Author: Kristina

Tropical Park
-Tropical Park is perfect for those of us who don’t have trucks or SUV’s to bring our bikes. They rent all kinds from low rider bikes to 4 person bikes! With the new addition of the dog park you can bring your whole family and enjoy a nice day outside. The bike rentals are only on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 6:00pm so make sure you get there early. I suggest using the entrance on Miller Drive (located right by the 874 -Don Shula Expressway).

7900 SW 40th Street, Miami FL 33155

www.miamidade.gov/Parks

The park features:
- Covered playground
- Bicycle rentals:Prices from $5 – $20 per hour , cash only
- Basketball courts
- Tennis courts
- Equestrian Center
- Canoe & paddle boat rentals
- Fishing
- Dog park
Tropical Park: Dog Park

The dog park features:
- Equipment for dogs to play with and perform stunts
- Shaded structures
- 2 fenced in areas designated for small dogs and another for large dogs
- Bag dispensers and waste baskets, so owners can pick up after their dogs
September 22, 2009
Time to Eat!
-Many parents have a hard time when it comes to mealtime. Either your child is a picky eater, with only about 10 things they will eat or you can’t seem to keep them at the table. Nutrition is the most important factor in a young child’s life and as parents we have to understand that we are in control of what type of foods we allow in our home. Here are a couple of my tips for making mealtime a little less stressful.
- Do your grocery shopping without the kids (Yes, I know this can be extremely difficult to do)
- Create your weekly dinner menu and have the kids help put it together (Use construction paper, magazine clippings, crayons and glue to create your weekly menu. A chalk board is another option and is easy to change every week)
- Use plates which have bright colors and cool patterns
- Have your children set the table (Using plastic, paper or melamine ensures your dishes won’t break if there is an accidental drop while setting the table)
- Do no let them fill up on juice and other snacks before you serve dinner
- Use fun place mats to keep them entertained while dinner is being made
Kids nutrition articles I love:

Kids Health : Family Meals

Kids Health : Kids and Food – 10 tips for parents

Center for Disease Control : BAM – Body and Mind for kids

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September 19, 2009
Matheson Hammock Park
– Have you ever wanted to take the kids to the beach but don’t want to deal with the far drive, lack of parking and rough waves? If so, you should try Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables. The water is shallow and isn’t choppy, which makes it perfect for young children.

9610 Old Cutler Rd, Miami FL 33156

www.miamidade.gov/parks

The park features:
- Beach
- Picnic pavilions
- Nature trails
- Full service marina
- Restaurant – Red Fish Grill
- Entrance fee: $5 per car – cash only
September 18, 2009
Vampire Craze

– I have a feeling that this Halloween we are going to have many “vampires” knocking at our doors. The vampire craze has become so big with shows like True Blood and Twilight. If you are planning on having a vampire themed Halloween party make sure to get TruBlood beverage. Other drinks which can be included are Kool-Aid, V-8 V-Fusion or Sangria’s for the adults. Have fun with it and create your own vampire character out of clothes you already have in your closet. All you need are the fangs!

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September 13, 2009