Looking for ideas on how to decorate the kids table this Thanksgiving? I’ve come across some great printables that I think you all will love! My search began when I was looking for a set of children’s plates for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, the only set I found was from Pottery Barn Kids. So I began to search for more printable decorations which I could use because the variety of kids Thanksgiving decorations was very limited. Although I love the set from Pottery Barn Kids, I just don’t think it is necessary to spend over $100 on just cups and plates alone! There are many great ideas out there on the internet which are fun and inexpensive. We would love to see your Thanksgiving children’s table on our Facebook page.

Thanksgiving Printables:

www.paperglitter.blogspot.com
www.etsy.com/shop/stockberrystudio
www.familyfun.go.com/thanksgiving
www.amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com
www.frogprincepaperie.com

Thanksgiving Activities:

Tree of Thanks – Children  can write what they are thankful for on paper cut out leaves and hang them on a paper craft tree or real tree branches. This also makes for the perfect centerpiece. Remember to use craft paper in Fall colors.

Thanksgiving Bingo – Create a Thanksgiving Bingo card and use uncooked beans as the chips.

Thankgiving Movies & Books:

Bookmark It

“The newly-designed Disney Store provides the local community with a uniquely Disney experience,” said Molly Adams, senior vice president of Disney Store North America, “More than a store, we’ve created a family destination where we bring the magic of Disney to Pembroke Pines every day.”

Disney Store at Pembroke Lakes Mall opens just as the holiday season kicks off and will carry an array of holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Guests will find the hottest holiday toys of the season, including the recently launched Disney Animators’ Collection princess toddler dolls. A Family Fun Magazine Toy of the Year Award winner, the Disney Animators’ Collection was designed by legendary animators Glen Keane and Mark Henn, who have animated 7 of the 10 Disney Princess characters between them. The Disney Animators’ Collection includes all 10 Disney Princess characters and is the first doll collection co-branded by Disney Store, Disney Animation Studios, and Disney Parks and Resorts.

The Pembroke store joins the growing list of newly-designed stores already opened around the world, and by the end of 2011, the Disney Store will have 60 new concept stores in 16 major cities in North America and eight countries.

With each new store opening in the United States and Canada in 2011, Disney Store will donate 10 percent of the first day’s sales to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

To find a Disney Store location, guests can visit www.DisneyStore.com/storelocator or call (866) 902-2798. Guests can also sign up for email alerts at www.DisneyStore.com/Updates , become a fan on www.facebook.com/DisneyStore  or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/DisneyStore to stay connected to your favorite destination.

For more information, please visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com/press/us.

Bookmark It

I’ve recently discovered the book The Elf on the Shelf  and cannot wait to start this tradition with my family. The timeless Christmas story tells of how Santa knows who is naughty and nice by sending one of his elves to the homes of children around the world. Once the elf is in your home he will be acting as Santa’s “eyes and ears” and reports messages back to the North Pole. The fun part of this tradition is the placement of the elf in a new location of your home everyday until Christmas Eve. Usually the elf is brought out at Thanksgiving but when I was at the The Elf on the Shelf book signing earlier this week the author told me to be creative and make my own tradition. I’m still not sure if I will bring it out earlier. I hope you all purchase the book & elf and start this tradition with your family. If you would rather had a girl elf they sell the cutest little skirt to put on your elf.

Once I bring the elf out I will be posting pictures of all the creative spots that I place the elf. I would love to see your photos on our Facebook Page.

The Tradition:

The tradition begins when Santa sends his scout elves out to Elf Adoption Centers. Waiting for their families to bring them home, these patient elves hibernate until their family reads The Elf on the Shelf, gives their elf a very special name, and registers their adoption online. Once named, each scout elf will receive its Christmas magic and become a part of the family’s Christmas each and every year.

Excellent listeners and even better observers, these scout elves are the eyes and ears of Santa Claus. Although they cannot be touched, or else they may lose their magic, the elf will always listen and relay messages back to Santa. Taking in all the day-to-day activities around the house, no good deed goes unnoticed; these scout elves take their job seriously.

Each night, after the family goes to bed, the scout elf uses his magical Christmas powers to fly back to the North Pole. Once there, the elf will make his or her daily report to Santa and visit with elf friends where they will tell stories about their beloved families, play with the reindeer, and of course, sneak some of Mrs. Claus’ cookies!

Before the family awakes each morning, their special scout elf will fly back to their home from the North Pole. However, since these elves like to play games, don’t expect to find them in the same spot!  While some like to hide in the freezer (probably because it reminds them of the North Pole) and others prefer to sit on the fireplace mantle or hang from the chandelier, these elves love to play hide-and-seek with their families.

On Christmas Eve, the scout elf will listen for Santa’s bell and then fly back to the North Pole until the next season, wishing every girl and each boy a Christmas of peace and a year full of joy.

- www.elfontheshelf.com

Bookmark It

www.anthonyslight.org

Bookmark It

For more info on registering your reptile go to www.miamisci.org

South Miami Art Festival
Where: Sunset Drive (72nd Street), between US-1 and Red Road (57th Avenue) in South Miami.
When: Saturday & Sunday, November 5th-6th from 10:00am – 6:00pm
The South Miami Art Festival presented by Chamber South is a two-day fine arts festival held each year on the first weekend in November.  For many years the show enjoyed being the first event of the festival season in South Florida and remains a local favorite.  Each year more than one hundred and fifty artists and food vendors come from all over the Americas to downtown South Miami.  What began as an opportunity to highlight South Miami’s merchants has become a renowned family event.

www.chambersouth.com

Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Where: 7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33155
When: November 3rd – January 8th 2011
Santa’s Enchanted Forest: The world’s largest Christmas Theme Park and carnival! offers endless excitement and fun. Over 100 Rides, Shows, Games and Attractions for the family to enjoy. With a 92 foot tall Christmas Tree, hundreds of themed displays, pony rides, a petting zoo, over 3,000,000 lights, you are sure to be amazed. Don’t forget to stop by and visit Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas or you can send him a letter through our post office. All rides, shows, attractions and parking are FREE with paid admission.
Admission prices:
Adult (ages 10 and older) $25.69 plus tax & fees*
Senior Citizens (ages 65+) $17.76 plus tax & fees*
Children (ages 3-9) $17.76 plus tax & fees*
Children (ages 2 and under) Free
www.santasenchantedforest.com

Gobble If You Can – November’s Big Brushes – Saturday Art Day
When: Saturday, November 12, 2011
Morning Session 10:00am – 12:30pm
Afternoon Session 2:00pm – 4:30pm

Join us for “Gobble If You Can”!! Thanksgiving themed art activities & games!In honor of Thanksgiving ( And all we are grateful for) we will also be making crafts to donate as decorations to the Ronald McDonald House & Catholic Hospice to help brighten up patients rooms. Cost $20 per child

Call Peack Into Art @ (305) 283-2642 to reserve your spot today!

www.facebook.com/peackintoart

Miami Book Fair International
Where: Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus, 401 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Downtown Miami
When: November 13-20, 2011. The Street Fair will be held on November 18-20.
At the Street Fair, book-lovers can browse the booths of hundreds of booksellers and exhibitors. Children can participate in tons great of activities in Children’s Alley, including storytelling, theatre performances, and arts & crafts.

Welcome to a magical world of reading and learning. This year, the Children’s Alley of the Miami Book Fair International proves that anything is possible when children read – from hanging out with Judy Moody and Stink to skipping down the yellow brick road to visit The Wizard of Oz. Kids of all ages will sing, dance, read and create during a weekend of fun that will highlight children’s books and the importance of reading at seven theme areas.

It’s a weekend of fun that never has to end for children – as long as they keep reading.

Miami Book Fair Children’s Events

Miami Book Fair International website

START Together for Preschoolers
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art : Joan Lehman Building / 770 NE 125th Street, North Miami, Florida 33161
When: Thursday, November 10, 2011 from 10-11 am
Shel Silverstein The Giving Tree – Paint Your Own Tree
Members Free;  Non-members $10

Pajama Storytime
Where: Barnes & Noble -  Kendall Village West, 12405 N Kendall Drive, Miami, FL 33186
When: Friday, November 11, 2011 @ 7:00pm
Please join us for pajama Storytime, hosted by Read 2 Succeed. There will be milk and cookies.

Family Fun Days :Zot Artz Day
Where: History Miami : 101 West Flagler Street , Miami, FL 33130
When: Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm
All kids are included in this fun-packed day of activities led by our guests Zot Artz – Arts For All. Learn about our magic city while making giant roll-out posters about Miami and the nature that surrounds us.

Adults $8
Seniors and Students with ID $7
Children (6-12) $5
Children under 6 FREE

www.mocanomi.org

Happy Paws Pet Expo
Where: Bergeron Rodeo Grounds : 4271 Davie Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
When: Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 10:00am – 6:00pm
Welcome to South Florida’s most diverse and exciting pet lover’s event ever! Happy Paws is a pet-lovers paradise – two-full days of non-stop action and entertainment throughout the day! Pack up the kids and Fido and come on down for a weekend of fun and festivities.

Admission includes complete access to all areas of the Happy Paws Pet Expo, including the live entertainment and exhibitors area. Additional fees apply for the Doggie Fun Zone, pony rides, face painting, hamster ball, balloons characters, vendor products other services etc. The Bergeron Rodeo Grounds food court offers an array of meals, snacks, deserts and beverages for your enjoyment. Come Early and Stay Late!

Ramble
Where: Fairchild Gardens
When: Friday, November 11th – 13th, 2011 from 9:30am – 4:30pm
Celebrate seven decades of South Florida history at our 71st Annual Ramble!
The Ramble is South Florida’s most loved garden party.  Experience the blend of old and new with art, antiques, rare books, a farmers market, the largest plant sale in South Florida, and much more.

Here is a list of what’s being offered at this year’s Ramble:

• Plants—With more than 15,000 plants, it is the largest sale of the year in South Florida.
• Antiques and Collectibles—Fabulous finds for anyone interested in acquiring items of quality, beauty and distinction.
• Design: Fairchild — Green design and furniture show. More info: http://bit.ly/shsARd
• Garden & Artist Marketplace— Large selection of garden-related items.  Original paintings, watercolors, photographs, sculptures and ceramics.
• Old & Rare Books—Thousands of books covering a wide range of subjects including an incredible selection of botanical and art books. Donate books.
• Delicious Food—Gourmet food trucks, conch fritters, local artisan ice cream and more.
• Live Music—Enjoy fantastic local and visiting musicians including the unique sights and sounds of the Dutch Waterpoorter Street Organ.
• Farmer’s Greenmarket—Herb booth, farmers organic produce, fresh baked goods, jams, honey and more.
• Garden of Chocolate—A world of chocolate from cacao plants to homemade chocolate cookies.
• Nell’s Tea Garden—Tea service, umbrella tables and ladies in lovely hats serving teas of many flavors.
• Kid Way—Educational displays, live performances, carnival games, arts and crafts, face painting and more!.
• Science Trail—Speak to the scientists of Fairchild and learn about what they do. Along the Science Trail on the Mulch Path.

Wimpy Kid Launch Party
Where: The Bookstore in the Grove :3399 Virginia St # 620, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
When: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 6:30pm
Come and help us launch the next book in the bestselling series! The newest in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series is: Cabin Fever! We’ll be reading from the book and having some fun give-a-ways!
www.thebookstoreinthegrove.com

Family Movie Night
Where: Pinecrest Gardens
When: Friday, November 18, 2011 @ 7:30pm
Come one come all to a fabulous time for the entire family including fresh popped popcorn, softdrinks, hot dogs and other delicious snacks.  The featured films will include the latest releases in a safe and magical environment for the younger audience.  Enjoy full theatre amenities…outdoors.  Make it a family tradition on Fridays at Pinecrest Gardens.
$5 General Admission

“Thanksgiving” Tree Week
Where: Miami Childrens Museum
When: Saturday, November 19th – Wednesday, November 23rd 2011 4:30 p.m.
Please join MCM in celebrating Thanksgiving by telling us what you are thankful for. We will have our “Thanksgiving” Tree and leaves in the Cone for guests to write what they are thankful for and place it on the tree. We will also having different Thanksgiving activities at 4:30pm each day before thanksgiving.

Sunday Afternoons of Music – Peter & The Wolf
Where: UM Gusman Hall : 1314 Coral Gables , FL
When: Sunday, November 20, 2011 @ 3:00pm
Enjoyed for so many years by children of all ages, the classic story, Peter & the Wolf, comes to life as the cast of characters are portrayed by instruments of the University of Miami Frost Symphony Orchestra (75 members). Musical selections suited for children, including an introduction to the four families of the orchestra, complete a family tradition that should not be missed. Peter’s adventures will be narrated by our celebrity storyteller Martin Bookspan.
Grownups $12.00, Children $10.00
Lap children no charge. Ages 2 and up ticket purchased required.

Bookmark It

The Samaritan’s Purse Christian Relief Organization coordinates Operation Christmas Child every year. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

If you want to get involved please go to the link below. National Collection Week is November 14- 21, 2011, so get packing! Toys, school supplies and hygiene items are perfect to send along with a loving note. Get your family and friends together and have a packing party! Your children will learn by example that giving is always better than receiving.

Pack a Box instructions

Follow Operation Christmas Child on Facebook

Bookmark It

Free event to feature holiday entertainment, festive fashions, top holiday picks and more

Dadeland Mall invites local ladies to indulge in “Men of Dadeland, A Girl’s Night Out” on Thur., Nov. 3, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to benefit Simon Youth Foundation and Safe Haven For Newborns.  This holiday-inspired, social event will engage local women in an evening of free fun, food and fashion hosted by Lissette Gonzalez, CBS4 meteorologist, and feature South Florida Firefighter’s finest alongside local male celebrities strutting  the runway…Jawan Strader of CBS 4, Baron James and Will Manso of Local 10.

This event will grant guests a V.I.P. look at some of Dadeland Mall’s must-have holiday fashions, top accessories of the season, best-of-the-market gadgets and much more. The celebration will ignite with a spectacular flamenco performance,  followed by a runway show featuring looks from Dadeland Mall’s popular retailers…Macy’s Men’s, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Cache, Lucky Brand, Max Studio and White House Black Market.

“Men of Dadeland” will also provide event attendees with the opportunity to take part in a silent auction benefiting the Simon Youth Foundation, plus a chance to mingle one-on-one with South Florida Firefighters. The firefighters will be selling 2011 calendars to benefit Safe Haven For Newborns and participants can strike a pose with their favorite “month.” The ladies are also invited to enjoy a martini and hors d’oeuvres reception provided by Villagio. In addition, participants will receive a gift bag with goodies from participating stores at Dadeland Mall on a first come first serve basis, as supply is limited.

“As the holiday season approaches, we are excited to host “Men of Dadeland” as a way to provide a jump start into holiday shopping with a fun twist,” said Humberto Maldonado, director of mall marketing and business development of Dadeland Mall.  “We are always looking for new ways to give back to Dadeland Mall shoppers and this event will do just that with an evening of holiday-inspired fun, networking, entertainment, and shopping.”

For more information about “Men of Dadeland, A Girl’s Night Out,” please call (305) 665-6227 or visit www.simon.com <http://www.simon.com/> .

Bookmark It

Special admission price for the Nighttime Bash is only $24.95 plus tax after 5:00 p.m. for adults, and $19.95 plus tax for children (ages 3 to 12 years) after 5:00 p.m.

Miami Children’s Museum
When: Friday, October 28, 2011 @ 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Let’s start our Halloween Celebration early with Frankenstein Friday-a day dedicated to Frankenstein and his friends. There will be fun crafts, games and more.

Skeleton Saturday
Where: Miami Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, October 29, 2011 @ 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Bone up on your dance moves as we keep this party shaking with Skeleton Saturday. Create your own pasta skeleton, spooky story time, cultural connections and more. Costumes always welcome.

Monster Mash Celebration
Where: Cool De Sac : Dolphin Mall & Sunset Place
When: Fri Oct 28  – Sat Oct 29, 2011
Celebrate Halloween with us!  Cool Monster Mash Dance, and Games!
Come in costume and save $2.00 off admission!

MiChiMu’s Halloween Celebration
Where: Miami Children’s Museum
When: Sunday, October 30, 2011 @ 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Come out to the Miami Children’s Museum as we celebrate Halloween in style. Dress in costume and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. The activities include trick or treating, Halloween crafts, Mad Science, games and more!

Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume!

Pumpkin Patch @ The Little Farm
Where: The Little Farm
When: October 8 – 31, 2011
Mon-Fri 3-7 PM
Sat & Sun 10AM-7PM
Pumpkins, pony rides,petting farm & scarecrow kits
NO ENTRY FEE,NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
PUMPKINS: $4- $24
PONY RIDES:$2
PETTING FARM:$3
SCARECROW KITS / HARVEST DECOR:$2 -$25
REFRESHMENTS: $1

Zoo Boo
Where: Metro Zoo
When: October 29 & 30, 2011 @ 11:00am – 4:00pm
Included with zoo admission, families and kids ages 12 and under are invited to trick-or-treat in costumes, participate in costume contests, watch special performances, make Halloween crafts, see our wild animals get their Halloween goodies, and more!  Music and games with fun prizes will be provided by Radio Disney AM 990 and The Coast 97.3 FM.

Howl-O-Ween at Pinecrest Gardens
Where: Pinecrest Gardens
When: Saturday, October 29, 2011
Pet Fair : 12:00pm – 5:00pm $3 Adults & $2 Children 2-17. Children under 2 and pets are free.
Flashlight Tour : 6:45pm Free
Family Movie: 8:00pm $ 5 General Admission
Pet Parade : $10 donation per 4 legged participant.

Enjoy a Halloween “prequel” with a day full of activities for everyone in the family especially your four legged friends. The celebration begins with a Pet Fair featuring pet adoption agencies, vendors, activities like the DOGGIE FUN ZONE PERFORMANCE COURSE designed to take your dog on a thrill ride in a fully enclosed activity area.   Continue a funtastic day with a costume parade for humans and pets including prizes for the first place four legged winners in different categories.  Smell the air…hear the sounds….starting at 6:45 p.m. watch the gardens come to life during a GHOSTLY Flashlight Tour through the Gardens that will surely be a treat for all of the senses.   Finally, end the day with some of the best popcorn in town and a family flick featuring Disney’s Spooky Buddies under the stars in our beautiful Banyan Bowl.

6th Annual Halloween Event
Where: Miami Springs Golf & Country Club at 650 Curtiss Pkwy, Miami Springs FL 33166
When: Saturday, October 29, 2011 @ 6:00pm – 10:00pm
There will be fun for everyone including a HAUNTED EGG HUNT at 6:30pm for the little Goblins, RIDES that are sure to give you a THRILL, a HAUNTED HAY Ride if you dare & a COSTUME CONTEST for ALL at 7:00pm. Be sure to save the date you don’t want to miss out on this ghostly affair!!!

If you have any questions please call Patti Bradley at 305-805-5075/5076

Winn-Dixie Pumpking Decorating
Where:Winn-Dixie Store #243 541 West 49th Street, Hialeah, Fla. 33012 & Winn-Dixie Store #251 3275 SW 22nd Street ,Miami, Fla. 33145
When: Sat., Oct. 29, with workshops scheduled at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. & Sun., Oct. 30, with workshops scheduled at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: WINN) gets into the Halloween spirit and welcomes children to participate in festive pumpkin decorating workshops at select stores. As part of the workshops, children ages three to 13 will have the opportunity to decorate bright orange pumpkins with assorted paints and will receive a Winn-Dixie Halloween-themed apron and hat. In addition, children will also have the chance to transform into their favorite characters by getting their faces painted. The workshops, which begin at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., respectively, will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes and will accommodate the first 20 children present.

Bookmark It

Clothes, backpacks, luggage, bows and more! I’ll see you all there! Don’t forget to tell them MiamiKidz sent you!

13230 SW 8th St. , Miami FL 33184
305-480-2885

www.bundleoffun.com

Bundle of Fun on Facebook

Bookmark It

Check them out on Facebook

www.energykitchen.com

11421 South Dixie Highway, Pinecrest, FL, Pinecrest, FL 33156

Bookmark It

( Located on the second floor across from Dave and Busters)

www.cool-de-sac.com

The play cafe features:

• Art’s & crafts area
• Dress up/ salon pretend play area
• Computer gaming on Apple IMAC computers
• Tot play space
• Restaurant : located in the middle of the kids so you can keep an eye on what’s going on

Summer Hours
Sunday – Thursday 10:00am – 9:00pm
Friday – Saturday 10:00am – 10:00pm

Admission Prices
Children 3 to 12 $9.50
Children under 3 $4.50
Parents and Teens – No Charge

For more information call 305-477-5505

Cool-de-sac is the first children’s entertainment center that was not only built for children, but also for parents: a place where parents will enjoy quality time. It is the perfect Time for Both – mom and dad can relax while the kids are engaged in one of our seven edutainment areas.

Bookmark It

Phineas & Ferb Movie Premier Party
Where: Cool De Sac Dolphin Mall
When: Friday, August 5, 2011 @ 7:00pm
Friday, August 5th 6pm – 9pm & Dolphin Mall
Come bring the kids out for the Phineas and Ferb Movie Premier Party!
We will have a Where’s Perry? Contest that begins at 7pm, along with games, prizes and Phineas and Ferb activities throughout the evening.
There’s 104 of Summer Vacation, Come out and spend it with Cool-de-sac!

Free Sundays at Fairchild
Where: Fairchild Gardens
When: Sunday, August 7, 2011 from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
A day at Fairchild is a day in paradise. Where else can you visit a tropical rainforest, view world class art, dine at an award winning café and do it all surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of nature? Only at Fairchild.

Spend a day exploring 83 acres of tropical palms, cycads, flowering trees and breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss plant sales, live music, yoga, food trucks, and free tram tours (limited seating) on these special Sundays.

Live Music (Garden House)
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Join us for the rhythms and beats of a  powerful drum circle.

Free Yoga (Garden House)
11:00 a.m.Rina Yoga teachers will be offering classes for the whole family. Bring your own mat and towel  and wear comfortable, loose clothing.

Local Food Trucks (Cycad Circle)
Enjoy enticing flavors prepared by Miami’s best food trucks. MexZican Gourmet will be serving authentic Mexican food created by Chef Ze Carlos Jimenez. Sakaya Kitchen will dish up savory Asian eats inspired by Chef Richard Hales. Stop by Real Sorbet and Totally Bananas for frozen treats to help you cool off on the warm summer day.

The Falls Super Sale Weekend: Tax Free!
Where: The Falls : 8888 SW 136 Street Miami, FL 33176
When : Friday, August 12 – 14, 2011
Before packing up the backpacks and heading back to class, back-to-school shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of great promotions offered by mall retailers during the Super Sale Weekend and take advantage of tax free purchases, beginning Fri., August 12, and lasting through Sun., August 14, at The Falls. Florida’s Tax Free Weekend affords shoppers a unique opportunity to get back into the swing of things for the upcoming school season.
www.simon.com

Back to School Splash
Where: The Falls : 8888 SW 136 Street Miami, FL 33176
When: Saturday & Sunday, August 6th & 7th, 2011 @ 12:00pm – 5:00pm
This weekend event will feature free activities including stage entertainment, hand-on crafts, paddle boats, inflatable rides, water and fishing games and a dunk tank.  A Pirate’s Cove Treasure Hunt will heat up some adventure and dozens of family-friendly exhibitors will provide kids’ activities, free samples and loads of fun to beat the heat and get ready for school!  The highly anticipated event draws loads of children and parents who look forward to enjoying a splash of summer diversions while shopping for their back-to-school needs at The Falls.
Back to School Splash activities will include:

• A real-size hamster ball ride, “car wash” bounce house, paddle boats, water slide and shoot ‘n shower basketball toss
• Design your own pirate hat or princess crown, courtesy of South Miami Hospital
• Children can bandage and cuddle bears that need some TLC at the Holtz * Children’s Hospital’s Teddy Bear Clinic!
• Build your own sand castle presented by Navarro Discount Pharmacy
• Come out and visit with everyone’s favorite monkey, Curious George
• Tropical lei craft activity sponsored by Jackson South Hospital
• Enjoy live entertainment on stage with MC James Changefield, including live music, magic and game shows
• Enjoy performances by Hip Hop Kidz and Polynesian Proud

www.sun-sentinel.com/features/south-florida-parenting

Tax Free Weekend at International Mall
Where: Miami International Mall : 1455 NW 107^th Avenue, Doral, Fla. 33172
When: Friday, August 12 – 14, 2011
Miami International Mall is celebrating the start of the school year with great promotions. Shoppers will enjoy super savings on the latest must-have fashions during tax-free weekend and will enjoy additional deals from many mall retailers during the Clearance Sidewalk Sale.
Families can also enjoy activities that are sure to get kids excited to pack their backpacks and head to class with the “Green is Cool for School” event. The free event will feature balloon art, giveaways, face painting and etiquette tips from Alicia Faccio.

Sat., August 13, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Green is Cool for School

Back to School Fun Fest
Where: Dolphin Mall: Ramblas, Entry 3 : 11401 NW 12th St, Miami , FL 33172
When: Saturday, August 13, 2011 @ 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Dolphin Mall will usher in the new school year with their annual Back to School fun fest on Saturday, August 13th from Noon to 5 p.m. at the center’s Ramblas Plaza area. Dolphin Mall’s Back to School’s Fun Fest includes special character sing-a-long shows, magic show, musical entertainment, face painters, games, hula hoop contests, balloons, giveaways and more.
Dolphin Mall will distribute an exclusive back to school deal flyer at the event featuring discounts as well as provide a free backpack with a purchase of $250 or more.  Customers must present same-day receipts totaling $250 or more at the information booth located in Ramblas Plaza to receive a free backpack. Customers can take advantage of the special backpack offer August 1st through August 21st or while supplies last. Limit one backpack per customer.
www.shopdolphinmall.com

Bon Festival
Where: Morikami Museum & Gardens
When: Saturday, August 13, 2011  @ 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Obon, or the Bon Festival, is a traditional Japanese observance held over a three-day period in the summer.  Obon signifies a time when the spirits of deceased family members are believed to return for a brief visit to the world of the living.  Obon is a joyous as well as solemn occasion, serving to honor ancestors and thank them for contributing to the quality of life enjoyed by the living.
Visit their website for more details.
www.morikami.org

You Tube: Bon Festival at Morikami Museum

Second Saturdays are Free for Families
Where: Miami Art Museum
When: Saturday, August 13, 2011 @  1:00pm – 04:00pm
A fun-filled afternoon to explore the museum, learn something new and create art with family. Presented by MetLife Foundation. Additional support provided by Salon Miami. For more information contact Education@miamiartmuseum.org or 305.375.4073.

MCM Kids Cooking Club with Christina
Where: Miami Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, August 20th 2011 @ 2:30 p.m.
The MCM Kids Cooking Club brings you healthy recipes you can try at home with your kids.

Fee Free “P.L.A.Y” Days
Where: Deering Estate
When: Saturday, August 20, 2011
As part of the Deering Estate’s annual FEE-FREE “P.L.A.Y.” DAYS, guests can enjoy free admission to the Deering Estate at Cutler on the following Saturdays:
Bring your family and friends and enjoy complimentary admission as well as hands on eco-art activities, science discovery programs, and historic house tours – all for free! Guests can take a stroll through the Artist Village where the Deering Estate’s Artists-in-Residence create and display works of art in studios.

Bookmark It