Mad Science Means Mad Fun

Today we celebrated my son's 5th birthday with a Mad Science party for he and 15 of his friends. In addition to birthday parties, Mad Science does camps and school programs as well as occasional public shows. If you ever get a chance to see these guys, don't miss it. They are the real deal as far as entertaining scientists go. Our scientist did such a good job keeping the kids entertained and interested at the party. I lost count of all the cool experiments and demonstrations he conducted during the show. The kids were able to participate in most of the experiments and some of it was pure magic for them. They all made slime and he ended the show with the sweetest science experiment of all... cotton candy making. I can't recommend these guys enough for a birthday party. We paired up the science show with some carnival games, pizza, science cake and decorations, chili, ice cream and presents for a fun 2 1/2 hours. I can honestly say this was the most fun I've ever had at one of his parties. It was very gratifying to see all those little faces staring out with wide eyes and rapt attention. I think the parents enjoyed it as much as the kids. And I'm pretty sure somebody somewhere learned a little something. Check out the Mad Science offerings for yourself.

Grandfather Mountain trip

My family recently drove to the Boone/Blowing Rock NC area and spent part of the day at Grandfather Mountain. If you're planning to spend some time in the area, GF Mountain makes for a nice 2-3 hour stop. Admission is a little pricey at $15 for adults, $7 for kids (free for 4 and under), but if you have a AAA card, you can can save a few bucks per ticket. Be warned that on busy weekends, the wait to get into the gate and to drive up to top of the mountain can be trying, especially with little ones in the car. Thank goodnes for Leapster! We walked around the Split Rock area and found some great photo opps. The kids loved exploring the rocks and trail areas. We made our way to the Fudge Shop where we found some of the most delicious apple cider I've ever had. The kids also enjoyed apple slices with warm caramel sauce. That was yummy! I was in my own little happy place with my chocolate coconut fudge. It was like a 1/4 lb Almond Joy! Next, we visited the animal habitats. The bears were my favorite. We also enjoyed the habitats for otters, cougars, deer and eagles. There are quite a few picnic areas on the property for a relaxing snack or meal with the family. We got back in the car and drove up the very steep and slow road towards the mile-high swinging bridge. We decided to park at the lower level and hike up the half-mile trail to the bridge, avoiding the long car line to get to the top. We had four and five-year-olds with us and the trail up was a little challenging for them, but with our help they were very excited to have completed their first "real hike" as they called it. Walking across the swinging bridge was a lot of fun. It doesn't feel like it really swings. The vistas were breathtaking and the cool breeze blowing through the trees felt divine after that hike. All in all, a fun and adventurous day that the kids won't soon forget. BIG naps on the way home!

Kersey Valley Adventure

Today a group of about 20 mommy's and preschoolers visited Kersey Valley attraction in High Point. The day started out a little slow with a very long line at the ticket booth. We were in line for 30 minutes. Antsy little ones kicking dirt and swinging on fences made it feel like three hours. They definitely need more staff on busy days. Once we got out of line prison, everything looked up. The kiddos enjoyed the cow train ride, pumpkin patch, tram ride, gem mining, and ABC maize (a special maize for ages six and under). The kids took off into the corn rows in a flash to search out the alphabet letters. They ran out squealing and clutching their A-Z findings! After a picnic lunch and a gorge-fest on delicious kettle corn, the kids mounted the jumping pillow- a huge bouncing mound that was enormously fun! The hit of the day, by far. We went on small group day and it cost us $19 per person to do all the things we did (usually $23)- but we think it was worth it. A day at Kersey Valley = Happy and Tired Kids. It's a very unique fall experience that kids will adore! Check it out. http://www.maizeadventure.com/

Preschoolers Invade Restaurant

Thanks to the folks at Tripp's restaurant in Greensboro (New Garden area) for patiently serving our wild group for a multi-family dinner out last night. Even on a really busy night, the staff was extremely tolerant of spills, squeals, seat-switching, changing orders, a menagerie of checks, special crayon requests and flying shrimp. Our little ones and their parents enjoyed the food and the noisy atmosphere--- all the better to hide preschool misbehavior! It was relaxing in an odd way. Wait.. maybe that was the fish bowl margarita. There is a reason they call it the "perfect margarita." It's HUGE!! The hit food of the night with the whole crowd was Firecracker Shrimp. YUM!!! A little bit spicy and completely delectable. The kids devoured bowl after bowl of it on those cute little wooden skewers. Shrimpfest indeed! We will definitely put this on our family friendly places.

Bur-Mil Park Fun

I am so impressed with Bur-Mil Park. My son and I went to the Fall Festival today. Almost everything was FREE, except for plethora of concessions we consumed. We played games, sampled vendor tables, rambled around a fire truck, practiced putting and tennis, enjoyed some music and found a great photo background in the pumpkin patch. It's an annual event that you should check out if you've never been.

Bur-Mil Park offers so many great activities for the family all year--- fabulous aquatic center, tennis, volleyball, golf course, playgrounds, trails, picnic areas, fishing ponds/lessons, camps, wildlife classes, golf lessons and tennis lessons- and that's just off the top of my head! Nick is considering taking advantage of some golf lessons soon. We are very fortunate to have this jewel in our community. Go out and explore Bur-Mil!

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.