ongoing events
Thanksgiving Jumps
Tuesday November 24
thru Friday November 27
Thanksgiving Jump Times at Pump It Up
All jumps are for ages 12 and under
$8/child
Tuesday November 24, 4pm to 7pm - Pilgrim Play
Wednesday November 25, 3:15pm to 7:15pm -
Extended Family Jump Time
Friday November 27, 12:15pm to 3:15pm - Unstuff Me!
Pump It Up / 904-646-1441 / 11840 Beach Boulevard, Suite 10 / www.pumpitupparty.com
St. Johns County Festival of Trees
Friday December 4
thru Sunday December 13
Festive display of trees and wreaths at the annual St. Johns County Festival of Trees, beginning with the event's grand opening at 6pm on Friday, December 4. This annual holiday display features entries decorated by businesses, organizations, families and friends from the local community, all to benefit two local charities - The St. Augustine Record's Empty Stocking Fund and The United Way of St. Johns County. Decorated entries are part of a silent auction throughout the run of the event and visitors also can vote on their favorite trees. The event will be open daily from 9am to 9pm and from 9am to 3pm on the final day, Sunday, December 13. Admission: Free - votes for best tree are $1 each.
World Golf Village / 904-940-4059 / St. Johns County Convention Center, 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine / www.wgv.com
Fiddler on the Roof
Thursday December 3
thru Sunday December 13
Live performance of Fiddler on the Roof at the Times Union Center Terry Theatre. Ticket prices range from $29.90 to $49.90. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the Times Union or Veteran's Memorial Arena box offices.
Showtimes:
Thursday December 3, 8pm
Friday December 4, 8pm
Saturday December 5, 2pm and 8pm
Sunday December 6, 2pm
Tuesday December 8, 8pm
Wednesday December 9, 8pm
Thursday December 10, 8pm
Friday December 11, 8pm
Saturday December 12, 2pm
Times Union Center / 904-633-6110 / 300 West Water Street / Click Here for Tickets
Painting Basics with Allison Watson
November 18
thru December 16
This class introduces painting to beginning students and strengthens the skills of intermediate painters. Each student will have individual attention, work at their own level and produce one or more original paintings. Learn about landscape and still life composition, and techniques in acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and color theory. For ages 13 to adult. Wednesdays, November 18 through December 16, 1:30pm to 5pm. Members $168, Non-members $188.
Cummer Museum / 904-355-0630 / 829 Riverside Avenue / www.cummer.org
Car Seat Safety Inspections
Safe Kids Northeast Florida/Wolfson Children's Hospital in partnership with the Florida Highway Patrol is conducting free Safe Kids Buckle Up car seat checks at Babies R' Us. All checks are from 10am to 12:30pm.
The locations, dates and times are:
Argyle Babies R' Us, 6001 Argyle Forest Blvd
Friday November 20
Friday December 18
St. Johns Town Center Babies R' Us, 4875 Town Center Parkway
Friday October 23
Friday November 13
Friday December 11
Safe Kids / 904-202-4302 / www.wolfsonchildrens.org
Children's Story Time
Thru December 19
Each week a guest reader will bring a beloved children's story to life. Readers include: local author Lois Simon with Mac the Happy Apple; WJCT President and CEO Michael Boylan, local author and Duval County public school teacher Vincent Taylor with Cornbread; a Jacksonville Jaguar; and Santa Claus. Craft time will follow each reading. Free.
December 5, at 2pm - Lois Simon, Local Author
December 8, at 3:30pm - Michael Boylan, President and CEO WJCT
December 12, at 2pm - Vincent Taylor, Local Author and DCPS Teacher
December 15, at 3:30pm - Josh Scobee and Atiyyah Ellison of the Jacksonville Jaguars
December 18, at 3:30pm - Local News Anchor
December 19, at 2pm - Santa Claus
Main Branch / 904-630-2417 / 303 North Laura Street / jpl.coj.net
Songwriters' Concert
Thru December 20
Local singers, songwriters and musicians will perform inside the theatre. Doors open at 5:45pm. Free admission.
Sept 13
Oct 4
Nov 15
Dec 20
Adele Grage Theatre / 716 Ocean Boulevard, at 7th Street / www.coab.us
Disney Salutes the Military
Thru December 23
Active and retired military members, as well as activated reservists, are eligible to receieve one FREE 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions.
During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel may also make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five 5-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option.
Great rates are also available at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for active or retired U.S. military personnel during this offer period.
Complimentary "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort can be obtained only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort), or at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Dec. 23, 2009.
Gingerbread House Extravaganza
November 28
thru December 23
See these beautiful, gigantic creative Gingerbread Houses and the popular model railroad train "The Gingerbread Express". Children can participate in the scavenger hunt and find items throughout the display. The gingerbread houses were built by by architects, engineers, home builders, bakers and local professionals. On display at the Jacksonville Historical Society, and open Wednesdays thru Saturdays. Admission is a donation of $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-16 and free for kids 2 and under.
Exhibit hours: November 28 - December 23,
Wednesday - Saturday from 11am – 5pm
Jacksonville Historical Society / 904 391-3425 / 317 A Philip Randolph Boulevard / www.rotarycharity.org
Photos With Santa
Sunday November 8
thru Thursday December 24
Santa will be in the JCPenney Court for photos and to listen to Christmas Wish Lists. Open during Mall Hours. Photo packages are available to purchase.
Orange Park Mall / 904-269-2422 / 1910 Wells Road / www.simon.com
Christmas Carole
December 2 thru December 24
The Alhambra Dinner Theatre presents the holiday classic "Christmas Carole". This is the last year the theatre will be performing this annual classic. Call the theatre for ticket prices and showtimes.
Alhambra Dinner Theatre / 904-641-1212 / 12000 Beach Boulevard / www.alhambradinnertheatre.com
Gingerbread Village
Thru December 25
Not just one gingerbread house but an entire village! The Westin comes alive with holiday cheer as local chefs compete for bragging rights of the Best Gingerbread Creation. Free.
The Westin Savannah / 912-201-2201 / 1 Resort Drive, Savannah / www.westinsavannah.com
It's a Wonderful Life
Tuesday December 1
thru Tuesday December 29
The Limelight Theatre presents the holiday classic, It's a Wonderful Life. Show will be performed every Tuesday Evening at 7:30pm on the Koger-Gamache Studio Stage at Limelight Theatre. Tickets are $20.
Limelight Theatre / 904-825-1164 / 11 Old Mission Avenue, St Augustine / www.limelight-theatre.org
Publix Aprons Cooking Classes
December
Gingerbread Houses - This class allows you and your children (up to three kids) to decorate your own gingerbread house. One adult is required for each family group; children should be at least 4 years old. $50 for family up to 4 participants
Saturday December 5, 10am
Sunday December 6, 10am and 2pm
Saturday December 12, 10am
Sunday December 20, 10am and 2pm
Monday December 21, 6pm
Edible Ornaments - Kids can make a variety of ornaments to decorate your house with or eat this holiday season. Menu - Heavenly Edible Angels; Candy Reindeer; Bart the Polar Bear; Gingerbread People. $30.
Monday December 21, 6pm
Tuesdasy December 22, 6pm
Wednesday December 23, 6pm
Publix Aprons Cooking Classes / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Boulevard / www.publix.com
Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex
11am to 1pm
Skate at Jacksonville's only ice skating facility. Monday thru Friday $8.50 admission and $3.00 skate rental everyone who pays for a skate rental will receive a coupon for a free skate rental for a future visit.
Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex / 904-399-1872 / 3605 Philips Hwy / www.jaxiceandsportsplex.com
Holiday Window Displays 2009
November 23-January 2
Downtown storefront windows will come alive with festively-decorated holiday scenes created by local artists, designers and businesses.
This year, the 2009 windows will be unveiled on Monday, November 23 at 5:30pm. Join Mayor John Peyton at the steps of City Hall St. James for a walking tour of window locations. Click Here for a Printable Map of Locations
Downtown Jacksonville / www.coj.net
ICE! at Gaylord Palms
Thru January 3
A family experience, featuring 2 million pounds of ice, carved to form a 4.5 acre winter wonderland, featuring a candy cane house, igloo, ice slide, 54 foot Christmas tree and more. Opens daily at 10am. Purchase tickets online for a discounted rate. Ticket prices range, depending on the day of the week, from $18.99 - $23.99 for adults. Tickets are $9.99 for kids, ages 4-12.
Gaylord Palms Resort / 407-586-2000 / 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee / www.gaylordhotels.com
Holiday Planetarium Programs
November 27 thru January 4
A Planetarium staff member will take guests on an exploration of nature's holiday lights to see which constellations are visible in the current Northeast Florida sky in "Holiday Skies" (2pm daily). "Santa Snork Saves the Seasons" (11am Saturday) is a playful program featuring PI (planetary investigator) Snork. Join him as he seeks answers to questions like why Earth has seasons. And, the 21st annual showing of "Star of Wonder" (3pm Saturday and Sunday) will explore the mystery of the Star of Bethlehem by retracing the steps of the Magi along their 600-mile journey.
MOSH / 904-396-7062 / 1025 Museum Circle / www.themosh.org
Winter Wonderland
November 21
thru January 4
Winter Wonderland is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 6pm to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 11pm. The ice skating rink is only $10 (skate rental is $2). Sleigh rides take place from 6-10 p.m. (adults $10, $5 for children). Ice Slide is $5. This winter extravaganza includes a 100 foot Ice Slide, Winter games, Theatre, Elf Village, lighted nature trails, Santa, s'mores on an open fire and much more.
Winter Wonderland Hours and Days:
Normal Operating Hours: Monday thru Friday Nightly from 6pm � 10pm
Saturdays and Sundays 11:30am-3:30pm
Thanksgiving Day � CLOSED
Christmas Day � Open from 6pm-10pm
St. Augustine Amphitheatre / 904-471-1965 / 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine / www.winterwonderlandflorida.com
Nightly Light Shows
The artificial tree features 78,000 LED lights and is programmed to display a 10 minute Light Show at top of every hour. The nightly Light Shows will continue throughout the holiday season. There will be four nightly shows Sunday through Thursday at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. Friday and Saturday shows will run every hour, on the hour from 6pm through 12midnight.
Jacksonville Landing / 904-612-8491 / 2 Independant Drive / www.jacksonvillelanding.com
2009 Festival of Trees
November 21
thru January 6
The Junior League of Jacksonville hosts the 2009 Festival of Trees in partnership with the Jacksonville Public Library. This year's Festival will feature a wide variety of events scheduled to take place from November 21, thru January 6, at the Main Library. More than 30 decorated trees reflecting literary works of art will be displayed. Free.
Main Branch / 904-630-2417 / 303 North Laura Street / jpl.coj.net
16th Annual Nights of Lights Celebration
Saturday November 21
thru Sunday January 31
Millions of tiny white lights will glow along the ancient streets and historic buildings of the Nation's oldest city during the 16th Annual Nights of Lights celebration. Lights will be on nightly. Free.
Downtown St. Augustine / 800-653-2489 / www.NightsofLights.com
Holly Jolly Christmas Trolly Tours
Sunday November 22
thru Sunday January 31
Explore St. Augustine's 16th Annual Nights of Lights during the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolly Tours. Guests will also enjoy Caroling, hot apple cider, homemade cookies, and custom viewing glasses to enhance the twinkle of the lights. Tours depart from Visitors Information Center, between 6pm and 8pm. Admission: $7 adults, $4 children.
Visitor's Infomation Center / 904-829-3800 / Castillo Drive, St. Augustine / www.trolleytours.com
Fall and Winter Concert Series
Thru February
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens announces The Cummer Concert Series fall and winter schedule. The Concert Series, which runs from October 2009 to February 2010, will showcase a variety of artists throughout the series of four concerts. TreeCup Sunday Brunch prior to each concert, 12noon to 2:30pm. Fixed price menu $24.95 per person, plus tax. For brunch reservations, call 904-899-6038. Concerts start at 3pm, and are included in the museum admission price.
Sunday, November 8 - David Finckel and Wu Han, Cello and Piano
Sunday, January 10 - John Nakamatsu, Piano
Sunday, February 28 - Zagreb String Quartet
Cummer Museum / 904-355-0630 / 829 Riverside Avenue / www.cummer.org
Nemours BrightStart Parenting Workshops
Nemours BrightStart! has partnered again with the Early Learning Coalition, Episcopal Children's Services, and United Way of Northeast Florida to provide the Parent as Child's First Teacher Initiative grant. For 2009-2010, Nemours BrightStart!'s free monthly parenting workshops will be hosted at various sites throughout Jacksonville. The workshops are geared towards parents and caregivers of children ages birth - 5 years, but all are welcome to attend. All workshops are held from 6pm to 7:30pm. Dates and locations listed below. Seating is limited. To RSVP, call Blair Blackard at 904-697-3156 or e-mail bblackar@nemours.org. You may also register online at www.nemours.org. Workshops are for parents only: children will not be allowed to attend the workshops. Please help support the adult learning environment by making other arrangements for your children. Child care is NOT provided.
October 13 - Grandparents as Parents -
First New Zion Christian Academy, 4819 Soutel Drive
November 10 - Helping Your Child Become a
Writer - Joshua Christian Academy, 924 St. Clair Street
December 8 - Positive Parenting and Discipline -
River City Church, 426 South McDuff Street
January 12 - Strategies for Managing
Your Child's Behavior - Community Connections, 325 East Duval Street
February 9 - Nurturing Child Development
Through Play - Holy Rosary Catholic School,
4920 Brentwood Avenue
March 9 - Child Growth and Development – Caring For Your
Infant and Toddler - St. Stephen Child Care and
Learning Center, 1525 North Davis Street
March 30 - The
Importance of Fathers and
Single Dads – Joys and Challenges - Parkwood Weekday Early
Education Center, 7900 Lone Star Road
April 13 - Creating
Routines and Managing Transitions - NCI Child Development Center, 4736 Avenue B
May 11 - Sibling
Support /Parenting a Child
with Special Needs - Jacksonville Children's Commission, 1095 A. Philip Randolph Boulevard
June 8 - Get Ready
for Summer – Health,
Safety and Nutrition - Christ the King Church Child Care, 720 Arlington Road
Nemours BrightStart / 904-697-3118 / www.nemours.org
Ranger Interpretative
Ongoing
There is always a Park Ranger on duty at the fort and often times, some volunteers as well. There is no set time for Ranger Programs but there is constant roving interpretation taking place. The Fort staff are usually offering a first-person interpretation of the Fort life as it was in 1864 by portraying soldiers and workers stationed at Fort Clinch. Fees: Park entrance fee ($5.00 per vehicle ~ limit 8 people per vehicle)
Ft. Clinch State Park / 904-277-7274 / 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach / www.floridastateparks.org
Let's Get it Write! Handwriting Club
Offered Year Round
Ages 4-14. Screening and physician referral is required. Cost of screening is $20, Cost of 8 week session is $185.
Handwriting is a complex task requiring a child to coordinate vision, hearing and fine motor skills to produce legible written work. Small group, multi-sensory classes encourage the acquisition of handwriting skills through the use of arts, crafts and movement activities. Wolfson Children's Rehabilitation's Handwriting Club is led by a licensed pediatric occupational therapist with expertise in the development of growing hands.
Wolfson Children's Rehabilitation / 904-346-0394 / 841 Prudential Drive, Suite 140 / www.wolfsonchildrens.org
Family Game Night
At the HERI Library
7pm to 9pm
Cardboard Games presents family game nights at the HERI Library on select nights. HERI is Home Education Resources and Information, an organization to support families who homeschool their children. These games are educational and addictive. Bring the kids and enjoy some fun games for a couple of hours.
Select nights, call for dates.HERI Library / 904-783-8197 / 400 Cahoon Road South / cardboardgames.net
MOSH Planetarium Programs
Enjoy some new planetarium programs at MOSH, including Bear Tales and Other Grizzly Stories, Tonight Show, The Friendly Stars, and Units of the Universe .
Museum hours:
Monday - Friday, 10am-5pm
Saturday, 10am-6pm
Sunday, 1pm-6pm
MOSH / 904-396-7062 / 1025 Museum Circle / www.themosh.org
Guana River Estuary Kayak Tours
October/November Schedule
Kayak Fishing EcoTour of Guana River
Come and explore the Guana River Aquatic Preserve and the Environmental Educational Center with the whole family! The Friends of the GTM Reserve in partnership with Ripple Effect Ecotours will offer kayak tours designed for ages 6 and up that will surely captivate the nature lovers of all ages. Let a Florida Master Naturalist interpret the abundance of wildlife found at the best kept natural space in North Florida. Tour price is $50 per person and includes admission into the reserve, photos of the tour and access to the Educational Center at the GTM Research Reserve!
Saturday October 24, 9am
Saturday October 31, 7am
Guana River Kayak Tour
Tours are for ages 6 and up; no kayaking experience is required. Cost is $50/person.
Wednesday October 21, 9am
Saturday October 24, 10am
Sunday October 25, 12noon
Tuesday October 27, 9am
Tuesday November 3, 9am
Thursday November 5, 9am
Saturday November 7, 9am
Monday November 9, 10am
For more information, or to reserve your space, call Ripple Effect Eco Tours at 904-347-1565 or visit their website www.rippleeffectecotours.com
Guana Reserve / 904-823-4500 / 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach / www.gtmnerr.org
Faver-Dykes State Park Kayak Tour
Leave from Faver-Dykes State Park on a 3 hour kayaking ecotour through one of the best kept natural estuaries in Florida and be a million miles from nowhere!. Enjoy beautiful views of the Princess Place Preserve while a Florida Master Naturalist interprets local ecology, history, folklore, and proper kayaking technique. $50 per person includes park admission, kayaking equipment, guided tour and photos. For more information or to register for a kayak trip, call Ripple Effect Eco Tours at 904-347-1565 or visit their website.
Ripple Effect Eco Tours / 904-347-1565 / Faver-Dykes State Park, 1000 Faver Dykes Road, St. Augustine / rippleeffectecotours.com
Kayaking Tours at Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park Kayak Tour: explore the coastal estuary from the St. Augustine Lighthouse Park. Salt Run, with it's close proximity to the St. Augustine Inlet, has an abundance of marine life including the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. Blue Heron, White and Glossy Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks and many other birds fly a short distance to Salt Run from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, which has the largest rookery in North Florida. This serene coastal lagoon is sheltered from the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean only by the majestic white quartz sand dunes. On the sunset tours watch the sunset over the historic St. Augustine Lighthouse. Reservations required. Cost is $45 per person.
Ripple Effect Eco Tours / 904-347-1565 / Anastasia State Park, 1340-A A1A South, St. Augustine / rippleeffectecotours.com
Kayaking and Dolphins at Marineland
Marineland and University of Florida's Whitney Lab, have partnered with Ripple Effect Ecotours to offer ecological kayak tours in one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet, the coastal estuary. Circumnavigate Jordon Island with a professional kayak/naturalist guide and enjoy one of the best kept natural systems in all of Florida. Enjoy beautiful panoramas of the Pellicer Creek, the Princess Place Preserve and Faver-Dykes State Park all nestled in 30,000 contiguous acres of "Real" Florida wilderness. Paddling clinic at the beginning of each tour with no experience required for ages 6 and up. $50 per person includes kayak tour with photos and admission into the Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center. Call 904-347-1565 or reserve online. Monthly schedule also available online.
Ripple Effect Eco Tours / 904-347-1565 / Marineland, 9600 Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler County / rippleeffectecotours.com
Great Outdoor Adventure
Mayor Peyton's Book Club features the Great Outdoor Adventure which focuses on conservation and the environment and encourages members and their families to enjoy our local natural treasures. The program features monthly activities, educational programming, books and story times hosted through a partnership with JaxParks and the Jacksonville Public Library. Click here for a list of monthly Great Outdoor Adventure events held at your local park.
Click here to check out the Jacksonville Public Library's suggested reading list for all Great Outdoor Adventure themes.
Rally Jacksonville / Mayor Peyton's Book Club / 904-630-4754 / www.coj.net
Area Farmers Markets
These farmers markets are located throughout our community. Most include fresh produce, baked goods, craft items, art, and activities for the kids. Admission is free. Some are seasonal; check each website before attending.
St. Johns Town Center Farmers Market - Every Friday from 3pm to 8pm. In the parking lot near Dillard's and Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse.
www.sjtcfarmersmarket.com
Mandarin Farmers Market - Every Sunday from 2pm to 6pm. Located in the parking lot of Whole Foods Market.
www.mandarinfarmersmarket.com
Orange Park Farmers Market - Every Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Located in the Orange Park Mall Parking lot, near Sears.
www.orangeparkfarmersmarket.com
Nocatee Farmers Market - Third Saturday of the month, from 10am to 2pm. Located at the Nocatee Community Park.
www.nocatee.com
Beaches Green Market - Every Saturday From 2pm to 5pm. Located in Jarboe Park, Neptune Beach.
beacheslocalfoodnetwork.web
Riverside Arts Market - Every Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Located under the Fuller Warren Bridge.
www.riversideartsmarket.com
Old City Farmers Market - Every Saturday from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Located at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.
www.staugustinefm.com
Wednesday Market - Every Wednesday from 7:30am to 12:30pm. Located at the St. Augustine Pavilion.
www.staugbchcivicassoc.com
Go-Kart Racing
Kid race go karts on a lighted asphalt Go-Kart track with bleachers, grills, restrooms, and parking at the 103rd Street Sports Complex. Races year round, usually the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.
103rd Street Sports Complex / 904-241-1170 / 10244 103rd Street / www.nfkc.us
Chick-fil-A Birthday Club
Chick-fil-A at the Avenues has a "Birthday Club". Children 12 and under may sign up by emailing their Name, Birthday (mm/dd/yyyy), Complete Mailing Address, Email address, and Primary Phone number to cfa.amandaburger@gmail.com
Chick-fil-A at the Avenues will maintain a list names of all children with a birthday that month. Mention that you are part of the Birthday Club and you will receive one Kid's Meal at no charge .