Keeping up with Kids

Upcoming Events

2013-05-21T16:37:00.003-07:00

New Blogs are up on the New Site! (All the old ones are there too)

The new website if up and running, don't miss out on all the great stuff coming up! Be sure to bookmark it as we won't be posting here any longer.

Events for Memorial Day is the latest post which includes all the great local events coming up this Holiday weekend.

New Blogs are up on the New Site! (All the old ones are there too)

2013-05-15T16:53:00.001-07:00

The new website if up and running, don't miss out on all the great stuff coming up! Be sure to bookmark it as we won't be posting here any longer.

The Weekend Ahead is the lasted post which includes all the great local events coming up this weekend.

IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum Review

Bluefoot Pirate Adventures in Fort Lauderdale

Once you get to the new site, don't forget to check out the Events Calendar list on the right hand side. It is the best way to plan your family's summer!

Be sure to subscribe by email as well so you never miss another post!

New Web Site is Up!

2013-04-30T15:02:00.001-07:00

Hi all,
Just wanted to drop a quick note here to let you all know that Keeping Up With Kids has moved to our own website!

Head on over and check out our new home at http://keepingupwithkids.com. There is a new Events Calendar and easier ways for you find the information you are looking for.

If you have us bookmarked make sure you change it to the new site as we won't be posting here anymore.

Thanks for your support in making Keeping Up With Kids such a success!

Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra Music for Munckins

2013-04-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

Music for Munckins (photo credit KeepingUpWithKids)

We love this program!!!!!

It is a beautiful way to introduce your child to the symphony. This free program offers the chance to bring the kids out for a short performance where the wiggles, giggles and yes even a little dancing in the isles is both expected and encouraged. It doesn't hurt that there is a sweet treat provided afterwards. During the performance Director of Education with Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Kathy Kerstetter and her beautiful daughter (who always has a lovely dress on by the way) give the kids a few vocabulary words to help them understand a little about the music and instruments.

After the performance the musicians bring out their instruments and talk to the kids. What better way to interest our kids in the arts! I encourage everyone to bring the family out to these performances. This is one of the many reasons we are so lucky to live in South Florida!

Oh yea, my 4 year old took most of the pictures in this blog. Credit where credit is due.

2013 Schedule
Music for Munchkins Concerts in Broward County:Offered on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. in Davie:
- November 10, 2012, Miniaci at NSU
- January 26, 2013, Miniaci at NSU
- February 23, 2013, Performance Theater, University Center, at NSU
- April 20, 2013, Miniaci at NSUMusic for Munchkins Concerts in Dade County:Offered on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. on Miami Beach:
- November 11, 2012, Euclid Oval, Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach
- January 27, 2013, Colony Theatre, Miami Beach
- February 24, 2013, Colony Theatre, Miami Beach

Music for Munckins (photo credit KeepingUpWithKids)

Bass Pro Shops Easter Egg Hunt!

2013-03-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

We went last year and it was fun. I had high hopes for it because I love their Santa Land every year!I don't think it was up to the usual quality for the Bass Pro. The staff seemed a bit confused about when and where the egg hunt would be. A few didn't even know about it.

After we finally found the eggs (they were empty) we were supposed to return them for candy. The line was very long and I really didn't have much patience left at that point.

I don't remember what the craft was, I can't seem to find my photo's from last year. I will post them if I find them. I changed computers about that time last year, so I am afraid they got lost in the shuffle.

I am not sure that we will go this year, we might.

Don't forget that you can park at the Tri-Rail and make a a day of it! The train station is very very close to the Bass Pro Shop and the Fishing Hall of Fame.

Do a craft, get a free picture with the bunny, and then spend a couple of bucks on hot dogs for lunch!

Spring Events at the Palm Beach Zoo 2013

2013-03-17T05:28:00.001-07:00

In addition to Breakfast with the Bunny, (which is filling up by the way), here are some more great Spring Events at my favorite Zoo. The Palm Beach Zoo!

Palm Beach Zoo: Spring Scavenger Hunt

March 30 & 31, 2013

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

This spring we're challenging Zoo guests to find the "golden" egg! One golden egg will be hidden somewhere on Zoo grounds on Saturday & Sunday, March 30th & 31st. The lucky guest to find it on either day will win a one-year family membership to the Palm Beach Zoo. The Zoo's animals will also be enjoying the egg-citing time by getting some eggs of their own! From tigers to tamarins, lemurs to llamas, most of the Zoo's animals will be receiving eggs made especially for them by our Youth Volunteer Corps.

Earth Day - Passport to Adventure

April 22, 2013

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

As you stroll through the Zoo, make sure to keep an eye out for the Passport to Adventure logo - it will lead you to some amazing facts about sustainability. Find them all and you could win a painting created by our very Malayan tiger cubs - Jaya, Bunga and Penari!

Spring Fling with the Easter Bunny in Pompano Beach

2013-03-17T05:06:00.002-07:00

We are going to try to go to this!

The Easter Bunny will be in Pompano Beach!

Saturday, March 23rd at the Pompano Beach Community Park’s multi purpose field (next to the cute new playground) from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm. Pompano Beach will be celebrating the beginning of Spring with a day of free games, face painting, egg hunts, arts & crafts, and more.

Easter by the Sea at Lauderdale by the Sea

2013-03-17T04:28:00.000-07:00

Easter by the Sea Photo Credit: C Buckley

The Town of Lauderdale by the Sea will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt and Bonnet Contest. March 30, 2013 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The event starts promptly at 9 so don't be late! The egg hunt is broken up into 3 groups, starting with the youngest kids. The volunteers who plan the Town events always do an amazing job! They are also asking for Volunteers to help stuff eggs from 5-7:30 in Jarvis Hall on Friday, March 22.

Past Review:
The event was moved a few years back from the Municipal Park Ball Field to the parking lot of the Town Hall. The Egg Hunt itself was split up by age group and even though the area was much smaller and more crowed the Egg Hunt was still successful. No child will be left without a full basket at this hunt. I did wish that they had allowed kids to enter from both ends. The smaller kids had a the disadvantage of getting all the way across fast enough. I must admit I did like doing it on the field better as the parking lot was very crowded.

Refreshments were provided in Jarvis Hall along with a visit from the Big Guy himself, the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny arrived in South Florida style riding in a decorated red convertible Mini where he awed the crowd with his dancing ability. There were also photo opportunities for those who brought their cameras inside Jarvis Hall.

Easter by the Sea Photo Credit: C Buckley

Last but not least is the Bonnet Contest. Anyone can enter all you have to do is be creative, and the locals of LBS are that! These amazing Easter bonnets are adorned with everything from Easter Baskets to Bunny ears and look like they are as much fun to make as they are to see. We are definitley going to try to make a bonnet this year!

Lauderdale by the Sea’s next Town Event will be the Town Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks, so make sure to mark calendar now because celebrations in the Town of Lauderdale by the Sea are not to be missed.

Easter by the Sea Photo Credit: C Buckley

Bedners Pony Rides and Strawberries in Boynton Beach

2013-03-08T13:04:00.002-08:00

Bedners Farm Market is a one of our favorite places in Boynton Beach. The Strawberry and Tomato u-Pick is open everyday except Tuesdays.

The weekends they have homemade ice cream, roasted corn, hotdogs, lemonade and pretzels as well as fresh BBQ, and craft vendors.

According to their web site on Saturday March 23rd there will be a Petting Zoo from 10:00-2:00, and Pony Rides 10:00-12:00. Sunday March 24th the Petting Zoo & Pony Rides are from 11:00-3:00.

Also on Sunday, march 17th from 10-3 for St. Paddy's there will be Asphalt Angels Pot O'Gold Classic and Hot Rod Car Show.

For pictures and more about this great place CLICK HERE.

Ladybug Release at Museum of Discovery and Science

2013-03-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

Breakfast with the Bunny at the Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach

2013-03-08T06:10:00.000-08:00

Register now to participate in Breakfast with the Bunny at the Palm Beach Zoo. Registration will include a buffet style breakfast in the Zoo’s Tropics Café over looking Baker Lagoon while awaiting the arrival of the guest of honor. None other than the Easter Bunny! Don’t forget to bring the cameras as guests will have plenty of time to snap pictures of the kids, big and little with the Bunny.

Next head on out to the Tropics Café Deck where guests are treated to an up close and personal animal encounter. Children and their parents get the chance to meet and learn about a special Zoo resident.

Last but not least, the Bunny lets everyone know when it’s time to head out into the Zoo for the Egg Hunt! Separate areas are set up for different age groups. Well worth it as you then get to spend the the rest of day enjoying the laid back tropical animal paradise that is the Palm Beach Zoo.

Be sure to register in advance with info@palmbeachzoo.org as there are limited spaces available and they fill up very quickly!

The Clydesdales are coming to Fort Lauderdale

2013-03-05T10:27:00.002-08:00

A friend just sent me this information about the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick's Day Parade this year. The Budweiser Clydesdales will be featured in the Parade on March 9, 2013.

In addition to the Parade and all the festivities on the 9th, the Clydesdales will be out for a public viewing (tomorrow) March 6th between 10 am and 6 pm at Holiday Park. (1200 G. Harold Martin Dr at the corner of Sunrise Blvd and Federal Hwy).

The free event will include tours of the Ft. Lauderdale Police Mounted Unit stables, a petting zoo, and pony rides.

For more information about the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick's Parade and Festival, please call (954) 828-5363 or visit www.ftlaudirishfest.com.

St. Patrick's Day Parade Downtown Fort Lauderdale 2013

2013-02-27T05:09:00.000-08:00

Vader let the troops have a day off!

Don't miss the Parade!
Saturday, March 9, 2013 - 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. along Los Olas Blvd, from S.E. 8th Avenue to Andrews Avenue, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

11:00 am Traditional Irish Blessing at Huizenga Plaza, located at Las Olas Boulevard and Andrews Avenue. At 12:00 pm the U.S. Coast Guard's signature red helicopter will perform a flyover to officially start the St. Patrick's Parade.

We went to the Parade last year (2012), it was really good and surprisingly big. How can you go wrong with Bagpipes and Irish Storm Troopers!

We parked in the library multistory, but I think next year it would be smart to park in the River Walk Garage or the one by the Museum of Discovery and Science and walk down to the Parade. It was really slammed in there!

Photo Credit: C Buckley

The kids had a great time and got beads from the parade, there was also a festival in the park there on Los Olas. It's a great parade because there is plenty of shade at noon along the road and you don't have to stand out and cook in the sun!

My favorite was the green decorated Storm Troopers and Darth Vader! I think I filled half my camera card with them alone. Go on call me a dork! I just can't help it sometimes!

This years Parade is today, March 10th along Los Olas Blvd, from S.E. 8th Avenue to Andrews Avenue, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Oh, and there will be STORMTROOPERS on the Riverside LAWN for photos between 10am-11:30 before the parade!

See you there!

Photo Credit: C Buckley

Renaissance Festival at Quiet Waters 2013

2013-02-20T05:11:00.000-08:00

Took the family out last year to Quiet Waters Park for Ren Fest. It was such a lovely day and the kids were wiped out!

The event had all of our favorite standbys, like turkey legs, the jousting horse ride, and of course the Princess Academy and the Knight School!

I love this event mostly because of the character actors. The King and his court as well as the rest of the cast, will always take the time to talk to you and especially the kids. My daughter loves that they are willing to share a little history with her in a fun way. The Princess even walked us all the way across the event to a show chatting with my daughter all the way! My girl was in seventh heaven!

Last years new editions were some obstacle courses. They looked like great fun! There was a zip wire, that had a climbing cage inside to get up to the platform. It was high enough to give a thrill, but low enough that I think preteens could manage.

There was a second lower obstacle course that looked perfect for just about everyone. You are harnessed into the top and asked to make your way (while hanging) over hanging tubes and walkways. The staff can reach from the ground to help anyone stuck and there is someone inside too to help. I watched the staff help a child who looked to be about 8 years old make his way through.

I can't forget to tell you about the Mermaid! My daughter had asked me about a week before if she could meet a mermaid. I told her it was unlikely because mermaids don't come out of the water often. I was racking my brains trying to think of how she could meet one without a trip to Disney, and boom, there was a mermaid at the Ren-Fest. That was a high point for her for certain!

Ren-Fest 2012 Photo's by Keeping Up With Kids

The only thing about this event is that it is expensive. It is $20 per person, (kids 5and under are free), ages 6-11 are $7. Also be prepared to spend once you get inside. Of course there is food, but the games and rides all cost a couple of dollars. The musicians are artists are not paid to be there so they have tip jars to make a living. My daughter really likes the dancing and the music and loves to sit through those shows. Oh and the schedule was $2 as well.

Ren-Fest 2012 Photo's by Keeping Up With Kids

If you want to see more pictures of other parts of the event here are the links.
Kids Activities
The Performers
The Artists and Artisans
The Characters
Video Blog from Archives
Scroll down for more of this years photo's!

Ren-Fest 2012 Photo's by Keeping Up With Kids

2013 themed weekends will include:

February 9 &10 Romance Weekend

February 16, 17 & 18 Pirate Weekend

February 23 & 24 Wenches Weekend

March 2 & 3 Time Travelers

March 9 &10 Explorers Weekend

March 16 & 17 St. Patrick Weekend

Quiet Waters Park 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Photo's by Keeping Up With Kids

Photo's by Keeping Up With Kids This was amazing!

Photo's by Keeping Up With Kids

Duck Derby Downtown Fort Lauderdale for Kids in Distress

2013-02-16T06:18:00.000-08:00

Duck Derby 2011

Do you want to see 15,000 rubber ducks bobbing down the New River? Sounds like fun right?

The Kids in Distress Duck Fest Derby will be held Downtown Fort Lauderdale (across from the Museum of Discovery and Science) on Saturday February 16, 2013.

The Kids Zone opens up at 1:00 pm and will include Kid Olympic Competitions, Pet Activities, Bounce House, Rock Wall Carnival Games, Face Painting, live Music and Dance Performances.

The Ducks race at 3:30 pm. There are always fabulous prizes and last year the grand prize was a trip to Hawaii.

Duck Derby 2011

Duck Derby 2011 Line Dancing on the River

Wilton Manors Elementary Santa's Enchanted Evening

2012-12-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

I was over at Hagen Park this morning for the Green Market and saw these banners up. Real snow sounds great so I am going to try to go this one.

Bass Pro Shops Santa Land

2012-12-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

Santa Land at Bass Pro Shops

This is one of our all time favorites and we make sure to find time to do it every year. We went this weekend and it really is a fabulous day out. They have a whole section of the store remade into Santa Land.

The Big Red Guy is there (real beard of course) to pose for a free picture. He is really good and spends a good amount of time with each child. They manage to keep the line moving pretty well and when they get busy they hand out tickets with times on them to shorten your line waiting time. You can buy picture packages if you want, or just take the free one.

Santa Land at Bass Pro Shops

There are craft table set up for the kids to make Christmas Tree Ornaments or make coloring pages. They also have suction cup cross bow games, rifles for the kids to shoot, toy trains and cars. All of these are hands on for the kids to play with. Not to mention the giant fish tanks in the front of the store. Santa's Elves are hanging out at all the games to help the kids out.

Mrs. Claus Santa Land at Bass Pro Shops

Don't forget to say hello to Mrs. Claus. She is usually hanging out not far from Santa's Chair. She is an absolute gem! She will chat sweetly with the kids and is absolutely perfect! I think my daughter liked her as much as she did Santa!

We usually pick up hot dogs outside the store for $2 a piece and soda's for a $1. It is really easy to spend a few hours there and has become one of our must do Christmas Traditions!

We have not done it yet, but if your kids like the train, the Bass Pro Shop in Dania, Fl is right next to the Tri-Rail Station. We plan on parking at our local Tri-Rail Station and taking the Train to see Santa! What an adventure that will be!

Call your local store to check thier Santa Land Hours. Remember weekdays are less busy, and weekends get more and more busy the closer to Christmas weekend you get.

Santa Land at Bass Pro Shops

Yuletide in the Park at Community Park in Pompano Beach

2012-12-04T08:06:00.000-08:00

Yuletide in the Park

Due to popular demand, the Yuletide Parade and Celebration is back in Community Park! The Yuletide Parade and Celebration will be held on Friday, December 7th starting at 6:00 p.m.

The Parade will feature eye dazzling floats, marching bands, dancers, fire clowns, and a variety of other amazing entertainment. After the Yuletide Parade, join us in Community Park for children’s activities, clowns, face paining, ride, crafts, and a holiday show on the amphitheater stage! Be sure to have your camera charged and ready for a picture opportunity with Santa Claus and other characters joining us in the park. Community Park is located at 2001 NE 10th Street, on the corner of NE 10th Street and Federal Highway.

The parade will begin at NE 5th Avenue and NE 10th Street near the Sample-McDouglad House and the Pompano Beach Elks Lodge. The parade will proceed east on NE 10th Street to NE 11th Avenue south the NE 8th Street and east into Community Park.

Mayor Lamar Fisher will light the community Yuletide Tree to officially ring in the holiday season in Pompano Beach. Refreshments will be available in the park. For more information call 954-786-4111.

Lighthouse A'Glow in Lighthouse Point

2012-12-04T08:01:00.003-08:00

Lighthouse A'Glow
Wednesday, December 5th
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Frank McDonough Park

Lighthouse Point will celebrate the 10th Annual Lighthouse A’Glow – A Family Gathering – Mark your calendars for Wednesday evening, December 5th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Frank McDonough Park. Kick off your Holiday Season with the most talked about family event in years.

Mizner Park Holiday Story Time & Movie

2012-12-04T07:57:00.001-08:00

Mizner Park in Boca Raton is beautiful this time of year! It is a great place to get in to the Holiday Spirit and try out these new activities.

Story Hour

12/15/2012

Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Mizner Park, In the Main Gazebo

Contact: Mizner Park 561.362.0606

Sponsored by: Mizner Park

Come for Story Hour with Nanny Gingerbread. A special gift will be raffled off.

Story Hour

12/22/2012

Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Mizner Park, In the Main Gazebo

Contact: Mizner Park 561.362.0606

Sponsored by: Mizner Park

Come and enjoy Story Hour with Mrs. Claus. A special gift will be raffled off.

The Polar Express Free Movie and Activities at the Mizner Park Amphitheater

Friday, December 21st, activities at 5:30, movie at 6:30
All aboard the Polar Express! Movie begins at 6:30. Come early for a free train ride in the Amphitheater. Come in your pajamas for a chance to win a prize! Bring blankets and chairs for a holiday movie sponsored by the City of Boca Raton. Refreshments including hot chocolate, movie theater popcorn, and Tomasso's Pizza will be available for purchase. Please no coolers, pets, umbrellas, outside food or beverages, or backpacks.

More events at the Amphitheater

Movie in the Park Downtown Fort Lauderdale at Esplanade Park

2012-11-30T13:01:00.003-08:00

Another great option, geesh my calendar is filling up quick! This is the park across the street from the Museum of Science and Discovery.

Free Holiday Movies at Muvico

2012-11-29T17:14:00.002-08:00

Free Holiday Movies on the weekends in December at Muvico's! How much fun is this!

Christmas on Las Olas Downtown Fort Lauderdale

2012-11-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

This one snuck up on me this year! It is tonight! it is a free event always offers tons of neat stuff to do. They block off the street and there is usually a snow pile, some sledding and skiing simulations and bounce houses among other things. It is Tuesday November 27th from 5-10. It will be held on the 600-1100 blocks of East Las Olas Blvd.

Christmas by the Sea at Lauderdale by the Sea

2012-11-27T08:15:00.000-08:00

I am really looking forward to this one! You all know how much I love the events that this Town puts on! We go every year and I have to admit, this is the epitome of Christmas on the beach. We had such a wonderful time eating ice cream and watching our daughter dance to a steel drum band playing Christmas carols. There is a great little area set up for the kids to visit with Santa.

The best part is that Santa arrives on a decorated fire truck to light the giant Christmas Tree in the Town Square. The kids went crazy! Last but not least was the "snow" that sprays from the tree once it is lit up. Okay so the snow is actually just soap bubbles so don't open your mouth, but the effect really sets the mood.

Head down to the Town of Lauderdale by the Sea, grab a drink or an ice cream and enjoy the South Florida winter!

The Town Calandar has this scheduled for December 12, 2012 at 6pm and the tree is lit at dusk.

Cyndi's Top 5 Favorite Holiday Kids Websites Countdown

2012-11-27T06:16:00.000-08:00

#5 A Kid's Heart Christmas Games This site has a whole list of cute and simple games to play. Some of them are better than others, but they kind of entertaining.

#4 Starfall Gingerbread Man Starfall is an incredible educational website that is available all year long. It has great games and online activities that encourage reading skills. One of my daughters favorites is the Gingerbread Man that allows kids to decorate it anyway they want. What I love about this site is that the kids can click on each word in the directions to have them read aloud.

#3 Elf Yourself If you didn't see this last year, you will get a giggle and so will your family. Simply place pictures of your family members on the elves and watch them do a jig. Oh and while we adults were trying to be cool and not laugh too hard, the kids were cracking up!

#2 Norad Tracks Santa. This is a close second for my favorite holiday site. They have lots of fun games for the kids to play, even I got stuck playing a tetrus like game the other night. The best thing is that starting Christmas Eve, they "track" Santa's flight around the world with cute little cartoon type videos, so your child can see where Santa is before they go to bed. It's lots of fun and the kids get a kick out of it. It has become tradition in our family to see Santa over London where Nana and Papa are before we go to bed.

#1 Favorite site: Portable North Pole! This is the most fun free thing you will do this year!! You go to the website, answer a few questions about your child's age, gender, hair color, eye color, what they want for Christmas and upload pictures if you want.

Then Santa sends you a personalized video message for your child Santa checks his file and shows pictures of your child and everything. Last year my daughter went nuts when Santa showed a photo of her and her cousin on vacation and mentioned how lucky she was to have gone on vacation this year. She started yelling "Santa! That is my cousin Santa!" It was so wonderful! Literally brought tears to my eyes!