Fun Family Events in January

Saturday – 3
Storytelling with Thomas & Mina Edison
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers
10:30 a.m.
Join the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and the Lee County Library for a morning of fun with Southwest Florida’s famous residents, Thomas and Mina Edison. The Edison’s will read one of their favorite books, “Young Thomas Edison,” written and illustrated by Michael Dooling. Registration required.
479- 4636

New Year’s Dance Black & White Formal
William “Bill” Austen Youth Center, Cape Coral
7 – 10 p.m.  $5.   242-3950

Kids Knack Craft  -  Wooden CD Rack
Michaels Arts & Crafts at Page Field Commons
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.       
Ages 5-12 years old.  $3 includes all supplies. 274-5509

Eagle Skate Jam
Eagle Skate Park, Cape Coral
6 – 10 p.m.
Music, games, giveaways and fun. 242-3950

Home Depot Kids Workshop
Home Depot, 14655 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
9 a.m.  437-6333

Children’s Story Time
Barnes and Noble, Fort Myers
11 a.m.  437-0654


Sunday - 4
Grand Dragon Acrobats
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
7:30 p.m.  481-4849

Dog Day Sunday
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Fort Myers
4 – 6 p.m.
Families can walk their dogs on three different trails. $5 per dog for non members, $2 per dog for members. People with their dogs are free. 275-3435


Monday - 5
Baby Nursery Tours
Wellington Academy, 4412 SE 15th Ave., Cape Coral
Throughout the day.  549-8818


Tuesday - 6
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers
4 p.m.
Fire up the fretboard, crank up the amp and get ready to rock like never before with Guitar Hero III for PS2. Test your skills against your friends or just hang out and enjoy the action. For ages 11-18. Registration required.  479- 4636

Help Your Baby Sleep Seminar
Babies R Us, 10002 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers
7 p.m.
Join us & find out how you can develop a calming nightime plan that works for you & your baby. 433-6837

Guitar Hero II
Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library, 2050 Central Ave.
5 p.m.
Fire up the fret board, crank up the amp and get ready to rock like never before with Guitar Hero II. Test your skills against your friends, or just hang out and enjoy the action. 479- 4636


Wednesday - 7
Dragon Slayers Party
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers
4 p.m.
Calling all dragon slayers! Test your skills with trivia, crafts, and games, like the talon race and dragon slayers spear toss. Face off against these fearsome beasts, if you dare! For grades K-2. Registration required. 479- 4636

Hikes for Tykes— Seasons
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Fort Myers 10 a.m.
Come walk our Boardwalk Trail as we discover the four seasons winter, summer, spring, and fall. Children will learn about and experience the differences in each season through hands-on activities, games, and a snow machine! This walk is stroller accessible.  For children ages 3 through 5 and their families.  Included with admission. Please register, 275-3435.
Turtle Talk and more
Historic Cottage @ Matanzas Pass Preserve, Bay Street off of Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach
Wednesdays 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Explore Bowditch Point Park and look for our resident gopher tortoise in its native habitat. Come learn more about various turtles and their differences with our naturalist. Free program with paid parking.  Call 765-4222.

Sunset Celebration on the Pier
Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway
4 – 7 p.m.
There will be live music, food specials at KC's restaurant, and lots of fun. There will be over 45 vendor's selling arts/crafts and other items during this event. 574-0806

Homeschool Day – Marvelous Machines
Imaginarium Hands-On Museum, Fort Myers
10:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Ages 8 and under. 321-7420


Thursday - 8
Baby-Parent Rhyme Time
North Fort Myers Public Library, 2001 N. Tamiami Trail
11 a.m.
Rhymes and songs are for infants, up to 24 months, accompanied by an adult. This 20-minute program is filled with songs designed to introduce rhyming and movement to infants. Registration is required. 479- 4636


Friday - 9
Cape Coral Festival of the Arts
Cape Coral Pkwy., Cape Coral
Friday, Jan. 9 – Saturday, Jan. 10
945-1988

Date Night - Indoor Campout
Oasis Elementary, Cape Coral
7 – 11  p.m.
Bring your sleeping bags as we bring the outdoors in!   There will be sing-a-longs, non scary ghost stories and more. $15.  242-3481


Saturday – 10
Super Saturday Storytime
South County Regional Library, Estero
10 a.m.
All the fun of storytime....with the added bonus of a craft! Registration required. 479- 4636

Free Minnesota Twins SW Florida Youth Clinics
Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
10 a.m. - Noon.  No registration required.   292-5240

Walk Through the Arts
Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This free family event includes artist demonstrations throughout the campus. Plus, theatrical, musical, and dance troupe mini-performances on the amphitheatre stage.  939-2787

Children’s Story Time
Barnes and Noble, Fort Myers
11 a.m.  437-0654

Florida Rep's Lunchbox Theatre-Schoolhouse Rock Live!
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center,  Fort Myers
Saturdays, January 10, 17, 24
$12 Includes a performance and lunch.
332-4488

Medieval Faire
Lakes Park
7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers
Saturday, January 10 – Sunday, January 11
Saturday, January 17 – Sunday, January 18
9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Jousting by the New Riders of the Golden Age
Continuous entertainment
Live chess match
Live sword fighting
Royal court and procession
Children's games and rides
Jugglers, magicians, minstrels
Period food and beverages
A multitude of Merchants & Artisans
Medieval arts and crafts
Medieval clothing and weapons
$13 for adults & $6 for kids 14 and under.
839-8036


Monday - 12
Storytime II- Babies & Walkers
The Bonita Springs Public Library, 26876 Pine Avenue
10:30 a.m. Mondays, January 12, 26
Enjoy mother goose, rhymes and very small stories. For birth to 3 years with an adult. Registration required. 479- 4636

Baby-Parent Rhyme Time
East County Regional Library, 881 Gunnery Rd, Lehigh
10 a.m. Monday, January 12

Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Fort Myers
Crawlers: 10 a.m. Mondays, January 12, 26
Walkers: 11 a.m. Mondays, January 12, 26

South County Regional Library, Estero
10 a.m. Mondays, January 12, 26
Rhymes and songs are for infants, up to 24 months, accompanied by an adult. This 20-minute program is filled with songs designed to introduce rhyming and movement to infants. Registration is required. 479- 4636

More Weird, Wild, and Wonderful Science Experiments
North Fort Myers Public Library, 2001 N. Tamiami Trail
4 p.m.
Back by popular demand, join us for all-new, fun, interactive, and awesome experiments like psychedelic lava light, magic spoons, and many more! 479- 4636

Craft-A-Tale
South County Regional Library, Estero
4 p.m.
Do you live for art projects? Are you in grade K-4? Drop in after school and create your own masterpiece, hear stories and have fun with other activities. 479- 4636

Tuesday -13
R.E.A.D. Program – Reading to Dogs
The Bonita Springs Public Library, 26876 Pine Avenue
4 p.m.
Independent readers can practice reading in a fun way! The Reading Education Assistance Dogs will be on-hand to listen to you read.  They're great listeners!  Children of all ages are welcome. First come, first served. 479- 4636
National Hobby Month: Recycled Crafts
Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library, 2050 Central Ave
5 p.m.
Want to learn how to make cool recycled crafts? Come to the library and see what you can do with materials found at your home. Make jewelry and pillows, all from recycled stuff. All supplies are provided. Registration is required. 479- 4636

Guitar Hero III - Legends of Rock!
East County Regional Library, 881 Gunnery Rd, Lehigh
4:30 p.m.
Fire up the fretboard, crank up the amp and get ready to rock like never before. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock drops you into the spotlight of the largest and most legendary rock concert ever. Now drop that air guitar, tune your exclusive new Les Paul Guitar Controller and shred the night away! . Registration required. 479- 4636
 

Wednesday - 14
Journal Making for Teens
North Fort Myers Public Library, 2001 N. Tamiami Trail
4:30 p.m.
Start the New Year by making a special, one-of-a-kind journal you design yourself. Record your thoughts, poetry, and everyday happenings throughout the year. All materials provided. 479- 4636

Lil’ Hands Preschool – Dino-mite Dinosaurs
Imaginarium Hands-On Museum, Fort Myers
10:30 a.m. – Noon
Must Preregister. 321-7420

Framed @ the Library
Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library, 921 S.W. 39 Terrace
4 p.m.
Design and make a picture frame for your favorite photo. Bring your creative genius, a 3x5 photo and be ready to have some fun. Shells, jewels, the frame and other supplies will be provided. Registration required. 479- 4636


Thursday - 15
Celebrate the Season: Winter
The Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library, Fort Myers
4 p.m.
Join us as we enjoy cozy stories, games, and crafts. We will also celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. on the anniversary of his birthday. 479- 4636
Baby-Parent Rhyme Time
Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library, 2050 Central Ave 10:15 a.m. Thursdays, January 15, 22, 29
Be prepared to tickle, jump and fly with your baby! These rhymes and songs are for infants, up to 24 months, accompanied by an adult. This 20-minute program is filled with songs designed to introduce rhyming and movement to infants. Registration is required. 479- 4636

St. Andrews Festival
St. Andrews Catholic School, Cape Coral
6 - 10 p.m. (January 15-18)
772-3922

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Boom a Ring
Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero
Thursday, January 15 through Monday, January 19
334-3309


Friday - 16
17th Annual Daddy/Daughter Date Night
Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway
6 – 9 p.m.
Join us at the Cape Coral Yacht Club for a night to remember!  An enchanting evening for girls and their dads.  Music,
dancing and door prizes, catered hot & cold appetizers, refreshments, and even a special photo by a professional photographer to capture the moment for each couple!
574-0806


Homeschool Program – See Sound
Edison & Ford Estates, Fort Myers
1 – 3 p.m.
Offers a unique opportunity for home school families to learn together about the life and work of Thomas Edison and how our lives are impacted today by his genius. 334-7419


Saturday - 17
Super Science Saturday – Raucous Rockets
Imaginarium Hands-On Museum, Fort Myers
Noon – 3 p.m.
Must preregister. 321-7420

Monster Truck Show
Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd., Fort Myers
Saturday, January 17, 7:30 p.m.
574-7469

Children’s Story Time
Barnes and Noble, Fort Myers
11 a.m.  437-0654

2nd annual Miss Fort Myers USA pageant
Alliance for the Arts-Foulds Theater, Fort Myers
6 p.m.
There are 3 areas of competition: swimsuit, evening gown and interview, there is no talent required nor does the contestant have to have any previous pageant experience. Applications may be obtained by calling the director at 822-4661

Fun with Puppet Shows and Plays
The East County Regional Library, Lehigh Acres
11 a.m.
Come enjoy the puppet shows “The Princess and the Pea” and “Elephant’s Sneeze." Afterwards, get involved and participate in our Reader’s Theatre. 479- 4636

Baby-Parent Rhyme Time
Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library, 921 S.W. 39 Terrace
10 a.m. Saturdays, January 17, 24, 31
Be prepared to tickle, jump and fly with your baby! These rhymes and songs are for infants, up to 24 months, accompanied by an adult. This 20-minute program is filled with songs designed to introduce rhyming and movement to infants. Registration is required. 479- 4636

The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark
The Captiva Memorial Library, 11560 Chapin Lane
3 p.m.
Puppet theater with audience participation, based on the book “The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark,” by Ken Geist. 479- 4636
Quick Craft- Beaded Bookmark
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers.
2 p.m.
Lost your place in your favorite book? Need a cute bookmark? Come make a quick and easy beaded bookmark to keep or give away. Supplies provided. For ages 8-18 Registration required. 479- 4636

The Million $$$ Baby Model Search/Pageant
Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
10 a.m.  - 2 p.m.
FUN for girls 0 to 18 and boys 0 to 7 yrs.  Great chance to be seen by professional model agents. For information & application, call 770-7793.

Fun with Puppet Shows and Plays
East County Regional Library, 881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh
11 a.m.
Come enjoy the puppet shows “The Princess and the Pea” and “Elephant’s Sneeze." Afterwards, get involved and participate in our Reader’s Theatre. 479- 4636

Song from the Little House by Suzanne and Jim
Pine Island Public Library, 10700 Russell Rd NW, Bokeelia
2 p.m.
Song from the Little House is an enthralling presentation that combines music and literature. Through singing, storytelling and selected readings, Suzanne & Jim give voice to the ballads, tunes and ditties from the words of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  479- 4636

Free SW Florida Minnesota Twins Youth Clinics
Buckingham Little League, 9800 Buckingham Rd, Fort Meyers
10 a.m. - Noon.   Call  Tim at 707-1965.

Lehigh Little League, 1400 East 5th Street, Lehigh
1 - 3 p.m. Call Jamie at 770-1889.
No registration required

Ranger-led tour of Koreshan Historic Site
Koreshan State Historic Site, Estero
Saturday & Sundays at 10 a.m.
Koreshan, a nationally recognized historical site, was originally settled in the late 1800s as a utopian community. The site offers RV and tent camping, canoeing on the Estero River, a playground and nature trails. Cost: $1 - $2 Parking fee is $4


Sunday - 18
An Evening Under the Sea
Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway
5 – 7 p.m.
Join our Marine biologist, Susie Hassett, as she takes us on an under the sea adventure!  Interactive Games, Touch Tanks, Live Pet Show, Temporary Tattoos, Face Painting and More!  Purchase tickets at the Cape Coral Yacht Club office or by calling 574-0806 $6 per person.

Wild Wizard Program/See Sound
Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
2 -  3 p.m.
The super and junior scientists present a series of wild lab experiments exploring some of Mr. Edison’s and Mr. Ford’s illuminating inventions.  Fun for all ages.  If interested in attending lab class, call the at 334-7419


Monday - 19
Do It Herself Workshop
Home Depot, 14655  S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
7 p.m.
A friendly environment for women to learn new skills and tackle interesting home improvement and décor projects.
437-6333

Fun Day at the Gym
Southern Starz Gymnastics, Cape Coral
January 19th - 20th
574-0034



Tuesday – 20
David Copperfield: An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall,  Fort Myers
5:30 & 8:30 p.m. 481-4849

Camp Imaginarium
Imaginarium Hands-On Museum, Fort Myers
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Must Preregister. 321-7420

Book Bingo
Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library, 921 S.W. 39 Terrace
2 p.m.
Come & play Book Bingo. Back by popular demand!! Learn about books and win prizes. For ages 6 and up. Parents welcome. Registration requested. 479- 4636

Gals Book Discussion: Ellen Potter’s “Olivia Kidney”
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers
4 p.m.
Grab your moms, daughters, sisters, and girlfriends and join us for an all-ages discussion of the book “Olivia Kidney” by Southwest Florida Reading Festival author, Ellen Potter. Olivia discovers some rather unexpected individuals in her New York City apartment building. She discovers even more about herself. For gals ages 9 to 99. 479- 4636


Wednesday - 21
Get in the Game! Become an Educational Surrogate!
Lee County Public Education Center, Training Room
2855 Colonial Blvd,  Fort Myers
5:30-7:30 pm
Volunteers needed to be available if a child who is a ward of the state and receives ESE services needs an educational surrogate! Learn about ESE laws and implementation in Lee County School District.   337-8162

Semester Showcase
Saint Michael Lutheran School, Fort Myers
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Meet our instructors, support staff, administrators and families. 939-1218


Thursday - 22
Financial Aid Night
Lehigh Senior High School, 901 Gunnery Road, Lehigh
7 - 9 p.m.
Parents attending the meetings will learn about the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form and steps they need to take to help their children receive financial aid from colleges, high tech centers, etc. 337-8348


Friday - 23
Night Hike and Campfire
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Fort Myers
7 p.m.
Come walk our one-half mile Cypress Boardwalk and learn about the nocturnal animals that live at the Nature Center.  Afterward, enjoy s’mores by the campfire.  Register by calling 275-3435.  $3 for members, $5 for non-members.


Saturday - 24
Game Day @ Your Library: Board Games
South County Regional Library, Estero
2 p.m.
Come enjoy chess or board games at the library. Something for all ages. Drop in and join the fun! 479- 4636

The 6th Annual Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival
Centennial Park, Fort Myers
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Six hours of continuous live Celtic music & dance, food, drink,  Celtic vendors & more!  Adult admission: $5 -- Children under 12 admitted free with paid adult. 321-7530

Children’s Story Time
Barnes and Noble, Fort Myers
11 a.m.  437-0654

Winter Games
Four Freedoms Park, Cape Coral
9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Children will have fun pretending to ski, ice skate and much more Ages; 3 – 5 yrs. $20 res & $23 non-res.

Young Artist Auditions
Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
9 - 5 p.m.  (Jan. 24 and 31)
The project recognizes the area’s top talented students in the performing arts. Students must be registered to participate. The auditions are open to the public for viewing. 9 – 5 p.m. 574-9321.


Sunday - 25
The Power of Science
The Bonita Springs Public Library, 26876 Pine Avenue
4 p.m.
Come be a part of science based challenges just like the kids on the PBS show Fetch! Paula Sklodowski from PBS will be here to energize you with science information. 479- 4636

Pizza and Books
East County Regional Library, 881 Gunnery Rd, Lehigh
4:30 p.m.
Stop by the library with a favorite book, or one that you’ve read recently. Share what you liked, or disliked with others, and enjoy pizza in the East County Regional Library’s Meeting Room! Registration required. 479- 4636

PugFest 4
The Silver Screen
Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers
Sunday, January 25 from  Noon - 4 p.m.
This year’s theme is “The Silver Screen” and pugs dressing as their favorite Hollywood film star are eligible to be named Best Actor or Actress in the PugFest Barkademy Awards.  Other highlights include a pug fashion show, contests open to all dogs, vendor exhibits and pet products, book
signings by Lisa Knapp, noted author of “Fabulous Pugs,” and a Chinese Auction.  Admission is free, although a $5 donation per dog is suggested.
479-4636


Tuesday - 27
ABCs of Daily Care Seminar
Babies R Us, 10002 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers
7 p.m.
We’ll cover topics from bathing, skincare & must-haves  you’ll need to do everything with ease. 433-6837

10th Annual Creepy Crawlie Day
Family Fun Day
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Fort Myers
Saturday, January 27th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Today the Nature Center celebrates the “unhuggables” of the animal kingdom.  Join us for a full day of creepy crawlie fun!  Interactive activities include a bug hunt in our forest, Bugs for Lunch, the Wacky and Weird Experiment Lab, and an array of live animal presentations about the strange and creepy.  Included with regular admission, $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12).  Nature Center members are free.  275-3435


Wednesday - 28
Wacky Wednesday Celebrates Chinese New Year
Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library, 2050 Central Ave.
4:30 p.m.
Wacky Wednesday rings in the Chinese New Year with folktales and crafts from China. The program will end with a paper lantern parade. For children in grades K-5. 479- 4636

Be Someone's Special Valentine
Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library, 921 S.W. 39 Terrace
5 p.m.
Create an awesome Valentine mailbox and card for a local Box ideas and materials will be provided. Prizes for the best Valentine mailbox. Registration required. 479- 4636

Thursday - 29
Junior Parade Registration
Edison Festival of Light office, Jackson St, Fort Myers
Jan. 29 - 30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Jan. 31,  10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
334-2999

Placemats and Poses
South County Regional Library, Estero
6:30 p.m.
In honor of Chinese New Year, make a chopstick placemat; afterwards, strike a pose with Dance Dance Revolution! Snacks provided. 479- 4636

T-Shirt Re-Do
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers.
4 p.m.
Bring a T-shirt and re-do it into a bag, pillow and more. Supplies provided. For ages 11-18. Registration required. 479- 4636


Friday - 30
Fabulous Friday
Pine Island Public Library, 10700 Russell Rd.,  Bokeelia
4 p.m.
Join in the fun at the Pine Island Library as we celebrate Friday with stories games and crafts. 479- 4636


Saturday - 31
Children’s Story Time
Barnes and Noble, Fort Myers
11 a.m.  437-0654

National Puzzle Month
The Captiva Memorial Library, 11560 Chapin Lane
3 p.m.
Come and play crossword puzzles, word games, and other brain teasers. Help present a Puzzle Tale. 479- 4636

R.E.A.D Program – Reading to Dogs
The East County Regional Library, Lehigh Acres
11 a.m.
The Reading Education Assistance Dogs will be on hand to listen to you read. They're great listeners! These pet pals are available to kids of all ages.  479- 4636

Edison Festival of Light Illuminating Bed Race
Centennial Park, Fort Myers
5:30 p.m. 334-2999

Edison Day of Discovery
Harborside Event Center, Fort Myers
1 - 4:30 p.m.
The 52nd Annual Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Science and Engineering Fair and the Thomas A. Edison Inventors Fair showcase over 800 student finalists from elementary, middle and high schools in our surrounding four counties. The fairs consist of a Science Fair and an Inventors Fair.  Free Admission.
334-2999

Discovery Village
East Centennial Park, Fort Myers
10 a.m.  -  4 p.m.
Features games, presentations, educational exhibits and vehicles brought in by a variety of state and local organizations.  A community stage will feature The Wild Wizard Stage Show, Florida Rep’s ZAP and local talent. Exhibits presented by Florida Power & Light, Kraft Construction, Lee Memorial Blood Center, Calusa Nature Center, ECHO, Edison Inventors Assoc. Edison Ford Winter Estates, Imaginarium, Southwest Museum of History, The Monday Group, Lee County Sheriffs Dept., Fort Myers Fire Department, Six L Farms, Lee County Mosquito Control and others. To learn more about the Edison Festival of Light, log onto www.edisonfestival.org.
334-2999

Paws and Claws Tail-Gate
Miromar Outlets, Fort Myers
10 a.m. - Noon
A sports-themed event with fido in mind that includes fun and games for the whole family!

Free Family Event
Michaels Arts & Crafts at Page Field Commons
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.       
We will be creating Valentine cards, Ages 5-12 years old.  Free. 274-5509

Edison Celebration of Art
Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 940-1899

The Million $$$ Baby Model Search/Pageant
Southern Starz, Cape Coral
1 - 4:30 p.m.
FUN for girls 0 to 18 and boys 0 to 7 yrs.  Great chance to be seen by professional model agents. For information & application call 770-7793.

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