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.

Backyard Summer Camp: Messy Stuff Week

Last summer I scoured Pinterest for ideas and created a Messy Backyard Fun Week for my boys. They had such a blast that they still ask to "do messy stuff" on a regular basis. I suppose that was the impetus to all the Backyard Summer Camp theme weeks this year.

When I was brainstorming theme-week ideas, I had to include a Messy Stuff Week once again. It was just too much fun. Most of these can be done outside to minimize the clean up. Trust me, the mess will be worth it for the smiles on your kids' faces!

By the way, in case you've missed them, be sure to check out Wacky Sports Week, Under the Sea Week, Outer Space Week, In Our Neighborhood Week, Dinosaur Week, and Game Week too. Have fun!

Messy Stuff Week

Active Play

·      Color volcanoes (food coloring, vinegar, baking soda, plastic cups)

·      Sock bubble-blower (cut off the bottom of an empty water bottle and secure a sock over the cut opening; dip the sock-end into bubble solution then blow through the other end)  

·      Make sponge balls; play sponge ball tag (cut three sponges into six strips each; pile the strips and tie in the middle with a piece of string; fluff pieces out into a ball) 

·      Jackson Pollock painting. Materials: drop cloth; poster board; washable tempera paint; old kitchen utensils, sticks, rulers, etc. for flinging paint. Instructions: Place poster board on the drop cloth and have kids dip the utensils/rulers/sticks into paint and then splatter to their hearts' content.

Color volcanoes

Jackson Pollock painting

Quiet Play

·      Make Jell-Doh Materials: 1 c. flour, 1/2 c. salt, 1 Tbsp. oil, 2 tsp. cream of tartar, 1 c. water, and 1 pkg. Jell-O mix. Instructions: Combine and cook all ingredients on medium heat, stirring until thickened. Cool, then knead until dry to touch.
·      Make Lava Lamps. Materials: empty plastic bottles, oil, water, food coloring, glitter, and salt. Instructions: Fill bottle 3/4 with water; add food coloring and glitter. Fill almost to top with oil; let separate. Pour salt into jar and watch the lava-lamp-like bubbles!

·      Bubble wrap print Materials: bubble wrap, paint, brushes, white paper. Instructions: Paint directly on the bubble wrap, then press clean paper on top to make a print.

·      Microwave Ivory soap Materials: paper towel, Ivory bar soap (no substitutes, or it won't work). Instructions: place bar of Ivory soap on paper towel in microwave; heat for a couple of minutes, until it "grows." Remove your soap blob and play!

·      Dissolving egg shells & bouncing eggs Materials: eggs, vinegar, water, clear jars. Instructions: Place eggs in vinegar and observe. Leave eggs in for 1 week, then observe; remove and bounce them. Bonus: put vinegar-eggs into corn syrup for a few days then observe.

·      Milk Art Materials: dish, whole milk, food coloring, dish soap. Instructions: Pour milk into a dish; drop in food coloring. Then add dish soap a few drops at a time and watch the colors dance!

·      Blow Up a Balloon with Yeast Materials: empty bottle, balloon, ½ cup warm water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 packet active dry yeast. Instructions: In the bottle, mix warm water and yeast; swirl around to dissolve then add sugar and swirl again. Stretch out the balloon then place over the top. Let sit in a warm place for about 20 minutes; observe.

·      Read science books

·      Write a story together about a crazy science experiment. Let kids illustrate.

Field Trips

·      Visit a science museum (Rochester Area: check out the Rochester Museum & Science Center)

·      Go to the library for science books: Science Experiments: Shiny, Slimy, Stinky, Shocking by Steve Parker; 60 Super Simple Science Experiments by Q. L. Pearce; A Moldy Mystery by Michelle Knudsen;  Crazy Concoctions: A Mad Scientist's Guide to Messy Mixtures by Jordan Brown.

Have fun getting messy! As always, thanks for reading.

Brown's Berry Patch

This past Saturday, we were looking for something different to do with the kids and decided to try Brown's Berry Patch.  It's a bit of a drive to Waterport, but it was peak week for strawberries, plus we have heard some great things about the farm. I must say, we had a berry good time. (Yep, I went there.)

First we walked into the Marketplace. You could definitely spend some time - and some money - in there. They have unique mustards, jams, salsas, and even Bloody Mary mix. Most of it is even made with fruit from their farm. Fresh-picked fruit can be purchased inside, if you're not planning on picking your own. And who can resist an ice cream sundae made with freshly baked waffle cones and fresh-picked berries?!?!? Although, they had me at ice cream.

Inside, we purchased tickets for the Barnyard Adventure. We actually purchased the Combo Passes so we could visit Barnyard Adventure and take a ride on the Barnyard Express (it's only a dollar more). Next you have to bring your receipt to the barnyard behind the Marketplace and get your bracelets. Then the fun begins.

After saying hello to some friendly farm animals, our boys headed straight for the giant sandbox. There are plenty of trucks and digging toys, a tunnel to climb through, and a real boat that kids can sit in and  pretend to drive.

We skipped the playground and play house, and went straight for the duck races. They also have boat races, and plenty of spots to take fun photos, too.

After riding around on the tricycle track, we tried out the rope maze. It's harder than it looks, but it's easy to get out if needed.

Next stop: the jumping pillow! Just be sure your kids are wearing socks. No shoes are allowed, and the jumping pillow can get pretty hot in the sun.

The day isn't complete without checking out Goat Mountain and the giant slide. Look up and you'll see goats walking around above the barn and silo, along various walkways. On the other side of the silo, kids can climb up to the top of the tower and zip down the giant slide.

Inside the silo, run around, listen to your echo, and crawl through a tunnel. Adults, relax on a hay bale while the kids go crazy.

Be sure to bring some quarters; you'll want to feed the goats. Buy some animal food from the dispenser, drop it in the can and watch a goat pull the rope with his teeth until the can is at the top, where he can enjoy a well-deserved treat. Impressive trick!

Pedal cars, swings, a misting tent, and the Red Barn Twister are lots of fun. The twister is an oversized tunnel that spins. Kids can climb in while others turn it, and giggles will be unstoppable.

The Barnyard Express is a fun way to take a seat, take a break, and see the whole farm. Each animal car has a horn and bells to keep kids busy while they ride.

Finally! Time to pick some strawberries. We bought two four-quart baskets in the Marketplace, and we filled one with beautiful red berries.

 Then we walked over to the cherry orchard to fill our second basket with delicious, plump cherries.

We had a great day, and I'm already planning another trip when the blueberries are ripe in July. Between June and October, there are about a dozen different fruit and berry varieties that are available. Check their web site for updated picking conditions.

If you're planning a trip, Brown's Berry Patch is located at 14264 Roosevelt Highway (Route 18) in Waterport, NY. You can purchase a meal or snack in the Marketplace, or at the outdoor Farm Grill (weekends only). There is both indoor and outdoor seating available. There were posted signs near all outdoor tables indicating that coolers are not allowed. Restrooms are located in the Marketplace.

We ended our visit right around dinner time and found a decent, low-key restaurant about five minutes away: Black North Inn. It was relatively kid-friendly. The staff was friendly, there is a kids' menu, and if you can get a table facing the water, the boats outside may be enough to occupy the kids while the adults have a real conversation. At least for a few minutes. (Non-kid-friendly note: there is no changing table in the restroom). We ordered the Chevre-Portobello Pizza, and I was sad the next day when the leftovers were gone. It was that good. Garlic, spinach, portobello mushrooms, goat cheese, and mozzarella; could there be a more delicious combination for a pizza? Probably not.

On the next sunny day when you are looking for something new to do, I highly recommend Brown's Berry Patch. Be sure to Post a Comment and let us know about your visit! And as always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

Do you have weekend plans? Friday and Saturday are looking lovely - around 80 and sunny - for everyone planning barbecues, heading to sports events, or looking to take a hike. But it's probably best to have an indoor back-up plan for Sunday in case they're right about the thunderstorms. Not to worry! There's plenty to do this weekend (and Friday, too - now that the kids are out of school, we need to keep them busy).

Animal Tales Drop-In Story Time

Friday, June 22 at 11 a.m.

Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY

All are welcome to stop in and listen to an animal-themed story. Afterward, check out the dogs and cats inside the shelter, as well as the rabbits and other animals in the barn. Then head outside to pet the sheep and goats, and walk along the farm path to see horses, pigs, ducks, and more. Free of charge.

Tails and Tales Story Time

Friday, June 22 at 11 a.m.

Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY

Stop by the barn for story time and visit from a farm animal. Story time is free; tickets for jumping pillow, mini golf, batting cages, and concessions sold separately. Don't forget to bring your own sand toys for the giant sand box (or rent a toy while you're there).

School's Out Celebration

Friday, June 22 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY

Admission is $5 per person over age 2 and includes: jumping pillow, giant slide, duck races, hoop shoot, trikes, mini maze, traverse climbing wall, sandbox, and spider web. Face painting and crafts available for additional $1-3. Snacks available for purchase.

War of 1812 Bicentennial & Jane Austen Weekend

Saturday, June 23 - Sunday, June 24 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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

Celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 as well as the Regency Era of Jane Austen. Activities include morning parade and flag raising on Village Square, fashion shows, live target shooting, Jane Austen dance demonstration (Saturday only), tactical demonstrations and militia drills, fife & drum concert, and more. Regular admission fees apply.

Discover Madagascar Day

Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY

Celebrate Madagascar's Independence Day and learn about this country's people and special wildlife. Games and puzzles will be available for children. Included with regular admission.

Strawberry Celebration

Saturday, June 23 - Sunday, June 24 from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Brown's Berry Patch, 14264 Roosevelt Highway, Waterport, NY 

Pick a basket of sun-ripened strawberries during peak season - right now! Bring your own containers or purchase some inside. Don't forget to sample some of the strawberry products in the market, too. After you've picked some berries, check out Barnyard Adventure (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or have a bite to eat at the Farm Grill (12-7 p.m.).

Trolley Rides

Sunday, June 23 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East Henrietta Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase a ticket for a unique trolley ride when you arrive. While you wait for your trolley, explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation. 

Giant-Screen Films

Sunday, June 24 from 1 - 4:15 p.m.

Rochester Museum & Science Center - Strasenburgh Planetarium, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY

There are giant-screen films and star shows daily, but given the chance of thunderstorms, Sunday would be a perfect day to go see one. Discounted tickets for RMSC members.

1 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. - Fly Me to the Moon (50 min.; animated; ages 5-adult)

3:15 p.m. - Ring of Fire (45 min.; live action; ages 6 - adult)

More outdoor ideas:

• Fly a kite at Veterans Memorial Park 
• Get splashed at the Camp Eastman spray ground
• Check out Wild Wings at Mendon Ponds Park
• Walk along the Erie Canal at Perinton Park
• Feed the trout at Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery
• Walk a trail at Tinker Nature Park

More indoor ideas:

• Ride the train at Strong National Museum of Play
• Build with Keva Planks at Rochester Museum & Science Center
• Check out some books at your local Library
• If you belong to the YMCA, check out the Adventure Center at the Southeast Family Branch (Pittsford) or go swimming at the Eastside Family Branch (Penfield) 
• Head to Kango, Bounce It Out, or Jump Club to jump away the sillies

That should be enough to keep us all out of trouble this weekend. Enjoy yourself, and as always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

Hopefully the meteorologists have it wrong for this weekend. Friday: high of 71 with thunderstorms. Ugh. Saturday: high of 65 with a low chance of rain. Eh. Sunday: high of 71 with a pretty good chance of rain. Yuck.

Let's keep our fingers crossed and do a sun-dance...otherwise, there is plenty of indoor excitement to be found in the Rochester area this weekend.

Opening Day for Strawberry Picking
Friday, June 1 - until the berries are gone
Various Farms, Rochester Area
Pick your own strawberries at one of several farms in our area! Be sure to call the farm before you head out, to be sure the berries are ready to be picked that day. Don't forget to dress for the weather.

Friday Family Fun Night: Roller Skating
Friday, June 1 from 5:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Southeast Family YMCA, 111 E. Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY!
5:45 p.m. - ? - Pizza available in the Lobby ($1/slice)
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Crafts in the Lobby
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Roller Skating in the Gym (skate rental is $4/person)
7:05 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Family Swim
7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Parachute Games
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Adventure Center (bring/wear socks)

Fairport Canal Days
Friday, June 1 (4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.), Saturday, June 2 (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.), Sunday, June 3 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Fairport, NY
Food, music, crafts, and more along the Erie Canal. Be sure to check the web site for events schedule, directions, and lots more information.

Exhibit Opening: Design Zone
Saturday, June 2 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. - Sunday, June 3 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Design and test a virtual roller coaster, skate park, and bike race. Test your spinning skills in a DJ Recording Studio, engineer your own light show for a dance party, and more. We can't wait to check out all the fun features of this new exhibit. Free with general admission.

Exhibit Opening: KEVA Planks
Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Use your imagination and build your own masterpiece. Create castles, bridges, trains, buildings, or farms...then have fun knocking them down when you're through. Free with general admission.

CLOSED for Zoobilation
Saturday, June 2 - ALL DAY
Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY

Bike Rodeo & Child Safety Day
Saturday, June 2 at 1:00 p.m.
Winslow Elementary School, 755 Pinnacle Road, Henrietta, NY
Outdoor event to learn and practice safe biking and other practices, for children ages 2-13. Must bring your bike and helmet to participate in the bike rodeo. Check out the fire safety demos, school bus tours & safety, bike safety inspections & training course, plus register to win prizes. This is a free event. For more information, contact Robin Watson at rwatson@rochester.rr.com

Stroll for Strong Kids Walk & 5K Run
Saturday, June 2 - 8:30 a.m. for the 5K, or 10:30 a.m. for the 1.5 mile Stroll/Walk
University of Rochester's River Campus, 252 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY
This year's superhero-themed event is family-friendly, and all proceeds benefit the Golisano Children's Hospital. Check out the web site for registration information, a pledge form, map, and to make an online donation. There will be a bounce house and more. Free to anyone who raises $30 or more for the hospital.

CowapaMOOza
Sunday, June 3 from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road, Penfield, NY
Kick off National Dairy Month with a dancing cow, games, a milk mustache photo booth, and butter making. Meet a baby calf, and enter the MOOOOOing contest. The dairy events are free; other Wickham Farms activities (mini-golf, batting cages, jumping pillow) are regular prices.

Trolley Rides
Sunday, June 3 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East Henrietta Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase a ticket for a unique trolley ride when you arrive. While you wait for your trolley, explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation. 

Stay dry and have fun this weekend! As always, thanks for reading.

Have You Been to Kings Bend Park?

The other day, after subjecting the kids to running errands and dragging them to more than a few stores, I wanted to treat them to some playground time. They were so well behaved, which is no easy task for a two- and four-year-old. Into the car seats, out of the car seats, into the shopping cart, don't touch, we're not getting that today, out of the shopping cart. Repeat.

But, where to go? There are myriad playgrounds in the immediate area and my kids love them all. The problem is they love them too much. It's hard to limit our time; once we're at a park, we're committed. We run, swing, slide, and climb til we drop. No amount of bribery seems to work; they won't just leave without a huge scene unless they decide they are done playing. Usually, that's not a problem.

On this particular day, we only had about 30-45 minutes before my younger son would need to nap. I needed somewhere low key...so I turned onto Jefferson Road and pulled into Kings Bend Park. Perfect!

If you've never been to Kings Bend Park - 170 West Jefferson Road, in Pittsford - after pulling into the parking lot, continue around to the right and park close to the playground. There is a playground structure with a climbing wall, a few climbing/swinging features, a bridge, slide, and more. Not too big; not too small.

There is a separate, smaller structure with a slide that's perfect for toddlers. Plus there are swings - two regular and two baby swings. A few benches line the playground perimeter for pooped parents.

The pond beyond the playground gives us a nice break. My boys like to take a walk along the fence to count the number of ducks they can find. And the super-colossal, can't-be-beat, stupefying bonus of this park: A TRAIN. Yes, there are train tracks on the other side of the fence running along the parking lot. The highlight of our day was getting to see a diesel engine pulling some tanker cars and box cars. Life doesn't get much better.

The one down-side to Kings Bend Park is that the restrooms are only available when the lodges are open. (there are two winterized lodges on the park grounds, which are available to rent) Be sure to "go" before you go.

As always, thanks for reading. I hope you have fun with your kids at Kings Bend Park soon.

Outdoor Family Fun This Weekend

The weekend weather forecast calls for getting outside with the kids! There are so many outdoor choices this weekend; how many can you fit into two days?!  

Family Fun Fridays: Gym and Swim

Friday, May 18 from 5:45 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Southeast Family YMCA, 111 E. Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY

5:45 p.m. - ? - Pizza ($1/slice) in the Lobby

6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Adventure Center (bring socks)

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Crafts in the Lobby

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Bounce Houses in the Gym

6:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Carnival Games in the Gym

7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Family Swim & Inflatables in the water!

8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Adventure Center

Admission is free; YMCA members only.

Day Out with Thomas: Mystery on the Rails Tour 2012

Friday May 18, Saturday May 19, and Sunday May 20 from 9:15 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Medina Railroad Museum, 530 West Avenue, Medina, NY

All aboard for a 25-minute ride on Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, listen to stories about Thomas and Friends, dance to live music, stop by the food court, and visit the activity tents with train tables, temporary tattoos, Mega Bloks, and much more. Purchase tickets for your train ride time, and enjoy the rest of the activities before or after your ride. All activities are included in the cost of the train tickets.

Lilac Festival

Friday, May 18 - Sunday, May 20

Highland Park, Highland Avenue & South Avenue, Rochester, NY

Ten days of free entertainment and lots of fun, surrounded by more than 1,200 lilac bushes. Be sure to check the web site for the children's entertainment schedule.

Literature Live: Meet Corduroy

Saturday, May 19 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Sunday, May 20 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

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

Meet Corduroy, the department store teddy bear. Don't forget your camera. Included with general admission.

Military Heritage Day

Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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

Celebrate Armed Forces Day with performances of patriotic music, displays of military vehicles, uniforms, equipment, and collectibles, and special presentations. The usual displays, activities, and of course, the farm animals will be on hand as well for lots of fun. Admission fees vary; free admission for all active military and veterans.

Chicken Dance Party

Saturday, May 19 from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY

Free party to celebrate Dance Like a Chicken Day. Enjoy games, crafts, and a Chicken Dance Contest every half hour. Chicken Dance activities are free; does not include admission to Wickham Farms attractions.

Trolleys and Diesels Open the Ride Season

Sunday, May 20 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East Henrietta Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase a ticket for a unique trolley ride when you arrive. While you wait for your trolley, explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation. 

Looking for more outdoors, less programming? Check out these fun spots:

• Kershaw Park, Canandaigua, NY - playground, beach trails, gorgeous view
• Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY - waterfalls, trails (Note: this is not a stroller-friendly location)
• Lollypop Farm, Fairport, NY - walk through the adoption center, barn, and outdoors through the trail of farm animals and to the petting area 
• Mendon Ponds Park, Honeoye Falls, NY - playground, lots of trails, and see the raptors at Wild Wings 
• Powder Mills Park, Pittsford, NY - don't miss the fish hatchery where you can feed the trout 

Slather on the sunblock, put on a hat, and get outside this weekend! Have a great time, and as always, thanks for reading.

A Fun Afternoon at Powers Farm Market

It's nice outside. The kids want to go somewhere. You only have an hour or two. Where should you go? Powers Farm Market. You can browse the fresh produce, annuals, and perennials, grab a snack, feed and pet some friendly farm animals, and still be home by nap time (or dinner time, et cetera).

Powers Farm Market is located at 161 Marsh Street in Pittsford, at the intersection of Golf and Marsh. When you park your car, you might be greeted by a chicken. They're basically the welcoming committee. This time of year, there are myriad hanging plants and flowers waiting to be planted in your garden, as well as whimsical garden accessories. In the fall, you'll have your pick of pumpkins and gourds.

Inside the market, pick up a big basket and have your kids help you on a Fruit & Veggie Scavenger Hunt.  We usually check out the freshly baked cookie selection (I just can't pass it up!) and pick out a couple to share. They're huge, so I don't let my kids eat a whole one.

There are some benches on the front porch of the market where you can enjoy your cookie - or banana, apple, or peach if you have the will power to avoid the sweet treats.  

After your snack, walk around back for some real fun. You'll find chickens, deer, goats, sheep, alpaca, rabbits, miniature donkeys, and a pony. Be sure to bring some quarters for the animal food machines. We usually also bring some plastic cups or zip-top bags to collect the food (otherwise handfuls tend to get dropped), and antibacterial gel plus wipes. I keep Method antibacterial all-purpose wipes in my glove compartment just for times like this.

You can feed the deer, goats, sheep, alpaca, and donkeys by hand. They're all friendly and tame; they're just a bit slobbery. There is a feeder chute for the pony because he can bite; drop the food in at the top and it lands in a bucket for the pony.

And of course, no trip to a farm-related establishment would be complete without a tractor sighting!

There are benches by the animals, so after you're through feeding them, you can sit and watch them for a while. There is also a good-sized lawn to run around.

In the fall, the three giant teepees on the property become a super-fun haunted house filled with jack-o-lanterns, lights, scary eyes, and more. The kids can run through the haunted teepees over and over and over again (for free). Plus there are hayrides, for a fee, which the kids love. If you're looking for something to do this spring, summer, or fall, check out Powers Farm Market.

As always, thanks for reading! If you have a fun farm story to share, please Post a Comment. Thanks!

Top 5 Events For Kids This Weekend

One of the best things about raising a family in Rochester, NY is the abundance of kid-friendly museums, attractions, and events. There is almost always something going on to entertain the kids. This weekend is no exception with maple syrup, vehicles, the Emerald City, animals, and science experiments taking center stage.

If you're looking for some family fun, check out what's going on:

Maple Weekend
March 24-25, 2012 ~ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
You can visit the Maple Weekend website to find a demonstration near you. The Cummings Nature Center in Naples and Genesee Country Village in Mumford are both participating. There will be maple syrup demonstrations and tastings, a pancake breakfast (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.), crafts, and other activities for kids and families. Admission fees vary.

Things That Go
March 24-25, 2012 ~ 12 - 4 p.m.
What little kid can resist cars and trucks?! Visit the Rochester Museum & Science Center for some hands-on activities and an up-close look at an electric car (Saturday only), motorcycle, pink loader, hovercraft, and an antique fire truck. Included with general admission.

Wizard of Oz Weekend
March 24-25, 2012 ~ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
There's no place like home, and there's no place like the Strong National Museum of Play! (we visit about once a week) There will be performances by the Bubble Man and by The College at Brockport Xylophone Ensemble, you can meet Glinda the Good Witch, create Oz-themed works of art, and more. Plus, if you haven't seen the Wizard of Oz exhibit yet, it's definitely worth a visit! Included with general admission.

Critter Challege
March 24, 2012 ~ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Stations around the Seneca Park Zoo will feature games and hands-on activities led by zoo docents to teach kids how animals survive in the wild. Could you spot your dinner from a mile away? Stand on one foot while you sleep? The Critter Challenge will give kids a better understanding of how animals live. All stations will be indoors, in the various zoo buildings. Included with general admission.

Family Science Day
March 24, 2012 ~ 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Families with young children will want to stop by the Winton Branch Library for some hands-on experiments with professional scientists. The first 30 families to register will receive a family science activity kit [(585) 428-8204]. Admission is free; registration is required.

I think I'm leaning toward Genesee Country Village for Maple Weekend. Besides all the typical maple goodness, their flyer tells me that Grieve's Brewery is demonstrating how beer can be made with maple syrup. Yum! That, and they have maple fudge. The kids won't get a vote; we're going. Because momma said so.

Have fun with your family this weekend, and be sure to let me know if you visited any of these events. If you have any other good ideas for the Rochester area this coming weekend, please post them in the Comments section. Thank you!

We're Going to the Zoo Zoo Zoo, How About You You You?

My little sisters loved Raffi, so whenever I take my kids to the zoo I sing that song...

On this first day of Spring, we have the most wonderful weather in Rochester, NY. It's in the low 70s and it feels perfect. As my four-year-old said this morning, "It's no-jacket weather!" So we packed up our lunch, hats, and sunscreen to go to the Seneca Park Zoo zoo zoo, how about you you you?!

The Seneca Park Zoo is perfect for younger kids (and I know the big kids like it too!). It's a short ride, parking is free and rarely a problem, and we can get through the entire zoo and back again in about two hours. I grew up in downstate NY and we used to go to the Bronx Zoo a few times a year. It took about an hour or more to get there, my parents had to fight the crazy city traffic on the way, we paid for parking, and the zoo is so large that most visitors use the monorail and/or skyline to see the whole thing. Inevitably one of my three siblings would need a nap or a third outfit change when we were on the side of the zoo that was the complete opposite of our parking lot. Don't get me wrong, the Bronx Zoo is amazing and I still love visiting (my kids have been there a few times already), but it's truly an ordeal that requires much effort. The Seneca Park Zoo, on the other hand, is much more manageable with little ones.

We started off our day visiting the orangutans playing outside. They have such great personalities; it's always fun to watch them. Today, the smaller orangutan was playing with a stick and the bigger one kept taking it away. It got my boys laughing. Next we said hello to the rhinos. There was a big pile of poop in the middle of their section, so that's always hilarious too. We saw the hyenas getting their water trough filled, the wolves got some treats (fish! go figure), and the tiger was napping. Then we moved on to their favorite spots.

Favorite Spot #1: The Cougar
There are two tunnels by the cougar exhibit that lead to a viewing area. My boys would go in and out for about an hour if I let them. Only my four-year-old is tall enough to actually see through the windows, but they both love it anyway.

Favorite Spot #2: The Construction Site
Today my two-year-old kept asking to see the mighty machines. The new "Step Into Africa" exhibit will be open in May but my boys have enjoyed the renovation process - especially the construction vehicles. Unfortunately, the big trucks all seem to be gone now, and the fence is covered so we can't sneak a good peek. I guess this is now a former member of the favorite spots? But they were good sports about it, and we moved on to...

Favorite Spot #3: The Sea Lions
Who doesn't love to sit by the water watching the sea lions swim around, jump up on the rocks, bark at each other, and occasionally play with toys? Today we sat and ate our snacks there, but last time we visited was truly amazing. We happened to arrive at the Rocky Coast exhibit just as the sea lions were getting their meal. The zoo keepers placed fish inside watering cans and other toys, then tossed them all into the water. Even when all the fish were in their bellies, the sea lions kept playing with the toys - tugging at the watering cans, flipping super-sized whiffle balls around, and probably looking for more fish. But it was incredible to see!

Favorite Spot #4: The Z.O.T. (Zoologists of Tomorrow) Zone
We could spend hours in this indoor section. My boys love to take the stuffed animals out of the carriers and pretend to be veterinarians. They use stethoscopes, bulb syringes, toy bottles, and bandages to give the toy animals an "exam" and to help them feel better. There's even an incubator and other sophisticated looking instruments (none of them are in working order, of course) so they really feel like they're in a veterinary hospital.

Favorite Spot #5: The Playground
After we make all the toy animals feel better, we usually end our visit at the playground. They love climbing the "mountain," racing each other down the slides, and crawling through the log tunnel. My four-year-old usually attempts to climb the giant spider web but he hasn't conquered it yet. Later in the season, there is water in the little man-made creek near the playground. On hot days, we bring swim suits, a swim diaper for my little guy, towels, and water sandals and they'll spend most of the afternoon just wading in the creek, walking across the rocks, and splashing each other.

Then it's usually time to head home!

Sometimes, on the rare occasion that we're not pooped and it's not too hot out, we'll turn left out of the parking lot and pull into the next lot near the other playground. I'll load the boys in the wagon again and we'll head across the street to walk down a path that leads to a bridge over the Genesee River. It's a fun walk with great views, plus you can almost taste the Genny Cream Ale in the air. (ha)

Thanks for reading! Please use the comments section - what's your favorite part of the Zoo? Any tips for spending the day there with your kids?...