Returning Library Books In Miami-Dade County

The most exciting thing that happened to me yesterday was finding out that I could return library materials to any library in Miami-Dade County, regardless of where it was checked out. OK, stop thinking about how I must lead a really boring life if this was the most exciting news I heard yesterday, and hear me out.

I am a HUGE fan of libraries for kids. I have really fond memories of the public library in Marathon from when I was a kid--I can remember choosing my Bobbsey Twins books, Amelia Bedelia, and Nancy Drew. I was and am a big reader, so I get really excited when the girls are "into" books. We sometimes check out DVDs, books on tape, and videos too. The best part is--everything is FREE. (Unless, of course, you go overdue...which I occasionally do. Yesterday I paid a total of $5 to two different Miami libraries for overdue items. Shame on me! It's really inexcusable, because you can go online and renew almost everything.)

We go to two libraries in Miami frequently: Coral Gables branch, and Coconut Grove branch. While I was returning books to the Coconut Grove branch yesterday, I mentioned something about trying to keep Coconut Grove materials separate from the Coral Gables materials, and the librarian mentioned that it didn't matter which library I returned to. This will save some headaches--no more worrying about keeping everything in separate bags so they are returned to the correct branch!

For those of you who don't visit the libraries in Miami with your kids--you should! I can vouch for the children's rooms at both the Grove branch and the Gables; they've both got really extensive collections, and very helpful librarians. Coconut Grove library has a weekly toddler storytime on Wednesdays, and Coral Gables also does toddler storytime, but theirs requires a reservation. I've also been to the Miami Beach library, which is fantastic, but this was before I was pregnant, so I'm not sure what their children's collection is like. The trick when you're looking for a good library in Miami to visit with your little one is that newer is not always better. The brand new Pinecrest branch, which I hear is GORGEOUS, also apparently has very few books in the children's section at this point. The older Miami libraries have had time to build their collections.

Children's Stores in Coconut Grove: the BabyMama Rankings

Sometimes, when Elle and I need to get out of the house for a while but have no specific "plans", I head into the heart of Coconut Grove. There's plenty to do there with kids that doesn't involve shopping, like 3 playgrounds, the huge field at Peacock Park (great for running...and running...), the library, the fountain, the goings-on at Cocowalk, and a ton of places to grab a tasty treat at an outdoor table. We do like to do some shopping too, though! For such a small village, Coconut Grove has many shops that feature items for children. Here are my rankings and reviews of children's stores in Coconut Grove:

My Favorite.........Tula and Tupi: This store hits all the marks for me. They have both clothing and toys (lots of Melissa and Doug), and they offer many different price points. AND, they are really really friendly and helpful! A lot of the clothing is from their own Tula and Tupi brand, but they carry other brands too. One of their specialties is the ballet theme, so if you have a little ballerina on your hands, this is the place to go. The accessories are plentiful, too.

A Close Runner Up for Favorite....Brenda's Boutique: I really toyed with the idea of doing a "tie for first" between Brenda's Boutique and Tula & Tupi. Brenda's Boutique a tucked away little shop, and is sooooo warm, friendly and cozy! There is a resident cat sleeping inside at all times, and a resident toddler (Brenda's son) much of the time too. This store isn't exclusively a children's store, so the clothing selections are somewhat limited. On the other hand, she has so much cool, adorable "stuff" (accessories for all ages) that you'd be hard pressed to walk out empty handed. My nine-year-old looooves this place as much as my two-year-old and I do, and Brenda the owner is very sweet and helpful. No toys to speak of, though, so it can be a bit of a trick keeping the two-year-old from getting touchy with some of the jewelry displays that are not meant for little ones. I guess that's why Tula and Tupi wins by a nose--Elle heads straight for the toys when she gets there and I can browse without worry.

Third Place....BabyGap & GapKids: There is a two-story Gap store at Cocowalk, and the upstairs is a BabyGap, GapKids, and Gap Maternity. I actually end up buying quite a bit for the kids here--their sale racks are always full of good deals. That said, I find their regular-priced items to be a little expensive for homogeneous big box everyday kid's clothes--I usually hit Target or ebay for day-to-day wear. But the sale racks at this BabyGap and GapKids almost always have good finds.

Last Place.....Hippo: Honestly, I rarely go in this boutique any more because it really, REALLY isn't my style. First off, they are not very friendly and warm. Second, the clothes don't ever really appeal to me, and third, everything is quite expensive. If you're looking for a high-end children's boutique in Coconut Grove that carries a lot of European children's clothing lines, then perhaps this is the place for you. It's just not the place for me, and since these are the Babymama rankings, Hippo ranks last. They do have a wide range of sizes for different ages, though. And the sale rack at the back of the store sometimes has a few hidden gems.

Honorable Mention...The Bookstore in the Grove: This one gets an honorable mention, because it technically isn't a "Children's Store in Coconut Grove", but it has a pretty wonderful children's section. They have a nice selection of toys, books, and backkpacks, and if you're into Hello Kitty stuff, well, they've got an entire well-stocked display. They also have a cozy bakery and cafe area, perfect for sharing a sweet treat.

Village of Merrick Park with Kids

The other day I was at the park chatting with a mom I hadn't met before. She asked which area of town I lived in, and I replied that I lived in Coconut Grove, which I loved, but that sometimes I missed the easy and plentiful shopping opportunities that were available in other parts of town. "But you have Merrick Park, right?" she asked. Village of Merrick Park...oh yeah! That mall that is really convenient for me, except for the fact that I can't afford to buy anything they sell there. That Merrick Park!

I do tend to forget how close we live to Village of Merrick Park, because when I head out on shopping errands, I usually have the objective of, um, actually purchasing something, and Merrick Park mostly offers very exclusive, pricey stores. Click here to see a list of stores.

That said, Merrick Park is my favorite "shopping mall" to visit with the kids. It is really close to where I live, and the atmosphere is great considering it is a shopping center. It is outdoors, with lots of green space, fountains, gardens, and seating areas to take a break and enjoy a rest. The upper level walkways are safely enclosed with pretty wrought iron gating, and my little one loves to gaze out at what is going on down below. She especially loves to watch the kids running around on the lawn or in the dancing fountain (more on that later.) Also, it never seems very crowded at this mall, especially during the week, and the other shoppers always seem so happy...the kids are happy...just really different from your average crowded, chaotic "mall" experience. Here is my list of what I like to do with the kids at the Village of Merrick Park:

Pottery Barn Kids: I don't know, is this the only Pottery Barn Kids in town? I think it might be. I love to go with my 2 year old so she can play with their toy kitchen display while I shop. While their regularly priced items may be a little steep, I often really good sale prices on some items, particularly clothing.

Borders: This is a relatively new addition to Village of Merrick Park, and is a very welcome one for this mom. Nothing special about this particular Borders, but I really like visiting book stores with the kids, and this one is no different.

The Dancing Fountains: The management of Merrick Park will probably kill me for this one, but....in the heat of summer, I occasionally head to Merrick Park with the kids, a change of clothes, and towels, and sip a glass of wine while they run through the dancing fountains. I'm not a huge fan of the Italian restaurant right next to the fountains (I much prefer the other one, Villagio), but you know what they say about location, location, location. Another option is to relax on the grass right by the fountains.

Nordstrom's Fish Tank: We all love the Nordstrom fish tanks, right? This one is located in the shoe department, entrance on the second level.

Anthropologie: This is a fun store to visit with OLDER KIDS. This store is full of interesting little knick knacks that teens and tweens will enjoy looking at, but is a minefield for toddlers and younger children.

Janie & Jack, Benetton: I always love swinging through both of these small stores, looking for sale items for the girls.

Saturday Afternoon Live Music in the Garden: From 2 - 6 on Saturdays, there is live music in the garden that can be heard on all the outdoor walkways. It's just...nice. Soothing, which I need sometimes when I'm out and about with a two-year-old and a nine-year-old, ya know? They have live music on Friday evenings too...click here for the current schedule and times.

Villagio: I mentioned this earlier...this is a friendly, affordable Italian restaurant with a large indoor and outdoor dining area. They have another location at Dadeland Mall, and both are great to visit with kids, if only because they are really nice to kids here, and that's worth a lot to us parents, right?

So that's my wrapup of visiting the Village of Merrick Park with the kids. A couple of closing notes: they do charge for parking in the garage, so be sure to get your ticket validated. I know Nordstrom validates, and other stores validate on and off, but I'm not sure which ones at this point--you'll have to ask. Also, they have an "events" schedule listed on their website--the events are usually more adult, but it's worth checking here every once in a while to see what they've got going on, especially if you live close.

Seaquarium or Sea Prison?

I run a meetup.com group for Miami moms, so every month I create a calendar of events for moms and their little ones to attend together with other moms/kids. I recently mentioned to my friend Kathy that I would be visiting the Miami Seaquarium with my mom's group, and she practically spit out her soup. "Allison! That is the worst aquarium in the entire country! I can't believe you would go there!" Needless to say, Kathy is a huge animal rights supporter, has volunteered with marine programs, and is a huge advocate for sea animal rights, I guess you could say. She regularly whips out the "Sustainable Fish" wallet card and tells me whether or not I am "allowed" to order the sandwich or entree I am eyeing. She lectures me about "Swim with the Dolphin" programs, and she lets me know which animals at the zoo are happy, and which need more "enrichment."

She told me that the Seaquarium had an orca named Lolita that they treated really poorly, and that there were several websites and groups to "Free Lolita." I told her I'd look into it, and that I would cancel the event if what she was saying was true. Well everyone, I am about to cancel the event.

Let me just say that I have been to the Seaquarium twice since I've been in Miami, and was underwhelmed. The Seaquarium is quite pricey, and you also pay for parking. The park is old and poorly kept up. The enclosures for most of the animals are small and old, with the exception of the dolphin enclosure. Is it a coincidence that the dolphin enclosure provides added revenue through their Swim with the Dolphins program, and that is the only decent part of the park? So, I haven't been back in quite a while, but I saw their special deal (visit in February and get a free pass for the rest of the year) and figured it was worth another try. But after looking into what Kathy claimed I have decided to cancel the event. Not only have I decided not to go to the Seaquarium again, I've also decided that I won't even post the event encouraging others to go.

I read several articles about the Seaquarium and cruelty (do a search for "miami seaquarium animal cruelty) and several articles and websites will pop up.) While miamiseaprison is definitely the most frequent result on google, I also read articles from reputable news organizations, like this one and this one.

To sign a petition, click here.