Category Archives: Philadelphia

Philadelphia places to visit with family and kids

Parenting, Philadelphia

Great Free Place for kids in Philly : Fairmount Park Waterworks

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Great Free Place for kids in Philly : Fairmount Park Waterworks:  I have been living in Philadelphia for the past 11 years after returning after falling in love with Philadelphia during college. There is one special place in Philly that has always been near and dear too my heart the Philadelphia Fairmount Park Water Works.  It is one of the prettiest place  in the city located at the end of Kelly Drive and at behind the Art Museum. Here is a little about the Museum:free place to visit in philly with kid water works

I recently learned that there is a interactive museum that is right in the middle of the waterworks which is free to all.   The have interactive learning, teaching the responsibility to the environment,  the work with the inner city schools to teach the importance of preserving the environment.

girl learning in waterworks display

The Waterworks museum is run by the The Fairmount Water Works, the ideal location to learn more about the life in and around the river, was constructed in 1812 to pump water from the Schuylkill River. Almost from the day the waterwheels began turning, the graceful neoclassical buildings and beautiful grounds made the place an international tourist attraction renowned for melding nature and technology. Today, the Fairmount Water Works is the Delaware River Basin’s watershed education hub, offering visitors information about the impact of water on their daily lives and how they in turn impact their water supplies. Located off Kelly Drive in Philadelphia’s East Fairmount Park, the Fairmount Water Works features a variety of hands-on, highly interactive exhibits including a live view of the Fairmount Dam fishway and a flyover of the Schuylkill River watershed.

waterworks

Tip Location: The Fairmount Park Waterworks which is the wonderful Park area located between the Art Museum and the Boat House row on the Schuylkill river.   The water works are the Greek Inspired Building you can see from RT 76. For more information, visit http://www.fairmountwaterworks.org

Here is a video review of the museum:

FLOW FEST

September 21, 2014   1pm-dusk

As the Fairmount Water Works—one of Philadelphia’s first tourist attractions—approaches its 200th birthday, it debuts the FLOW Festival. FLOW (For the Love Of Water) is an outdoor showcase of interactive, family-friendly exhibits and activities offering a glimpse into the future of this historic site. On September 21, visitors can “splash up a tune” using water and technology, create rhythms with dripping ice and steel drums, and enjoy a dramatic finale with a Schuylkill-inspired dance performance and a light show illuminating the Fairmount Water Works’ impressive neoclassical architecture. These are just a few of the many exciting activities that await guests during this “makers” festival.

“Anyone who loves the environment, who appreciates history, art and science, or just wants to have fun, will find something at our FLOW Fest,” said Karen Young, Director of Fairmount Water Works. “Through the creativity of local artists, attendees will discover the Water Works’ history and exciting future and the power and mystery of the Schuylkill River.”

kids learning at fairmount park waterworks

From 1 p.m. to dusk, the Fairmount Water Works’ majestic grounds will be packed with all manner of interactive, family-friendly activities, including:

  • Splash Organ – Using the famous piano scene from the movie Big as inspiration, local artist Lee Tusman designed this installation, which uses a simple piece of technology to turn buckets of water into an instrument.
  • Swim the Fishway – With only fabric and wood, local artist Kathryn Sclavi will create a replica of the passageway below the Water Works that allows fish to swim upstream to hatch their eggs. Guests will create their own fish puppet and “swim” it through the display, simulating the fish’s journey.
  • Build a Water Drop – Guests will help create a giant wave sculpture made out of hundreds of interlocking “raindrop” discs.
  • River Net – An oversized fabric installation that depicts the power and essence of the Schuylkill River.
  • Grand Finale Light Show – The festival ends in dramatic fashion with a light show, accompanied by original music and footage, reflecting the poetry and power of the river.

For more information about the FLOW Festival, visit fairmountworks.com/event/flow-for-the-love-of-waterwaterwheel at water works

Disclosure: I attended a event to learn about the Waterworks, I was provided a gift bag with a water bottle. All the opinions are my own.

Be sure to check out my Post on other places in and around Philly :

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Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

Field Station Dinosaurs Review, Secaucus NJ what to expect & #giveaway

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field sation dino

Field Station Dinosaurs Review, Secaucus NJ Kid Review what to expect This past weekend we Travel to North New Jersey to enjoy the Field Station Dinosaurs.   Imagine steping back in time and seeing the dinosaurs as they one were large and roaming the earth.  We did experience  what it must have been like at Field Station  kind of a Dinosaurs Amusement park .    The landscape is perfect grown and wild then desert and vast.  It is a fun day to see your kids light up and enjoy the time with these magnificent creatures,  The detail of the Dino s are accurate and the staff knows Dinosaurs.  The trip took  about 1 ½ from my home which is north of Philadelphia.  Check out my video for a full review and giveaway at the end of this post.

Driving to Field Station Dinosaur : The Field Station Dinosaur was very easy to get to from the Turnpike/95.  Parking was easy $10 per car you pay when you purchase tikes then provide the receipt when you leave.  From NYC in Minutes

Lunch/food at Field Station Dinosaur   : They have usually park food, The Pizza looked good.   You can also Bring your food in a cooler bag,  the have a large tent area with picnic tables.  

Shade at Field Station Dinosaur :  Down below look out there is trees so the paths are shaded,  Look Point no shade on the Plateau,  they did have a Shade Pop up need the concession .  and the Commanders Tent

Walking at Field Station Dinosaur :  It is a walking park so Comfortable shoes the paths are gravel or dirt for the most part, adds to the feel of the park.   Mostly flat walking except whe n you go up to the Lookout point and head to exit.    There are benches to relax.

dinosaurs Souvenirs at Field Station Dinosaur :  You do have to walk through the gift shop to exit the park.  you have been warned.

Hours of Field Station Dinosaur: Only open Saturday and Sundays April -October

2014 Tickets for Field Station Dinosaur purchased a head on line are $17.50 for kids and $20 for adults.  If purchased at Box office are $20 kids $25 adults.

Commander Tent is a Pass to get you in a large tent that has Fans and is out of the shade,  they have special activities for members (season pass holders or anyone who upgrades for it)

commanders passDinos after Dark which has Dinosaur Dance Party, make s’mores and sing around the campfire

Dozin’ with Dinos is an outdoor overnight adventure that starts at 8:00 p.m. and ends at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. Activities are scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. Guests sleep in large army-style tents on cots that are provided.  Ages  5+

3d movie Field Station Dinosaur: Cost extra $5 more and is located close to the exit.  I did not see the movie.

Review of Field Station Dinosaur:  I would strongly recommend showing the video in this post to your little ones so they know what to expect,  because I saw a few little ones that were a little taken back but the scale of these Dinos, which are to scale to a real dinosaurs.   I think you kids will love it if they are little if they know what to expect.

I think this is a great place for little ones 3-9.  My 9 year old liked it,  My 13 year old was about 9 years too late.  If he was 4 -6 the Field  Station Dinosaurs would have been his dream.   He was a huge dino kid.

Field Station Dinosaur Giveaway  They have offered one of my readers a 4 pack of tickets to visit.   Please use the Rafflecopter form to apply for the drawing.

This giveaway is open to US residents only and can only be redeemed at  Field Station Dinosaur.  These tickets can not be redeemed for cash.   The ticket will be sent direct to winner from Brand Representative and Superexhausted or babypop is not responsible for the tickets.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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LIfe, Philadelphia, Product Reviews

Wizard of OZ in Philadelphia #BWYPHL

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dorthy with girlsWizard of OZ comes to #Philadelphia  Recently we caught up with the Philadelphia’s Broadway series. The wizard of is coming to Philly.  I have very fond memories of watching the wizard of Oz on TV as a little girl.  The ruby slippers and tin man.  As a 6th grade girl I sand Somewhere over the Rainbow during a choir concert.  I loved all thing that were OZ related.

When were were invited to the pre-party bu the Philadelphia Kimmel Broadway series I was so excited to share the experience with my daughter and her friend.   They loved meeting a Dorthy and learning about the show.  girls

Wizard of OZ in Philadelphia  Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this new production contains all the beloved songs from the Oscar®-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy, and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family.

The Broadway series has provided us with ticket to the show so we are so excited to be going next week for a limited time performance.   You too can experience the Wizard of OZ.

The Wizard Of OZ

June 3-8

Academy Of Music

Get your tickets at Kimmelcenter.org/broadway

The Friday, June 6 performance is designated as an ASL & AD Performance. Visit www.handsupproductions.com for more information on ASL. Visit www.art-reach.org for more information on AD.

Jumping girlsDisclosure: I was provided ticket to the performance in exchange for me sharing this information with my readers.

 

 

 

Philadelphia

What to do at Philadelphia Science Festival

Philadelphia science festival logo

What to do at the Philadelphia science festival:

About the Philadelphia Science Festival

One of the first of its kind in the country, the Philadelphia Science Festival is a nine-day celebration of science and technology in everyday places- parks, restaurants, bars, libraries and museums.  It asks Philadelphians to question the world around them and aims to inspire not only the next generation of scientists and engineers, but also create homegrown citizen scientists.  More than 175 partners are working together to produce the Festival, which runs April 25-May 3, and is presented by The Dow Chemical Company and organized by The Franklin Institute.  Additional sponsorship by Drexel University, FMC Corporation, AT&T, PECO, USciences, Temple University, allen & gerritsen, PNC, GSK, University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson, and GE Power & Water.  To learn more, visit PhilaScienceFestival.org or call 215-448-1346.  #PSF2014 #GetNerdyPHL

About the Philadelphia Science Festival

One of the first of its kind in the country, the Philadelphia Science Festival is a nine-day celebration of science and technology in everyday places- parks, restaurants, bars, libraries and museums.  It asks Philadelphians to question the world around them and aims to inspire not only the next generation of scientists and engineers, but also create homegrown citizen scientists.  More than 175 partners are working together to produce the Festival, which runs April 25-May 3, and is presented by The Dow Chemical Company and organized by The Franklin Institute.  Additional sponsorship by Drexel University, FMC Corporation, AT&T, PECO, USciences, Temple University, allen & gerritsen, PNC, GSK, University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson, and GE Power & Water.  To learn more, visit PhilaScienceFestival.org or call 215-448-1346.  #PSF2014 #GetNerdyPHL

Here are six exciting events you shouldn’t miss when planning out your fun-filled Science Festival week.  All of these events will entertain the adults while engaging the kids to ask questions about the world.

1.       Astronomy Night – Fri. April 25 7:30pm – 25 Locations

Grab the whole family, bring a blanket and venture out to get lost in the stars.  Bring your curiosity and we will provide the telescopes and star maps so you can embark on a tour of the cosmos.  With 27 locations throughout the city and suburbs an adventure is waiting close by and it’s free!

 

2.       Discovery Day – Sat. April 26 Times Vary – 4 Locations

Whether you want to explore car hydraulics, healthy eating, the environment, a working farm or other STEM topics, Discovery Day events are mini-science carnivals in your neighborhood that let you experience science in the great outdoors.  Held at Clark Park, Hunting Park, Fox Chase Farm and The Schuylkill Center, each location offers unique hands-on experiments and family-friendly programming like live music, storytelling, hayrides, and nature walks.

3.       Explorer Sunday – Sun. April 27 Times Vary– 15 Locations

Spice up your Sunday by exploring the ecosystem of the graveyard with Laurel Hill Cemetery, the science of skateboarding at Paine’s Skatepark, how to get from soil to smoothies with Longview Farm, or the building of rowboats at Independence Seaport Museum. With 15 locations and 15 different topics covering many areas of life and science, Explorer Sunday has something to interest even the most hesitant scientist.  Embrace your inner nerd and discover something new.

4.       Mess Fest – Sun. April 2712:00pm – Smith Memorial Playground

The Franklin Institute brings its ultra-messy, ooey-gooey, slimy and oozy MESS FEST to Philadelphia’s favorite playground! Shoot off alka-seltzer rockets, make-and-take slime, and see how far the Soap Bubble monster will spread.

 

5.       Science Night at the Ballpark – Tues. April 29 5:00pm – Citizens Bank Park

Explore the science of sports while cheering on the Phillies! Before and during the game, visit a dozen hands-on activity stations throughout the stadium. Visit www.phillies.com/science and save $8.00 on tickets with discount code SCIENCE.

6.       Science Carnival on the Parkway – Sat. May 3 10:00am-4:00pm – Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The ultimate one-day science carnival will close this year’s Festival with 150 exhibitors presenting a packed line-up of live entertainment, interactive activities, games and family-friendly experiments.  You can enjoy liquid nitrogen ice cream, make gak, meet live zoo animals, check out the inner-workings of robots, take a tour of a helicopter, extract DNA from a strawberry, test a “crime scene” for forensic evidence, and so much more!

 

About The Franklin Institute

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. Pennsylvania’s most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.

Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

PA Renaissance Faire Tips

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renaissance fairePennsylvania Renaissance Faire Tips and  If you don’t know what a Renaissance fair is it is when people get dressed up in a costume and the act out they are in the Renaissance.  It is a great time and a different fun thing to do as a family.  The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire has been operating for 33 years so it is a well established Renn faire.

I decided my 8 year old daughter would enjoy the Renaissance Faire more if she dressed up in costume.   The morning of I looked through my stash of fabric. She had a great time in a Renaissance Faire costume.  She was a little shy at first when everyone kept bowing to her.  She was not sure about it.  She said “Mommy why  do they keep stopping, bowing?  my knees are hurting for curtsying so much.   I have to show off you my creation.. Before I share my Renaissance Faire Tips:girl in a dressWe attended many Renn Fair  events  the Jousting, human chess match,  and Falconry show was some of the kids favorites.  The faire is filled with shows and many many vendors that are interesting and tied to Renaissance.  Expect mask, glass blowing, weapon vendors, period toy, and costume vendors.    It think it is the only fairs where you are allowed to walked around with your own weapons.  My son was particularly interested in the shield and swords.. he just wanted looks at them.   There was many more  shows and shops .. I think my family  would have loved (we really needed 2 days),  but we did not plan out or visit so we missed something, learn from what I did not know. jousting

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Tips:

  • Do stop and get Renaissance Fair discount coupons in our area, Wawa has them but sometimes towns have them
  • Do dress up you go from being a spectator to being part of the experience.
  • If you do dress up use a coupon and show your costume for and additional discount at the gate.
  • Tip check out what I wore for the Renn Faire on my other blog biggirlsguide  What I wore Plus Size Pirate
  • Bring CASH …Tickets and some shops take credit cards but the food vendors are all cash-  no Credit Cards Accepted-  there are ATMs
  • Bring water  the waters are $3 each so you might want to save yourself some cash
  • Food: If you get a turkey leg share it.. they are a lot of meat and salty
  • Chilli is very tomato based kinda tasteless though my daughter enjoyed
  • Bread bowls think thick store bought roll …not that good.. not worth getting them.
  • The funnel cakes were very yummy
  • Bring a small blanket to sit on.. many of the events Jousting, and Human Chess match you can sit on the lawn to enjoy the match if the seat is unavailable
  • Dress in layers and Bring a coat it is a long day and because it is fall you might get chilly when the sun goes behind the trees
  • Arrive early in the day and be prepared to walk ( the PA Renn faire built  is on a slight hillside)
  • Have a Plan ahead of PA Renaissance Fair events, shows you want to see the schedule is on line.  If it is your 1st time you might have a hard time finding the stages
  • Attend the Shows watch that some of the show are “Adult”  some of the later ones,  so be sure to check the schedule
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes before a show,  so you can get a good seat.
  • For the Human Chess match go to the match and avoid the walking parade so you get a seat.. (we had a hard time getting a seat at the chess because we followed the parade)
  • So much to do with kids and when you see something do it.   when we walked in we saw a knight battle kids with swords, my daughter want to pass and come back to it latter.. he was not there later, so take advantage of a hand on experience when you see it.
  • Do ask the Puppet vendors for a Raffle ticket for the Dragon giveaway at the end of the night (Hatchery.) You can win a Dragon and the kids get excited about the chance to win-  Giveaway is after the Jousting and Knight meet and greet,  right on the corner.dragon giveaway
  • Do spend $5 on a hatching a Dragon egg at the Hatchery.. It is an Experience Souvenir.  It is a Styrofoam egg with a prize ticket in the middle,  they hatch the egg with a machine that launches a heavy steel rolling ball.  The smallest you can win is a small statue of there choice (they are like a something you would get a dollar store) but you have a chance to win a $150 gift certificate for a Dragon also.  Watch the cost of the eggs.. when you enter the hatchery  they are marked different prices- the hatchery is located near the Jousting match .
  • Do think about going overnight because there is a lot to see in one day the 1st time.
  • If you plan to go 2 days do take advantage of the 2nd day return tickets.. the prices are way less the 2nd day 1/2 price.
  • NOTE :  The Renaissance Faire can be an eye full.  The weekend we went was pirate weekend and it was cooler.  So I did not notice the a huge amount of women with their chests on display.  But I will let you know from my other friends who have attended there can be alot of cleavage showing.

Events the kids will love :  This is what we saw .. I am sure we missed some.

  • Learning sword play to be a knight
  • Being put in the stockade and the jails boy in a stockade
  • Royal Falconry
  • Don Juan & Miguel early shows are comedy that is fun .. later shows are adult
  • Untrained Dog Showuntrained dogshow
  • Jousting match  –  My daughter thought it was a real story line
  • Meeting the Knights  The Knights were great my daughter loved meeting each one originally she was rooting for the Queens knight but then she met the Pirate King .. whose moto is “Cheat to Win”  He gave her a token of the joust and then kissed her hand.. And said she was a Beautiful Princess .. so she was swooning as much as a 8 year old can be when a King kisses her hand. Knights of the Pa Renfaire
  • Pirate walk to the Dragon house /hatchery for the Dragon raffle  it is after the jousting match .. My daughter got to pull the raffle ticket for one of the Dragons  This is one of the last events,  if you go to this you will miss the final song.

PA Renaissance Faire Ticket Cost

Adults Online: $25.95 – No Convenience Fee!   ($29.95 at the Gate)  (be sure to read my tips above on ticket cost)
Children (Age 5-11): $10.95
Children (under age 5): Free

Royal Pass: $170.00
Season Pass: $100.00
Child Season Pass: $45.00

The PA Renn faire is Saturday and Sunday  from Aug thru October and they change the schedule an performers every weekend so every time is different.

We are excited to return next year and I plan to make my husband and my self a costume as well.  My 12 year old son he said he will take a sword.   Have a great time and All Hail the Queen.

Visit PA Renaissance Fairs website

 

Parenting, Philadelphia, Travel

Adventure Aquarium Review

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turtlereview disclosure

Adventure Aquarium is one of my kids favorite places to visit in Philadelphia/Camden area. We can go to the aquarium and spend 5-6 hours exploring the aquatic life.  Our trip this visit was to see the Mighty Mike alligator. My son love him we visited twice.  Mike is a 8ft long weigh over 800lb.  He is large,  when were were visiting  mike move super fast and snapped toward my son which total was cool, according to my son..  I was thank full for 6″ thick  of window.   Mighty Mike will be only at Adventure  aquarium end off August  so be sure to see him.

might mike

My daughter favorite part was the sting ray pool.  At first she was not into touching the sting rays.  Then I slowly talked her into it and she touched them and then was hooked. Check out the video.

I love how Adventure aquarium is wonderful because of the touch tanks. Your kids get up close and personal  with the sting rays, sharks, starfish and more.  The staff at the aquarium is fantastic.  My son was is very inquisitive, the staff member at the shark tank spoke with him for over 20 minutes very patiently answering all of his questions.

I love watching the fish swim  both sharks and other fish.  I find it very peaceful.  The Adventure Aquarium does not fail to deliver on large fish tanks which give everyone a great view of the fish.  We also had a great time visiting the massive shark tanks,  which included the shark tunnel.  fish tank

star fish tank

I love all the little place to discover while you are visiting like this dome window into the large aquarium tank.  Then you turn another Conner and you find something else to discover at the aquarium.  adventure Aqurium

We also are fortunately to be there when they fed the hippos.  It was fun to watch these large animals in the water, they move with such grace.

My family and I really enjoyed the Adventure Aquarium it is one of the best Aquariums I have visited in the on the east coast.  I can recommend you visit and your kids will love the massive amount of touch tank.  So  go and enjoy and visit Might Mike be he leaves.

 

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Art Museum Kid Summer

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philadephia art musuem vintage clothesPhiladelphia Art Museum has a great line up this summer.  Art Splash is the name of the Philadelphia Art museums Family center programs.  I got a sneak peek the events last week.

They have a Exhibited “All Dressed Up”  vintage Fashion for the whole family  the events will be up for an entire year  From Dec 2012- Dec 2013  I loved see in the clothes of the past.  The also provided an area for you to create your designs. My inner Fashion Designer loved this exhibit.. See above is a sneak peek.

candy coated wondeland artThey also have an Exhibit called Candy Coated Wonderland  which is a installation done by local Philadelphia Artist (formerly Candy Depew)  The art work is whimsical and fun.  The kids who attended enjoyed the exhibit and seeing the Old vintage clothes  mixed in with the new.

I also got a sneak peek in to the modern gallery which was featuring “Design or the Modern Child”.  I enjoyed seeing designs from kids from the past and very much present.  The gallery was not open yet so we could no take pictures but it was a fun gallery for the entire family.  I cant wait to bring my kids.

The Art splash at the has a whole host of events every week all summer long.  I highly recommend heading do with the kids.  Thanks to Melinda at LookWhatMomFound for her daughter in this picture.

girl creating art

Here is a list Art Splash kids Programs: Art Splash_Public Programs  They start June 28-.. and continue through the summer

Tips I do recommend the kids to be 5+ because it is a museum.

  • Adults: $20
  • Seniors (65 & over): $18
  • Students (with valid ID): $14
  • Youth (13–18): $14
  • Children (12 & under): Free

First Sunday of the month and every Wednesday after 5:00 p.m.: pay what you wish

Parking:  Also I will let you know:   Museum visitors: $12 for the first 4 hours, $2 for each additional hour.
Museum members: first hour FREE, $8 for the next 4 hours, $2 for each additional hour. Parking is a $32  for over 4 hours.

I can wait to visit with the kids this summer!

Disclosure:  I did receive entry in to the museum to learn about the exhibits to share them with you.

 

 

Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

Bird In the Hand Inn: Review

Brid in the hand pool

Disclosure : I received a nights stay and 2 meals in exchange for this post the opinions are my own.

Recently I was visiting Lancaster and I had the opportunity to stay at Bird in the Hand Inn.    The Bird in Hand Inn and entire facility is own by the Smuckers family and has been run for 3 generations.  The inn is a great place for kids.  My kids are all about the overnight at a Hotel.  We never stay at a hotel unless there is a pool.  Good thing that Bird in Hand has 3 pools (2 indoors and 1 outdoor).  They also have a jacuzzi for adults, and yes I sat in it for quite a while.  So a great activity year round.  Yes they did provide towels so just bring your suit and sunscreen.

The bird in the hand has a mini golf course, an ice cream polar, playground and also a animal area where you can feed ducks and goats.   The grounds of the inn are lovely and spacious.  I really hope to return so I can enjoy the grounds more.

The rooms are clean, and great accommodations,  They have mini fridge, coffee maker, shampoo/conditioner, and blow dryer in  the rooms.  Out room had 2 queen beds.  The lovely thing that  Bird In Hand Inn has many different accommodations:  From Hotel, to suites, to a Campground.

women at a buffetThe in has a restaurant on the premise the Bird in the Hand Smorgasbord  or an alcart menu has great variety of Country Amish food and also the traditional favorites for the entire family.    The fried chicken was a big hit wit my family. The desert area was great  loved the Amish pies and sweets.  In the morning they offer a buffet for the guests of the hotel.  I really enjoyed the biscuits and gravy and the sausage.

Here is a video of what to expect at the Bird In Hand Inn and Smorgasbord:

I can recommend the Bird and the Hand as a great place to visit with the family.  I wish I had 2 nights because there was much more we wanted to see. Be sure to check out the Bird in Hand deals and vacation packages.  They even have packages that are with  Strasburg train.

Want to know what to do while in Lancaster here is a link to   My Favorite things to do while in Lancaster

 

 

Philadelphia, Travel

Heading to Lancaster with kids

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So this weekend we are heading to Lancaster to experience all that Lancaster has for a great family weekend.  It has been several years since we have visited Lancaster, last time was for my 40th birthday.  My children and I love it there.  It is either the horse and buggies, or the very different way of life,  that is so close to Philadelphia. It takes about an hour from where we live and it is one of my favorite road trips for a short weekend.

We are starting at the The Amish Village  it is a great place to learn about Amish culture on a real Amish farm. The Amish Village sprawls across 12 acres of farmland. Visitors can take a guided tour of an authentic Amish farmhouse and explore the farm property at their leisure.amish village logo

Then we are heading to the The Strasburg Railroad.  The train is fantastic a perfectly restored 100+ year old train.   This weekend they Vintage Base Ball Day at Strasburg Rail Road –  Saturday, May 4, 2013   The day is about Baseball; Enjoy an afternoon of America’s pastime, vintage base ball, at Strasburg Rail Road. Ride the  steam train through scenic farmland and disembark on the return trip at Verdant View Farm to watch a vintage base ball tournament between four regional teams. The tournament will be played by the rules of the game as they were in the 19th century, which promoted exercise and camaraderie, and featured the skill of playing with bare hands instead of gloves.strasburg train logo

This weekend we will be stay at  Bird-In-Hand Family Inn and Restaurant  My family loves staying in a hotel because it is such a treat. Since my family are such swimmer a hotel with a pool is king.   Also  my kids are very adventurous eaters so the fact that Bird in a Hand Inn and Restaurant has a Smorgasbord  sot  he kids will get to experience  some great Amish food.bird in hand inn logo

Then we are heading to one of my sons places The Choo Choo Barn.    Which is a large model train set of Lancaster county.  The light go down every 15 minutes and you get to see  the entire train set glow in the darkness.  Super fun for train enthusiast and family’s alike. choo choo ban logo

I can wait to share my families experience with you.   When we return be sure to follow along with our weekend on twitter with the #VisitLancaster  hashtag.

Disclosure:  I will be receive a trip to Lancaster for exchange for this post but the opinion in this Post are my own and honest.