June 2017 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

tampabayparenting.com

JUNE 2017

THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER by MARISA LANGFORD of TampaMama.com

FATHER'S DAY

Events, Stories and More! EXPERT ADVICE:

Get Prepared for Hurricane Season

pages 12-13

BRAND NEW:

CARDBOARD

SPACE ADVENTURES AT MOSI

DADS DISH ON

Backyard BBQ Recipes

Pool Perfect Swim Wear WITH RUNWAY TRANSLATOR

GUEST EDITOR: Grayson Kamm of MOSI

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JUNE 2017 08 12 15 16

Father's Day Gift Ideas: What Dad Really Wants Expert Advice: Hurricane Prep Parenting Bootcamp: For New Moms and Dads Planting Seeds: Stay-at-Home Dad Launches Family Farm

Dads Dish: BBQ Favorites

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LIFE + HOME

FOOD + DRINK

EDUCATION

STEM Books: Ellie of MommyMasters.com Shares Top Picks MOSI's New Exhibit: Cardboard Space Adventures LEGO Fun: 3 Ideas for Summer Fun with Legos Summer Reading: Prevent Summer Slide

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Weight Loss: Local Dad's Health Scare Inspires Lifestyle Change Drowning Prevention: Tips to Protect Your Children Tantrums: How to Keep Your Cool Ask the Doctor: Period Questions Answered

BEAUTY + STYLE

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Pool Perfect Style: Shopping for Summer Fun with Runway Translator What's in Your Bag, Dad? with Grayson Kamm

FAMILY FUN

SPECIAL SECTION: Best Resorts for Families: Anna de Jesus of the Great Escape Plan Shares Her Picks 60 Ideas for Summer Fun in Tampa Bay by Marisa Langford of TampaMama.com

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Around Town: Highlights from Around Tampa Bay Top Picks: Our Favorite Things to Do in June with the Family in Tampa Bay

FROM THE COVER:

In celebration of Father's Day and in recognition of the start of hurricane season, we're featuring 10 News meteorologist Bobby Deskins and his three children on the cover: Ava, Cameron and Mason! He has tracked several hurricanes during his television career and shares the importance of preparation on pages 12-13. Images by Darlene Barlows Photography 4 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

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SUMMER FAMILY FUN

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MISSION ACCOMPLISHED GUEST EDITOR

Grayson Kamm

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anu Varma Panchal

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sarah Stoulil

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Grayson Kamm Anu Varma Panchal Dr. Wendy Rice Jill Hechtman, M.D., FACOG Anna Tataris de Jesus Michelle Bremer Marisa Langford Bobby Deskins Carley Boyette Lily Conrad Ellie Hirsch Itza Henderson Sommer Stiles Jennifer Bingham Merris Pope Gonzalez Laura Byrne

CALENDAR Chris Kuhn

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ralf Gonzalez Craig Collins

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Page Four Creative

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Darlene Barlows Photography Theresa NeSmith Photography Brittany Elise Photography

TAMPA BAY PARENTING MAGAZINE

320 W. Kennedy Blvd Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: 813-949-4400 Fax: 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com

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WHEN SPACE AND FAMILY INTERSECT

t's baffling to me how outer space — nature's best example of absolute emptiness — has done so much to bring me closer to people in my life. We just opened a huge summer experience called Cardboard Space Adventures here at MOSI (which I'd love for you to read about later in this issue and come check out), and it got me thinking about my own space adventures growing up near Cape Canaveral, and later, covering the NASA space program as a TV news reporter.

As I drove from my old hometown of Merritt Island to my new hometown of Tampa, parking along the side of the road for just a moment to watch that rocket stream into the sky, I marveled at the intersection of these two loves of mine — space and family. It’s now five years later, and this spring I took my born-early-but-super-healthy son Collier to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the first time. I watched him light up as he touched a real piece of the moon and quizzed me on rocket parts and space missions.

There are plenty of “that was so cool” moments, like climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery in its hangar or getting an out-of-office email reply that says, “I'm sorry, I'll be orbiting the earth for the next three months and I'll reply when I return.”

Now he and his 3-year-old brother Merritt spot a light in the sky and debate whether it’s a star or a planet. And usually they get it right. (MOSI fact: Stars typically twinkle; planets don’t.)

Then there's the time when my incredible wife Cathy was on bed rest at the hospital, six weeks away from our son's due date. The doctors swore I was okay to go from Tampa to the other coast and cover the launch of the Curiosity mission to Mars.

That intersection of the things I love has become so much more complete to me now through my children. It’s a reminder that, even when our lives feel like they’re going in every different direction, there are still unexpected ways to bring it all together.

I promise: They said I'd be fine. But at T-minus 30 minutes from launch, I got “the call.” She's headed to labor and delivery. As I hustled to my car, I heard my co-anchor explain to the viewers that “Grayson's about to have a launch of his own!”

GRAYSON KAMM Communications Director Museum of Science and Industry mosi.org

Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance. Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.

More with Grayson Kamm on

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JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 7

Father's Day Gift Ideas | Life + Home

what dads really want MOSI’s Grayson Kamm breaks it down for those still bemused by our Father's Day shopping lists. When I sent out the call (a group text, actually) to some of my dad friends asking for ideas for Father’s Day gifts they’d actually want to get, one of them had the guts to say “a tie.” Well, Dan F. (South Tampa), you have fun with your tie; the rest of us are getting this cool stuff.

1 GEAR YOU CAN SHOP FOR:

2 THINGS YOU CAN’T BUY:

• A round of golf with friends, followed by lunch with the whole family • Some non-family time for a bike ride, then a family outing with the kids • The chance to sleep in, then wake up and dive right into breakfast with everyone • An uninterrupted day to myself to watch TV or work on a project • A family trip to the beach or theme park; exhausting but awesome. Almost every dad I talked to suggested experiences you can’t get at a store, with a mix of time with family and time to themselves. I’ll agree: Give me that, plus one thoughtful gift, and you’re gonna make my day on Dad’s Day.

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1. Big Green Egg grill 2. Apple AirPods 3. Battery-powered leaf blower 4. Overhead garage storage racks 5. A cart to carry beach gear:

As my friend, Joe F. from South Tampa explained, “So we can go to the beach without setting the world record for the most stuff schlepped in one trip."

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Life + Home | Expert Advice: Hurricane Prep

hurricane season

why you need to prepare By Meteorologist Bobby Deskins 10 News WTSP

he Atlantic hurricane season begins each year on June 1 and ends Nov. 30. This year, the forecasts for this season are suggesting an average to slightly below average season. The average number of named storms each season is 12, of which six become hurricanes and three strengthen to major or category 3 hurricanes with winds over 111 mph. But numbers aside, the truth is that it only takes one storm to cause major damage and disrupt our lives. 1992 was a slow season that only produced seven storms, but that was the season Hurricane Andrew hit, slamming into Florida with deadly force and winds over 165 mph, causing more than $26 billion in damage. We may be lucky and never see an Andrew type storm in our area in our lifetime, but must be prepared for one just in case. One of the reasons that forecasts are trending toward a quieter season is because of the potential for El Nino to develop this summer. El Nino is the warming of the equatorial waters in the Pacific Ocean just west of South America and this can cause wind shear over the Atlantic. That shear makes it difficult for storms to form. Although El Nino doesn’t guarantee a quiet season, it’s still a good sign. Because of the uncertainty of what Mother Nature may bring, we at 10 News want to help get you prepared and keep

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you informed. We will track the tropics and alert you to any developments. What you can do is have a plan. Know where you would go if you were asked to evacuate. Know what you would take with you that will cover your families’ needs, your medical needs and your work responsibilities. What are you going to need to keep those kiddos occupied? Make that plan now while the tropics are quiet and you have time to make a kit, prep the house and inform your family. I’ve tracked hurricanes for years now and I know what it’s like to be nervous as storms approach our area. This season, trust us to guide you through the storm and help you protect your family and property. Have a plan, but don’t be worried. Stick with 10 News on air, online, through our app and in the newspaper. Here’s to a quiet 2017 hurricane season!

BOBBY DESKINS Bobby Deskins is a meteorologist with 10 News Nightside. He and his wife Debbie have three children, 6-year-old Ava and 4-year-old twin boys Cameron and Mason. They reside in Pinellas County.

TIPS FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

By Alberto Moscoso Communications Director Florida Division of Emergency Management

The start of Hurricane Season on June 1 is an excellent opportunity to talk to kids about what you need to do in case of an emergency such as a hurricane or wildfire. With your family, create an emergency plan that includes information about how you will receive emergency alerts and information, and how your family will communicate if there is an emergency. Make sure you are properly insured. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, and

flood insurance can take as long as 30 days to go into effect. Get the coverage you need BEFORE a disaster occurs. Know if you live in an evacuation zone, and where you will go if an evacuation is ordered for your area. Think about items you will need to take with you including important documents. Take photos to document your valuable items and things that may need to be replaced by insurance if a storm impacts your home. Utilize the planning tool at FloridaDisaster.org/ family to create your personalized family plan.

Create a disaster supply kit and review and update regularly. Basic supply kit items include: Non-perishable food

Bottled water (one gallon per person per day) But numbers aside, the truth is that it only takes one storm to cause major damage and disrupt our lives.

BOBBY DESKINS

Extra batteries (including external batteries to charge your mobile phone!)

Lanterns and/or flashlights

First-aid kit

NOAA AllHazards Weather Radio to receive emergency alerts.

Each family’s supply kit may be a bit different. Think about your family and what items they may need if the power goes out – additional prescription medications, food for a specific diet, or even a favorite game or toy to pass the time. LEARN MORE: floridadisaster.org JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 13

Some say that, aerodynamically, it is impossible for bumble bees to fly because their wings are too small for their bodies.

support, resources & information

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Bright Expectations (BE) is dedicated to helping our Florida residents with special needs and unique abilities find the resources, support and inspiration that they, and their families, need to break barriers and achieve their dreams. Start your journey today!

Parenting Bootcamp | Life + Home

Lessons in Parenthood: Bootcamp for New Moms and Dads

The research is clear that adult health is shaped by what we experience as children, and young children with more developed social competence skills are more likely to live healthier, successful lives. All of Champions for Children services are based on attachment theory and embrace a protective factors framework. Supporting parents and families is one of the most critical things we can do to promote a healthy community. BOOT CAMP FOR NEW MOMS® (BCNMS) was developed in 2015

BOOT CAMP FOR NEW DADS® (BCNDS) is a program developed by the New Fathers Foundation 1990 in response to research that father engagement makes a difference even before baby is born. This father-to-father mentoring for new dads is led by a nationally credentialed coach who guides interactions between the “rookies,” first-time expectant dads, and “the veterans,” who have previously attended the program and returned with their now 6-9-month-old infants. Topics range from practical baby care to the emotional state of the parents. Research shows that the benefits of engaged fathers kick in before birth; babies born to mothers who received positive support from the

father have higher birth weights. This research, combined with the New Fathers Foundation’s understanding that most prenatal classes do not prepare new father for the emotional consequences of childbirth, was the basis for creating these four-hour sessions. Rookies can ask veterans about their transition into fatherhood, with topics ranging from practical baby care to the emotional state of the parents. This class also includes the Safe Baby Curriculum. BCNDs classes are held at variety of locations throughout the community.

by the BCND founders and offers prenatal education related to the social and emotional connection between moms and their babies. This mother-to-mother mentoring program is taught by a credentialed coach who facilitates discussion between rookie and veteran moms. Those discussions touch on topics including postpartum depression and managing the change in relationship with the co-parent. Boot Camp for New Moms ® (BCNMs) does not replace traditional labor and delivery classes. It intentionally fills a gap of prenatal education related to the social-emotional connection between mom and baby and how new parents can support each other. BCNM recognizes the need to prepare for life after baby’s birth. Following BCND’s format, BCNM is a “mother-to-mother” four-hour session. The “veteran” with her baby is the distinctive draw -- nothing replaces the value of sitting down and getting straight answers from women who were just in mom-to-be’s shoes. Like the BCNDs classes, this class also includes the Safe Baby Curriculum. Classes will be held at community-based locations.

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN For more information visit cfctb.org or call (813) 673-4646. JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 15

Life + Home | Planting Seeds

from raising babies to planting seeds

By Carley Boyette, TV Host of Tampa Bay's Morning Blend on WFTS

We have a wonderful family supporting his dream and helping to make Boyette Family Farms a growing business with big plans and potential for the future.

CARLEY BOYETTE

s my high school sweetheart and I prepare to celebrate 12 years of marriage just before Father’s Day, I am honored to shine a spotlight on my hard-working husband, Brooks Boyette, new business owner. For Brooks and me, home was always Tampa. This is where we met, where we grew up and where we wanted to raise our family. In fact, Brooks is a seventh-generation Floridian and his family was one of the first to settle in Wesley Chapel. However, the TV business (my profession) is not nearly as glamorous or easy as it appears, especially for new moms. The hours can be long, job security hard to find, and many times, the job of your dreams may be in another state far from home. But when my career took us to North Carolina in the early years of our marriage, Brooks never complained. He knew I loved my job and was willing to make my career the priority. After six years in North Carolina, we eventually made our way back to Florida (Cape Coral), and after many years of trying to start a family (that’s

16 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

How a Stay-at-Home Dad used his family roots to start a growing business

another story worth sharing), we were blessed with a sweet daughter and son who are just 15 months apart. After trying out several sales jobs that Brooks was never passionate about, we figured that the best situation for our young growing family was for Brooks to stay home with our children. Yes, this man who had never changed a diaper was now a stay-at-home dad. It was something we never planned, but looking back we know it is one of our biggest blessings. Now fast forward to 2016, when I finally get the job of my dreams (Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend on WFTS) and we move back home. Our kids are now 2 and 3, we have abundant family close by, and Brooks is finally able to dig his roots into something he loves. In November, Brooks (with the help of his dad, aunt and brother-in-law), opened Boyette Family Farms in our growing community of Wesley Chapel. With a combination of Brooks’ family’s years of Florida farming experience and the new farming technique known as hydroponics, it truly is the

next generation of farming. It’s a system that uses less water, fertilizer and pesticides to produce a cleaner and more nutritional food source. With a mix of traditional farming done on property and this new vertical hydroponic system, our family farm grows everything from strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, kale, broccoli, squash, zucchini, onions and so much more. The response and feedback has been wonderful. The hunger for locally farmed produce is huge. And while it’s hard to keep up with demand sometimes, my husband is loving every minute. We have a wonderful family supporting his dream and helping to make Boyette Family Farms a growing business with big plans and potential for the future. So the next time you see me on TV working under the hot studio lights, you may be tickled to know that my loving and supportive husband is working hard out in the warm Florida sunshine on our family farm. And as we found out, when you go through life with a little faith, patience and hard work—all dreams are possible!

Celebrate NATIONAL FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MONTH!

THIS FARM CARES recognizes Florida farms using sustainable practices to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to your table. SPONSORED BY

www.thisfarmcares.org JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 17

Food + Drink | Dads Dish

dads backyard BBQ dish Hoagie Hot Dogs and Grilled Green Beans

By Grayson Kamm

When summer hits and hungry friends are over, I get excited because I seriously love making and eating this meal. It’s my go-to way to cook up classics, and you’ll come out with a tasty take on hot dogs that’s a twist on the traditional plus crunchy, zesty green beans that make eating your veggies a treat. INGREDIENTS Thick hot dogs (I use Ball Park Grillmaster “Hearty

Beef” Franks) Soft hoagie rolls (I use Pepperidge Farms Bakery

Classics “Soft White” Hoagie Rolls) Fresh green beans (I get a pound for every two grown-ups) Everglades seasoning (Look for it in the spice aisle and your grill will thank you) Olive oil (Not much — just 1 tablespoon per pound of green beans) PREPARATION 1. Get the green beans going first. To keep them from falling through the slats in your grill, lay a big sheet of aluminum foil across half your grill, then use a sharp knife to punch a few dozen holes in it to let the heat through. (Or use one of those “As Seen on TV” grill mats.) 2. As the grill heats up, cut off the ends of the green beans, then mix the beans in a bowl with just a little olive oil and a decent amount of Everglades Seasoning. 3. Spread the green beans across the foil or mat and use tongs to move and turn them every few minutes; you’ll want them to get dark grill marks and a little wilted, but not burnt to a crisp. 4. Once the beans are cooking, grill the hot dogs for about three minutes on each side. Then take a hot dog off the grill and hold it with tongs on a plate or cutting board. 5. Using a steak knife, slice it lengthwise, but not all the way through. You’ll want enough left so you can “unfold” the dog into two connected halves — butterflying it like a shrimp or thick steak.

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6. Repeat that for all the dogs and grill them like a kind of hot dog steak till they’re almost ready. With about a minute to go, open the hoagie buns, split them, and lay them soft-side-down on the grill just to get them nice and toasted. 7. Serve, top with condiments, and repeat all summer long! 8. For grown-ups, this food pairs oh-so-well with a local craft beer; my top picks are Green Bench’s Happy Hermit Pale Ale, Big Storm’s Wavemaker Amber Ale and Brew Bus’s Rollin’ Dirty Red Ale.

THE BRONTO-BURGER By Executive Chef Itza Henderson

INGREDIENTS Brioche bun 2 slices tomatoes 1 lettuce leaf 2 slices American cheese 2 onion rings 6 oz. hamburger patty, 1 teaspoon burger seasoning

PREPARATION 1. Start off with the brioche bun and add a little oil to toast 2. Get some 73/27 ground beef, add burger seasoning and place patty on the grill. Cook until it reaches desired temperature. 3. Melt 2 slices of American cheese on top and place on toasted bun along with a slice of tomato and leaf of good lettuce.

For onion rings side: Purchase a bag at the store or make your own: • Slice one white onion into thick slices • Mix 1 cup of all- purpose flour and 1/2 cup of beer until it reaches consistency of a constant drip when you lift the mixing spoon. • Coat onions in the batter and fry once slice at a time in hot oil.

Get yourself some mayo, mustard and fries. Mmm mm mmm!

Chef Itza Henderson has been the Executive Chef at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo since October of 2014. Prior to joining the Zoo, Chef Itza was the private chef to Jeremy Jacobs, owner of the Boston Bruins & DC Companies. Itza has had the pleasure of working at some amazing venues throughout the United States: NASA, Shenandoah National Park, Yosemite National Park, Grand Prix and many more. Itza was also involved with culinary planning during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida. While at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Itza has had the opportunity to assist with the menu planning for the Zoo’s signature event series and has been seen on shows like Good Day Tampa Bay and The Morning Blend. Itza is currently working on his first recipe book for the Zoo. It is Itza’s goal to stay on top of new trends in the culinary world to help come up with additional green practices throughout the Zoo. JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 19

Education | STEM Books

Summer Camp Alternatives SUMMER STEM FUN

By Ellie Hirsch

ummer is here, which is insane. Didn’t school just start?

That means that those who go the camp route have probably spent hours figuring out the summer puzzle, juggling multiple children’s schedules and charging that credit card. Those who chose not to sign their kids up for camp are probably facing the pressure of creating a fun time, all day every day. Some of you parents do both. No matter which group you fit into, we all face the challenge of making sure that our kids don’t go down the “summer slide” and lose any gains they’ve made in math and reading during the previous school year. The good news is that there are fun ways to accomplish this—and your kids may not even be aware that they’re learning!

Exposure to STEM, science, technology, engineering and mathematics is all around us and giving our children access to it can make all the difference to their future. According to Entelechy Education, creator of the EnteleTrons® book series, “Early exposure to STEM concepts can help children get a jump-start on valuable knowledge and socio-emotional skills that they can carry over to all aspects of their growth and development.” Enter The EnteleTrons®, three sub-atomic particles that lead young readers through adventures around the universe. The creators offer STEM-inspired children’s books, a STEM-inspired cookbook and family fun STEM-inspired activities that focus on language literacy, combined with key values and behaviors for character development. They even help you create a STEM summer camp at home.

So how do you become a STEM Camp Counselor Extraordinaire? The EnteleTrons® first recommend finding a designated Camp STEM location in your home that is easily supervised by adults, such as a corner of the playroom or kitchen. Next, fill the space with STEMrelated supplies that you can find around the house. Then create a variety of index cards of problems that your young scientists can investigate. There are many websites out there with great suggestions, such as SteveSpanglerScience.com and BillNYE.com.

HERE ARE SOME PROJECT EXAMPLES:

• What happens when a plant grows without sunlight? Experiment with different types of light, different lengths of light and different plants. Create a chart of your findings. • Create a collage of leaves on a piece of construction paper, then place the assembly outside in the sun. Don’t put them all outside at the same time to create a unique effect. Adhear the undersides of the leaves to the paper if it is windy. What happens to the construction paper when you lift the leaves after several days in the sun? • At the end of the summer, consider having your own science fair. Invite family and friends for refreshments and a recap of the summer’s experiments – the successes and the failures!

ELLIE HIRSCH Ellie Hirsch is the founder of MommyMasters.com, a parenting resource offering unique tips, tricks and tools. She is an award-winning children’s singer/songwriter, parenting news contributor, published author, blogger, brand ambassador and mom to three wonderful boys. 20 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

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To register go to www.phelc.org or call for more info 727.233.8291

JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 23

Education | MOSI's New Exhibit

The Launch

of an exhibit

Bringing MOSI’s Cardboard Space Adventures from Idea to Opening Day By Grayson Kamm

e’ve all seen our kids do it — and you probably remember doing it yourself when you were a kid, too.

There’s something about that simple cardboard box and its endless possibilities that makes it one of the world’s greatest toys.

GRAYSON KAMM

busy brainstorming ideas, reminiscing on our childhoods and fondly thinking about imaginative play,” Johnny Scotello, MOSI’s Director of Exhibits explained to me.

They unwrap that shiny new gift from you — the one you spent hours searching for, the one that embodies your deep love for them, the one that cost more than you probably should have spent — and their eyes light up with joy… as they toss aside the present and start playing with the box!

“We started talking about how much fun we had with cardboard boxes — forts, castles, race cars, and so on. Then, nearly simultaneously, we all yelled, 'Spaceships!' We knew then and there the exhibit had to be Cardboard Space Adventures.”

There’s something about that simple cardboard box and its endless possibilities that makes it one of the world’s greatest toys. And don’t just take my word for it. The cardboard box has been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame! (Which is a thing that actually exists!)

Our team shaped that insight into a core concept: a child’s dream to turn a simple box into an amazing imaginary spaceship. “We understood that we had to take play out of the realm of iPads and phones and into the higher-level creative play of a child's imagination,” Johnny Scotello said.

Each year at MOSI, the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa, our team sets out to create a giant summer experience that mixes fun with learning. And this year, cardboard was on our minds. “The MOSI design teams were

How can families team up? How can kids discover on their own? What will encourage everyone who visits MOSI this summer to dream big? We worked to create hands-on answers to those questions.

24 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

For months, we drafted designs and built models and prototypes, including the ones you see in the photos on this page. And with each draft, everything kept getting bigger. Guests would start their quest with “one small step” through a human airlock or an alien portal, traveling to either a space station or a far-off planet. Then, families would work together to: • Explore a towering human space station and massive alien city, all constructed from cardboard • Design their own imaginative cardboard parts to add to a life-size exploration vehicle; the most unique new

parts would stay attached each day, creating a growing and changing masterpiece • Play a giant Space Invasion video game using cardboard game controllers •Discover tunnels beneath the alien city while exploring a giant maze MOSI’s Director of Innovation, Anthony Pelaez, told me, “As an educator, I facilitated many cardboard adventures with kids. We built cardboard arcades, cardboard dinosaurs, and cardboard movie props.” But nobody had ever built a cardboard construction this big. Not just nobody at MOSI. Nobody anywhere." Our plans had reached such a scale that, on a whim, Pelaez and I searched for the Guinness World Record for the largest cardboard sculpture ever built. It turned out that, holy cow, yes, our exhibit would be big enough to shatter the record of the current Guinness recordholder, an 1,100-square-foot cardboard castle in Hong Kong. Sure, castles are cool — but

space is much cooler. Literally, space is much cooler. It’s -455 degrees Fahrenheit out there. With plans in hand, we got to work: cutting, building, and creating. After months of development and an absolutely absurd amount of cardboard (thank you to our sponsors Piedmont National and Leggett & Platt for getting us started with truckloads of the stuff!), our enormous summer experience, Cardboard Space Adventures, opened at MOSI on Memorial Day weekend. With no offense to any cardboard knights or dragons, my boys and I think it’s a whole lot cooler than a cardboard castle. And MOSI is keeping this particular part of space a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit all summer long. The exhibit continues through Aug. 13 when we then plan to recycle all the cardboard. Now that you know how this adventure began, please come visit — to explore our exhibit and explore where your own imagination can take you.

GRAYSON KAMM Grayson Kamm is Communications Director of Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).

JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 25

When the sun goes down, we turn up the fun.

TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO

JUN 23-JUL 29 FRI & SAT TIL 10PM

See wildlife in a whole new light at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo!

•

Zoo Members free

At Sunset Celebration, enjoy entertainment for the whole

•

Event included with day admission – pay for a day, get the rest of the year free!

family and live bands every night, savor a variety of tasty

•

$22.95 after 4PM

dishes throughout the Zoo and celebrate the sunset over Tampa’s most unique setting.

DINOS AFTER DARK! 26 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

Learn more at tlpz.org/sunset

SPECIALTY DINING

LIGHT SHOW FINALE

Lego Fun | education

Lego Summer of Fun By Mandy Gandhi

Summer is here and most parents are constantly looking for kidfriendly activities and crafts to keep little hands busy throughout the break. Sure, it’s a carefree time of year to reconnect with your kids, slow down the schedule and have fun, but we all know that keeping kids entertained can be a challenge. However, if you have some Legos lying around, your kids can have a Brick-tastic summer break! Using Lego items you already own, here are some new activities to engage your child’s imagination and keep them reading and writing throughout the summer. STAR IN A COMIC BOOK ADVENTURE In the eyes of a child, what’s better than a superhero? A Lego superhero, of course! Repurpose used Lego magazines, books or boxes to create an individualized Legothemed comic book. Allow kids to cut out Lego images and paste them into a blank writing book or journal. Assist them as needed to write out a story and practice concepts of beginning, middle and end. Once their story is complete, promote practice of reading out loud, by giving them a chance to read their personal comic book to siblings, friends or family members. Have a younger reader? Create an alphabet book using printed or written letters, corresponding to Legothemed images that begin with that letter.

CREATE YOUR OWN BOARD GAME Ever wonder what to do with all those old, dusty board games in the closet? Repurpose those game boards to create a unique Legothemed game. First, adhere Lego base plates and loose bricks to the board. Next, use Lego Minifigures to build a personalized game piece. Finally, get creative by writing game cards with catchy phases to give instructions on how to move pieces. Encourage kids to read the game cards aloud, and be sure to make the wording age appropriate for the readers. Kids can literally build a new game every time they play!

START A LEGO PLAYGROUP Kids love to see their school friends over the summer break. A Lego playgroup is a great way to keep kids connected with their friends and create an opportunity for learning. Choose a meeting location like your home, the park or library. Invite a small group to join in a weekly meetup. Then, pick a weekly theme such as Things That Go, Out of This World, Under the Sea, Famous Buildings and Monuments and Once Upon a Time—the possibilities are endless. You can begin the playgroup by reading a story specific to the weekly theme. Allow participants time to look through books or magazines for inspiration. Provide loose Lego bricks, base plates, wheels and Minifigures for building. Once everyone is done building, bring the group together to individually share and discuss what they have built. These activities will provide hours of enjoyment for your little Lego fans! They are perfect summer projects that give new life to your Legos. Dig out those old board games, craft supplies, and Lego bricks and let their imaginations take care of the rest.

MANDY GANDHI Mandy Gandhi is the mom of two Lego-loving boys. In addition to being a mom, she is a physical therapist and the mom-owner of BrickSmarts, LLC. BrickSmarts is a Tampa-based business that refurbishes used Lego sets and sells them online for a fraction of the cost! BrickSmarts.com. JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 27

28 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

South Tampa Parenting YOU R N E I G H BO R H OO D

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY Take a book. Leave a book. No library card required. Books are never overdue; in fact, the intention is that they never return. Rather, books continue in circulation until their spines loosen and the text on their pages fades. They pass from one reader to the next, traveling through neighborhoods, crossing states and spanning countries, ultimately bringing people together. That is the mission of Little Free Library. story continued on next page.

Little Free

Popping up in South Tampa

ampa Bay is home to over 50 such libraries, with over a dozen in South Tampa. These libraries perch in neighborhoods, parks, even in front of businesses. Chances are you’ve driven by one or know someone who “stewards” one. “My grandmother taught me to read,” shares Brittany Anderson. “I grew up surrounded by books and I wanted to help my community by promoting literacy.” Anderson and her husband built a Little Free Library in memory of her grandmother. For their son’s first birthday, they asked friends to bring books in lieu of gifts to serve as the initial collection for their library. Since then the collection has evolved to include books for all ages and the original books have found their way into the hands of readers elsewhere. Kristina Palmer and her family hosted a Little Free Library grand opening, inviting neighbors and friends to attend. Guests were encouraged to bring books and include a bookplate, giving lineage to the books as they traveled. “It's nice to be able to share something so special as the joy of reading,” Palmer says. Engaging with neighbors was a motivator for Kathy Yates as well. Upon moving, she and her family looked to connect with other families in the neighborhood over their love of literature. An English Literature

The Making of A LITTLE FREE LIBRARY

SOUTH TAMPA EDITION

By Sommer Stiles major, Yates loved the idea of making books easily accessible. Sarah Karlo’s Little Free Library has frequent visitors, inspiring others to start their own. “Easily, there is at least one stop a day, some on foot, many in cars. It appears to be part of some people's routine. It is children and adults alike," Yates says. While many stewards choose their own yards as their library site, Lisa Vodola, founder of Preschool Readers, designated her local park. Located near the playground at Kate Jackson, her library is ideally situated to attract preschool-age readers as well as older children and families. Partnering with local organizations such as university students, scout troops and Parties with Character princesses, Lisa hosts a monthly story time at her Little Free Library. These free events have drawn increasingly larger crowds, reaching early readers from neighborhoods throughout Tampa. Her only aim? “To foster a love of reading,” Vodola says. In a world hyper-connected by social media, printed books still serve to bring people together, open up conversation and build relationships all the while promoting literacy and accessibility to literature. As it turns out, the Little Free Library is not so “little” after all. The movement has made a big impact, including in Tampa’s own backyard.

MUSICAL ARTS PIANO CONSERVATORY JUDITH CATALDO, DIRECTOR

Piano lessons and classes for every age Private Lessons, Group Classes

& Summer Music Camps PIANO IS OUR PASSION! 2101 W.Xennedv'Blvd. Tampa. YC... 33606

WWW. MUSICALARTSPIANOCONSERVATORY.COM (813)294-1348

SOUTH TAMPA EDITION

Wine, Babies and Business Cru Cellars will celebrate seven years this summer in Palma Ceia, and I can truly say that being a mom has made me a better business person over the last three years. My husband and I started Cru before Ada (3) and Teddy (6 months) came into our lives, with the mission of bringing delicious, authentic and affordable wines to South Tampa, and our wine bar/restaurant and wine shop has become a wonderful gathering place for dinner dates, girls’ nights, wine tastings and private events. With a new baby at home, I had to step away from the day-to-day of the wine bar, but having children has allowed me to work on my business and spend my time doing what is most productive. Children enrich our lives so much, and I am thankful to have time with them while balancing a career I love – which means bringing good wine to you!

One of my favorites for the season is rosé – and our fifth Annual Wine & Wine Rosé BBQ is coming up June 3. So in honor of that, here are three of my favorites at Cru now: JANSZ BRUT ROSÉ (PINOT NOIR), TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA – incredible value for a champagne-like bubbly – like strawberries with fresh cream and a frothy, dry finish! $23.99

LA FAGE “MIRAFLORS” ROSÉ (GRENACHE, MOUVEDRE, CARIGNAN), COTES DU ROUSSILLON, FRANCE – Your token rosé from the South of France, and this one delivers! White cherries, wild strawberries and rose petals; incredibly layered and balanced. $16.99

CASASMITH “VINO” ROSÉ (SANGIOVESE), WASHINGTON - Delicate watermelon rind and cherry fruit offset by subtle minerality and dried herbs. Who knew sangiovese (the grape of Chianti) in the United States could make such delicious juice? $14.99

Jen Bingham is the owner of Cru Cellars and a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. She also holds the Level 3 Certificate from the WSET and the Diploma from the International Sommelier Guild. She drinks wine almost every night. SOUTH TAMPA EDITION

look good. do good. feel good.

Nicole DeLoach Hubbard Junior League of Tampa President

(813) 968-2483

BlueWaveOrtho.com

SOUTH TAMPA EDITION

Keep Your Cool this Summer! Best Indoor Places to Play

By Merris Pope, Founder of Hulafrog-South Tampa

few summers ago, I reached out to some friends and suggested we make a calendar with something to do every day to help entertain our kids. Mondays we can go to The Glazer Children’s Museum, Tuesdays to Story Time at Jan Kaminis Platt Library, Wednesdays head to the Florida Aquarium—I was desperate to have a resource to help fill those long summer days! When I heard about Hulafrog from a friend in New Jersey (where the company was founded), I knew that it would be a perfect fit for South Tampa—if nothing else but to help me plan activities for my kids. Hulafrog is a guide filled with local things for kids to do. It’s a national company with local sites in communities all over the country run by a local mom or dad. We have an events calendar listing anywhere from 10-30 events daily and we send out newsletters multiple times a week highlighting upcoming local events and activities. The best part is it’s FREE to subscribe. Hulafrog is also a mobile friendly site so you can check the calendar while you’re on the go.

One highlight of Hulafrog is our weekly Hot List that features businesses or events focusing on a specific, kid-friendly topic. With summer in full swing, Hulafrog’s 20 Indoor Places to Play Hot List is the perfect guide for local parents looking for places to go when it’s raining or too hot to play outside. There is so much to do with kids that’s indoors around South Tampa, from open gym times and arts and crafts to bowling and museums. For moms with babies and toddlers, Gymboree is a great place to join and frequent open gym times. Painting pottery at Color Me Mine in Hyde Park Village is fun for kids of all ages and Pinarama has bowling and an arcade. We are so lucky to live in an amazing city with a variety of museums to visit; your kids will love The Tampa Fire Fighters Museum downtown, The Tampa Bay History Center, or everyone’s favorite, The Glazer Children’s Museum. Hulafrog is here to help make parenting in South Tampa easier for you. To see the full Hot List, visit http://hulafrog.com/ south-tampa-fl and make sure to subscribe to our free newsletter so you can stay up to date on all of the summer fun happening in our area!

20 INDOOR PLACES TO PLAY HOT LIST

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

BABY BUNGALOW 3108 W. Azeele St. BRYAN GLAZER FAMILY JCC 522 N. Howard Ave. COLOR ME MINE TAMPA 1609 W. Snow Circle GAMETIME 1600 E. Eighth Avenue, Suite A147 GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza GYMBOREE PLAY & MUSIC 3309 S. Dale Mabry Highway JAN KAMINIS PLATT REGIONAL LIBRARY 3910 S. Manhattan Ave.

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

JOHN F. GERMANY PUBLIC LIBRARY 900 N. Ashley Drive LIFE TIME ATHLETICA AND LIFE SPA 2223 N. Westshore Blvd. PAINTING WITH A TWIST 2821 S. MacDill Ave. PLAYGROUNDS OF TAMPA 4535 S. Dale Mabry Highway PINARAMA BOWLING CENTER 5008 S. Dale Mabry Highway SOUTH TAMPA FAMILY YMCA 4411 S. Himes Ave.

15 16 17 18 19 20

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza TAMPA FIRE FIGHTERS MUSEUM 720 E. Zack St. TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER 801 Old Water St. TAMPA KIDS THERAPY 4004 S. MacDill Ave., Suite 6 THE POTTER’S HOUSE STUDIO-YOUR POTTERY PAINTING PLACE 3627 S. Westshore Blvd. VILLAGE SQUARE WESTSHORE 101 Westshore Plaza

THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM 701 Channelside Drive

Merris Pope is the founding managing editor of Hulafrog South Tampa, a community guide that provides a daily list of activities, weekend events, local classes, camps and more! Proud mom to Avery, 6 and Miles, 3. SOUTH TAMPA EDITION

SOUTH TAMPA EDITION

Things to do in south tampa For more events, see our full calendar at TampaBayParenting.com

CAR SEAT INSPECTION – SOUTH TAMPA June 2 and 16, various times Learn from a certified CPS technician how to properly install and use your car seat as part of this event offered through St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and hosted by Rinaldo Law Group. Registration is for one car seat per car. This is not an installation service, so participants should bring their vehicle owner’s manual and car seat instructions. Appointment times are available between 9 a.m. and noon. To register, call 855-269-4777.

FLOWER CROWN AND CANDLE MAKING WORKSHOP AT WEST ELM June 2, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Create your very own floral crown with the help of Florist Fire and then pour your very own floral inspired soy candle from Seventh Avenue Apothecary. When you are done creating, you can sip and shop and receive 20 percent off your purchase. To purchase your ticket, visit tampasoy.com.

YOGA IN THE YBOR CITY MUSEUM GARDEN June 3, 10, 17 and 24, 9:30 a.m. Treat yourself to a special morning of yoga in the peaceful setting of the Ybor City Museum Garden as part of this special monthly event hosted by Yoga Loft. Then, stick around for the Ybor City Saturday Market nearby and browse gourmet foods, sauces, fresh baked breads, herbs, plants, artwork, jewelry and more. Free admission and parking for the Saturday Market which runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone

HYDE PARK VILLAGE FRESH MARKET June 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop locally produced foods and handcrafted items at this monthly South Tampa outdoor market. Browse nearby stores while listening to live music and try one of the many neighborhood restaurants for lunch. Admission and parking are free. Leashed dogs are welcome. hydeparkvillage.com Everyone

CHILDREN’S BOARD FREE TUESDAY AT GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM June 6, noon – 7 p.m. Join the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and other partners such as WEDU PBS for a free admission day at Glazer Children’s Museum the first Tuesday monthly. Adults must be accompanied by a child and vice versa. glazermuseum.org Everyone

PJ LIBRARY SPLASH/POOL DAY! FAMILY EVENT June 4, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Pack up the towels, floaties and kids for a day at the pool at Bryan Glazer Family JCC in South Tampa. Guests can enjoy music, popsicles and fun for all ages. For more information, call 813-769-4725. bryanglazerfamilyjcc.com Everyone

A DAY OF FUN AT THE LIBRARY AT JAN KAMINIS PLATT LIBRARY June 27, events run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sing along to your favorite books with Christine VanHorn and her guitar! Perfect for kids ages 2-5. Performances are at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Silly Sam will then sing songs from around the world from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Hcplc.org

TEA FOR TOTS AT OXFORD EXCHANGE June 25, 2:00 p.m. Enjoy a selection of hot and cold teas as well as tea cakes and sandwiches that are provided with the admission ticket, which is $15 for an adult ticket and $8 for a child. The event is best for children ages 2-6; however, it's an easy family activity for all ages. June's reading will be 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff ' by Jerry Pickney.

SOUTH TAMPA EDITION

This summer, chill out in our air-conditioned Aquarium and connect with over 20,000 amazing sea creatures. Your kids will love our newly expanded rainforest themed outdoor water play area, The Splash Pad, offering fun slides, climbing elements, gushing fountains, spray zones, splash buckets, and much more. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve updated the grounds around it and are adding a food and beverage area, so parents can kick back and soak up the sun too. Bring the whole family for a splashing good time.

ďŹ&#x201A;aquarium.org | 813.273.4000 | Share your unforgettable moments at #FloridaAquarium.

JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 29

Make sure to add an eye exaM to your back-to-school checklist.

Free screenings for children and parents at Family Resource Centers sponsored by

Visit our website at www.florida.preventblindness.org

Visit our website at www.preservevisionflorida.org Or call our office at 813-874-2020 x4020 Or call our office at 813-874-2020 x4020 30 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

Summer Reading | Education

Don't go down the summer slide Get up and read!

By Laura Byrne

chwarzkopf Elementary School Media Specialist Holly Menendez has a favorite saying for summer reading: “Read Widely and Wildly!” What exactly does that mean? To encourage your child to get out of their reading comfort zone and read something new or even something more challenging and of course, read often! “It’s staggering how much of a difference 20 minutes [of reading] can make not just on achievement, but vocabulary development, graduation rates, employment and lifelong learning,” said Menendez. You’ve probably heard the term summer slide used by educators; it’s a real thing. It’s estimated teachers spend the first 4-6 weeks of a new school year re-teaching what students have forgotten over summer break. It’s also proven that children who read four or more books during their summer break, regardless of their socioeconomic background and previous achievement level, score better on reading comprehension tests in the fall than their fellow student who read one or no books during the break.

READING WITH THE RAYS: Pick up your Read Your Way to the Ballpark game card at your local library or Tropicana Field. Raysbaseball.com/reading

Schools, public libraries and community organizations in our community are making it easier than ever for local students to gain access to the reading materials they need. In Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, students can access myON, a FREE digital catalog of more than 13,000 titles for kids in grades K-8. Menendez says she loves this resource which can be accessed on a smartphone, iPad or computer because there are so many tools children can utilize like text tracking and a note pad, and they can even download up to 20 titles so they don’t have to have Wi-Fi at all times (myon.com). She also loves that the resource is available to all

According to studies, a student who reads 20 minutes per day (which equates to 3,600 minutes per school year and 1.8 million words per year) tends to score in the 90th percentile on standardized tests!

students, not just public school students. The bonus of myON? Kids can win prizes by simply reading! Speaking of prizes, there are several summer reading incentive programs your child can take advantage of this summer. Students across the state can pledge to read every day and can even help their school win a chance to be among the top 10 schools recognized for having the highest percentage of participation by signing the Summer Literacy Pledge (fldoe.org). The Rays are teaming up with Suncoast Credit Union to offer

two complimentary tickets to a Rays game to children who complete 24 hours of reading this summer and Barnes and Noble’s Summer Reading Program offers your child a FREE book for reading 8 books this summer and journaling about it! Many schools are offering incentive programs too, so be sure to ask if you haven’t heard already! Summer reading doesn’t just have to be books. Menendez says you can make it tasty by getting into the kitchen and following a recipe from your favorite cookbook or follow the instructions of a new game or toy. The point is to read and read often—and stay off the ‘summer slide’!

“It’s staggering how much of a difference 20 minutes [of reading] can make.

HOLLY MENENDEZ

JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 31

Adoption Support Program 813-635-9765

Support Groups For Adopted/ FosterAdopt Families All Peoples Life Center 6105 E Sligh Ave. Tampa, 33617 1st and 3rd Thursday 6:30pm - 8:00pm

A couple of years ago, an adoptive mother voiced her struggle with post adoption services, and pulled at the heartstrings of our agency. She exposed a need in our community that was underrepresented. There is a long standing belief that on the day of adoption, all of adopted children’s ‘issues’ would disappear. While most children find comfort in knowing they’re in their forever home, working towards healing from past trauma truly begins after adoption. As a result of this mother’s plea, Camelot Community Care obtained state funding in order to serve pre and post adoptive families; who have either adopted from Hillsborough County or are currently living in Hillsborough County. The main goals of the program are to connect adoptive families to one another for peer support, link families to community resources, provide adoption competent counseling, and support families from the beginning through the many years post adoption. Our support groups encourage the whole family to attend; the parents meet in one room with an experienced adoptive family leader. While children meet with program staff who engage in fun activities focusing on social skills, self-esteem building, anxiety reduction, anger management and peer interactions. A mantra of the program is to connect with families, from the beginning of the adoption process, in order to give them the tools to overcome the ups and downs of parenting children from difficult pasts. Our team is made up of three very dedicated women who have extensive experience in the adoption and foster care realms. We are called to do this work so that families don’t have to struggle in isolation. So come see what we are about; join us at the support group closest to you, give us a call, or email keckhoff@camelotcommunitycare.org. We would love to hear from you! -Krista, Kim and Carey

32 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church 19501 Holly Ln. Lutz, 33548 st 1 and 3rd Monday 6:00pm – 7:30pm Camelot Community Care 1410 Tech Blvd., Tampa 33619 nd 2 and 4th Wednesday 6:00pm – 7:30pm Peninsular Christian Church 3600 W Ballast Point Blvd., Tampa 33611 1st and 3rd Tuesday 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Weight Loss | Health & Wellness

HEALTH SCARE INSPIRES young dad

TO ADOPT HEALTHY LIFESTYLE By Lily Conrad

avid Quigley, a software engineer at Tampa General Hospital, is a recipient of an American Heart Association Lifestyle Change Award. Sponsored by Jabil, the awards program recognizes individuals who have made changes that will impact their quality of life and overall health. Tampa Bay resident David Quigley performed an amazing feat. In under a year, the father of three lost more than 125 pounds. His motivation for dropping this drastic amount of weight? A diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. “I was told if I did not eat healthy, it would lead to a swollen liver, scarring and ultimately, liver failure,” he said. More importantly, his family served as inspiration to take off the pounds. “I have a beautiful wife and three beautiful little kids. I want to be around for quite some time, as they truly are a joy to be with,” said David. At the age of 30, David felt depressed. He also did not exercise and ate poorly. David, who has a weak spot for hot wings, recalls often eating whatever was quick and easy.

“Like so many other people out there, I got older and did not keep up with my health.” At his wife’s insistence, he visited his physician, who suggested David lose weight and exercise. His doctor initially met with him monthly to measure his weight loss. By his second month check-in, David was determined to improve his health. He lost 25 pounds due to diet and exercise. He also used an app, which allows him to track everything he eats. David began running six days a week. “Surprisingly, running helps me control my appetite,” he said. David’s stunning weight loss and wellness quest has had a positive impact on his family. “Not only am I eating healthy, but so are my kids.” David, his wife and children now enjoy salads topped with flavorful red wine vinegar and avoid foods that are high in fat and low in nutrition. Prior to his transformation, David could barely keep up with his kids when they played together outdoors. Today, David admits he sometimes outpaces his children on the playground. “I can run faster than my kids. I'm going to hold onto that as long as I can.”

According to the American Heart/American Stroke Association, lowering blood pressure is a key way to reduce stroke risk factors, which also include poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity and smoking. Visit strokeassociation.org.

Like so many other people out there, I got older and did not keep up with my health. DAVID QUIGLEY

LILY CONRAD Lily Conrad is the communications director for the American Heart Association Tampa Bay where she works with a passionate team of staff and volunteers who are dedicated to saving lives from heart disease and stroke. JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 33

Health + Wellness | Drowning Prevention

DROWNING DANGER Tips on how to stop this preventable tragedy from recurring By Anu Varma Panchal

There are no more excuses. Families can learn how to save a life and prevent drowning. JAIME VERBERNE, ST. JOSEPH'S CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

CHILDREN AGES 3 TO 12 ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A SWIM LESSON VOUCHER IN ST. JOSEPH’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL’S SAFETY STORE IF THEY ARE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RESIDENTS AND ARE ENROLLED IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: • Medicaid • Hillsborough County School’s Free Lunch Program • SNAP-Food Assistance Program Caregivers must provide proof of eligibility to receive their voucher. Vouchers are available while supplies last.

34 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

Call the Safety Store at (813) 554-8510 to schedule an appointment.

sually, our pools, beaches and springs are sparkling cobalt harbingers of fun—a symbol and the background of our funloving Sunshine state. But all too quickly, water can become our worst enemy. A silent and speedy killer, drowning took 800 children’s lives last year. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of deaths in children under 4 in Florida, with most of those deaths occurring between May and August. Recently, the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County partnered with St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center, City of Tampa Parks and Recreation and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation to create the Children’s Board Mobile Water Safety Team. For the past two years, the Team has gone into neighborhood community pools to provide free swim lessons, free CPR certification and free water safety education. “Drowning is a completely preventable tragedy,” says Jaime Verberne from the pediatric injury prevention team at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. “There are no more excuses. Families can learn how to save a life and prevent drowning.”

SAFETY TIPS •Supervision is key. When you’re with your child at the pool, put away the cell phone, magazine and iPad, and give your child your complete attention—even if he has had swim lessons. Kids drown quickly and in just an inch of water, or they can slip and fall. •If the parent is in the pool with an inexperienced child, stay within arm’s length at all times. •When in a large group or gathering, designate a water watcher whose job is to keep an eye on the children at all times. Verberne says that the Safety Store at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital gives out free “water watcher” whistles that are worn on a bracelet. •Older children and adults should always go swimming with a buddy, never alone. •If you have a pool and/or hot tub, make sure these structures are enclosed by a pool fence that is at 4 feet tall at least. The fence should have a self-closing, self-latching gate. •Keep all doors and windows that lead to any bodies of water—hot tubs, ponds, pools or canals— locked. Install window and door alarms to alert adults if a child gets out (St. Joseph Children’s Hospital gives away free alarms).

•Do not rely on the floaters or water wings because they teach children that if you fall in, you will float, which is not the case if you don’t know how to swim. •Empty bathtubs, buckets, splash pools and other receptacles left outside, especially if they fill up with rain. Store the bucket and pools when they are not in use. •Use toilet locks. Babies’ heads are bigger than their bodies. They may toddle or crawl up to a commode, lean and topple in and then not have the strength to get back out. •If you’re out on a boat, wear a life jacket. Simply having one in the boat isn’t enough. •Adults who never had lessons as a child: Learn now. It’s never too late to learn how to swim, and knowing this skill can help you save a child’s life one day. •Learn CPR. Sign up for classes through St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, at the Children’s Board Resource Center or by contacting the Mobile Swim Safety Team to have an instructor come out to our community and provide free lessons.

ANU VARMA PANCHAL When Anu isn’t writing, editing or volunteering on the board of her kids' PTA, she’s usually in her minivan driving her two daughters (12 and 9) around Tampa to school and their activities.

infographic from Safe Kids Worldwide

JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 35

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Health + Wellness | Tantrums

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HAMMOCK BEACH RESORT

200 Ocean Crest Dr., Palm Coast, FL 32137

Hammock Beach is a beautiful area in the Palm Coast, nestled between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine. We left on a Friday afternoon for the 3-hour car ride to Florida's east coast; two kids’ movies in the car and we were there. As soon as we checked in, we were pleasantly surprised to find that our accommodations weren’t hotel-like; rather, it was like staying in a home away from home. We had a threebedroom, three-bathroom condo with a full kitchen, dining room and living room. The kids instantly felt at home. That night we enjoyed dinner at Delfinos, an upscale restaurant that surprisingly has many options for the children and a remarkably kid-friendly staff who not only made sure we enjoyed our dinner, but that our kids were happy too. Later, cookies and milk were delivered to the room—a perfect night-time snack. The next morning, we were ready to enjoy a day of fun.

We began by playing golf with the kids on the putting green, which they loved. Then we decided to rent bicycles to enjoy some nearby trails. I must say I was impressed they even had a bicycle trailer for my 2-year-old to ride along. (Everything from the golf to the bikes is included in the resort fee.) The Hammock Beach Resort has many water options, from a 1/8-mile long lazy river to a 3-story water slide and even an indoor heated pool. Family can enjoy movies on the lawn and family bingo, and if adults want to spend time in the spa, fitness center, two championship golf courses, sushi bar or cigar bar, they can drop their children off at one of the morning or evening Kid Crew Programs. The Hammock Beach Resort is truly a fantastic resort for those looking for a relaxing getaway and a great way to create lasting memories with the family.

TRADEWINDS ISLAND RESORTS, 5500 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

46 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

This kid-friendly resort is so close to home that we've visited many times. I love it because it's located on beautiful nearby St. Pete Beach and the activities for kids are endless. Imagine going down an inflatable slide that's three stories high. It's a kid’s dream. And, the best news for parents: It’s included in the resort amenity fee so the kids can go down it as many times as they’d like. There is even a floating water park (like an obstacle course in the water) in the Gulf water just off the resort’s beaches. For

The Omni Orlando Resort has 15 acres of pools; an 850-foot lazy river with a shooting water cannon, arched waterspouts and a waterfall; a zero-entry family pool with a 125-foot corkscrew water slide and water tower; a brand new wave pool; and a kids’ pool area with slides.

OMNI ORLANDO RESORT AT CHAMPIONSGATE

1500 Masters Blvd, ChampionsGate, FL 33896

This resort perfectly combines secluded luxury with proximity to Orlando’s attractions and complimentary scheduled shuttle transportation to the theme parks. However, with the plethora of activities on-site, your kids may never want to leave.

rainy days, kids can hang out at the painting studio or Konk Activities Center where they can create cool beach-themed crafts. The Konk Club dropoff program allows adults to enjoy time off while the kids have fun with other kids, and when everyone’s ready to hang out together again, families can roast s’mores, paddle a paddleboat around the Island Grand Resort, watch a free family pirate show or enjoy a dive-in movie on an inflatable big screen at a beachfront pool. Because Tradewinds is an Autism Friendly Resort,

At Camp Omni Kids Escape, your rugrats can enjoy kidfriendly dinners, movies, video games, board games and other activities, while parents enjoy an adults-only dinner, a round of championship golf, a visit to the European-style Mokara spa or a peaceful afternoon at the formal pool with private cabanas. Spread out in between activities at one of the spacious two- and three-bedroom villas you’re staying in while the kids enjoy milk and cookies delivered to their room the first night or play with the backpack full of goodies they get from the Kids Club. At dinner time, choose from options such as The Zen Restaurant which offers authentic Chinese cuisine and a sushi bar.

employees have training on how to better meet the needs of guests who have autism. ANNA TATARIS DE JESUS

Food options are exhaustive, with 14 restaurants on property that range from grab-and-go to sit-down experiences. If you are looking for a restaurant with or without the kids, I recommend The Rumfish Grill. It has an impressive menu and you can sit next to a 33,500 gallon aquarium which goes across the entire wall of the dining room—an incredible attraction in itself.

Anna Tataris De Jesus is an Emmy nominated television journalist with a passion for traveling with her family. After 15 years on camera in television news, Anna gave up hard news for travel reporting. In 2012, she and husband Roy, a web anchor for Bay News 9, created “The Great Escape Plan” to travel Europe with their daughter Sophia and son Nikolas. Together they create videos for social media and their website TheGreatEscapePlan.com to inspire other families to travel "family style." You can also follow their travels on facebook/ TheGreatEscapePlan. JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 47

family fun | SPECIAL SECTION: Best Resorts for Families

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May 29th - august 9th

Make the most out of Summer through discovery and fun at the Science Center! Themed camps are available for grades K-8, featuring hands-on activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math!

at the tampa bay history center

cost: $135 - $225 per child • Before & After Care $25 per week camp hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm • Before Care: 7:30am - 9:00am • After Care: 4:00pm - 6:00pm location: 7701 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710

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Florida Residents Save at JustLetGo.com/ParentGuide or 877.257.3716 JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 49

family fun | Ideas for Summer Fun

SUMMER IDEAS

I have four kids under my roof at home this summer, but I am more excited than the kids, and am really looking forward to all the possibilities that await. Yes, this mom of four said she can’t wait to have all of her kids home for the summer. With only a limited number of days of summer break, I am hoping for as many endless summer nights as I can squeeze in before the school year starts all over again.

By Marisa Langford of TampaMama.com

3 4

Cool off. Take advantage of places like the YMCA Tampa pools (try it out for a day for free), City of Tampa Parks and Recreation pools (free with a REC card) or free splash pads like the ones at Curtis Hixon Park, Anderson Park in South Tampa or Water Works Park. Find a new beach this summer. Florida has about 700 miles of coastline, so find your new fave. Hunt for seashells, bring a net for dip netting and learn about the ocean biome. Read! Learn something new. Your neighborhood library has free events, reading contests and book lists that tie in to schooltime literacy events. Take in a flick. Not only are there a ton of new movies coming to a theater near you like “Cars 3,” but many theaters offer summer deals. Regal Cinemas offers $1 summer movies every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. Cobb Grove 16 in Wesley Chapel has free movies at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Take your family out to a ball game. Head to a Tampa Bay Rays game on a Tuesday when kids are $2 or sign up for a Blue's Crew Kids Club Membership for Tampa Yankees and receive five game tickets to all the Saturday games, preseason player meet-and-greet, a behind the scenes tour and more. Or check out other local sports like a Rowdies Soccer game in St. Pete or a Tampa Bay Storm game.

Find a NEW park. Ask around and I am sure you will find a park that you and the kids haven’t visited. Have you hiked through Lettuce Lake Park? Gone fishing at Ballast Point Park? Searched for wildlife at the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve? Enjoy the parks we have in our area.

Have a lemonade stand. Make a poster. Make the lemonade yourself. Invite a friend over to help you build your stand. Then, take the money you made and save it up to do something fun. Visit Pier 60 in Clearwater for a nightly Sunset Festival. Every night, artisans, crafters and street performers will make this a perfect place to head to as the sun goes down. Bring your swimsuit, play in the sand and watch the amazing sunset from Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach. BONUS: Free movies at Pier 60 Fridays and Saturdays are always a fun time.

15 16

Learn a new sport. Learn to golf through the First Tee of Tampa Bay through the YMCA or at Golfer’s Grail (if you are looking to get out of the heat).

Make a summer journal. Keep a diary of your adventures. Use brochures to make a collage of places you’ve been. Add in pictures you took and write about all the places you’ve been. Plant a garden. Take some time to plant a garden in the beginning of the summer. Herbs, peppers, eggplant and tomatoes are really easy to grow in the summer in Florida. Decorate your garden with painted rocks, gnomes and fun signs. Summer-clean your room. Move things around or get rid of the things you don’t use any more. It’s always fun to switch things around. If you’re feeling really adventurous, paint it a new color or redecorate after a visit to Ikea when they have free lunch for kids on a Tuesday.

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Take a tour of Tampa Bay via the Pirate Water Taxi. What a fun day to explore and see Tampa from a new point of view. BONUS: Hop on and off to take advantage of the museums and parks in Tampa’s downtown. Head to Tampa’s Downtown for the Fourth Friday: Lots of deals at local businesses, free music, a free hour of Coast Bikes and just a perfect way to enjoy the Riverwalk. Take in an outdoor concert at Curtis Hixon Park. Rock the Park is a free concert that happens every first Thursday of the month. Bring some blankets, pack a picnic and invite some friends.

Take your camera and head to Downtown Tampa to be a photographer for the day.

Sunk17 Explore en Gardens

8 Volunteer at 5

Visit the Tampa Bay History Center and get a lesson on how Tampa Bay became the city it is today. BONUS: Eat lunch at the Columbia Restaurant.

Feeding America Tampa Bay with the whole family. Teach your kids about hunger and how they can help. Sign up at FeedingTampaBay.org.

50 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

Eat ice cream and popsicles. We love Hyppo Popsicles in Ybor City or South Tampa, Whatever Pops and Revolution Ice Cream in Seminole Heights.

Visit Busch Gardens or Adventure Island for a day.

and Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg.

Visit LEGOLAND and/ or their water park. TIP for Teachers: LEGOLAND Florida Resort, The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Aquarium offer Florida teachers one year of free admission with a Teach Pass.

25 26

Ride your bike on Bayshore Boulevard. Grab your helmet and enjoy one of the most scenic rides in Tampa. If you don’t have your own bike, check out Coast Bike Share bikes.

Bring your sports stuff and hit up Kate Jackson Park in Hyde Park Village. They have basketball courts, a playground and a splash pad for the babies. BONUS: Have lunch at Hyde Park Village. We love Bar Taco.

Write a letter and mail it to someone. Make sure to tell them to write back too. CATCH: Go to the post office to drop in the mailbox. Take an art class at Ybor City Art Studio, paint some pottery at Color Me Mine in Hyde Park Village or opt for an “Art Spot” class at the Tampa Museum of Art (free every Saturday from 11am-2pm).

Go to a Farmers Market. Tampa Bay Markets have wonderful outdoor markets located all over Tampa Bay. BONUS: Shop for fruits and vegetables that you can use to cook dinner together. Make something to sell at The Tampa Kids Market. Spark entrepreneurship by creating something and selling it. The Village Square allows kids to have their own pop up shop at Westshore Mall once a month.

36 37 38

Visit the Glazer Children’s Museum. Pack a picnic lunch for a day in downtown at Curtis Hixon Park.

Learn to rock climb at Vertical Ventures. Saturday nights are 2-for-1.

Stay in a hotel for a night. CATCH: You only go to the hotel. We love to visit the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for a one night get away. We get there early and take advantage of having two full days at their water park and just love to explore their hotel.

40 41

Hit the Drive-In movies at Funland. Do an old-school movie night at the drive in. Kids will think this is the coolest way to see a movie.

Take a backstage tour of Tampa Theatre and learn about one of the oldest theaters in America. Stay for a classic summer movie on a Sunday afternoon with their Summer Classic Movie Series.

Visit a National Park and earn a Junior Ranger Badge. Did you know that Fort DeSoto is a National Memorial? Take a yoga class. There’s free yoga each Sunday at Curtis Hixon Park.

Head to the Hillsborough River and go canoeing with Canoe Escape. Start a fundraiser and write letters to people who you think could help you with your cause. Go fishing. Grab a reel and have some fun the old fashioned way. So many docks and places to fish in Tampa Bay. Learn more at TakeMeFishing.org. Throw a party. CATCH: You have to plan it, write invitations, figure out what to do, what you will eat and be the host. (That means you are in charge of clean up too.)

47 48 49

Have arts and crafts day at home. You don’t always have to be on the go. BONUS: Use recycled materials to create works of art.

Try a new type of food. Have a fancy lunch at the Columbia Restaurant and watch the flamenco dancers. Try traditional Spanish or Cuban food like paella. Start a blog. They are free at blogspot.com and will help you with writing and you might learn a little coding too. Always ask your parents’ permission before you post. Turn off all electronics for one FULL day. Can you really do it? (You too, mom and dad!) Fire up the grill and invite some friends over for an old fashioned BBQ. BONUS: Have the kids help decide the menu and prep the food. Go scalloping in Crystal River. It’s like an Easter egg hunt while swimming. All you need is a bag, mask, fins and a snorkel. You’ll love this new family tradition once you start.

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Volunteer at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and see Winter. Have a movie night with Dolphin Tale 1 or 2 before visiting. BONUS: Pair this with a dolphin-watching excursion for an even more exciting and educational day. Spend the day at the historic Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs. Go back in time and explore Dinosaur World in Plant City.

Go for a bike ride—but add a local twist by biking on the water with Tampa Bay Water Bikes. Kids must be 8 or older to participate.

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Buy tickets to see a live show at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater or the Mahaffey in St Pete. Ride the miniature train at the Largo Central Railroad at Largo Central Park. Trains run the first weekend of every month. Cruise on a pirate ship with Captain Memo's Original Pirate Cruise located at Clearwater Beach.

Check out the THE ART OF THE BRICK exhibit for FREE courtesy of the Vinik Family Foundation! The LEGO art exhibit opens June 23 at 802 East Whiting Street.

Meet a few real mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs.

Visit the Florida Aquarium.

Head to Lowry Park Zoo and get some ideas from the animals on how to beat the heat!

Go bowling. Sign up at KidsBowlFree.com for two free games of bowling all summer long.

Head over to TradeWinds Island Resorts on St.Pete Beach and purchase a day pass. It’s a fun way to play all day in the hotel pools, unlimited rides on the High Tide Slide, minigolf, paddleboats, beach cabanas and more.

Visit MOSI and give the ropes course a try.

JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 51

What's Happening | Around Town

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION TAMPA BAY’S HEART BALL Guests were brought to tears

as Garrett Leopold shared a dance with Laurie Pierce, the mother of the young woman whose heart Garrett received in 2013.

MOMMY AND ME HIGH TEA Mothers and daughters celebrated Mother’s Day at the Straz during the first Mommy and Me High Tea presented by Eventing Tampa Bay.

BUCS BABIES Babies born at FlorIzabel M. and the CRISIS CENTER OF TAMPA BAY’S ANGELINA ADORNO talk about anti-bulling at the Teach Kids How to Care event in Tampa on May 6.

STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Storytellers young

and old delighted audiences at the 37th Annual Tampa Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival at the Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library. 52 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

ida Hospital locations throughout the Tampa Bay area are now part of the “rookie” lineup as part of the 4th Annual “Bucs Babies” program. Families received a 2017 training kit which included a diaper bag, Bucs Babies blanket, bib and more.

AROUND TOWN GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM EDUCATION IS KEY BREAKFAST Glazer Children’s Muse-

um hosted its annual Education is Key Breakfast with keynote speaker Dr. Michael Rich of Harvard University who discussed the impacts of screen time on a child’s health. This year’s honorees: Outstanding Student, eighth grader Ada Vasquez of Sergeant Smith Middle School and Outstanding Educator, Tina Cook of Burney Elementary.

TAMPA BAY PARENTING ON WFLA NEWS CHANNEL 8 Our April guest editor Kelley Parris, Executive Director

of the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, spoke about the importance of water safety.

FLORIDA AQUARIUM MOSAIC CENTER RIBBON CUTTING The

Florida Aquarium unveiled the area’s newest premier event space, the Mosaic Center, during a “bow tie” ribbon cutting, in honor of the trademark attire of its past President and CEO Thom Stork.

TAMPA BAY PARENTING ON WFLA NEWS CHANNEL 8 , of Rice Psychology

Group shared tips on how to build strong adult motherdaughter relationships.

5TH ANNUAL TAMPA BAY KIDS TRIATHLON 300 athletes

participating in the event that had them swimming down the Rambling Bayou, biking the perimeter of Busch Gardens and running across the Adventure Island property.

DANCERS FROM THE BRANDON BALLET took a break from preparing for their performance of Aladdin to spend time with St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital patients on April 18.

JUNE 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 53

What’s Happening | Top Picks

Our favorite events and things to do for families in Tampa Bay! For even more family fun, visit TampaBayParenting.com to see our full calendar!

DINOS ALIVE! Open through August Travel through the Jurassic and Cretaceous Eras at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa. Check out life-size dinosaurs that move, roar and interact at this attraction open through August. Price is included with Annual Zoo Membership, “Pay for a Day” ticket and single day admission. Some blackout dates apply. lowryparkzoo.com 6 & Older

MATHALIVE! May 27 – July 9, various times Check out this newest exhibit at Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa. This 5,000-squarefoot traveling exhibit gives visitors a chance to experience real math at work in sports, nature, robotics, music, dancing, movie making and more, with special extended hours. Active military families also get free admission during the exhibit’s run. glazermuseum.org 10-Teen

BLUE STAR MUSEUMS COLLABORATION Through Sept. 4, various times Active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families can take part in a free admission promotion Memorial Day through Labor Day at more than 2,000 U.S. museums including MOSI, Tampa Bay History Center, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Museum of Art and others. See participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. Active Military

TOUCH-A-TRUCK June 3, 9 a.m. to noon Kick off the summer with cool vehicles at this fun event at Zephyrhills Library. Kids will get to touch and climb on a variety of vehicles they are used to seeing from far away, then get to act as judges and vote for their favorites. Other activities include sign-up for the Summer Reading Club, a horn war and a basic mechanics class. For more information, call 813-780-0064. 3-10

CARDBOARD SPACE ADVENTURES Through Aug. 15, various times Get ready to explore the galaxy or jump into the cardboard spaceship at Tampa’s MOSI. Guests can help create a huge outpost in outer space using hands-on creativity, engineering and art, constructing all entirely from cardboard. mosi.org Everyone

54 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017

WORLD OCEANS DAY June 8-11, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate the ocean and everything it touches during World Oceans Day weekend at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Explore different habitats and learn why they’re important to the ocean and to everyone through special activities and programs. Enjoy ocean-themed activities and special presentations throughout the day. flaquarium.org Everyone COBB THEATRES FREE SUMMER KIDS SHOWS June 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29, 10 a.m. Visit participating Cobb Theatre Bay area locations offering two free movies weekly throughout the summer. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with free film screenings every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. This month, check out “The Angry Birds Movie,” “Matilda,” “Open Season 3,” “Surf’s Up,” “Storks” and “The Lego Movie.” cobbtheatres.com 4-12 SUNSET CELEBRATION AT TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO June 16-17, 23-24 and 30 Experience sunsets in a unique way as part of these special evenings at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for Friday and Saturday Nights this summer. See wildlife in a whole new light, enjoy entertaining activities for the whole family and indulge in tasty, one-of-a-kind dishes created by the Zoo's rock star chef. tlpz.org/summer Everyone

COMMUNITY EXPO June 17, 2-4 p.m. Representatives of local organizations speak about their programs, services and resources at Jimmy B. Keel Regional Library in Tampa. Learn how students can volunteer their time and earn service hours for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. A Big Red Bus from OneBlood will be available for on-site blood donations. Free admission. hcplc.org Everyone

Top Picks | What’s Happening

father's day events BUSCH GARDENS SUMMER NIGHTS June 16 - Aug. 6, various times Stay late at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and experience live entertainment and thrill rides in the dark, including Cobra’s Curse. Cool off on the park's popular coasters or Falcon's Fury, North America's tallest freestanding drop tower. buschgardenstampa.com Everyone

PATEL CONSERVATORY PRESENTS DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST June 22 – July 2, various times Get lost in this ‘tale as old as time’ and meet up with Belle and the Beast as Patel Conservatory students take on this beloved love story and bring it to TECO Theater at Straz Center. Tickets start at $15. strazcenter.org Everyone

THE ART OF THE BRICK June 23-September 4 Wed. - Sun., 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. The Vinik Family Foundation invites Tampa Bay to experience THE ART OF THE BRICK, an exciting exhibition, featuring captivating artworks made exclusively from one of the world’s most recognizable toys, the LEGO® brick, by award winning artist Nathan Sawaya. Free. ArtoftheBrickTampa. com Everyone

SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS DINE AND DISCUSS – SLEEP: BEDTIME PROBLEM SOLVING June 8, 5:30-7 p.m. Take part in a lively, interactive dinner and discussion with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Autism Center staff at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Outpatient Care Center in St. Pete. Learn about helpful resources and receive professional advice from the Center’s autism experts. No RSVP is required. hopkinsallchildrens.org Moms, Dads GREAT CONNECTIONS June 11, 10 a.m. to noon Join Great Explorations for this sensory-friendly event and celebrate fathers and other great men in your life at the St. Pete museum, which opens early for children with special needs and their families to enjoy sensory-friendly activities and crafts. For June, visitors will be able to make handmade gifts for the special dads in their life. Activities are included with admission. greatex.org 6 & Older

HEALTHY START'S DADS COOK TOO FOOD COMPETITION June 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Brothers Big Sisters. For more details, go to bbbstampabay.org. Everyone

Join Healthy Start for a special cooking contest held at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Education and Conference Center in St. Petersburg. Event is designed to promote and support father/child interaction. Register at hopkinsallchildrens.org. Dads

FATHER’S DAY AT GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM June 18, 1-6 p.m. Show Dad some love by inviting him to the Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa. Dads play for free and kids can create Father’s Day gifts for him with special craft activities all day. glazermuseum.org Dads

FATHER’S DAY VOICE MESSAGE CARD June 15, 2-3:30 p.m.

FATHER'S DAY – SHARK WEEK CONCLUSION AT HIGHLAND FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER June 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sign up the kids to take part in this fun activity at John F. Germany Public Library to give dear old dad a unique Father’s Day card. Participants will get to design, create and add a special voice recording inside their card. Space is limited. For more information, call 813-273-3652. 5 & Older

FABULOUS FATHERS AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS June 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring Dad to Great Explorations for free with paid child admission on June 17 in honor of Father’s Day weekend. Plus, kids can create unique, handmade gifts, decorate a puzzle for dad, create a shirt-and-tie card, make ‘great guy granola,’ and more. Activities are included with admission. greatex. org Dads

FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM June 17-18, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Invite Dad to encounter over 20,000 amazing sea creatures at The Florida Aquarium with a special Father’s Day weekend promotion. Dads get in free with the purchase of a full paid general admission. Tickets must be purchased in-person at the Aquarium ticket office. flaquarium.org Dads

FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND AT MOSI June 17-18, various times MOSI celebrates fathers by offering dads free general MOSI admission with paid general admission of a child. Bring the whole family to show Dad how much he’s loved and explore the museum together as a family. mosi.org Dads

THE GREAT FATHER'S DAY RACE TAMPA 5K RUN/WALK June 18, 7-10 a.m. Start a new Father’s Day tradition by signing up the family for this 5K run/walk where everyone can race together at Al Lopez Park in Tampa. Event focuses on health and wellness and benefits Big

Dads are admitted for free to the Highland Family Aquatic Center in Largo with one paid child admission. Bring the whole family for a fun shark week experience and take a bite out of summer. Splash’s Snack Bar will be open and free hot dogs available for guests. Register for Father/Child Big Squirt contests and win prizes. largopools.com Dads

DONUTS FOR DAD June 18, 1-2 p.m. Join in a celebration for dads, granddads and other male caregivers in honor of Father’s Day at Bloomingdale Regional Library in Valrico. Share a story, make and take a small craft for a gift and enjoy some donuts. Event is for kids and their parents/caregivers. hcplc.org Dads

DADDY & DAUGHTER DANCE June 18, 6 p.m. Fathers and daughters are invited to celebrate Father’s Day with a special concert performance by the Carrollwood Jukebox Big Band at this special event hosted by Carrollwood Cultural Center in Tampa. Tickets are $12-$18. Daughter’s ticket is free. carrollwoodcenter.org Dads

DAD’S DAY FEAST AT THE SERENGETI OVERLOOK™ RESTAURANT June 18, various times Celebrate Father’s Day with a special feast that will entice Dad and the whole family at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Start the journey with breath-taking views of the Serengeti Plain with table-side appetizers. Then venture through a sensory overload with a hearty buffet filled with exquisite cuisines and topped off by madeto-order desserts. buschgardenstampa.org Everyone

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Expert ER care for kids

The care you expect. The expertise you know and trust. PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE COORDINATION BY

Florida Hospital and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital have an exclusive affiliation that brings nationally ranked expertise and pediatric emergency care to each of our six emergency rooms. Additionally, we offer 24/7 access to on-site All Children’s Specialty Physicians at our Florida Hospital Tampa location.

ER4Children.com 56 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2017