Bodega Bay Tide Pools

For as much as I love the ocean, I have never been to a real tide pool before. So when I saw an ad in the local family magazine for a guided tide pool tour, I knew I had to get the family to go!
 If heaven had a heaven, this would be it for me:

I was totally unaware of the 1-mile (pretty steep) hike going into it, but thankfully Myles did so well and walked the whole way there and most of the way back.

The views definitely helped as well.

When we first got to the ocean, they gave us a bit of a break to change shoes, get a drink, check out the water, etc.

We weren't allowed to pick anything up without the guides' assistance, unless it was something that was floating and/or not attached to anything.

We played a little iSpy...

We saw the most of mussels and anemone. Some anemone were almost a foot in diameter!

Have you ever been to a tide pool?

{Bay Area Kids Fun}: Lawrence Hall of Science

Here is where I normally have some super long introduction babbling on about stuff that has nothing to do with the post I am sharing. However I am really trying to work on being more direct (and short) with my writing, so lets just get into it. 
Here is my latest Bay Area Kids Fun post!

Lawrence Hall of Science

Mark tagged along with us this time and we spent close to 5 hours here exploring all of the ins-and-outs of this museum. Science museums are great for the whole family because there are ways for all ages to participate. Even Mark and I learned some new stuff and had some fun. For me though, the absolute best part of the experience was the view. All of the most beautiful parts of the Bay can be seen from this museum.

The first two attractions you will find are outside. Kids (and adults) can climb, slide, and crawl across Pheena the Fin Whale and thelife-size DNA structure.

I need to preface the rest of this review by saying that this is by no means a comprehensive list of everything that this museum has to offer. We would both be here for hours. I will be sharing our favorite parts and what I think sets this science museum apart from the rest. For a full list of the exhibits, go here.

We started in the front room upstairs. We've seen these pin-walls before, and they are always a big hit with Myles. It's pretty neat how well face shapes come out. Anytime I tried to do my face, Myles had to put his hand through it (typical threeager).

We also had to check out the Keva planks. I was totally amazed by what others guests had made with the blocks. What was amazing to Myles was the opportunity to destroy everything that was made. 

Next we headed downstairs. This is where all of the classrooms are located. During limited weekend hours you can get up close and personal with some insects, reptiles, and small mammals in the Backyard Zoo and Animal Discovery Room. The first thing we checked out was the Ingenuity Lab. Here you can design, build, and test inventions based on challenges the museum creates. The theme changes every couple months.
Myles helped Mark build a race car. 

Then we gave the Linkages and Moving Toys challenge a try. It was a little above Myles, but he was able to learn how it worked by looking at some that were already made.

And we had to throw in a little fun:

The other exhibit we looked at downstairs was the prehistoric animals bones. They have a triceratops skull still in the rock and a full mastodon skeleton cast that was found on Mt. Diablo.

After that we ended up in the cafe at the perfect time for a break and snack. The cafe has a full wall of windows looking out over the Bay. I couldn't get over eating with this view.

When we were done eating, he headed back upstairs. We spent several hours exploring all the exhibits on the main floors. There is so much to see and do in these areas, so I am just sharing a couple of our highlights.

Myles is still all about balls, so he loved the Energy Tracks. They have 5 different types of tracks set-up to help test the velocity of balls. This is supposed to simulate roller coasters and how they work in regards to speed. 

At Fold and Fly, you get to make your own paper airplane and then fly them with the help of mechanical airplane launchers. This was my second favorite exhibit of the whole museum. I had never seen a mechanical launcher before and it was awesome. They even have a little course set-up for the planes to fly through.

My number one favorite exhibit here is the Stop-Motion Stories. It was so fascinating to be able to see how stop-motion movies actually get made. And let me tell you, it takes a ridiculous amount of time and effort! Our movie was only about 18 seconds long, but took us at least 20 minutes to make. We were both pretty proud of what we accomplished though and I loved that Myles and I were able to work together to make something we both enjoyed.

We couldn't do anything too elaborate because Myles' attention span is still a bit short, but here is the video we made (his ideas, my computer work):

The last thing we did was go outside. Myles could have spent another couple of hours just in the outdoor area, but we were running low on time. When we go back, I think I will start outside first, because I know he didn't get to do as much as he wanted this day. I also really enjoyed all that was set-up outside, and of course, the VIEW!

We lucked out on a gorgeous day and Myles was able to play outside without being too cold. He was really into the water feature in the Forces that Shape the Bay exhibit. He used plastic water blockers to change the flow of water (simulating the Sierra Nevada) and learned about how we can influence the path(s) of water .

Myles, of course, was most intrigued by all the dead worms in the pond. He made it his mission to pick one up with a stick so he could see if it was really dead. 

Cost:
Adults: $12
Children 3–18, Seniors 62+ $10
Under 3: free

Pros: 
This will come as no surprise, the view! 
I love their outdoor exhibits; get the kids learning outside and you are a winner in my book!
They have some great ageless exhibits (stop-motion movie making) that the whole family can participate in and truly enjoy. 
The amount/variety of exhibits is outstanding; we were there for 5 hours and could have stayed longer. Myles was very engaged throughout the whole experience. 

Cons:
Some of the classroom exhibits (with animals) have limited weekend only hours.
Otherwise, I honestly can't think of anything else. We went on a day that was not busy at all, so even the parking was fine. I imagine on a busier day that parking might be an issue, but that's pretty common in the city areas. I would also bring a lunch next time. The food in the cafe was good, but we could have saved money by bringing our own.

Overall review:  
9/10
We will definitely be going back and spending a lot more time outside. It's a great place for the whole family to spend a day together, having fun and learning. And, the view  beats out any other museum in the area!


Bay Area Kids Fun Posts:
Children's Creativity Museum
 Habitot
Children's Natural History Museum
Children's Fairyland
 Lawrence Hall of Science
Sonoma County Children's Museum
Exploratorium 

 

Petaluma Classes and Entertainment Guide

Moving across the country to a city that you know absolutely nothing about is a very humbling experience. Besides a year in Florida, I had lived my whole life in the same city in Illinois. It is a decent sized city (second to Chicago), but it doesn't take long to learn everything the place has to offer (kids entertainment, food, classes, schools, etc.). People complain that there is nothing to do there all the time, but still I think we all find huge comfort in knowing a place well. 

It has been exciting discovering a new city (and surrounding areas), but it doesn't come without its frustrations. Even today with all the technology (apps, websites, social media), it can be hard to find everything that is available. And as a (mostly) SAHM, I need to know all the possible options to help get us out of the house. In my efforts to do so, I have come up with some pretty comprehensive lists. I figured others would find them of good use as well, so I am sharing them here publicly on my blog. I have broken them down into different categories and here is my first: 

Classes and Paid Entertainment:

This is an index of classes for children listed by category. At the end, I also added paid entertainment/entertainers to hire for parties. The file is uploaded to Google Drive in PDF format, so click the link above or below to open it. You can download and either save it, print it, or screen shot it from your smartphone. That way you can always have it.

Petaluma Children's Classes and Paid Entertainment Guide

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6zXXO15vpz_N3pXdi1Wa3Fld00/view?usp=sharing

Also, if you have any additions or suggestions please comment below or email me juliacanderson85@gmail.com. 

{Bay Area Kids Fun}: Children's Fairyland

'No better time than last minute'... seems to be my motto lately! So here we are with my monthly Bay Area Kids Fun post!

Spring is finally upon us and so is the time to spend the day enjoying the beautiful weather outside with family. And no better place to do that than.... 
Children's Fairyland
 Well before Disney World/land opened and back during a time with virtually no children's amusement parks, a man named Arthur Navlet had a vision to change all that. With the help of the city of Oakland, in 1950 his ideas came to life in the form of Children's Fairyland. Today, they describe the park as 'whimsical 10-acre park is a magical fantasy world where young children can create, imagine, play, and learn all day long.'

I didn't do much research before going, so I really had no idea what to expect. Since I started doing these reviews, I have made a conscious effort to not look up anything about the places. It keeps my biases to a minimum and my expectations low.

I had never even been to this general area of Oakland before, so I was pleasantly surprised by the surrounding park as well. You could easily fill a whole day with Fairyland and the pond, recreational park, paths, etc. around it.  
 
When we arrived, we got a quick tour of the whole park, and I was really shocked by how big it is. And they really use all the space so well. I was very impressed with all that they fit into 10 acres. Our tour ended at the back of the park, so we started our playing at Old West Junction.  
 This is the most recently added attraction and one of my favorites. It is set-up just like an old western town, complete with jail (Myles' favorite), bank, horse stable, and a two story slide! 

We also saw our first talking storybook box here. You can buy a Magic Key ($3 and its yours forever) that will allow you to listen to a story/song (in English or Spanish) at just about every attraction/area.

 Next up was the Dragon Slide. It's a pretty big slide and looks even more intimidating. I wasn't sure Myles was going to do this one on his own (children under 4 and no adults to help), but Mark walked him up and he took it on with no problems. He even wanted to do it again! I secretly wish I could have given it a try too!

On the way the the slide entrance is this cute little Noah's Ark boat:

And we, of course, had to ride the train. He waited very patiently for a looonnnggg time to get on this thing. It's a short trip, but you get to go around twice and the track goes through the coal mine behind the Old West town! This is also their oldest ride (opened in 1954)!, so the wait was worth it!

Myles also took a ride on the carousel. And because there was no line, he rode two times in a row. No adults allowed on this ride :( , but it is extra cute seeing the little ones on those mini-horses!

 I'm not sure why exactly, but Myles was obsessed with Willie the Whale. He just kept walking up and down the stairs and then standing at the bottom for minutes. Every time we tried moving on, he just wanted to keep going back to that darn whale!

 No adults allowed on Anansi’s Magic Web, so I was certain Myles wasn't going to go. But, I was wrong again! He loved every second as he was yelling 'hi mom and dad' even at the very top! And no lines here either!

This dragon reminded me of my favorite green dragon: Puff! If you pull his tongue, he tells a story. And that little guy on the mushroom behind the dragon blow bubbles!

Another favorite of mine: Jack and Jill Hill. Kids can slide down the green grass hill on cardboard. Myles got creative and went on his belly and even 'surfed' down the hill!

Next, we had to say hi to all the animals! Bunnies, goats, mini ponies are just a few of the 15+ animals that are housed at the park. 

 As we moved through the park, we played out our own stories. Myles got in on the action of The Wizard of Oz and the Three Little Pigs! He makes a darling Dorthy!

Another favorite of mine was the Alice in Wonderland Tunnel. You can travel down the rabbit hole on a slide and live out the story through mini scenes of Alice's adventures. And at the end you must make your way though the card maze (the best part)!

Our last stop (before Myles could no longer go on!) was the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship and Play Island. Both are sand-based attractions with boats and ropes. Myles really loved the pirate ship (possibly his favorite) and even dad got in on the action. He climbed the rope ladder, but then backed down at the top when he saw the crow's nest. I was really hoping to get a picture of him up there, but he wasn't having it. He did have a great time steering the ship and keeping away from the croc!

We spent a good 4 hours here but by that time, Myles was completely pooped and out of energy to play. Luckily, we did get to see mostly everything, but next time we go we will start where we ended, so that he can properly explore those attractions with more energy. 

Other entertainment attractions:
 Daily puppet shows (Storybook Puppet Theater): opening in 1956, it's the oldest continuously operating puppet theater in the U.S.

 Emerald City Stage: storytellers, magicians, comedy acts, singers, clowns, etc. A different act every weekend.
We caught a glimpse of a folklore storyteller, but Myles wasn't patient enough to sit through it.

Aesop Playhouse: Children's Fairyland has its own children's theater program,
Fairyland Personalities. Children 8-10 years old perform stories from folklore and children’s literature. Runs from June-October.

Cost:
Ages 1 - 100: $10
Under age 1 FREE

Pros: 
Possibly abnormal, but we experienced no crowds or lines (except the train) on a Saturday.
So much to do: so many attractions, rides, play areas; something for all ages!
A ton of entertainment for your money: rides, acts at the Emerald city stage, puppet show, children's theater are all included in price. 
Lots of areas to picnic or relax and a ton of shade.
All outside, so perfect way to spend a day for the kids, but also enjoying good weather.
Staff is very friendly and engaged.

Cons:
All outside, so if it is cold/rainy, a no-go.
Parking is shared with the whole park, so it is hard to find a spot, even on a non-busy day.

Overall review:  
9/10
I have to give this place a 9 because, it was hard for me to think up any cons! I was racking my brain, and it was just not happening! I love that it is all outside: get to enjoy the sun, but some shade for hotter days. Absolutely no shortage of fun and entertainment, for a reasonable price. Something for all ages and interests with tons of imaginative and physical play. We will definitely be going back for more!

Bay Area Kids Fun Posts:
Children's Creativity Museum
 Habitot
Children's Natural History Museum
Children's Fairyland
 Lawrence Hall of Science
Sonoma County Children's Museum
Exploratorium