June 2018 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

tampabayparenting.com

JUNE 2018

FUN

GUIDE

D IVE IN !

Father's Day at The Florida Aquarium HUR R ICAN E S E A SON

prepare your family

SUM M E R SAFET Y

expert advice from St. Joseph's Children's Hospital

TH INGS TO DO

60+ ways to explore Tampa Bay

S PE CIAL S E C TION

TEACHING EMPATHY

tips, ideas and more! JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 1

loving care, 365 days a year

family benefits Most Insurance and Medicaid Accepted 24-Hour Nurse Line Online Appointments and Bill Pay Same-Day Sick Appointments

cONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR YOU! RIVERVIEW 813-689-7571

11260 Sullivan Street Riverview, FL 33578

TRINITY

727-376-4040 www.PediatricAssociates.com

2 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

10710 State Road 54 Suite 108 Trinity, FL 34655

Your Source for Exceptional Pediatric Care

With more than 200 pediatricians, pediatric specialists and family medicine physicians in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties, care for your family is always nearby. As the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier pediatric providers, we will continue to help your children stay healthy, with a wide range of services, including: n Asthma management n Extended care: Weekend and holiday hours n Hospital newborn care

n New baby care and separate well baby waiting room

n Now accepting new patients. n Most major insurance plans are accepted.

For assistance in scheduling an appointment: (855) 466-6686

n Pediatric sick visits n Well child care

n Immunizations Thank you for allowing us to care for your family. 18-383657-0418

BMGKids.org

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 3

Contents / June 2018

SECTIONS 8 11

12 15 16

LIFE + HOME

Hurricane Season Lessons learned and how to prepare Gifts for Dad Father's Day ideas for every dad

TEACHING EMPATHY

special section

Kids Who Care Two Tampa Bay kids who are making a difference Empathetic Kids Seven practical ways to cultivate compassion Volunteer as a Family Turn time together into a valuable purpose

18 21 22

26 28

43 44 47

52 55

EDUCATION

Libraries Rock Summer learning and fun School Focus Engineering "STEM"inists

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Summer Safety Tips from the experts at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital

FOOD + DRINK

Smart Cookies Healthy treats are possible Date Night Guide Eat fresh at Doc B's Fresh Kitchen

BEAUTY + STYLE

Runway Translator Style Finder shopping tours in Tampa Bay

FAMILY FUN YMCA Summer Love Fun ways to develop healthy habits as a family Guest Editor Celebrate Father's Day at The Florida Aquarium Summer Must-Haves Our favorite products for summertime

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Top Picks June's best activities and events Around Town Spotlight on Tampa Bay

FEATURES

SUMMER FUN GUIDE

60+ SUMMER IDEAS IN TAMPA BAY

44 ON THE COVER

Attractions, activities and all-day adventures!

Things to do, places to explore and ways to have fun this summer!

A child dives at The Florida Aquarium. Learn more about how you and your kids can dive at the Aquarium too at flaquarium.org. Cover image courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

4 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

11 th ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR is back! • FREE EVENT • Sales-Tax Holiday Weekend! • First 500 receive a Free Backpack!

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, August 4, 2018 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Westshore Plaza, 250 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 5

Guest editor note

GUEST EDITOR

Roger Germann

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Anu Varma Panchal

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

DIVE IN, DADS CREATE MEMORIES WITH YOUR KIDS

Sarah Stoulil

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Roger Germann Anu Varma Panchal Michelle Bremer Bobby Deskins Grant Gilmore Brianna Althaus Kaitlyn Fusco Sue Kotchman Jennifer Stancil Michele Borba, Ed.D. Emily Hinsdale Melissa Falvey, MLIS Joe Humphrey Samantha Taylor Sarah Stoulil Lalita Llerena Marisa Langford

CALENDAR

Sarah Stoulil Brianna Althaus

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez Craig Collins

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Page Four Creative

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Darlene Barlows Photography Theresa NeSmith Photography

Growing up, I remember my dad teaching me how to ride a bike, change a spark plug, hit a baseball and treat people with dignity and respect. He (and mom) also provided my sister and me with incredible life-changing experiences, from traveling the country in the back of a 1978 station wagon (looking backwards of course) to visiting our local zoo and aquarium in Chicago. It’s these impactful memories that shaped me to be the best dad I can be for my two children. Those experiences – from childhood to parenthood – are also what drive me to be the best "Aquarium Dad” to our guests, staff and volunteers. From getting soaked in our Splash Pad to diving with sharks, and from high-fiving our mascots Rocky and Tango to sharing some Dippin’ Dots on our dolphin cruise, there’s no better way to create the lifelong bonds and memories with your kids or grandkids than by visiting The Florida Aquarium. A visit provides the silly moments that make parenting fun. And a visit also allows us dads to invest in our children’s future by

connecting them with animals and nature, inspiring them to care more about our planet and develop an appreciation for life. My kids and I are very close, and I attribute that closeness to the experiences we’ve been blessed to participate in together. We’ll continue to “hang out” in the pool, cheer for our favorite sports teams, play Little League, dance at the Straz, relax on our great beaches and explore The Florida Aquarium. It’s all about the journey. This Father’s Day, I hope you’ll join me at the Aquarium and create new memories with your children. As we know, there’s nothing better than being a dad! Happy Father’s Day from all of us at The Florida Aquarium.

ROGER GERMANN

CEO OF THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM

INTERN

Brianna Althaus

BOOKKEEPING

Employee of the Month, LLC

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

BECOME A FAN AT:

tampabayparentingmagazine @tampabayparenting @TBParenting

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.

6 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

MORE ON

THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM ON PAGES 44 AND 45

Buy a family 4-pack of tickets for as little as $100!* Use promo code FAMILY

JULY 5-8 MORSANI HALL

STRAZ CENTER IT’S BROADWAY AT ITS BEST.

813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG • Group Sales (10+ get a discount): 813.222.1016 or 1047

*Offer valid on the Jul 5 and 6 performances only. A 4-pack of tickets in price level 5 are for $100 ($25 each). A 4-pack of tickets in price level 4 are for $150 ($37.50 each). A 4-pack of tickets in price level 3 are for $175 ($43.75 each). Handling fees will apply. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid on prior purchases. The discount will be applied after tickets are added to your cart. Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.

@STRAZ CENTER

PATEL CONSERVATORY

SUMMER 2018 CAMPS & CLASSES DANCE • THEATER • MUSIC Camps for all ages and skill levels

Scholarships available Pre-camps and post-camps available

PATELCONSERVATORY.ORG 813.222.1040

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 7

LIFE + HOME | HURRICANE SEASON

GET hurricane ready

istock.com/Darwin Brandis

By Grant Gilmore, WTSP 10 News Meteorologist

DON'T BE CAUGHT UNPREPARED BY A RIOTOUS STORM SEASON

Grant Gilmore works at the WTSP 10 News weather desk.

8 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

ractice what you preach. I wish someone had said that to me last year. Hurricane season is already here and all of the preparations and repairs that we said we were going to make after Irma just haven’t happened. Irma...that brings back some memories. Tampa Bay was lucky the track of the hurricane took the worst of the storm away from our area. Were you prepared? Let me rephrase: Were you prepared prior to when the forecast track of a Category 5 Hurricane was heading right to Tampa Bay? Just to remind everyone: Grocery stores were out of water. People were using fence panels as makeshift hurricane shutters. Evacuations were being ordered. The worst-case scenario was about to happen to Tampa Bay and we were left scrambling. I was scrambling.

I’ll be honest, even after being a meteorologist in the Southeast for more than 10 years, my hurricane kit wasn’t what it needed to be. I hadn’t tested my hurricane shutters. Like many of you, I was rushing to get things in order in the days leading up to the storm. Practice what you preach. I'm taking that to heart this season. My wife Liz and I are expecting our first child in September (yes, that’s the peak of hurricane season) and the last thing we need to be doing is frantically trying to put together our bin of essentials if another storm were to head our way. While my eagerness to prepare might be motivated by new dad jitters, the truth is, nobody needs to be scrambling at the last minute. Work gets busy, the kids have appointments, vacations and life happens, and as we know too well, hurricanes happen!

istock.com/ artisticco

Be prepared this year and put your essentials together before the last minute. If you need a go-to guide, here’s a list of my hurricane kit:

WATER (1 gallon per person per day for three days) NON-PERISHABLE FOOD (3-day supply) PET FOOD/WATER WEATHER RADIO FLASHLIGHTS FIRST AID KIT BASIC TOILETRY ITEMS EXTRA BATTERIES WHISTLE (Signal for help) DUST MASK PLASTIC SHEETING DUCT TAPE MOIST TOWELETTES SEVERAL TRASH BAGS PLIERS LOCAL MAPS CELL PHONE CHARGER

Lessons from IRMA By Bobby Deskins, WTSP 10 News Meteorologist

Last year, Florida saw its first hurricane make landfall in over a decade. It’s hard to believe that it had been 10 years, but Irma brought an end to that drought the weekend of Sept. 10-11. When I look back on Irma, I see a storm that wreaked havoc on our area, but I also see a storm that could have been much worse - a good reminder of how we need to be prepared. I have been going around the area for nearly 10 years preaching the old adage of, “It only takes one, so please be prepared.” Irma showed us why. As this year’s hurricane season approaches, it’s a good time to think back to last September and the lessons you may have learned. Did you have a plan? Did you have enough supplies? Did you know your evacuation zone and where you would go if you did evacuate? These are all questions you’ll want to think of now as the season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Because Irma’s forecast track varied as it approached our state, more than 6 million people evacuated Florida leading up to landfall. In that process, we depleted much of our gasoline supply a week before the storm hit, and traffic was at a standstill at times along the major interstates. Future storms may present similar forecast challenges, but if you have a plan in place for an evacuation, making the decision to leave will be easier and will save you a lot of stress. When you make your plans, remember to include snacks and games for your children. Hurricanes can knock the power out for days, so make sure you have plenty of nonperishable foods on hand like my kids’ favorite, Spaghetti O’s. Don’t forget their electronics, portable battery chargers and any medications they (or you) need as well. This hurricane season, know that you can trust our weather team to bring you the most accurate and timely information. It’s important in today’s social media world to know who you can trust as misinformation can spread quickly. The 10 News team will keep you informed and updated, and we will help you make decisions that will protect your family.

MEDICATIONS GLASSES/ CONTACTS BABY NEEDS (Formula, diapers, etc.) FAMILY DOCUMENTS (Policies and IDs, in a waterproof container) CASH MANUAL CAN OPENER STURDY SHOES PAPER, PENCILS AND PENS (Sharpie) BOOK/CARDS (Activities for kids)

Bobby Deskins and his family take a selfie before he goes in to work at WTSP 10 News. His wife and children evacuated ahead of Hurricane Irma

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 9

To learn more about enrolling your child call (813) 236-1191 computermentors.org Funded by: STUDENT

DENNIS THICKLIN

10 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

Mentors! It has " I love Computer made me confident in my skills and I am very proud of the certifications I have earned and the projects I have completed including creating a phone app."

s r e ath

G N I D UN

GIFTS FOR DADS | LIFE + HOME

S GIFT T A G R E R DA D S FO

By Brianna Althaus

Father’s Day is a day where we set aside 24 hours to honor one of the most important people in our lives. Even when it’s easy to celebrate dad, it’s not always easy to find the perfect gift. While we’d give dad the world if we could, these products do their best to celebrate the great man he is.

the coffee lover If your dad is a coffee connoisseur, Atlas Coffee Club might just be the right gift. This subscription exposes dad to every part of coffee culture by providing a new type of coffee each month. atlascoffeeclub.com

The outdoorsman

YETI has quickly become a well-known brand of cooler with a reputation for durability. This premium cooler is not only tough enough to handle any environment; it also keeps its contents ice cold. Whether it’s a day on the boat, fun at the beach, or camping in unfamiliar territory, this cooler is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast or lover of a cold beer. yeti.com

THE TIME MANAGER

Watches are a classic piece for men and could be the perfect gift this father’s day. Vincero watches come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and are crafted with quality at the top of the priority list. These luxury watches are handcrafted and offered at a fair price so everyone can look the part without breaking the bank. Shop all watches Vincero has to offer for a watch that’s perfect for dad. vincerocollective.com

the chill dad

As Floridians, we take a lot of our beverages ice cold. Whether it’s beer, coffee or wine, HyperChiller allows you to chill any beverage without dilution. Fast and simple, this product uses a cup shaped chilling chamber to instantly chill beverages that are hot. Due to Hyper Chillers design, beverages are exposed to the equivalent of 30 large ice cubes. Dad can have an ice-cold beverage chilled in minutes right after he gets home. hyperchiller.com

the foodie

This Father’s Day, show dad you care with gifts he can eat and drink. Mantry is a food subscription service that delivers dad-friendly eats and treats to your doorstep every two months. Products include six full-sized hand-selected products from top American food makers. Each box is curated around a unique theme and includes a “Mantry Manual” with easy recipes. Take the guesswork out of gift giving and try Mantry. mantry.com

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 11

TEACH EMPATHY TO KIDS

kids who

care

PINT-SIZED PHILANTHROPISTS HELP LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

LITTLE GIRL, HUGE HEART: 6-YEAR-OLD PHILANTHROPIST INSPIRED BY OCEAN CONSERVATION RAISES MONEY FOR THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM By Kaitlyn Fusco, The Florida Aquarium

akenzie Bass, a 6-year-old philanthropist inspired by ocean conservation, presented a check almost twice her size to The Florida Aquarium in the amount of $546 on April 18. Makenzie herself raised the funds, which will go toward the Aquarium’s mission of entertaining, educating and inspiring stewardship of the natural environment. After learning about endangered animals in her class at Carrollwood Day School, Makenzie felt inspired to get involved. “I just knew these animals needed my help, so I thought of a way to help them,” Makenzie says. “I just really, really love the ocean, and felt I had to do something.” Makenzie, with the help of her mom Christine and dad Cory, held a bake sale at her school to raise funds for the animals she learned about in class. She raised $273 in just one day, which included a personal gift from her birthday money. But that wasn’t the end. In 12 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

Makenzie Bass and her mom Christine at the Florida Aquarium.

Makenzie presents a check to The Florida Aquarium after raising funds for ocean conservation.

true entrepreneurial style, Makenzie asked her dad’s company, Solutran, to match the funds, and it did. “Solutran has always been a big supporter of charities, and they were more than supportive to match the funds Makenzie raised for The Florida Aquarium,” says Cory Bass. After Makenzie presented the check to the Aquarium, she received a personal behind-the-scenes tour with Eric Hovland, the Aquarium’s associate curator, to get an up-close look at some of the animals her donation may help. “We are grateful for Makenzie’s support and her philanthropic spirit at such a young age,” says Libby Joyce, director of development at The Florida Aquarium. “No amount of support is too small or large; every dollar can make an impact. And no one is too young or old to make a difference. We are proud of Makenzie for spreading her passion for our blue planet, and we can’t thank her or Solutran enough for their generosity.”

AMAZING GRACI By Sue Kotchman

ow do we make our world a better place to live? Ask 12-year-old Seminole resident Graci Tubbs, who had an idea three years ago after speaking with Vietnam and World War II veterans for a classroom project. The granddaughter, greatgranddaughter and niece of military men, Graci (then 9) was moved by what she learned and decided she needed a way to show how much she cared for and appreciated veterans’ sacrifices. With her mother’s help, she founded her nonprofit, Operation Military Matters. Since the nonprofit’s conception in 2015, Operation Military Matters has sent more than 500 care packages overseas. The packages include personal hygiene products, candy, books, movies, writing tools and cards from local youth organizations. Many of the products, such as shampoo, lotions, pencils, movies, books, candies, snacks, socks, journals, toothpaste and brushes are donated, and some are purchased. Community members, friends and family gather to help pack the packages for shipping. “Because of our military, we live in the greatest country in the world and we owe it to our military to support them!” says Graci. Graci has raised support and donations by speaking to local clubs and CEOs of companies. She has also raised money through fundraisers at the Texas Roadhouse that is located directly across from Bay Pines Veteran’s Administration Building in St. Petersburg. She also spoke to military units, such as the 143d Sustainment CommandExpeditionary group in Orlando, an Army Reserves Unit that was recently deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. Graci’s efforts don’t stop with mailing packages either. One soldier who received one of her packages contacted her on Facebook and happened to mention that he hadn’t heard from his grandmother in six months because she didn’t know how to use social media. As it turned out, the soldier’s grandmother lives five minutes away from Graci’s house. So Graci and her mother visited the grandmother and connected her to social media. Now, grandma can communicate with her grandson everyday from Seminole to the Middle East! To learn more about Graci’s organization or to donate, visit operationmilitarymatters.com.

SUMMER 18

PREPARE TO TAKE FLIGHT AT MOSI!

SA M E A D D R E SS . N E W M OS I . 4 8 0 1 E A S T F O W L E R AV E • TA M P A • 8 1 3 - 9 8 7 - 6 0 0 0 • M O S I . O R G JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 13

step up - 1/2 page

sufs.org Are You Living With

A False Sense of Security?

Do you know what would happen to your kids if something happened to you? The answer may surprise you... Professional Pool & Spa service at affordable rates

For swimming pool owners in:

Tampa | Hyde Park | Westchase | Lutz and all other surrounding communities. Locally owned and operated 813-476-2620 | tampapoolservicesinc.com

14 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

In this free resource, A Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Protecting Your Children Through Estate Planning, Attorney Mike Mastry reveals the most frequently asked questions that he hears from parents of minor children, and also the questions that parents should be asking to best protect their children. Take the first step toward ensuring that your children will be taken care of, no matter what happens to you. Request your FREE resource today.

Call 727-308-5266 or visit www.MastryLawParentsGuide.com

TEACH EMPATHY TO KIDS

istock.com/imtmphoto

Borba suggests a few practical ways to cultivate children’s empathy.

BE FRIENDLY

BREAK DOWN BARRIERS

GIVE KIDS A VOICE

PLAY CHESS AND UNPLUGGED GAMES

CREATE PARENT SUPPORT NETWORKS

BUILD CARING RELATIONSHIPS

DON’T GIVE UP ON A CHILD

In today’s hyperindividualistic, plugged-in culture, find ways to create friendlier, caring cultures to help our children see with the eyes, listen with the ears, and feel with the heart of another.

Expand our children’s familiarity circles to those not like them to open the path to empathy.

Empathy is driven by face-to-face connection, and it’s why we must keep the art of conversation alive.

The cognitive part of empathy is the ability to understand another’s thoughts and feelings, to step into their shoes.

Conversations about raising children well, especially in our fast-paced, digital-driven, changing world, can inspire us to think about our parenting and how to align it with empathy-building.

Why Raise empathetic kids?

Empathy opens where children are in places where they feel safe, accepted and heard.

SEVEN PRACTICAL WAYS TO CULTIVATE COMPASSION By Jennifer Stancil, President & CEO of the Glazer Children’s Museum and Michele Borba, Ed.D.

t the Glazer Children’s Museum, we recently welcomed Dr. Michele Borba, empathy expert and author of “Unselfie,” who gave a profound speech about the importance of empathy. Why does empathy matter? Today’s world is rife with bullying, snark and subtweets. However, if we cultivate compassion in our littlest learners, they will form a more empathetic world. We’re all different, and the ability to share and understand the feelings of another has magical powers, especially for kids. When kids from different backgrounds, genders, races and abilities play together they are practicing key skills such as sharing, exploring and appreciating cultures, and selflessness instead of selfishness. At the Glazer Children’s Museum, kids can try on different

identities that give them new perspectives. In the hospital and vet clinic, kids care for patients who need their help. In the firehouse, they become first responders, sliding down the fire pole and racing to the rescue. In Publix, kids take turns playing the roles of shopper, cashier, baker or shelf stocker. They learn about other cultures in the Global Café, West African Drum Hut and Japanese Pagoda. Playing in these exhibits teaches kids to consider perspectives outside their own. I keep a copy of “Unselfie” by my bedside and love Borba’s helpful, pragmatic approach to teaching empathy to kids. In the book, Borba reasons that empathy is the root of humanity and the foundation that helps our children become good, caring people, but it’s up to adults to nurture this skill.

Sometimes, we fail to empathize with our children and see things from their side. We need to get into their shoes and understand their concerns, their fears and their hearts.

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 15

TEACH EMPATHY TO KIDS Tushalee and Amara Shah at the Great American Clean Up.

Volunteer

as a family

TURNING TIME TOGETHER TO A VALUABLE PURPOSE By Emily L. Hay Hinsdale

s we dutifully shepherd our children through school work, healthy sports activities, educational art and music activities, social learning through playdates and clubs, teaching good manners, and spending quality family time together, the kids can be forgiven for thinking that the world is all about them. Shifting that perspective doesn’t have to undermine parents’ hard work to give their children opportunities. Just try volunteerism. Volunteering as a family can serve a dual purpose: modeling community service for your children while also teaching them how to become participants in their community’s health. At a Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Great American Clean Up event in April, the dozens of volunteers cleaning up trash around Cypress Point Park included several families sharing the common purpose of improving their environment. “I want [my son] to grow up to help people, to make the world a better place,” says Lindsey North, who volunteered with her fourth-grader. “I want to instill it early.” Tushalee Shah brought her fourth-grader. “I just wanted to show her that there’s more to the world than her own little world. These things are just as important as school and learning.”

Karen Barreto also attended the Cypress Park clean up event. She has two children in elementary and middle school at Roland Park IB Magnet program. Service learning is a component of IB education, Barreto says, and opportunities to volunteer as a family are something the school’s families have embraced. Through the school’s PTSA, she seeks out opportunities for families to volunteer together; 20-30 families on average participate in these community service events. “I just really want to promote the idea that one person can make a difference and offer ways families can do

service together,” Barretto says. However, finding ways to participate in service projects with your children can sometimes be a challenge. “I think there is a barrier to opportunities for children to volunteer,” says Anne Lenz, a pediatrician with two elementary-age children. Lenz coordinates her kids’ school’s PTA Community Outreach efforts, and prioritizes creating opportunities for children to volunteer alongside their parents. “Having our children be visible volunteering makes our community realize they are part of a volunteer work force that can really contribute.” What did the kids have to say about their volunteer experience at the Great American Clean Up? “It was fun talking with friends and finding cool things,” says Grady Burnett (10). His brother Toby (10), says, “It helps the environment and adds to the community.” “I wanted [my sons] to do something that’s not all about them,” says their mother, Trang Burnett. “I do a lot of volunteering and they see it, but they need to do it themselves.” BELOW 10-year-olds Grady Burnett, Garrett Kippenberg and Toby Burnett find plenty of trash along with cool animal skulls and lots of bugs at Cypress Point Park.

Whether you volunteer as a family or as part of larger group, like a PTA or service club, here are some starting places for including volunteerism in your child’s social and emotional learning: Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful keeptampabaybeautiful.org Feeding Tampa Bay feedingamericatampabay. volunteerhub.com O.A.S.I.S. oasis-network.org Hope Children’s Home hopechildrenshome.org/new-volunteer/ Humane Society of Tampa Bay humanesocietytampa.org/become-avolunteer/

16 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

LEFT Vanessa Rukholm and her son, Quinn (10), clear trash from the mangroves in Cypress Point Park at Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful's Great American Clean Up event in April.

VPK is FREE for ALL Florida 4-year olds. Your child must turn 4 by September 1st to be eligible. Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. Spring Hill Location: 15506 County Line Road Suite 104 Spring Hill, FL 34610 Phone: (727) 233-8291

Dade City Location: Dade City Business Center 15000 US Hwy 301 Dade City, FL 33523 Phone: (352) 834-0052

Brooksville Location: 26 S. Brooksville Avenue Brooksville, FL 34601 Phone: (352) 799-8159

New Port Richey Location: 7334 Little Road, Suite 102 Courtside Commons New Port Richey, FL 34654 Phone: (727) 569-1004

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 17

EDUCATION | LIBRARIES

libraries ROCK SUMMER LEARNING AND FUN By Melissa Falvey, MLIS

hen schools close their doors for the summer, we at the public library open ours a little wider to welcome children to our locations all around the county (hcplc.org/locations). Our summer theme this year is “Libraries Rock!,” and we’re celebrating music, reading and libraries all summer long with free reading incentive programs, classes and events. Library summer reading programs are designed to keep children reading during summer vacation to prevent the dreaded “summer slide,” when students lose some achievement gains made during the previous school year over the summer. Studies show that reading just 20 minutes per day over the summer can keep kids from slipping, and that children are more likely to keep reading for pleasure if they choose what they want to read themselves. This summer we’re encouraging children to read with our “You’re in the Band” backstage pass program. Children in

18 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

grades K-12 can log reading hours online using Beanstack.com, a website that tracks reading time like a fitness tracker. They earn digital badges, and can visit the library to pick up rockin’ reading rewards along the way. At the end of the summer, if they meet the goal of 24 hours of reading, children in grades K-5 take home a free new book of their choice, and teens will be entered into a raffle for a gift card. Need some great reads this summer? There’s something for every young reader in our print and digital collections. Even if your local branch doesn’t have exactly what your little reader wants, our staff can help you place holds to have that coveted “Wimpy Kid” or “Pete the Cat” delivered from another library location. Can’t make it to a library? Check out our eBooks! We have several ways to read and discover books and more online (hcplc.org/kids), and it’s all free with your library card. Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries also offer free events and classes all summer long. Children are able to engage in educational and cultural learning opportunities for free, helping them maintain their intellectual growth and critical thinking skills while having fun and making summer memories. Kids can learn about robots in hands-on classes, watch live-action science demonstrations, create art, meet some birds or reptiles, or enjoy live children’s theatre. In keeping with our theme, we have plenty of music and music education classes including live children’s music, ukulele classes and drum circles to keep kids moving to the beat. Check our online calendar for events at a library near you (hcplc.org/events) or pick up a summer event guide in late May. The library is a valuable resource in our community to help your child develop a positive relationship to reading, access experiences to further develop their sense of discovery and learning, and just have a great time when school is out. Visit us this summer and you’ll agree that libraries rock!

SyourPARK curiosity IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT HOMEWORK AND WORKSHEETS. But a school with hands-on, active learning that unleashes your child’s imagination and unlocks intellectual potential? That’s another story. It’s what we’ve been doing for 25 years.

TIO

N • I N C LU S I O

•I

RIT Y

C O U R AG E

•D

See us in action. Schedule a tour. academyatthelakes.org/tour

CE •

• S T E WA RD

PreK3-Grade 12

2331 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639 • 813-909-7919 • Want to learn more? academyatthelakes.org/learnmore

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 19

Where everyone has a great time! 7 Weeks of Options: June 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 27, 2018 100 full- and half-day camps Ages PreK3-high school Before- and after-care

Located on Corbett Prep's beautiful campus in North Tampa! Outdoor

Field Trips

S.T.E.A.M.

Performing & Visual Arts

Academic

World Languages

Athletics

And So Much More!

Sign up today! (813) 961-3087 CAMPIDS@corbettprep.com 12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa, FL www.corbettprep.com 20 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

SCHOOL FOCUS | EDUCATION

engineering

'STEM'inists HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES AIMED AT PREPARING MORE GIRLS FOR STEM CAREERS. By Joe Humphrey, Hillsborough County Schools

ink paper planes coast through the air as a group of “STEMinists” test the gliders they designed. A special “DigiGirlz” event packs Microsoft’s Tampa offices. Students control underwater robots to complete Mission: Tampa Bay. These are just a few ways Hillsborough County Public Schools is energizing more female students with a passion for careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), fields where women are traditionally underrepresented. “If we can get the girls at an early age and show them the possibilities, they’ll get hooked,” says Nichelle Glenn, magnet lead teacher at Young Middle Magnet, a science and technology school in East Tampa. Lily Augustin is one of those girls who caught the STEM bug early, while still at Lockhart Elementary Magnet School. Lily was among the crowd of girls testing their paper airplanes one recent afternoon. Her plane didn’t go far, but the Young sixthgrader hopes she’ll go far, with eyes on a career in technology or computing.

At Lockhart, lead teacher Meredith Mullen coordinates multiple activities for students, including girls known as “STEMinists.” When the movie “Hidden Figures” introduced the world to three little-known female STEM stars, students used it as a learning opportunity. “There are women in the field of engineering,” Mullen says, “but they’re not as well known.” Hillsborough STEM Director Larry Plank says partners love bringing more women to these high-demand, high-wage careers. Hillsborough Schools have more Million Women Mentors volunteers than any district nationwide, and Hillsborough leaders worked to have that program, meant for high school seniors, begin far earlier. Now, students as young as fifth grade meet with mentors. Programs like these are making a difference. Josephine Corder, lead teacher at Stewart Middle Magnet

near downtown Tampa, says boys still comprise two-thirds of the school’s enrollment, but the ratio comes closer to even each year. It requires specialized programming and strategic recruiting, such as Girl Scout troops touring the school. But the effort is worth it when you meet a student like sixth grader Lillie Sopalski. A few boys once told her she couldn’t excel at science and math because she was a girl. By fifth grade, she was tutoring some of the same boys who had doubted her. “I proved them wrong,” she says. It’s also worth it when you consider where a STEM education can take a student. Glenn recalls an eye-opening quote from Microsoft’s “DigiGirlz” event: “There’s an unspecified number of jobs for girls in STEM. How many? There’s not a number. Some of the jobs don’t even exist yet.”

Interested in STEM? Magnet schools are tuition-free and open to all Hillsborough County students via application. Hillsborough County Public Schools will offer an additional School Choice selection window July 12-19. Details at sdhc.k12.fl.us. STEM isn’t limited to magnets. Schools throughout Hillsborough offer programming, including two new STEM hubs serving several schools in New Tampa and Town ‘n’ Country.

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 21

HEALTH + WELLNESS | SUMMER SAFETY

SUMMER SAFETY guide

TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL By Anu Varma Panchal

Here are some things we don’t need to worry about now that summer is here: Grades. Exams. Getting to school on time. Carpools. School’s out and it’s time to play! However, Florida’s best features—weather and water—can also be our pitfalls if we aren’t careful, and a near-drowning or heat exhaustion incident can derail an entire vacation. Check out the tips below from Michelle Sterling, injury prevention expert with St. Joseph’s Children’s Wellness and Safety Center, to make sure your children (and you!) have a safe and fun summer.

Sun Safety

Pool Safety

Beach Safety

• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when you’re on board. Make sure the jacket fits snugly; this isn’t the article of clothing you buy a size up for the child to grow into. A great place to get fitted and buy one is the Safety Store at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. • Be aware that even excellent swimmers can face trouble in open water, which is very different from swimming in a pool. Uneven surfaces, weather conditions and sea or river currents can pose challenges to even the most experienced swimmer. • While there is no minimum age for driving a boat in Florida, boaters born after Jan. 1, 1988, who want to pilot a boat of more than 10 horsepower have to finish an approved safety boating course. They should also carry a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. For more information and guidelines, check out the United States Coast Guard boating safety page at uscgboating.org

• Sterling recommends applying sunscreen of at least an SPF 15, but says the higher the better. An SPF of 50, for example, guarantees 98 percent coverage. Look for broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation. • Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating and even if using waterproof products. Pay attention to often-neglected areas such as ears, noses, lips and the tops of feet. • Stay as covered up as possible with hats, swim shirts and cover-ups. • Try staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when ultraviolet rays are at their most harmful. The American Cancer Society has a tip: If the child’s shadow is shorter than the child, the sun is at its strongest and most dangerous point. Don’t assume safety, either—the sun’s rays can easily penetrate clouds and three feet of water.

• Enroll your child in swim lessons when he or she is ready. If you can’t afford lessons, contact the Safety Store at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital at 813-554-8510 to find out about swim vouchers for those who qualify. • Do not rely on floats, water wings or other floatation devices as they are not effective in protecting a child from drowning. • Follow the pool safety guidelines mandated by a 2000 Florida law that states pools need to have one of four safety features installed: a safety pool cover; a barrier that is at least four feet high; door and window alarms for exits that lead to the pool area; or selfclosing, self-latching devices on doors or windows leading to the pool no less than 54 inches above the floor. • Make sure your windows and doors are locked and have alarms that can alert you if a child gets out of the home. • Designate a water watcher whose job is to do nothing other than keeping a constant eye on kids in the pool.

• Be aware of rip currents and tides. Even strong swimmers can face challenges in open water that are significantly different from swimming laps in a pool. If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm, tread water and call for help. If you can manage it, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current and then swim to the shore. • Just because there is a lifeguard on duty, don’t assume you can take your eyes off your child in the water. That lifeguard is responsible for multitudes, and drowning is quick and silent. • Pay attention to warning flags on beaches. Double red means closed to public. A red flag indicates high currents or dangerous surf and yellow is medium currents and surf. Green indicates calm conditions, and purple indicates dangerous marine life in the area.

22 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

Dehydration •Children absorb more heat than us but sweat less, so they are especially at risk for dehydration. Keep that water bottle handy. Use and refill constantly! Water is better than sugary sports drinks. Caffeine actually increases dehydration, so watch that teen’s coffee intake in the sun. • When playing outside, give kids occasional breaks in air conditioning to cool off. • If your kids play sports through the summer, encourage frequent water breaks. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines are 5 ounces of water for an 88-pound child every 20 minutes and 9 ounces for a 132-pound adolescent every 20 minutes during physical activity. • Know how to spot signs of dehydration, which include decreased frequency of urination, dry mouth, dry tears, headache, dizziness, nausea and sunken eyes.

istock.com/MicrovOne, istock.com/ Druzhnina

Boat Safety

Mcilwain Family Dentistry Comprehensive Dental Care Under One Roof!

Pediatric Laser Dentistry

Orthodontics

Cosmetic & Adult Dentistry

Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry James E. McIlwain, DDS, MSD Leigh Ann McIlwain, DMD Michael D. McIlwain, DMD

Matthew S. Ahrens, DMD, MS American Board of Orthodontics

Michael Chiaramonte, DMD Robert S. Hart, DDS

McIlwainDentistry.com JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 23

GROWING TOGETHER

A NEW Pediatric ER for your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergencies! Tailored exclusively for young patients, the Pediatric Center at Brandon Regional Hospital provides advanced pediatric care for kids of all ages.

As your family grows, our Pediatric Center experts are here for you:

All NEW Pediatric ER with dedicated entrance and family areas Advanced Pediatric Inpatient and Intensive Care Units Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) NICU and Pediatric Surgical Care from All Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Specialty Physicians

For more information on the Pediatric Center, or to find a pediatric specialist for your child call (813) 653-1065. 24 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

119 Oakfield Drive I Brandon, Florida

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 25

FOOD + DRINK | SMART TRADEWINDS COOKIES

SPONSORED

SMART

cookies HEALTHY TREATS ARE POSSIBLE

By Samantha Taylor of Samantha Taylor Fitness

ur kids are inundated with sugar everywhere, from cereal to snacks to easy-packed lunches. However, sugar can affect a child’s behavior in more ways than we realize. It can contribute to attention issues and affect their learning abilities, moods and behavior. Some kids with these types of issues see great improvements when sugar is reduced in their food. However, they are kids. They not only like sugar because they were usually raised on it, but it’s also offered to them everywhere they go. One favorite “sweet” activity is baking with mom. One way to eliminate the unhealthy aspect of this activity is by avoiding traditional store-bought mixes that are full of sugar, processed chemicals and gluten. I have learned how to keep the fun and flavor in food while baking with different ingredients that are actually good for us, including flours like almond or coconut that have good healthy fats in them that are great for a child’s brain (low fat

diets are not healthy for children or adults). Cutting the sugar addiction can benefit families in multiple ways. One client who has three very active young sons came to me to lose weight, but admitted her sons— whom she loved very much—sometimes drove her crazy. Over three months, I helped her lose 30 pounds and break her and her children’s sugar addiction. The boys embraced this new lifestyle because mom did it, using alternatives like the recipes I have for you here. She was amazed at how in such a short time they listened better and didn’t argue as much. Here are five of the healthiest AND most delicious cookie recipes I have ever found. At first, you don’t even have to tell your kids their cookies are healthy; just bake them and see how much they like them! Then educate them about why you are changing things up. They look up to you and they do listen to what you teach them, but leading by example is the best teacher of all.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES INGREDIENTS 2/3 cup almond flour 1 cup sweetener (Truvia or Pyure) 3 eggs (preferably cage-free or farm fresh) 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons butter, softened (Kerrygold is the best) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (this is a powder and makes the cookies fluffy) 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 cup coconut shreds (optional, but amazing) 1 tablespoon coconut flour 1 tablespoon almond butter (optional, any nut butter will do) 1 1/2 cups sugar free chocolate chips *NOTE: Hershey’s has sugar free chocolate chips sweetened with maltitol. This can be found at Wal-Mart; however, you have to be careful with maltitol because it can spike the blood sugar and for some it causes digestive issues. Health food stores sell a brand called Lily’s Chocolate Chips sweetened with stevia, which is a better option then the ones with maltitol. DIRECTIONS 1. Cream together butter, cream cheese, nut butter and sweetener. 2. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well in between each. 3. Add remaining dry ingredients (except chocolate chips and coconut) and mix well. 4. Add in chocolate chips and coconut flour. Pop the mix in the freezer to harden up a bit (10 minutes or so, roughly as long as it takes to heat the oven). 5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 6. Spoon cookies onto lined baking sheet (about 1-tablespoon sized cookies) and bake for 20 minutes or until the top of the cookie is no longer moist and begins to brown slightly. Notes from Samantha: These cookies don't brown on top as do other recipes. Test them at 20 minutes by sticking a knife into a cookie. If no dough sticks to it, it's done. I also once tried cooking them for about 12 minutes regular heat, then I turned into convection for the last 5 minutes and that made them cook a little more thoroughly. Pyure has the same ingredients as Truvia. The difference is, Pyure is organic and non GMO. You find it right by the Truvia at Wal-Mart and Publix. You can’t substitute an equal amount of stevia in this recipe, meaning you can’t use one cup of straight stevia; it will not taste as good. You need to use either Truvia, Pyure or one called Swerve. And it needs to be granulated, not powdered. Your family will enjoy these cookies and they are amazing right out of the oven too. Eating healthy can be delicious. We don’t have to take all the fun out of it! Enjoy!

Image provided by Samantha Taylor Fitness

26 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

• Health & Fitness Expert • 26 Years of Experience • Former Food & Sugar Addict

Book your Complimentary Body Transformation Analysis Today!

Lost 63 lbs. in 6 Months

See her inspiring story on our website that aired on ABC’s Morning Blend

Palm Harbor Opening Soon! 32872 U.S. Highway 19 N.

Now delivering to home or office.

Easy ordering online or from your phone. Order in advance and choose your delivery time.

Save your favorites and past orders. Easily track your order in real time.

PANERABREAD.COM or get the App Minimum order of $5 required for delivery, exclusive of taxes and delivery charges that may apply. Our delivery charge is not a tip or gratuity provided to the driver. Participating bakery-cafes only. Tracking available only in participating bakery-cafes that offer delivery. Gift card purchases and catering orders excluded. Order must be placed online with credit card. Other restrictions may apply. Delivery hours may vary. Limited delivery area. Visit panerabread.com/deliveryinfo to determine if you’re in a delivery area or for more information. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks for Google Inc.

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 27

FOOD + DRINK | DATE TRADEWINDS NIGHT GUIDE (Left) THE INTERNAL AFFAIR. On the Rocks with Tequila Avion, jalapeño, pineapple and basil (Right) THE PALOMA Tall on the Rocks with Tequila Avion, grapefruit and lime

HOUSEMADE GUACAMOLE is served with Doc B's 'famous' sweet potato chips

Photos compliments of Sarah Stoulil

arm to table is a huge selling point when we are talking about a fresh meal. At Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen, fresh is just what you get. They don’t even have a freezer! Doc B’s is located in the outdoor food court at International Plaza and Bay Street. Despite having been there for more than two years, Doc B’s is still somewhat of a hidden secret with a slate of regular customers. However, with meals such as the Danish Barbecue Ribs flown in fresh from Denmark, and the Brussel Sprout Salad for those with a lighter palate, they sure won’t stay secret for long! Doc B’s has both indoor and outdoor seating, an indoor bar and an open-face kitchen should you like to watch a bit of the action. You can find daily specials, delicious appetizers and killer drinks every day of the week. Happy hour drink specials run from 2-6 p.m. Monday through Friday afternoons while food specials run 4 - 6 p.m. So whether you have been shopping all day and are ready for a great meal, or you just want to try something new, Doc B’s is a great location to add to your date night dinner list.

Doc B's BRUSSELS SPROUT SALAD with marcona almonds, a bit of kale, basil vinaigrette and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

eat fresh

DOC B'S FRESH KITCHEN: FARM TO TABLE AT ITS FINEST By Sarah Stoulil for tampabaydatenightguide.com

28 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

Doc B’s originated in Chicago where they now have two staple locations, and plans are in the works to open three locations in Texas. In Florida, we have our very own here in Tampa at the International Plaza, as well as one in both Fort Lauderdale and Coral Gables. In the fall, Doc B’s will be adding a fourth Florida location in Aventura.

SAILING

TENNIS

COOKING

SWIMMING

The Club at Treasure Island’s summer camp is now accepting daily, weekly & summer-long registrations for May 29 – July 6 2018! Summer Fun for the Entire Family! Become a summer member and enjoy access to all amenities of The Club as well as exclusive pricing on summer camp.

To register, please call Diane Patterson at 727.367.4511. To learn more about camp activities and Club membership, please visit us at theclubti.com

w w w. t h e c l u b t i . c o m

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 29

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 30 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

Photos by Theresa NeSmith Photography

RUNWAY TRANSLATOR | BEAUTY + STYLE

irls just want to have fun… and shop and drink champagne! Women are social creatures and we do love our girl time; am I right? Shopping can be therapeutic if it’s something you enjoy doing. But if, like many women, you’re not in love with the idea of shopping because you feel like you never find the right pieces, or you don’t have the time to hunt, Style Finder Shopping Tours might be a good option for you. The tours are a fun way to get together with friends and spend a few hours learning about the local fashion scene. There are so many wonderful locally-owned boutiques scattered throughout the Tampa Bay area just waiting to be explored. Even if you are not the type of shopper who spends a Saturday driving all over town popping into boutiques, you might enjoy taste-testing a few with friends. Having a stylist guide you through the process helps ensure you spend your money wisely. You’ll also learn about current fashion trends and which cuts and styles look best on your body. It’s like having a little fashion angel on your shoulder whispering style tips in your ear. Aside from the free-flowing champagne and style guidance, the best part of this social shopping party is that you’re supporting the small businesses here in our community while having a great time hanging out with friends! Cheers to that!

Style Finder Shopping Tours By Michelle Bremer of Runwaytranslator.com

For mo re inf orm ati on vis it sty lef ind ert our s.c om

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 31

32 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

special advertising section

Plantation on Crystal River Plantation on Crystal River is a beautiful 50-year-old, 232-acre eco-friendly resort, offering comfortable accommodations, a full-service spa, and is surrounded by the natural springs of Kings Bay. This bay in Crystal River is one of the largest aquifers in the state and home to more than 400 West Indian manatees that migrate each year to the warmth of the springs. Take a tour and swim with the manatees in the only place in North America where it is allowed. Rent a pontoon boat and discover our waters at your leisure. Bring your own boat; we have a launch and seawall tie ups. Our onsite activities range from golf to boating and fishing, and with on-site activity staff, the kids will be entertained with arts, crafts, games and more! Parents can relax by the pool with a cool drink from the Tiki bar.

plantationoncrystalriver.com

Plantation on Crystal River offer several specials and packages to help sculpt the getaway you are looking for! It’s the perfect quick getaway and the perfect place to create life long memories of family vacations. Only an hour and 15 minutes up the Veterans Expressway from downtown Tampa.

ST. PETERSBURG COUNTRY CLUB FAMILY FUN STARTS WITH HAPPY KIDS

Kids Camp Ages 5 to 13

Tennis Camp Ages 5 to 18

Golf Camp Ages 7 to 18

Swim Team Ages 5 to 18

KIDS CAMPS

Full Week, Full Day & Half Day Options Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Sign up for one or a combination Summer Membership Applications and Camp Registration Forms are available online.

www.stpetecountryclub.com 2000 Country Club Way South • St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727.867.2111 • stpetecountryclub.com

St. Petersburg Country Club Spend your summer at St. Petersburg Country Club. Golf, tennis, and social memberships are sure to provide the sweet escape you and your family need during the summer months. Drop the kids off at camp and play a round of golf! Let us do the cooking on family nights! Don’t worry…we’ve got you covered! It is a total lifestyle devoted to relaxed fun at the premier club in St. Petersburg.

stpetecountryclub.com

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 33

now open! INVENTOR

Spark wonder. Invent possible

811 South Main St. | Gainesville, Florida www.cademuseum.org

  

Summer FUN thbegins June 18 Register at MJPAA.com/summer

PIZZA FUN & GAMES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Join Us For Camps, Classes, Workshops and More! INTRODUCING at Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy

MJPAA.com

Discover the Difference 34 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

*$5 Game Card with Purchase of Large Pizza* 7770 Seminole Blvd. Seminole, FL 727.391.9105 - TIFunCenter.com

A A FAMILY FAMILY WATER WATER ADVENTURE ADVENTURE OPENINGININJUNE JUNE2018 2018 OPENING Trek to to discover wildlife, then board Trek discover endangered endangeredFlorida Florida wildlife, then board a boat for a family journey along a flowing stream and a boat for a family journey along a flowing stream and thrill to to the thrill the roar roar of ofaathree threestory storysplashdown. splashdown.

Pay for for day, Pay day, rest restofof2018 2018FREE! FREE!

ZooTampa.org ZooTampa.org

ZooTampa.org

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 35

OF FUN

special advertising section

OF FUN

ATTRACTIONS, ACTIVITIES AND ALL-DAY ADVENTURES Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, 33612 813-884-FUN; buschgardenstampa.com Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos with more than 12,000 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.

Cade Museum 811 S. Main St., Gainesville, 32601 352-371-8001; cademuseum.org The Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention invites you to visit our 26,000-square-foot facility, a place to meet featured inventors, to be engaged in our labs, be curious in our exhibits, and be inspired to ask questions. Robot Zoo exhibit allows visitors to study the form and function of real animals and insects through their biomechanical counterparts – robots. Our permanent interactive exhibit, The Sweat Solution, showcases the invention of Gatorade and its incredible global impact.

Elite Animation Academy 5215 W. Laurel St., Tampa, 33607 813-321-3939; eliteanimationacademy.com From June 4 to Aug. 10, these weekly camps are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the fee covers all supplies included (except lunch). We have over 50 years animation experience from Walt Disney feature Animation, Marvel Comics, Dream Works Animation, Warner Brothers Studios and other forward leading industry professionals. Learn from the best! With small classes and exceptional instructors, we are now enrolling in all summer camps in Tampa.

Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 33602 813-273-4000; flaquarium.org Get face-to-face with thousands of captivating creatures, ranging from majestic sand tiger sharks to energetic otters, endangered sea turtles and exotic ring-tailed lemurs. We have a fun kids’ play area, The Splash Pad, and an exciting 4-D theater. You can even go on a Wild Dolphin Cruise* where we search for dolphins in Tampa Bay. *Reservations and additional fees required. Weather permitting.

36 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 33617 813 987-6000; mosi.org Stay cool and get STEAM-ed this summer at MOSI! Sit in the pilot’s seat of tomorrow’s space craft in Be the Astronaut! Discover CONNECTUS, where guests can touch the future of technology. Hear stories of the night sky in the newly upgraded Saunders Planetarium. Visit Idea Zone where everyone can engineer hands-on projects, then challenge your senses on our 36-foot-high multilevel Sky Trail Ropes Course, featuring new obstacles that will get your adrenaline pumping!

OF FUN

Glazer Children's Museum 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 33602 813-443-3861; GlazerMuseum.org Play with purpose at the Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa’s interactive, learning laboratory where children play, discover and connect to the world around them to develop as lifelong learners and leaders. Continue the learning all summer with imaginative programs and a special reading nook!

PK's Play Zone & Grille 10019 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33615 813-999-4987; pkplayzone.com PK's Play Zone & Grille is one of the newest and largest indoor family fun centers in Tampa. Our 43,000-square-foot center hosts six attractions and has over 100 high definition arcade and redemption video games. The arena is the perfect destination for parents and kids for bonding and enjoyment. The arena provides free entry and plenty of free parking space. PK's Family Fun Center offers a fun and friendly atmosphere for kids and the entire family.

Plantation on Crystal River 9301 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, 34429 352-795-4211; plantationoncrystalriver.com Plantation on Crystal River offers several specials and packages to help sculpt the vacation you are looking for! It’s the perfect quick getaway and the perfect place to create life long memories of family vacations. Plantation on Crystal River is a beautiful 50-year-old, 232-acre ecofriendly resort, offering comfortable accommodations, a full-service spa, and is surrounded by the natural springs of Kings Bay. It's only an hour and 15 minutes up the Veterans Expressway from downtown Tampa.

St. Petersburg Country Club 2000 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-867-2111; stpetecountryclub.com St. Petersburg Country Club is a family-friendly, full service, private, member-owned country club with an unparalleled history in Tampa Bay. SPCC offers summer golf, tennis, and social memberships with unlimited access for six months at an amazing value. Family memberships include access to kids camps, sports camps, family nights, tiki bar with poolside dining and more.

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 37

OF FUN

special advertising section

OF FUN

ATTRACTIONS, ACTIVITIES AND ALL-DAY ADVENTURES TradeWinds Island Resorts 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 33706 866.JustLetGo; JustLetGo.com The perfect summer vacation awaits at TradeWinds Island Resorts, two neighboring resorts set on the sugar white sands of St. Pete Beach. Whether you stay at TradeWinds Island Grand or Guy Harvey Outpost, you’ll enjoy endless beachside fun and superb amenities at both! From unlimited rides down the three-story water slide to live music at the tiki bar, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. There are kids’ club activities and drop-off camps, too!

Treasure Island Fun Center 7770 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, 33772 727-391-9105; tifuncenter.com With classics like Ms. Pac-Man to the latest big screen games, as well as pool, pinball, air hockey and kiddie rides, there's fun for the whole family! Challenge your friends on head-to-head racing games or test your skill on ticket games and choose from an incredible selection of prizes. Hungry? Pegleg's Pizza offers delicious made-to-order pizzas, pretzels, nuggets, ice cream and more. Birthday parties, field trips and family fun packages available.

Tampa YMCA Office: 110 E. Oak Ave., Tampa, 33602 813-224-9622; tampaymca.org This summer at the Y, we are committed to not only being your home for fitness but also a place of community and belonging. Enjoy the total member experience with weekly poolside fun, special pop-up events, fitness challenges and more! At the Y, you will experience community, develop relationships, achieve your goals and belong to something bigger than yourself. Visit one of our nine family centers today!

ZooTampa at Lowry Park 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 33604 813-935-8552; zootampa.org At ZooTampa at Lowry Park, experience wildlife like never before. Go behind the scenes on an Expedition Africa safari ride, get nose-to-horn with an Indian rhino and discover endangered Florida wildlife. Then, feel the rush of a three-story splashdown on the new family water adventure: Roaring Springs! Pay for a day, get the rest of 2018 FREE.

38 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

NOW OPEN NOW OPEN NOW OPEN NOW OPEN

Splash through Splash through Splash through the week Splash through* the week for only the week the week 99** for only $

99 59 99 99 59

$$$

Plus Tax Plus Tax Plus Tax Plus Tax

Enjoy unlimited weekday admission (Monday Friday) through theadmission 2018 season for only * Enjoy–unlimited weekday for only Enjoy–unlimited weekday (Monday Friday) through theadmission 2018 season *Based on $59.99 adult,Enjoy single-day Adventure Island admission ticket price. Service fees and taxes not included. 2018 Weekday Card valid March 9 – October 12, 2018 on weekdays only (Monday – Friday) to Adventure Island Tampa Bay. Weekday Card does not include unlimited weekday admission (Monday – Friday) through season parking, discounts on food or merchandise, or admission to select special events. Onlythe valid for2018 residents of the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Non-transferable and non-refundable. Not valid with other discounts or special offers. Adventure Island is a seasonal park. www.adventureisland.com for park hours. Other restrictions may apply and subject to change without prior notice. © 2018 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. (Monday –VisitFriday) the 2018 season *Based on $59.99 adult, single-day Adventure Island admissionthrough ticket price. Service fees and taxes not included. 2018 Weekday Card valid March 9 – October 12, 2018 on weekdays only (Monday – Friday) to Adventure Island Tampa Bay. Weekday Card does not include parking, discounts on food or merchandise, or admission to select special events. Only valid for residents of the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Non-transferable and non-refundable. Not valid with other discounts or special offers. Adventure Island is a seasonal park. *Based on $59.99 adult, single-day Adventure Island admission ticket price. fees Other and taxes not included. 2018 and Weekday valid March 9 – October 12, 2018 on weekdays – Friday)2018 toInc.Adventure Island Tampa Bay. Weekday Card does Visit www.adventureisland.com for Service park hours. restrictions may apply subjectCard to change without prior notice. © 2018 SeaWorld only Parks(Monday & Entertainment, All |rights reserved. JUNE TampaBayParenting.com 39not include parking, discounts on food or merchandise, or admission to select special events. Only valid for residents of the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Non-transferable and non-refundable. Not valid with other discounts or special offers. Adventure Island is a seasonal park. *Based on $59.99 adult, single-day Adventure Island admission ticket price. Service fees and taxes not included. 2018 Weekday Card valid March 9 – October 12, 2018 on weekdays only (Monday – Friday) to Adventure Island Tampa Bay. Weekday Card does not include Visit www.adventureisland.com for park hours. Other restrictions may apply and subject to change without prior notice. © 2018 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

One of the Largest Indoor Fun Centers in Tampa! Place for Birthday, Graduation, Corporate & Family Party/Get Together ATTRACTIONS • • • • • • • • •

LASER TAG SPINZONE POOL TABLE INDOOR GOLF ROCK CLMBING INDOOR BOWLING ELECTRONIC DARTS ROPE COURSE-SKYTRAIL OVER 110 HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO AND REDEMPTION GAMES

*Private party room *Party host *No Parking or Entry Fee *Check specials for group discount

PKPlayZone.com 813-999-4987

10019 W. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa 40 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

special advertising section

PK's play zone PK's Play Zone & Grille is one of the newest and largest indoor Family Fun Center's located at 10019 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33615. Our 43,000 square foot family fun center hosts six attractions and has over 100 high definition arcade and redemption video games. The arena is the perfect destination for Parents and Kids for bonding and enjoyment. The arena provides free entry and plenty of free parking space. PK Family Fun Center provides fun and friendly atmosphere for kids and entire family. Our facility also serves delicious food at our restaurant and various specialty drinks at our full service bar. PK's Play Zone & Grille is a clean arena provides fun and safe environment for our guests at an affordable cost. Come visit us at PK’s (Parent’s and Kid’s arena). PK’s also hosts 6 EPIC attractions, pool table and dart boards. 6 Attractions hosted by PK’s are Laser Tag, Bumper Cars (Spin Zone), Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Mini Golf, and Bowling. PK’s Playzone & Grille has an outstanding selection of arcade games for adults and kids. Each high-tech game at PK’s Playzone & Grille is activated by your personal debit-style swipe card, storing your game tokens and tickets eliminating the days of spilling your pocket full of tokens onto the floor. Our spacious arena offers plenty of places to relax, free Wi-Fi, a bar and restaurant. The latest state-of-the-art equipment includes over 100 video games and several attractions. Celebrate your next birthday party, corporate event, or team building activity at PK's Playzone & Grille. You can choose one of the 6 spacious private party room at no cost and also we provide party host free. If you are wondering what to do in Tampa this weekend visit our amazing laser tag arena, rope course, indoor golf and bowling that provides latest state-of-the-art equipment.

pkplayzone.com

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 41

EAT. DRINK. SHOP. LEARN. Dining beside a breathtaking 33,500-gallon aquarium is just one exciting experience at RumFish Grill®. Come learn all about local marine life and even Swim with the Fishes our incredible snorkeling adventure. Plus shop the area’s largest selection of Guy Harvey merchandise.

6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach | 727.329.1429 | RumFishGrill.com 42 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

YMCA | FAMILY FUN

AWAKEN SUMMER IMAGINATIONS THROUGH HEALTHY HABITS

lovingSUMMER

By Lalita Llerena, Communications Director Tampa YMCA

ummer is a time when children can let their imaginations run wild! From creating their own plays to building forts in the backyard, there’s no limit to what kids can dream up. But when kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows without access to out-of-school learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. The YMCAs of Tampa Bay want to ensure all kids in Tampa Bay awaken their summer imaginations through healthy eating habits and physical activity. Because when a child is happy, healthy, motivated and excited, something amazing is inevitably going to result.

IT’S IMPORTANT NOT TO LET YOUR KIDS IDLE AWAY THEIR SUMMER DAYS. INSTEAD, THE Y OFFERS THE FOLLOWING TIPS TO HELP FAMILIES DEVELOP HEALTHY HABITS: High five the fruits and veggies – Make sure your kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend to maintain healthy childhood development. And to keep kids’ taste buds evolving, have everyone in the family try at least one bite of a new fruit or vegetable at least once a month. Read together – The summer is a great time to enjoy books and 30 minutes a day goes a long way! Take trips to the local library or create a family reading challenge to see who can log the most minutes of reading. Encourage your kids to create their own stories as well. Get moving! – Activities that require movement also help kids flex their mental muscle. Use materials in unique ways: Ask your children to build models, manipulate tools or develop their own theatrical scenes. Play together – Play may be the best way to prevent childhood obesity. By putting more play into your family’s day, you will soon find yourself getting the activity that will have your family feeling energized and strong.

Summer is the perfect time to learn the importance of staying physically and intellectually active. From summer camp and swim lessons to youth sports and teen leadership programs, the Y can provide an outlet for your kids to play and learn throughout the summer. And while the Y is serving as a parenting partner for out-of-school care, why not focus on YOU for once? Try out the Y’s state-of-the-art wellness equipment, take a group exercise class, relax by the pool or attend a family social—whatever works for your lifestyle and schedule!

You and your family can count on the Y for support while you improve your health and wellbeing and connect with new friends and the community. To learn more about how the Y can help your family get healthier together, go to ymcatampabay.org/findyour-y/. There you'll find 25 Y locations in five counties. And if you’re traveling this summer, Nationwide Membership offers access to Y facilities across the United States. This way, your family can use the Y as often as you’d like no matter where you are.

Make sleep a priority – Doctors recommend 10-12 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 and 7-8 hours per night for adults. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory, learning and other vital functions.

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 43

FAMILY FUN | GUEST EDITOR

PLAN FATHER'S DAY AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM By Roger Germann, CEO Florida Aquarium

JUNE 16 AND 17: FATHER’S DAY 9:30 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

Fathers receive free admission to the Aquarium on June 16 and 17 (Saturday and Sunday) with the purchase of any full price paid admission. For more information, call 813-273-4000 or visit flaquarium.org.

44 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

he Florida Aquarium and families go together like fish and water. That is why it is the perfect place to take the family for Father’s Day. Plus, you can learn how seahorses are the Mr. Moms of the marine world and how they take fathering to a whole new level: pregnancy. That’s right, male pregnancy is a complex process unique to pipefish, seahorses and sea dragons —a fish family known as syngnathids. Male seahorses incubate their eggs in womb-like pouches on their bellies, while females vie for their attention. During a romantic courtship, females dance around the male, often glowing or changing colors and intertwining their tail with his before the chosen female deposits her eggs in the male's pouch. Want to know more? Make sure to stop by The Florida Aquarium’s Dragons Down Under habitat to see these incredible Mr. Moms and learn more about how these males care for their babies. But first, you can start your visit on the Florida Wetlands Trail. Winding through a vast mangrove forest, you’ll encounter river otters, free-flying birds and native fish. Continue to the second floor of the Wetlands gallery and enter Journey to Madagascar. Filled with ring-tailed lemurs, hissing cockroaches, and colorful chameleons, these animal habitats capture the unique Island of

Madagascar and the diverse animals that call it home. The next part of your journey will take you through Bays and Beaches, where you will discover a goliath grouper and other species that call Tampa Bay home. Be sure to make a stop at Stingray Beach, where you can touch stingrays and sharks. As you travel onward, you’ll descend deeper into aquatic environments and discover stingrays, reef fishes, moray eels, sea turtles and massive sand tiger sharks in a coral reef ecosystem encompassed by 500,000 gallons of natural seawater. The family that likes to get wet can actually swim with the fishes or sharks in this habitat. This inwater reef experience gives guests (age 6 and older) a unique snorkel adventure above a replica of the Dry

Images courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

Learn more about Swim and Dive Experiences at flaquarium.org.

Tortugas, one of the Florida Keys' most beautiful coral reef dive sites. SCUBA certification is not required. This experience is recorded using small action cameras, and guests will receive a copy of this footage after the experience, which makes for a good Father’s Day gift to take home. A swim with the sharks experience is available for those 9 and up in the coral reef habitat, and certified divers 15 and up can enjoy an opportunity to dive with the sharks in the coral reef habitat. All in-water program participants receive video footage of their experience. Special behind the scenes experiences like “Penguins: Backstage Pass” are unique and exciting, allowing you to come face to beak with adorable African penguins. Led by an experienced penguin biologist, a typical visit may include a chance to touch the penguins, see them waddle, swim, shake their tails, jump in and out of their interaction pool, and get your picture taken with them. While there, a biologist will describe and answer any questions guests might have about these remarkable birds

and their specialized care. The Aquarium’s “Behind the Scenes” tour is a chance to see the inner working of the Aquarium and what it takes to operate it every day. Also available is a “Close-Up Critters” tour, particularly good for smaller children, which includes opportunities to meet and learn about some of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors. After exploring all the animal habitats inside, beat the summer heat at The Florida Aquarium’s outdoor water adventure zone, the rainforest-themed Splash Pad, where children can splash away while parents relax with views of the Bay and enjoy numerous food options at Café Ray and a cocktail at Fins Cantina. You can also take the family on a Wild Dolphin Tour on board the Bay Spirit II, a 72-foot powered catamaran, for a 75-minute excursion around Tampa Bay to observe and learn about wild dolphins and seabirds in their natural habitat. One thing is for sure, a day spent at The Florida Aquarium is a memory that will last forever.

Get up close and personal with stingrays and starfish at the touch tank on the second floor.

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 45

THIS

CLOSE TO AMAZING CAMP EXPERIENCES

Choose from a variety of Summer AquaCamps that take fun and learning to all new depths for kids from 3 to 18 years old. Spots are filling up fast, so enroll today. There are discounts for members and for booking multiple camps. For more details, visit flaquarium.org or call 813-273-4015. 46 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

the stuff of summer

SUMMER MUST-HAVES | FAMILY FUN

OUR FAVORITE SUMMER MUST-HAVES

1 2

5 4 3

1 LAGUNA BLUE TOWEL eco-friendly, bacteria-resistant microfiber towels 2 KURIO smart watch built for kids, blue and orange band 3 CABANA LIFE UV WEAR UPF 50+ rash guards and swim cover-up from the Mommy & Me collection. Check out the Daddy & Me collection, also. 4 WALLAROO toddler sun protection hat in Blue Shark 5 BIG MOUTH BLOW UP SPRINKLER inflatable yard sprinkler stands over 6 feet tall 6 AMLOID AQUA CREATURES water squiterz pink shark action and crocodile action beach toys, AMLOID AQUA CREATURES pink shark solo swim mask

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 47

FAMILY FUN | SUMMER IDEAS IN TAMPA BAY

60+ off. Take advantage 1 Cool 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 or Anderson Park in South Tampa.

Learn something 3 Read! new. Your neighborhood library has free events, reading contests and book lists that tie in to school-time literacy events.

in a flick. Not 4 Take 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.

Find a NEW park. Did you know that Julian B. Lane Park is the newest and biggest park in the City of Tampa? With so much to do here, you’ll have to come back a few times. A few of our favorites also include Lettuce Lake Park, Ballast Point Park, Curtis Hixon Park and Water Works Park. 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.

love the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. Pier 60 has a nightly Sunset Festival featuring artisans, crafters and street performers. Bring your swimsuit, play in

Learn a new sport. Swing a club with your kids while you learn to golf through the First Tee of Tampa Bay through the YMCA and head to Top Golf to try out your new skills.

Make a summer

Keep a diary of 12 journal. 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.

a staycation in 9 Try Clearwater Beach. We

By Marisa Langford of TampaMama.com

the sand and watch the sunset from Pier 60 BONUS: Free movies nightly at the hotel while swimming in the pool.

Field is Family Fun Day. Enjoy pregame entertainment and postgame races on the field.

a new beach this 2 Find 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.

SUMMER IDEAS

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. BONUS. Have a garden party with your veggies when they’ve grown.

Clean a room. Move things around or get rid of the things you don’t use any more. 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. 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.

Head to 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.

your camera and 21 Take head to Downtown Tampa to be a photographer for the day.

or roller blade down 22 Bike Bayshore Boulevard, one of the most scenic rides in Tampa Bay. No bike? No problem—use a Coast Bike Share.

up a sweat at 23 Work the Kate Jackson

Park, where they have basketball courts, a playground and a splash pad for the babies. Stroll over to Hyde Park Village for lunch after. We love Bar Taco.

your family out to 5 Take a ball game. Head to a

Tampa Bay Rays game on a Tuesday when kids are $2. Every Sunday home game at Tropicana

24 19

10 6 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.

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

48 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

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

15 Visit Busch Gardens or Adventure Island—or both!— and remind yourself why people come from all over to Tampa.

Explore Sunken Gardens and Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg.

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

a letter and 25 Write mail it to someone.

Make sure to tell them to write back too. CATCH: Go to the post office to drop in the mailbox.

a fundraiser and an air conditioned 30 Enjoy 39 Start write letters to people morning of play at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Later, enjoy river breezes while you eat a picnic lunch at Curtis Hixon Park.

who you think could help you with your cause.

Saturday nights are 2-for-1.

old fashioned way. There are so many docks and places to fish in Tampa Bay. Learn more at TakeMeFishing.org.

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.

Spend a weekend in Orlando. Stay at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee and explore the water park and hotel. Visit the Crayola Experience and get creative for the day. Then head to iDrive 360 and hop on the Orlando Eye, a 400-foot tall observation wheel. End the night with a sweet treat from the Sugar Factory. Hit the Drive-In movies at Funland. Do an oldschool movie night at the drive in. Kids will think this is the coolest way to see a movie.

a backstage tour of 34 Take Tampa Theatre and learn

about one of the oldest theaters in America. Stay for a classic summer movie on a Sunday afternoon.

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.)

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.

a Tampa Bay Storm 50 See game or catch some

soccer action with a Rowdies game in St.Pete.

51 arts and crafts 42 Have day at home. You don’t always have to be on the go. BONUS: Use recycled materials to create works of art.

over for an old-fashioned barbecue. BONUS: Have the kids help decide the menu and assist with meal prep.

fishing. Grab a reel 40 Go and have some fun the

an art class at 26 Take to rock climb Ybor City Art Studio, 31 Learn at Vertical Ventures. 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 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

out. Fire up the grill 48 Grill and invite some friends

Volunteer at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

the Clearwater 52 Visit Marine Aquarium

and see Winter. Have a movie night with Dolphin Tale 1 or 2 before visiting. BONUS: Pair this with a dolphinwatching excursion for an even more exciting and educational day.

Try a new type of food. Try traditional Spanish or Cuban food like paella at the Columbia Restaurant and watch the flamenco dancers.

a blog, free at Take a train to… 44 Start blogspot.com. Your child 53 somewhere. It is all can practice his writing skills, and maybe even pick up some coding skills.

off all electronics 45 Turn for one FULL day.

Visit a National Park and earn a Junior Ranger Badge. Fort DeSoto is a National Memorial.

Setting limits during the summer will be best for everyone, especially during family dinners.

about the journey. Hop on the Amtrak from Union Station in Tampa and head to Charleston, South Carolina or Savannah, Georgia.

indoor sky diving 54 Go at iFLY, an indoor

skydiving experience. They even have STEM field trips where you can learn about the science of flying too.

There’s free 36 Breathe! yoga each Sunday at

57 58

Test your chess or checkers skills at Armature Works. Snag some awesome Astro Ice Cream (make sure to watch how they make it) and head outside for a larger game of checkers on the lawn. Catch a sunset over the Hillsborough River and dine at one of the many eclectic eateries inside Armature Works. Take a computer class at the Microsoft Store or Apple Store. They have lots of free fun classes all summer long. Ride bikes along the Riverfront. Stop for lunch at the Sail Pavilion.

Explore the mural art in Tampa and St.Pete. TIP: Make a coffee table book with all the pictures you take of Tampa Bay art.

Old school summer; See if you or your teen finish the daily crossword puzzles in the Tampa Bay Times.

Plan a 1-tank trip. Check out visitflorida.com to get ideas about new cities you can explore as a weekend warrior.

Bake something. Baking helps kids work on fractions, following directions and patience. Bring your goodies to a neighbor to brighten someone’s day.

Curtis Hixon Park.

the Hillsborough 37 Canoe River with Canoe Escape.

29 Meet a few real mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs.

Visit the Florida Aquarium and be mesmerized by some of the watery neighbors we can only see from the tanks here.

46 Head to Zoo Tampa and get some ideas from the animals on how to beat the heat!

47 Visit MOSI and give the ropes course a try.

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.

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 49

At GCM, your little learners imagine, discover, and connect to the world around them. Register your kids to play with purpose and embrace curiosity this Summer at Camp Imagination!

FOR CAMPERS AGES 5-10

With imaginative themes, there is a camp for every kid! Find dates, themes, and details at GlazerMuseum.org/camps

SUMMER CAMP!

June 4-August 3, 8:30am-5pm $265 a week | Members Save 15%

BOOK TODAY!

AND MORE!

GLAZER CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MUSEUM, PLAYTIMES GLAZERMUSEUM.ORG/EVENTS

ART

50 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

SCIENCE

THEATER

Splash into

Summer with

Join us for Free Tuesday, June 5, 2 - 6:30 p.m., at the Glazer Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum! For more information visit wedu.org/edconnect or call (813) 443-FUN1 (3861).

in partnership with

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 51

WHAT’S HAPPENING | TOP PICKS

June SUPER SCIENCE SQUAD June 1 – 30 Let your kid’s inner geek shine at Glazer this month as they discover coding, robotics, comic books and super heroes. Explore computational thinking and more! glazermuseum.org A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE June 1 – 17, various times The Tampa Repertory Theatre will conclude its seventh season with Arthur Miller’s blistering drama “A View from the Bridge.” The play follows the plight of the undocumented immigrant and has been described as one of the toughest and most powerful works from playwright Arthur Miller. tamparep.org TAMPA BAY HOME SHOW June 1-3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Tampa Bay Home Show returns to Tropicana Field in downtown St. Petersburg. The largest quality consumer home show in Tampa Bay and on the West Coast is your opportunity to see, learn about and buy the latest home products and services from more than 600 exhibits under one roof. Discover the newest design ideas and hottest trends for your home, furniture, garden and more. tampabayhomeshows.com THE SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY June 1,3,8,9, various times Come out to the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center for a delightful comedy. This production will explore the lives of four unique Southern Women who meet during happy hour. You’ll be sure to say “cheers!” to this joyful and surprisingly touching Jones, Hope, Wooten comedy. tarponarts.com GUY HARVEY WEEKEND June 2-3, various times Join Guy Harvey in person at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for meet and greet, autographs and more. Visit the Xcursions gift shop to have Guy Harvey sign your favorite gear. Guy Harvey is recognized today as one of the world’s finest marine wildlife artists. buschgardens.com TAMPA THEATRE'S RESTORATION CELEBRATION June 2, 8:30 p.m. Come out to Tampa Theatre for their showing of “The General” featuring members from the Florida Orchestra. Now regarded as one of the greatest 52 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

and most important films ever made, this witty comedy was famously expensive to make. tampatheatre.org SHANIA TWAIN June 2, 7:30 p.m. Global superstar Shania Twain will be at Amalie Arena for her tour to celebrate “NOW,” her new album. Twain is a five-time GRAMMY® Award-winner and the reigning queen of country pop. She has sold more than 90 million albums and remains the top selling female country artist of all time. amaliearena.com KIDDING AROUND YOGA June 2, 16, 10-11 a.m. This family-friendly yoga class is designed with kids in mind! Bring your towel and mat to the Museum of Fine Arts to bond with family through partner oriented yoga, games and activities. mfastpete.org

MEET THE DOLPHIN TALE STARS June 4 -7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meet the actors who played Sawyer, Hazel and Phoebe in the Dolphin Tale movies. These major motion pictures were filmed throughout St. Pete/ Clearwater including at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Guests can take a photo or get an autograph with the actors free with a general admission purchase. seewinter.com TODDLER TUESDAYS AT ZOOTAMPA June 5, 10 a.m. Zoo members are welcome to bring their little ones out to Lowry Park Zoo on this day! Attendees will enjoy story time, arts and crafts, an animal mingle and a complimentary snack. zootampa.org

PATEL CONSERVATORY PRESENTS “THE WIZARD OF OZ,” YOUNG PERFORMERS EDITION June 14 – 17, various times Performed by students in grades 3 through 8, 4 unlikely friends journey through the land of Oz. Come out and follow the yellow brick road with these beloved characters. A sensory friendly performance time is also available. Strazcenter.org

Our favorite events and things to do for families in Tampa Bay!

TERRIFIC TOTS AT SUNDIAL June 5,12,19,26, 9:30-10 a.m. Every Tuesday, join the Great Ex S.T.E.A.M. Team at Sundial in downtown St. Petersburg to participate in this iconic Great Ex program. Terrific Tots at Sundial is for children ages 1-4 and a caregiver. The event includes songs, stories, opportunities for creative expression through art and movement, and community time with fun and engaging toys that encourage curiosity, communication, creativity and critical thinking. This program is free and open to the public. Please fill out the required participation form. greatex.org THE SOUND OF MUSIC June 5 – 10, various times This brand new production of “The Sound of Music” is returning to Tampa. This beloved musical will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award®-winning Best Score. Come out and enjoy this family classic. strazcenter.org BROADWAY SMASH SONGBOOK June 8, 7 p.m. “Broadway Smash Songbook” is a journey through Broadway history including songs from the biggest shows. The show will feature the finest vocalists and instrumentalists from the Tampa Bay Area. Taking place at Murray Theatre, this show is sure to provide an evening filled with singing and dancing. rutheckerdhall.com MINDFULNESS WITH EVOLVE: FAMILY YOGA June 9, 9– 10 a.m. As part of the mindfulness with evolve series, this outdoor yoga class will be available on the mini lawn between the Glazer Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art.

Students will develop purposefulness, balance, focus and flexibility. glazermuseum.org FRANK CALIENDO June 9, 8 p.m. Comedian, actor and impressionist Frank Caliendo returns to the Capitol Theatre. Caliendo has been making people laugh his whole career. He is an 11-year veteran of television sketch comedy and has comedy specials on TBS and Comedy Central. rutheckerdhall.com 11TH ANNUAL TAMPA BAY RESTAURANT WEEK June 14 – 24, various times Creative Loafing is teaming up with Tampa International Airport for a food lovers weekend. Participating restaurants throughout Tampa Bay will offer three-course prix fixe menus, and local chefs will come together for a meet and greet at The Vault. This event will allow food lovers to experience their favorite restaurants. RSVP and purchase your ticket online. tampabayrestaurantweek.com BUSCH GARDENS SUMMER NIGHTS June 15 – Aug 5 Party louder, play later! Come out and enjoy later nights at Busch gardens this summer. Dance with the DJs in themed party zones, enjoy seasonal

For even more family fun, visit TampaBayParenting.com to see our full calendar! ipants will also enjoy live music, food trucks, a beer garden and family fun activities. This event is presented by Caspers Company and all proceeds will benefit the Children’s Cancer Center. Gelatinplunge.com FATHERS DAY WEEKEND AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM June 16 – 17, 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

food and beverages, and ride the rides after dark! The fun gets pumped up during Summer Nights! THE ILLUSIONISTS™ - LIVE FROM BROADWAY™ June 15-17, various times Come watch as five of the most incredible illusionists perform jaw-dropping feats in this mind blowing spectacular. This show features a mixture of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. Come out and experience the magic. strazcenter.org

FATHER’S DAY CLASSIC June 17, 7 a.m. Start a new Father’s Day tradition by signing up the family for this 5K run or walk where everyone can race together. This event offers a variety of races that the whole family can take part in. Make sure to bring items to donate to charity partner, Community Table. dads5k.com LATE NIGHTS June 21, 9 p.m. Maestro’s presents its Latin Night series for an evening of food and dancing. The event will include Latin-inspired tapas and drink specials as well as thrilling rhythms of live salsa and a DJ. Simone Amaral of Simone Salsa dance studios will provide dance guidance. Strazcenter.org

SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS CPPAC 2018 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES June 22 – Sept. 22, various times This series will include extraordinary music within an intimate setting. Free and convenient parking is available and all ages are welcome. Largoarts.com HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING June 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, various times Its just another day at the office in this classic satire of big business. This production follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch who uses a little handbook called "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" to climb the corporate ladder. With plenty of drama and witty humor, "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" is a surefire hit! tarponarts.org HOT 101.5 SUMMER JAM June 29, 7 p.m. Hot 101.5 is introducing their first concert event at Amalie Arena. This star-studded lineup will include Meghan Trainor, Liam Payne, Alessia Cara, Sean Paul, Kent Jones, Madison Beer and more. Special performances and live entertainment will begin before the event on the Ford Thunder Alley at 4 p.m. amaliearena.com

MAROON 5 June 16, 8 p.m. Maroon 5 is returning to Amalie Arena for their 2018 world tour. This three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum band will be performing songs from their new album, Red Pill Blues. Maroon 5 has sold over 20 million albums and 48 million singles worldwide. amaliearena.com CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTER’S 6TH ANNUAL GELATIN PLUNGE June 16, 7 – 11 p.m. Watch as local celebrities, TV and radio personalities, children diagnosed with cancer and chronic blood disorders, and community supporters plummet down a slide into a pool filled with 2,000-plus gallons of orange gelatin. Partic-

DISNEY WORLD TOY STORY LAND June 30 There are so many exciting things happening at Walt Disney World and the grand opening we’ve been waiting for happens on June 30 with the unveiling of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Your child’s favorite movie comes to life in the park where they’ll feel like they’ve been shrunk down to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard! There are new themed rides like Alien Swirling Saucers, a Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster and amazing themed events throughout the day.

TRAMPOLINE PARK SENSORY SATURDAYS June 2 and 16, 9-10 a.m. Take the family to Altitude Trampoline Park in Tampa for a morning of sensory-friendly trampoline fun. Enjoy a less crowded environment and reduced music volume. One accompanying parent jumps for free! altitudetampa.com SENSORY SENSITIVE SUNDAYS June 3, 9-11 a.m. Stop by Chuck E. Cheese’s at both the Wesley Chapel and Brandon locations for a morning of sensory-friendly fun. Restaurants provide families an environment featuring reduced lighting and noise, food and games for everyone and a trained staff. chuckecheese.com SPREADING THE LOVE INTO SUMMER June 2, 2 – 6 p.m. Come out to Cypress Point Park to an event, which raises awareness for autism. The event will educate attendees on the individual needs to those with autism. The three words that characterize this event are love, caring and awareness. Come out and raise awareness for a great cause. Spreadthelovefoundation.com GREAT CONNECTIONS June 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join us for Great Connections presented in partnership to Help Me Grow Pinellas. Connect with your family, with other families and with resources in the community. Great Connections is a monthly program just for children with special needs and their families. The second Sunday of the month, Great Explorations modifies lights and sounds and provides a “cool down” room for families who need to take a break. greatex.org PATEL CONSERVATORY PRESENTS “THE WIZARD OF OZ,” YOUNG PERFORMERS EDITION June 14 – 17, various times Performed by students in grades 3 through 8, four unlikely friends journey through the land of Oz. Come out and follow the yellow brick road with these beloved characters. A sensory friendly performance time is also available. Strazcenter.org

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 53

54 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

AROUND TOWN | WHAT’S HAPPENING

around town

Photos by Little Nest Portraits Riverview.

Eventing Tampa Bay’s second annual Mommy & Me High Tea took place on May 6 at Armature Works. A crowd of 350 mothers, daughters and grandmothers enjoyed hot and cold teas, a fashion show and interactive activities. The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida was this year’s beneficiary.

St Joseph's Children's Hospital Star Wars-themed prom

#BeerisBack at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! The team at Busch Gardens announced it is bringing back free beer samples through Aug. 5.

The Tampa YMCA hosted a successful Healthy Kids Day to kick off a busy summer! Free community events scattered through Hillsborough and East Pasco counties got Tampa Bay area kids and families moving and learning with fun, creative activities. For the first time ever, the Y also hosted a Healthy Kids Day at the new Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Road, getting the SouthShore community excited for the new Y facility coming this winter! The City of Tampa unveiled the new 25-acre Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park with a weekend-long celebration that included a live performance by Third Eye Blind and a fireworks display.

MacDill Air Force Base treated the Tampa Bay community to an awesome weekend showcasing the very best of our country’s military aircraft, including a spectacular performance by the Blue Angels and pyrotechnics from the A-10.

The Panera Bread Knead for Knowledge Scholarship Program awarded $65,000 to 24 recipients who have battled childhood cancer or a chronic blood disorder. Since its inception six years ago, the program has awarded $395,500 in scholarships to incoming college freshman as well as students who are currently attending any type of post-secondary school.

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital team members are truly out of this world! They hosted a prom night on May 4 (May the Fourth be with You, of course!) for more than 60 patients who otherwise would not be able to attend their prom or may never get the chance. Each child received a light saber and even got a surprise visit from the 501st Legion dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters!

JUNE 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 55

320 W. Kennedy, Ste. 220 Tampa, FL 33606

Expert Care for KIDS

At Florida Hospital Tampa, we get kids. And, your kids deserve the best. From our dedicated pediatric Doc1stERSM 4 Kids, to the specialists from Johns Hopkins All Children’s providing care in our pediatric unit, PICU, and level III NICU, your child has access to patient-centered pediatric care on Florida’s west coast. Together, we provide care closer to your home - Florida Hospital Tampa.

PEDIATRIC PROGRAMS 56 TampaBayParenting.com | JUNE 2018

FHTampaPediatrics.com • 844-880-7904

FHWFD-10333_FHT Baby Ad_Tampa Bay Parenting_FP

We get kids.