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!

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!

Cape May County Park and Zoo

Location: Cape May Courthouse, NJ (directions)

Website: http://www.co.cape-may.nj.us/cit-e-access/webpage.cfm?tid=5&tpid=442

Bathrooms: Yes

Eating area: Yes (can reserve picnic areas and gazebo for special events for a fee)

Parking: Yes and free

Attractions: Over 550 live animals, World of Birds and Reptile House, Pathway to Diversity, playgrounds

Around the area: Town and beaches of Historic Cape May and other beach towns

 Fee: FREE (donations are greatly appreciated)

A trip to the Jersey shore is not complete without visiting the Cape May County Park and Zoo. It also makes a great day trip! The recent beautiful weather was just perfect to pack some lunches, load the kids into the car, and view the animals running wild (I mean the lions, tigers, and bears...not my kids!).

We drove nearly an hour and a half with the windows down, viewing tons of farmland, farm stands, garden centers, and antique stores (couldn't help but make a few pit stops to check out the merchandise!). We arrived at the zoo right around 11am and found plenty of parking in their free parking lot.   

http://www.flickr.com/photos/suzannecafiero/5736658593/

The park is over 200 acres (85 acres being the zoo) with so much to offer! You will find two playgrounds with benches, walking and biking paths, covered pavilions (available for reserving for a fee), and the gazebo by the lake.  All areas are great for having a picnic or a snack before or after visiting the animals.  There is a Safari Cafe selling food and there are a number of stations inside the zoo selling drinks. However, NO food is permitted in the zoo. Our kids enjoyed the two playgrounds while my husband and I rested on a nearby bench in the shade. Both playground areas have swings, slides, and climbing equipment and plenty of seating.

The playground area designated for older kids

The younger (under 5) kids playground

Undeniably, the main attraction of the park is the zoo. It features over 550 animals displayed in a very unique natural-like setting. The zoo is located in a forested area, so the trees provide lots of shade which is very much appreciated on a hot day! The "boardwalks" lead you through the North American forest creating a sense of calm and relaxation, but also anticipation and excitement as to what you will find as you wander deeper into the forest! Before you know it you have reached the African plains and you are so close to the giraffes and zebras!

Entrance to the African Plains!

View of the giraffe

close up of zebra

We also really enjoyed the lush tropics in the World of Birds enclosed free flight aviary. Wow! We saw all kinds of really interesting birds flying right above our heads!

 And of course, the Reptile House...filled with snakes, turtles, and the famous Albino Alligator was fascinating to everyone except my husband who LOATHES reptiles!

The amazing number and variety of animals kept the attention of my little ones and they were so excited to see more. They LOVED feeding the goats at the farm animals exhibit, seeing the crocodiles swimming, coming almost eyeball to eyeball with a bear, viewing the bald eagles, and laughing at the crazy monkeys!  Here are some of the other animals you can expect to see in this slideshow:

The Cape May Zoo is one of our favorite zoos for a number of reasons.  First, it is affordable being FREE! Second, it is not overwhelming and you are able to view the entire zoo in about 3 hours, and third, the zoo exhibits are unique in that they are shown in a natural state within areas of untouched forest. This zoo is definitely worth the trip!

Tips:

• The zoo is not open late (10am to 4:45 in the summer and closes at 3:45 in the winter), so I suggest getting there early. As with other zoos, the animals are more lively in the morning when it is cooler than in the hot afternoon sun. 
• Pack a lunch.  The fact that the zoo is in a park with plenty of eating areas, it makes the best place to have a picnic. Remember you cannot bring food into the zoo. 
• Bring hand sanitizer.  All the kids love to feed the animals and there are two areas with coin operated food machines. While there are hand sanitizer stations available, I don't think they are close enough to the touch zoo.  By the time, we got to the station, my daughter already had her thumb in her mouth! I should have had sanitizer immediately following the feeding!
• Print out the map! (here is another map)I think the zoo's layout can be a little confusing and sometimes have you wondering if we went down certain walkways.  Also, trying to find the bathrooms seemed like a chore. Familiarize yourself with the layout ahead of time.
• Use the bathrooms when you first enter the park! The bathroom facilities are located right before you enter the zoo and another bathroom facility is near the tiger exhibit.  Make sure everyone uses the bathroom before heading to the African plains...its a long walk back!
• You might to bring a few dollars for the Wildlife carousel and Butterfly Junction Train Station.  They are two dollars per ticket.  I like that they are tucked off to the side of the entrance and exit, because if you maneuver just right your kids just might not see them!

Hope you have wild time!

Best Weekend Fun Events!

So much to do this weekend! 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 weekend! 

Saturday, July 30th 

• Gloucester County 4-H and Peach Festival (Mullica Hill, NJ): Visitors can watch our equestrians lead their horses in exercises in precision, place an auction bid on a hog, lamb or goat raised by a 4-Her, watch the judging of our rabbit or goat shows, learn all about cows from dairy and beef club members, cheer for their favorite in the dog obedience class, learn how to raise a pet bird from members of the exotic bird club, slither around to the reptile club exhibit, and enjoy the hog costume contest. FREE Admission.  $10 parking/per carload (Click on link for $1 off coupon) Runs Saturday and Sunday.

• Mercer County 4-H Fair (Howell Living History Farm, Lambertville, NJ) The fair includes 4-H animal shows and exhibits; food and homemade ice cream; hay rides; pony rides; music; farm tours and demonstrations; milking demonstrations; spinning, felting, and fiber demonstrations; egg grading demonstrations; children’s crafts and activities; and displays by the Master Gardeners of Mercer County and the Mercer County Equestrian Center. FREE Admission/FREE Parking (Please bring a canned good donation in support of Rutgers Against Hunger.  Runs Saturday and Sunday.

• Wildwood Surf Fest (Wildwood, NJ): FREE surf lessons ~ surf vendors and artists ~ bbq and luau ~ after hours admissions to Raging Waters Waterpark ~ FREE concert featuring The Following, The Dan Brown Duo and more!

• Cooper River Fine Arts Festival (Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill, NJ):  New Jersey's Premier Fine Arts Festival is sponsored by the Philadelphia Inquirer and will take place along the scenic Cooper River. Cooper River Park (346.55 acres) runs through Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Collingswood and Haddon Township. Runs Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

• Philadelphia Dance Day 2011: All dance enthusiasts–regardless of experience or even coordination–are invited to take part in this citywide celebration of dance. There will be something for everyone, from creative movement for preschoolers to absolute beginner adult ballet to hip-hop for all ages. Participants can pick and choose as many workshops as they like. All the venues are located within three miles of each other; several within walking distance. ALL FREE

• Kids in Center City Playdate: Come to the Comcast Center for some family-friendly fun. Join Music Monkey Jungle, a live interactive musical and movement educational class for little music monkeys and their parents who love them. Don't forget to bring sturdy shoes for participation as well as a camera to capture the fun.Market merchants will offer kid-friendly treats and crafts, including fun and educational activities from the Pennsylvania Ballet. FREE from 11:30am to 1:30pm

 

 

• ART/GAGE by Magic Gardens (South Street, Philadelphia): The 1000 block of South Street will be closed off to traffic, with the festival spilling into the streets featuring more 30 art and food vendors. From noon to 6pm.  To attend the performances within Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, the cost is $15 for an all-day pass, $10 for a day (1:00-5:30) or evening (5:30-10:00) pass. Visitors can purchase a Family Pass that accommodates two adults and up to three children for $25, or tickets for kids are $5. Click here for more information:

Sunday, July 31st

• Franklin Square's Birthday Party (Philadelphia): Celebrate five seasons of fun at Franklin Square this Sunday, July 31, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at a special birthday celebration. Bring the whole family to sign a giant birthday card, eat Birthday Bonanza Sundaes at SquareBurger, enjoy face painting, birthday “craftivities” and more. The first 55 children get free rides on the carousel and free sundaes!

•  2nd Street Festival (Northern Liberties, Philadelphia): The neighborhood is closing off N. 2nd Street between Germantown and Fairmount for a (free!) supersized block party filled with six blocks of beer gardens, workshops, art, food, music and other merchandise vendors. Noon to 10pm

  Have a great weekend!