$5 Day at Lowry Park Zoo in July

Sunday, July 22
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visit your favorite animals at the Zoo and learn about endangered wildlife for just $5 admission per person.  Free extra parking is available on $5 day only next to the Tampa Greyhound Track. Free shuttles will run continuously from that lot to the Zoo between 9 a.m.-6 p.m. From I-275, take Exit 49 to Bird Street and go one block East. Park in indicated areas.   Please note: due to this special discount, Zoo rides are not included with admission on $5 Day.

Home Depot Kids Building workshop in July

JULY WORKSHOPS

Build a Moving Truck

Sponsored by Penske

Kids can build their very own working moving truck!

• Kids will learn to build a Penske moving truck while learning 
  tool safety
• Have fun, make friends and gain a sense of achievement 
  and work ethic

Dates:
Saturday, July 7, 2012

Time:
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Lakeland Community Theatre Summer Camps

Join us this July for SUMMER CAMP 2012 at The Eunice Fuller Theatre for Youth LCT!

Camp Combat! July 11-13   9 am - 4 pm   Ages 8 & up  $150.00 Learn how to fight, fall, and punch without a scratch during this 3-day mini camp! Use your stage combat techniques to act out scenes and have fun! Camp Improv! July 18 - 20   9 am - 4 pm  Ages 10 & up   $150.00 Explore your comedic side and learn to think on your feet with scene work, improv games and more! A Show in Two Weeks! The Ever After A musical Comedy July 30 - August 11  9 am - 4pm  Ages 8 & up   $350.00 Always wanted to be cast in a Broadway show? From set design to curtain call, you'll be involved in a production on our stage. Explore the audition process, vocal & dance rehearsals, costumes, make up, and more as you rehearse and have fun! Everyone is guaranteed a role. To sign up or for more information please contact Education Director Maureen Whelan at mwhelan@lakelandcommunitytheatre.com  or call (863) 603-PLAY Lakeland Community Theatre is located at 121 S Lake Avenue on beautiful Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland (next to Texas Cattle Company Restaurant).

Kids Skate FREE!

Register your child for 2 Free Skating Passes per week this summer!


www.kidsskatefree.com

www.kidsskatefree.com/skatelakeland

Week 2 of Mulberry Library's Summer Reading Program

June 27th


The Boys' prize for turning in their reading log during week 2 at The Mulberry Library!

Gandy Pool at Kelly Recreation Complex

Gandy Pool at Kelly Recreation Complex in Lakeland


http://www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec/whattodo/play/aquatics.aspx


404 Imperial Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 834-3157

Mondays through  Fridays 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Lap Swim
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Open SwimTuesdays and Thursdays 
Saturdays10am – 6pm

Sundays 11am – 5pm (weather permitting)

Gandy Pool features a 10 lane, 25-yard short course heated pool with a one-meter diving board and a 3-4 feet deep recreation pool. A handicap ramp at 0-depth and a hydraulic handicap lift chair is provided. Open year round. New family bathrooms available.

Amenities at Gandy Pool include vending machines (food and drink permitted in pavilion areas only), lockers for personal belongings, lap lanes/time clocks available, bleacher seating, shower/changing rooms, PFD's (personal floatation devices) available for check out. Sorry, no refunds due to inclement weather!

Open/Lap Swim	$3.00
Open/Lap Swim - "Visit 20" (20 visits)	$40.00
Splashercise  Class	$2.50
Swim Lessons Private (6 half hour sessions)	$144.00
Scuba	$199.00
PROGRAMS
Club Splash	$90.00
Dive In Movie	$3.00/pass accepted
Honor Roll	Free w/ proof of report card
50 Mile Club	Free with paid admission

Books A Million Activities every Saturday in JULY

Free Family Fun Camp! at Books A Million


Featuring Dr. Seuss


Every Saturday in July from 10 am until noon

• July 7: Dr. Seuss Day!

       Discover the new Cat in the Hat Learning Library and join in the fun all summer long with the Dr. Seuss Summer Reading Program.

• July 14: Adventure Day featuring Disney Pixar's Brave!

       Take aim for adventure and join us for a scavenger hunt, storytime and activities that feature the mysterious and courageous adventures of Merida, the princess in Disney Pixar's Brave.

• July 21: Ranger's Apprentice Camp Day!

       Join the Flanagan Frenzy and compete in the Ranger Games featuring relay races, memory mazes and much more!

• July 28: Family Fun Camp Day!

       Bring the whole family for our indoor picnic storytime, camp day crafts, card games, coloring contests and family games galore!

Yoga Class for teens and tweens

 Something special for the summer...
A Tween and Teen Yoga Class (for ages 10 and up) will be held on Thursdays from 3pm - 4 pm starting this Thursday, June 21st! It will run through July 12th. We have had so many requests for a class like this and Beth Parham Moran is excited to share the joy of yoga with these students!

 

$8 per class

Yoga Pointe

3135 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL.1 (863) 937-8069

Free Apple Camp for kids

Apple Camp: Free Workshop for Kids in July (ages 8-12)

If you have kids ages 8-12, then visit this offer sign them up for a free 3-day workshop at your local Apple Store. At Apple Camp, kids will learn the ins and outs of iMovie and how to make their own films.
This free workshop starts in mid-July. Space is limited so sign up fast.

Here you will find all of the details for Apple Camp Free Workshop for Kids in July!

Source: Mojosavings.com

Don't forget about FREE Bowling at AMF!!

FREE BOWLING FOR KIDS

ALL SUMMER LONG!

At AMF, kids 15 and under can bowl for free all summer. Simply register and you'll get a weekly voucher for two free games per child per day through September 3, based on lane availability. Shoe rental is not included.

Free bowling available until 8 p.m., 7 days a week.
AMF summer is May 14 – Sept. 3, 2012.

https://freebowling.amf.com/?cct_info=1|24978|7829693723|57981882|1996735602|p|7395426642|tc||g|||&cct_ver=3&cct_bk=bowling%20games

Mulberry Summer Reading Program for Adults (A chance to WIN!)

The kids have so many reading programs at libraries and businesses, but today I found a reading incentive program for adults!
The Mulberry Library has a chance for adults to win a Nook.
You get one entry for signing up in the library which just entails filling out a card with your contact information and then you get an additional entry for each Book Review you fill out and return to the library.

Check out their facebook page for more info:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mulberry-Public-Library/105885632821146

Michael's The Knack June Activities

Father's Day and Passport to Imagination Activities
At Michael's 




http://www.michaels.com/Store-Events/store-events,default,pg.html?cm_sp=mik-_-the%20knack-_-store%20events

Bass Pro Shops Summer Activities

Lake Morton Fun

Friday, June 15th

Today, the boys and I went to see John Storms and The World of Reptiles at the Lake Mirror Center.  If you missed my post earlier this week about John Storms check out http://momto3busyboys.blogspot.com/2012/06/bartow-library-summer-program.html
for some cool pics.

After the show, we went to Lake Morton to feed the birds some old bread. We saw so many different kinds of birds and had a lot of fun.

Bartow Library Summer Program

June 13, 2012

John Storms and the World of Reptiles

This program is one of my boys' favorite things about summer. They look forward to it every year and want to see what animals he brings to the show and how much each one has grown or changed. Their favorite animal is the big, yellow Boa named Jesse!!

John Storms was at the Bartow Library on Weds. but in case you missed him, like we did because my boys were a little under the weather he will be at the Lake Mirror Center in Lakeland on Friday at 10 am. Get there early because if fills up early with summer camps. 

Here are some pictures of the Bartow show thanks to my friend, CorySue!!! Also, the links to the Lakeland and Bartow Summer shows are below.

http://www.lakelandgov.net/Portals/Library/2012%20Lakeland%20Public%20Library%20Summer%20Program%20Schedule-Main.pdf


http://www.cityofbartow.net/index.aspx?page=532

Summer Projects 6/14/12

Our creations so far this summer...

In store FREE Activities this weekend

• Walmart:  June 15 and 16 at 10 am, 3pm, and 8 pm; Join us at Walmart for an exclusive 10 minute preview of never before seen footage from "The Amazing Spider-Man"
• ToysRus:  Saturday, June 16, 2-4 pm; Create your own Batman or Superman Lego Shield and take it home!!  event intended for children 5 and up. While supplies last, limit one per child.

Tropical Smoothie Flip Flop day, Friday

Every year, on the third Friday in June Tropical Smoothie Café celebrates its national holiday; National Flip Flop Day! This year's National Flip Flop Day will be held on June 15, 2012. And, customers who come into our more than 300 Cafés nationwide from 2 pm to 7 pm sporting their finest flip flops will receive a free 24oz. Jetty Punch Smoothie. Sure, Tropical Smoothie Café loves flip flops so much that we've created a holiday to celebrate the shoe. But, there's more to it than just that. What started as a day to thank our customers for their loyalty to Tropical Smoothie Café, has turned into a mission to raise money for Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine is the only retreat in the nation to address the effects of a life threatening illness on every member of the immediate family – the ill child, the parents and the siblings.

And, you don't have to wait for National Flip Flop Day to help! Now through June 15, you can make a real difference in the lives of these children and their families by stopping by your local Tropical Smoothie Café and making a donation.

You can learn more about Camp Sunshine here. And, if you want to make a donation online click here.

We'll see you on June 15th from 2pm – 7pm... don't forget to wear your flip flops and donate!

FREE or cheap summer kids movies

Tuesday, June 12th


Today, we took advantage of Cobb's FREE Summer kids movies and saw Yogi Bear. We had actually already saw this movie earlier in the year, but it was FREE and out of the summer heat so you can beat it!!
We did splurge on a Large popcorn between 4 boys so it was gone quick!

Here is the link to our local Cobb Free Summer movies and a few other free or reduced summer movies to check out.

http://www.cobbtheatres.com/pdf/SummerKids2012/Lakeside18_LR.pdf
(Lakeland)


http://www.cobbtheatres.com/pdf/SummerKids2012/Grand10_LR.pdf
(Winter Haven)



http://brandon.patch.com/articles/summer-things-to-do-movies-for-1-dollar-a-chick-fil-a-treat-at-amc-the-regency-20
(Brandon; This one is $1/movie and has a free magic show before the movies.)

Mulberry Library Summer Reading Program

Monday, June 11th


We went to the Mulberry Library for the first time today. They were hosting their Summer Reading Program kick off so we went over to check them out and get registered. I was pleasantly surprised. The library is small but bigger than I had imagined and they have a good selection of kids' books and videos. We got the materials for their summer reading program which included a information about the program and prizes, a reading log and the summer program list for each age group. They have some great prizes for reading books each week and returning to the library to show them your reading log. Some of the businesses that have donated prizes are: Magnify Credit Union, Chick-fil-A, Chilis, Taco Bell, Lakeland Flying Tigers, Cold Stone Creamery, Cobb Movies, McDonalds and Build-A-Bear!!!
Just for being one of the first families to sign up today we received a great bag (pictured below) and free coupons for ice cream from Chick-fil-A!



Here is a link to all the public libraries in Polk County; most of them have summer reading programs so check them out today!!

http://www.mypclc.org/libraries

Check out a local park

Sunday, June 10th


Today, we visited a park we had not been to in quite awhile and were pleasantly surprised to find new playground equipment!!  We went to Mary Holland Park in Bartow and their "bigger kid" playground was replaced with a really cool pirate ship themed jungle gym. We also love Mary Holland Park for all is trails, bridges and ponds to check out while we are there.

Here is a link to parks in Polk County and their amenities.
http://www.polk-county.net/parks.aspx?menu_id=52

I challenge you to get out and check out a park you have never been to or visit one that you haven't been to in awhile!!

YMCA

Monday, June 11th

My family loves the YMCA and have been members for several years. The YMCA has numerous programs for kids; team sports, swimming, YPALS and nursery care while you exercise, community events and more!
This summer I plan to schedule exercise on my calendar each week to keep active and healthy and TO BE A BETTER MOM this summer. I really feel like exercise relieves stress and helps me to handle my boys better. They love playing at YPALS while I exercise so it is a fun time for all of us!

I know blogging about the Y is not a FREE place to go with your kids, but overall the monthly fees are pretty economical for a family membership and they do have scholarships for those that qualify.

Here is the link to the local YMCA in Polk County and if you don't live around here I recommend you check out your local YMCA.

http://www.ymcawcf.org/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/YMCAWCF

Mulberry Library's Summer Kick-Off! Monday, June 11th

Perks for Good Grades

Sunday, June 10th

Today we had to thank my boys for providing breakfast. We were able to get 18 Krispy Kreme donuts for FREE for their great grades!!  Krispy Kreme will give your child a free donut for an “A”  on their report card. All you have to do is bring their report card in and show the As and then they will stamp the report card to show they have been rewarded.   Yum, such an awesome freebie and every time we do this the staff at our local Krispy Kreme is so nice and complimentary of my boys' good grades.

I found a few lists online of other companies that offer rewards for good grades. Here is a link to one list I found. Of course, check with your local location to check if they are participating in these rewards programs.


http://stayathomemoms.about.com/od/schoolresources/a/Rewards-For-Students.htm

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics

Saturday, June 9th

Check out Lowe's new Build and Grow Clinics this summer. They have partnered with Dreamworks studios so each of their builds have a fun theme. The builds are still free and they have even added an extra clinic day and time. They are held twice a month on a Saturday at 10 am and a Sunday at 2 pm.
When we did a build this Saturday, Lowes was recommending to customers to pre-register to assure you have a spot and materials to build.
The next clinics are June 23 and 24th; hope to see you there!

Here is the link to sign up and some pics of our Madagascar monkey powered planes.

http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

Boredom Buster Box

Friday, June 8th


Our first full day of summer vacation, I started working on our Boredom Buster Box. I gave my two youngest boys a box and had them decorate it which in itself was a fun activity and then I started filling it with boredom buster activities. I want this to be activities that they can do by themselves and don't always require me to do it with them. I know I will have to be on the lookout for cheap additions to the box throughout the summer and keep refilling it for some fun surprises.
Some ideas to put in a Boredom Buster Box without busting the bank are:

• Items found in Target's dollar spot 
• Sticker books
• small toys bought on clearance throughout the year 
• Paint by number kits
• Books
• I even found some birthday presents that were put away and never played with that they had forgotten about and were excited to see again.
• Small Lego/K'nex building sets

Summer Survival

Summer Break from school is Here!!!  I have mixed feelings about that fact. No more lunchboxes, homework and projects from school but I will hear the whines of  "I am bored" or "What are we going to do today?"  I love my boys but summer means that I now add to my many titles the title of Entertainment director. Keeping them busy all summer can get quite costly (especially times 3 boys). This summer as all others will be my search for sanity but I will be searching for that sanity at a bargain price. I search out FREE or low cost entertainment in my community to keep them busy.
My goal is to post at least one Frugal, but Fun activity you can do with your kids during the summer.

Pottery Barn kids events

Baby | Kids | Registry | Design Studio | Sale at your Hyde Park store Sign up today! Call 813-253-0964 or stop by 804 South Village Circle, Tampa, FL. Saturday, June 9th at 10 am Explore with us as we learn all about dolphins, whales and other marine animals, plus, kids receive a free Dr. Seuss book. Call store to learn more.* Cost: Free Saturday, June 16th at 3 pm & 4 pm Join us for a deluxe crafting event that will spark your child’s creativity and curiosity. Kids will make a "stained glass" picture frame - a wonderful gift for dad or grandpa! Call us to reserve your spot at this RSVP-only event. Cost: $10 Every Tuesday at 11 am Kids of all ages are invited to join us for story time. Members receive an official Book Club Passport and a special gift after attending five story time events. Cost: Free Keep your kids reading all summer long with our list of award-winning titles. Now through August 22nd, families are invited to read along with us. Kids receive a free book after completing our list.* Learn more about the program and download a reading list Cost: Free . Saturday, June 16th at 3 pm & 4 pm Join us for a deluxe crafting event that will spark your child’s creativity and curiosity. Kids will make a "stained glass" picture frame - a wonderful gift for dad or grandpa! Call us to reserve your spot at this RSVP-only event. Cost: $10