Miami Summer Fun in the Sun: Grapeland Water Park and Dolphin Mall Free Movies Report

We've clearly been out and about and all over this summer--from Key West to California, to Atlanta and back! We're back in town this week, and had fun at a free family movie at Dolphin Mall (Cobb Cinemas) and also at Grapeland Water Park. Both are pretty good for all ages. Here's more info on both places, and some "when you go" tips. If these two destinations haven't made it into your summer rotation, you should add them.

Grapeland Water Park:

* Biggest tip is, the summer camps are there in the morning, and start to clear out around 12:30, so if you're going on a weekday, get there later rather than earlier.

* This place is great for all ages--there's one shallow pool with two water slides that is especially for younger kids; older kids are not even allowed to go down these slides. The lifeguards ask the child's age if the child looks too old for these slides. Moms (or older siblings) can ride down tandem with their young ones though, which is great. Elle (3) is finally big enough to ride down by herself without spinning around in a circle on the slides!

Another section is for older kids, and has two long water slides, and two really short fast slides. Moms can ride down tandem with little ones here too.

There is also a Lazy River to float down in an innertube, and a large (olympic-size??) pool for swimming.

* No food or drink is allowed in the park, and they do bag checks on occasion on the way in. I'll admit, I usually hide a sports bottle of ice water and a granola bar or two in the towels. I HATE not having water and an "emergency" snack on hand, ever! But FYI the snack bar's prices are VERY reasonable for pizzas, burgers, nachos, etc.

* The bathrooms are VERY clean. There are changing tables for babies, and two showers (in the women's. Can't speak to what goes on in the men's;-)

* They offer a once per month outdoor movie on one Saturday evening--we've never been, but it sounds very cool! You can watch a movie in the pool or on a lounge chair.

* The one thing that drives me CRAZY at this place, and I remember thinking the same thing last year--the line cutting!!!! It's really, really, really bad here, because most kids are going down the slides without their parents, so they figure they can get away with it; there are very few adults in the lines so they are cutting in front of other kids. Please, parents, while you are driving to the water park, take a moment to review with your child the etiquette of politely waiting your turn! I think very young kids don't really "get" standing in line yet, but most of the offenders are old enough to know better.

More info on Grapeland Water Park is here.

Now on to the Free Movies at Dolphin Mall Cobb Cinemas. Cobb Cinemas at Dolphin Mall offers free movies at 10 AM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through July 30. Here are my tips:

* The summer camps hit this up too, so go early to get good seats, and to make sure you are able to see the movie you want to see. There are two movies showing each day, and when we went right at 10, one of them was already sold out.

* After the movie, head to the Dolphin Mall play area in the food court. The summer camps don't head here, and it's one of the best mall play areas--enclosed, fun stuff to climb and jump on, and a nice bench for parents that runs the entire perimeter of the large play area.

* After movie and play, you can grab a bite to eat at the food court. Everybody at this food court is handing out samples, so if your little one is a light eater (like Elle) they can get a decent snack or even lunch in from samples alone. Aside from that, Franktitude has some truly healthy, fresh options that you wouldn't guess that a hot dog themed restaurant would have. I think it's the healthiest and freshest place to eat in this food court.

* After all this, the really great news is, if your little one is in a stroller, he/she will probably CRASH OUT and you can shop for an hour or two! Elle slept through my shopping, trying on clothes, piling stuff on her stroller, and walking almost the entire mall.

The schedule for the free movies is here.

Photo credit: dewlittle/sxc.hu