SAT 7/9
They're not blind, related to rodents, or interested in sucking your blood. In fact they are vital to our ecosystem. But the poor little bat still has a hard time getting a break. The Misunderstood Mammal: The Bat at Greynolds Park (17530 W. Dixie Hwy., North Miami Beach) will reveal the truth about their basic ecology and dispel myths and misconceptions about the world's only flying mammal. Park naturalist Paula Schneeberger will then bust out one of her bats so you can get an up-close view of the cute little creature. "We want to educate the public about the basic biology and the importance of bats to our natural ecology," says Schneeberger. The evening will conclude with a night hike through the park with an echo locator. Although a single bat can eat up to 3000 insects in a single night, we still recommend bringing bug repellent. Get out of the cave and head to the boathouse at 7:30 tonight. Admission is five dollars. Call 305-948-2891 to reserve your spot. --Lyssa Oberkreser
Play It Safe
A cure for summertime ennui
SUN 7/10
Too many parents spend entire summers desperately trying to keep their children engaged in entertaining activities that won't result in broken bones. Because this waterlogged South Florida weather doesn't offer much assistance, Holtz Children's Hospital at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center is here to help. Its "Healthy, Safe, and Fun Summer" program offers loads of exciting summer tips. Drop by for some free food and music, enter a raffle, and check out the many activity booths. Don't forget to grab a brochure about innovative ways to keep the kids from jumping on the furniture until school resumes. The event is free and so are the giveaways -- the first 1000 visitors receive colorful beach bags packed with a "survival kit" of stuff the kids will love. The family fun kicks off today from 11:00 to 3:00 at Amelia Earhart Park, 404 E. 65th St., Hialeah. Call 305-685-8389. --Cristina Guerra
These Rides Are Pumped
SAT 7/9
If you're wondering why we're decked out in Chuck Taylors, leather jackets, and white T-shirts with cigarette packs rolled up in the sleeves, well, squares, we're getting ready to go down to the "Second Chrome on Krome," a showcase of classic Mustangs. This event is sponsored by Homestead Main Street, a nonprofit group whose goal is to revitalize downtown Homestead. But for us it means being around the most bitchin' muscle cars of the Sixties and Seventies and pretending we're greasers getting ready to rumble with the Cobras over a girl, not a manager at Bahama Breeze about some bad fish. Check out the sweet rides today at 5:00 at Losner Park, N. Krome Avenue at First Street, Homestead. Call 305-242-4814, or visit www.homesteadmainstreet.org. -- Ryan Brown
