On Saturday, February 21, 2015, my family joined other kids, parents and aspiring young chefs at Jungle Island, South Florida’s favorite landmark attraction, for the eighth annual Fun and Fit as a Family sponsored by Carnival featuring Goya Kidz Kitchen. Produced by the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE, this family-friendly affair brings together celebrity chefs, culinary personalities, health and fitness professionals, and more for a fun weekend in an off-the-beaten path, jungle-like setting. The $20 advanced purchase ticket price makes this extraordinary experience affordable and accessible to all.

Each year, children get up-close-and-personal with an impressive group of chefs and culinary talent in the Goya Kidz Kitchen. The 2015 roster includes demonstrations by Todd English, Duff Goldman, Ingrid Hoffmann, Robert Irvine, Rev Run & Justine Simmons, and Andrew Zimmern.

“This is the demo I look forward to more than any other all year long. I get to directly impact the lives of children, and engage with them one-on-one during Fun and Fit as a Family,” says Andrew Zimmern, host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods. “Kids don’t come with a set of instructions, and I feel obligated to help families make the cooking connection that makes for better health and better relationships.”

Kids also experiment with all the major food groups in the Whole Foods Market Food Lab, which is being hosted this year by Reed Alexander. The famous cookbook author and former Nickelodeon star invites children six years of age and up to prepare hands-on recipes using fresh and healthy ingredients. Alexander served as commentator for the Food Lab featuring Lorenzo Boni of Barilla America; Adrianne Calvo with Panda Kitchens; Latin Chef and TV personality, Doreen Colondres with the National Pork Board; and local favorite, Dewey Losasso.

Jungle Island’s natural environment, animal exhibits as well as physical fitness activities, provided by Florida International University, keep the entire family active at the attraction’s Garden Outpost and private beach. Thanks to sponsors including Badia Spices, Baptist Health South Florida, Barilla, Goya Foods and Carnival Cruise Lines, parents and kids get to enjoy additional activities and healthy snacks around the park.

The purpose of Fun and Fit as a Family is to educate children and parents about healthy lifestyle options in a hands-on manner. It’s an accessible, fun-filled event that presents families with realistic tips. Vibrant activities from Carnival and interactive experiences combine with wholesome food samplings and culinary demonstrations for a truly well rounded event.

My family believes that through daily exercise and smart food choices, we can have a fun filled, better quality of life! For more information about this event can be found at SOBEWFF’s Fun and Fit as a Family 
Next year be sure to “Walk this Way” with the entire family and celebrate healthy eating and living!
Enjoy my slideshow from the event !
http://instagram.com/p/zauhstiXNo/