Holiday Hollow Halloween & Pirate Festival

Hooray for Fall! It's time for pumpkins, apple picking, and...pirates! Yes, pirates.

If you're looking for a fun new way to celebrate autumn with your family, look no further than Corfu, NY.

Captain Hook & Mr. Smee Show

Holiday Hollow is a Renaissance Fair-type of setting and is home to some truly entertaining performance art. When you enter this little village, you may be greeted by some of the actors, in character. Walk around the Halloween Shire at your own pace and stop by the shows, play some games, and take in the scenery. There are seven shows that rotate continuously throughout the day, and move to the heated indoor theater in case of inclement weather. From pirates to witches to ditzy gypsies, they have it all.

Wacky Witch Show

The shows are family-friendly and might leave your kids laughing themselves silly. Plus there are some jokes just for you that will go right over their heads. The one show that may not be suitable for younger children is the Hunt for Jekyll and Hyde. The Mr. Hyde costume might be a little overwhelming for wee ones; our five-year-old loved it, but our three-year-old opted to skip out and get a cookie instead.

Holiday Hollow is located at 1410 Main Road (Route 5) in Corfu, NY. It is open during October weekends from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. although it's best to arrive by noon to see all the shows. Admission is $13 for ages 11 and up, $12 for ages 3-10, and free for children 2 and younger. Be sure to check out their web site and print the Show Times and Prices page to receive one dollar off each admission. There are additional charges for food, pumpkins, and games.

What else do you need to know? Most of the Halloween Shire at Holiday Hollow is stroller-friendly (The Hunt for Jekyll and Hyde is probably the only area that is not stroller-friendly). There are port-o-potties on site, however there are no diaper changing facilities.

There certainly are lots of Halloween and Fall festivities in the Rochester area this month, but the Holiday Hollow Halloween and Pirate Festival is one you don't want to miss. Be sure to Post a Comment after your visit and tell us your favorite show. As always, thanks for reading.

Who Likes to Dig for Fossils?

At one of my son's soccer games, I was talking with a fellow ROCmomma about how our kids love dinosaurs. She asked if I had ever taken them to Penn Dixie Dig Site because you can take home the fossils you find.

We HAD TO go. What are you doing next weekend? Because you HAVE TO GO, too.

There are no dinosaur fossils at the Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center, but you will find tons of marine fossils from 380 million years ago. That's older than any dinosaur!

  

During the one-hour ride to Penn Dixie, I was a little nervous that the boys might not find any fossils. I was worried that they might be disappointed, especially since I had hyped it up so much and we were driving so far. Rest assured, you can't help but find fossils there.

We found our first one within the first thirty seconds at the dig site:

Coral from the Devonian Era
(380 million years old)

And we filled our buckets in no time!

When you arrive at Penn Dixie, the parking is free and there are some port-a-potties - including a handicap accessible one - in the parking lot. Unfortunately, there are no diaper-changing facilities available.

There is a park-shelter-type entryway where staff are available to accept your admission fee and help you get started. You will receive a fossil identification card to help you figure out what types of fossils you've found. One of the guides even walked out to the dig area with us and showed us what we would be looking for at the site. She was extremely patient and answered all of my boys' questions in a way they could understand. (I learned a lot, too!)

We brought our own buckets and some small gardening shovels, but we actually didn't need to dig at all. It's just a matter of turning over the rocks to look for cone-shaped coral, black flecks of trilobites, the swirl of a gastropod (snail), ridges of a crinoid (sea lily), or the shell-shapes of pelecypods (clams) or brachiopods (lamp shells). Most of the shale is so soft, you can even break some of the rocks with your fingers to remove the fossils.

"I found one!"

"Look at this one!"

More fossils, more fossils,
and more fossils.

There are paved trails around the Penn Dixie site, so it is stroller-friendly as well as wagon-friendly. You'll find plenty of fossils on either side of the paved trails. If you're not tethered by a stroller, little explorers will have a great time wandering off the trails and into the great big piles of rocks at the dig site.

Future paleontologists will be fine with a bucket and gardening shovel. However, there were some serious fossil-lovers there with goggles, mallets, and chisels getting into some of the bigger shale pieces.

Covered picnic tables are available, if you bring lunch or a snack. While there are no vending options available on site, you'll find plenty of restaurants in the area after you leave Penn Dixie.

The best part of it all? You get to bring home all of the fossils you can carry!

When we got home, my six-year-old insisted he had to start working on the rocks. We set up a sturdy table in our sunroom, and he found his goggles and wooden hammer from his tool set.

Future paleontologist at work.

He has been having fun breaking the fossils out of the rocks. Then they go into a bucket of water to be washed with an old toothbrush. Once the fossils dry, we paint them with a solution of half Elmer's glue and half water to preserve them. We have been busy trying to pick out the best fossils to mount on the identification card in time for show and tell at school. He is really excited about that.

Penn Dixie is open during weekends May through October, and seven days a week during mid-June through Labor Day. They also host many special events throughout the year; check out their web site for upcoming events. Driving directions may be found on their web site; if using a GPS device, the address is 4050 North Street, Blasdell, NY 14219.

Please Post a Comment below and let us know about your fossil findings! As always, thanks for reading.

Backyard Camp-Out!

If your kids are new to camping and you want to test-drive the experience before committing to an actual camping trip, try a Backyard Camp-Out!

Grab (or borrow) a tent, sleeping bags, pillows, and folding chairs. Then enlist your kids to help set up your camp site.

 Don't forget some stuffed animals to snuggle at night! And a few extra blankets; it can get chilly at night.

Once the camp site is ready, it's time to have some fun! Take a dip in the pool, play catch, get out your lawn games, even unleash a few surprises. As long as you're outdoors, any activity is fair game.

Splash time in the kiddie pool.

Game-face during Bocce Ball.

Surprise! Silly String time!

To help keep everyone outside during the Camp Out, be sure to pack snacks to keep at your camp site and load the cooler with water and other beverages. Enjoy your meals picnic-style, or just lounging in chairs. Of course, trips inside to use the bathroom are allowed.

Lunch break.

Play a few more games, blow some bubbles, have another splash in the pool or sprinkler, then take a walk to gather sticks for the fire. After the walk, it's time to prepare the fire.

We decided the barbecue grill was in-bounds for our camp out, so we grilled veggie burgers for dinner, along with some side salads that were prepared ahead of time.

Another walk and a little more play time, and then it's time to settle down. The boys had their first S'mores by the camp fire!

S'mores face.

Then we changed into pajamas and read stories by the fire. It's a good idea to keep flashlights or camping lanterns handy for night-time bathroom runs.

Once the kids were asleep, my ROCpoppa and I got to enjoy the camp fire in peace and quiet for a little while. Then we snuggled in with the kids. Miraculously, everyone stayed asleep until their normal wake-up time. Woo Hoo! Success!

Now that we know the kids enjoy camping, we are definitely going to plan a real camping trip. How about your family? Be sure to Post a Comment and share your camping tips and experiences! As always, thanks for reading.

So Much Fun at Kreag Road Park

We have lived in the Rochester area for almost six years, and I had never known about Kreag Road Park until last month. One of my fellow ROCmommas suggested it for a play date, and I'm so glad she did.

Kreag Road Park is located at 555 Kreag Road in Pittsford, NY - although technically, it is part of the Town of Perinton. The parking lot is adjacent to the playground, so it's a short walk if you're hauling diaper bags, lunch bags, or just your kids. There are two play structures with lots of areas to climb up and slide down. One of the structures is larger and geared toward older kids...

...while the other play structure is better suited for younger kids.

You'll also find a swing set with two regular swings and two infant swings, a basketball court, tennis court, baseball diamonds, plus a large sandbox under a big shady tree. There are some toys already available in the sandbox, or you may bring your own.

If you bring lunch or snacks, there are several picnic tables located under trees for shade. Then when it's time for a potty break, the restrooms are close to the playground and sandbox. One note on the restrooms: there are no diaper changing tables.

If you are visiting the park with older children, you may want to take a short walk beyond the playground area to sit or walk along the Erie Canal. There is a new boat dock with a beautiful view of the canal. 

It's a great spot to watch the ducks and kayaks go by.

We even made up our own version of Pooh Sticks where we threw dandelions into the canal and watched as the current swept them away. The dandelion in the lead was the winner of that round.

Kreag Road Park is now one of our favorites, thanks to the fun playground, large sandbox, and access to the Erie Canal. We will definitely be regulars this summer!

What is your favorite playground in the Rochester area? Post a Comment and let us know. As always, thanks for reading.

Easter Egg Hunts in the Rochester Area

This Easter season, there are plenty of egg hunts, and even a bunny hunt, for the kids to enjoy. We have participated in the egg hunt at Camp Arrowhead for the past few years, so I can highly recommend that one. (details for other events are at the bottom of this page)

SATURDAY, MARCH 23
The Annual Camp Arrowhead Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast will take place on Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at YMCA Camp Arrowhead, 20 Arrowhead Road, Pittsford, NY.

The yummy pancake breakfast buffet is held in one of the camp shelters. Grab a table, load up your plate, and dig in! After breakfast, kids can enjoy crafts and games. If the weather cooperates, the playground and giant sandbox provide lots of entertainment. Older kids (8+) can even climb the alpine tower.

There are two separate hunts: one for ages 5 and under, and one for ages 6-12. The hunts take place in the fairy tale forest, with adorable little play houses.

I like the candy house the best.

Kids have a blast filling their bag (provided) with eggs.

If you are lucky enough to find the golden egg, you can win a free week of camp! No such luck for us, but we don't mind.

After the hunt, kids turn in their eggs for a goodie bag filled with door prizes.

Above, my little one is pulling off an Easter bunny mask, which was in his goodie bag.

    

Family Fun This Weekend

What's going on in Rochester, NY this weekend? Let's start with today: Happy National Opposite Day! Wait, I mean it's not National Opposite Day. So don't not do the opposite of what you were planning to do.

Saturday is Bald Eagle Appreciation Day. Stop by the Seneca Park Zoo and say hello to our feathered friends there (to the left of the playground).

Sunday is National Chocolate Cake Day. Hmmm...you know what to do!

ONGOING


Race: Are We So Different?
Friday, January 25 - Sunday, April 28 during regular museum hours
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore the stories of race from biological, cultural, and historical points of view. This new exhibit features hands-on activities, 3-D animation, and more. Included with regular museum admission.


FRIDAY

Game Night
Friday, January 25 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through June 14, 2013)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Free Family Night: Make & Take
Friday, January 25 from 4:30 - 10:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open from 4:30-9 p.m. (remember your socks!), enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice) plus ice cream, make a craft, play in the Gym from 6-8 p.m., and swim in the pool from 7-10 p.m. Free and open to the community.

Fun Fridays
Friday, January 25 from 6 - 8 p.m.
YMCA-Westside, 920 Elmgrove Road, Rochester, NY
Family gym games, inflatables, obstacle course, crafts, and family swimming. There is no fee for members; $10 per family for the community.

SATURDAY

Dog Adoption Days in Greece
Saturday, January 26 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (repeats Saturdays: 2/23, 3/30, 4/27, 5/25/ 6/29)
The Mall at Greece Ridge, 271 Greece Ridge Center Drive, Rochester, NY
Meet some of Lollypop Farm's adoptable dogs, and maybe even find your very own canine companion.

Gates Winter FUN Fest
Saturday, January 26 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Westgate Park, 1489 Howard Road, Rochester, NY
Snowmobile rides provided by the Hilton Sno-Flyers Club, a bonfire, cross-country skiing, children's games (outdoor), and crafts (indoors), plus S'mores and hot chocolate. All games and activities are free; please dress for the weather.

Open Gym & Extreme Sports Practice Night
Saturday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. (repeats Saturdays through May 25)
Sports Academy of Victor, 6385 Route 96, Victor, NY
Have fun with mats, sports equipment, tumble track, foam pit, turf field, batting cages, spring floor, and inflatables. Instructors are available to help. For ages 6 and up; cost is $10.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Ski, Snowshoe, or Walk the Village & Nature Center

Saturday, January 26 - Sunday, January 27 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Saturdays & Sundays through Februrary 24, 2013)

Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY

Ski, snowshoe, or hike through the snow-covered village and nature center trails. The Nature Center trails are open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., while the Historic Village trails are open noon - 4 p.m. only. Call (585) 294-8262 to check trail conditions. Free for members, $5.50 for non-members. Ski rental is $10, snowshoe rental is $5; equipment available on first come, first served basis. Equipment rental is available at the Nature Center.

Meet Pat the Bunny

Saturday, January 26 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, January 27 from 1 - 5 p.m.

The Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY

Bring your camera and get ready to meet Pat the Bunny! Included with general admission.

SUNDAY

Family Fun Story Time
Sunday, January 27 from 1:30 - 2:15 p.m.
Rochester Public Library (Central Library), 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
Families are invited to come to the Children's Center of the Central Library to enjoy family story time for all ages. This program is free, so bring the whole family.


Have a great weekend, and as always, thanks for reading.

Dora & Diego: Let's Explore!

If you live anywhere near Rochester, NY and you have young kids, you must visit the Dora & Diego Let's Explore! exhibit at Strong National Museum of Play. Dora and Diego will be there through January 6, 2013, so there's plenty of time to schedule a visit.

Fun Fact #1: The inspiration for the name Dora Marquez was exploradora, the Spanish feminine word for explorer, and the acclaimed writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Fun Fact #2: Dora was the first-ever Latina character to appear in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She made her debut in 2005.

Fun Fact #3: Dora the Explorer airs in 141 countries around the world.

Be sure to check out this worldly girl and her friends. There is so much to do in this exhibit! Kids can pilot the Rocket Ship, play with some puzzles, and even put on a spacesuit.

In the Rainforest Maze, we like to jump from rock to rock to cross the river. Be careful; there are crocodiles in the water!

The Rainforest Maze also has a fun tree to crawl through...

...plus a rock wall and monkey bars.

In the Animal Rescue Center, kids can diagnose and take care of toy animals.

The Purple Planet is a fun slide!

In Isa's Flowery Garden, kids can plant and "water" a garden, or play with bird, butterfly, and insect puppets.

 Join the Pirate Piggies' crew, dress like a pirate, sail the ship, and share the treasure on the Pirate Ship.

And on the way out, my youngest needs to hug all of his friends to say goodbye. Goodbye, Diego.

See you soon, Boots.

Goodbye, Dora.

Strong National Museum of Play is located at One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY. They are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sunday from 12 - 5 p.m. General admission is $13; children under age 2 are free. Dora & Diego: Let's Explore is included with general admission. The museum is stroller-friendly, diaper-changing tables are available in the restrooms, plus there are two Guest Rest rooms which are perfect for breastfeeding (there are even toys to keep the older kids occupied). Food and beverages are not allowed near the exhibits, and outside food is discouraged. But there is a food court that includes some fast food options, as well as vending machines with fresh fruit and vegetable choices.

I hope you and your family enjoy Dora & Diego: Let's Explore as much as we do! As always, thanks for reading.