well, my 83-year-old dad thinks we're BORING! (Miami, Palm Beach: rental car, coupon)

[Razz2525]

I had posted a few weeks ago about things to do with my dad in South Florida and was concerned about the heat, his ability to walk (has had a history of gout), etc. Come to find out that after I warned him that he'd be spending a day with DH's rather boisterous family from Brazil (and I think EVERYONE is visiting) because DH was concerned about my dad being overwhelmed, my dad thinks we're B-O-R-I-N-G and he wrote it just like that! lol! He said he was kidding and loved us and the kids so whatever we wanted to do (or not do) was fine, but my brother then filled me in that my dad had said "Whenever I visit, all we do is watch TV." Dad had sworn my brother to secrecy when he complained about that, but the last time my Dad visited, my 20-month-old was an infant and although we went out a few times to either dinner or a park, we admittedly didn't do much because I was still b-feeding and my dad has always given us the impression with his various ailments that he was perfectly comfortable dozing off on the couch after a meal.

So now it's on like Donkey Kong! July 4th weekend is going to be action packed (within reason I guess!). Since my dad sees plays/musicals pretty frequently in NYC, I want to get a babysitter and see a family show either in Ft Lauderdale or Miami, go to the aquarium, get out and about. I wish the circus was in town because we could do that. My brother said he stopped being cautious around my dad a long time ago and my dad sat outside in 80-90 degree weather watching my niece's gymnastics meet without a complaint. Now 80 degrees up north is not the same as summer down here so I don't want to knock him out, but I'm not tiptoeing around anymore! What's a good family show (that a 4 1/2 year old could see)? Any other ideas of what to do in Miami? I'm considering the seaquarium too. The Palm Beach Zoo is out - it's too hot for all that walking.

Thanks for info! Boring! Harrumph!

[the-writer-guy]

wow! you better get shakin'

[DaniellaG]

Not in Miami but I think Lion Country Safari in WP is nice for an 88 year old or a 4 year old. You go through a lot of it in the car.
As for plays I am not sure. I love them too but usually the summer time brings less of them. Have you looked online for ones that may be coming?

[Razz2525]

Thanks Daniella, we thought of Lion Country Safari but it would mean 2 cars since it's the 4 of us in our sedan and his rental car unless we split up among both cars... plus DH isn't crazy about the expense but we may still do it.

I did look into the shows but nothing is going on the weekend of the 4th. All the great family shows are starting later this year. I even looked for Blue Man Group since I heard they stop in Miami now and again, but no luck. I'm thinking the Miami Children's Museum and/or the Aquarium. Alternatives are the Museum of Science & Discovery in Ft Lauderdale so we all don't have to travel so far. The Science Museum next the zoo is ok, but not great. We may still check it out.

We're also thinking of renting a minivan so that we can all fit for the weekend without us having to drive everywhere in 2 cars but yet again, more $ unless we can find a good rental deal for the weekend...

[DaniellaG]

I think I saw a coupon for Lion Country Safari at Publix. I am not sure the discount though. Also my grandfather of similar age goes to comedy clubs though I am not sure where. When my mom was in town we were going to go to Ft Lauderdale to IMAX theater. They have animal type 3d on that larger screen. Not sure if he would enjoy that.
Rental cars are sometimes cheaper by the airport then in a city like Boca for ex too.

[dive77mmwet]

I love Lion Safari WPB
Take him to Hooters Ft Lauderdale!