Family Insider

It was back in 1979 when President Carter proclaimed the first National Grandparents Day - and this Sunday marks its 30th anniversary. So to all the grandparents out there who strive to make a difference in the lives of their grandchildren, I wish you a heartfelt and fantastic Happy Grandparents Day.

 

Looking for ways to celebrate? Here are a few places around the state that are offering special deals and such to grandparents and families:

 

Flamingo Gardens & Wildlife Sanctuary welcomes families to come celebrate Grandparents Day with a variety of fun events that everyone can enjoy. Come dressed in your favorite ‘decade’ look (if you want) and listen to '30s '40s '50s and '60s music from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Wray Lawn. Grandchildren can color a free Happy Grandparents Day card, and everyone can get together to play the ‘name that decade game’ with prizes. Grandparents are FREE, special 1/2 price admission for others is only $8.50 ages 12 and up, $4.25 children 4-11, under age 4 and members are free.

 

Admission includes the event, the gardens, and their amazing native wildlife exhibits with panthers, bobcats, otters, alligators, tortoises and turtles. Don’t miss their Wildlife Encounter Shows and tours of the historic 1930s Wray Home. You can also take a tram tour for an extra cost. Food, snacks and beverages will be available. Parking is free.

 

Take a three-hour tour for free on the charter boat Little Nemo! What a great way to celebrate National Grandparents Day! This all happens on Sunday , Sept. 13, and the free, three-hour ‘celebration cruise’ is open to to all grandparents when they’re accompanied by family members. Call 850-837-2404 for schedules and reservations.

 

A short drive from the Orlando area, you can take a family cruise down the historic St. Johns River and experience the beauty of Florida in a whole new way aboard Rivership Romance. Especially for Grandparents Day weekend, they are offering Buy 1 Full Price Ticket, Get 2nd 1/2 off. Plus, grandparents even get a free souvenir photo. Ticket prices will vary with the cruise you choose. Children are welcome on the day cruises but on the evening cruises, you must be 14 years or older. Rivership Romance launches from 433 N. Palmetto Ave. in Sanford. This cruise is really incredible and every family member will love it! You'll see all kinds of wildlife and it's so relaxing and beautiful!

 

It’s not really a Grandparents Day Event, per se, but here’s a great event to get out and celebrate as a family. It’s the first ever Star Spangled BBQ and Bands, which benefits the Star Family Center, the largest homeless service provider in Volusia and Flagler counties. There will be fantastic local bands, yummy BBQ and a contest to see which is the best! All the fun can be found at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Daytona Beach on Friday, Sept. 11 from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.! For more info, call 386-252-9400 ext. 11.

 

In addition, here's a link where you can print out Happy Grandparents Day cards and even award certificates. Have a blast!

 

Jill Martin, Family Insider, VISIT FLORIDA