Fun Places To Go - The Big E, Western Massachusetts

It's that time of year again in Massachusetts:  The Big E Fair time!

Fun Places To Go - Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI

Elephants Waiting For Baths

The Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI is a fun place to visit.  This is true even in the winter.  We went in February 2013.  However, I do recommend that you make a warm(er) weather visit!

The Zoo is small enough that you can easily navigate through it.  There is only 1 entrance and 1 exit.  You enter the zoo and then go through the zoo in a circle like direction.  Then, you exit the zoo through the same spot.  It is large enough that you feel like you get your money's worth from the visit. 

Parking is free at this zoo.  There is even a small Dunkin' Donuts inside, across from the elephants.  There are lots of gift shops.  Most are very small but my favorite is large(r) and it is located after the snack/restaurant area.  I have found some great books and items here.  They have a ton of adorable stuffed animals.  Some are very realistic while others are made to be cute and cuddly.

Highlights of the zoo are the zebras, elephants, seals and giraffes.  Also, there is a great outdoor playground that stays open all year long.  We timed our visit just right and we were able to see the elephants get a bath indoors.

Outdoor Playground & Treehouse

Random Thoughts From... My Head

Why are there so many shows that premiere on Sunday.  Is it the Soprano's effect?

Why do people like low fat dairy products.  Bleck.  I even prefer 2% yogurt.

My son regularly sleeps 12 to 13 hours a night.  He is a good sleeper.  He makes his sister look like a sleeping slacker at only 11.5 hours.

If I take a nap, it takes me an hour to fall asleep.  I sleep a bit and then wake up all cracked out.  What is the point?

When will that Veronica Mars movie be out?

The timer/delay button stopped working on our dishwasher.  It is 10 years old so I guess I shouldn't be surprised but I am annoyed.  The dishes come out clean so that makes me happy!

Fun Places To Go - King Richard's Faire, Carver, Massachusetts



Live Flute at King Richard's Faire

I have been meaning to get this post up for everyone for some time now.  There is still 1 more weekend to enjoy King Richard's Faire because it closes up shop for the year October 20, 2013.  If you live in South Eastern, MA then you probably know what this event is.  If you live in New England, I think it is worth the trip! 

We went to the King Richard's Faire in Carver, Massachusetts in September 2013.  There was a Groupon deal and we were able to get 2 adult tickets for $31.99.  Our kids are free this year but next year they would be $16 each.  We met some friends at the Faire and they brought their 3 children.
I haven't been to this Faire in probably 25 years!  It was much more family friendly than it used to be.  I remember hoards of drunk people.  Seriously drunk people and tons of them!  

I remember jesters walking around who were employees of King Richard's Faire and these were mean 'ol jesters.  I was traumatized by them and really afraid that they would pick on me.  Me and one of my cousins ran away from them at every opportunity.  We loved the time period rides (no engines) and all of the excitement of the King&Queen parading thru the park.  They did that this time but we totally missed it because I had low blood sugar and needed to eat unless I wanted to melt down!

There were a bunch of animals for the kids to check out and their absolute favorite thing was to ride the horses!  I liked all of the kid rides (still!).  I also liked checking out the food and ended up with a Bloomin' onion (like the Chili's version) and a loaded baked potato (awesome!) and a Root Beer Float (subpar). 

They had whip shows, tiger shows and dueling.  They also have a vendor who comes with Hobbit Holes which are tiny little houses.  You can see J&J below checking out a chicken coop made by the same company (I really want some chicken and a cute coop.  Must check zoning laws).

Something I remember from bring a kid is a maze made out of fabric walls.  When the maze ends, you get to go down a small slide.  We went thru this maze with an Auntie and it was a good time for all!

 

There is so much more to see and do at King Richard's Faire!  We hardly scratched the surface and I think that if you have little kiddos like us, then you will probably miss the shopping and will definitely miss the drinking!  There are a lot of pictures in this post but I think it will give you a nice feeling about the ambiance and how much fun this Faire can be for the whole family.

PS
I am having issues with the pictures and the captions and the picture formatting.  If you have any Blogger tips, please share them in the comments below.


One of the time period rides at King Richard's Faire







Fun Places To Go: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at RWZ Providence, RI

Starting October 3, 2013 through November 3, 2013 Roger Williams Zoo is having their annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Providence, RI.  This event takes places within the Zoo itself.  Thousands (aprox. 5,0000) of carved Jack-O-Lanterns are lit and shown to the crowds.  You get a rare chance to be in the Zoo while it's dark and check out all of the Halloween decorations.

We went to the Zoo last weekend.  Many of the Fall/Halloween decorations were up and I have to say that they looked great!

I have heard about this annual event for years but have never actually attended it.  Now that J&J are almost 4, I would love to bring them.  There are 2 things stopping us from going this year, though.

1. J&J go to bed at 6:30pm on days that they don't nap.  Most days are no nap days.  Going to this event which starts at 6pm would make for some cranky kids which would make for a cranky Mama.
2. The cost!  Even if you have a RWZ membership, you only save $2 off of adult tickets and $1 off of kid tickets.  This would be an expensive event for us.  Mon-Thurs Adults are $12 and kids over 2 years are $9.  Fri-Sun adults are $15 and kids are $12.

It would cost us $54 to go on a weekend and it would cost us $42.  Hmmm.... off to look for some discounts!

Does anyone know of any discounts?

 

 

Pez Museum, Orange, CT

One of Jack and Juliette's first favorites was Pez candy and dispensers.  I found this link when we
I was internet surfing on day.  I can't wait to take a family trip to Orange, CT and check out this Pez Museum.

The Pez Collection (2013)

Fun Stuff To Do Locally (South Eastern Massachusetts & Rhode Island)

I am making a list so that I have something to refer to when the kids are bored.  Time to load up the car with kids and supplies and pack up the double stroller!

Time To Go On A Fun Family Outing
(SE MA and RI)

Kidz Wurld
Monkey Joe's
Kidz Kastle, Warwick
other indoor play places

Legion Bowling, Cranston RI - they have duck pins (little balls with chunky pins) and Pac-Man near KFC and hot dog place for kid dinners

Capron Park Zoo, Attleboro
Roger Williams Zoo, Providence
Buttonwood Zoo, New Bedford
Southwick's Zoo, Mendon
Franklin Park Zoo, Boston

Science Museum, Boston
Children's Museum, Providence
Children's Museum, Easton
New England Aquarium, Boston

Geocache

Maize Maze - Conner's in Danvers

Roller Skating

Skiing (save me)

Library
Library Story Time Group

Canobie Lake - they do have a toddler area

Mystic, CT
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Seaport (when kids are a bit older)
The Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Middlebury CT


And, below some not so local ideas:
Conway Railroads
Storyland
Santa's Village
America's Stonehenge
Clark's
Mt Washington Auto Road

Newport Mansions
Newport Ocean Walk - no strollers though
Cupcake Charlie's is now in Newport

Kittery Outlet's
York's Wild Animal Kingdom

Busch Garden's (in VA has Sesame Place)
Jamestown Pie Co
Virginia Beach
BBQ Restaurants

Hershey Park, PA
Sesame Place, PA
Turkey Hill Experience, PA
Crayola Factory, PA
Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia PA
Storybook Land, Atlantic City, NJ

Niagara - USA and Canada



Seasonal:
Polar Express
Ice Skating
Winter Fun thing in Attleboro (Feb)
Christmas Thing on weekends at Slater Park in Pawtucket, Ri (Dec)
LaSalette
See Santa - also at Bass Pro
Edaville - only open for Thomas?
Santa's Village some Xmas

Where Have I Been?

I've really missed blogging and taking some time to write and gather my thoughts.

We have been really busy with Halloween, the twins' first birthday party, some house guests and the twins' Christening!

Now, we have to get thru the first steps (I kid, I kid - I am SO excited that walking will be here soon), Thanksgiving, Christmas, another possible house guest and New Year's.

I'm going to post some new recipes and pic's to tide you all over until I am back full speed ahead!  Some exciting news at our house is that my husbands hours are changing a bit after Christmas and we are going to work out a deal-ie-o where I get to blog (alone) everyday, woot!

Here are some pics for all of you in blog-land!