If someone were to ask me the best way to describe myself, I’d say, “Open my cupboard and look at my plates.” Though my husband and I have been married for over seven years, we STILL use the hand-me-down thin, lightweight, white plates with green ivy along the edges.
You know, the ones your mom probably had in 1997?
However, if you were to ask me what type of parent I am, I’d say, “Look at my planner or open my notes section on my phone.”
Do you know how when you open your (iPhone) notes, the ones at the top are those you use the most? My top note is typically my “List of Toddler Destinations.”
If your kids’ Christmas toys have already lost their luster, check out some of my favorite activities to freshen up any routine, stay-at-home mom or not!
Cordova Mall
Sometimes, when It’s raining or just too hot, I’ll take my son to the mall and make a half-day of it. He loves the animal carts they have that I can push him around in and I’ll challenge him to find items of certain colors or new words he’s learning while we walk and window shop. They are renovating and upgrading the kid’s play area, too! I’m excited to see what the new “Kids’ Empire” will be like; it sounds like it’ll be a great addition!
Sweet Cone Alabama
Every kid’s dream is ice cream, indoor swings, and a “sprinkle pool,” amiright?!
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
This quick stop is a cute and entertaining history lesson for all ages.
Water Play
Missing the beach or your inground pool?! We have so many water options around Pensacola to choose from. In the summer, you can find us nearly daily at one of the splash pads. In Pensacola, the main splash pad is at Legion Field, and there’s also a water feature at the end of Palafox at Plaza de Luna. There’s also a great one at Benny Russell Park and Sunset Children’s Park. We are frequent visitors to the water slide at the Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA or the Roger Scott Pool, which has a great area for toddlers.
Children’s Museum
“Drive” an old boat or “shop” at Publix! This two-story museum has plenty to offer for kids of all ages! This one is well worth the annual membership fee. A great way to support our local museums and be able to go to the museum as much as you like!
Coral’s Closet
Feed the Ducks
West Florida Hospital and Veteran’s Park have some of the friendliest (or hungriest?) ducks I’ve ever fed! Remember to bring bird food, as ducks can’t digest bread! Offer a scoop, and they’re sure to eat right out of your hand!
The Library
Check out the West Florida Public Libraries. This is one of my son’s favorites. Sometimes, we make it for story time, and the downtown branch also just has a nice area with toys when we need to get out of the house.
Parks
Our family explored two new parks each week over the holidays! Make an adventure out of it and bring a picnic! Our favorite newly found park has been Lavallet Park!
Lovelock Healing Arts
Lovelock Healing Arts is a wellness center for the entire family. They offer mindful playtime for your little while you take a class, music classes for littles, mommy and me yoga classes, and more! I love that they work to incorporate the whole family!
Skyzone Trampoline Park
Kids under 3 jump free, so we went ahead and got the pass so we can go and jump to our hearts’ content! This is a great way to get those extra wiggles out. Skyzone is open early and every day. There’s a toddler area so if it is a little busier there’s a slower space for them from the big kids.
Bounce House
Located on Davis Hwy, Bounce House is an indoor playground! Lots of inflated bounce houses and toys to play with.
La Michoacana
Ice cream and an indoor playground!? Say less.
Dinosaurs in the Woods – Elberta, Alabama
Search for dinosaurs, giant spiders, or knights in the woods!
Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida
This Sanctuary is free, but donations are kindly encouraged!
West Florida Railroad Museum
Board trains, learn a piece of local history, and ride a mini railway (3 years old and up). This museum is free, but donations are kindly encouraged!
Hidden Gems
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge
A great educational moment for kids! The “Mascots” were a personal favorite!
Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park
See and learn about rescuing Macaws!
The Fun Plex – Gulf Breeze
Parent/tot gymnastics are offered most Fridays from 9-10am!
Alligator Alley
A fun place to take visiting family members! It’s worth the drive, especially in the summer when the Gators are most active!
Happy Exploring!
{Original post by Guest Contributor Shannon C., in 2021. Updated February 2025 by PMC Contributor Karyn.}
Thank you for the possibility of allowing me in this group!