Helpful Mom

I have a couple websites that are my “go to” sites to check out regularly, like Focus on the Family, MOPs, Hearts at Home.  But the one I’m particularly interested in today is Rochester Kids out and about.  For those of us who live in the Rochester, NY area it is a gold mine of info for parents.  It has lists of events happening around the area for kids, such as the various free events at the libraries I love so much.  Reviews of museums and restuarants by other local parents so you know where to go, or not go.  And even has pages with lists of local playgrounds with photos and descriptions describing the park, wheither it has bathrooms or not, etc.

I love to just go browse through the various pages every once in a while because I never know what fun event I might find to do with my girls.  And since I’m always looking for something different to do it’s a wonderful thing.  And for those of you who aren’t fortunate to live near here I know we aren’t the only town to have a website like this for our town.  I’ve found them for other cities like Baltimore, MD when researching attractions for vacations.  Try a quick google search for kids activities and attractions in your town you might be surprised what you find.

If ever there was a time to go visit the farm this is it!  It’s my favorite time of year to go because all the animals are having their babies.  Yesterday we went out to Springdale Farm in Spencerport and they had a baby goat so small the kids could pick it up and carry it around!  They have a number of baby goats, lambs, chicks, and even bunnies.  They put most of the animals in their petting zoo area where they can run free and you and your kids can get their hands on the animals.

We love going to the farm regularly and it’s fun to watch these little babies grow from trip to trip.  There are quite a number of opportunities for the girls to observe and learn about animals and gardening throughout the farm.  It’s nice to have a place of learning that I enjoy going to as much as the kids, especially on the cheap.  The farm itself is free, the petting zoo is $1 per person, and you can take tours of the dairy barn for $3.  So wheither you live in the area or not search out a farm experience so you can enjoy those babies while they last.

Ahh you gotta love spring break, or perhaps you dread it.  Either way you have a whole week to play with your children all day every day…  And if your town is like ours that means the typical children’s museum or science center will be packed to the gills with every other desperate to get out of the house mom.  So I have learned to avoid the obvious hot spots during school vacation days at all costs.  So in this vein I found quite a number of free programs at various local libraries.  So one day we went to a puppet show in the morning and a Fancy Nancy tea party in the afternoon, another day there was a clown show, and another day we took in a magic act.  All of which our two girls enjoyed with enthusiam.  And best of all after the show ends we hang out around the library for 1/2- 2hrs and the girls love that I’ll let them “buy” any book they want.  And while they play I get to read my magazine or read them the occasional book.  So all around it’s fun for all and the price can’t be beat.