Join the community of Sanford to remember and honor those who have made a sacrifice for freedom during the 2013 Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m. The parade will start at 1st Street and continue on through downtown to Veterens Memorial Park.
Fantasy of Flight is offering free admission to all moms on Mother’s Day weekend. Entry is free when accompanied by any paid youth or adult admission. Offer valid May 9 – May 12, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fantasy of Flight
1400 Broadway Blvd.
S.E. Polk City, FL 33868
If you are looking for good, clean fun on Cinco de Mayo, head to Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte for Family Fest on Sunday, May 5 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, a kids inflatables play area, wildlife exhibits, kiddie train rides, Police and Fire Department displays and demonstrations including an in-flight helicopter rescue demonstration by SCSO, giveaways and prizes, summer camp information, games and activities, a fishing derby, face painters, snacks and much more. Your kids might even have the chance to meet Debby Ryan from Disney Channel’s “Jessie.” The event is free and open to the public.
Take your young kids to the Central Florida Zoo to show them the animals they’ve been learning about in books. On Wednesday mornings in April and May, Storytime at the Zoo brings those creatures to life. Free reading programs are presented by the Orange County Library System Storytellers from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a special appearance from one of the Zoo animals. The program is designed for pre-school age kids.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
3755 NW Hwy 17-92
Sanford, FL
407-323-4450
Surfers of all ages and skills flock to the beach for a little fun in the sun Easter weekend. The 49th Easter Surfing Festival at Cocoa Beach Pier is the second-longest running surfing event on the east coast. It’s scheduled for the entire weekend, March 29 – 31, 2013, and is free for the public, but bring cash for parking and food.
If you’re not hitting the waves, there will be a variety of activities for all ages. Learn to surf or skim board at onsite clinics, get a celebrity surfer’s autograph and listen to live music. To celebrate the season, there will be an Easter egg hunt for kids and a sunrise Easter service. This is a very popular event, so plan ahead and check out the event schedule before heading to the beach.
Hop through the zoo to find clues leading to the Easter Bunny at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Hippity Hop Adventure. Win candy, prizes and pick up surprises at Bunny Stops along the way. Kids will receive free bunny tails to wear on their Easter journey through the zoo. They can also enjoy crafts, a bounce house, walk on water balls and musical storytime with Mr. Richards. Easter event is included in zoo admission.
When: March 30 and 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
3755 NW Hwy 17-92
Sanford, FL
407-323-4450
Cost: Adults are $14.95, kids 3-12 are $10.95, and 2 and under are free
Celebrate Easter at Uptown Altamontewith a community service by the First Baptist Church of Altamonte Springs. The day begins at 8 a.m. with a free continental breakfast. The main service is in the Plaza and a special service for the kids will be held at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater.
When: Sunday, March 31 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Cranes Roost Plaza in Altamonte Springs
Cost: Free
Hop over to Mall at Millenia for brunch with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy a tasty brunch, comic show, DJ dance party and capture photos with the bunny. Seats are limited, so get there early. Brunch is courtesy of Brio Tuscan Grille, Chick-Fil-A, Firehouse Subs, Chipotle and the Cheesecake Factory. Photos with the bunny continue at the Mall at Millenia through March 30.
When: Saturday, March 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Mall at Millenia Food Court
4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839
Cost: $5 per person donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida is required for admission
The Florida Strawberry Festival celebrates the abundant berry with tons of fun activities through March 10, 2013. Travel to Plant City for an exciting line-up of entertainment, competitive contests, youth events, thrilling rides and of course—delicious strawberries.
Advance discount tickets are on sale for $2 off the regular adult (13 and up) gate admission price of $10 and $1 off the youth (ages 6-12) gate admission price at participating Sweetbay Supermarkets. Children five and under are admitted free with a paid adult. The festival is also hosting special discount days for Senior Citizens, Farmers, American Heroes and families.
When: Every day through March 10, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 303 North Lemon Street
Plant City, FL 33563
813-752-9194
Cost: Advance discount admission tickets are $4 for kids, $8 for adults (separate ticket charge for concerts).
Experience the Taste of Oviedo, a free event featuring food and drinks, arts and crafts, live music, kids’ activities, a car show and more. The traditional tastes of Oviedo are featured in unique dishes at the Citrus & Celery Cook-Off. A $2 donation is recommended at the sample line.
When: Saturday, March 9 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Oviedo Mall
1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo
Cost: Free admission
On the first Monday of the month, Leu Gardens offers free entry to everyone. There’s also a special story time event for little ones starting at 10 a.m. After story time, stroll through the lush gardens or bring a blanket to relax in the shade while the kids play.
Explore an amazing 50-acre botanical oasis minutes from downtown Orlando. The Leu House Museum, located in the heart of the gardens, reveals turn-of-the century living for the families who once called this home. The gardens and historical home were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961 by Mr. Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane.
Follow the luck of the Irish through Winter Park for Central Florida’s only St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 3, 2013. The celebration features Irish music and step-dancing at the main stage in Central Park with demonstrations by the Tir Na Greine School of Irish Dance and the Watters School of Irish Dance. Irish music will be provided by the Tommy Doyle Band. Don’t forget to wear green!
When: Sunday, March 3 at 2 p.m.
Where: Park Avenue in Downtown Winter Park
Cost: FREE
Phenomenal landscape artists will paint all week in and around the Wekiwa Springs State Park and the Wekiva river areas during the annual Wekiva PaintOut, March 3 – 10, 2013. Artists will use the outdoors as their inspiration, developing masterpieces outside “en plein air,” meaning “in the open air.” This style allows for you to interact with the artist during the creative process. The PaintOut will start with artists arriving at Wekiva Springs State Park on Sunday, March 3rd and continue with events scheduled through Sunday, March 10th.
On the first Monday of the month, Leu Gardens offers free entry and a special story time event for little ones starting at 10 a.m. After story time, stroll through the lush gardens or bring a blanket to relax in the shade while the kids play.
