Happy Memorial Day weekend, there is so much do to! 

On Saturday, join in the fun in Essex Junction at their Annual Memorial Day parade. This year’s theme is Home of the Free – Because of the Brave.  After the laying of the wreaths at 9:30, the parade will leave the Champlain Valley Exposition at 10:00 and head towards 5Corners in Essex Junction. The parade route is approximate 1 ½ miles long.

Also on Saturday it is opening day of the new BIGGER THAN T-REX exhibit at ECHO. There will be Skeletons of Gigantotosaurus, Mapusaurus, and more carnivorous dinosaurs. Kids will love the hands-on dig pit, video of actual dinosaur excavation, and playing the Wheel of Dinosaur Misfortune.

The fair comes to town early at the University Mall! All weekend long enjoy carnival rides, games, and concessions in the U-Mall parking lot. Don’t you just love the Tilt-A-Whirl, Tornado, The Zipper, and more?

Parade enthusiasts can do a double whammy on Monday – there are back-to-back Memorial Day parades in Middlebury and Vergennes. Middlebury begins at 9:00am at Porter Field off of South Street and finishes at monument across from the intersection of Rte. 7 and Washington Street. Then head on up to what is known as on one of Vermont’s largest Memorial Day celebrations in Vergennes. This parade begins at the High School and winds through the city to end up at Vergennes City Park. Enjoy 2 miles of color guards, veterans’ groups, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, lots of colorful floats, antique cars, parade horses, fire trucks, marching bands, kids on bikes and a whole lot more.

For more great Memorial Day Weekend events check out our events calendar.

With a solid six years dividing my two little people, it can be challenging to find activities that engage them both at the same time. Too boring for the seven year old and he starts using his little sister as a human hurdle. Prior to having a second child, I don’t think I ever uttered the phrase, “STOP! SHE’S A PERSON!” Too advanced for the younger one and I’m spending the afternoon staving off a heart attack.  One place we can find a bit of harmony is a playground. But as with activities in general, not all are suitable for all ages. Seven years of extensive research later, I’ve got the skinny on who to take where.

Battery Park

Come for the playground, stay for the lake (and killer sunset) views and cremee bus. Battery park is a locale that pleases pretty much all ages. With two separate play structures it’s easy to keep everyone safely engaged. A stand alone tall slide and at times highly coveted tire swing spark the older kids interest while the infant and adapted swings give all kids options for fun.

Quick tip: The seagulls can be ruthless. Seriously. Don’t leave food open unattended and don’t let your baby hold a sandwich. Ok, I’m sort of kidding about that. A little.

Pomeroy Park

Set back from the road and safely fenced in, Pomeroy has been a long time favorite. It’s nestled in the heart of the Old North End, so parking is limited, but it’s summer! You’re riding you bike anyway, right? This one has more infant swings than most of the parks around (4!) and a nice row of regular swings as well. While the big kid structure is fabulous, the little kid option leaves a bit to be desired. The short slide with a sizable drop off makes managing it alone too much for tiny legs. Also racking up another tick in the “big kid” column is the monkey bar circle. Best place around to hone those impressive playground skills.

Quick Tip: There are no public bathrooms nearby!

Calahan Park

A soccer and little league hotspot, Callahan Park has 2 areas to play which are located about 100 yards apart. The area for the little ones has great structure with a nice low slide and long handles. The big kids space is alright, but not exciting enough to make it a destination.

Quick tip: Lots of action at this park and it gets busy on the weekends especially during Little League!

Bayside Park 

One of our favorite summer haunts is Bayside Park in Colchester. Across the street from Lake Champlain and complete with a skatepark, tennis courts, volleyball and picnicking space you definitely get the most bang for your buck. And since the plentiful parking is free, the buck is non existent. The side-by-side play structures were built in 2010 and the larger of the two is one of the best around. Several slides, a rock climbing wall and lots of things to hop and hang on put it at the top of our list. Situated back off the busy road with lots of grass to roam on, it keeps it stress free for parents of the younger set as well.

Quick Tip: Don’t forget your bathing suits and sunscreen. The lake is right there and who can resist a quick dip?

Roosevelt Park

Another Old North End gem, this park quickly climbed the list of our favorite spots just last year after my daughter was born. My son loved the enormous play set, and I loved the shady spot under the trees I could park little sis. But these days, you know what else climbs things quickly? Two year olds. If you thought you felt an earthquake last week, rest assured it was just my heart trying to beat it’s way out of my chest as she quickly scurried out of the zone I had deemed appropriate and into 911 territory. While the design is thrilling and challenging for bigger kids, the measures to keep them safe also make it difficult for a slightly panicked parent to ascend the thing and catch brave (if not senseless) toddlers.

Quick tip:  Infant swings are a great option for parking littles, but the too daring for their own good toddlers, may be outmatched by this towering gym. For big kids though, it’s the top of the heap.

Oakledge

Oh, Oakledge. So pretty but so neglected! One of the few wooden play structures left, it could really use some updating. While I have nothing against wood structures, besides splinters, this one has seen better days.  We tend to hit this spot more for the other things it has to offer like the lake and picnic space and consider the playground supplemental.

Quick tip:  Wind your way down the bike path, or drive to the far pavilion and check out the tree house! Also worth noting there is a fee for parking May-October.

Ethan Allen Park

Located right off North Avenue, Ethan Allen Park is a great place to combine a playground pit stop with a mini hiking adventure. The play area is suitable for all ages with slides of various sizes, including the mini side-by-side, my favorite feature for sliding with little ones. There’s some nice picnic space and a fair amount of parking as well. Playground aside, what keeps us coming back, is the Ethan Allen Tower. Up the hill, through the woods is the castle-like look out built in 1905 to honor the Vermont Revolutionary War hero. The view from the top is stunning even if your kids couldn’t care less because, well, it’s a castle and they have defending and sword fighting and hair letting down to do. Or maybe I just run with a dramatic crowd.

Quick Tip: Mother’s Day-Memorial Day the tower is open weekends from 9am-sunset. Memorial Day-Labor Day it is open daily from 9am-sunset. Labor Day-Columbus day back to weekends from 9am-sunset.

Maple Street Park

Every summer there’s that string of days when you suspect Vermont has been relocated to the surface of the sun. Those days when even your eyeballs are sweating and the sprinkler isn’t going to cut it. Head off the whining (because whining makes it feel at least 20 degrees hotter on average) and get thee to Maple Street Park. The playground is vast including an awesome geodesic play dome, see-saws, and swings. There’s a skatepark and BMX bike park as well. The crowning jewel however are the pools! The pools, like the playground, include plenty to keep kids of all ages wishing summer was a year round event. From the zero entry wading pool complete with spray features to the impressive (and terrifying!) high dive, you stand a good chance at enjoying a whine-free afternoon.

Quick tip: While open to the public, pass holders are allowed entrance at 12:15 followed by drop-in guests at 12:30 Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday is 11:15 and 11:30. It does occasionally fill to capacity but we’ve found it is relatively quiet in the later hours. As an added bonus, there’s much more shade to be had later as well. There’s also a better chance at staking out a lounge chair. However with all the “mommy look! Mommy! Mom, watch! MOM MOM MOM!” I use the term “lounge” loosely.

About Sara Goldstein

Wife of a rock star, mother to his proteges. Snack slinger, band aid applier. Amateur comedian on stage and off. Professional laugher. You can follow along with her here.

Rules and Regulations

Two winners will be chosen at random. Each winner will receive:

• One voucher good valid for up to 6 admissions to Star Trek Into Darkness, Rated PG-13 - good for any showing, opening May 15, 2013.
• Good at either Essex Cinemas or Cumberland 12 Cinemas.
• Not redeemable for Cash/No Cash Back
• Voucher is good for one use only
• Admittance is based on seating availability.

All winners will be contacted via email and will have 24 hours to contact us to claim their prize. Vouchers will be mailed to winners.

If you have previously won anything from FindandGoSeek, you are not eligible to participate in this giveaway. Employees and Contractors of FindandGoSeek, Essex Cinemas, Cumberland 12 and EuroWest Media are not eligible to participate. Offer is not redeemable for cash.  Additional restrictions may apply.

We love the movies don’t you?  The popcorn, the candy, the previews (right, doesn’t everyone love the previews?!) When we go to the movies we think of it as quality family time away from our responsibilities at home. No laundry to fold, no homework, no chores, and perhaps even more important to us these days — no individual screen time.  We like this kind of screen time so much better. The kind that brings us together rather than the kind that separates into our own individual worlds.

All summer long we are going to be bringing you chances to win family six packs to see great movies at the Essex Cinemas or Cumberland 12. You’ll have be able to take the kids to see great family flicks like Star Trek Into the Darkness, Monsters University, Turbo, The Smurfs 2 and Planes.

Enter to Win

We are going to kick it off with a chance to win tickets to see Peeples which opens May 10th.  This movie is rated PG-13. See a trailer of the movie here.  See below to enter to win now!

Rules and Regulations

Two winners will be chosen at random. Each winner will receive:

• One voucher good valid for up to 6 admissions to Peeples – any showing, opening May 10, 2013
• Not redeemable for Cash/No Cash Back
• Voucher is good for one use only
• Admittance is based on seating availability.

All winners will be contacted via email and will have 24 hours to contact us to claim their prize. Vouchers will be mailed to winners.

If you have previously won anything from FindandGoSeek, you are not eligible to participate in this giveaway. Employees and Contractors of FindandGoSeek, Essex Cinemas, Cumberland 12 and EuroWest Media are not eligible to participate. Offer is not redeemable for cash.  Additional restrictions may apply.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the handful of years I’ve been a parent it’s that kids have a very natural desire to help and feel important. Finding ways to involve even the youngest of children in the daily household operations can go a long way in boosting their self esteem. From sweeping up the bowl of cheerios, which seemed to triple in volume when crashing to the floor, to carrying the groceries inside everyone can get in on the action. And while tedious to watch a toddler pick up one itsy bitsy morsel of cereal at a time, consider he’s laying a solid foundation for a lifetime of team work and accountability.

Obviously the world today can use a little of that team work. There are many ways to expand that labor of love out into the community and incorporate the pint-sized family members in making a real difference. Not only for today, but for the communities they’re going to inherit.

Green Up Day

Grab some gloves and comfortable shoes and get out into your neighborhood on Saturday, May 4th for Green Up Day! Strap the littlest “helpers” on your back while you get in there and give them the birds eye view. Or, my son’s favorite, give the older ones a pair of those sweet claw grabbers and set to work. (I’m just going to cross my fingers his use of these stays limited to volunteering and not forced highway clean up. So help me…) There are locations around the state where designated bags and information about drop off are available. When you’re finished, head to Burlington Subaru’s showroom on Shelburne Road for a BBQ to celebrate your handwork. Or check out the Green Up site for gatherings in  your area.

Burlington Emergency Shelter

Funded 100% by community donations, Burlington Emergency Shelter has been making a difference in the community for 30 years. And nothing builds community quite like sharing a meal. Through their handy online calendar you can sign up to provide dinner for neighbors in need any time. They ask that you prepare or purchase enough food for 28 individuals and deliver it to the shelter at 7pm.  Folks sit down at 7:30, and staying to enjoy the meal you’ve brought is always welcome. To be honest, my family has yet to participate but I’m eager to get involved. I make no claims of being a culinary wizard, but my son recently told me my homemade mac and cheese was “better than grandmas. sort of. I guess”. So I’ve got that going for me.

Meals on Wheels

Providing meals for nearly 300 Burlington seniors on a daily basis is no small undertaking. However, the dedicated men and women at Meals on Wheels get the job done like a well oiled machine. Monday through Friday starting at 10:30, volunteers deliver meals throughout the city to those in need. And as important as the food itself, for older citizens with limited mobility, are the smiles and conversation that volunteers provide. Who delivers smiles better than kids?

COTS

Since 1982, the Committee on Temporary Shelter has worked to provide shelter and support for the homeless of Vermont. While you must be 18 to volunteer in the shelter, there are many ways younger kids can become involved in making a difference. The cornerstone of their fundraising efforts is the annual COTS walk which takes place this year on Sunday, May 5th. All ages are welcome to participate. Kids can solicit pledges and walk or lend a hand in organizing the day of.  Throughout the year they have an ongoing wish list which could provide the framework for a child led drive and donation collection!

Raising kids who can balance self importance with the awareness of the greater good is a delicate dance. Giving them first hand experience of making a difference in the world around them is a great start. Right after they sweep up those cheerios.

About Sara Goldstein

Wife of a rock star, mother to his proteges. Snack slinger, band aid applier. Amateur comedian on stage and off. Professional laugher. You can follow along with her here.

When going for a hike with kids before the trails really open for the season, it is best to be prepared for almost anything.  Although your lawn seems like it is nice and dry, the trails can still be awfully muddy at this time of the year.  We have it on good authority from Vermont State Parks and The Green Mountain Club that these are some good places to go right now if you’ve little ones who’ve got busy feet that just need to go for a walk.

Mount Philo Sate Park  -Charlotte (4 & 1/2 stars)

“We love this hike every time we go! This summer, our three-year-old hiked to the top all by himself for the first time. The views are insanely rewarding for the investment of time/energy. Highly recommend!”

Stowe Bike Path – Stowe (4 & 1/2 stars)

“This is a great path! We brought the jogger and went for a nice long run. Many places for pit stops along the way to let the little ones get out and stretch their legs. Stop for lunch along the way at one of many restaurants and bring your own and have a picnic. This is definitely a must-do if you’re in Stowe.”

Burlington Bike Path – Burlington (5 stars)

“This is a fabulous place for kids to walk and get close to the lake. There are swinging benches, always folks walking dogs and the boats are always coming in and out. A great place to be in the sunshine.”

The Causeway - Colchester (4 stars)

“Imagine a path built out of large chunks of marble, rock and dirt that are high enough to literally allow you to walk on water. That path is formally known as Colchester Causeway Park and this is absolutely the best bike path in all of Northern Vermont! It is so unique. This particular stretch of the packed gravel path takes you right out into lake makes you feel like you are biking or walking on water. The view is spectacular. You can take in all of the natural beauty of Vermont, the lake and mountain views surround you. 

Because it is so flat kids of all ages can bike/walk it with ease. Or you could push them in a jogging stroller or tote them behind you in a burlee. Not much, if any shade at all, so remember your sunscreen. And lots of snacks and water!”

Button Bay State Park Roads – Vergennes (4 & 1/2 stars)

“ We can go for nature walks and little legs won’t get too tired, because the trails are mostly flat.”

For a full list of places to hike once things start to dry out, check here.

]]> http://www.findandgoseek.net/blog/2013/04/23/5-great-spring-hikes-for-kids-in-vermont/feed/ 0 http://www.findandgoseek.net/blog/2013/04/18/must-see-must-do-this-weekend-35/ http://www.findandgoseek.net/blog/2013/04/18/must-see-must-do-this-weekend-35/#comments Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:45:07 +0000 missmagpie http://www.findandgoseek.net/blog/?p=3839

Kites in the Park – Friday night celebrate the warm days of spring at Dorset Park in South Burlington. Bring your own kite or make one there. They will provide all the materials for your family to create a kite of your own. You can color it, construct it then fly it!

ECHO Earth Week’s Mudfest  - Spring signals Earth Day and Mud Season here in Vermont.  ECHO will be celebrating in muddy fashion with its annual Earth Weeks’ MudFest. For nine fun-filled days they will be abuzz with muddy activities, games and knee-slapping “Muddy Music” every day.

Milton Family Community Center Open House - This free, fun-filled day at the community center on Saturday offers families the chance to learn all about the variety of programs at the center. Special events on this day will include: a hot air balloon, live music, juggling, food samples and many more family-friendly activities.

Summer Nanny Meet and Greet – Looking for summer childcare? Head on down to New Moon Cafe in Burlington on Sunday morning! Babies to Boomers will be hosting their first Summer Nanny Meet and Greet! You will have the opportunity to hold mini interviews, collect nanny profiles, and ask the agency any questions you might have about the hiring process.

Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge - As the weather warms up and you and your family find yourselves outside more, why not participate in this program run by the Vermont State Parks?  Simply download a score sheet from their web site, venture out around the state doing great outdoor things and keep track of the points your earn. You might just score yourselves a free parks pass for the season!

As we head into April Break be sure to check the events calendar to plan great things for the kids next week!

For a small state, we have some pretty cool museums to visit.  Many of them have exhibits that change on regular basis or that have special events.  Here are just a few that we thought you should know about:

The Montshire Museum – How People Make Things

Depending on how old you are, you probably watched Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as a kid on TV. After all they started taping the year I was born (1968), and despite a brief suspension in the late 70s, they kept taping new episodes until 2001. On exhibit through June 2nd, is How People Make Things which is inspired by factory tour segments from the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood TV Series. Kids can use real factory tools and machines to create objects with four manufacturing processes: molding, cutting, deforming, & assembly.

ECHO – Earth Week’s MudFest

Let’s get dirty! Like kids can fling some mud kind of dirty. And the museum is a-okay with that.  It is time for ECHO’s 8th annual MudFest! For 9 fun-filled days there will be muddy music, a mud table, muddy activities and more. Bonus: Anyone with a VT or NY license gets $2 off admission!

Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium

Did you know we have a museum of natural history and a planetarium? The only public planetarium in Vermont. Could be worthy of a trip out to St. Johnsbury, right? Seating is limited so you want might want to reserve your tickets.  Presentations are on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 and not recommenced for kids younger than 5.

Vermont History Museum

Want to know who Vermonters are? Visit the Vermont History Museum. The museum’s permanent core exhibit pays homage to our motto — Freedom and Unity. Starting with Vermont’s history in back 1600, families will walk through time and experience an Abenaki wig-wam, the Catamount Tavern, a railroad station and more. Just an FYI, this museum is made up of two locations. Check out the History Center in Barre if your kids like odd items.  Currently on exhibit are artifacts that represent the best, worst, weirdest and most wonderful stories of Vermont history.

Birds of Vermont Museum

Young ornithologists will enjoy this museum when it reopens for the season on May 1st. Grouped by habitat, there are 495 accurately wood carved birds that represent the “Birds of Vermont“.  Really!  Totally self-taught, Bob Spear started carving these birds in back in 1938 and hasn’t stopped.  Plus there is always something fun going on. There are walks and talks and even monthly story times just for pre-schoolers.

To find out more about Vermont’s other museums check here.

Tonight it is a Fabulous Falcons Pajama Party at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Queeche.  That’s right grab your Pjs and favorite stuffed animal because they will be taking you on a journey with their favorite animal tales while you get a chance to meet some of those creatures up close!

Saturday, get a jump on summer at the annual Healthy Kids Day.  This FREE community event hosted at Family Y on College Street in Burlington and will include family swim, bounce castles, make your own snacks and smoothies, an itty-bitty play area, face painting and more!

Good Beginnings is hosting their first Baby and Child Extravaganza on Saturday in Montpelier. There will be tons of vendors, plus fun and informative events like the Baby Crawling Olympics, a Baby Photo Booth, Cloth Diapering 101, a Babywearing Workshop, and the Daddy Doughnut Duel. But seriously, lots of good info to be had if you’ve just had a baby or are expecting one!

It is “family Saturdays” at the the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury.  Spend the morning visiting activity stations to learn more about birds by looking closely at beaks, feathers, and body shapes. Then kids can let their imagination run wild and create an exotic bird to take home.

There are some great family theatrical productions taking place this weekend including Oliver! at the Flynn in Burlington, Anne of Green Gables in Shelburne and Disney’s Mulan Jr. in Middlesex.

For more information on these and other great family friendly events check the events calendar.

Regal Gymnastics

We’ve hit this one a few different times, twice on weekdays (once during a school vacation) and once on a Sunday.  The largest of the three, all areas of the gym are available for use during open session, giving plenty of room for spreading out and finding something to do without much wait time. And thankfully for my trampoline loving toddler, there are two of those! Have you ever noticed how little patience those people have? (Until they’re feeding themselves spaghetti, that is. What is that about?!)

On each of our visits the ages of the kids in attendance were pretty evenly distributed, particularly the session that fell over vacation. There were definitely a handful of well mannered older siblings who despite being over the age of six, (perhaps sensing our February desperation) were graciously granted entrance anyway. If your child is on the younger side or easy overwhelmed, be aware that each session we attended was quite busy. However, for the older and/or more adventurous kiddos it’s a blast.

Worth noting though is the Children’s Village, which is located off the viewing area, is awesome for the younger set. For an additional $2, you can stay and play in this ultimate playroom complete with firehouse, school, country store and more. Coupled with lunch from their reasonably priced cafe (or bring your own!) you can truly make an afternoon of fun.

• Monday – Friday  11:00-12:00 (6 and under) – $8
• Friday 7:00 – 9:00 (ages 10+) – $14
• Sunday 1:00-2:30 (6 and under) – $10
• Sunday 2:30-4:00 (7-12)  - $10
• Sunday 4-5:30 (13+)  - $10
• Sibling discounts and Under 18 months are free!

Green Mountain Gymnastics

Tucked into an industrial corner of Williston, Green Mountain Gymnastics offers Tiny Tumblers Open Gym sessions 3 days per week along with a couple Saturdays per month. The session we attended on a cold Tuesday morning was quiet and fairly low key. There are some areas that are off limits during the 90 minute session, but that’s not to say that there isn’t plenty to keep little people entertained. The colorful parachute invitingly opened on the spring floor was an instant favorite along with the ever popular foam pit. Speaking of which, you may want to save yourself the joys of sock treasure hunting and yank them off before letting your little gymnast cannonball their way in. Unless you’re into that sort of thing. In which case give me a call if you locate a small pink polka dotted number.

• Tu/Wed/Fri 9:30-11 (closed during school vacation week 4/23, 24, 26)
• Saturdays as announced (upcoming 4/13, 4/27 and 5/11)
• $10 for children ages 9 months and up | $15 for a family

Gymstar Gymnastics

Located in a strip mall on Shelburne Road, Gymstar caters to the youngest crowd. Their scaled down offerings were perfectly on point for toddlers and preschoolers. At $6 for a one hour session ($3 if your child is enrolled in their classes) it was the cheapest of the gyms we explored. And apparently it’s no secret as we arrived five minutes into the Saturday morning session only to find they were at capacity! What’s that saying again? The early bird better not stop for coffee on the way to gymnastics? Am I right?

That said, we showed up 10 minutes early to the Monday afternoon session and had basically free reign. Only about a dozen other kids were in attendance, which given the small size of the gym was just the right amount. And if you get tired of all the jumping and balancing, head upstairs to the mini ball pit for a break!

• Monday: 9:00, 12:00, 5:00
• Tuesday 12:00, 2:00
• Wednesday: 12:00
• Thursday: 12:00, 2:00
• Friday 12:00, 2:00, 6:00
• Saturday: 9:00
• $3 for kids enrolled in class | $6 for general public

About Sara Goldstein

Wife of a rock star, mother to his proteges. Snack slinger, band aid applier. Amateur comedian on stage and off. Professional laugher. You can follow along with her here.