Category Archives: activities for kids

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Everyone loved it.
From Hogwarts Castle…
to the Dragon Challenge roller coaster,
to all of the yummy treats at Honeydukes,

and the wonderfully delicious butterbeer at the Hog’s Head Tavern.

We even had fun braving the rides.

This was one very happy family!

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, wherever you were.
If you’re planning a trip here, be sure to check out my Tips for Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Warm Holiday Traditions

credit: alohavictoria

To be clear, I’m talking about warm as in temperature…warm as in not outside in the frigid, blustery, cold that is the Midwest.

For a few fun, warm, ideas, see my post at Midwest Parents today, which includes an old recipe for homemade playdoh that we used for years when my kids were little.

Now I’m going to go light a fire!  (Okay, fine, I just turn on a fire here, but still.)

If you’re anything like me, the crisp, cool air of autumn draws you outside.  Fall has always been my favorite season and you can find me smiling through almost all of it.  The cider, the leaves, the pumpkins and squash, the soups, the football and soccer games…what’s not to love?

If you need some fresh ideas about where to explore the great outdoors in your area, check out this Nature Center Map.  You can enter your zip code and find great nature centers near you.

If arboretums are more your style, check out this list of arboretums by state.  Many of them have reciprocal or reduced admission privileges, so if you belong to one locally, you could take a fun day trip to visit another.

Zoos and aquariums can be fun in the fall, too.  Check with your local zoo to see what kind of activity and exhibits they have right now.  Check this listing of zoos and aquariums by state to find something close to you.  And don’t forget that zoos and aquariums, too, often offer reciprocal privileges for members.  Be sure to check around so you don’t miss out on a free or low-cost admission!

photo credit:  graybeard763