Legoland Florida

LEGOLAND is easily a daytrip from the Tampa/Orlando area.  We chose to stay overnight in Kissimmee, which is about 20 minutes from the park. 

Rides vary in restrictions, from heights 30 in tall to a 48 in requirement.  Our 5 year old was able to ride everything (if not alone, then with her dad), and our 4 year old was able to ride about 70% of the rides (at 40 in).

Our favorite ride as a family was the Dragon rollercoaster, a MUST!  We also enjoyed the sky ride that looked over the area..gorgeous at sunset!  The Lego 4d show was really incredible, and it is a brief 20 minutes...well worth the time. 

Of the games we played, the "can" game and prizes was the best for our 4-5 year old.  Beware of the very expensive slushy drinks.  They are extremely sweet, and it is hard to get the bottom 1/4 of the drink through the straw.

LEGOLAND

 

Florida State Fair

I don't get to post as often as I'd like, but kudos to those who organized the Florida State Fair.  I was pretty impressed by the patience and time spent in pulling this huge event off, and beyond impressed by the 4-H kids at how much they value their skill and passion in working with animals.

Let's face it...for many of us, it's checking the "box" of to-dos for our kids.  I went today thinking just that.  The price of admission is minimal,  but for a 4 and 5 year old to ride, plus adults to ride when required...plus the games...the food....the fried "whatever"....GUMBALLS???? PRICEY but worth it in the long run.  Kinda reminds me of one of those commercials....

fair admission:$13pp, hotdogs $4, fried gumballs $6, all-day ride bands $30;  napping for 3 hours after?....PRICELESS!

What I realized today was that even with cost of rides, food, and games (ps-like the rides, tell the kids they are not tall enough to play the games!!!!), this is one of those timeless opportunities.  Not a whole lot has changed.  I didn't see an arcade.  I didn't see laser tag.  I didn't see a techno/hiphop/crazy teen thing.  I saw the same things I remember as a kid.  Dirt.  Grease.  Flashing lights of ads portraying less than stellar items of consumption (to some); I saw sheep, goats, insects, cows, ponies, pigs, people perhaps dressed as animals-perhaps? 

I am glad some things have not changed.  Today I could say, "I spent a day just like this 35 years ago."  Those times have become few and far between.

gasparilla tshirt ideas

We had a great time designing our OWN tshirts for the parade...go to Michaels or a craft store and grab some Jolees transfer sheets.  Choose or create an image.  Iron on...follow directions.  This was just great, and so much cheaper than store bought tsoriginal tshirts

Tampa Greek festival

We love this event.  The food is just simply good.  The people are charming, hospitable, and lighthearted.  The jewelry and clothes are authentic and fun.  And for kids, there are games, lots of bounce houses, arts and crafts, and more. 

We went today and enjoyed Greek food at its best, and prepared lovingly and authentically.  In fact, we took advantage of the frozen trays they offered to have for Thanksgiving.

It's a MUST!  Be sure to park in the assigned and free spots.  $2 entry, and kids under 12 are free.  Beer, wine, etc. and food are extra.  The fun and entertainment is included!!!

Tampa Greek Festival

Florida find and fossilgal.com creation

Dunedin craft festival

Mt dora outdoor market

Mt dora florida is such a quaint town. Lots of b and bs, taverns, antiques....we enjoyed the Sunday outdoor market with the kiddos and look forward to exploring more on a kidfree wkend!