Volusia County Moms - Daytona Beach Family Events, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach

Earth Day 2013 - Events around Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, DeLand, and Beyond

Anyone who knows me well knows that Earth Day is one of my favorite holidays. It really is! I love that
there is a day set aside to remind people about this place we call home and to raise awareness about the importance of taking care of it. What we do and how we live our lives have a huge impact on our environment. If we want our children and grandchildren, and other future generations, to grow up with clean air, water, and a healthy planet it is up to us to do what we can to care for it, as well as teach the next generation to do the same.

Whether you take the kids on a nice nature walk (I have plenty of places you can explore in the nature activities area), or go to one of these events below, do something. Talk to them about the importance of caring for our planet and ways that they can do so. They are never to young or old to get them learning about things like recycling, nature, doing beach clean-ups, taking reusable bags to the store, etc. 

Here are some opportunities to get involved for Earth Day 2013, which by the way is April 22nd. 

Calculate your family's environmental footprint here.

Learn ways to go green here.

Southeast Museum of Photography
This is located at Daytona State College. They are having Earth Week Films featuring films about caring for our planet. The list of flims and times can be found here.

Central Florida Earth Day Festival - April 20, 2013
This Earth Day festival is held in Orlando each year. It's a great event for the whole family. There are scheduled events, presentations, stuff for the kids, lots of good food, too! You can find more information here. 

Be Seen Going Green - April 20, 2013
This free event will be held at the Lyonia Environmental Center and will focus on recycling. Reservations are required. You can find more info here.

Edgewater Party for the Planet
On April 20, 2013 there will be an Earth Day celebration in Edgewater. You can find more info here. 

St. Johns River Clean-up
This is a great family-friendly way to help clean up the area. It will be held on April 20, 2013. You can find more information here. 

Earth Day Festival 2013
This one is being held on April 20, 2013 in Titusville at the Enchanged Forest Sanctuary. You can find more details here. 

Earth Day Celebration
This celebration will be held on April 20, 2013 at the Love's Whole Foods in Ormond Beach. It will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will have free samples, coloring activities, raffles, giveaways, demos, and a plant sale. 

StetsonU Keeps it Green for Earth Day 2013
Stetson University is inviting the public to attend their Earth Day activities on April 20, 2013. It is free and will include environmental education for the whole family. You can find more info here. 

24th Annual Earth Day
Washington Oaks State Park, located in Palm Coast, will be having an Earth Day celebration on April 20 & 21, 2013. The celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be live entertainment, environmental groups, raffle prizes, plant sale, bake sale, and arts and crafts. There is a park entrance fee of $10 per carload of 8 people. You can find more information on the park here.

Earth Day Celebration - April 21, 2013
Held at the Lyonia Environmental Center, they are having an Earth Day Celebration. They are having kids decorate paper bags that will be given to be used at grocery stores (VCM note: Seriously? Yikes! Paper or plastic? Neither! Take your own reusable bags to stores!). You can find more info here.

Free National Park Admission Week - April 21-26, 2013
All this week you can get into national parks for free. Find more info here. 

DeLand Green Affair - April 27, 2013
This green living event will take place on West Indiana in Downtown DeLand. There will be fun for the whole family, including green living information. Find more information here. 

Nature Matters - April 27, 2013
This event will take place at the Disney Wilderness Preserve. You can find more info here. 

Additionally, consider setting up a tour of the county transfer station and landfill. It will help teach your children about where things go when we take them to the curb, as well as the importance of recycling. 

Also, be sure to join Volusia County Curb Alert. The site is for posting curb alerts throughout the country. Curb alerts are when people put out items for the garbage that can be re-used or repurposed still. You simply post it with the address so someone can rescue it from going to the landfill. Or, if you see something someone has posted that you would like to have, go get it. Together, we can keep more things out of the landfill.

 

 

2012 Holiday Happenings - Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, DeLand, Ormond Beach

Here we are again...ready for a new holiday season! There are always many great events and activities
going on around the Volusia County area during the holidays. Here is a list of events and activities. Check back to this page regularly, as it will be updated as we learn about more options.

***If you find the information helpful, please support it by clicking on an ad to visit our sponsors (including Google ads) and telling businesses you found their event or info here. Doing so will help ensure the information continues to be provided. Thank you! ***

Various Dates
Light Up UCF
If you want to head over to the Orlando area, check out the Light Up UCF event. They have a calendar of events for the holiday that that includes outdoor ice skating, a light show, film festival, and attractions. You can find all the details and the events calendar here. 

Various Dates
Disney holds a Very Merry Christmas Party for the holiday season. You can find more information on all that they have planned here. 

Various Dates
St. Augustine hosts the Nights of Lights each year for the holidays. It's a short drive there, but taking the trolley to look at the lights is a lot of fun. They also have lots of other activities throughout the season, including outdoor ice skating. You can find more info on the events and when they are being offered here. 

Various Dates
Gaylord Palms, in the Orlando area, offers special Christmas events that include Ice. You can find more details and all the info about their events here. 

Various Dates
The Daytona Ice Arena is holding public holiday skating activities this month, including a special Christmas Eve skate. They will include Santa, hot cocoa, snow, holiday music, and more. You can get the more details and the full schedule here. 

Various Dates / Other Events and Activities

• Looking for great places to drive by and see lights? Get info here. 
• Take the kids to see Santa in New Smyrna Beach. See the schedule here. 
• Mount Dora is having a list of holiday activities, including sledding. See schedule here.
• Want Santa to call your child? The City of Ormond Beach is offering a Santa Calling program, where you can have Santa call your child on the phone. In order for Santa to call you need to fill out the form here. 
• Santa's reindeer cam.
• Tracking Santa.

***If you find the information helpful, please support it by clicking on an ad to visit our sponsors (including Google ads) and telling businesses you found their event or info here. Doing so will help ensure the information continues to be provided. Thank you! ***

Daily through January 6
Ice Skating at the Bandshell
In Daytona Beach they will be offering outdoor ice skating at the bandshell each day through January 6, 2012. Hours are 4-9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. Friday it's from 4-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday it is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $12 per person, which includes skate rental. Group rates are available. For more info call 386-322-4848. 

November 30
City of South Daytona Tree Lighting
They will be holding their tree lighting ceremony on November 30, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. There will be the tree lighting, Santa, and refreshments. This is a free event. For more info, call 386-322-3070. 

November 30
Light Up Orange City
This is a free event that will be held at city hall. They will show a Christmas movie, have a lighting ceremony, and serve refreshments. Starts at 5:45 p.m. They will also have snow at the park. You can find more details here. 

November 30
Downtown DeLand Holiday Open House
There isn't a better spot to celebrate the season than downtown DeLand!  Enjoy carolers, musicians and snow on West Indiana Avenue! The shops and restaurants offer a great opportunity for holiday shopping with refreshments & discounts. Christmas tree lighting at DeLand City Hall at 5:30pm. Santa will arrive at Pioneer Park for picture taking at 6pm (corner of Rich Ave. & Woodland Blvd.).  For more info call 386-738-0649.

December 1
Tour of the Homes
This event will take place in New Smryna Beach. The homes are all decorated that you will see on the tour. You can get more info about what homes will be toured and purchase tickets here. 

December 1
Port Orange Amphitheater at the City Center
There will be a Christmas Choir at 6:30 p.m. Bring a chair and a blanket. This is an event for the whole family to have fun and sing Christmas songs. You can find more info here.  

December 1
Christmas Parade
This parade will take place in Holly Hill. The parade begins at 10 a.m.. For more information call 386-248-9441.

December 1
Breakfast with Santa
There will be a breakfast with Santa held at the Volusia Mall. It begins at 8:30 a.m. in the food court. There will be a free breakfast for children ages 10 and under. Registration is required by November 27th by logging on here.

December 1
Christmas Parade and Boat Parade
There will be a Christmas Parade in New Smyrna Beach on this day starting at 4:00 pm. It begins at the Flagler Avenue parking lot and will travel west along Flagler Avenue and the North Causeway, south on Riverside Drive and will turn west on Canal Street and will end at Orange Street. Right after the parade will be the Boat Parade, which will proceed along Riverside Drive and in front of the judge’s stand in Riverside Park. You can find more info on the boat parade here.

December 1
Christmas Parade
Flagler Avenue, located in New Smyrna Beach, will be hosting their annual Christmas Parade. The parade starts at 4:00 p.m. Santa will also be there. 

December 1
Christmas Parade
This parade will take place in DeLand and begins at 2:00 p.m. You can get more info here. 

December 1
Jesus Families in the Kitchen
Come celebrate with us!  Happy Birthday Party for Jesus! Worship & short interactive Bible study, followed by decorating cakes, eating together & making yummy Christmas presents. RSVP required by November 27th. Contact Theresa Merry @ 386-547-7308 or Nancy Wolcott @ 386-338-1827. 401 N. Williamson Blvd, Daytona Beach, Florida 

December 1
Tree Lighting Ceremony and Community Choir
This event will take place in Port Orange at the city center amphitheater. The fun and festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. 

December 1, 2
There will be a holiday party and craft show. The event takes place in Palm Coast, at 7900 Old Kings Rd. There will be food, fun, games, crafts, shopping, Santa, carriage tours, and more. The entrance fee is $5. Takes place Saturday from 1-8 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m.

***If you find the information helpful, please support it by clicking on an ad to visit our sponsors (including Google ads) and telling businesses you found their event or info here. Doing so will help ensure the information continues to be provided. Thank you! ***

December 2
Christmas Parade
This parade will take place in Port Orange. It will take place on Dunlawton Ave. eastbound, starting at Nova. The parade starts at 2:00 p.m. 

December 2
A Rockefeller Christmas at The Casements
Celebrate in Rockefeller style at The Casements, located in Ormond Beach. There will be a holiday lighting ceremony, ice cream social, holiday tea party, handmade crafts, and more. Reserve your tickets by calling 386-676-3216. Get more details here.

December 5-8
Journey Thru Christmas
The Volusia County Baptist Church will be hosting a free Journey thru Christmas event on December 5, 6, and 8th. The event will take place at 6:30-8:30 p.m. each night, with continuous shows.There is a lot planned with this event. You can get all the details and directions here.

December 7
Light UP Flagler
Flager Avenue, located in New Smyrna Beach, will be having their annual lighting event. It will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

December 7
Toy Drive Party at The Little Gym of Port Orange. Get info here. 

December 7
Movies Under the Stars
The City of Port Orange will be showing the movie "Home Alone" at the amphitheater. This is a free, family friendly event. Refreshments will be avaiable for purchase. The event, which includes activities and give-a-ways, begins at 6:00 p.m., movie starts when it gets dark.

December 7
Movies on the Halifax
The City of Ormond Beach will be showing "Beethoven's Christmas Adventure." Starts at 6:00 p.m. Bring a lawn chair. There will be food available for purchase. It will take place at the Rockefeller Gardens Park, located at 25 Riverside Drive.

December 7, 8, 9
Walk Through Bethlehem
This tradition will take you back in time as you take a walk through Bethlehem. The event is free and is open on these select dates from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (see December 14-16th as well). Find more information here. This takes place at CrossRoads Baptist Church, located at 1851 S. Clyde Morris in Daytona Beach.

December 8
Central Florida Zoo
There will be a breakfast with Santa event held on December 8, 2012. You can choose from breakfast or brunch. The fee for members is $17 for adults, $12 for children, $5 for 2 year olds, and free for under age two. The fees for non-members are a little higher. Reservations are required. For more details, visit the site at www.centralfloridazoo.org, or call 407-323-4450 ext. 123. 

December 8
Samsula Tractor Parade
The tractor parade begins at 3:00 p.m. and starts at the SNPJ Lodge, which is located on Samsula Road. The parade route will continue down to State Road 44. 

December 8, 15, 22
The Loop Free Holiday Light Tour
There will be free holiday light tours offered on these dates. Each tour is 30 minutes long. Tours are given from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The tours begin at Christmas Park, which is at the corner of Live Oak and Canal Street. Seating is limited and reservations are needed. You can get more info or make reservations by calling 386-424-2175. 

December 8
Poinsettia Festival
There will be a Poinsettia Festival held at the Holly Hill Market, located at 101 2nd Street in Daytona Beach. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be entertainment, vendor's, crafts for kids, activities, and items for sale. There will be an appearance by Santa as well. For more info, call 386-274-6474.

December 8
Light Up Midtown
This event is taking place in the midtown area of Daytona Beach.  Every Saturday throughout the month they are having an event, including a health fair on the 1st, a parade on the 8th, and Christmas in songs extravaganza on the 22nd. Get more info here.

December 8
Christmas Parade & Party
The Daytona Beach Shores parade and party will take place starting at 4:00 p.m. Enjoy traditional twinkles and festive lights, school bands and other groups that are ready to entertain you and get you in the mood for Christmas!  After the parade, stop by the Community Center for the Light-up-the-Shores Christmas Party and tree lighting ceremony with refreshments and entertainment. For more info, call 386-383-2686.

December 8
Home for the Holidays Parade
The annual Ormond Beach holiday parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Parade route begins on Division Av. and US1, goes north to Granada Blvd., turns east on Granada Blvd. to Beach St., turns south on Beach St. in front of City Hall.

December 8, 9
The Nutracker Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet will be playing at the Peabody, located in Daytona Beach. Shows begin at 2:00 p.m. Get more info or purchase tickets here. 

December 9
Santa Hustle Half Marathon
The Santa Hustle Half Marathon will take place on December 9th at the Ocean Center and will begin at 9:00 a.m. The event is a 5K Run/Walk. The half marathon begins at 9:30 a.m. You can get more info and register for this event here. 

December 13
Holidays at The Casements
Enjoy an evening of Christmas music performed by the Moonlighters in Rockefeller Gardens, desserts served inside The Casements, and the company of Santa Claus and Mr. Rockefeller! The time is from 6-8 p.m. The Casements are located at 25 Riverside Drive in Ormond Beach. You can get more info here.

***If you find the information helpful, please support it by clicking on an ad to visit our sponsors (including Google ads) and telling businesses you found their event or info here. Doing so will help ensure the information continues to be provided. Thank you! ***

December 14

Movies Under the Stars
The City of Port Orange will be showing the movie "Beethoven's Christmas Adventure" at the amphitheater. This is a free, family friendly event. Refreshments will be avaiable for purchase. The event, which includes activities and give-a-ways, begins at 6:00 p.m., movie starts when it gets dark.

December 14
Downtown DeLand Local Charity Night
This will be held downtown from 6-9 p.m. There will be a special charity night held where you can help local charities and get discounts in return. You can get more info on the details here. 

December 14, 15, 16
Walk Through Bethlehem
This tradition will take you back in time as you take a walk through Bethlehem. The event is free and is open on these select dates from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (see December 7-9th as well). Find more information here. This takes place at CrossRoads Baptist Church, located at 1851 S. Clyde Morris in Daytona Beach.

December 15
Parents Night Out
Smart Start Tutoring will be holding a special Parents Night Out. You can get your shopping done and know the kids are being well cared for and are safe. For just $15 per child you can drop your child off at Smart Start from 5:00-10:00 p.m. They will be providing dinner and fun activities! Call to reserve a spot at 386-760-2340. 

December 15
Breakfast with Santa
From 9-11 a.m. there will be a breakfast with Santa. It will be hosted by the Tomoka United Methodist Church, located at 1000 Old Tomoka Rd. in Ormond Beach. This is a free event, but you are asked to bring in a couple of cans of veggies or beans to donate. Children will get pancakes, do crafts, hear the Christmas story, receive a goody bag, and get their picture taken with Santa. Wear holiday clothes. 

December 15
Breakfast with Santa
"Breakfast With Santa" is an annual event at The Casements where children enjoy a special holiday breakfast with Santa Claus. There will be four seatings, 8am, 8:45am, 9:30am, and 10:15am. Contact The Casements for your reservation...they sell quickly! The cost is $5 per ticket. Get more info here.

December 15 and 16
Winterfest 2012
The Daytona Auto Mall, located in Daytona Beach, will be holding a Winterfest event. There will be pictures with Santa, snow, cookie decorating, carolers, and more. Activities are being held at various dealerships in the auto mall. For all the details, visit their site here. You will find a banner on the home page (scrolling with other pictures, so watch for it to come up). 

December 15
Kids Holiday Party Zumbatomic
At 11:30 there will be a kid's Zumba holiday event.  You can find all the details here. 

December 15
Home for the Holidays - Events on Beach Street
There will be a variety of holiday events held on Beach Street on this day. There will be a festival that opens at 1:00 p.m. There will be a band, performers, petting zoo, inflatables, Santa's workshop, crafts, and more. The events take place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. The festival is followed by the 12th Annual Halifax River Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade. Bring lawn chairs to watch. 

December 15
Kinetic Expression Dance Academy Holiday Soiree
There will be a holiday event and the public is invited to attend. You can find all the details and RSVP for the event here.

December 15
Santa Run & Toy Drive
This event will take place on Flagler Avenue, located in New Smyrna Beach. This is a charity event. Dress in holiday gear. Begins at 6:00 p.m. 

December 15, 22
The Loop Free Holiday Light Tour
There will be free holiday light tours offered on these dates. Each tour is 30 minutes long. Tours are given from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The tours begin at Christmas Park, which is at the corner of Live Oak and Canal Street. Seating is limited and reservations are needed. You can get more info or make reservations by calling 386-424-2175. 

December 19, 20, 21
Drive Thru Bethlehem
From 6-9 p.m. each of these nights there will be a Drive Thru Bethlehem at the Daytona Beach Drive-In Christian Church, which is located on A1A in Daytona Beach Shores. From the comfort of your car you can drive through seeing and hearing some sights and sounds from Bethlehem. This is a free event, altghough donations are appreciated. You can get more info here. 

December 21 
Caroling Night in Downtown DeLand
Bring your friends, family, choir group, or just yourself, and carol along Woodland Boulevard in beautiful historic downtown DeLand! Snowfall on West Indiana Avenue. 6pm-9pm. More info: 386-738-0649.http://www.mainstreetdeland.org 

December 22
The Loop Free Holiday Light Tour
There will be free holiday light tours offered. Each tour is 30 minutes long. Tours are given from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The tours begin at Christmas Park, which is at the corner of Live Oak and Canal Street. Seating is limited and reservations are needed. You can get more info or make reservations by calling 386-424-2175. 

December 22-24
Holiday Public Skate
Daytona Ice Arena is holding some holiday public skating events. On December 22nd and 23rd there will be a holiday public skate from noon until 10:00 p.m. The fee is $10, which includes admission and skate rental. On December 24th there will be a Christmas Eve skate. This will be held from noon to 10:00 p.m. as well. Santa will be skating from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for the family to do some skating and see Santa. You can get more info here.

***If you find the information helpful, please support it by clicking on an ad to visit our sponsors (including Google ads) and telling businesses you found their event or info here. Doing so will help ensure the information continues to be provided. Thank you! ***

December 26-31
Reindeer Experience
This event will take place each day between December 26th and December 31st. They will have live reindeer and a petting zoo. Located at 403 Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. 

December 31
New Year's Eve Party
This party will take place on Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. There will be fireworks. The event starts at 5:00 p.m. 

 

Walmart $5 Day at the Orlando Science Center

 

It's that time of the year again... time for the $5 Walmart Day at the Orlando Science Center. Walmart is helping to give everyone a chance to visit the Orlando Science Center for just a $5 admission price, which is a lot less than their regular fee.

The Walmart $5 day will be held on August 26, 2012. This is a great chance to take the family to the science center. We are members there and visit often. They have wonderful exhibits, demonstrations, movies, and more. You can find out more information by calling the Orlando Science Center at 407-514-2000.