Home Depot Kids Workshop

ESPN College Gameday Board

Ages:  geared toward 5 to 12 

Date:  September 3

Time:  9:00 am - 12:00 

Where:  Home Depot

Cost:  Free

Contact: Home Depot  (843)661-2597

Geocaching 101

On Saturday, September 3, the Environmental Discovery Center (EDC) will host a Geocaching 101 presentation. Geocaching is a treasure hunting game using a GPS unit to hide containers, called caches, for other participants to find and can be done all over the world.

The EDC will host an information session for both beginning and experienced geocachers on Saturday, September 3 at 10:00am, which will introduce participants to GPS units (and Smartphones) and how to use them; various types of cache containers and how to find them; geocaching etiquette; and, much more.

During this event, we will also reveal a very exciting, new County Parks Geocache Challenge event!

Bring your GPS or Smartphone and learn all the basics of getting started with your own geocaching adventures! After the program ends, feel free to practice your geocaching skills by looking for any of the 21 caches within Lynches River County Park.

Registration is required — please call the EDC at (843) 389-0550 to reserve your spot.

Ages:  All

Date:  September 3

Time:  10:00 am

Where:  Lynches River Environmental Discovery Center

Cost:  Free (Registration required)

Contact: Environmental Discovery Center, Office: (843) 389-0550, www.lynchesriverpark.com

Free Breakfast entree at Chick-Fil-A

From September 6-10, 2011 Chick-Fil-A is giving away FREE breakfast entrees. You have to register ahead of time online, beginning tomorrow, August 29th, 2011.

Florence kids this week - 8/28/11

Click here to see what is going on in Florence this week for the kids.

Acting classes

IMPACT Christian Children's Theatre is registering students in grades 1-8 for after school acting classes. Classes meet at Lamb's Chapel Community Life Center, 3514 Southborough Road and begin on Monday, Aug. 29 or Thursday, Sept.1 They end with a final musical theatre production in March.

IMPACT is a non-denominational organization open to students of all faiths. It strives to develop performance skills while promoting Judeo-Christian values.

Sessions one and two meet once a week, either Monday or Thursday for one hour, from 4:45-5:45 p.m.. (grade 4-6) and from 5:45-6:45 p.m., (grade 7-8).These classes will include lessons in acting, singing, movement and auditioning. From January-March students meet 4:45-6:45 both Monday and Thursdays.

IMPACT Jr, a 12-week program for students grade 1-3, will meet once a week from 4-4:45 p.m. ending in a performance on Nov. 21.

Instructors include Rachel Crosby, Kathleen Curl, Cheri Jordan, Becky Manning and Marti Sprawls with Christine Petrush as coordinator.
Registration continues thru the first week of September. Students may apply for need-based scholarships.

Ages: grades 1 to 8
Date: August 29

Time: 4:00 - 4:45pm (grades 1-3), 4:45 - 5:45pm (grades 4-6), 5:45 - 6:45 pm (grade 7 & 8) 

Where:  Lamb's Chapel Community Life Center, 3514 Southborough Road

Contact: Christine Petrush at ccp1@sc.rr.com or 843-617-5147

Dare to Dream Open Casting Call

Vince Paul with Talent Link Agency, Charlotte, NC will be auditioning new talent of all ages during his next open call.


Ages: All

Date: September 17

Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm by appointment only

Where: Comfort Suites,  2101 Florence Harllee Blvd Hwy 327

Cost: $40.00 +$1.99 fee (includes a DVD with important information about how to launch a career in the talent industry)

Contact: Rose Graham (678) 863-1639, Dare Auditions

Messy M'Cheany Storytime

The storytime Saturday is "The Legend of Messy M'Cheany" by Kathie Lee Gifford.  Meet Messy M'Cheany—when it comes to a mess, this kid is the best! However, as soon as Messy meets his new baby sister, Missy, he realizes that she does not share the same fondness for messes, but instead loves to be clean! How will he learn to get along with a sister who is so different? Kathy Lee Gifford's new rhyming picture book teaches children that though being messy is fun, changing bad habits for baby sisters and brothers is the best thing any sibling can do!

Ages:  4 to 8 (book recommendation)

Date: August 27

Time:  11:00 am 

Where:  Barnes and Noble, Magnolia Mall

Cost: Free

Contact: Barnes and Noble

Lowes Build and Grow Workshop

Your child will love building and decorating this awesome locker! Kit includes stickers, chalkboard and chalk! Use to keep school supplies in or give to a teacher to use in her classroom. Bring the kids into any Lowe's store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.


Ages: geared toward 5 to 10

Date: August 27

Time: 10:00 am

Where: Lowes

Cost: Free

Contact: Lowes stores

Art Classes-Lynda English Studio

Mixed media class for youth taught by Phyllis Cunningham.


Ages: 6 to 8
Date: August 23 - September 27
Time: Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Where: Lynda English Studio
Cost: $90
Contact: Lynda English Studio -  (843) 673-0144


Ages: 9 and up
Date: August 23 - September 27
Time: Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:45 pm
Where: Lynda English Studio
Cost: $90
Contact: Lynda English Studio -  (843) 673-0144

Phineas and Ferb Live

Tickets on sale now.

Mom! Phineas and Ferb are going on a LIVE tour!!! School is out for summer and anything is possible as Phineas and Ferb create their biggest invention yet - Disneys Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever! Phineas, Ferb, and the whole Tri-State Area gang embark on a bold escape jumping out from behind your TV and onto the stage in a live action adventure - right in your hometown! And, before you can wonder, Hey, where is Perry?.. the beloved pet platypus shifts to his secret double life as Agent P to foil another evil plan of Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Musical madness abounds in an escapade so awesome that even Candace can not help but join the hilarious hijinks. It is the ultimate end to summer vacation, so seize the day because Phineas and Ferb are gonna do it all!

Date: March 24

Time:  1:00 pm and 4:00 pm

Where:  Florence Civic Center

Cost: $35.00 / $26.00 / $20.00 / $15.00  

Contact: Disney website

Florence kids this week - 8/21/11

Click here to see what is going on in Florence this week for the kids.

Jo-Ann's Make it Take It

Make a Xyron back to school bookmark

Ages: Kids
Date: August 20
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Jo-Ann's, 1945 West Palmetto
Cost: Free
Contact: Jo-Ann's -  (843) 665-4576

West Florence Knights Soccer Pancake Breakfast Benefit

The West Florence Knights soccer team will have a Pancake Breakfast Benefit.


Ages:  All
Date: August 20
Time:  7:30 am - 10:00 am
Where:  Fatz Cafe
Cost: $7 donation
Contact: Fran Snell

New Movie Release Spy Kids 4

Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World - parent movie review

• Marissa Cortez Wilson (Jessica Alba) is a retired spy who keeps that identity hidden from her clueless husband and whip-smart twin stepchildren, Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook) . However, when a villain called Timekeeper (Jeremy Piven) threatens to conquer the world, Marissa springs back into action as head of the OSS, home of the now-defunct Spy Kids Division. With help from some cool gadgets and two former spy kids, Rebecca and Cecil join the fight to save Earth.  Runtime:1 hr. 40 min.  Rated PG

Date: Starts August 19
Times: 4:50 and 9:45          3D - 2:30 and 7:05

Where: Swamp Fox Theater

Contact: Swamp Fox Theater - (843) 669-5305 Movie Times for Swamp Fox Theater

Barnes and Noble Storytime

The storytime Saturday is "Zoomer's Summer Snowstorm" by Ned Young.  Who's ever heard of a snowstorm in the summer? Zoomer, that's who! It's a hot summer day and Zoomer is all ready to cool off with a snow cone. But when the snow cone–making goes too far, the hot summer day turns icy cold! Luckily Zoomer knows just how to make the best of the situation: He goes on a snow safari, visits the polar empire of Zoomarctica, rides his snow locomotive—and that's just the tip of the iceberg!

Once again, Ned Young paints Zoomer's world with fun and rich illustrations that turn the silly into the spectacular. Both kids and their parents will laugh out loud at the comical antics and cuddle up together for the warm and cozy ending.  

Ages:  3 to 7 (book recommendation)

Date: August 20

Time:  11:00 am 

Where:  Barnes and Noble, Magnolia Mall

Cost: Free

Contact: Barnes and Noble

Riverbanks Zoo discount

Need a final summer trip before school starts?   

Toucan Tuesdays are back at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.  Two people can get in for the price of one by bringing two cans of non-perishable food. The donations go to the Harvest Hope Food Bank to help feed hungry families in the Midlands.  In 2010, zoo officials say they brought in more than 5,000 pounds of food which feeds almost 3,500 people.  Other two for one deals are also available when you bring a donation. The discounted admission starts June 7 and runs through August 30.

Ages: All
Date: Tuesdays through August 30

Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where:  500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia SC

Cost:  Adults-$11.75, Children (3-12 years) $9.25, Children (2 and under) Free, Military $10.75, Senior Citizens $10.75
Contact: Riverbanks Zoo -  (803) 779-8717

Florence kids this week 8/14/11

Click here to see what is going on in Florence this week for the kids.

Airplane favors

Airplane favors - this blog entry is too funny - do you think it would work for you?

Science Experiments

This blog had a good article on some things to keep the kids busy that are fun learning ideas.

Curbing the Summer Slump

Annual Ice Cream & Dessert Social

It's that time again! Back to School and Central United Methodist Church will host its 20^th Annual Ice Cream and Dessert Social in the Davis Christian Life Center. This event has become a tradition at Central with hundreds in attendance each year. By popular request, "BORROWED TIME" is the returning entertainment for this year's event. A very popular blue grass band, "BORROWED TIME" is renown through out the area for their talent, fun and excitement, and corny humor. 

This Social features home made ice cream, home made desserts, a sundae bar, and great fellowship. The always popular "COFFEE CENTRAL" will be open with a delectable smorgasbord of hot and flavored coffees and teas for all to enjoy.

This annual Ice Cream and Dessert Social is a great opportunity to renew old friendships and to meet new friends. You will enjoy the wonderful treats and fellowship in a friendly and caring Christian environment. Central is well known in the Florence community for its hospitality. The entire Florence community is invited to this free event. A nursery will be provided for infants and toddlers.


Ages:  All 

Date:  August 14

Time:  6:00 pm

Where:  Central United Methodist Church, 225 W Cheves St

Cost:  Free

Contact: Linda Segars at 662-3218

belk kidfest

Ages:  4 to 11 

Date:  August 13

Time:  noon - 3:00 pm

Where:  Belk at Magnolia Mall

Cost:  Free

Contact: Belk  (843) 662-3201

Join us for an afternoon of fun including a fashion show, refreshments, games, prizes, and more! Don't miss the design your own Keds Shoe Contest. Three winners will receive a $500 children's shopping spree and a grand prize winner will receive a pair of custom Keds shoes featuring their winning design. See your local Belk store for event details, official contest rules and to express interest in starring in our fashion show!

Barnes and Noble Storytime

The storytime Saturday is "Corduroy" by Don Freeman.  This is one of my favorite books as a child.  Department store and escalators....future shopper in the making.

Ages:  All

Date: August 13

Time:  11:00 am 

Where:  Barnes and Noble, Magnolia Mall

Cost: Free

Contact: Barnes and Noble

Kindermusik Classes

This is an excellent program for children.  We have taken the classes and I think it is a great experience.

Our classes offer so much for kids – and the adults they bring along.  Bond with your child as you play, sing (no talent required!), dance, and giggle together. Your child will learn and grow through activities that stimulate brain growth, build motor skills, enhance social-emotional development, and much more. A trained, licensed Kindermusik educator seamlessly guides the class from one activity to the next and helps you understand what your child is learning. Your educator will also show you how to continue the fun—and the learning—beyond the classroom. 

Class schedule:  (14 classes each 45 minutes long)
Tuesday classes starting Aug 23rd
9:30am - Village / Do-Si-Do (0 to 1 1/2 years old)
10:15am - Our Time / Wiggles & Giggles (1 1/2 to 3 years old)
11:15am - Imagine That! / See What I Saw (3 to 5 years old)


Wednesday classes starting Aug 24th
9:30am - Village / Do-Si-Do (0 to 1 1/2 years old)
10:15am - Our Time / Wiggles & Giggles (1 1/2 to 3 years old)
3:30pm - Imagine That! / See What I Saw (3 to 5 years old)
4:30pm - Our Time / Wiggles & Giggles (1 1/2 to 3 years old)

Contact: Leah Mainard, Take the Stage Fine Arts, 2300 Queen Ann Road, (843) 319-0664, Kindermusik website

Lowes Build and Grow Workshop

The beginning of the school year is just around the corner! Bring your child in to Lowe's and they can build this School House Photo Holder! Bring the kids into any Lowe's store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.

Ages: geared toward 5 to 10

Date: August 13

Time: 10:00 am

Where: Lowes

Cost: Free

Contact: Lowes stores

Send me your events

I've added a new link on my website where you can complete a form to send me your events that you would like to tell everyone about.  Try it out.

Click here or click on the Send me events link on the top pink bar of my website.

September Swim Lessons

Ages:  See schedule below

Date:  September 12 - October 6

Time:  See schedule below

Where:  Mcleod Health & Fitness Center

Cost:  8 lessons, $45/Members, $60/Non-Members

Contact:  McLeod Health and Fitness Center Aquatics Department at 777-3121

Mondays and Wednesdays  

Begins September 12th

12:00 -12:45 p.m.   Preschool   Warm Water Pool 

4:00 – 4:45 p.m.   Level II   Multi Purpose Pool 

5:00 – 5:45 p.m.   Aqua Babies   Warm Water Pool 

5:00 - 5:45 p.m.   Level I    Multi Purpose Pool 

6:00 - 6:45 p.m.   Preschool   Warm Water Pool 

Tuesdays and Thursdays   

Begins September 13th 

10:00 - 10:45 a.m.   Preschool   Warm Water Pool 

4:00 – 4:45 p.m.   Preschool   Warm Water Pool 

4:00 – 4:45 p.m.   Level II   Multi Purpose Pool 

5:00 - 5:45 p.m.   Level I    Multi Purpose Pool 

Saturdays

August 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, September 10th, 17th, 24th and October 1st

9:00 - 9:45 a.m.   Aqua Babies   Warm Water Pool 

10:00 - 10:45 a.m.   Preschool   Warm Water Pool 

11:00 -11:45 a.m.   Level I    Warm Water Pool 

12:00 - 12:45 p.m.   Level II   Multi Purpose Pool 

Fall Swim Club

September 10th – November 12th

A great swimming opportunity for kids ages 4 to 18. Swimmers focus on stroke improvement, building endurance, and having fun in a non-competitive atmosphere.

This fall we're Island Hopping through the Caribbean. We'll start at the Bahamas on Saturday, September 10th, swim down to Turks & Caicos, and finally end up at the Cayman Islands. We’ll have a luau party to celebrate, after Saturday at the Races on November 12th.

Jr. Swim Club
● Ages 4 - 8
● Swimmer must be able to swim 25 yards (length of multi-purpose pool) using any stroke
● Tuesday / Thursday 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
● Saturday 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Swim Club
● Ages 6 - 18
● Swimmers must be able to swim 100 yards (4 lengths of multi-purpose pool) using two different strokes
● Tuesday / Thursday 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
● Saturday 11 a.m. - 12 noon

Cost for Jr. Swim Club and Swim Club:
1 day/ week: $70/ members & $85/ nonmembers
2 days/ week: $130/ members & $160/ nonmembers

Cost for 10 week season includes awards at Saturday at the Races.

For more information or to register:
Call the McLeod Health & Fitness Aquatics Department at 777-3121.

Bowling Bargains

$1.50 Sundays - 1:00 pm to close
  -  Each item a $1.50 - Bowling game, shoe rental, hot dog, slice of pizza, small soda

$2.00 Tuesdays - 9:00 am to close

  -  $2.00 per person per game, $2.00 shoe rental


Ages: all

Where:  Southgate Bowling Center, 1902 South Irby Street

Contact: Southgate Bowling -  (843) 661-5050

Florence kids this week - 8/7/11

Click here to see what is going on in Florence this week for the kids.

Mornings at the Museum

The Florence Museum is pleased to offer Mornings at the Museum, an interactive story time for children ages birth to four.  These half hour sessions will take place the second Monday of each month starting in August.  Mornings at the Museum will begin at 10:00 AM with each session to include a story, hands-on activity and exploration of objects directly relating to the museums permanent collection.  This has been designed to engage young learners and foster a life long love and awareness of art, science and history.

August 8, 2011: Skippy Scallop, A Tale of Bright Eyes by Suzanne Tate
Skippy Scallop is an imaginative tale that explains the life of a scallop. It is one animal that survives because of its many blue eyes! Children will learn about several ocean creatures and about important groups of preservationists. The colorful and lively illustrations will make this book a family or class favorite.

Ages:  birth to 4
Date:  August 8

Time:  20:00 am 

Where:  Florence Museum

Cost:  Free

Contact: To register for Mornings at the Museum please call  843-662-3351, Florence Museum

Upward Flag Football and Cheerleading

Registration is going on for Upward Soccer at Florence Baptist Temple.

Age:  4K through 7th grade boys and girls

Where:  Florence Baptist Temple
Cost: $55
Contact:  Upward Flag Football a registration form is available online, Call Cris Averette @ 661-4324 for more information

• Cost is $55. This includes jersey, shorts, flags, and devotional material (cost is $65 after August 18th).
• Practices begin the week of September 13th.  
• Evaluation dates are August 11th, 16th and 18th from 6:30-7:30 at the FBT/FCS Football Stadium (all players must attend one evaluation). Players do not need to arrive right at 6:30
• Practices begin the week of September 13th.
• Games begin October 1st and run through Nov. 5th. Games are played between 9:00am and noon.

Pancakes anyone?

Kids eat free the month of August - 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Yum - sounds good to me.  I love pancakes for dinner, and for breakfast...I'm not sure if I've ever had them for lunch though but I would probably like them then too.

Reptile Rap Program

The Environmental Discovery Center's First Saturday program:  During these 45 minute presentations with live animals, you will learn what alligators, turtles and snakes all have in common and how reptiles are important to our ecosystem. Registration is requested for either the 10am or 11am presentation.

Ages:  kids

Date:  August 6

Time:  10:00 am or 11:00 am

Where:  Lynches River Environmental Discovery Center

Cost:  Free (Registration required)

Contact: Jennifer Majors, Supervisor, Environmental Discovery Center, Office: (843) 389-0550, Cell: (843) 250-5011, www.lynchesriverpark.com

Museums on Us - Bank of America

Get free general admission to 150 museums by presenting your Bank of America debit or credit card.  If you haven't gone to the Edventure Children's Museum in Columbia, this is a great time to try it out. Edventure, the southeast's largest children's museum, is home to 350 hands-on exhibits.  There are endless opportunities for exploration, creativity and good old-fashioned fun. Drive a fire truck, build a house or talk to a skeleton.  This stimulating and exciting environment encourages children to imagine, discover and understand their world.

Ages: designed for 12 and younger
Date: Aug 6 and 7

Time: Sat 9 to 5 and Sun 12 to 5
Where:  211 Gervais Street, Columbia SC

Cost: Children and Adults: $9.50, Seniors (62+): $8.50, Military (with ID): $8.50, Children under one: Free
Contact: Edventure -  (803) 779-3100