FEBRUARY AND VALENTINE’S HAPPENINGS
February is finally here, and it brought lots of pink hearts, paper valentines, and even some family friendly events. While you are busy planning your date night for Valentine’s Day, check out some of the fun and exciting festivals and fairs going on as well as some places to spend your Valentine’s Day with your special someone.
Family Fun Events
Florida State Fair
Get ready for the rides, the live entertainment and all things fried at this popular annual event at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. This year features new free exhibits and free concerts from The Charlie Daniels Band, the Fifth Dimension and Beatlemania Live. The fair starts on February 5 and runs through the 16, with different live shows and entertainment every day. You can also experience Cracker Country at the Florida State Fair, which is great for teaching younger kids about how the world was before modern technology.
The Wizard of Oz at the Glazer Children’s Museum
Follow the yellow brick road to the Glazer Children’s Museum on February 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the special opening of the Wizard of Oz exhibit. See the new traveling exhibit that celebrates the film and literary classic. Members can enjoy a sneak preview 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6. There will be festivities and fun, in addition to all of the fun exhibits already at the museum. The Wizard of Oz will be at the Glazer through March.
Bay Area Renaissance Festival
From February 14 through March 29, travel back in time to a charming 16th century village and experience the food, music and fun at this festival held just outside Tampa’s MOSI. See live armored jousting and watch entertainment on 12 stages. Admission at the gate is $19.95 adults and $11.95 children ages 5-12, and parking is free.
Florida Strawberry Festival
Get ready for this annual Plant City tradition of fun rides, shows and tasty strawberry themed recipes. Check out the neighborhood village and bring the little ones over to Kiddie Corral. There will also be concerts and tons of live entertainment. The festival is taking place at the Strawberry Festival grounds in Plant City from February 26 through March 8.
Masters of Illusion at the Mahaffey
Witness magic in person at this exciting evening of comedy, magic and sleight of hand live at The Mahaffey Theater on February 20. Join in as the magicians include the audience in the fun, and some individuals will be get handpicked to assist. Tickets are $22- $52. This is fun for the whole family and will dazzle your kids.
Valentine’s Day Activities
Little Sweethearts Dance
Daddy’s, bring your daughters to this unforgettable evening on February 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the Glazer Museum. Dance the night away with your little sweetheart at this annual Valentine’s Day dance. Learn family friendly dance moves and enjoy light refreshments.Tickets are only $15 members and $20 general admission, and everyone is welcome to join.
Wild at Heart
Spend a unique date night taking a lighthearted look at love in the animal kingdom at this event for those 21 and older at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. This event is taking place from 6:30 – 10 p.m. on February 13 and 14. Guests enjoy dinner, open bar and a tour and learn about the pairing, partnering and mating habits of the animal residents. Reservations are required and can be made online.
Totally 80’s Classic Movie Series
Relive the 1980s as some of the decade’s signature films return to the bigscreen as part of Tampa Theatre’s latest classic film series. This month, catch Blade Runner (Feb. 1), Airplane (Feb. 8), Top Gun (Feb. 15) and The Breakfast Club (Feb. 22). Tickets are only $10 adults and $8 members. This is a great way to make any weekend a Valentine’s date weekend!
For more fun things to do, visit TBParenting.com/Calendar.