Jump A Roos

Fun things to do with kids in Broward!

Hi Gang!

This week it's been raining a lot and we wanted to get out of the house.  So we headed over to Jump A Roos in Tamarac. We have been there plenty of times and my son has a great time every time we go. I thought it would be nice to get out and running around, burning up some of that extra energy he's got.

Jump A Roos has a huge play floor with many different inflatables for your kids to have fun on. They also have other things to do there as well.

• Six inflatables
• Toddler Zone
• Eyeplay interactive game
• Basketball game
• Nerf ball blaster

Toddler zone

Eyeplay game

My son really enjoyed playing the Eyeplay interactive game. It projects an interactive image from the ceiling onto a mat that the kids run around on. It cycles through different games such as soccer, popping balloons, football, and few others too.

The toddler zone is small but it is fun for the little ones. It features a ball pit which they can slide into and a trampoline. Also there is an inflatable right next to this area for the littler kids.

They also offer food and drinks here. I did not buy any thing so I'm not to sure as to what is on the menu but I know they had pizza.

Things to know:

• All kids and adults have to wear a wrist band as a safety feature to ensure that your kid does not leave with someone else.
• All kids must wear socks.
• No outside food or drinks.

All in all this place is a lot of fun for the kids. We spent two hours here and had a blast. So if you are looking for something fun to do with the kids check out Jump A Roos in Tamarac. 

Price: $9.99 for kids 2 and over, $5.99 for kids under 2, and free for adults and kids that are not playing. (Every Tuesday it is only $5.99 for kids 2 and over and $5.00 for kids under 2.)
Also they offer coupons when you sign up for their monthly newsletter.
Fun Factor: This place was a lot of fun for my son. Very high energy! Lots of room to run around and bounce in all the inflatables. It's easy to spend a couple of hours here.
Cleanliness: It was well maintained and they have hand sanitizing stations through out the place.  

If you are looking for some other fun things to do with the kids in Broward on a rainy day check out the YAA (Young at Art) or MODS (Museum of Discovery and Science).

Thanks for visiting and please feel free to leave a comment!

Plaster Carousel/Yogurtland

Fun things to do with kids in Broward!

Hi Gang,

Logan painting

So we were looking for something fun to do and we came across the Plaster Carousel in Coral Springs. Our son likes to do arts and crafts so we thought we'd check it out.

Seashell craft

The plaster carousel has been in the same location for over 30 years and they offer over 300 different crafts to choose from. The plaster molds and all the supplies are included in one price. All the finished products get a high gloss finish and glitter if you choose (we did).

Table at Plaster Carousel

The studio is small but it looks pretty cool. All the tables have paint all over them and look like art in their own right. They also offer a few snacks, candy, and drinks, although I think outside food and drink is not frowned upon.

Our trip did not last to long (because really how long can a 3 year old paint), so we decided to go get some frozen yogurt at Yogurtland in the Walk, which is only a few minutes away. The Walk is a strip mall that offers a few stores to grab some food or a sweet treat, among other things.

The Walk features:

• Yogurtland
• Starbucks
• Too Jay's
• Jamba Juice
• BurgerFi

All in all we had a good time and if it is not to far of a drive we recommend going. Painting was fun but Logan ruined his shirt because he would not wear the painting shirt provided. Since we hung up his craft he wants to go back and make another one to hang up. Yogurtland was a tasty treat that we all enjoyed. So if you are looking for something a little different but fun to do with the kids check out the Plaster Carousel.

Price: The crafts are $13 and up.
Fun Factor: Low-key activity but we enjoyed ourselves.
Cleanliness: Was messy but it was not dirty.

Thanks for visiting and feel free to leave a comment!

Tradewinds Park and Atlantic Railway

Fun things to do with kids in Broward!

Hi Gang!

Choo choo, all aboard! Who's ready for a train ride? Well you're in luck if you visit Tradewinds & Atlantic Railway located in Tradewinds Park. This is definitely something fun to do with the kids and not very expensive. My son really enjoys our visits here.

The trains run every third weekend of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here's a list of the schedule and rules for riding the trains (sorry no pregnant women are allowed to ride).  It cost $1.50 per ride per person regardless of age (the tickets are tax deductible). Also it cost $1.50 per person (ages 6 and up) to enter Tradewinds Park.

In addition to the train rides they have model trains set up and a gift shop. Watching the model trains running is always fun for a few minutes. All the staff are very friendly and very much train enthusiasts.

When you're done riding the trains make sure to head over to the stable area. This area has lots of other fun things to do with the kids.

Features:

• Pony rides ($3.00 per ride)
• Bounce house ($1.59 after tax for 15 minutes)
• Playground
• Tradewinds Farm Complex
• General Store (cold drinks and snacks)

All in all this is a nice outing with the family. There is plenty to do to keep the kids active and having fun, just remember to pack some cold water and some snacks. If you plan on visiting here Tradewinds is located in Broward county on Sample Rd and the Florida Turnpike, directions. So if you are looking for so fun things to do with the kids we recommend a visit to Tradewinds Park. 

If it happens to be raining on the day you plan on visiting check out YAA.

• Price: All depends on what you and your family end up doing. ($1.50 per person 6 and up to enter park, $1.50 per train ride, $3.00 pony rides, $1.59 bounce house.)
•  Fun Factor: There is lots to do here. (Train rides, bounce house, playground, and pony rides.)
• Cleanliness: This is an outdoor activity so it can be a little dirty but not to bad. Also around the stables there can be some horse poo. 
• Other places to visit in the area: Butterfly World.

Thanks for visiting and please feel free to leave a comment!

Plantation Woods

Fun things to with kids in Broward!

Hi Gang!

Well it's still hot out and we needed something fun to do with the kid. We wanted to let him run around a bit but be able to cool off when he got to hot.  So we headed to Plantation Woods in Plantation. It has three different playgrounds as well as a splash pad in the middle.

Entrance

This park is really nice. It has a woods theme to it with the tree houses, grizzle bears, and log benches. There are three different age appropriate playgrounds as well as a splash pad. The park also has a couple nice shaded areas as well as two pavilions.

Splash Pad

Playground

 Notes:

* Park hours 8:00 AM to dusk
* Park is closed Wednesdays, 8:00 AM till noon.
* Park is in the middle of a neighborhood, can be confusing to find. Check out link for directions




Features:

Playground

• Three age appropriate playgrounds
• Splash pad
• Shaded areas under trees and pavilions
• Restrooms
• Tennis courts
• Racket ball court
• Fair amount of green grass to play on

So if you're looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer take a trip to Plantation Woods Park. The splash pad makes for some nice summer fun and the playgrounds are pretty cool too. You can add this park as well as Liberty Park to your list of summer time playgrounds.

Price: Free!
Fun Factor: It was lots of fun with the three playgrounds and splash pad.
Cleanliness:  Very clean and well kept park.
Other places to visit in the area: Plantation library.

Thanks for visiting and please feel free to leave a comment!

Liberty Park

 Fun things to do with kids in Broward!

Hi Gang,

Looking for something fun to do outside but the weathers to hot? Us too, so we decided to go to Liberty Park in Parkland. It has a splash pad as well as plenty of shade.

This park is really cool! It was the first time we went here and I'm glad we did. I think we might have found our new summer time play area. It has a splash pad that is flanked by two playgrounds, so there is a lot to keep your kid(s) busy and having fun.

Tot Lot

Splash Pad

There are two playgrounds to play in for the different age groups. The Tot Lot is meant for kids 2-5 and the other playground is meant for 5-12 year old's. We had fun in both but I accompanied my son in the older play area. There are plenty of areas to climb, swing, and slide.

Feature:

• Splash Pad
• Two playgrounds: Tot Lot 2-5, and other playground is for the older kids 5-12(we played in both)
• Shaded areas 
• Shaded tables and seats ideal to have a picnic/snack
• Vending machines 
• Bathrooms
• Dog park

The Mountain Slide

5-12 Year Old's Playground

We had a lot of fun playing here and will definitely be back. If you decide to go remember to pack a snack or some lunch and get ready to have fun. So if you are looking for some fun things to do with the kids come visit Liberty Park. Click here for directions.

*If you like this park check out Plantation Woods.*

Price: This park is free!
Fun Factor: Liberty park was a lot of fun. Between the splash pad and two playgrounds we had a blast.
Cleanliness: Very clean and well kept.

Thanks for visiting and please feel free to leave a comment.

Flamingo Road Nursery (awesome BBQ)

Hi Gang,

Looking for something to do with the family and grab a bite to eat at the same time? Well come out and visit the One Last Cast Barbeque at Flamingo Road Nursery in Davie. The food in awesome and the plants are beautiful, plus there are some things to do with kids.

First off the BBQ is awesome! Me and the family love coming here for lunch on the weekends. We usually hit the food up first before we go explore, plus the farmers market has deserts! My personal favor it is the idahog(baked potato with sheared pork) and my wife likes the ribs.
**BBQ is only open during the weekends**

Sooooo Good!

So what to do after you eat? Check out some of the cool things in the nursery.

• Paint-A-Pot or a coconut if you'd like for $4. (the pot comes with a plant as well)
• Visit Grandma's Garden (great photo opportunities)
• Farmers market (all sorts of goodies in here)
• Visit the extra large chair in the butterfly gardening section 
• Check out the all colorful plants

** If you paint a pot do it before you go exploring around the nursery to allow time to dry. Also this activity is only available during the weekends**

 The farmers market has some really great deals on produce, we usually get some fresh fruits and vegetables when we're there. Also there is a bakery/juice bar in the back. You can get smoothies, cookies, muffins,  and juices just to name a few things.


 All in all we enjoy going here as a family to grab some lunch and have a little fun. There is a lot to look at between the plants, fountains, and sculptures. We can spend any where from 1.5 - 2.5 hours here. If you plan on visiting, here is the link for the address. http://www.flamingoroadnursery.com/html/locationPage/location.htm

• Price: This can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. We spent $30 for lunch, $4 to paint a coconut, and $9 in the farmers market. But you could go just to paint and grab a smoothie or a treat and spend less than $20.
• Fun Factor: Not a high octane outing but there is some fun stuff to do and some good food to eat. Also they do seasonal activities through out the year.
• Cleanliness: It is pretty clean for a nursery, well kept. 
• Other places to visit in the area: Flamingo Gardens, Tree Tops Park, Volunteer Park, and the Sawgrass Mills Mall.

 Thanks for visiting and please feel free to leave a comment.

 

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Hi Everybody!

Do your kids like fish? Well mine does, so we decided to check out Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton. I heard it was pretty cool so why not. (Plus my school Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has a research lab there.)


Gumbo Limbo has some pretty cool features to check out:

Outdoor aquarium

• Four outdoor aquariums
• Indoor aquariums
• Ashley trail and butterfly garden
• Sea turtle rehabilitation center
• Nature center
• Boardwalk trail (under repair right now)

Gumbo limbo's outdoor aquariums are real cool! They feature four different types of habitats with different types of sea life. Gumbo Limbo has daily educational feeding of the outdoor and indoor aquariums. You learn about the different types of fish and the habitats that they live in. Check out the link for times. www.gumbolimbo.org/Programs-and-Events

Make sure to:

* Say hello to "Morty"!  He's a 6 foot long moral eel in one of the deep water outdoor aquariums.

* Play the scavenger hunt. We had fun exploring and finding the different animals and plants.

www.gumbolimbo.org/gumbo-limbo-kids

                    

The Ashley trail and butterfly garden was pretty nice. (By the way it's in full bloom in May and June). It is a short loop but is a nice little walk through nature. Also it features a Seminole Chiki that over looks the Intracostal Waterway.

The Sea turtle rehabilitation and FAU research lab are worth a look too.

 All in all we had fun and thought it was worth the trip. We spent about an hour and a half there but it could have been longer if the boardwalk loop and tower were not closed due to upgrades. If you plan on going, here is the link for directions and since it is outdoors you can check the weather here as well(weather bug). www.gumbolimbo.org/plan-your-visit.

• Price: It is only a recommended $5 donation per person
• Fun Factor: Not a high energy activity but it was a nice family trip. My son was excited to see all the different sea creatures. I would recommend checking it out if it is not to far of a drive. 
• Cleanliness: The grounds were well kept. 

Young At Art (Rainy Day Fun)

Hi Everyone,

Rain rain go away, come again another day. Looking for something fun to do with the kids outside of the house? Where to go now that everything is wet? Yeah so were we. So I decided to take Logan to Young At Art (YAA).

The YAA is a fun place for kids to explore and get in touch with their creative side. They have a variety of rooms to visit as well as many craft stations set up through out the museum.

STOMP room

• Wonderscapes (toddlers zone 5 and under)
• Artscapes
• Culterscapes (making waves)
• Greenscapes (STOMP)
• Knight Gallery (this room changes theme)

Here's a link to go check out the exhibits for your self before heading out. http://www.youngatartmuseum.org/exhibits.php

This place is fun for all age groups from toddlers to teens. They also feature a Broward County Library inside the museum. This is where we get our bedtime books. Plus the books can be returned at any Broward County Library.

So lets get to it shall we! Heres a run down of a few of the exhibits and features at YAA.

Wonderscapes
Wonderscapes is a wonder area set up for kids 5 and under. It features areas like

Logan playing with floam

• Alice's art and games (different crafts are set up daily, today was floam)
• March Hare's Farm Stand
• Alice's Garden
• March Hare's House & Tea Party
• Alice's Pool 
• And other fun stuff (such as trains)

Artscapes

Artscape is a fun place to wonder around and interact with.

• Wired (digital fun)
• Diggin' It (pretend to be a paleontologist)
• Dreamscapes
• Plus plenty of other interactive areas

Culturescape

Culterscape is a fun area to play in. There is a lot to do here. The kids can climb in the wave or play some drums.

• Art Passport
• Making Waves
• Create-It-Station
• Drum hut

Drum Hut

* The wave is pretty big and the kids can climb in it. Super fun for them but it can be difficult to climb in yourself if you have to get them out.

Greenscapes
Greenscapes is highlighted by the STOMP room. This room is themed from the show STOPM and is filled with different things for them to hit with drumsticks. It also features a slide.
*It can get quite loud in there depending on how many kids are playing in there.

Knight Gallery
The  exhibit on display here is changed periodically. The exhibit on display now is Transformation of Echo: World of Dreams and will be on display till January 3rd 2016.
It is a little weird and almost spooky, my son was a little afraid at first until he saw some other kids running around in there. Also there is a cool mirror tunnel for the kids to go through and a slide.

All in all this place is fun. I know when we go we can be there for a few hours.

• Price: It would cost a family of four $56 ($48 if Broward residents). Here is a link for pricing and directions. http://www.youngatartmuseum.org/
• Fun Factor: This place has a lot to see and do. We can spend a few hours here easy.
• Cleanliness: YAA is very clean and well kept.

Thanks for visiting!

Museum of Discovery and Science

Hi Gang,

We decided it would be fun to go explore a place we knew for the first post, the Museum of Discovery and Science. Plus they just opened up a new exhibit, Sesame Street presents the body(on display till September 07, 2015).

This place is really cool! Right when you walk in you are met with an aquarium. It features a lagoon with horseshoe crabs and one of the biggest lobsters I've ever seen (every time we go my wife just wants to break out the butter sauce). This area also houses some non-aquatic animals too, such as lizards, spiders, and other arachnids.

The down stairs has a toddler area(which my little guy enjoys), Otters at play, everglades airboat adventure, prehistoric Florida, storm center, amongst other things.

The up stairs has an aviation exhibit, powerful you! exhibit, the bone yard (small but cool fossil exhibit), and the new Sesame Street presents the body.

All my son wanted to do was explore the Sesame Street exhibit. There is a lot of interactive things for the kids to explore in this exhibit. The digestion with Oscar was a bit funny to me and my son loved playing in Mr. Hooper's Store.


Also if your little one would like to meet Elmo he will be there every Saturday at 10:15 am till 11:00 am.


All in all this place is fun for the whole family and we highly recommend going. www.mods.org/home.html

• Price: It would cost a family of three $40.00 plus parking. (parking cost us $3) We have the annul membership which comes with its own perks. 
• Fun Factor: Again this place is really cool and there is a lot of interactive things to do, not to mention the Imax theatre is there as well.
• Cleanliness: This place was very well kept. 

Thanks for reading and I hope it helps. Feel free to leave a comment.

Welcome

Hello my name is Chris and I would like to welcome you to my blog, Out and About with Kidz. My main goal of this blog is to highlight some fun places to go to around Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

I'm pretty sure that your probably a busy parent like me. Between work, household chores, and taking care of your kid; who's got time to research fun activities. That's where my family and I plan on helping. We will visit cool places around town and give some feed back on them, letting you know if indeed they are cool and worth going to.

I am married to my wife Michelle for four years and we have an awesome three year old boy named Logan. With the little free time we have together we like to be out and about as a family on the weekends.

I hope you enjoy reading about our adventures!