This weekend, April 15-17, Coronado will enjoy its annual flower fest: the Coronado Flower Show. Depending on your child’s age and interest level, there are several ways for him or her to enjoy and participate in the show. Here are a few activities and events targeted towards children:
Flower Show Overview and Admission
Free entry for children under 12
The Coronado Flower Show is held annually on the third weekend of April in Spreckels Park in the center of Coronado’s Village. It is the largest tented flower show in the nation. Exhibits are placed inside tents surrounding a central gazebo, which becomes the stage for continuous entertainment, announcements, and trophy presentations.
Open to the public. Admission is $5. FREE entry for children under 12 and for Coronado Floral Association members.
A full schedule of Flower Show events can be found here.
Children’s Movie
Free showing of A Bug’s Life
On Friday, April 15, beginning at sunset, the movie A Bug’s Life will show at the gazebo. The movie is sponsored by the Islander Ladies Club. Bring your entry and your kids’ entries for the Flower Show and then stay for the movie! The food pavilion and Beer Garden will be open from 4-8pm with refreshments for purchase.
Flower Show Competition Options
Multiple Youth Categories
Florals by Locals Demonstrations
Children’s art classes and demonstrations
The Coronado Cultural Arts Commission (CAC) is presenting its Second Annual Florals by Locals Exhibition and Sale at the 2016 Coronado Flower Show inside one of the tents. The CAC will also be offering painting demonstrations by local artists and something brand new for children:
Painting Classes for Children
Saturday at 1:30pm and 3pm
Sunday at 12pm and 2pm
These 45-minute FREE art classes are for children ages 6+ (and the young at heart!) with all materials provided. Tickets to guarantee a spot will be available at the Florals by Locals booth on a first come, first served basis. Each class will be limited to eight students. The classes will be taught by Amanda Moser, CoSA student, with help from other artists.
Stop by the Florals by Locals booth at the Flower Show to participate, and read this full article to learn more.
Friends of the Library Book Fair
Children’s story hours, a visit from Oz, Dog of the Del
Each year, the Coronado Friends of the Library coordinates a huge used book sale in conjunction with the Flower Show. The book fair is at the corner of 6th and Orange Ave, and it is one of the largest in the country, with thousands of books, CDs, and DVDs.
This year the Friends of the Library will be adding a new children’s section of the book fair, which will be gated in with blankets on the ground. Children’s and parenting books will be inside this section so that parents and kids can shop while also relaxing with books.
The Friends of the Library will also be offering children’s story hours with readings by youth and adults. Stories will be read by a series of volunteers from 12-4pm on Saturday and 11-3pm on Sunday. Also, at 3:30pm on Saturday, there will be special visit from and reading by Taylor Strickland, the author of Oz, Dog of the Del!
Book Fair Hours:
Friday, April 15 – Members Only (Membership can be taken on the spot)
1:00pm-5:00pm
Saturday, April 16 – Free Admission
9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, April 17 – Free Admission
10:00am – 4:00pm
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If you know of other activities and opportunities for children during the Flower Show, please add your suggestions in the comments below!
