate, and bond with different animals. Call for pricing. Miami Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami. 305-361-5705 ext. 207 or miamiseaquarium.com
BROWARD
Family Pajama Night Storytime. The Polar Express story, hot chocolate and a surprise gift. Also, special tours of the Florida Citrus Model Train Exhibit. Wear pajamas. 6:30 p.m. Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines. Free. RSVP. 954-357-6580-6580 Food Truck Invasion. 5-9 p.m. Third Wednesday or the month. Brian Piccolo Park, 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City. Free. 954-357-5150 or broward.org
PALM BEACH
CASON COTTAGE HOUSE MUSEUM
Frosty Friends Preschool Special. Ages 3-5. Snow-
Step back in time and see South Florida family lifestyle from 1915 to 1935. $4. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 5 NE First St., Delray Beach. 561-274-9578, dbhsarch@bellsouth.net, or DelrayBeachHistory.org
man-themed story, crafts. 11 a.m. Hagen Ranch Road Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach. 561-894-7500
SECRETS OF CIRCLES EXHIBIT
Sixteen fascinating original exhibits featuring math, science, engineering, and beauty of circles. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the Children’s Science Explorium, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. $5 suggested donation. 561-347-3912
17 Thursday MIAMI-DADE
In-B-Tweeners Book Club. Ages 9-12. Visit the branch for title. 6-7 p.m. Palmetto Bay Branch Library, 17641 Old Cutler Road, Palmetto Bay. Free. RSVP. 305-232-1771
BROWARD
Kids’ Corner. Stories, songs & crafts, ages 3-6, 4-5pm. Thursdays. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. 954-765-1585
Events are subject to change CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM
DECEMBER 2015
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PALM BEACH
Jingle Bell Rock: Winter Music & Movement. Ages 2-5. Improve motor skills, rhythm and coordination using beanbags, balls, instruments and more. 11 a.m. Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach. 561-894-7500
18 Friday MIAMI-DADE
Campfire and Night Hike. Explore the park at dusk. Marshmallow roasting following the night hike. Third Friday of every month. 7:30-9 p.m. Meet at the Arch Creek Museum and Nature Center, 1855 NE 135th St., North Miami. $6. RSVP. 305-944-6111 or miamidade.gov
BROWARD
An Evening With the Stars Astronomy Program. Basic telescope techniques and general astronomy information. 7:30-9 p.m. Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek. Free. 954-357-5198 Family Hayride and Campfire Series. Campfire and marshmallow roasting. 7-9:30 p.m. T.Y. Park, 3300 N Park Road, Hollywood. $3.50 per person for ages 3 and up. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 954-357-8811 Holiday Movie In The Park. 6:30 p.m. Frank McDonough Park, 3500 NE 27th Ave., Lighthouse Point. city.lighthousepoint.com
ArtsPark Funtastic Fridays and Movie Night. Elf – PG. Bounce house, face painters, and more. Lawn seating. 5 p.m. Movie begins at 8 p.m. . ArtsPark at Young Circle, Hollywood. Free admission. 954-921-3500 Tunes ‘N Trucks. Turnstiles - a tribute to Billy Joel. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. 6 p.m. Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise. Free. 954-747-4600
PALM BEACH
Free Friday Concerts. Blue Fire Band - Violin Rock. Weather permitting; bring lawn chairs. No pets or outside food and beverage. Food trucks available. 7:30 p.m. Delray Beach Center for the Arts / Outdoor Pavilion, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 561-243-7922, DelrayArts.org Storytime With Santa. 3 p.m. Boynton Beach Mall, 801 N Congress Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-736-7902 or simon.com/mall/boynton-beach-mall The Polar Express Movie And Activities. Come in pajamas for free train rides and activities, followed by a screening under the stars of The Polar Express. Movie begins at 6:30 p.m. Pizza, popcorn, hot chocolate and other concessions will be available for purchase. Bring blankets and chairs. 5 p.m. Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. myboca.us/pages/mizneramphi
19 Saturday MIAMI-DADE
Holiday Classic Car And Truck Show And Toy Drive. Bring a toy for the Miami Springs Police Department toy drive and enjoy Hot Wheels, Hot Rods, and Kool Klassics. 6-10 p.m. Curtiss Circle, Miami Springs. 305214-CARS or miamisprings-fl.gov
Storytime Sing-a-long with the Palm Beach Opera. Ages 3-5. Young audiences learn and sing memorable tunes. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Shenandoah Branch Library, 2111 SW 19th St., Miami. Free. RSVP. 305-250-4688 Target Free Third Friday. The Miami Children’s Museum is free every third Friday of the month. No strollers please. 3-9 p.m. Miami Children’s Museum, 80 MacArthur Causeway, Miami. 305-373-5437 ext. 100 or ext. 145
BROWARD
Sundaes With Santa. Tickets on sale at Rose Price Park. 2-4 p.m. SW Focal Point Community Center, 301 NW 103 Ave., Pembroke Pines. Residents, $6; non-residents, $8. 954-435-6525 or ppines.com Jingle Bell Jog 5K Run & Fitness Walk. Age categories from tweens to 80 plus, and a Elf Romp for children 10 and under. 8 a.m. Sawgrass Technology Park, 1601 N. Harrison Parkway. 954-461-5515 or gflrrc.org Science Eye Saturday Safari. “Santa Bob Claus.” Make a Santa Claus bobber to hang on the tree. 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Everglades Holiday Park, 21940 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale. Free. 954-680-7977 or scienceeye.com Pony Rides. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Third Saturday of the month. Sand and Spurs Equestrian Park, 1600 NE Fifth Ave., Pompano Beach. Free parking. $3 per ride. 954-786-4133
The Force is Awake. Ages 7-11. Jedi Training Academy make a light saber. 10:30 a.m. Royal Palm Beach Library, 500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach. 561-790-6030 LEGO Star Wars Party. Ages 4-12. Watch LEGO Star Wars: Yoda Chronicles, Star Wars crafts, create a Lego masterpiece. Costumes welcome. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mandel Public Library, 411 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. 561-868-7703
Ages 4 and up. Create your own sand art. 10, 11, Noon, and 1 p.m. Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Residents, $13; non-residents, $16.25. RSVP. 561-347-3900 or sugarsandpark.org Preschool Winter Wonderland. Ages 3-5. Winter stories, short film and craft. 11:30 a.m. West Boca Branch Library, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton. 561-470-1600
20 Sunday
23 Wednesday
MIAMI-DADE
Sunday Family 4-Pack. Four 1-hour timed-play game cards plus a large 1-topping pizza for $39.99. 1 a.m.-11 p.m. GameTime, 5701 Sunset Drive, Suite 330, Miami. 305- 667-4263
BROWARD
MIAMI-DADE
Celebrate The Holidays With Cheer. Stories, crafts. 10:30-10:30 a.m. Culmer/Overtown Branch Library, 350 NW 13th St., Miami. Free. RSVP. 305-579-5322
Santa’s Workshop: Celebrate the Holidays.
of the month. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek. Gate entrance fee of $1.50. $1.50 per ride cash only. 954-357-8720 Free Childbirth Class. Topics include: Anatomy of Mom & Baby, stages of labor, coping techniques, newborn care, breastfeeding. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Natural BirthWorks, 7630 Wiles Road, Coral Springs. RSVP. 954-960-3213 or 1naturalbirthworks@gmail.com
Ages 5-12. Create fun gifts for Santa’s sleigh ride. Noon1 p.m. Edison Center Branch Library, 531 NW 62nd St., Miami. Free. RSVP. 305-757-0668 Movie Under the Stars. Minions. 8 p.m. Miami Beach SoundScape ExoStage, 500 17th St., Miami Beach. 305673-7577 or mbculture.com Miami Beach Food Truck & Music Fest. Food trucks, entertainment and area restaurants. 5-10 p.m. Fourth Wednesday of the month. North Shore Park Bandshell, Collins Avenue and 73rd Street. mbculture.com.
PALM BEACH
BROWARD
Train Rides at Tradewinds Park. Third weekend
Move It. Ages 5 and up. Games and activities 2 p.m.
Lantana Road Branch Library, 4020 Lantana Road, Lake Worth. 561-304-4500 Kids Fitness in the Park. Free fitness class. 10 a.m. Third Sunday of the month. Delray Marketplace, 14851 Lyons Road, Delray Beach. 561-865-4613 Sunday Family Movie. “Big Hero 6” Price includes movie, popcorn, and drink. Sensory-Friendly showing at 2 p.m. 11 a.m. Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. $1. 561-347-3900 or SugarSandPark.org Sunday on the Waterfront. Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular. Polynesian entertainment, conch blowing contest. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. 4-7 p.m. West Palm Beach Waterfront, 105 Evernia St., West Palm Beach. Free. wpb.org/sunday-on-the-waterfront
21 Monday MIAMI-DADE
Santa’s Workshop: Celebrate the Holidays. Ages 5-12. Create fun gifts for Santa’s sleigh ride. Noon1:00 p.m. Edison Center Branch Library, 531 NW 62nd St., Miami. Free. RSVP. 305-757-0668
BROWARD
Winter Holiday Storytime. 2 p.m. Carver Ranches Branch Library, 4735 SW 18 St., West Park. Free. RSVP. 954-357-6245 Kids Club. Grades 3-5. 4 p.m. Third Monday of each month. Weston Branch Library, 4205 Bonaventure Blvd., Weston. Free. RSVP. 954-357-5430
Gingerbread House Kit Workshop. Ages 5 and up. Workshop includes gingerbread house, candies and icing. Drop in 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Young At Art Museum, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie. $10 per kit, while supplies last. 954-4240085 or YoungAtArtMuseum.org Holiday Storytime. Stories Stories will focus on Christmas, Kwanza and Hanukkah. 10:30 a.m. Lauderdale Lakes Library/Educational and Cultural Center, 3580 West Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes. Free. RSVP. 954-357-8650 Tween Wii. Ages 8-12. 5 p.m. Miramar Branch Library & Education Center, 2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar. Free. RSVP. 954-357-8090
PALM BEACH
Make Your Own Gingerbread House. Ages 4 and up. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Residents, $10; non-residents, $12.50. RSVP. 561-347-3900 or sugarsandpark.org Crafty Wednesday. Ages 2-6. Reindeer ornaments. Socks required. 3-3:45 p.m. Cool Beans, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens. Admission and class $14.95. $6 class only. RSVP. 561-627-1782 Party with our Parachute. Develop social skills, spatial awareness as well as gross motor skills. Ages 2-3, 9:30 a.m.; ages 4-6, 11 a.m. Royal Palm Beach Branch Library, 500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach. 561-790-6030 Morse Code Jewelry. Ages 8-12. Learn Morse code and make secret message jewelry. 3:30 p.m. Glades Road Branch Library, 20701 95th Ave., South Boca Raton. 561-482-4554
24 Thursday
PALM BEACH
Celebrate the Season. Ages 4-12. Make a holiday card. 11:30 a.m. Greenacres Branch Library, 3750 Jog Road, Greenacres. 561-641-9100 Movie & Craft. “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland.” 2 p.m. Okeechobee Boulevard Branch Library, 5689 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-233-1880
22 Tuesday MIAMI-DADE
Surprise Storytime. 4-4:30 p.m. Aventura Library, 2930 Aventura Blvd., Aventura. RSVP. 305-931-5512
Match Play Tuesday. GameTime will match food bill with game credits. 4-7 p.m. GameTime, 5701 Sunset Drive, Suite 330, Miami. 305- 667-4263 or gametimeplayers.com
BROWARD
Gingerbread House Kit Workshop. Ages 5 and
PALM BEACH
up. Workshop includes gingerbread house, candies and icing. Drop in 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Young At Art Museum, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie. $10 per kit, while supplies last. 954-4240085 or YoungAtArtMuseum.org Storybook Adventures. 10:30 a.m. Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines. Free. RSVP. 954-357-6580-6580 Family Nights With Food Trucks. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. Plantation Heritage Park, 1100 S. Fig Tree Lane, Plantation. Free. 954-357-5135
Polar Express Party. Ages 3 and up. Crafts, games,
PALM BEACH
dancing and more. Come dressed in pajamas.” 3:30 p.m. Lantana Road Branch Library, 4020 Lantana Road, Lake Worth. 561-304-4500
Magic Milk Island Art.
BROWARD
Decorate Holiday Cookies. Drop in 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Young At Art Museum, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie. $2 per cookie. 954-424-0085 or YoungAtArtMuseum.org
PALM BEACH
Crafts, Cartoons and Cookies. 10 a.m.-noon. Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. $5. 561-3473900 or sugarsandpark.org Theme Thursday. Ages 2-6. “Red & Green.” $2 off when guests come dressed up. Socks required. Cool Beans, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens. $10.95; 6 months-2, $8.95; siblings, $6.95. 561-627-1782
25 Friday PALM BEACH
2nd Annual Family Day At The JCC. Pool time, gym games, art, bounce house, and more. 10 a.m.-noon. Mandel Jewish Community Center, 5221 Hood Road, Palm Beach Gardens. Members, free; guests, $18. 561-712-5230, JaimeB@JCConline.com, or jcconline.com Free Friday Concerts. Pangea -Top 40 Rock and R&B. Bring lawn chairs. No pets or outside food and drinks. 7:30 p.m. Center for the Arts Outdoor Pavilion, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 561-243-7922, DelrayArts.org
26 Saturday MIAMI-DADE
Wee Movie Magic. Ages 3 and up. “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland.” 11 a.m. Royal Palm Beach Branch Library, 500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach. 561-790-6030
Storytime with Annabelle. Paws to Read. Ages 5-12. 2-3 p.m. Lakes of the Meadow Branch Library, 4284 SW 152nd Ave., Miami. Free. RSVP. 305-222-2149
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BROWARD
Breakfast At Gulfstream. Character appearances, free backstretch tram tours, giveaways and prizes, and guest speakers. 7-10 a.m. Saturdays. The Village at Gulfstream Park, Champions Plaza, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach. 954-454-7000 or gulfstreampark.com Wags and Tales. 10:30 a.m. Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines. Free. RSVP. 954-3576580-6580 LEGO Club. Ages 5 and up. 5:45 p.m. Pompano Beach Branch Library, 1213 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach. Free. RSVP. 954-357-7595
PALM BEACH
Farmers Market Waterside. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Old
BROWARD
Fireworks for the New Year. Create a fireworks display using colorful oil pastels. Included with paid admission to museum. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Young At Art Museum, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie. $14; Broward County residents and children over 1, $12. 954-424-0085 or YoungAtArtMuseum.org Food Trucks At Artspark. Over 20 different food trucks. 5:30-10 p.m. Mondays. ArtsPark at Young Circle, 1 Young Circle, Hollywood. Free admission. 954-921-3500
PALM BEACH
Morning Movie Matinee. Ages 7 and up. “Inside Out.” 11 a.m. Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach. 561-894-7500
29 Tuesday
Bridge Park, 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth. lakeworth.org
Bookworm Story Time. Ages 1-5. 10 a.m. Highland Beach Library, 3618 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. 561278-5455 or ci.highland-beach.fl.us
MIAMI-DADE
Furry Tales Reading Program. Beginner readers through age 12. Children read to a therapy dog. 4-5 p.m. Northeast Dade - Aventura Branch Library, 2930 Aventura Blvd., Aventura. RSVP. 305-931-5512
27 Sunday MIAMI-DADE
Sunday Family 4-Pack. Four 1-hour timed-play game cards plus a large 1-topping pizza for $39.99. 1 a.m.-11 p.m. GameTime, 5701 Sunset Drive, Suite 330, Miami. 305- 667-4263
BROWARD
Jazz Picnic In The Park Concert Series. 10:30-2:30 Sundays. Ilene Lieberman Botanical Gardens, 3801 Inverrary Blvd., Lauderhill. Jamming In The Park. Bring your favorite instrument and join in an acoustic music jam. 1-4 p.m. Fourth Sunday of the month. Secret Woods Nature Center, 2701 W. State Road 84, Dania Beach. Free. 954-357-8884
BROWARD
Storytime Fun. 11 a.m. Carver Ranches Branch Library, 4735 SW 18th St., West Park. Free. RSVP. 954-357-6245
Evening Storytime. 6:30 p.m. Deerfield Beach Percy White Branch Library, 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach. Free. RSVP. 954-357-7680 Family Storytime. 7 p.m. Margate Branch Library, 5810 Park Drive, Margate. Free. RSVP. 954-357-7500 Family Nights With Food Trucks. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. Plantation Heritage Park, 1100 S. Fig Tree Lane, Plantation. Free. 954-357-5135
PALM BEACH
PALM BEACH
GEMS Club. Girls grade 3-8. “Brainiacs: It’s All About The
Kwanzaa Celebration at Spady Museum. 4-7
Brain.” Dinner and refreshments provided. 5-7 p.m. the last Tuesday of every month. South Florida Science Center, 4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach. $5 registration per child per session. 561-370-7703 or echristian@sfsciencecenter.org Mr Lemoncello’s Library Scavenger Hunt. Ages 8-12. Figure out the clues by using the library’s resources before everyone else does and win a special prize. 10 a.m. Royal Palm Beach Library, 500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach. 561-790-6030
p.m. 170 NW 5th Ave., Delray Beach. 561-279-8883 or spadymuseum.com
28 Monday MIAMI-DADE
Slam Book Journaling. Ages 5-12. Noon-1 p.m. Edison Center Branch Library, 531 NW 62nd St., Miami. Free. RSVP. 305-757-0668
Dress Up Time. Ages 3-5. Dress up from the library bin or come in your own 3:30 p.m. Lantana Road Branch Library, 4020 Lantana Road, Lake Worth. 561-304-4500 Use the Force. Use “the force” to win prizes playing bingo. 3 p.m. Greenacres Branch Library, 3750 Jog Road, Greenacres. 561-641-9100
30 Wednesday MIAMI-DADE
Slam Book Journaling. Ages 5-12. Noon-1 p.m. Edison Center Branch Library, 531 NW 62nd St., Miami. Free. RSVP. 305-757-0668 Movie Under the Stars. The Simpsons Movie. 8 p.m. Miami Beach SoundScape ExoStage, 500 17th St., Miami Beach. 305-673-7577 or mbculture.com
BROWARD
Books-N-Babies. Ages 2 and under. 10:30 a.m. Miramar Branch Library & Education Center, 2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar. Free. RSVP. 954-357-8090 Tween Wii. Ages 8-12. 5 p.m. Miramar Branch Library & Education Center, 2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar. Free. RSVP. 954-357-8090
PALM BEACH
Crafty Wednesday. Ages 2-6. Socks required. 3-3:45 p.m. Cool Beans, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens. Admission and class $14.95. $6 class only. RSVP. 561-627-1782
31 Thursday MIAMI-DADE
Family Storytime. 4:30-5:15 p.m. South Shore Library, 131 Alton Road, Miami Beach. Free. RSVP. 305-535-4223
BROWARD
Preschool Storytime. Ages 3-5. 12:30 p.m. Weston Branch Library, 4205 Bonaventure Blvd., Weston. Free. RSVP. 954-357-5430
PALM BEACH
Disney’s Pinocchio Movie. Price includes movie, popcorn and a drink. Purchase tickets in advance at the Box Office. 10 a.m. Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Residents, $1. 561-347-3948 or sugarsandpark.org
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Center in Pinecrest
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Boca Raton 5458 Town Center Rd. #16 Boca Raton, FL 33486 (561) 391-6660
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Palm Beach Gardens = Urgent Care Location
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