Read & Chill Lounge
The Read & Chill Lounge is the place for all things bookish and chill-ish. Curl up on a beanbag or your favorite cushy flower for readings from picture book authors. In between storytimes, enjoy your own reading time by visiting the Live Like Livy Bookshelf, where every little reader can take home a book. When you’re done with your book, you can give it to a friend and pass on Livy’s message to always Bee Kind! To learn more about Live Like Livy, visit LiveLikeLivyFoundation.org.
Click here for a schedule of authors presenting in the Read & Chill Lounge.
Stanza’s Swamp Land
Tutifruti’s Roll-Up Station: Skate with Tutifruti for fun skateboarding games that give participants of all ages elevated self-confidence, positive friendships, and new skills – Drop into our game sessions for a one-of-a-kind experience on wheels! Don’t forget to stop by the Tutifruti merch table to check out screen-printed apparel made by local artists. Learn more about Tutifruiti at tutifruti-fl.org. Signed waiver and helmets are mandatory. All skateboards, helmets, and protective gear provided at no additional cost.
Webs & Critters With Interknit: Local artist The InterKnit is bringing whimsical folk art to Swamp Land! Look for the colorful web of yarn up and all around you, and make your own fuzzy swamp critter pompom to add to it! Learn stitches, knots, knits, and crochet as you connect to the literal world wide “web” through art!
Kick It! With Soccer Shots: Get ready to run, kick, and play! Soccer Shots brings the world’s most beloved game to kids ages 18 months to 8 years in a way that’s all about fun, friendship, and discovery. Through age-appropriate games and activities, little athletes will build skills, confidence, and character – all while having a blast in a safe and inclusive space. Whether it’s their very first time kicking a ball or they’re already soccer fans, every child gets to shine on the field!
Inflatable Axe Throwing: Axes – what?!? Don’t worry, they’re inflatable! Get your footing in place, set your sights on a target, pull back, and throoooooooowww. See how close you can get to the bull’s-eye while playing a pastime that’s been enjoyed for thousands of years, by prehistoric humans and Vikings to Native Americans and lumberjacks!
Info Booth
To make the most out of your adventure in Children’s Alley, pick up a Wordsmith Passport at the Info Booth. Each passport has adventure stations to guide you on your journey around the Alley. Complete an activity at each one to get a sticker for your passport! When you complete all the adventures and collect all the stickers in your passport, you can redeem it for a free book of your choice at the Children’s Alley Info Booth!
Books & Books Supply Post
Rita has a lot of hobbies, but reading is her favorite and Books & Books is her store of choice! Booksellers are like wizards – tell them what you wish and they can make the perfect book appear! Swing by the Books & Books Supply Post for book recommendations, signed copies, and author autographing, and browse all the latest and greatest from board books to YA! Visit Books & Books at booksandbooks.com.
Click Here For A Schedule Of Presenting Kids & Young Adult Authors!
Nicklaus Children’s Health System
Healthy minds start with curious minds! Stop by the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital booth for interactive activities and giveaways. Like Nicklaus, we believe every child’s story should be filled with healthy habits, happy moments, and endless possibilities! Learn more about NIcklaus Children’s Hospital at nicklauschildrens.org.
Made to Be Messy
Dig up a toy, touch a new texture, make a piece of art, and discover a host of new messy fun! Made to be Messy brings sensory fun through a variety of activity stations and themed crafts. Sensory play enhances cognitive, language, and fine motor skills through a love of learning and discovery, using interactive elements and multisensory engagement. Come join the fun and let your little one explore as they dip, poke, squish, and rattle a variety of textures, tools, and toys! Learn more about Made to Be Messy online; follow them on Facebook and Intagram.
UHealth Jackson Children's Care Play Zone
Enter our UHealth Jackson Children’s Care Play Zone and enjoy a world of life-size games – including Connect 4, Operation, and Tetris – hands-on activities, and our fan-favorite Teddy Bear Clinic! Kids and families can enjoy friendly challenges that spark curiosity, encourage teamwork, and bring learning to life through play. Learn more about UHealth Jackson Children’s Care at pediatrics.jacksonhealth.org.
Zoo Miami Foundation Mobile Fun Factory
Bring your curiosity and creativity! The Zoo Miami Foundation Mobile Fun Factory is a hands-on, interactive experience that lets kids and families discover how animals play, explore, and stay active. Visitors can help design and build enrichment items – just like our animal care team does at the zoo – and learn how play is an important part of animal well-being. Find us the Zoo Miami Mobile Fun Factory all weekend next to the Create! canopy and join the fun! Learn more about the Zoo Miami Foundation at zoomiami.org.
Sensory Fair
Discover the Science of the Senses With Create Kids
Uncover how your five senses shape emotions, focus, and well-being at this hands-on Sensory Fair! Through interactive stations, kids and families will learn how sights, sounds, textures, and breathing can calm the body, boost mood, and support mental health. Join us for a fun, eye-opening journey into the science of self-care – perfect for curious minds of all ages! Learn more about Create Kids Edu at createkids.org.
Roving Performances & More!
The Wordsmiths run into awe-inspiring performers in their travels, and they’ve brought some of their favorites to the Fair. Be on the lookout for the Bubble Wizard, balloon twisters, stilt-walkers, and animal-human hybrids. If that’s not enough, you can always grab a hoop on the plaza and join in some swirly-whirly fun for Hula Hoop Hulaballoo throughout the day, or play oversized outdoor games with the family!
Hula Hoop Hulabaloo With Flow By Cassandra
Hula hoops, games, and spontaneous dance parties equal pure joyful playtime! FInd it in the outdoor games area on the upper plaza – just follow the hoop-lah!