Adventure Park

Located between the two aquarium buildings, the Adventure Park will get you up in the trees for climbing and zip lining. There are lots of levels, and you can start small on purple and work your way up through double black. Five and six year olds must stay on purple trails, and they must have an adult climbing with them. A note, my tall 6 year old couldn't reach some of the clips to unhook, so I had to be behind him the whole day. Behind worked better for us than me going ahead. Each time you get to a new obstacle you'll connect and reconnect using their locking system. Because of this system, which won't allow you to unconnect one hook until you're hooked into another, and you're not able to be disconnected at any point while up in the trees. 

Pricing: 

• General Admission for 3 hours of climbing: $64- ages 14 up, $54 ages 7-13, and $42 ages 5-6. Climbers must be at least 5. 
• All day pass: $99 per person 
• Non-climbing visitors do not need a ticket 
• Your ticket does not include access to the aquarium 
• Save money by purchasing your ticket online ahead of time 
• Check Groupon for specials 
• Monthly membership for $475 per year or a monthly pass for $79 for kids and $89 for adults 

You can bring food in or there is a cafe in each of the aquarium buildings. I'd recommend bringing lots of water as the climbing is a full body workout. We got the all day pass, and I'm glad we did. We got there at 9:30 and my kids climbed literally all day. They asked to go back as soon as we got in the car. 

Peninsula SPCA Barnyard

Located in Newport News, the Peninsula SPCA Barnyard is a great take to place kids to feed goats, chickens, llamas, and donkeys. Admission to the barnyard is only $3.00 for ages 4 and up. The food cups are $1.00. 

The barnyard is open year round, but will close for weather. It's best to call before visiting to ensure they are open. Their hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:00-5:00. 

The barnyard also hosts birthday parties. The area is fenced in and there are ten tables, electrical outlets, fans, and a freezer. It's a great way to support the Peninsula SPCA. 

\

Hampton Holiday Wonder Walk

Visit Hampton nightly from December 19th-25th, 5 - 8 pm for a completely free holiday experience. There's a trail that is part of the Waterwalk Path, which connects Hampton's Air Power Park and Bluebird Gap Farm. 

Head to the Hampton Coliseum parking lot and turn right, walking toward the water. When you reach the neighborhood, keep going back into it.  You'll pass through lighted and themed sections, including one where members of the Hampton community have decorated trees. There are also stations for a toss game, coloring, and making a craft. Hot chocolate and a few snacks are available for purchase. Santa's mailbox is on site for letter drop off. This is a great addition to your holiday plans!  

If you're spending the day in Hampton, there is lots to do for kids. Checkout Air Power Park or Bluebird Gap Farm. You can also checkout the carousel, Air and Space Science Center, Hampton History Museum or grab a coffee at Firehouse Coffee 1881. There are even more options on our index! 

Our Sensory Farm

Every October and November, Our Sensory Farm transforms into a glowing magical place. Grab your family and arrive an hour before sunset to feed animals, partake in a scavenger hunt, and let the kids climb, swing, and explore. 

Then, head to the s'mores bar where you can mix it up with Reeses candy, Mr. Goodbar, and more. Let the kids get decked out in all sorts of glow attire and snag glow toys. While the sun sets,  the farm transforms into a glowing dance space backlit by glowing trees. Let the kids run in and out of tents of different colors. 

Owner of My Sensory Farm, Shannon is a mom and former special education teacher. Founded in 2020, the farm's mission is to make a difference in the lives of children with all abilities by creating a mini working farm and adventure forest that promotes inclusive outdoor experiences. They host farm play days and play dates, hold a farm school, welcome field trips, and have special events like Glowvember throughout the year. 

The Jurassic Encounter

If your kids are like mine, they LOVE dinosaurs. And now they can see them up close in Virginia Beach on the corner of 19th and Arctic. Every day from 11:00-9:00 dinosaur fans can walk amongst more than 50 life size animatronic and static dinosaurs. These are some of the most life-like dinosaurs I've ever seen, so prepare the kids ahead of time so that they know they aren't real. Kids can interact with some of the "baby dinosaurs" walking around as puppets on the trainer's arms too. In addition, kids can dig for bones, make a fossil rubbing and run around and play games. 

Tickets can be purchased online (with a discount code TAT20 for 20% off) in advance.  Children three and under are free! Plan to be there for at least an hour. There are porta-potties available on site. Parking is available right next to it on the street at the meters, or you can pay for the day in one of the lots. Download the app and listen to facts and dad jokes on the walk-through scavenger hunt. 

There are several add on packages for children that include souvenirs, which must be purchased online ahead of time. Popsicles and drinks are for sale, and you can bring in your own snacks. There are picnic tables in the shade close to the games. You can come and go as you please; reentry lasts all day. 

Frames and Games: Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Visit the Enchanted Forest at Botanical Gardens to see their newest exhibit, Frames and Games. Tucked in the back of the gardens, the Enchanted Forest gives visitors a shady place to play. Large Chess, Horseshoes, Connect Four, Flamingo Ring toss are set up for playing. There are also photo ops spread throughout the looping walkway. This exhibit will be here until September. 

5 Reasons Moms Love H2Obx

*Use code Toddlin for $5 off tickets.

As a mom, I love going to H2Obx. There are things for everyone in the family, and the park is extremely family friendly. Here are five reasons that we love it!

01. The food! The food at water parks isn't usually great, but H2Obx has real food. Salads, wraps, pizza, burgers, fish tacos... and more. They have fresh fruit and parfaits, plus pulled pork and chicken, and even loaded bbq nachos. There are four beers on tap including our own O'Connors, plus Obx winery Sanctuary Vineyards and several made to order signature drinks including milkshakes and Cheerwine floats. There is also funnel cakes, ice cream, and churros. 

02. The family areas. I love that there are areas that the whole family can enjoy. The whole family can enjoy Queen Anne's Revenge and the Rogue Wave, then head to the Adventure Lagoon to challenge the kiddos on this floating climber. Take turns on the rock climbing wall and see who can make it past the waterfall, then a dip in the wave pool or float around the lazy river. 

03. The kids' sections. Little kids will love Sand Pail Beach, which is great for babies through children. There are several different slides, water tables, sprayers, and swings. Then let kids run through Calico Jack's Cove, a huge wet playground. There are two wave pools, a smaller one for families, and a large one which is more intense. Lifejackets are offered throughout the park. 

04.Free parking! I can't even tell you how much I hate paying to park somewhere that you're paying to get in. 

05. The layout! I really think that this park was designed by a mom. The whole park is basically a circle, with the lazy river around the inner loop. This is great for littles who are either too tired to walk, or moms who are too tired to carry those littles. It's also great to take a float during nap time to get those babies to sleep. Sand Pail Beach is for moms with more than one kiddo. It is perfectly designed to stand at the bottom section for younger kids while the older ones run up and down the stairs to the slides. You can keep your eyes on both the whole time, which is something I really appreciate. 

Jungle Golf

We love to play tourist here in Hampton Roads. We headed down to the Oceanfront for the Purple Stride 5k and stopped by Jungle Golf. In addition to their 18 holes of outdoor mini-golf, there is an air conditioned game room. Jungle Golf has been in business for more than 40 years here in Virginia Beach and is open year round when the weather is nice. From Memorial Day to Labor Day they are open 24 hours most days. 

The café' sells fountain drinks, root beer floats, pretzels, popcorn, French fries, hot dogs, and ice cream. Snag a free popcorn with a drink coupon from the Monster Coupon Books all over the Oceanfront! 

Jungle Golf does offer birthday parties. They also offer a season pass with unlimited visits. They have their own parking lot, which is great for being at the oceanfront. When you pay the $14 to park, your game of golf, at the same cost, is free. Also, when you pay for a game you can play as many times as you'd like until 9 pm that night. 

Massanutten Resort: Skiing with a 5 year old

My dad's life passion was skiing, and when he got sick one thing he made me promise was to teach my kids to ski. I spend more time on a snowboard these days, but I promised my dad that they would ski, so I've let them start there. Massanutten used to have ski school, but with Covid, they have switched to only private lessons.  Lessons last one hour each, and instructors are trained to work with small kids. Lift tickets for ages 5 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. 

I've been skiing at Massanutten since I was three, so it feels like a return home, but every time I go I'm amazed at all of the updates. Currently, Massanutten has five lifts and 18 total runs. The longest run is 0.8 miles, but rumors say they are working on a new run which will be a full mile. 

On the mountain there are several places to eat. The lodge, accessible to everyone, has a restaurant, cafeteria, and grab and go section. Right outside the lodge on the deck is Base Camp. Also at the top of the mountain is a coffee shop. 

Massanutten is located in the blue ridge mountains about 15 minutes from Harrisonburg, Virginia. They frequently blow snow, and they have night skiing on the weekends. Tubing is also super popular. Tickets for everything must be bought in advance, and they do sell out quickly. The views are beautiful, and the mountain is a great place to spend time with family. 

Busch Gardens: Now Open Year Round

Busch Gardens has extended their annual calendar once again to include Winter Weekends, Mardi Gras, and St. Patricks Day. We recently attended the Mardi Gras event and caught the Carnaval Imaginique, a sort of daredevil talent show, and we caught the Mardi Party DJ, who was actually spinning 90's tunes. 

The lines for rides were excellent, but the lines for food were very long. There were several specialty items for the Mardi Gras event, but we were not able to try any. Open for kids is Oscar's Wiggly Worm, Prince Elmo's Spire, Der Autobarn Jr, Flutter-Sputter, Bug-A-Dug, Kinder Karussel, The Little Gliders, Li'l Clydes, Der Roto Baron, plus the playground at Sesame Street Forest of Fun and Land of the Dragons. 

There are other shows, and I'd like to see the Samba Jamboree, but we didn't have time while we were there. The Mardi Gras event goes until February 27th, so get there before time runs out. The next event will be St. Patrick's Day from March 4-27. 

Virginia Living Museum

The Virginia Living Museum is home to a variety of wildlife found throughout Virginia, but it also has a whole section on dinosaurs and fossils, and caves. As we walked through, I kept thinking how much my students would truly benefit from the museum. 

The museum is made up of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Indoors you can check out Virginia's Coastal Plans, Virginia's Piedmont and Mountain Region, Virginia World of Darkness, and Virginia's Underground Gallery.  There are also two different two-story habitats: the Appalachian Cove and the Cypress Swamp. Upstairs there is a spot to view x-rays and footprints, plus a Chesapeake Bay Touch Tank. Downstairs is a play area where kids get to use imaginative play as a vet helping animals. 

Outside on the 3/4 of a mile Boardwalk Trail you'll find everything from wolves to beavers, to deer, and more. Be sure to check the daily feeding schedule to catch the deer, otters, or birds having their lunch. Follow the trail to the very back corner and you'll find Dinosaur Discovery Trail, with 1/3 scale dinosaurs, dig pits, and areas to climb. 

Once outside either head up the steps above the otters or follow the trail behind them to find the Living Green House, an environmental education center complete with a Lego table and opportunities for kids to create their own energy. From there you can easily access the Planetarium and then head to the Children's Garden. My kids loved the Hobbit House and climbing on the spider web. There are several gardens throughout the property to walk through. 

Hometown Christmas: First Baptist Norfolk

First Baptist Norfolk is hosting Hometown Christmas this year, a free family friendly festival with local vendors, train rides, music, sock skating, and a petting zoo. Hometown Christmas is open this Saturday and Sunday, December 18 and 19th. Saturday's food trucks are Luvabowls and Mello Beans. On Sunday Yolees G-Dawgz, Miami Fuzion, and Bear House Coffee will be there. Grab a scavenger hunt when you arrive, and get stickers from each station, On your way out grab your prize, an activity book, stuffed animal, and gingerbread house. 

Schedule as follows: 

2:00-6:00:Barrel Train 

4:00-4:30: Brass Quartet 

5:30-7:30:Pictures with Santa

5:30: Tree lighting and snow

5:45: Roaming Carolers 

7:00 Carol Singalong

8:00 end 

City Center at Oyster Point Lights and Holiday Cheer

We took a visit to Newport News' Oyster Point for the first time this week. Take a walk around the lake and see the ten minute light show that plays every half hour. While walking around, you'll encounter 16 snow machines, 55 trees, and a 50 foot tree, all tuned to music. The lights are on between 5-9, with a photo pavilion Thursday through Sunday from 5-8. 

If you head there this Saturday, December 18th from 12-3, you'll catch their Holiday Cheer program with free hot chocolate and cookies, be able to paint homemade ornaments, and take photos with an 8.5 foot elf!

Zoolumination

This winter, 29 new types of animals are at the zoo. These inflatable, light up animals are larger than life. At night visitors can drive through the zoo and listen to their stories. During the day, visitors can walk through the zoo (at no additional cost) and check out the animals. They are beautiful, but at night they are GRAND.

Nightime hours are Sunday through Thursday 5-9, with a cost of members $35 and nonmembers $45 for the whole car. Fridays and Saturdays the hours are 5-11, members $40 and nonmembers $50.  

We really enjoyed this, although we are zoo members and we go often. I thought that the zoo did a really good job of turning it into a drive through and using some parts of the zoo that I wouldn't have thought to drive on. I would suggest going at night, as the lights transform the animals into art! 

Pullen Park: A Revisit with TRAKID.

Whenever we are in Raleigh, we always stop at Pullen Park. It is actually the fifth oldest amusement park in the country and the 16th in the world, but you wouldn't know it from the latest technology they are using. TRAKID, an exploring quest for kids now has a kiosk inside the park, which drew us in because of the train theme. Once you download the app, each kid receives a band which serves as a both a light up compass to clue locations and uses sounds and vibrations to let kids know where to go. In our specific quest, we hunted down seven trail pieces within the park to become Junior Engineers. 

TRAKID is designed to allow parents the opportunity to control the experience. For example, you can give "bathroom points" at any time to encourage your kids to go, or skip points which might be too far. The quests are different at each location. Currently they are at Pullen Park and the Tampa Zoo , but they are expanding to other zoos and theme parks nationwide in 2022. 

I love that these bands encourage exercise, exploration, and throw in science and problem solving skills by using a compass and following clues. If you're down in Raleigh, be sure to check them out!