North Carolina Museum of Life and Science: Durham

Raleigh is one of our favorite places to visit and, since our usual summer trip was cancelled (thanks Covid), we took advantage of some time off to drive to the area for a day. Right outside of Raleigh is the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science. Covering 84 acres, the museum is part of the reciprocity program for the Children's Museum of Virginia. 

We started off inside with the plan to return to their really cool science and math indoor play area before leaving. (It never happened; there was so much to do outside that we didn't even hit it all out there.) Outside we hopped aboard their train before cruising the dinosaur path and then seeing bears, wolves, and lemurs. We explored the farm, produced music with their many outdoor instruments, and finally ended up at the Hideaway playground, which was a huge hit. With both a big kid and a fenced in toddler section, the playground is hidden among the trees in the woods. Hammocks, sitting areas, a creek, and and tables sat all around the grounds for parents to lounge on while kids played. We could have stayed here all day. 

Although we wanted to, the museum was so large that we didn't see half of it, so a return trip is in order. In addition to the exhibits that we didn't see, in the summer there are waterfalls to romp in and misting play areas to run through. As we were leaving, RT declared that he would like to come back "one hundred times!" 

Check out other posts on Raleigh's Children's Museum, Pullen Park, and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science. 

Locals Helping Locals

Locals Helping Locals, a group started to help local businesses connect with consumers has launched a new app.  Using the app, residents can find discounts and rewards!  Locals Helping Locals, which Toddlin' Around Tidewater is part of, has held a school supply event, toy drive, and a food drive. The app is free and can be downloaded in the Apple or Google Play store. Right now there are 12 businesses on the app, and more are welcome to join. If you own or know someone who owns a local business who'd like to join, email localshelpinglocals@gmail.com for more info! 

Friday Five v.5

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. Between a crazy storm, warm Christmas, Covid, and powder outages... this holiday has been a little different. Here are five links to get through the post Christmas crazy!

 11-year-old girl safe after demanding stranger tell her 'code word'

Sweet Video Shows A Normal Day From Both Mom's And Kid's Perspectives

I've seen this video a hundred times, and I still can't get through it without crying! 

73 Rare Photos Reveal The Unseen Side Of Things, And It Will Change The Way You See The World

I Followed My Mom Around Costco and This Is What I Learned

Mini Mondays at Cova Brewing

Mondays at Cova are for the minis! From 7-11 when you purchase a coffee beverage for yourself, you will receive a free mini muffin, craft, a drink for your mini. Cova brewing in east beach is part coffee shop, part brewery. They offer coffee, craft beet, kombucha, wine, and locally baked pastries and are family owned. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 

Friday Five v.4

 

It's cold out this weekend! Check out Coastal Edge's FREE photos with the Grinch this weekend and stop in the store to search for the Surfer on the Shelf. Lots of lights still going on, be sure to check out our daily calendar of events for more! 

Five links for this last Friday before break! Enjoy them! 

I didn’t understand male privilege until I became a stay-at-home dad

Psychologists suggest mothers take breaks by going on mom-cations

These Playhouses Are Insane!

FINALLY! Britney Spears Files To Have Her Dad Removed As Her Conservator

Rabbi Lights Menorah With Sharks