Monday, November 30, 2009

Paws Farm



We recently visited Paws Farm and Nature Center in Mount Laurel. This delightful place is owned and operated by the Township of Mount Laurel, and costs $6 per adult and $4 per child (children under 1 are free). Their grounds cover nine acres and include three indoor buildings, so it's a good winter activity. Outside, we visited the farm animals (including pigs, chickens, horses, cows, and goats). The barn contains educational exhibits and a "country store" complete with child-sized carts and produce to "purchase." It's like a very mini (and no-frills) version of the Please Touch Museum. Inside another building (where an adorable 2nd year birthday party was happening) we saw smaller animals (ie: turtles, snakes, and guinea pig) and were able to simulate working in a veterinary office. The main building includes an indoor play area for children under 4 (sandbox, trains). The grounds also include an extensive and lovely playground and picnic area. This was a farm experience with an extra educational twist. Jeremy loved it!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Local Baby Bargains

'Tis the season, and I want to share a few of my favorite baby bargains right in town. I LOVE Ross Dress for Less on the corner of 8th and Market. It's very hit-or-miss, but I often get lucky. Just yesterday they had adorable little track suits and cute OshKosh corduroy pants for baby boys. The toy section varies, but often includes nice Melissa and Doug products, among other things. Unrelated, but Ross also happens to have a nice selection of women's shoes, men's belts, and plenty of household items. When it's a good day there, it's great!

Along the same lines, I also highly recommend the Baby Depot (part of the Burlington Coat Factory) at 10th and Market. They recently reorganized the store; they have a huge (and very discounted) Carters section and carry everything ranging from sippy cups to potty seats to high chairs. It's like having a Babies R Us within walking distance -- although it does involve a field trip to the Gallery! Note: not a lot of toddler sizes.

Good deals can also be found at Daffy's (17th and Chestnut), H&M (17th and Walnut), and of course the Gap Outlet at 20th and Chestnut.

Happy bargain (yet quality) shopping!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Expressive Hand

While Jeremy and I haven't yet been to The Expressive Hand, we plan to go soon! Under very able new ownership, the shop at 622 S. 9th Street is perfect for all ages. For the younger set, every Thursday (through December) at 10 a.m. boasts "Read, Sign and Paint" Storytime, including an American Sign Language interpretation of a book. Afterwards, the group paints a piece of pottery that relates to the book. The cost is $10 per child and pre-registration is advised.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Jeremy Goes to Washington!



Washington DC, as it turns out, is a very child-friendly city. Jeremy and I joined Brent on a work trip a few weeks ago and we explored the city while he worked. One night we stayed at the Embassy Suites which is perfect for children. Jeremy got his own "room" and the free hot breakfast was perfect (and provided us with healthy snacks for the whole day!)

We were all over town on the metro (learned how to find all of the elevators) and walked tons. Because many of the attractions and museums are free, one doesn't feel bad going in for a relatively short visit. We hit the National Zoo, National Air & Space Museum, and the National Museum of American History. We also walked by many exciting landmarks and enjoyed beautiful open spaces. We had a wonderful time and will surely be back!