Some of my favorite family events are happening this weekend – Broward County’s Water Matters Day and Hollywood’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade – and they are just the tip of the iceberg.
Fort Lauderdale and Coral Gables also have St. Patrick’s Day events, plus Calle Ocho in Miami, free community events in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton, and much more.
The following are our top picks for family fun in South Florida this weekend:
Snap a selfie with the Budweiser Clydesdales, Friday, noon. If you’re a fan of the massive Clydesdale horses featured in the Budweiser commercials, the team will be lined up for photo opportunities with the public at 1921 Hollywood Blvd., along with Hollywood officials and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade grand marshal, on Friday to prepare for the city’s massive Sunday event. stpatricksparade.com
Screen on the Green, Friday, 6-10 p.m. On the second Friday of the month, West Palm Beach turns the Great Lawn into an open-air, free theater experience with kids activities at 6 p.m. and the movie “Cars 3” at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair for seating at 100 Clematis St., downtown West Palm Beach. wpb.org/events
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Friday, 7 p.m. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers fuse three Scottish bagpipes with a rock band in a “Bagrock” sound, playing both traditional Scottish classics and rock anthems such as Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” and other hits by bands like Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Robbie Williams and AC/DC. Tickets start at $33. The Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive. thecentercs.com
Movie at the Beach, Friday, 7 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets for “Wonder Woman” at Lantana Municipal Beach, 100 North Ocean Blvd. lantana.org/enjoy-lantana-events
Planetarium Nights, Friday, 7:30 p.m. A fun demonstration and journey with the stars in an inflatable planetarium. The telescope will be out for at least one hour after the scheduled start time (weather permitting). Children’s Science Explorium, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. scienceexplorium.org
Spring training baseball games, Friday through Sunday. Catch major league baseball in pre-season action with games at Roger Dean Stadium (rogerdeanchevroletstadium.com) in Jupiter and the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches (fitteamballpark.com/spring-training). At Roger Dean Stadium, 4751 Main St. in Jupiter, the Marlins play the Red Sox on Friday, the Cardinals on Saturday and the Yankees on Sunday. At the Ballpark at 5444 Haverhill Road in West Palm Beach, the Astros play the Cardinals on Friday and the Nationals on Saturday, and the Nationals play the Cardinals on Sunday. Tri-Rail gives a no-driving option to the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches with $5 all-day fares (ages 5 and up) on Saturdays and Sundays, which includes a direct shuttle ride from the Tri-Rail station to the stadium.
Orchid Festival, Friday to Sunday. More than 10,000 orchid plants will be on display. At “OrKids,” children work with crafts, play science-themed games, participate in planting activities and more. $25; ages 6-17, $12. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables. fairchildgarden.org
Our Town America Festival, Friday to Sunday. Entertainment, food, amusements, crafts, merchants, a classic car show, games and Our Town’s Got Talent talent show at the Sportsplex, 2575 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs. ourtownamerica.org
Water Matters Day, Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Broward County’s largest environmental awareness event is at Tree Tops Park, 3900 SW 100th Ave. in Davie. Learn about conservation from more than 50 groups with games, bands, contests, kid-friendly activities, face painting, food trucks and a tree giveaway. Free. broward.org/WaterMatters/Pages/ProgramsWMD.aspx
Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. A Shamrock Run begins at 7 a.m. at Huizenga Plaza (Las Olas and Andrews Avenue) followed by the “Lucky Little Leprechaun Dashes” for kids and festival. The parade at noon — complete with the Budweiser Clydesdales, floats and bands — travels west along Las Olas Boulevard from Southeast Fifth Avenue through downtown Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live bands, Irish dancers, interactive entertainment, cultural attractions and an expanded Kids Zone featuring rides, bounce houses, slides, pony rides, a trackless train, face painting and a petting zoo at 305 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. stpatsftl.com
YAA Festival Of The Arts, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Children ages 5-18 display and sell their original artwork, and compete for prizes, with paintings, drawings, sculpture, accessories, jewelry and more at a free festival outside of the Young at Art Museum, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie. Hands-on artist workshops will take place inside the museum, which will offer discounted admission of $5 during the event. youngatartmuseum.org
Community Fitness Day, Saturday, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will have over 25 fitness, health and wellness vendors and activities. The Community Caring Center Hunger Walk begins at 10 a.m. Bring your bike to participate in a ride led by Boynton Beach Police Department. Ocean Avenue Amphitheatre, 129 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. boynton-beach.org
Play Everywhere Tour, Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Families and kids will learn about the benefits of play through games and challenges. Enjoy games, music, food trucks and family fun. Shenandoah Park, 1800 SW 21st Ave., Miami. miamigov.com/parks
Community Dance Class With Dance Theatre Of Harlem, Saturday, 10:30 a.m.Dance enthusiasts of any dance level are welcome to be a part of a special community dance class that will be led by a member of the world-renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem. The class for ages 10 and up will explore movement for every body that incorporates the basic techniques used by the company. $5. South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center Plaza, 10950 SW 211 St. in Cutler Bay. smdcac.org
Boca Chamber Community Cookout, Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fun games for all ages, bounce houses, slides, DJ and more. Admission is free. Meal tickets $5 for a burger or hotdog, cold salad, chips and a beverage. Meals free for kids under 10. RSVP online at bocaratonflcoc.wliinc17.com. YMCA of South Palm Beach County, 6631 Palmetto Circle South, Boca Raton. ymcaspbc.org
Me and My Dad Challenge, Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fathers are challenges to step up for their children during a free event at Joseph C. Cater Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. First 200 participants get a free T-shirt. Bring swim gear and learn “Water Smart” techniques to keep your child from drowning, plus games, prizes, refreshments, music and special guests. Register at hmhbbroward.org/upcoming-events/
Arts And Crafts Festival In The Pines, Saturday and Sunday. Live music, a hands-on children’s art area, art demonstrations and art and jewelry for purchase. Pembroke Pines City Center, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines. fl-pembrokepines.civicplus.com/1240/ArtFest-in-the-Pines
Day Out With Thomas: Friendship Tour, Saturday and Sunday. Take a ride with a talking Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, visit the Imagination Station, plus crafts, storytelling, activities and live music. $16-$20. Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 12450 SW 152nd St., Miami. gcrm.org/day-out-with-thomas
Miami Springs Festival Of The Arts, Saturday and Sunday. Art, kid’s zone, culinary corner and more, with work from 13 categories; oil, acrylic, sculptures, photography, and more. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 201 Westward Ave. (Westward Drive from City Hall to Curtis Parkway). miamieventsandfestivals.com
Hope Floats, Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Enjoy free family fun at Esplanade Park on the Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale and a giant paper boat parade at 4 p.m. on the New River to honor the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting victims. Enjoy food trucks, face painting, bounce houses, games, music and miniature horse to benefit Tomorrow’s Rainbow. tomorrowsrainbow.org/id43.html
One Tamarac Multicultural Festival, Saturday, 3-9 p.m. Performances by Latin Grammy Award winner Ed Calle, the Sunshine State Junkanoo Band, T-Wave, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Ashanti Cultural Arts and others. Also enjoy a cultural village, food trucks, a kids zone with rides and crafts, and a fireworks display at the Tamarac Sports Complex, 9901 NW 77th St. Free. tamarac.org
St. Patrick’s Day Irish Festival, Saturday, 12-6 p.m. Traditional and contemporary Irish music, crafts, food, clowns, face painting, giant slide and rock-wall climbing. Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park, 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. emeraldsocietysfl.com
Homestead Carnival Parade & Flavors Of The Caribbean Festival, Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Bring the whole family and enjoy the parade led by Junkaroo Band, delicious food, authentic New Orleans Zydeco music, entertainment and other activities. Parade begins at 5 p.m. Free. Losner Park, 104 N. Krome Ave., Homestead. homesteadmainst.org
American Girl Bunny Brunch, Sunday, 9-10:30 a.m. Hop in and celebrate spring’s arrival by sharing a sunny brunch with your girl and meeting the Easter Bunny. Bring your own camera. $25 per person (gratuity not included), RSVP required, for ages 3 and up. American Girl at The Falls, 8888 SW 136 St. #395A, Miami. americangirl.com
Caring Bunny, Sunday, 9-11 a.m. The Caring Bunny event gives families with children with special needs a subdued environment to participate in the Bunny Photo Experience. Coral Square, 9469 W. Atlantic Blvd., Coral Springs. eventbrite.com/e/caring-bunny-tickets-42725872234?aff=es2
Calle Ocho, Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Celebrate Hispanic cultures with music, street performers, food kiosks, sample products and more along Southwest Eighth Street in Miami. carnavalmiami.com
Hollywood St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, Sunday, 12-6 p.m. Music, entertainment, food and drink specials and the “Magic of the Emerald Isle” children’s activity area start at noon along Hollywood Boulevard west of Young Circle. At 1 p.m., the parade will travel east on Hollywood Boulevard from the railroad tracks at 21st Avenue to Young Circle, returning on Harrison Street. The parade features the Budweiser Clydesdales, festive floats, marching bands, bagpipe and drum corps and radio personality Footy as emcee. stpatricksparade.com
Storybook Village, Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Enjoy 20 booths plus special guest readers, face painting, adopt a book (free) and more. The first 500 to register on site receive gift bags.CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. cityplace.com
Family Fun Fest, Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Hands-on activity stations for families to complete together. Participants can earn a special button to remember their day. Biscayne National Park – Dante Fascell Visitor Center, 9700 SW 328th St, Homestead. nps.gov/bisc/learn/kidsyouth/familyfunfest.htm
Source: www.sun-sentinel.com
