Raising Locals: Big Dates with the Little Ones

It’s all too easy to get into a rut with your little ones — especially this time of year — when it seems the only time you spend together is rushing from one activity to the next. Planning a kid date a couple of times a month is a great way to get in some quality time together while making new memories in fun ways. And since we parents tend to cater to their needs over our own (with good reason), sometimes it’s nice when all parties involved can enjoy the outing. 

We always enjoy watching our kids gleam with happiness at the park or playground, but here are some alternative Sunshine City parent-child date ideas that both you and your kid will love.

Get Your Glam On

Who says dates with your little ones can’t be glamorous? If your inner beauty queen (or king!) wants to take your mini-me for a mini-makeover, there are lots of fun places to do so in St. Pete.

• Prepare to be blown away at Sip and Dry. This brand new blow dry bar is the perfect spot to refresh your look with a wash and blowout. There’s even special pricing for a mom/kid combo.
• BAE Beauty Bar is another option for blowouts and braids with your sidekick. This beauty sanctuary also features makeup application to complete your transformation.
• For some mani-pedi action, Pure Natural Nail Lounge offers spa sessions in their downtown St. Petersburg salon with treatments that have been designed especially for kids, including Princess Pedicures and Young ‘Man’icures.

Let Your Inner Artist Loose 

St. Pete is home to incredible art experiences for all ages. From world-class museums to wonderful little studios, finding somewhere to get creative with your little Picasso is a breeze.

• Expand your knowledge by joining in on a Little Surrealists Tour at The Dali Museum on Saturday mornings and stay after for arts and crafts at DillyDally with Dali. 
• Many museums including the James Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, and Imagine Museum offer monthly Family Days complete with kid-friendly tours and artmaking.
• Want to get hands-on? Studios like makeme, Practically Pikasso, Morean Arts Center, and AR Workshop all host a variety of parent-child or  family classes.

Play Like a Kid Again

Kids love games, and St. Pete is home to some really cool places to play them. Whether you’re into old-school classics or newer games, there’s a little something for every player around the ‘Burg.

• Check out the newly Pinball Arcade Museum with your little gamer for all-you-can-play vintage pinball and video games. As a bonus, kids under 13 play at a discounted rate and proceeds help support the owner’s nonprofit animal rescue.
• Family-friendly and fun, Right Around the Corner Arcade Brewery offers a nice selection of craft beer and wine for the parents and lots of arcade and video games for the kids (or kid in all of us).
• The Vortex Bar and Game Room is another kid-friendly daytime spot with a big collection of new and old games plus an entire wall of board games to play together.

Sweat It Out

We all know how important exercise is for all ages, so why not add in some QT to your fitness routine by incorporating these creative ways to get moving?

• Mini & Me Yoga at The Studieaux is not your typical yoga session with a toddler. Here, chaos is encouraged (and often appreciated). Grab your little yogi and Namaste in the studio every third Saturday.
• Free for every climber age six and up, Pathfinder Outdoor Education’s Open Tree Climb happens every first Saturday. Take a brief ground class with your tiny treehugger before climbing into the canopy of a gorgeous oak together.
• For a recurring date night, why not train for a future race with your junior athlete? St. Pete Run Fest and Getaway: St Pete are just two of the upcoming kid-friendly races taking place later this year.