Although we are already a week into 2012, I didn’t want to end the year without sharing our top ten of 2011. This year was an interesting year for us. I started out the year with a broken foot (after just recently healing from breaking the other foot…seriously…I can’t make this stuff up) so we didn’t do too much exploring for the first few months. When the new school year started, Little S entered Pre-K and was gone most of the morning and that cut into our exploring as well. Even though we didn’t get out as often as we wanted to, we still found lots of great things to do in and around town.
There is no scientific data to this post…I just asked my kids and my husband what their favorite activities were throughout the year! Here is our 2011 top ten list of favorite activities in no particular order:
Distinctive Kitchens Kid’s Cooking Classes – This is the only activity that I haven’t written about yet. We were invited to attend (disclosure: our cost was covered) a DK Kid’s cooking class where we made rolled out gingerbread and put together a huge gingerbread house over a two day period. At first glance some of the classes seem a little pricey, but after attending the gingerbread house making class we think that they are worth it. The spring schedule is on the DK calendar where you will find kid’s classes, camps, and preschool mommy and me classes. I am hoping to enroll Big S in the Wintry Breakfast Foods because he loves to eat breakfast foods!
Parks, parks, and more parks – This year, my goal was to visit a new park each week. Well, that didn’t happen but we did visit a lot of new parks around town and found a few new favorites. Our favorite park of the year is Miralla Park. This little neighborhood park is set away from major streets, has a great playground equipment and a large grassy area to run around. Some of the other parks we enjoyed visiting this year were Bryan Park, Beulah Regional Park, Regency Park, and Lions Park.
Frozen Yogurt Shops – Pensacola saw a yogurt shop business boom this year. Frozen yogurt shops opened up all over town and if you read this site regularly it will come as no surprise that we visited every single one (TCBY’s Waffle Cone Wednesday made our 2010 top ten list last year!). TCBY opened up on 9 Mile Road and 32 degrees and Berry Yogurt opened up over by the mall.
Holiday Light Displays – We love to bundle up in blankets and drive around town looking at the lights. This year, my kids were old enough to really love the light displays all over town. We had lots favorites but this one off of Longleaf and Nathan Drive topped them all!
Condor Sailing Adventures – Recently, my children have a new-found love for all things boat. They love to watch the boats, count the boats and sail the boats after our sail with Condor Sailing Adventures (*disclosure: our cost was covered). It was so great to see Pensacola from the water. We got a great view of the Maritime Park construction and enjoyed learning how to sail the boat.
Downtown Trick or Treat – After posting for three years about the Downtown Trick or Treat, we finally made it to the event. We had so much fun! The kids loved collecting candy and I loved wandering in some of the little shops I hadn’t been able to visit yet.
Free Summer Movies - This summer we took advantage of the free summer movies to get out of the heat. Four different theaters participated in a summer movie program and the Silver Screen also had a weekly $1 show. We enjoyed catching up on movies that we missed through the school year and the best part was that it was free! We also took advantage of the Friday Family Flicks downtown. As it gets closer to summertime, check back for the schedules. We update the site as we receive the free summer movie schedule.
Chagall for Children Exhibit – This year, the Pensacola Museum of Art had the Chagall for Children exhibit on loan from the Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago. It was an awesome hands-on experience introducing children to Chagall’s artwork. They don’t currently have a hands-on exhibit for children but I hope that they will continue to welcome them in the future. The museum is free to visit on Tuesdays and they offer children’s art classes and camps.
Festivals of all kinds – This year was the year of the festival for us. We missed a lot of the festivals in 2010 because of my other broken foot (refer to first paragraph…ha!) so we made up for it in 2011. We attended the Gulf Coast Arts Festival, the Seafood Festival, the Festival on the Green, Gallery Night and Mardi Gras and that doesn’t even include half of the festivals Pensacola has to offer. The festivals are great family friendly events because there is usually a children’s arts and crafts area that is free and good for most ages.
Day Trips and Overnighters – Along with exploring Pensacola on the weekends, we also made some day trips and overnighters. We had some great adventures nearby! Our absolute favorite was our visit to LEGOLAND Florida’s opening weekend in Orlando with a visit to Callaway Gardens, Georgia (Did you know you can book a cabin on the grounds?! We didn’t!) and Seaside tying for a close second place.
These were our favorite activities for 2011 but this site wouldn’t be around if it weren’t for all of our great readers. We asked you on our Pensacola with Kids Facebook Page what your favorite activity of 2011 was and this is what you said (listed in no particular order):
Fort Pickens
Snow Cones at Da Girlz Place after Story Time at Big Lagoon State Park
Perdido Key Blue Angel Park
Sunsets at Plaza de Luna
Roger Scott Pool
Perdido Kids Park
TT Wentworth Museum
Navarre Butterfly House and the John Duncan Children’s Park
Fort Barrancas
Naval Air Museum
Do you want to read more about some of our favorite spots and activities in Pensacola? See our Top Ten of 2010 and Top Five of 2009 lists!
This month, there will be two family friendly events at the Pensacola Civic Center. Tickets are on sale for both events via Ticketmaster or the Pensacola Civic Center Box Office.
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus will present their Barnum Bash on January 12th through the 15th. Showtimes will be as follows: 1/12 7pm; 1/13 7pm; 1/14 2pm and 6pm; 1/15 2pm. Ticket prices begin at $17.
The Original Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 2012 World Tour to Pensacola on January 22 at 3pm. Tickets are on sale now and start at $19.
What: Japanese cultural day; When: January 7th; Where: Japan House at UWF; Cost: $5 (Reservations Required)
Pensacola Opera and the Japan House at the University of West Florida will be hosting a Japanese cultural day where the members of the community can engage in a Japanese cultural project centered around Madama Butterfly.
The event will include activities like a tea ceremony, origami making, traditional Japanese dancing, Japanese name translations and more. The event will take place at the Japan House at the University of West Florida on January 7, 2012.
The cost is $5 per person and reservations must be made in advance by calling the Opera Center at 850.433.6737.
While you are looking at the Pensacola Opera site, be sure to mark your calendar for Opera for the Entire Family where you can catch a free performance of the children’s opera, Three Little Pigs. Performances will be held at the UWF Music Hall on March 24 and 25, 2012.
What: Nights Before Christmas; Where: 131 E. Government Street across from Seville Quarter; When: Friday & Saturday evenings from 6-9;; Cost: Adults $8 and Children $5
In researching events to add to the December calendar (which will hopefully be done tomorrow…how is it already December?!?), I came across the Nights Before Christmas event across from Seville Quarter. You can experience the spirit of Christmas Adventure with an interactive lighted walk-through adventure. There is a sleigh ride spinning tunnel, candy cane maze, and pictures with Santa.
The event is open Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children.
We will finally be home after two months of constant weekend travel so I think we might have to go check this out! We will let you know what we think afterwards! Have you been yet? If so, leave us a comment with your thoughts.
This morning, while I was at the mall I couldn’t believe that I saw that they are ready for Santa Claus! I saw a sign that Santa arrives at Cordova Mall on November 11, 2011. I posted on the Pensacola with Kids Facebook Wall about how I think that it is a little early but at the same time I am ready to get the holiday season started. Since Santa is already arriving in various places throughout Pensacola, I decided to post the places you can find Santa this holiday season even though it is only the second week of November.
As always, check the links to confirm the dates and times.
Bass Pro Shops – Santa has already arrived at the Spanish Fort store and the Destin store. Check the website for the schedule because there will be photos, games, crafts and more.
Cordova Mall - Santa Claus arrives via fire truck in front of World Market starting with the pre-party at 6pm and the arrival at 7pm on November 11th.
Once Santa has arrived, his work hours will be: Saturdays in November 10 am – 8 pm Sundays in November; Noon – 6 pm Mon – Fri in November; 11 am – 8 pm Dec 1 – Dec 20; 10 am – 8:30 pm (Sundays close at 7 pm) Dec 21 – Dec 23; 9 am – 8:30 pm Dec 24; 8 am – 6 pm Note: Santa takes daily breaks around 1 pm and 6 pm for 30 minutes to feed the reindeers.
Destin Commons – Santa arrives on November 19th. There will be a tree lighting, holiday parade and fireworks finale.
Eastern Shore Center – Santa arrives on November 12th.
Santa’s hours will be: Saturday, November 12 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, November 13 ~ 12 pm to 6 pm; Saturday, November 19 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, November 20 ~ 12 pm to 6 pm; Friday, November 25 ~10 am to 8 pm; Saturday, November 26 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, November 27 ~ 12 pm to 6 pm; Saturday, December 3 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, December 4 ~ 12 pm to 6 pm; Saturday, December 10 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, December 11 ~ 12 pm to 6 pm; Friday, December 16 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday, December 17 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, December 18 ~ 12 pm to 6 pm; Monday, December 19 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Tuesday, December 20 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Wed. December 21 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Thursday, December 22 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Friday, December 23 ~ 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday, December 24 ~ 10 am to 2 pm; * Hours are subject to change depending on severe weather conditions.
Santa Rosa Mall – Santa will arrive Tuesday, November 15th. There will be holiday crafts and free rides on the carousel. Santa will be available for photos every day through Christmas Eve.
Other places you can spot Santa Claus this holiday season:
Winterfest Pensacola
Marketbasket
If you know of any other Santa sightings, I will continue to update the post so leave us a note in the comments or send me an email.
What: air show; Where: NAS Pensacola; When: 11/11 and 11/12/11; Cost: Free
It is time for the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow! The airshow is on November 11 and 12 and will be at NAS Pensacola. See the Blue Angels, skydivers, helicopters and more. In addition to the various displays and aerobatics, there will be a Home Depot Kids Fun Zone with obstacle course, surf simulator, moon walk, and more. Create a homemade project with your kids.
For a road map, parking, and more visit the official Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow website.
What: Fun walk; Where: Gulf Coast Kid’s House to Bayview Park; When: November 12, 2011 at 10am; Cost: $10 minimum donation
On Saturday, November 12th, take a walk from Gulf Coast Kid’s House to Bayview Park with Grand Marshal Sue Straughn to support and honor all families brought together by adoption whether through foster care, international adoption or domestic private adoption.
Once at Bayview Park, join in the fun activities like a cake walk, music, a picnic, lots of games and more.
Download the registration form for the walk. Registration is a minimum $10 donation. On line registration ends Friday at 5:00 PM but you can register at the Gulf Coast Kids House the morning of the walk.
The website says that the Condor 40 Trimaran looks like something out of Star Trek and it certainly does. It doesn’t look incredible stable to be honest with you. It made me immediately think about a book I read recently where the author sailed around the world encountering all kinds of adventures. I didn’t really want too much of an adventure today. I didn’t want to have to jump into the ocean, ok bay, and rescue my child from any number of scary sea life that could be living under the water.
I thought about heading back to the car but Captain Kirk from Condor Sailing Adventures spotted us and introduced himself before I could grab my kids and run. Besides, they had already spotted the boat and were practically climbing over the fence to board it.
We got a quick safety talk from Captain Kirk and then he helped us board and get settled on the trampolines. All of my fears were put to rest as soon as we left the dock. The boat cuts through the water the way a warm knife cuts through butter. It is completely stable and you hardly notice any rocking at all, even when the boat starts speeding up. Once we got into the Pensacola Bay, we watched Captain Kirk unfurl the sails and pick up the wind. We cruised around for a little while learning more about the boat. There were only 21 of these boats made so it is not only a unique looking boat but it is also rare.
Captain Kirk was not only an excellent captain but also a wonderful teacher. During the two hours, he taught all of us about the different parts of the boat and the bay but the best part of the trip was being able to drive the boat. Both children had several chances to drive the boat.
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Little S enjoyed it but I think that she enjoyed exploring the boat the best. Big S on the other hand took driving the boat seriously. Since that sailing, he has proclaimed that he will be living on a boat instead of a house when he is old enough to move out on his own.
The beauty of Condor Sailing Adventures is that Captain Kirk will cater your sail to your needs. He has hosted weddings, engagements, family groups, birthday parties and more. There are snorkel trips available also. You can book the whole boat or pay per person.
Twice daily the boat sails for a two-hour Dolphin Fun Cruise. The sailing times are from 11am tp 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. The boat also sails daily for a Sunset Cruise around 4:30pm. Each of these adventures are limited to six people so the boat never feels crowded. The daily two hour sailing trips at $59 per person and children are half off.
Are you ready to find yourself here?
Here is the good news! Captain Kirk has offered Pensacola with Kids readers a November Sailing Special!
November is a great month for a fun, relaxing sailing with family and friends. Mention “Pensacola with Kids” and get 10% off any Two-Hour sailing cruise – including our twice-daily Fun Cruises and our daily Sunset Cruise. Offer expires November 30, 2011.
It was wonderful to learn more about sailing, spend some quality forced family fun with my kids and I can’t wait to get my husband out on the boat for one of the more romantic sunset cruises!
*Thank you to Condor Sailing Adventures for hosting us. As always my opinions are my own with no outside influences (except for my kids!).
What: Open House; Where: Roy Hyatt Environmental Center; When: October 15, 2011 from 9am to 3pm; Cost: FREE
The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center is holding its Open House and “Reduce-Reuse-Recycle” New and New To You Sale on Saturday, October 15. The event will be held from 9am to 3pm. The cost is free and it is open to the public. There will be a number of attractions including:
*Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida’s bird display
*Dauphin Island Sea Lab touch table and presentation
*Escambia Amateur Astronomy Assoc. telescopes
*Escambia Count Solid Waste Mgmt. display
*Francis M. Weston Audubon Society display
*Department of Environmental Protection display
*Florida Turtle Conservation Trust turtles and display
*Animals to meet and touch
*Hourly presentations
*Trails to hike
*Bird watching
*Children’s Activities
*Food and water booth
*Tour the facility
*Reduce – Reuse – Recycle” Sale featuring new and nearly new items, items donated by local merchants, gift certificates to restaurants, dolphin cruises, etc, and handmade crafts
*RHEC t-shirts and totes for sale
October already? Am I the only one saying this? It seems like the kids just started school the other day and now it is time to start looking for Halloween costumes and holiday decorations. One of our favorite things to do in October is visit the corn and hay mazes in the area. We usually try to visit one a weekend. The kids absolutely love it and my oldest has gotten quite good at getting out of the maze!
Be sure to follow the links or phone ahead of time to confirm dates and times. Most of the corn mazes take cash or check only so be sure to check before you go. They are listed in alphabetical order.
Beaver Creek Maze, Baker, Florida – Beaver Creek Maze offers a corn maze, a hay bale maze for the younger kids, and a pumpkin patch. Beaver Creek Maze is open Saturdays 9 – 5 and Sundays 11 – 5 during the month of October. Admission is free for children 3 and under and $5.00 for everyone else. They are located at 278 Dusty Trail in Baker, Florida and their phone number is 850-537-1981.
Dixon Primary’s Haystackular, Pace, Florida – Haystackular is the largest hay bale maze constructed in Northwest Florida! There is a maze, food for sale, hay ride and more. Haystackular is open during the month of October on Fridays from 4pm to 9pm, Saturdays from 12pm to 9pm, and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm. Admission is $5 and some activities have an additional cost associated with them. They are located at the field across from Dixon Primary in Pace.
Magnolia Corn Maze, Magnolia Springs, Alabama – Magnolia Corn Maze offers the maze, corn cannon, cow train, hayride, petting zoo, pony rides and more. Magnolia Corn Maze is open during the month of October on Fridays from 5pm to 9pm, Saturdays 11am to 9pm, and Sundays 12pm to 5pm. Admission is $10 and there are other activities with some additional cost associated with them. They are located on CR49 in Magnolia Springs. Directions are available on the website. Their phone number is 251-605-7216.
Seward Farms, Lucedale, Mississippi – This corn maze is probably the furthest away but it came highly recommended last year so I thought that I would keep it on the list in case you were headed that direction! Seward Farms offers a corn maze, pig races, hayride, farm animals, corn cannon, jumping “pillow”, and more. Seward Farms is open Saturdays, Sept. 24-Nov. 5, from 10 am to 9 pm. They are closed Sundays. Admission prices begin at $12. They are located at 10836 Tanner Williams Road in Lucedale, Mississippi.
Sweet Season Farms, Milton, Florida – Sweet Season Farms offers the corn maze, haybale maze, cow train, playground, corn cannon and more. Sweet Season Farms is open October 1-November 6th on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm. Admission is $5 and there are additional activities available at an additional cost. They are located at 2260 Horn Road in Milton and their phone number is 850-675-3573.
Did we miss any fall mazes? If we did, please leave us a comment or send us an email and we will add it to our list! Also, last year we shared information for Maizing Family Fun Farm but their website has not been updated this year. If you have any info as to whether they are open this year, please let us know!
