Top Picks for Fall

Here are some of my top picks so far for fall activities.

• Thru November 1st- Maize Adventure at Kersey Valley, pumpkin patch, cow train, giant jumping pillow, fossil dig, gem dig, Web site.
• Sept 18- Oct 31- Corn Maze, Haunted Forest, Hayride, open Fri-Sun, J. Razz & Tazz Farm, 466 Peeden Drive, Gibsonville, Web site.
• Sept 26- UNCG Children's Festival/FallFest, Kaplan Commons on the West Lawn of the Elliott University Center, FREE festival area open 11am-3pm and includes games, activities, info booths, food available for purchase. Big Bang Boom children's band plays 11-12:30pm, Spartan Parade of Chariots is 3-3:30pm, Breakfast Club 80's band plays from 4-5pm and 5:20-6:30pm, Web site.
• Sept 26- Amaizing Pet Adventure at Kersey Valley Farm in High Point, pet shows, demos and pony rides, benefits Guilford County Animal Shelter, Web site.
• Oct 2-4- Children's Theatre of Winston-Salem presents "Blues Clues Live", Web site.
• Oct 4- Art in the Arboretum, 1-6pm, Greensboro Arboretum, artisans, crafts, live music, Art Bark, ArtQuest, food court, FREE, 401 Ashland Dr., 373-2199.
• Oct 10- Fall Family Fun Night at Lake Cammack in Burlington, 3:00 pm-9:00 pm, $5 per person, 3 & under free, carnival type games, coloring contest, candy apples, hot chocolate, hot dogs, chips, drinks, hayrides, marshmallow roasting and more. Families can also enjoy a movie on the big outdoor screen. Bring a blanket. For more information call 421-3872. Rain date: Sunday, October 11th.
• Oct 10- Fall Festival at Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro, 10am-4pm, hayrides, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, wildlife exhibits, crafts, FREE, http://www.burmilpark.org/
• Oct 17- Lake Higgins Halloween Trail, Lake Higgins Watershed Park, 4235 Hamburg Mill Rd, Greensboro, 6-7:30pm, kid-friendly trail adventure, $1, 373-3739.
• Oct 24- Ghoulash! Halloween event in Downtown Greensboro, 5-9pm, safe and fun activities, Cultural Arts District, Festival Park, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro, FREE, small fee for some activities, 373-2733.
• Oct 25- Sundays in the Park at Center City Park, 2-5pm, 200 N. Elm St., Greensboro, FREE, the Children's Halloween Parade - A perennial Park favorite, this parade brings out adorable ghosts, goblins and princesses from throughout Greensboro! Music by Big Bang Boom and Kuumba African Dance and Drumming.
• Oct 25- Paws in the Park, bring your dog and a leash to enjoy this event at Country Park’s Bark Park, 3902 Nathanael Greene Dr., free, 373-3648.
• Oct 31- Fall Harvest Festival, 7am-1pm, vendors of the Greensboro Farmer’s Curb Market will move to the Greensboro Coliseum Pavilion for this one-day event, free, 373-2957.

You can check out other event listings on http://www.familyfuntriad.com/. If you have other school or community festival favorites, please let me know.

Great Day in the Park at High Point City Lake Park

My son and I ventured forth today to experience our first Day in the Park Festival at High Point City Lake Park, which is actually in Jamestown, btw. This is the 39th year of this annual festival that includes rides, crafts, food and entertainment. We got there right as the festival opened as is our custom for the best parking, best giveaways and shortest lines. In spite of the recent rain, the park grounds weren't muddy at all. The coolest thing about this festival was that a $6 ticket got us all-day access to the train, miniature golf, rock climbing, bounce houses and slides, and carousel. We started out learning some colonial-style games-- ring roll and ring toss. My little one played two rounds of golf and actually achieved four hole-in-ones (real ones)! He was over the moon about that and then ready for the bouncy zone. He jumped and slid until he was delightfully exhausted. He did great at the basketball shoot (also included) and then headed for the rides. We rode the carousel and the cute little train which took us all around the lake. After listening to some jazz music we did a little shopping and browsing at the vendor tents. The library staff was on-hand giving away free books and toys and offering coloring sheets for the kids to enjoy. We sampled some yummy rock candy and locally made salsa and then he chose his one event "treat"-- a little gemstone tree that has really cool quartz, ruby and other stones. He loves rocks and gemstones! He was also eyeing up a beautiful mosaic stepping stone when I lured him away with an ice-cold Sierra Mist and a promise of a Chick-fil-a drive by on the way home. We filled three absolutely delightful hours and spent less than $25. Now that's a good Saturday out with my little man. We'll definitely do this festival again next year.

Find Playspaces and Parks in Your Neighborhood

A friend just turned me on to a great Web site. If you are looking for parks or playspaces in your neighborhood, go to this site and enter your city for a very detailed map of play areas. Cool!
http://playspacefinder.kaboom.org/

Day at the Fair

We took my son and his cousins to the Central Carolina Fair today at the Greensboro Coliseum. It was pricey as usual, but we all had a good time. The fair seems to have more rides for little ones this year and the ride attendants were very personable. The wristband is definitely the way to go since the kids often find a ride they like and want to ride it over and over again. My son also enjoyed the many games at the fair and we came home with a bag of multi-colored stuffed animals to add to the the Myers Zoo. We also found a vendor selling slushy art. For just $3, the kids can layer their own slushy (like sand art) with the different colors of flavored icee mixture. One of the highlights of the day since it also quieted the "I'm thirsty" whines. I will admit that I was thrilled when darling son threw his slushy away before he got to the yellow layer-- which just happened to be the energy drink flavor choice. Labeled clear as day. Good move, Mom! Even though it was pretty hot today, the fair got me in the mood for fall. I'm starting to get excited about all the upcoming fairs and festivals.

Tumblebees Offers Crazy Fun for Kids

If you've never played at Tumblebees, you're missing a real treat. In addition to the great weekly classes offered they have a variety of open gym opportunities where parents supervise kids as they enjoy the gym equipment. They can jump and roll until they're completely exhausted (and ready for a nap!). My son and his friends love playtime at the gym. Check it out!

Bee-Cess Playtimes are held each Wednesday for all ages from 10am-12:30pm. $7 per hour for members, $10 per hour for non-members.

School Year Open Gym is one Friday each month.
Preschool: 3:30-4:30pmSchool Age: 4:30-5:30pmCost: $7 for members, $10 for non-members
2009/2010 School Year Dates:
September 25
October 30
November 20
December 18
January 29
February 26
March 26
April 30
May 21

6904 Downwind Rd. Greensboro 665-0662

KCE Library Provides a Fun Afternoon

My son and his friends just love the KCE Library and Price Park in Greensboro. We usually start our visit with a picnic on the lawn and then a walk down the nature trail. It's a terrific trail for little ones. Easy walking and not too long. Nick has used their shape identifier system to learn about the different types of trees in the woods. We walk and talk about the trees and whatever else is going on in his 4yr old world. After we walk the trail, we play in the big open fields. Great place for kite-flying! Once our outdoor tank is filled, we meander over to the library to hunt for some new bedtime stories. My little man simply has to have a few minutes to play in the big playhouse located in the children's section. The house has little seats, a window and a thick door that makes a slamming noise which thrills all the munchkins. The most amusing part of it to me is the sign posted on the outside of the house that says "No running, loud noises or door slamming." And of course, that list of taboos is the undeniable attraction. So, while the other moms "shhh" and hush the kids, I just giggle quietly. Regardless of the oxymoron of the loud house placed in the library, KCE and Price Park is a magical place and worth a visit.