As parents, we are always looking for fun things to do with our kids and when we find something that is fun for all of us and keeps our little guys entertained all day long it's a parent's dream come true!

Recently we heard about the Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa, Florida. You may have heard about it already and not even realized it - the museum was featured in a video by American children's entertainer, educator and YouTube star Blippi (We included the video at the end of this blog!)

The folks at Glazer Children's Museum believe that today we are raising the "Imagination Generation." They know how important imaginative play is for young, growing minds and they want kids to be able to explore the world around them when they come to visit. That's why they created a huge 3-story building packed full of hands-on, learning-through-playing entertainment ideal for children ages birth to 10.

Our children love going to museums - especially when they're made with kids at heart - and the Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa is the best one we've visited yet!

Keep reading for more about the Glazer Children's Museum, photos from our recent visit, what we loved about the Glazer Children's Museum and why we think your family will love it too!

In exchange for our review, we were given admission for our family to spend the day at the Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa.

Here's what we loved about the Glazer Children's Museum and why we think your family will love it too:

The Glazer Children's Museum has 3 levels of family-friendly fun! Each floor is packed with activities for families and little ones to enjoy and explore.

The first level has a large area with water play, sand play, a weather activity area where you can make it rain (expect to get a little wet!) a music area, and also a dining area with a Subway restaurant for when the family is ready for lunch or a snack. Our little guys loved Light Cloud and KidsPort - they spent several hours happily playing here!

The second level is packed with tons of interactive play. This is where the majority of the themed areas mentioned above are located. Each themed area has TONS of things to interact with and we loved that Glazer Children's Museum didn't skip on any of the details - every area is carefully thought out from floor to ceiling and designed to look like a child-sized, hands-on version of the real thing. 

Our little ones spent most of the day on level two and had a blast finding more and more things to interact with as they visited and re-visited each area. For example, at the Farm there is a robotic cow that you can actually milk and in the Twinkle Theater you can add sound effects, special lighting and change the backdrops to enhance the performance on stage! Our little guys especially loved the area called Get Moving which is the perfect place for energetic little boys like ours because there is a racing zone, rock climbing wall and much more (I'll save a few surprises for your visit!) 

On the third level there are several craft and hands-on creating stations where you can sit down and use the provided materials and supplies to make a fun piece of art together. This large area is also the Traveling Exhibit and Event Hall, so keep an eye on the Glazer Children's Museum website for upcoming special events and activities that are coming up!

A few things that as parents we especially appreciated about the Glazer Children's Museum:

We were so happy to see the Subway Restaurant inside GCM and that it had plenty of available seating when we all inevitably got hungry during our visit. The prices were reasonable and there were even special kid-friendly items on the menu such as ICEES, hot dogs and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches!

Although our energetic little guys took us up and down (and up and down and up and down) the stairs most of the visit, we did check out the elevator and were very pleasantly surprised at how spacious it is - which means there's plenty of room for multiple families to comfortably fit and as a result, a very short waiting time to get on the elevator.

We also loved that there were plenty of restrooms available on each floor and every floor had diaper changing tables. The restrooms were all clean and when our little guy (who's currently potty-training) had to use the restroom, we never had an issue waiting in line because there was always plenty of restrooms available.

Our family had such a wonderful time visiting the Glazer Children's Museum! We literally stayed there until closing time and our little ones were still begging to stay. We highly recommend the Glazer Children's Museum - it's all day long family-friendly fun!

Hours & Ticket Info:

HOURS
Open 7 Days a Week
Monday-Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 1pm-6pm


GENERAL ADMISSION
Children Under Age 1 Free
Children Ages 1-12 $10
Adults $15
Active Military, First Responders, Educators, and Seniors $12.50
Members Free

PLAN YOUR FAMILY FUN VISIT TO GLAZER CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

View GCM's Calendar of Events

Visit the Glazer Children's Museum website

------> Click here to order tickets <------ 

Have you looked into the ingredients of your current hand sanitizer? Not all hand sanitizers are created equal and while the tingling sensation and potent smell of alcohol in most sanitizers leave you with the feeling of killed germs, one company is combining the powers of nature and science to bring you better hand hygiene.

Elyptol contains the healing properties of eucalyptus oil combined with naturally sourced pure ethanol to bring you a healthy and eco-friendly way to properly sanitize your skin and other surfaces. Infused with natural botanicals and eucalyptus essential oils, Elyptol won’t leave your hands dry, cracked and chapped after use. These innovative products kill germs and moisturize your hands all in one! ​

Made for consumer and professional use, Elyptol carries a variety of products including hand sanitizing gels, wipes, sprays and hard surface wipes. Great for moms, traveling, music festivals, cold & flu season and the gym, Elyptol’s Hand Sanitizer Gel, Hand Sanitizer Wipes, and Hand Sanitizer Spray are already best sellers. 

Elyptol is in the last few days of their Indiegogo campaign and they asked us to share their fabulous products in exchange for samples. We were super excited to try out Elyptol's hand sanitizers - scroll down to read what we loved about them! 

​What we loved about Elyptol Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer:

We have used many brands of hand sanitizers over the years and in our opinion, none compare to Elyptol Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer!

While a lot of other hand sanitizers left our hands feeling slimy or sticky after use, Elyptol made our hands feel cool, clean and so soft - no lotion needed afterward!

We loved that Elyptol is safe for our little ones to use as well: Sometimes our little guys are hesitant to use hand sanitizer because of the stinging or burning feeling that hand sanitizer gives their little hands. We were so happy to see that there were no issues at all using Elyptol, not even for our youngest who has very sensitive skin.  Elyptol's all-natural ingredients gave all of us the squeaky-clean feeling we wanted without the harsh chemicals and unpleasant stinging sensation. 

We also were pleased with Elyptol Hand Sanitizer's beautiful scent, which comes from their use of eucalyptus oil. In addition to it's lovely & familiar scent, eucalyptus oil has many wonderful healing benefits - it's an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, decongestant, it supports the respiratory system, soothes physical discomforts, and much more.

Our family loved Elyptol Hand Sanitizer so much that now we all carry Elyptol with us wherever we go!

​Here are the products we love and use the most:

Mom's Choice:

Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Gel (2oz)
The 2 oz. gel is portable for on-the-go use, TSA compliant, and great for stowing away in a stroller pouch, purse, pocket or gym bag.

• Next-generation hospital-grade natural sanitizer
• Kills an unprecedented 99.9999% of bacteria, fungi and other common germs that can cause disease
• Scientifically formulated for frequent use
• Will never leave hands dry, cracked or chapped
• Infused with natural botanicals & Eucalyptus essential oil
• Award-winning, endorsed & FDA registered
• EWG Verified​
• Priced under $5!

​At 2oz, this Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Gel is the perfect size to keep in mom's purse or diaper bag! Click here to order this bottle of Elyptol Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Gel
​

Dad's Choice:

​Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Wipe Single Sachet, Box of 24
The 24-count hand wipes come individually wrapped in a tear-away box. The convenient disposable wipes sanitize and clean away dirt and grime, with no need to rinse.

• Next-generation, hospital-grade 100% natural sanitizing wipe
• Kills 99.9% of bacteria, fungi and other common germs
• Scientifically formulated for frequent use
• Will never leave hands dry, cracked or chapped
• Infused with natural botanicals & Eucalyptus essential oil
• Soft, biodegradable 100% natural bamboo fiber cloth
• Cleans visibly dirty hands
• Get this 24-pack for just $14!

These wipes are individually wrapped which makes them super convenient and easy to use while at work or on the go! 
Click here to order this 24-pack of Elyptol Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Wipes
​

The Kids Choice:

Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Spray (2oz)
The 2oz spray is portable for on-the-go use, TSA compliant and great for stowing away in a stroller pouch, purse, pocket or gym bag.

• Next-generation hospital-grade natural sanitizer
• Kills an unprecedented 99.9999% of bacteria, fungi and other common germs that can cause disease
• Scientifically formulated for frequent use
• Will never leave hands dry, cracked or chapped
• Infused with natural botanicals & Eucalyptus essential oil
• Award-winning, endorsed & FDA registered
• EWG Verified
• Priced under $5!

​Kids love Elyptol Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Spray - it's fun to use AND gets little hands clean! Click here to order a bottle of this Elyptol Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Spray
​

Family Choice - Perfect for Travel!

Frequent Traveler’s Kit
Created for those frequently who find themselves on planes, trains, buses and subways! Set includes one gel, one spray, one disposable hand wipe and two carabiner clips.

SAVE OVER 25% WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE KIT!

• Next generation hospital-grade natural sanitizer
• Kills an unprecedented 99.9999% of bacteria, fungi and other common germs that can cause disease
• Scientifically formulated for frequent use
• Will never leave hands dry, cracked or chapped
• Infused with natural botanicals & Eucalyptus essential oil
• Award-winning, endorsed & FDA registered
• Currently on sale for under $15!

​This pack includes travel-sizes of all our favorite Elyptol products which makes it our Family Choice for your next trip or vacation! Click here to order Elyptol's Frequent Traveler's Kit
​

Family Choice - Everyday Use for the Whole Family

Elyptol Gel Family Starter Pack
The perfect starter set to introduce your family to the next generation of natural hand sanitizers!  This pack includes: 16oz Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Gel for home or office, 8oz Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Gel for the car, 2oz Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Gel travel size, 2oz Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Spray travel size and 2 carabiner clips to take your travel size on the go.

SAVE OVER 20% BY PURCHASING THIS KIT!

• Next generation hospital-grade natural sanitizer
• Kills an unprecedented 99.9999% of bacteria, fungi and other common germs that can cause disease
• Scientifically formulated for frequent use
• Will never leave hands dry, cracked or chapped
• Infused with natural botanicals & Eucalyptus essential oil
• Award-winning, endorsed & FDA registered
• Elyptol is EWG Verified

This Family Starter Pack is the perfect kit for the whole family - order soon and get it for just $27.99! Click here to order this Elyptol Gel Family Starter Pack 
​

Take your hand care routine a step further.
Choose the sanitizer that’s safe for you and the environment!

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Visit www.Elyptol.com today!


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It’s a given - Theme parks are great fun and they create wonderful memories, but can also be very expensive.  So the tourism and hospitality folks in Orlando North Seminole County (ONSC) have some tips on how to enhance your vacation while stretching your vacation dollars:

• Opt to stay in hotels in (ONSC) rather than on site at the parks and you’ll save on average of 30%!  Room rates are less, there are no hotel parking fees, nor nightly resort fees charged here. Whether you’re looking for economy, luxury or a quaint bed and breakfast, there are more than 30 brand-name hotels, independent inns and charming B&B’s from which to choose. Oh, and many are pet-friendly.

 

• Time is money, right?  In ONSC you’ll rarely encounter a line, let alone a lengthy wait at restaurants.  International cuisine, farm to fork mom and pops, and beloved restaurant chains abound here.

 

• Limit your time at the theme parks to two days; and rather than these man-made entertainment venues, enjoy nature-based recreation. Whether you’re canoeing crystal-clear rivers or hiking on scenic trails, you’ll experience spectacular views only Mother Nature can provide. ONSC is home to some of Florida’s best natural attractions, including the Wekiva River, one of only two National & Wild Scenic Rivers in the entire state of Florida, the St. Johns River, Wekiva Springs State Park, Lake Jesup for alligator viewing airboat rides, and zip lining and animal encounters at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, to name a few.

 

• Want to include a day at the beach too? ONSC is equidistant (1 hour drive) to the Central Florida beaches of Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach, so add that to your itinerary!  And in close proximity to Cocoa you can visit the Kennedy Space Center or in Daytona, the International Speedway.

And what’s a budget-stretcher list without recommended FREEBIES offered in the communities that comprise ONSC:

• SEMINOLE STATE PLANETARIUM TELESCOPE THURSDAYS. Once a month on a Thursday evening, the staff of the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium hit the road with telescopes in tow and set up shop at a local park or business around Central Florida for Telescope Thursdays. The community is welcome to attend and take a peek at the beautiful night sky. Events typically last from 7-10pm. And for a totally stellar family night, don’t miss out on Seminole State Planetarium’s incredible STAR PARTIES. These events invite the public to the planetarium for an evening of telescope observations, planetarium dome shows, speaker presentations, and more. Check out the Planetarium’s Facebook page for upcoming events.

 

• Bring a bike or rent one and join CRITICAL MASS! SANFORD EDITION! on the last Friday of the month for a stroll through Sanford. Start at Pedal Driven Co. at 6:30pm and end at Deviant Wolfe Brewing at 8pm for beers and fun.

 

• CRANES ROOST PARK’S Rhythms at the Roost is an annual free concert series featuring live music from great bands, food for purchase, and a variety of vendors.  Sunset views, outdoor festivals, and SUNSET CINEMA, a schedule of free outdoor movies on select Saturdays, are just a few of the other free activities held at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs. Check the calendar for upcoming events.

 

• Sanford’s monthly ALIVE AFTER 5 STREET PARTY celebrates with local art, live music, craft beer, food, and shopping. From 5-8pm on the 2nd Thursday with a different theme each month. 

 

• WINEART WEDNESDAYS IN LAKE MARY. On the first Wednesday of each month  is a free event in the Downtown Lake Mary District featuring live music, dozens of artists and merchants, food trucks, and a beer & wine garden. Food and drink are extra, but the rest of the evening is totally free.

 

• ART WALK. Held on the 3rd Saturday each month in Historic Downtown Sanford, the art walks showcase the area’s unique galleries. A fact sheet is available for each event providing additional details on each stop. (Have the kids keep their eyes out for Sanford rocks along the way. These painted rocks can be found hidden just about anywhere!)

 

• CASSELBERRY ART AND MUSIC IN THE PARK is a monthly community event held at Lake Concord Park featuring a dozen food trucks, live music, and artisan goods. There’s no cost to peruse the local goods on display while listening to the live entertainment. Held on the second Friday of each month from 6-9pm.

• HIKE OR BIKE THE SEMINOLE WEKIVA TRAIL. This scenic paved rail-trail in Seminle County features a 14-mile long trail as well as several trailheads with amenities. Consider exploring the first seven miles of the trail by bike, cruising along the shaded path through quiet neighborhoods.

• ​Enjoy the playground and watch youth, collegiate and non-professional teams playing at the 102-acre BOOMBAH SPORTS COMPLEX AT SEMINOLE COUNTY. 3450 E. Lake Mary Blvd., Sanford, FL. www.PlayOrlandoNorth.com​

About Orlando North, Seminole County:
Teeming with old Florida charm and young Florida vibrancy, Orlando North, Seminole County offers visitors nature-based attractions, eclectic dining, a booming micro brew scene, plus a year round calendar of festivals and events. With over 2,000 waterways, you’ll discover a wide array of thrilling outdoor activities from paddling in clear freshwater springs and rivers to airboating among alligators, or zooming through an aerial zip line course. It also features an array of sports and training facilities for amateur tournament play, including the 102-acre Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County. And getting here is easy via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Orlando International Airport (MCO), aboard the Amtrak Auto Train, or via auto on I-95 and I-4; and you’ll save 30% on accommodations over Orlando and beachfront hotels. All this and it’s less than an hour’s drive to area theme parks and beaches too. 1-800-800-7832 or 407-665-2900 or visit: www.DoOrlandoNorth.com
​

Summer is Calling…
Discovery Cove® in Orlando is Answering with 30 Percent Savings for a Limited Time!

Here are the details:
 
WHO:
Discovery Cove® in Orlando, Florida
 

WHAT: 
Celebrate Summer at Discovery Cove®. 

Limited time offer, save 30 percent* to join the summer fun at our tropical paradise.
                       
                        Leave the real world far behind at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida. 

For a limited time, Discovery Cove, the all-inclusive day resort, is offering you an opportunity to save 30 percent when you book your reservation by July 22. (Visitation dates are available through August 31.)

 
WHEN:
This exclusive offer is available to guests who book their reservation by July 22, for visits by August 31.
 
​
WHERE:
Discovery Cove an all-inclusive day resort in Orlando, Florida where guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, rays and tropical fish and hand-feed exotic birds.
 
                        For more information, visit www.DiscoveryCove.com.
 
 

 
About Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove® in Orlando is an all-inclusive day resort where guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, and encounter playful otters. Relax and explore rocky lagoons surrounded by lush landscaping, tropical reefs, winding rivers and white, sandy beaches. Freshly prepared meals, snacks and beverages throughout the day and swim gear are included. Guests will experience the most exciting animal encounters the world has to offer in a breathtaking tropical atmosphere. DiscoveryCove.com
 
* Booking reservation must be made by July 22, 2019.  Guests must visit by August 31, 2019. Restrictions may apply, based on availability.

THE LEGO® MOVIE™ DAYS - July 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 & August 3-4

Fans of Emmet, Wyldstyle, MetalBeard, Unikitty and Benny can rejoice, a brand-new event, THE LEGO® MOVIE DAYS, is headed to the place built for kids!

Event activities include:

• THE LEGO® MOVIE™ Mystery Mosaic: Guests work together to help build a mystery LEGO mosaic throughout the weekend. What will it look like? No one knows until it’s complete! After all, it’s all about teamwork!

 

• Character Meet and Greets:Want a family picture with one of THE LEGO® MOVIE™ stars? Meet Emmet, Wyldstyle and maybe, just maybe, a new character to be discovered from the film during character meet and greets!

​

• THE LEGO® MOVIE™ Scavenger Hunt: Help Emmet find his friends in Miniland! Wyldstyle, MetalBeard, Unikitty and Benny have lost their way and need you to save the day! And more!

​ORLANDO NORTH, SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. (July 3, 2019) -- When you think about the zoo, things like exotic animals and educational opportunities come to mind. Although The Central Florida Zoo has lots of critters and endless opportunities to learn new things around every corner, they also thrill your little ones with exciting outdoor adventures aloft, on the water and on terra firma.


Bungee Bounce
Experience the Bungee Bounce: Launch as high as the trees overhead and dive back down to do it over and over again. The Bungee Bounce is the most exciting and compelling jump kids have ever experienced. It’s more than just one jump, it’s a bounce!
Ages: 3 and up
Open Saturday and Sunday @ 10am - 4:45pm
Cost: $7.00 Per Person


Explore the Water's Surface with WOW Balls: Float, walk, run, roll or jump on the surface of the water without getting wet! WOW Balls at the Central Florida Zoo allow kids the excitement of jumping into the pool inside a transparent bubble, where they’ll be able to see everything around them and under the water for a memorable experience.
Ages: 3 and up
Open Saturday and Sunday @ 10am - 4:45pm
Cost: $7.00 Per Person


Seminole Aerial Adventures Courses and Pricing
Seminole Aerial Adventures Kids Course: See nature from a new perspective! View the world from new heights while navigating through the trees and obstacles that will challenge your body and mind. Experience 2 Zip Lines, 1 Sky Swing and 22 more exciting elements that will take your kids’ imagination to new heights. The course can take 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
Ages: 5 and up
Cost: Kids - $14.95


The Central Florida Zoo has every ingredient for every little explorer’s picture perfect summer. Whether you’re flying high with Aerial Adventures, walking on water with a WOW Ball or jumping around in Bungee Bounce, there is something fun to do at the Zoo everywhere you look.  Oh, and of course it’s teeming with great animal habitats, giraffe and rhino feedings, an old fashioned carousel, and mini train that courses through the grounds.


Go to The Central Florida Zoo website today to buy tickets online or visit today 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771.


About Orlando North, Seminole County:
Teeming with old Florida charm and young Florida vibrancy, Orlando North, Seminole County offers visitors nature-based attractions, eclectic dining, a booming micro brew scene, plus a year round calendar of festivals and events. With over 2,000 waterways, you’ll discover a wide array of thrilling outdoor activities from paddling in clear freshwater springs and rivers to airboating among alligators, or zooming through an aerial zip line course. It also features an array of sports and training facilities for amateur tournament play, including the 102-acre Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County. And getting here is easy via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Orlando International Airport (MCO), aboard the Amtrak Auto Train, or via auto on I-95 and I-4; and you’ll save 30% on accommodations over Orlando and beachfront hotels. All this and it’s less than an hour’s drive to area theme parks and beaches too. 1-800-800-7832 or 407-665-2900 or visit: www.DoOrlandoNorth.com