Holiday Fun on the Suncoast

The holidays come around quicker each year.  I’m convinced this is just another aspect of aging.  So, when you are planning your activities for that sweet slice of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, thoughtful consideration of all options is a must.  There are the usual suspects, including Universal Studios and Disney World if entertaining visitors.  And, of course, local favorites like Selby Gardens and Mote Marine are a given if showing off some of Sarasota’s great destinations.  We were thinking out of the box as we set out to narrow down a long list of interesting ideas to a “must-try” trio for this sparkly season.  And we have a little something for everyone. 

For the Tweens

Spend a little time this holiday season with a great STEM activity for the whole family.  Especially fun for inquisitive and creative hands, Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks is running at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.  According to their website:  “Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks partners up some of the world’s most dazzling and innovative skyscrapers with the world’s most popular building brick. The exhibition features 20 astonishing skyscrapers from North America, Asia and Australia constructed in breathtaking architectural detail by Ryan McNaught, one of only twelve LEGO® certified professionals in the world.

Visitors will be inspired to create their own ‘towers of tomorrow’ with over 200,000 loose LEGO® bricks available in hands-on construction areas. Young and old will be limited only by their imagination as they add their creations to a steadily rising futuristic LEGO® metropolis inside the exhibition. ‘We are ecstatic to bring this fantastic exhibition to The Bishop. Everyone has a great LEGO memory, and I know many more will be made here at the museum.’ Ashley Waite, Director of Museum Experience.

The display runs through March 18, 2023.  Please visit Towers of Tomorrow Opening Day! – The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (bishopscience.org) for more information.

Impress the Teens

Tubing and sledding in Florida?  Well, that sounds like snow much fun!  Grab a gaggle of teens and show them what life in the north is really like as you spend the day playing in a winter wonderland.  Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park is a unique way to blow off steam doing something completely foreign to Floridians.  Snowy Slopes, an Arctic Igloo, and Alpine Village allow visitors to skate, ski, tube and much more in an outdoor park that is great for parties or just a daytime excursion.  Hop onto their website for prices and hours of operation with easy bookings available online.  Check out Snowy Slopes | Florida Snow Park – Tampa Bay, Florida (snowcatridge.com) for more information.

 Something for Everyone

The Singing Christmas Tree is something on my list to attend this year.  The idea of a live orchestra, 130 vocalists, and a 25-foot singing tree just vibes Christmas joy to me, and I can’t wait to experience this Sarasota tradition in person.  The Singing Christmas Tree is produced by First Sarasota, the Downtown Baptist Church, and has been a Suncoast tradition for nearly five decades.  . For performance times and ticket prices, please visit The 46th Annual Singing Christmas Tree | Facebook. 

We hope these options add a little extra sparkle to your holidays.  They go by quickly, be sure to make the most of these special moments with your loved ones.

 Photos courtesy of Singing Christmas Tree Facebook page.