conversation starters

It’s November and we’re fully in Fall! Here are some ways to get the conversation rolling with your Little:

National Aviation History Month: Research the history of Aviation and make some paper airplanes together.

-November 2^nd is “Look for Circles Day”. How many circles can you find around you in 30 seconds?

-November 3^rd is Sandwich Day. What kind of sandwiches are your favorite? What is the definition of a sandwich? Is a hot dog a sandwich? How about a burrito? What do you like to eat with your sandwiches?

-November 4^th is King Tut Day. Who was King Tut? Research King Tut and come up with 5 facts about him.

-November 11^th is Veterans Day. Do you or your Little know any Veterans? Research what Veterans Day is. Does your Little ever consider joining the military?

-November 14^th is Young Readers Day. What does your Little like to read? What did you read when you were young? If your Little was an Author, what would they write about?

-November 15^th is America Recycles Day.  Why is it important to recycle? Learn about the process of recycling.

-November 16^th is Fast Food Day. What are some of your favorite spots to grab a quick bite? If you made your own Fast Food restaurant, what kind of food would you serve? Is there a way to make fast food healthier?

-November 20^th is Beautiful Day.  Sometimes we have a tendency to focus on the negative. Let’s think about some things that we find really beautiful. Think about beautiful scenery, sounds, smells etc. Look up some beautiful pictures and take some time to admire them.

-November 24^th is Thanksgiving Day. What are some things that you are Thankful for?  How do you show people that you are Thankful for them? How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? What are some of your Thanksgiving traditions?

-November 28^th is Red Planet Day. Research the Red Planet. Come up with 5 facts about the planet together.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay has provided a variety of free to low-cost activities for the holidays that you and your Little to enjoy. Read more:

December 7th is Write a Letter Day: Who might be someone that would love to get a letter from you? A relative, teacher, Santa??

December 10th is Nobel Prize Day: Research what the Nobel Prize is and some previous winners. How did those winners change history?

December 16th is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day: What are your favorite chocolate-covered foods? Can you think of anything wacky to cover chocolate in that you haven’t tried?

December 25th is Christmas Day: Share your Christmas traditions. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, do you celebrate another holiday this time of year?

December 28th is National Playing Card Day: What card games do you know? What card games can you teach your Big/Little?

December 31st is New Years’ Eve: Talk about your New Years’ Eve traditions and how you ring in the New Year. Research different calendar systems used around the globe.

Free activities and things to do. 

Visit the Manatee Viewing Center: The Manatee Viewing Center’s mission is to educate the public about the Florida manatee and its habitat. The center is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary. During the center’s open season, Nov. 1 through April 15, displays, interactive exhibits and more teach visitors of all ages about the life cycle of the manatee and the challenges they face. FREE Admission. 6990 Dickman Rd. Apollo Beach, FL 33572

St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts—Dec. 11-12th: This art festival transforms Williams Park into an outdoor gallery of original and handmade art created by extraordinary artists in painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, photography, digital art, mixed-media, metalwork, woodworking, and more. FREE Admission. 350 2nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL. Click here for more details.

The North Pole Experience, Saturday, December 11: Times are available from 8:30am -3:00pm. Estimated event time is 1 hour. Santa will be there on his sleigh and each child 11 years old or younger will receive a gift. Everyone can participate in the amazing Christmas fun of traveling through the North Pole!  This is a walk-through event this year with stations to stop at. Seating will be available throughout the experience. Strollers and wheelchairs are more than welcome. There is a limited number of ticket reservations.  Everyone attending must reserve a free ticket (This includes all adults).  When you register you will receive in your email a ticket for each attendee.  YOU MUST BRING THE TICKET with you on the day of the event. Kirk Church, 2686 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, FL. Click here for more details.

Jingle Bell Bazaar at Ybor 2021— Dec. 12th: The Largest Annual Holiday Festival in Ybor City is Back! Come enjoy a day of live music, shopping, food trucks, and pics with Santa Claus. 1800 E.8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. Click here for more details.

Christmas is Near— Dec. 23rd: For 9 years Christmas Is Near has been the Premier Christmas Event for the whole family. FREE Admission. 303 Lemon St, Plant City, FL 33563

5-7:15 pm: Kid/Youth Zones and Photo Opportunities
5-7:30 pm: Pre-Show on the Main Stage with Kenzie Wheeler and Rekindled Bluegrass
7:30 pm: Christmas Concert and Candlelight Service

Click here for more details.

Low-cost arts and crafts activities. 

-Make Holiday Cards: Get some art & craft supplies and make homemade holiday cards with your Little to give to family members, teachers, and friends.

-Decorate a Christmas Tree: Invite your Little to accompany you and pick out a tree. Decorate it together and talk about holiday traditions carried down from your families.

-Create a Gingerbread House: Pick up a gingerbread house kit so that you and your Little can build and decorate it together!