I originally posted this in the Mom to Mom Section, but thought better of it, thinking it may be better here.

Some of these things just don't warrant a write up on the Events Calendar, or maybe something is located last minute or within a day or two of the activity, or it's an activity that is a good day trip with your own family or to get a small (or large) group together to do, such as the Berry Picking, thus having this as an alternative to the Events Calendar.

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I thought it'd be nice to share our Family Outing Ideas:


BERRY PICKING:

Strawberries: head toward Bradon on SR 60 just beyond Valrico, not quite to Brandon and just stop at the Strawberry Fields on the left. You can read the signs for the ones that allow you to drive up and self pick. There are several that do.



Blueberries: located at 2710 Saddlecreek RD. This is a working blueberry farm that offers tours on a donation basis, if I recall. Take a right on Saddlecreek Rd. There is a dirt driveway on the left beyond the blueberry field.

KEEL & CURLEY: located in Plant City have a wide variety of things to do, tour, wine club, weddings, their upcoming "Blueberry Festival" May 17-18, 2008. Check their website:

http://www.keelandcurleywinery.com/events/spring.htm

Here is another wonderful family friendly event that happens in downtown Lakeland:

"The monthly music series takes place at the Lake Mirror amphitheater which is between Hollis Garden and the Lake Mirror Center. The event is FREE to the public and families are encouraged to attend. There will be food and drink vendors on site so bring a blanket and enjoy the lake setting with music under the stars."

MUSIC ON THE PROMENADE Check this site for the upcoming dates. Usually the third Friday each month. There is only one more show, April 18th, until it begins again August 15th. We enjoy these outdoor concerts as music appreciation.

http://www.downtownlakelandfl.com/2008musiconprom.cfm

I will add just one more idea for now. Check out our local high school and college sports events. These are always family friendly and you will be giving back within our own community!

Shawn, you mentioned hosting a Polk Moms Berry Picking Field Trip.

Will you just post that info here or on the calendar? And are you still planning one? With homeschool field trips, we've tried to wear the same colored shirt in order to find one another. Just a helpful tip for trips Polk Moms may do.

Today is the LAST day of March 2008!!!!! Enjoy it!

I have actually called a couple of strawberry fields. One was an early field that has already been picked clean. And the other 2 was not interested in little kids running and picking through their fields . I will try a couple of more and get back with you ladies. I am hoping someone can realize it as a PR opportunity. Does anyone have any personal contacts for blueberries or strawberries?

Shawn, I posted above the one I know of for Blueberries. I do not recall the name, but someone else may??? Or if anyone wants to call Keel & Curly in Plant City, they may know the one located on Saddlecreek Rd.???

As for strawberries, I know several homeschooling families (some with 6 or more children of various ages) who did drive to the location I mentioned above as well, in Dover. From what I recall, it was a just show up with no appointment necessary kind of situation. We didn't do it this year, but when we have, they were open 7 days.

I am surprised to hear they didn't want children there. That means less business. hhmmm??? Like you, I see things as PR as well.

Keel & Curly may be hosting a "You Pick" on May 15th. The lady stated someone would just have to call back closer to that date. They didn't know the name of the one on SaddlecreekRd.

Thanks for looking into that American! I will continue to look into it more too.

No trouble!

I was going to post, too, as the time drew nearer that the Cobb Theatres do FREE movies Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings at 10am during the summer months. When we first began going, we expected to pay for ourselves, thinking just the children would be free, but that is not the case. EVERYone is FREE!!! We just bring a small bag with bottled water and a few snacks since we have allergies and need to monitor what ours eat. Works for us and we've never had one issue.

So, it's a very inexpensive family outing for us. We don't go to the movies until the Summer Free Movies.

Movies start at 10am, but getting there by 9:15am is best since so many daycares and Preschools go too. It is first come first serve. If they have a large turnout, they will open other theatre rooms.

Maybe Polk Moms would want to get together for a Movie Morning throughout the summer?

As for the blueberry picking, I'll look through our older field trip info for the name of that one on Saddlecreek Dr.

Have a great night!

WANT TO GO HIKING IN CENTRAL FLORIDA?

http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/do/outdoors/trektentrails.php



KAYAKING:

Wednesday April 2, 2008 to Thursday May 1, 2008 at Saddle Creek Park, Tenoroc Fish Management Area:

http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/do/events/event_details.php?id=2589


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.havekayakwillpaddle.com/

CALENDAR LOCATED AT ABOVE SITE:

http://www.my.calendars.net/hakawipa

Aside from Gator Land and the extra info moms posted on the Teachers - Free Gator Land thread, I wanted to include this next Family Outing idea:


REPTILE WORLD SERPENTARIUM

located at 5705 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Magnolia Square, FL

(407) 892 - 6905

Here is a link to the above info, some pictures, and Venom Shows from Yahoo Local which include a map for directions:

http://local.yahoo.com/details?fr=dd-local-tl1&id=14683...iRHjuS70Gb21HZ3N9_A-


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REPTICON REPTILE & EXOTIC ANIMAL CONVENTIONS:

At this link, you'll see their upcoming conventions as well as links for other states:

UPCOMING FL SHOWS:

April 19-20 Tampa Bay, FL

May 17-18 Orlando, FL

June 7-8 Ft. Myers, FL

Etc.......

http://www.repticon.com/

Perhaps this is "old news" for some of you, but the annual memberships to the Florida Aquarium are very reasonable, especially if you go twice a month or so. We got one when Vegas was only 1 and now that she's almost 3 it is just as much fun as the first time...and they have live penguins twice a day!

Our aquarium is always on the "Top 10 Aquariums" show on Discovery because of it's educational tours and available "hands on" experiences.

I love the aquarium and try to support these great local attractions when I can.

quote:

Originally posted by VegasMom:
Perhaps this is "old news" for some of you, but the annual memberships to the Florida Aquarium are very reasonable, especially if you go twice a month or so. We got one when Vegas was only 1 and now that she's almost 3 it is just as much fun as the first time...and they have live penguins twice a day!

Our aquarium is always on the "Top 10 Aquariums" show on Discovery because of it's educational tours and available "hands on" experiences.

I love the aquarium and try to support these great local attractions when I can.

Hi, VegasMom!

Thank you for reminding us of the membership and the great experiences that the Florida Aquarium has to offer! We have enjoyed their water area outside a time or two, after our visit in the aquarium.

Also, to add, the year membership offers many other opportunities with their RECIPROCAL OR SHARE PROGRAM with discounts or free entrance at/to other museums and aquariums NATION WIDE! Take advantage of those perks.


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Something our family has done over the years with our children is to have:

MAMA/CHILD AND DADDY/CHILD DATES

That is, each week we each take the time to have just one of our children for a date out. It could be for the entire day or just a few hours, depending on which annual passes we have that particular year. We choose one different one per year.

It is something they look forward to as much as we do! With our annual passes to theme parks, museums, aquariums, etc. it works very nicely as we have a destination and know it isn't going to be costly for us. Having the attraction's map is great, too, so the children can map out exactly where we're going ahead of time. It is great fun! They feel a part of the entire date that way.

It gives my husband and I each individual time with our children.

KID CITY:

http://www.flachildrensmuseum.com/


This hands on museum is great fun! Children can bring their bikes, scooters, or big wheels. But, please, bring helmets, too, or your child(ren) can't ride. Kid City does offer some, but just in case they are damaged or are taken, you should bring your own.


FAMILY EVENTS CALENDAR:

http://www.flachildrensmuseum.com/pdf/FamilyEvents.pdf


Oh, and the FIRST FRIDAY FREE every Month from 5-8pm:

http://www.flachildrensmuseum.com/First%20Fridays.htm


FIELD TRIPS can be arranged:

http://www.flachildrensmuseum.com/Field%20Trips.htm



KID CITY WEE WONDER WEDNESDAY: Now every 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10:30 - Noon! It is free with regular admission that offers learning, play, crafts, and storytelling. Regular Admission is only $5.00/adult and children 1 year and older. Members and Children younger than 12 months are Free! Also, consider using your other Museum Membership as this IS a Reciprocal/Share Program Museum. They also have a Special Offer for Play Groups.

http://www.flachildrensmuseum.com/Tots%20Programs.htm



KID CITY STORYTIME: This program is brought by The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library. FREE with Kid City Admission. "Join our storytellers two Fridays a month from 10:00-11:00am for a morning of fun as we read different themed stories:"

http://www.flachildrensmuseum.com/storytime.htm



So, whether you do this with your family or get a group together, it is a sure outing of fun!

Winterhaven library has a family poetry reading night every month, the 3rd tuesday. 291-5880 look online for their registration for reading info. It's due the Saturday before. Family friendly.