A Day Made for a Kid!

This past Sunday, my daughter (4 1/2-years-old) and I went to visit with my parents. There was an Art and Wine festival in town that we were told was very kid-friendly. They weren’t kidding (no pun intended). There was a large area with slides (where you ride down on a burlap bag), carnival games, rides for kids of all sizes, and a rock climbing wall.

After playing a few games (we won a stuffed bear), catching air on the slide, and enjoying a few rides, my daughter spotted the rock climbing wall! We left the front of the helicopter ride line to run over to the wall. I wasn’t sure if she would actually climb it once we got close to the wall, but she was fearless. They harnessed her into the pulley and off she went! It was a stretch for her, since I think it was really intended for a slightly taller crowd, but she made it about half-way up the wall before she looked down. Never look down! Once she did she just shook her head “no” when given the option of going higher. All she had to do was let go of the rock and the rope brought her gently down to the ground. I couldn’t be more proud. Hopefully next year she’ll make it to the top!

Lilah wears the Le Top "Ship Ahoy!" Hooded Terry Zip Cover-Up Dress while enjoying a tasty treat!

There are always fun fairs and local festivals in an area near you. Get on the Internet and search for the kid-friendly options. There is something for everyone and you don’t have to commit to an entire day. Who knows, your child might even try something new if they see other kids their age enjoying it. Enjoy your summer!

Check out our sale on summer clothing HERE!

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Amusement Parks, Zoos, and Playlands

A couple of weeks ago I decided to go do something special with my daughter since my husband was out of town. What could we do that she and I would both enjoy and wouldn’t “break the bank”  (especially since she may quickly decide that it wasn’t for her)? My mom suggested a local zoo / amusement park that caters to children. Seeing that my parents offered to come along for some much needed ‘Lilah time’ – I couldn’t refuse.

Though I’m sure these parks (and certainly zoos) were around ‘back in the day,’ they seem to have really dialed them in for maximum effect. Many of my mommy/daddy friends swear by themed playlands and children’s parks that they go to regularly. I hadn’t made the time to venture out with Lilah but that was about to change.

Well, I have to say it was fabulous fun! Admission was only $12 per person, free for under 2-year-olds, and they even have group rates for large parties. The best part was the many choices of activities – we could go to the zoo, barn, rides, huge slides, puppet shows or all of them!

We planned on starting with the zoo, but after a few minutes in the barn area, I looked over and Lilah had her finger covering her nose. She refused to remove it to feed the goats because she didn’t like the smell. Okay, well then … off to the rides.

She rode every ride and slid on every slide (more than once) and still wanted more. At this point we were too tired to go over to the main zoo, and we decided to head home. Now we have something to look forward to for next time. I was so happy to have my parents along with us to spend time with Lilah, take turns waiting in line for rides, and generally enjoy the day! 

Our day at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose, California

I would highly recommend that you visit your local amusement park / zoo / playland. There is something for everyone. If you’re taking little ones be sure the amusement park caters to small children because many rides have height restrictions. Who wants to tell their child they can’t go on a ride because they’re too small. Not me. In the end, I had a happy girl who can’t wait to go back and see the zoo.

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