family in car

Here in Florida, we have summer year-round and beautiful beach destinations all over the State. Unlike people up North, we don’t have to board a plane for a nice beach vacation. I have done several road trips in Florida this summer. We have a lot of beautiful towns and islands on both coasts.  As a new mom, packing always took me forever especially considering all the extra stuff I had to take for the baby, I would take Fridays off from work only to spend half day packing and not arrive at my destination before dinner time. I was starting to get frustrated. How is this possible? I only have one baby boy. How do I see other families with more than 4 kids being packed and ready to go at the crack of dawn? I did my research on how to pack when going on a family road trip and have become more efficient. Since I can’t be the only one with that issue, I decided to share my tips. While summer may be over, I am sure a lot of you will be hitting the road for Thanksgiving or winter break.

  1. Pack lightly

Don’t overpack! When packing for vacations, people tend to worry about not packing enough. So they take too many things they don’t even need. To avoid doing this, I would plan out your outfits by day and maybe take two extra outfits in case of an emergency. If you have a washing machine at your destination, take some travel laundry detergent. That will allow you to take fewer clothes. If you do not have access to a washer, take Tide to go to fix any small stains. When it comes to shoes, don’t bring 5 different pairs of sneakers. Shoes take up a lot of space. See what kind of activities you’ll be doing and carry a maximum of one pair for each different activity.

2. Pack efficiently

Call your hotel or place of stay ahead of time to confirm what accommodations they provide. They may already have a baby crib, a microwave, etc so there will not be a need for you to bring any of these.

mom and son in car

Also, one of the best investments we’ve made for traveling is to get these Hanging Packing Cubes. It makes it easy to pack clothes and keep them organized in the suitcase as well as at your destination. You can just hang it up and put many used clothes in the included hamper.

3. Take packing as an opportunity to toss out things

Maybe if you are that overwhelmed with what to pack, you could possibly have too many things. Each time when I try to roam through my clothes before a trip and do not see the light at the end of the tunnel, I take this as an opportunity to do a complete overhaul, donate clothes, and organize my clothes. Having organized drawers at home will make it a lot easier to pack for trips and creates a good habit to stay organized in general. Also, I use a bit of an unconventional method to get rid of things. I may take a piece of clothing that is already damaged, wear it one last time at my vacation destination and leave it there/toss it out there.

4. Don’t pack on the day of

Have everything (or at least as much as possible) ready the night before. I can’t stress this enough. I don’t even know how many times I have thought: ” I can do this real quick in the morning.” The morning of is usually super hectic – never fails! You will have a lot of things to do. So pack as much as you can and then just add last-minute things such as your toothbrush to the suitcases. If you know you won’t have to add anything to certain bags on the day of, put it in the car already. Like this, you’re almost good to go when you wake up.

5. Bring Snacks and entertainment

Kids get bored and hungry during long road trips. To avoid too many stops, make sure you pack snacks and entertainment for them. Tablets are great to keep them entertained; however, if you do strictly limit screen time, you could alternatively take some of their favorite toys. Try to take snacks that cannot spill or create huge messes in the car. Either way, make sure to bring baby wipes just in case!

boy in car with headphones

6. Be flexible if things don’t go as planned

Last but not least, there is one thing I learned with kids! You can plan as much as you want but things never go quite as planned. It is important to try to relax and enjoy the ride. Try to come up with solutions to problems instead of getting frustrated. I know it’s easier said and done especially if you are already stressed. After all, this is supposed to be an adventure where your family creates memories. Don’t focus on making it perfect, focus on making it a great time and enjoy your vacation!

shark swimming in shark tank

Did you know that every first weekend Bank of America cardholders get free admission to select museums in their area? Check out the location finder on the Bank of America Museums On Us website to find a free museum in your city.

miami museum with kids

Perez Art Museum Miami

We love the Miami Children’s Museum in Miami
There’s so much to do and learn for kids. My son can spend hours there and still not get bored.
Some of the many things to do:
Shopping at their Publix replica where they can even create one of the famous Publix subs
Building blocks in the construction zone
Activities at the Bank of America replica
Dress up as a fireman and play on the fire truck simulator
Dress up as a vet, adopt a stuffed animal, or play pet groomer
Fishing
Go on a cruise ship, play with boats, and move some cargo
Get fit in the fitness zone with its own fenced-in toddler zone
A greenhouse simulation
Go down the slide
Visit their current exhibit. Currently: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Read in the Dr. Seuss reading area or play with Legos
Play with instruments
Check out their programs for different activities
Go to one of the sensory rooms when getting overwhelmed
boy playing with stuffed animal puppy

Miami Children’s Museum

Find out more about the museums in the Miami area by watching this video. Or if you are interested in learning about more free things to do in Miami in general, read this article that I wrote for Miami Mom Collective.

Venetian Pool The Miami Mami

The Venetian Pool is a very unique experience in the heart of Coral Gables in Miami.

Venetian Pool The Miami Mami

I have been wanting to come here for a while with my son; however, they are really strict with their no-kids-under-3 policy. Once my son turned 3, I finally got to go – yay! And when I say, they’re strict about it – they really are. The second we entered before we even got to the cashier, they asked me how old he is, he had to stand against a wall proving that he is 38″ tall, and I had to show proof of ID. Once we got through that,  the fun began! I was a little bit skeptical coming here because I normally avoid places with a lot of people because … people! But I was pleasantly surprised by how big the pool is. This means, it did not seem crowded at all and there was tons of space inside the pool. The pool is made out of a coral rock quarry and has been a landmark of the Gables since 1923. Every day they fill and drain 820,000 gallons of fresh spring water from an underground aquifer. The amount of chlorine they put inside the pool is less than in our drinking water. Hence, you always have very fresh water in that pool. As a consequence, the water is on the chillier side. I found it very refreshing tho on a hot Miami summer day and not uncomfortable at all!

 

Venetian Pool The Miami Mami

Now back to the beauty of the pool: you feel like you’re going back in time to some old-school Caribbean pool. There are waterfalls, different types of gorgeous palm trees, cave-like grottos, loggias, and more. There is also a shallower area for kids. The facility has a beach-like area but the chairs sell out quickly. There is also a fast-food café that sells burgers, chicken tenders, and more. Parking is free but there is limited availability. The admission fee is $20 for adults and $15 for kids; however, Coral Gables residents get a discount and only pay $6.25 per adult and $5.25 per kid. The hours change depending on the season so check their website before going.

Venetian Pool The Miami Mami

For more information, go to the City of Coral Gables’ website.

Earth Day Miami 2022

Earth Day 2022 is officially here. Here are a few things to do in Miami and the surrounding areas.

Celebrate Earth Day in Doral

Join the City of Doral for an evening to celebrate Earth Day with nature-focused activities, art & crafts, a petting zoo, a ladybug release, and a screening of A Bug’s Life on our giant outdoor inflatable screen. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy this classic, family movie.

Event is free and open to the public. Fodd & refreshments will be available for purchase.

 

Earth Day The Miami Mami

 

Earth Day Celebration in Dania Beach

The City of Dania Beach will host a beach clean-up day. Help us keep our beach pristine! #DaniaBeachPristine

This free family-friendly event will feature contests and prizes, an art contest for kids, and a surprise mural unveiling!

Light bites and water will be provided to all volunteers.

Take home a free T-shirt.

Free Parking.

Earth Day Dania Beach The Miami Mami

 

Party for the Planet at Zoo Miami

CALLING ALL SUPER KIDDOS, HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A PLANET HERO!

Join us for Party for the Planet* at Zoo Miami this April 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a mobile in-park scavenger hunt to save our planet from environmental threats. Visitors who complete the scavenger hunt can redeem their special Zoo Miami-themed prize. Make sure to visit our sponsor booths to learn about the different ways you can help the environment.

Guests can come in FREE of charge when they turn in a cellphone** as part of our ECO-CELL phone recycling program. These donated cell phones will help gorillas by hopefully reducing the need for coltan – a mineral extracted in the deep forests of Congo in Central Africa, home to the world’s endangered lowland gorillas. Fueled by the worldwide cell phone boom, Congo’s out-of-control coltan mining business has in recent years led to a dramatic reduction of animal habitat and the rampant slaughter of great apes for the illegal bush-meat trade.

* Included with Zoo admission.
** *Limited to one free admission per cellphone and one cellphone per person. Admission ticket must be used on the date the discount is given. Not valid for groups or with any other discounts.

Zoo Miami Earth Day The Miami Mami

 

Come celebrate Mother Earth at the City of Plantation’s Inaugural Earth Day Celebration Celebration on Saturday, April 23rd from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Volunteer Park, located at 12050 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, FL 33323.

The celebration will be a fun yet educational day where attendees will be exposed to the environmental work taking place in their local area! There will be vendors present as well as a tree giveaway sponsored by DHL.

The fun doesn’t stop there – this family-friendly event will also feature a DJ, live shows, a Kids’ Activity Area with hands-on activities, vendors, inflatables, a rock-climbing wall and our weekly Farmer’s Market.

The event is FREE and all members of the community are invited to attend.

Plantation Earth Day The Miami Mami

 

Earth and Arbor Day in Hollywood

Hollywood’s Sustainability Advisory Committee will celebrate Earth and Arbor Day on Friday, April 22nd at ArtsPark at Young Circle in downtown Hollywood from 5:00 p.m. to – 7:00 p.m. before the weekly Friday Night Movie at 8:00 p.m. The theme of the celebration this year is sea turtles. Bring the family for fun educational activities and giveaways that will help you help these endangered marine animals. 

  • Exhibitors with activities
  • Giveaways
  • The Lorax (PG) is the Friday Night Special Feature at 8:00 p.m.
  • The event is free and open to the public

As a reminder, City parks are plastic and foam-free. Single-use items, like plastic water bottles and utensils, are prohibited at the park. For more event information, please call Elaine at 954.967.4526.

 

Celebrate the Best Earth Day with us!

Experience gardening and composting education, yoga, dance empowerment, eco-friendly shopping, university environmental program projects, educational panels, a kids area, delicious plant-based food vendors and other initiatives created to empower you to change your life and inspire those around you to do the same.

Earth Love Fest will be raising money for Aguacate Sanctuary of Love Farm and Animal Rescues. We are collaborating with County Commissioners and local groups to encourage businesses to promote reusable food ware and increase plant-based food options.

Speaker Stage Schedule

12:00: DJ Sunny, event host

12:15: Opening Ceremony to the 7th Directions, Steph and Jeanne

12:30: Opening Prayer Emilia Garth

12:30 Francisco Torres, Compostable

1:00 music from Marquise Fair

1:30 Tony Jones of Lumio, speaking on solar panels, clean energy.

2:00 music from Amaru Mora

2:30 Nicole Gazo speaking on Climate Change

3:00 music from Free Bison

3:30 Ocean Conservationist, Adam Roberti

4:00 Yoga, Breath, Meditation with Nikki

4:45 music from Emilia Garth

5:15 Kirtan by Kishor Rico

6:00 music from Kaylan Arnold

6:45 Activated Dance by Natalia

7:00 Drums with Fire Dance Performance by Ecstatic Flow

7:30 Afrobeta

 

Wellness Schedule by Womb Temple

12pm Opening Ceremony to the 7 directions w/ StephJourney & Jeanne (main stage)

1:11pm Goddess Gather

1:30pm Oils & Grounding into Earth Womb Meditation

2pm Sacred Skincare – Ancient Gua Sha Detox Ritual w/ Karina $22

3pm Feminine Blueprints: Following the Vital Forces with Jeanne & StephJourney $11

4pm Waves of the Womb: Yoni Steam StephJourney $11

5pm Clearing Innerspace: Energy Healing with Stephanie

6pm-6:40 Medicine + Song Circle & 528 DNA Repair Guided by Niki and StephJourney $11

Earth Love Festival The Miami Mami

 

Heal the Planet Day in Fort Lauderdale

Join us for the 7th Annual Heal The Planet Day!!

Heal The Planet Day will take place on Sunday, April 24th, 2022 in Esplanade Park, Ft. Lauderdale from 10 am to 4 pm. Join us as we celebrate Earth Day by bringing together the South Florida community for a day of family-friendly activities. Heal The Planet Day is a great event with an amazing array of activities for all ages, food vendors, and live entertainment.

Please wear comfortable clothing. 

We will have the following Wellness and Fun Activities For All Ages:

KIDS ZONE

Worldwide Web, Transformational Art Project, Yoga for Kids, Face Painting, Singing Bowls, and Much Much More!

GROW YOUR OWN ZONE

Learn About Easy and Efficient Ways to Grow Your Own Food, Gardening, Sustainability, and other Farming Techniques.

ENTERTAINMENT

Live music, Healing Modalities, Breathing Exercises, and Wellness Speakers.

CONSCIOUS VENDOR VILLAGE

Crafts, Clothing, Healthy Food Choices, and Beverages. Food Trucks, and More!

The event is free of charge; however, we rely on donations and fundraising events in order to continue providing free programs to the community.

 

If you are interested in more information on how to save the ocean in Miami, read this article.

Earth Day Ft Lauderdale The Miami Mami

Join us for the 7th Annual Heal The Planet Day!!

Heal The Planet Day will take place on Sunday, April 24th, 2022 in Esplanade Park, Ft. Lauderdale from 10 am to 4 pm. Join us as we celebrate Earth Day by bringing together the South Florida community for a day of family-friendly activities. Heal The Planet Day is a great event with an amazing array of activities for all ages, food vendors, and live entertainment.

Please wear comfortable clothing. 

We will have the following Wellness and Fun Activities For All Ages:

KIDS ZONE

Worldwide Web, Transformational Art Project, Yoga for Kids, Face Painting, Singing Bowls, and Much Much More!

GROW YOUR OWN ZONE

Learn About Easy and Efficient Ways to Grow Your Own Food, Gardening, Sustainability, and other Farming Techniques.

ENTERTAINMENT

Live music, Healing Modalities, Breathing Exercises, and Wellness Speakers.

CONSCIOUS VENDOR VILLAGE

Crafts, Clothing, Healthy Food Choices, and Beverages. Food Trucks, and More!

The event is free of charge; however, we rely on donations and fundraising events in order to continue providing free programs to the community.

Earth Love Festival The Miami Mami

Celebrate the Best Earth Day with us!

Experience gardening and composting education, yoga, dance empowerment, eco-friendly shopping, university environmental program projects, educational panels, a kids area, delicious plant-based food vendors and other initiatives created to empower you to change your life and inspire those around you to do the same.

Earth Love Fest will be raising money for Aguacate Sanctuary of Love Farm and Animal Rescues. We are collaborating with County Commissioners and local groups to encourage businesses to promote reusable food ware and increase plant-based food options.

Speaker Stage Schedule

12:00: DJ Sunny, event host

12:15: Opening Ceremony to the 7th Directions, Steph and Jeanne

12:30: Opening Prayer Emilia Garth

12:30 Francisco Torres, Compostable

1:00 music from Marquise Fair

1:30 Tony Jones of Lumio, speaking on solar panels, clean energy.

2:00 music from Amaru Mora

2:30 Nicole Gazo speaking on Climate Change

3:00 music from Free Bison

3:30 Ocean Conservationist, Adam Roberti

4:00 Yoga, Breath, Meditation with Nikki

4:45 music from Emilia Garth

5:15 Kirtan by Kishor Rico

6:00 music from Kaylan Arnold

6:45 Activated Dance by Natalia

7:00 Drums with Fire Dance Performance by Ecstatic Flow

7:30 Afrobeta

 

Wellness Schedule by Womb Temple

12pm Opening Ceremony to the 7 directions w/ StephJourney & Jeanne (main stage)

1:11pm Goddess Gather

1:30pm Oils & Grounding into Earth Womb Meditation

2pm Sacred Skincare – Ancient Gua Sha Detox Ritual w/ Karina $22

3pm Feminine Blueprints: Following the Vital Forces with Jeanne & StephJourney $11

4pm Waves of the Womb: Yoni Steam StephJourney $11

5pm Clearing Innerspace: Energy Healing with Stephanie

6pm-6:40 Medicine + Song Circle & 528 DNA Repair Guided by Niki and StephJourney $11

Hollywood Florida Earth Day The Miami Mami

Hollywood’s Sustainability Advisory Committee will celebrate Earth and Arbor Days on Friday, April 22nd at ArtsPark at Young Circle in downtown Hollywood from 5:00 p.m. to – 7:00 p.m. before the weekly Friday Night Movie at 8:00 p.m. The theme of the celebration this year is sea turtles. Bring the family for fun educational activities and giveaways that will help you help these endangered marine animals. 

  • Exhibitors with activities
  • Giveaways
  • The Lorax (PG) is the Friday Night Special Feature at 8:00 p.m.
  • The event is free and open to the public

As a reminder, City parks are plastic and foam free. Single-use items, like plastic water bottles and utensils, are prohibited at the park. For more event information, please call Elaine at 954.967.4526.

Plantation Earth Day The Miami Mami

Come celebrate Mother Earth at the City of Plantation’s Inaugural Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 23rd from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Volunteer Park, located at 12050 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, FL 33323.

 

The celebration will be a fun yet educational day where attendees will be exposed to the environmental work taking place in their local area! There will be vendors present as well as a tree giveaway sponsored by DHL.

 

The fun doesn’t stop there – this family-friendly event will also feature a DJ, live shows, a Kids’ Activity Area with hands-on activities, vendors, inflatables, a rock-climbing wall and our weekly Farmer’s Market.

 

The event is FREE and all members of the community are invited to attend.

Zoo Miami Earth Day The Miami Mami
CALLING ALL SUPER KIDDOS, HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A PLANET HERO!

Join us for Party for the Planet* at Zoo Miami this April 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a mobile in-park scavenger hunt to save our planet from environmental threats. Visitors who complete the scavenger hunt can redeem their special Zoo Miami-themed prize. Make sure to visit our sponsor booths to learn about the different ways you can help the environment.

Guests can come in FREE of charge when they turn in a cellphone** as part of our ECO-CELL phone recycling program. These donated cell phones will help gorillas by hopefully reducing the need for coltan – a mineral extracted in the deep forests of Congo in Central Africa, home to the world’s endangered lowland gorillas. Fueled by the worldwide cell phone boom, Congo’s out-of-control coltan mining business has in recent years led to a dramatic reduction of animal habitat and the rampant slaughter of great apes for the illegal bush-meat trade.

* Included with Zoo admission.
** *Limited to one free admission per cellphone and one cellphone per person. Admission ticket must be used on the date the discount is given. Not valid for groups or with any other discounts.

Upcoming Events