Family Friendly Activities for Brandon and Beyond (Feb. 11-13)

With today's final school bell the weekend officially begins for some 226,000 children living in Hillsborough County in pre-school through grade 12. That’s according to U.S. Census figures for 2005-09 and it doesn’t include the young at heart or the adults who raise and care for kids.

In other words, there’s a whole bunch of people looking to do things together across generations this weekend.

Here’s a look at things to do this weekend for family fun in Greater Brandon and beyond:

• The Florida State Fair is underway and is  chock full of things to do with the kids or with your spouse or with your grandparents  or even by yourself and with friends in a break away from the status quo. Earlier this week we offered “” as a guide for spending time wisely and saving money to boot. It includes useful links and downloadable activity books and sheets for kids and information booklets and maps for older kids and adults.
• , though its WFamily program, is hosting a Valentine’s Day party at the mall Feb. 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Go to the Play Space that is part of the Westfield Playtown area outside Sears, where parents in our gave high marks to the refreshed flooring and the additional features — including play cars and a turtle — at the ideal height for small kids to climb over and sit upon.
• A good night out with older teens? Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Barbara Bailey Hutchison headlines an adult community concert hosted by the Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association in conjunction with the Greater Brandon Arts Council. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable. Cost: $25. Call: Center Place at 685-8888.
• Movie night at A in Brandon offers a few selections for all ages (some with parental guidance suggested): “Gnomeo & Juliet” (Rated G), “Justin Bieber Never Say Never” (Rated G), “Tangled” (Rated G), “Tron: (Rated PG), “Yogi Beart” (Rated PG), “Just Go With It” (Rated PG-13), “The Dilemma” (Rated PG-13), “The Eagle” (Rated PG-13), “The Green Hornet” (Rated PG-13), “The Rite” (Rated PG-13), “The Roommate” (Rated PG-13), and “True Grit” (Rated PG-13).
• The BioWorks Butterfly Garden at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) focuses on butterflies native to West Central Florida. Check out the “Florida-friendly garden” a homeowner can create to attract wildlife and turn a backyard garden into a butterfly sanctuary.