Posts Tagged ‘photo gallery’
Photos From The Belizean Jungle
An adventure deep into the jungle of Belize is definitely not a trip I’d want to take with young kids, but it was one of the most amazing experiences that we’ve ever had. Of course, this was before we had kids, for the days of exotic adventures like this are over (for now).
Belizean Spider Monkey
There’s something about traveling on a crowded bus with clouds of dust spraying into the open windows and livestock roaming the aisle that just cannot be appreciated without experiencing it. These are the adventures that we look forward to sharing with our kids someday, when they’re older of course.
Visiting A Belizean Family
The beauty of the Belizean jungle is unfathomable and the culture of it’s people engaging. Unfortunately, the dangers that the jungle presents are better suited to older children and adults. Snakes, bats and poisonous spiders were the least of our worries as it turned out. About two weeks after we returned from Belize, we were sick for exactly 10 days. Oh well, we did survive and it really was a spectacular adventure, so I guess it was worth it. We dream of going back with our teenagers (in 15 or so years) someday.
For more Dream Adventures visit Mondays are for dreaming at The Mother of all Trips.
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- Belizean Spider Monkey
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- Visiting A Belizean Family
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- Belizean Kids Have Chores Too
Disclosure
The Living Desert – A Journey To Africa And Back
The Living Desert isn’t just a zoo, it’s really an entire experience. With a variety of desert animals from North America and Africa, unique desert gardens and even a butterfly pavilion, this desert oasis provides lots of entertainment and activities for kids.
Situated in Palm Desert, about 25 minutes from Palm Springs, The Living Desert is comprised of 1,800 acres, 1,000 of which are completely untouched. The mission of the conservation focuses very much on preservation, education and rehabilitation. Through it’s volunteer programs, child involvement activities and onsite rehabilitation program, The Living Desert provides a highly interactive educational experience.
You can visit the animals and gardens of the North American desert and the African desert, the African Village WaTuTu, an authentic replica of a Northern African village and the Fanciful Flyers butterfly pavilion where butterflies and hummingbirds float amongst you. The Discovery Room will allow for a hands-on interactive experience, with docents on hand to answer all of your kid’s questions. For the older kids, a stop at the Tennity Wildlife Hospital provides a great opportunity to observe large animal examination and care.
Of course, there are also tons of engaging shows and activities each day to entertain the kids too. Had enough of animals? Check out the G-Scale Model Train or Gecko Gulch, where kids can slide down a cactus, burrow through animal tunnels or just hang out in the shade.
Special interactive programs are offered from November through March that give kids a look at the inner workings of the zoo. For toddler’s (18 months-4 years) there’s Me & You at the Zoo and for school aged kids (6-12) there’s Gecko Explorers. Registration is required and there is a fee for participation for non-members (Me & You at the Zoo is free for members).
Food, restrooms and shopping are available both at the entrance and at WaTuTu Village. Water fountains are scattered throughout the park and additional restrooms are located at Gecko Gulch, the Amphibian Center, Tennity Wildlife Hospital and the Hoover Education Center. Picnic areas are limited, but your best bet will be at Gecko Gulch.
The Living Desert is open from 9AM-5PM from October to March and 8AM-1:30PM the rest of the year. Admission is $12.50 ($9.50 off season) for adults and $7.50 ($5.25 off season) for kids 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Military and senior discounts are available. If you are a member of another zoo that offers reciprocal benefits, you’ll receive 50% off the price of admission.
All areas are stroller friendly, so getting around is pretty easy. For $6 per person, there is also a loop shuttle that makes about a dozen stops throughout the park. Because there isn’t an abundance of shade, the best time to go is in the morning, before things start to heat up. If you need a break, the WaTuTu Village is a great stopping point for a snack, shopping and shade. Our favorite – picnicking at Gecko Gulch while the kids play.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and a hat. Without a doubt, this is a great place for kids to burn lots of energy!
If you enjoyed these photos and would like to see more, visit Photo Friday at Deliciousbaby.
Disclosure
Holiday Light Displays 2009
I remember the sparkling and twinkling of the lights, the brisk cold air and on occasion, if we were lucky, the snow covered landscape that came to life during the Festival of Lights at LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro, Massachusetts. It was such a memorable tradition for me as a child that we decided to make a holiday light show part of our family tradition for our kids too.
Finding and choosing a display seems to be half the battle these days. With economic hardships impacting businesses and families alike, many displays just aren’t lit this year. In New Jersey, the options are already limited and in 2009, the PNC Holiday Light Spectacular was canceled, limiting the choices even further. Luckily, the display that we’ve been visiting for three years running didn’t disappoint. Read the rest of this entry »
Making the Most of a Snowy Day
Winter is upon us again and the kids are as excited as ever to be able to play in the frozen squishy liquid. Having lived in the Mid-Atlantic region of the east coast for all their lives, snow (in any consistent quantity) hasn’t been a frequent visitor for the kids, so when it arrived last weekend, we had to take advantage…it’s the perfect setup for fun family activities! Read the rest of this entry »
