Build-A-Bear Just Announced a Blind Bag Collection & You’re Going to Want It All

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 30, 2020

Build-A-Bear Workshop’s new Heartables collection is full of adorable mystery.

Heartables is Build-A-Bear’s very first mystery collection. Each furry friend comes sealed inside of a blind bag, along with a surprise accessory and special heart, adding a dose of suspense to selecting a new play mate.

The new collection currently features two themes, Unicorn Land and Safari Stripes.

Each series has three different surprise options, including unicorns, sloths, pandas and koalas.

Each mystery Heartable is priced at $19. You can purchase them in-store or online, but they’re all packaged unstuffed so you’ll need to take your furry friend to a location to be stuffed once you open it.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Build-A-Bear

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The World’s First Launched Water Coaster Is Opening Soon

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 8, 2019

Next year Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari theme and water park in Indiana will open Cheetah Chase, the world’s first launched water coaster!

What is a launched water coaster? Launched coasters are nothing new. They use force to shoot riders out of the station in order to reach extreme speeds before even reaching a big drop. The new Cheetah Chase will combine that concept with a water slide.

The cat's out of the bag. Cheetah Chase is coming in 2020! pic.twitter.com/lrbYQzLFj8

— Holiday World (@HolidayWorld) August 7, 2019

Instead of climbing an exhaustingly tall set of stairs like on most large water slides, riders will simply hop aboard their ride vehicle, which in this case will be a three-seat, toboggan style raft, at the top of a low hill where they’ll be blasted off and uphill at speeds of up to twenty miles per hour.

The other unique feature of this launched water coaster will be side-by-side tracks which allow riders to race each other. “This thing is really unique because you’re really going to have a true race…right from the start,” explained Ray Smegal, chief commercial officer with ProSlide the company that designed the coaster. “So, they’re going to shoot across the surface and get up to about 30 feet per second, and then climb a tall, steep hill with the water. The intensity of the race and that competition is going to really start from the beginning.”

The Cheetah Chase will be constructed in the Splashin’ Safari section of the park located in Santa Claus, Indiana, joining two other existing water coasters. The ride is set to open sometime in 2020.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Holiday World

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Recall Alert! Kids II Recalls Nearly 700,000 Baby Sleepers Sold Under Several Brands

by Shahrzad WarkentinApril 26, 2019

On the heels of Fisher Price’s massive recall of the Rock ’N Play Sleepers comes another large recall of baby sleepers. Kids II has issued a recall of nearly 700,000 inclined baby sleepers sold under several brand names and models due to five infant fatalities.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Kids II for a refund or voucher. Read on for a full explanation of why the company has issued a recall.

Recalled Product Description: Kids II Inclined Baby Sleepers

The recalled Kids II sleepers were sold under Ingenuity, Bright Starts, Disney Baby and DreamComfort brands at major retailers including Walmart, Target and Toys”R”Us and online from Mar. 2012 through Apr. 26, 2019 for approximately $40 to $80.

Why the Vehicles Were Recalled

“Since the 2012 product introduction, five infant fatalities have occurred in the Kids II Rocking Sleepers, after the infants rolled from their back to their stomach while unrestrained, or under other circumstances,” according to the recall notice posted on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

How To Tell If Your Baby Sleeper Is Part of the Recall

All models of Kids II Rocking Sleepers have been recalled. Here is a full list of the names and model numbers affected:

Bright Starts Playtime To Bedtime Rocking Sleeper: 10081
Rock & Dream Sleeper – Iggy: 10126
Ingenuity Rock And Dream Sleeper Lucy: 10127
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Cuddle Giraffe: 10148
Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Playtime To Bedtime Rocking Sleeper: 10178
Ingenuity Smartrock Poweradapt Sleeper Cambridge: 10289
Ingenuity Rock N’ Soothe Sleeper Dayton: 10292
Automatic Rock ‘N Soothe Sleeper – Cuddle Lamb: 10320
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Cuddle Lion: 10380
Ingenuity Soothing Light Rocking Sleeper Vesper: 10568
Bright Starts Toucan Tango Rocking Sleeper: 10729
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Zoo Zoo Zebra: 10872
DreamComfort Automatic Rocking Sleeper – Whitley: 10888
DreamComfort Soothing Light Rocking Sleeper – Addington: 10890
Bright Starts Rocking Sleeper Jungle Bursts: 11021
Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Rocking Sleeper Jungle Blooms: 11022
Rock n’ Soothe Sleeper – Moxley: 11063
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Lullaby Lion: 11164
Ingenuity Rock N’ Soothe Sleeper Sunny Snuggles: 11171
Ingenuity Rock N’ Soothe Sleeper Dayton: 11357
Ingenuity Dream Comfort Automatic Rocking Sleeper Braden: 11429
DreamComfort Automatic Rocking Sleeper – Anders: 11714
Automatic Rock ‘n Soothe Sleeper – Nolan: 11792
Bright Starts Rocking Sleeper – Jungle Garden: 11894
Bright Starts Rocking Sleeper – Evening Safari: 11895
Automatic Rock ‘n Soothe Sleeper – Flora the Unicorn: 11962
Automatic Rock N Soothe Sleeper – Nolan – Display: 12115
Taggies Snuggle Me Sleeper Nestling Vine: 60130
Bright Starts Playtime To Bedtime Sleeper: 60131
Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Playtime To Bedtime Sleeper: 60163
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Deluxe Emerson: 60327
Disney Baby/Bright Starts Bows & Butterflies Sleeper Minnie Mouse: 60328
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Lullaby Lamb: 60331
Bright Starts Playtime To Bedtime Sleeper Playful Pinwheels: 60401
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Deluxe Winslow: 60600
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Deluxe Seneca: 60635

What Parents Can Do

If you have one of the sleepers listed stop using immediately. Consumers can call Kids II 1-866-869-7954 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.kids2.com/recalls for more information on getting a refund.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of CPSC

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Should I Take My Kid to LEGOLAND or Disney World?

By Sandy Fritzer

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 21, 2019

Photo: LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort

As the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World, the city of Orlando, Florida welcomes approximately 68 million visitors each year—yet only 1.5 million visitors take the hour-long drive down to LEGOLAND Floria Resort in Winter Haven. I’ve read several reviews indicating that LEGOLAND Florida simply isn’t worth the time or money to visit. However, I would argue that LEGOLAND is a great break from the bustle of Orlando.

If you drive down to LEGOLAND expecting a mini Disney World or Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you will be disappointed. While I wouldn’t recommend LEGOLAND for teenagers (they’d be bored silly) I would advise parents with children ages 3 to 8 to take a look at what LEGOLAND has to offer. This is especially true if you have children who enjoy the LEGO brand.

If your kiddo has watched The LEGO Movie on repeat, can quote the NINJAGO or LEGO Friends shows by heart and have been known to shout in agony as a LEGO piece impales their foot; you should absolutely make the time to visit LEGOLAND Florida. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

LEGOLAND totally caters to kids.

The LEGOLAND Hotel is a castle and has rooms that absolutely rival Disney World with themed décor. With only about 50 rides and attractions you truly don’t need more than a day to see the park. However, if you have kids that want to ride things more than once (something that rarely happens at the larger parks) and want to explore the hotel then go ahead and stay the night.

Dance to the disco music in the elevator, get your photo taken with Lego characters at breakfast and try not to cringe as kids throw LEGO pieces around in the lobby. This vacation is for your kids.

Kids will love it.

The rides aren’t as dramatic as you will find at Disney or Universal, but kids don’t care. They love riding on the jousting horse ride and the safari ride with LEGO built animals. The NINJAGO ride doesn’t have the smooth intros of some of the larger parks, but it’s a great ride and very fun.

Just walking around is a lot of fun, too.

There are spaces in LEGOLAND to simply roam: take in the sunshine and warm weather while walking through gardens and LEGO displays. Children are amazed by the full size LEGO creations spread throughout the park. There is absolutely something for everyone from Daytona International Speedway, Las Vegas, Pirates, LEGO Friends and more. Especially entertaining are the scenes with Star Wars and famous landmarks that have interactive elements, watch out for the ones that shoot water at you!

You can build and play with LEGO bricks.

LEGOLAND offers everyone a chance to build with Master Builder classes in the hotel and at Imagination Zone in the park where they can explore different building elements and games. There are building blocks in multiple locations within the hotel lobby including a room off the lobby restaurant with a TV and several tables with LEGO bricks. Parents can enjoy a drink and meal while the kids build.

The hotel pool even has floating bricks that kids can use to build rafts. You’ll find the same bricks in the wave pool at the water park within LEGOLAND.

Oh yeah, LEGOLAND has a water park, too!

The main component is the Joker Soaker where kids can climb up and down the three level structure and enjoy multiple water slides. The main concern here for parents—keeping track of the smaller kids in your party. However, I found that life guards were plentiful all around the water park and they do provide vests for your convenience. Definitely have a meeting place in case you get separated and put your phone in a water proof case!

In summary, LEGOLAND offers a place for kids to enjoy being kids. A land where there are plenty of opportunities for children to explore their own imaginations instead of simply being led through someone else’s.

Sandy Fritzer

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Daughter, sister with all brothers, wife and mom of four: two human and two furry. Disney nerd and Harry Potter fanatic.

The 9-Year-Old Author Changing the World

by Karly WoodFebruary 20, 2019

A family trip to South Africa ended up changing the life of nine-year-old Kate Gilman Williams in ways she couldn’t imagine. When she learned about the many threats that wildlife face like poaching, Williams returned home with a passion to help animals that come to harm at the hands of humans.

With the help of South African professional wildlife guide, Michelle Campbell, Williams turned her passion into a children’s book, Let’s Go On Safari. The book, which comes out May 6, encourages children all over the globe to be an advocate for wild animals.

Williams is not only making her mark with peers her own age, she’s also caught the eye of other big-name celebrities in the wildlife field. Recently, she’s come to the attention of Dr. Jane Goodall of the Goodall Institute, Angela Sheldrick of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Brian Sheth, Chairman of the Global Wildlife Conservation, The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund and even Ryan Seacrest!

When asked what the main theme she wants her readers to take away, Williams states “that saving African animals and not poaching is important––and I want to tell kids they can make a difference, too.”

You can purchase your copy of Let’s Go on Safari starting May 6 from Crickhollow Books.

––Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of PR By the Book.

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Oakland Zoo Adventure Guide to Animals, Rides and Food

by Tarah BeavenDecember 18, 2018

Have your kids turned feral? You may not think so after a trip to the Oakland Zoo. Herd your wild ones and take them on an adventure for a day of animal sightseeing, experiencing native California wildlife, playing at a new playground and going on carnival rides. Read on for the inside scoop to where over 700 native and exotic animals live.

Map Your Visit

A unique trait of Oakland Zoo is that it’s built into the landscape of the Oakland Hills. The landscape is populated with animals that are native to California and from around the world. Keep your eyes open because you might even stumble upon secret trails throughout the zoo. Because of its size, if your kiddos burn energy fast, be sure to bring a stroller or rent one there (single stroller $7; double $9). Given how vast Oakland Zoo is, grab a map at the zoo entrance and mark all the animals that are must see. The map distinguishes each area so you can maximize what type of animal interests your kids the most. It also has a list of feeding times for the animals—the real animals, not your kiddos.

Pro Tip: There are two entrances to the zoo, Main Entrance and Lower Entrance. Map the animals you want to see and pick the parking lot closest to maximize your walking time. The gift store is at the Main Entrance.

Walk The California Trail

This past summer the Oakland Zoo opened its newest addition: the California Trail. Step onto a gondola and take the free (with paid admission) four-minute ride over an ecological recovery zone that’s filled with native plant habitats for local wildlife, including the endangered Alameda Striped Racer snake.

This birds-eye view will give you a 360 outlook of the Bay Area and on a clear day you can see as far as downtown San Francisco. While riding the gondola be sure to keep an eye out below to see the recently-added American bison. And yes, there are even many baby bison calves to see in the herd too!

The gondola will drop you off at the top of a mountain that has a café, playground, overlook and six (soon to be eight) new native California animals including bald eagles, gray wolves, grizzly bears, American black bears and others.

Walk the “California Trail” to the newly-opened playground and watch your kids go wild! This playground has a stream running through it, a rocky mountain to climb, grassy hills to slide down on mats and a mini zip-line. You’ll want to block out a good amount of time for the kids to run and explore here. And don’t be shocked if you see a black bear climb a tree and hangout on a branch from it’s nearby home.

A Real Safari Adventure

A must experience is a ride on the Safari Train that chugs you to Wild Australia—no passport required. The train loops around the home of wallaroos and emus that freely walk around—and yes, they can even walk right up the train. Wild Australia can only be accessed by train, so be sure to buy tickets at Adventure Landing located near the Main Entrance.

Children’s Zoo

The Children’s Zoo, located near the Lower Entrance, is the prefect area for children to roam, explore and play. This area houses a goat and sheep barn where children can pet and brush the animals. If your child is a reptile lover be sure to stop in at the Reptile and Amphibian House. There’s even a special door only for children to enter through.

Keep your eye out for secret trails and a lily pad hop that your children will love skipping around on. But be careful! One small slip and they’ll fall into a shallow pool of water.

Be Amused

If seeing roaring lions, huge elephants and tiny insects isn’t enough excitement stop by Adventure Landing. You can purchase single tickets ($1.75) or a book of 24 tickets ($24) to ride the Safari Train, carousel, small roller coaster and a handful of carnival rides. Be warned, your thrill seeker child may not want to see the rest of the zoo if you start here first!

Parking & Dining

Because of the zoo’s location, be prepared to shell out $10 for paid parking. Also note that pets are not allowed, they are not even permitted to stay in the car.

There are food kiosks studded all over the zoo with meals and snacks. There are three main cafés located near each entrance and one in the California Trail exhibit.

Pro Tip: The café near the main entrance has a special kid’s meal that comes in a zoo-themed container with animal crackers. Kids go crazy for it. You can see the food options here.

Avoid The Crowds

Get a leg-up on the crowds and plan your visit for a weekday morning. Not only will you avoid the masses but you’ll also have a front seat view to see the animals eating their breakfast.

Admission & Hours

General admission: $24/adult; $20/seniors; $20/children 2-14; children under 2 and adults 76 and over are free
Military discount (with current ID): $18/adult; $15/seniors; $15/children 2-14; children under 2 and adults 76 and over are free
Parking: $10 car parking fee; $15 bus parking fee

Members are free and parking is included in membership!

Hours: Entry 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Gondola 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Adventure Landing Rides 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Contact Yard (in Children’s Zoo) 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; The zoo is closed: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Road
Oakland, CA
(510) 632-9525

Online: oaklandzoo.org

—photos and story by Tarah Beaven

Ultimate Guide to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

by Beth SheaNovember 14, 2018

Traveling to Africa to go on a safari with the fam may not be in the cards, but a trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a must––and the next best thing. This truly amazing Park is as dedicated to wildlife conservancy as it is to creating an atmosphere through which kids will learn about and enjoy animals. Nothing compares to the wow-factor of seeing animals up close in their natural habitats in this locale. Read on for our guide to having a fantastic, totally wild visit to this local gem and for exciting details about two of the Park’s newest additions!

photo: Christina Simmons

Ready for cuteness overload? You’re in for two tons of fun because the San Diego Zoo Safari Park recently welcomed two elephant calves to their family. Zuli (male) and Mkhaya (female) are busy playing together with friendly sparring, climbing and head-butting that you’ll want to rush to witness firsthand. In addition to their mamas, these sweet pachyderms are being raised by their aunties, as elephants employ group parenting to care for their young. (Smart!) Go check these awesome animals out at the Safari Park’s elephant habitat or spy them on the Safari Park’s elephant cam here.

Additionally, read on for our super informative guide to navigating the rest of the Safari Park.

Tiger Trail
There’s so much to see and do at the Safari Park! Make sure you grab a map at the Park entrance to help you navigate your way to all of the animals and to see the day’s schedule of entertainment, talks, tours and attractions. You can also plan your day before you go online here. We started our visit with a trip through the awe-inspiring Tiger Trail where we watched tigers play and splash in the water and strut straight up to the expansive viewing windows for a humbling and exciting eye to eye encounter.

When you first enter the Tiger Trail, there’s a little nook off to the right where you climb down netted rope to access a small viewing window. Kids will love feeling like they’re climbing through the jungle to happen upon a tiger like we did, as seen in the above photo!

After you stroll through the serene Tiger Trail and see the tigers in action, before you exit the Tiger Trail, kids will relish the chance to play in the Camp Play Area, climbing on logs and ropes.

Good to know: Kids will also love climbing and exploring at the Samburu Jungle gym located in the African Woods section of the Park.

Petting Kraal
Be sure to take your kiddos to the Petting Kraal to touch and brush the goats. Just make sure you don’t have any food on you before you go in––the goats will eat anything! For a list of all the animal encounters available at the Park click here. We love the Lemur Walk and Lorikeet Landing, where you can come face to face with lemurs and lorikeets!

Africa Tram
You definitely want to plan on riding the Africa Tram which runs from 10 a.m.-5:15 p.m. This glorious excursion through the African field exhibits is included with Park admission and allows you to observe animals in their expansive, naturalistic habitats.

The view from the open-air Africa Tram gives kids a thrilling perspective of animals ranging from giraffes to African rhinos. An in-the-know guide narrates the tram ride with both fun and educational facts about animals and what the Safari Park is doing to help critically endangered species.

Insider’s Tip: Shiley’s Cheetah Run is located near the Africa Tram and you can see for yourself how fast cheetahs run at 3:30 p.m.

Giraffes strike an elegant pose as the Africa Tram goes by. You can see the giraffes from the tram or from the African Plains’ Kijamii Overlook. For a special experience, feed the giraffes during a Caravan Safari.

Good news: The Safari Park has had over 100 births of the Uganda giraffe in their African Plains habitat, which greatly helps with the conservation efforts of this endangered giraffe subspecies.

Lion Camp
After your tram ride, head to see the nearby lion and lionesses in all their splendor. They’ll most likely be lounging under the Acacia tree since the regal felines can sleep up to 21 hours a day. Don’t miss the large glass panels that let you peer into the habitat with the hopes of coming face to face with the lions.

Gorilla Forest
Meander down the Gorilla Trail through the Gorilla Forest where you’ll behold a band of beautiful gorillas. After, don’t miss the gorilla activity center off to the left of the habitat. Kids can see how they measure up to an adult gorilla, watch a video on how the Park cares for the gentle giants and listen to sounds gorillas make.

Top tip: Posted signs encourage passerby to “shhhh” be quiet because the gorillas don’t like loud noises. This may be a good exhibit to take your kids through after they’ve let off steam elsewhere so they can be quiet around the gorillas.

Elephant Valley
Don’t miss seeing the exquisite herd of African elephants in the Park’s two large exhibit yards. You may see elephants eating a snack, taking a dip in their pond, or watch the young elephants playing in a mud hole. There’s an Elephant Viewing Patio next to Tembo Stadium, but there are plenty of additional vantage points to get a close look at these amazing creatures.

So Many Ways to Enjoy Being a Kid
The Safari Park has incorporated endless opportunities for kids to interact with the environment into the Park’s design. Plan on making time for your curious kiddos to slither into a tortoise shell, perch atop animal statues, pose in between bat ears and more. Your kids will find an engaging moment at every turn, which enlightens them on an animal’s special features or lifestyle, or just gives them the chance to be a kid and have fun. They’ll have a blast exploring their way through the Park.

Membership
There are countless animals to see and habitats to experience and we’ve just scratched the surface with this guide. If your kids love the Safari Park (and they will) consider getting a membership/annual pass so you are sure to experience all of the Park’s offerings throughout the year. The pass provides unlimited admission for a full year to BOTH the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, so it’s certainly worth it!

Savanna Cool Zone
Nothing beats a water play area on a hot day. Stop by the Savanna Cool Zone (open seasonally) to let your kids splash about and cool off. There are tables with umbrellas nearby, which make for the perfect place to eat a picnic lunch too. Pack their bathing suit and a small towel if they plan on going all-in.

photo: San Diego Zoo Safari Park/Christina Simmons

Coming This Summer: Walkabout Australia
The Safari Park’s newest addition is opening on May 25th. Walkabout Australia transports people to the land Down Under by inviting Park visitors to mingle with kangaroos and wallabies and have close encounters with wombats and kookaburras by walking a backcountry road dotted with eucalyptus trees and red bottlebrush blooms. The habitat also highlights water conservation due to drought issues brought about by climate change. The stream running through the Walkabout’s grassland area pools into a pond and demonstrates the connection between vital water sources and how animals and people depend on water for life. Learn more about Walkabout Australia here.

Dining Options
There are so many places to dine at the Safari Park. As mentioned, you can bring your own food and have a picnic at any of the several tables located throughout the Park, or you can eat a meal at a restaurant or grab drinks and snacks at several stands. For menus and restaurant descriptions click here. From sophisticated salads, specialty cocktails and craft beers to pizza, nachos and sandwiches, there’s something to please every appetite and taste from little ones to moms and dads at the Park.

TIPS ON ENJOYING YOUR VISIT

Arrive early, at Park opening if possible. Temps are cooler and you’ll see more animals out and about.
Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes and bring a stroller for younger kids who won’t be able to walk the Park all day. Strollers are also available for rent at the Park.
Bring a swimsuit/towel for kids who want to make a big splash in the Savanna Cool Zone.
Bring snacks, water and a picnic lunch if you don’t plan on buying lunch at the Park. There are plenty of tables where you can eat food you brought from home.
Wear sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
Make sure your camera or phone are fully charged to capture lots of great photos!

In addition to walking the Park on your own, there are also a plethora of Safari tours, experiences and animal encounters led by guides. Visit the Park website and click on Safari Tours to choose your Safari or click Experiences to see all of the amazing opportunities like a Balloon Safari.

The Safari Park is open every day of the year, including holidays. Click here for hours and directions.

Click here to buy your tickets.

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Escondido, Ca 92027
760-747-8702
Online: sdzsafaripark.org

What’s your favorite animal to visit at the Safari Park? Share in the comments.

––Beth Shea

All images by Beth Shea unless otherwise noted.

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How to Do the Metro Richmond Zoo with Kids (in Just Two Hours)

by rtjamybondAugust 22, 2017

Yes, D.C.’s Smithsonian Zoo is free and awesome and if you haven’t paid a visit you must go (Pandas!). But if you’ve been there, done that, and you need a unique animal-loving fix, consider a visit to the Metro Richmond Zoo, one of the largest and most unique in our area that’s just a quick two-hour drive south of the city. With more than 2,000 animals spread across 70 acres of land, answering the call of the wild can feel a bit overwhelming. Here are five places to get started.

#1 The Feeding Giraffes
One feature that makes this zoo so popular and fun is the ample opportunity you’ll have to interact with a variety of animals. In the African Plains section, which features addax, impala, zebra, and kudu, along with storks, cranes, ostriches, cheetahs and elephants, you can actually feed the giraffes from a special platform. The zoo houses a herd of nine reticulated giraffe and they are all too happy to nibble some pre-purchased treats from your hand. You can also feed deer, goats, sheep, donkeys and antelope in the children’s farm area.

#2 Monkey Business
Primates are a favorite here and you’ll find rows of lemurs, marmosets, tamarins, New and Old World monkeys, as well as quite a few apes, including siamangs, orangutans, and chimpanzees. You can get up-close-and-personal (but maintain a modicum of safety) through a glass window with Farley and Zoe, two goofy orangutans.

#3 Birds of a Feather…
If birds are your thing, you’ll marvel at the Chilean flamingos and African penguins, and a walk-through aviary of ducks, pheasants, ibises, and spoonbills. The kids will love being able to enter the budgie exhibit and feed the brightly-colored budgerigars, aka parakeets, from feed sticks.

#4 Cats Steal the Show
Favor cute things with whiskers? You’ll enjoy the fact that Metro Richmond Zoo is a Cheetah Breeding Center and has gained worldwide attention for facilitating multiple births of adorable cheetah cubs.

#5 Hitch a Ride
Perhaps the ultimate interactive element at Metro Richmond Zoo is the newly added Treetop Zoofari zip line adventure, where you can zip from tree to tree like Tarzan and get a bird’s eye view of the animals. But if zip lining requires a little too much adrenaline for you, take advantage of the zoo’s Safari Sky Ride, which will give you a similar view, but from the comfort of a moving seat. Or if you prefer to stay closer to the ground, you can take the safari train for a special view of India and Chinese natives, such as blackbuck, mouflon, Himalayan tahr and takin. Impress your little ones by mentioning that the takin is considered a national treasure in China, much like the giant pandas.

Metro Richmond Zoo
8300 Beaver Bridge Rd. (Moseley, Va)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: $17.25; kids ages 2-11/$11.25
804-739-5666
Online: metrorichmondzoo.com

Have you visited this zoo yet? Tell us about your favorite part in the comments below.

–Jamy Bond

Imagine That! 11 Spots Where Creative Kids Can Play Pretend

by Allison SutcliffeJuly 26, 2017

Forget “playing” dress-up. Your sidekick sports her creative get-up anywhere and everywhere. Because for her, pretend play isn’t reserved for playtime; it’s a way of life. Celebrate her super-sized imagination at museums and parks that take it to the next level. Flip through to find spots where your kiddo can dream of being president, take to the seas pirate style, go on safari and more!

Walk the Plank with Emerald City Pirates—Seattle, Wa

Avast ye, mateys! Set sail with your little swashbuckler aboard Queen Anne’s Revenge on Seattle’s shores to play pirate for a day. Pirate passengers get pirate names and garb before they take to the high seas in search of Bonnie Bones, a hornswoggling rogue who absconded earlier with the pirates’ treasure. As you search high and low for this scallywag, you’ll be trained to walk, talk and even limbo like a pirate while taking in the sights and sounds of Lake Union. Once Bonnie’s caught, mini pirates share in the recovered bounty before heading back to their landlubber life. Ahoy!

Online: emeraldcitypirates.com

photo: Kristina Moy

Where do you take your kids for imaginary play? Share with us in a Comment below.

—Allison Sutcliffe & Melissa Heckscher

Dinos, Cats & Zebras: Oh My! 6 Wacky Day Trips from the DMV

by rttriciamirchandaniOctober 11, 2016

Legend says that it is virtually impossible to see every Smithsonian exhibit. (And we’re pretty sure the legend didn’t take little toddler legs and snack breaks into account). But if you feel like you’ve seen them all, or if you want to spend your Saturday someplace a little out of the ordinary, scroll down to check out these six weird places just a day trip from the DMV.

Photo: Brett Davis via Flickr

Dinosaur Land
Wander around a field of prehistoric creatures—50 to be exact—at this self-proclaimed roadside attraction. There are no rides and no moving parts; just your family and your wild imaginations. Oh, and a T-rex of course.

3848 Stonewall Jackson Hwy. (White Post, Va)
Open: 9:30 am–5 pm (most days)
Cost: $5 for ages 2 – 10; $6 ages 11 and up
Online: dinosaurland.com

Civil War Diorama Museum
Twin sisters have recreated key Civil War battle scenes in diorama and set them up what once was an orphanage for Civil War soldiers’ children. All battle scenes are historically accurate except for one small detail. Every soldier is a cat!

785 Baltimore St. (Gettysburg, Pa)
Online: civilwartails.com

Photo: Ladew Gardens

Ladew Gardens Topiary Gardens
Explore these gardens, named one of the top 5 gardens in North America, and admire 22 acres of thematic garden rooms featuring topiaries of every variety from running dogs, men on horses, squirrels, swans, and more.

3535 Jarrettsville Pike (Monkton, Md)
Gardens open till end of October but check calendar for off season events
Cost: $13 – adults; kids 2 – 23, $4
Online: ladewgardens.com

Mooseum
Get your Moo on as you tour the barn and take in this dairy heritage museum. After your tour, enjoy a picnic on the grounds while the kids play on the playground. This one is soon to be closed for the season so go…now!

18028 Central Park Cir. (Boyds, Md)
Cost: Free
Online: http://mooseum.com/

Photo: Go Ape

Go Ape
This unique outdoor experience promises to be more than just zip lines. In fact, if offers a 2-3 hour journey through forest canopies—great for the family looking for a little more than just your average Sunday morning hike!

Online: goape.com

Virginia Safari Park
Get up close and personal with bulk elk, zebra and camels at Virginia’s only drive-thru safari adventure. The animals are free to roam as you drive through, feed them through the window, and get closer to these wonders than ever before.

229 Safari Ln. (Natural Bridge Va)
$19.95 /adults; kids 2-12/$12
virginiasafaripark.com

Where is the wackiest place you’ve ever visited? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Tricia Mirchandani

ML Interest Tag: safari

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