Fore the Planet! Indoor Minature Golf

Location: Linvilla Orchards

Website: http://www.linvilla.com/

Bathrooms: Yes

Eating area: Yes (indoor and out) and food for purchase at Linvilla Grill

Parking: Yes and free

Attractions: 300-acre farm, Christmas tree maze ($5), playground ($1), animals for feeding, hayrides in fall, pick your own fruit

Hours: Open Everyday until March 17

Sunday through Thursday 9am to 5pm

Friday and Saturday 9am to 8pm

 Price: $6.95 (ages 11 & over)
$4.95 (ages 10 & under)

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A recent birthday party brought us to Linvilla Orchards and its latest special event, "Fore the Planet" indoor miniature golf. I was really excited to get the opportunity to visit the 300 acre farm after hearing great things about it. We made the trip on a Saturday morning leaving our home at around 10am and arriving at 10:30.  I understand that it is usually a 45 minute to an hour drive, so I guess that is not typical.  There was no traffic on 95....I swear it was not my heavy foot!!

Early February is probably not the best time to take advantage of the farm, due to the dark, damp, chilly, and unpredictable weather, but on this particular day it was not too cold, so we were able to enjoy all the farm's attractions. Our first stop was to head indoors to the indoor market and play some miniature golf. It was bright, colorful and inviting. This my kids first time playing, so I didn't know what to expect. My oldest had no problems getting right in there and was speeding right along.  My youngest got a little frustrated on some of the harder holes, but overall they both proclaimed that they wanted to play golf again.  We even went home and set up a golf course in the house. So this definitely left a mark on the kiddos.  

However, I think the educational message of "Save the Planet" was lost on just one round of the golf. The kids were so excited and overwhelmed that the meaning went right over their head. It would have been nice to go a second round, slow down and read the information that went with each hole. 

After golfing, we explored the Christmas tree maze.  That was quite an experience! A little frighting for me as my daughter kept running ahead. But we all made it out alive.

Next, we went to the playground area to feed the turkeys, chickens, and peacocks and play on the large playground.  This area also has a maze.  Donation to the playground is $1 and you place it in a bucket as part of the honor system.

We finally left the farm at around 2pm, so weather permitting, you could spend quite a while exploring the farm and you will get a lot for the money. My kids also fell asleep in the car on the way home, so I would say this day was hole in one!

Click for a larger image

Tips:

• I would not suggest getting off Exit 6 from 95.  It dropped us off in a seedy area that had me locking my doors. Okay, I admit, I am a suburban mom, but I am not used to seeing drug transactions occur right before my eyes.  Next time,  I will go a little further on 95 and get off at the 452 exit. Hopefully that exit will not have me gripping my wheel and locking my doors.
• Bring your own food and drinks to save money! Have a picnic at the farm.
• Save more money by skipping the Christmas tree maze and have fun with the maze at the playground that comes with your dollar donation
• Play golf on a nice day, even though it is indoors, so that you can take advantage of the playground, maze and animal feedings, especially if you are driving an hour to get  to the farm. You will get more for your money and could make a day of it.

Have a "ball" a Linvilla Orchards!

Morris Arboretum

Click on the pictures for a larger view

Location: 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Phialdelphia PA

Website: http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/index.shtml

Bathrooms: Yes, some with changing tables

Eating area: Yes, Compton Cafe on site, and vending machines, 

Attractions: 92 acres of lush gardens and sculptures, Out on a limb tree canopy walk, miniature village and Garden Railway, various historical buildings, and refreshing fountains

Around the Area: Quaint town of Chesnut Hill and Wissahickon Valley Park (Forbidden Drive)

Fee: Kids under 3: Free, Kids 3-17: $7.00, Adults: $16.00

 Or get FREE passes for the whole family with your Library Card with their Museum Pass Program

The kids and I took advantage of this gorgeous summer day to check out the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania.  We scored FREE passes for 2 adults and 4 children for FOUR days by checking out the passes through our local library's Museum Pass program.  That is a savings of $184 for our family!! I LOVE the Museum Pass!  

                

We were most excited to explore the "Out on a Limb" exhibit and to climb 50 feet above the ground into the trees! The kids had a great time pretending to be birds sitting on the eggs, and  jumping on the rope netting and seeing how far they were from the forest floor! The kids also had a great time putting the huge megaphones on their ears to listen to the sounds of the forest! 

Our next stop was to see the miniature Garden railway exhibit. This seasonal exhibit features renditions of storybook and historic buildings made of natural materials set in the garden complete with naturally made tunnels and overhead trestles.  The kids had a blast following all the trains and watching them appear over their heads,  moving under trees, and crossing over small waterways.  Of course...there is a Thomas train for fans! 

Our next favorite stop was the Log Cabin.  This exhibit provides some much needed cool shade, a refreshing dip in the stream and a splash of water from a old fashioned water pump! Parents will find some much needed R&R on the chairs while the kids tidy up the cabin, play school, build with Lincoln logs, or splash around and explore the stream! The kids LOVED this historic building.

Throughout the arboretum you will discover various species of trees and flowers, interesting works of art and sculpture, cool insects, and refreshing fountains and streams! 

Tips:

• Check the weather before planning your trip.  It's all outdoors!
• Check the event calendar for lots of fun activities!
• Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking!
• Strollers and wheelchairs are fine! Most of the walkways are paved.
• Visit the Visitors Center and get your "passport".  The kids get them stamped at various exhibits. The passport also has great educational information and activities related to the exhibits. Also, pick up some Family Fun cards for extension activities!
• If you kids are anything like mine, you might need to dress them in bathing suit trunks!  Or at the very least bring a change of clothes and maybe some towels...in case someone gets wet!
• Wear sunscreen!
• Two words....insect repellent!
• Pack snacks and lunches and eat at the dining behind behind the Visitors Center. There is a cafe on site and drinking and snack vending areas scattered throughout the arboretum if you are in a pinch.
• Before or after your trip, head down to the quaint town of Chestnut Hill! The kids can eat and play at the Little Treehouse Cafe, and enjoy ice Cream from Brendenbecks! Bruno's is another great spot for food (right on the corner of Germantown Ave.and Northwestern Ave.) with easy access to  Wissahickon Valley Trail (Forbidden Drive). 

Have fun exploring The Morris Arboretum!

Imagination Kingdom Playground

Location: 500 Pemberton-Browns Mills Road, Pemberton, NJ

Bathrooms: Yes

Eating area: YES (covered pavilion, and picnic tables)

Attractions: castle themed playground, baseball fields, 

Wheelchair Accessible Playground: Yes

Fee: FREE

Click on the pictures for a large image

The kids and I ventured out on one of the nicer, less humid summer days to Imagination Kingdom Playground and park located in Pemberton, NJ.  I can't believe this was our first time playing at this hidden gem! What an amazing playground for kids of all ages and abilities! The castle theme park is a favorite among my kids and from the expressions of oohs and ahhhs from the other youngsters, the theme had caught their attention too! 

So where do you begin? Every prince and princess should cross the bridge over the "blue waters" into the inner courtyard where their imaginations may lead them to climb a rock,scale the castle walls, or tackle the giant web thingy!! Whatever the kids decide to do, they will be busy for hours!

Whoever designed this playground understands kids and thought of everything. The large wheelchair accessible ramp and wide bridges allow for children of all abilities to be part of the fun and there is much to see at so many various heights!

There are sooo many places to climb and explore! But don't worry, the ground is covered by some sort of recycled material that is soft underfoot. It's gentle enough for little boys who don't like to wear shoes!

 You will  also find some really interesting equipment here that you may not have seen at other parks. We loved the musical section complete with bongo drums, and "Ring a bell" that you could actually ring with the musical notes provided instead of having to find a stick! The tire swing suspended from a giant catapult was cool, and the giant family sized see saw horse was great for young and older kids!

There is even a wonderful "tot" area that will challenge your little ones and keep them engaged! I loved the ABC and animal climb! 

This is a definite "destination playground"! This site is perfect for playdates, mom groups, birthday parties or for just a few hours of fun!  The whole playground was clean and well kept including the bathrooms that had a changing table! The  large covered pavilion is a great spot to seek shelter from the elements or  for lunch and snacks.  Bring a bat and ball or play some soccer in the fields just a few feet away. Most of the playground is in the sun...but there were some benches and tables in some cool shaded areas too. 

  My kiddos gave this playground two thumbs up and we think this "kingdom" is perfect for the little princes and princesses in your life! Check it out today!

 

Let your imaginations run wild!

Manderach Memorial Playground

 

Location: Swamp Pike & Ziegler Rd., Limerick, PA 19468

Bathrooms: Two Restroom Facilities (Porta Potty near the playground)

Eating area: Yes, under covered pavilions

Attractions: 70 acre park with castle themed playground with two long tunnel slides, baseball field, basketball, 2 sand volleyball courts, 1.1 mile paved walking/running track (see aerial map)

Around the Area:  Philadelphia Premium Outlets (approx. 10 minutes from park)

Fee: Free

This weekend's Sunday drive took us to Limerick, PA to check out Limerick Community Park and its famous Manderach Memorial Playground. In just about an hour, we reached our destination. Squeals of excitement erupted from the backseat when the kids saw the 30 foot high castle named "Lisa's Lookout" with two loooong tunnel slides protruding from the top floor of the castle.

The kids ran straight for the stairs to climb the castle and attempt the tunnel slides. Believe me, half the fun of the slide is the climb to the top! Little ones will need assistance as it is quite a hike!  The steps to the top are roomy enough for adults to climb and the slide is big enough to allow adults to ride down with kids. Yes, I couldn't resist and I had to ride the slides too! When my son reached the bottom of the slide, he exclaimed, "That is the best slide ever!" and I completely agree!

As my kids repeatedly climbed the tower, rode the slide, and then ran to get back in line, I was able to sit back and truly look at "Lisa's Lookout." It is quite an impressive structure dedicated to Lisa Manderach and her 19 month old baby, Devon, who were horribly murdered in 1995. The two long tunnel slides look like two long arms reaching out to the children in a symbolic hug; welcoming all who enter and encouraging smiles and laughter amongst such a painful past.   It is a beautiful, and fitting, tribute to a mother and child whose memory will be forever remembered.

Surrounding the castle tower slides are saucer swings, a tire swing, and a large castle themed playground equipment with lots of climbing equipment.  This side seems to be dedicated to the older kids, while on the other side of the tower is the area for younger children.  This side has more traditional swings, and a smaller castle-themed playground, just the right height for little ones!

What I really liked was that the entire playground complex was completely surrounded by a large fence and allowed for only one way in and out.  That makes monitoring the kiddos a lot easier!

Take a break from all the fun by eating your lunch in the covered pavilions, or using the vending machines to grab a drink. There is also a concession stand, that wasn't open when we were there, but purchasing food might be possible on special days. There are two bathroom facilities available, but the one closest to the playground had a porta potty...not my favorite.  However, you could take a little walk and use the facilities a little further away from the playground.  Either way, bring some wipes, and sanitizer!

This park was given the title of Best of Philly 2006: Best Playground (Montgomery County) and it is a well deserved title! We will definitely be visiting again. It was clean, well kept, and made the kids (and adults) really happy!

Tips: 

• The playground is CLOSED the first Monday of every month from 7am to 2pm for inspections and maintenance. 
• Bring a towel for the tunnel slides, the older kids say it makes the slide really fast
• Bring bikes, scooters, etc to ride the trail
• Bring sporting equipment to play in the surrounding fields
• There were a lot of people there and  I felt comfortable having my husband and grandparents with me to help monitor the kids.  Even though there is only one way in and out, I think you need to bring at least two people, at least for younger ones, to help monitor the kids.
• Pack a lunch and make a day out of it!
• Plan this visit combined with some shopping at the Limerick outlets and you can definitely make this a day trip! 

 Enjoy!

It's Christmas Time in the City!

Ahh, there is nothing like Christmas in the city. Something about the hustle and bustle, the decorated store windows, and numerous festivals and events that to make the holidays feel extra special. A favorite family tradition of ours is to visit Philadelphia to get into holiday mood! The magic of Christmas is always around and will leave everyone smiling and feeling festive.

The Macy's Grand Court Light Show 
13th and Market Street
Show is every hour on the hour
FREE 
http://www.wanamakerorgan.com/xmas.php 
Friday, Nov. 25 - Friday, Dec. 23: 10am-8pm
Saturday, December 24th: 10am-5pm Christmas Day: Closed
Monday, Dec. 26-Friday, Dec. 30: 10am-7pm
Saturday, December 31: 10am-5pm.
Crowds are thinner Mon.-Thurs. and after 4pm Fri. thru. Sun. 

A perfect family outing, the Christmas Light Show and Wanamaker Organ Concert at Macy’s is a Philadelphia tradition that dates back half a century. Come to the famous Center City store — housed in the historic Wanamaker Building — to watch snowflakes, ballerinas and reindeer float beyond the four-story-high velvet curtain of the Grand Court atrium. During the light show, more than 100,000 bright, energy-efficient LED lights combine to create fantastic holiday images. The lighting display is accompanied by festive music from the world-renowned Wanamaker Grand Organ.

Dicken's Village at Macy's
13th and Market St.
3rd Floor (Holiday Lane)
FREE
http://www.wanamakerorgan.com/xmas.php  
Friday, Nov. 25 - Friday, Dec. 23: 10am-7pm
Saturday, December 24: 10am-5pm
Christmas Day, December 25: Closed
Monday, Dec. 26 - Friday, Dec. 30: 10am-7pm
Saturday, December 31: 10am-5pm.

A Philadelphia tradition for more than 20 years, the third floor of Macy’s is transformed into “Dickens Village” for the holiday season. The 6,000-square-foot Village brings Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol to life with more than 100 fully animated figures reenacting 26 of the story’s most memorable moments.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 2011
1701 John F Kennedy Blvd
One Comcast Center
10-8pm, on weekdays it is until 5pm
Show runs every hour on the hour, lasting 15 minutes
FREE
http://www.visitphilly.com/museums-attractions/philadelphia/the-comcast-holiday-spectacular/ 

A holiday spectacle unlike any other! It is shown on the state-of-the-art Comcast Experience Video Wall and is filled with sights and sounds of the season. New this year, enjoy scenes from George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” performed by the renowned Pennsylvania Ballet along with updated scenes of the holiday.
The Holiday Spectacular also features a magical sleigh ride through the snow covered Pennsylvania countryside, the majestic sounds of a 64-piece orchestra, and more.

 
The Reading Terminal Holiday Railroad
12th & Arch Streets
Friday, November 25 – Saturday, December 31
Open Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm & Sundays 10am-5pm
Closed Christmas Day
Location: Piano Court in the Market
FREE
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/events/

Kids and adults alike will delight in this 500 sq.f. model railroad display with almost a third of a mile of track! Twelve working train lines rumble through a multitude of miniature scenery including Center City Philly, a Christmas Village, and snow-covered countryside.

Christmas Village
1500 Arch Street, LOVE Park

November 24 – December 24, 2011
Sunday-Thursday  11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday-Saturday  11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
FREE
http://www.philachristmas.com/28-0-About.html

Philadelphia will once again transform into European wonderland during the third annual Christmas Village at Love Park. More than 50 vendors from all over the world will occupy over 80 quaint, wooden booths for the month-long Christmas Village at Love Park. Browse for the perfect gift, like Christmas ornaments from Germany; enjoy European food, sweets and drinks, such as Bratwurst and “Lebkuchen (gingerbread); and watch to performances from area bands, dance groups and more.Don’t Miss the massive Kathe Wohlfarhrt tent features popular Christmas gifts from Germany, including glass ornaments, music boxes, nutcrackers and incense smokers.

Stellwag's Hidden Acres Farm

Location:116 Hartford Rd. Delran, NJ

Website: http://www.stellwagshiddenacresfarm.com/

Bathrooms: Yes

Eating area: Yes

Attractions: Rose Garden, animals for viewing, short hiking trail, garden center

Fee: $5 per person for the hayride to pick a small pumpkin.

Cost of the pumpkin is included in the $5 price.

Click HERE for the price guide to other pumpkin picking farms !

This past weekend the family and I took advantage of the nice weather and finally went pumpkin picking.  This year, we tried the much talked about Stellwag's Farm not far from our home. This was our first time on their hayride, although we have visited the garden center several times to purchase plants. We couldn't beat the price of only $5 per person,  including the cost of the pumpkin! Oh...and did I mention there was hot cider when we returned? Sweet!

We went to the farm at about 11am on a Sunday and found it to be very quiet. There was hardly any one there, and no lines to wait in. We paid our $5 for our hayride and pumpkins, and off we went. However, the ride to the pumpkin patch was a very different when compared to previous pumpkin patch trips.  You don't take a ride around a farm, but instead you ride through a heavily shaded wooded area.  It was so cool! The kids kept saying, "We're off to find the witch's house, which house? The witch's house!"  It wasn't scary by any means but it was shaded, making it darker and a retreat from the bright sun. Along the way, you will find various decorative scarecrows in the woods for some visual entertainment. I never knew that Stellwag's had that much property! I could imagine a hayride at night would be pretty awesome through the woods and I wonder why they haven't ventured into that market?

After the ride through the woods, the tractor stops at the pumpkin patch where loads of pumpkins are waiting to be picked.  I liked the fenced in area...perfect for little ones! So easy to watch them, they could run free and I didn't have to worry! The pumpkins were small, but again it was the perfect sized for my 3 and 4 year old to carry themselves. That was real nice! I imagine that these small pumpkins would not satisfy older children who hunt for the "great pumpkin," but I think it should satisfy most kids about 10 and under. Within the patch, there was even a setup to take pictures of your kids with their chosen pumpkin.

When you are finished picking, the tractor will take you back to the garden center/gift shop and you are free to explore the rest of the farm...for FREE!!  Yes, viewing the animals, the nature trail, and rose garden are all free! You will find goats, various pheasants, sheep, wild turkey, and more! Make sure to stop and smell the roses in the rose garden maze, and enjoy a nature trail that will take you over the a bridge and through the woods leading to the animal pens. There is also a covered area with picnic tables for eating. Make sure to call ahead if you need those tables, because that is also where the birthday parties are held.  You may be out of luck if there is a party. Also, the garden center does not sell food, so you do need to bring your own. Inside the garden center/gift shop you will find the restrooms.

If you are looking to pick pumpkins without breaking the bank, have little ones, and don't want to spend all day looking through a huge pumpkin field for pumpkins, then Stellwags is for you. Your kids will enjoy it, they will get a pumpkin, a hayride, see some animals, run through the woods....and you can just take it all in and relax. Everyone wins!

Happy Fall!

Just My 2 Cents: The Weekends Best Events (Oct. 8th and 9th)

So much to do this week! Here are just a FEW of my favorites. Make sure to check the Family Penny Pincher calendar for event details and for additional events happening this week! 

Great weekend to pick pumpkins! Before you go check out the pumpkin picking blog post!

Saturday Oct.8th

Haddonfield Farmer's Market. Haddonfield, NJ. 8am to 12pm. Free Admission. Enjoy a friendly market experience that’s fun for the whole family. The Haddonfield Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, May thru October and Oct. 8th is the last day until it reopens in the spring! Supposed to be a beautiful day! After shopping the Farmer's Market take a stroll through downtown Haddonfield!

Autumn in Moorestown Festival. Moorestown, NJ. 9am to 4pm. FREE Admission. Downtown Moorestown will welcome the fall season in a big way - from fine arts and crafts to antique and classic cars, scarecrows and pumpkin painting - our Main Street business distict will be alive with activities for all ages and interests. Again this year, the Lakes Corvette Club will host the annual Antique and Classic Car Show along Main Street.

Apple Festival. Historic Kirby's Mill in Medford, NJ. 9am. FREE Admission. This is THE event for all apple-lovers! Enjoy home-churned apple ice cream, apple cider donuts, which are made right there at the festival, apple cobbler, and other yummy treats. Visit numerous unique crafters, live entertainment, and  tour the historic Kirby's Mill, the last operating commercial mill in New Jersey, operating right up until 1969!

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic. Local Lowe's Stores. 10am. FREE.  Build and Grow kid's clinics are a great way to help build kids' confidence! Bring the kids into any Lowe's store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. This week create the Monster Machine, just in time for Halloween.

Rainbow Fish at the Scottish Rite Auditorium. Collingswood, NJ. 1pm and 3:30pm. $5 tickets.  This is a brand new musical adaptation of the story of Rainbow Fish, the most beautiful fish in the ocean, based on Marcus Pfister's award winning book, "The Rainbow Fish".  With a  lively and refreshing musical soundtrack, and sparkling, specially created costumes, cute puppets and a wonderful underwater world, it's a musical presentation for the whole family.  A fun and lively story, with colorful characters for the young ones, and an interactive and funny script for the older ones.  And a lesson for all - young or old. Could combine theatre and dinner in Collingswood for the 2nd Saturday event!

 Sunday Oct.9th

Eureka! Make Art Together. Abington Art Center. Jenkintown, PA. 11am to 3pm. $5/per project. Each month Abington Art Center hosts EUREKA! a fun workshop for families of any size, shape and artistic ability to play and make art together. This month's workshop will feature mask making! Come make a funny, scary or artistic mask. All art supplies will be provided. Drop-in anytime between 11am & 3pm! No reservations are required.

Lenape Village Tours. Churchville Nature Center. Churchville, PA. 1:00pm and 2:30pm. $5. Take a tour of the Lenape Village and experience a 1500’s era working village. The village is  a hands-on, living history exhibit that gives students and other members of the community the opportunity to experience first-hand what is was like to live in our area as a Native American, just before contact with European settlers. Each week there will be a different craft or skill featured.  Reservations are requested in advance. This weekend learn about Lenape cooking.

Have a great weekend!