Kids’ Activities « Mountain Mama Marathoner

Posts Tagged ‘Kids’ Activities’

Paris: A Dream Come True (and with kids too)

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

I started learning French when I was in 5th grade and, miraculously, I decided that I loved learning the language. As a result, I continued on and took it through high school – including a year of French literature – and into college. The sad thing was…I never made it to France…until this summer.

Finally - Paris!

The second leg of our trip was to Paris. I must say it was AMAZING. I was a little worried at first. I had years and years of education about the sights and culture surrounding France…and I knew I’d only be there for a few days – and with my kids!! AHHHH — would I see it all? Would I enjoy it? Would my kids enjoy it? The answer to these questions was YES – of course!!!

Here are a few of the highlights – and a few tips on seeing Paris with kids.

I must admit we were out and about from breakfast and into the wee hours of the night. It stayed light until after 10 pm so it gave us ample opportunity to pack in the sights.

The people in Paris were quite friendly. At one restaurant, the kids were given light sticks. That night we headed over to the Louvre to see it lit up against the night sky. It was quite a sight. Although I loved the beauty of the Louvre in lights – the kids loved playing Star Wars battles with their new found light sticks! Everyone was happy!

Star Wars at the Louvre!

We tried to throw in kid-friendly activities. So, after a day at an art museum, we went to the Luxembourg Gardens and let the kids ride the ponies…and have ice cream! A favorite!

Pony rides at Luxembourg Gardens

Who could resist the stained glass at Saint Chapelle and the awe-inspiring size of the Cathedral of Notre Dame?

Stain glass windows catch the eye of people of all ages!

The Louvre was great for me because I saw the Mona Lisa…it was great for my kids because they saw a Mummy.

Mummy!!!! In the Louvre!

My kids still talk about going up in the Eifel Tower. AND – we saw it at night several times – when the lights flicker and it turns to “diamonds” – a thrill for everyone.

View from the Eifel Tower

Garden mazes became a theme of the trip – the kids loved running through them…here’s one at Les Invalides.

Ahhh - the mazes - a kid's version of big fun!

Napoleon’s tomb may have been cool for me…

The kids weren't so interested in Napoleon's tomb...

but the tanks,

checking out one of the many tanks at the Musee d'Armee

armor,

Pint-sized armor

and cannons

Endless cannons at the Army Museum in Paris

were cool for my kids. I think my son pretended to shoot off every single cannon in the museum!

Versaille was the most universally family friendly place. It was absolutely beautiful with hours of garden mazes for the kids.

More mazes!

Anyone seen my kids??

Having some fun in the gardens at Versaille...

The bottom line: Don’t worry, you can see everything you want to see in Paris with kids.

Tags: European Tavel with Kids, European travel, Kids' Activities, Paris, Travelling with Kids
Posted in European Travel with Kids, Kids' Activities, Outings with Kids, Travel Tips, Travelling with Kids | No Comments »

The Colorado Railroad Museum - A Great Outing for the Kids

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

The Colorado Railroad Museum has been in Golden since the late 1950s, yet I had never been there. We recently took the opportunity to see what the museum had to offer. Our discovery: it has so much to offer that we will have to go back again – soon!

Immediately upon walking into the museum, my 3-year old was enthralled by all the train stuff. We told him that this was only the beginning (at least we were hoping that there was more than a gift shop at the museum). The attendant quickly filled us in on all the fun that awaited us!

The Colorado Railroad Museum is situated on 15 acres in Golden. There are over 100 trains and railcars on-site. Many of them were open so that we could climb a staircase and receive a closer look of the train interior. Some were more luxurious, others were used to haul materials, and a few were used to deliver mail. All had a rich history and plenty of opportunity for discovery.

Getting ready to ring the bell on one of the locomotives.

Both my 3-year old and 18-month old loved ringing the bell on one of the locomotives; but, the highlight was the Galloping Goose. Anyone who hasn’t had a ride on the Galloping Goose and listened to its history needs to hurry over to the museum when the Goose is in motion. I won’t go into the history now – but it is certainly interesting, especially for railroad enthusiasts. And who wouldn’t like a ride on something called a Galloping Goose?!

All aboard the Galloping Goose!

Although we got to spend some time looking at the model train in the depot basement and even though we saw most of the locomotives and railcars, we could have spent more time there (according to my 3-year old). Consequently, we will be back – soon!

Tags: Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden Colorado, Kids' Activities
Posted in Kids' Activities, Outings with Kids, Parenting | No Comments »

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science: The Little Star that Could

Monday, December 7th, 2009

The weather in Colorado has been crisp lately – to put it mildly. With the temperatures in the teens, I decided to take the kids to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Every time we go for a visit, we find some new treasures.

Although during past visits, we had always spent some time in the Space Odyssey, we had never really focused on it. This time my three-year old, my one-year old, and I really explored it. It is truly a gem at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

We carved landforms out of “Martian” sand and then watched what happened when water cut through our dams. We made our own crater and then viewed a slow-motion video showing how our crater shapes the landscape of a planet. We also spent a bunch of time on the pretend area: flying the rocket ship, contacting mission control, and going on missions to other planets and the moon.

For the first time, I purchased tickets to the Planetarium at the Museum, as well. The show was “The Little Star that Could.” I was a little concerned whether it would hold both my kids’ attention, even though it was geared for 2-5 year olds – but the concern was completely unnecessary. Both of my kids were MESMORIZED by the show.

“The Little Star that Could” was entertaining and informative. Neither of my kids made a peep during the entire 23 minute show. Afterwards, my son explained that Jupiter is his new favorite planet. He was also talking about the “angry” blue-white star!

Anytime children show an interest in the earth and planetary science, it is a great thing! I applaud the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for getting the younger children interested, as well. We cannot wait to go back and “show daddy” our new favorite show: “The Little Star that Could!” I highly recommend it to any one with young children.

Tags: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Kids' Activities, Parenting, Planetarium
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Day after Thanksgiving Fun in Estes Park

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Everyone has their own day after Thanksgiving traditions. For the last few years, we’ve bypassed the shopping frenzy and headed to Estes Park for the Catch the Glow festivities. Each year it seems better than the last!

The pony rides are among the highlights of the trip. This year my three-year old rode Tonto unassisted. He was relaxed and just went with the sway of the brown and white spotted pony. My one-year old was not quite sure what to think. She held onto the horn of the saddle until her knuckles turned white. With her other hand, she held onto my arm with a death grip. Although she never cried, she also never smiled. She was proud of herself when she was done – making the whole thing worthwhile!

Pony rides! Giddy-up Tonto!!

Next, we hopped aboard a wagon pulled by two black horses, all decked out with shiny bells. The driver of the wagon and his wife gave us and a handful of other people a ride around town. There were also opportunities for tractor-wagon rides!

Jingle Bells!! These horses did a great job pulling the wagon!

Getting ready to head out for another jaunt around town!

At 5:30 the Catch the Glow light parade began. Santa and his helpers could be seen. Decorated fire trucks, Christmas music, and a bunch of other fun floats headed down the street.

What a fun way to kick off the Christmas season!!!!!

Tags: Estes Park, Kids' Activities, pony rides
Posted in Kids' Activities, Mountains | No Comments »

A Week in Hawaii: Beaches, Pools, Trains, and Seafood

Friday, November 20th, 2009

After a snowy week in Colorado, we were so excited to pack up and fly to Hawaii. There’s nothing better than some time at the beach after an October blizzard…and that’s exactly what we did.

The kids did amazing on the flight over. Both had their backpacks packed with fun stuff. A Leapster, coloring-books, a book of mazes, and a few blocks kept everyone busy. Plus, there were other families flying with similarly aged children – party on the plane!! It is amazing how multiple hours on an airplane can turn complete strangers into new BFFs.

Welcome to Hawaii - Rainbow over the Pacific Ocean

One of our big events on the island of Maui was to eat dinner at Mama’s Fish House. Mama’s is one of the BEST restaurants on the island. The kids did amazing and the view of the ocean was spectacular. There was another couple at the table next to us. They left their kids at home to have a relaxed meal. The funny thing was they saw our two little ones and immediately began to miss their own brood. In fact, they spent their entire meal trying to chit-chat with our three-year old and commenting on the good behavior of our 1-year old. I don’t think they even noticed the ocean, they were so pre-occupied with our two kids.

Mama's Fish House on Maui

The beaches on Maui are awesome! The kids loved the sand and the waves. We invented a game where I would bury a plastic crab and the kids had to find it. Unfortunately, during one burial…it was never found again. Well, at least we have a reason to go back…Operation Crab Rescue.

Waves and sand make BIG fun!

On the island of Oahu, the ocean was nice, but the pool was too much fun for our 3-year old to pass up. There were WATER SLIDES! After days of sand and salt water, there is nothing more fun than water slides for a boy. Interestingly, the water in the pool was also comprised of a saline solution instead of chlorine. It is supposed to be better for people and for the environment.

Sheraton Waikiki has water slides at the pool.

Sheraton Waikiki has saline-water slides at the pool.

The Dole Pineapple Plantation is a must-see. It is fun to ride the Pineapple Express Train and to learn how pineapples are grown and harvested. The best part, though, is the pineapple whipped ice cream – so yummy!

Taking the red eye home is always a bit daunting. We knew the kids would fall asleep once the flight took off…and they did. It just takes up much of the evening waiting for that 11pm board time. Arriving in Colorado was pleasant. We unpacked, bought groceries, and then waited for the SNOW!!! Yes, it snowed the day after we got home!

What a great trip!! I can’t wait to get back again!!!

Tags: Hawaii, Kids' Activities, Maui
Posted in Health, Healthy Living, Kids' Activities, Parenting | No Comments »

Homemade Clay and Painting Fun: Great At-Home Art Project for Kids of All Ages

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

It is snowing like crazy at our house today. What a great day for arts and crafts (until we bundle up and head outside to play)! Luckily, we are prepared with homemade clay ornaments and a bunch of paint.

Last night, my 3-year old and I mixed up a batch of homemade sculpting clay. It was super easy to make and actually a lot of fun. The ingredients and instructions for making homemade clay are below:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup salt
• Water (about ¾ cup)

Mix ingredients together with your hands until it is dough-like in consistency. Then, roll it out (or squash it with your hands). Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Put the cut-outs on a cookie sheet and bake at 225° F for about two to four hours (or let them sit out on a plate for a few days).

Homemade Clay Cut-Outs Ready for the Oven

Homemade clay cut-outs are ready for the oven.

When they are dry, have fun painting them.

The artists are hard at work.

The artwork of a one-year old.

The artwork of a three-year old!

Both my 3-year old and my one-year old had a great time painting the various cut-outs. Pumpkins, fish, circles, and snakes all were made into multi-colored pieces of artwork. I even made giant letters for them to paint.

Such fun!

Tags: Arts and Crafts, At-home art project, Kids' Activities, Parenting
Posted in Arts and Crafts Project, Kids' Activities, Recipes | No Comments »