Visit the New York Renaissance Faire #NYRenFaire

Longing for a break from the routine, but don’t have the time to take a week off right now? Travel to distant lands and faraway time periods, all within a short drive from your home.  We recently visited the New York Renaissance Faire (or if you aren’t local to NY, you can find another in your area- visit the website’s main page for locations and dates) and it was a fun way to spend the day with your family and friends and get away from your routine.

Take a step back in time (but not too far back, it’s just fun and not a serious event) and get into the spirit by dressing up in the time period. Don’t have a costume? That’s OK, there are plenty of vendors there that have items to sell, from clothing to headgear to fantasy peices and beyond. You can be a knight, a princess, a squire, fairy, or anything in between.  We saw unicorns and minotaur this past weekend- really, only your imagination will stop you. There are also fun “theme weekends”, such as Pirate, Celtic, or Time Travelers weekends, where some Faire goers will dress accordingly, and shows will also reflect the idea.

The marketplace has, as mentioned, a fantastic selection of clothing vendors. Yes, you can try on before you buy, and better still, they will help you be fitted and learn how to get into things you might not know how to wear properly. Lacing up a floor length dress is not exactly pulling on a pair of sweatpants, is it? The shopkeepers are helpful and friendly (and usually very funny), so be prepared to have a good time shopping. Yes, guys too.

There are many other fun finds as well. All sorts of jewelry and shiny baubles (of course, what is a Faire without crowns?) to pick and choose from, plenty of toys, swords, shields-  if you are into it, you can even find chain metal and armor.  There are home decorations, spices, and a live glassblower that you can watch and then make purchases from. The kids loved watching him create, and honestly, so did the adults.

 

There are also many, many food options to be found at the Faire- some of the favorites of the Fairegoers being the giant turkey leg and the pickle vendor. Kind of an experience- I’d make sure you tried it out, even if you just visited because pickles really aren’t your thing. This year, the Village Bakery is redone and “re-envisioned” to be better then ever, and offers freshly made items like cakes, pastries, cheesecake, fudge, muffins, and sweet and savory rolls. Treats available for those watching their corsets, as well.

ren faire

While many of the attractions and vendors are the ones you look forward to seeing each year at the Renaissance Fair, this year there are some new ones you might want to visit. First, playing off the top TV hit “Game of Thrones” is the photo op “Gallery of Thrones”, which is an area of really beautiful, handcrafted thrones that you and your family can pose on (save them for those holiday cards later). Sounds simple, and it is- but it’s also fun and you will enjoy it. The Jousters have been a staple of the Faire (and a not to miss show) giving you a modern experience of an old sport, but this year a new team takes on the challenge.  Male and female knights take to the joust three times a day- make sure you see at least one show, and cheer your team on to victory.

Our favorite show had to be the Fire Circus Show, adults and kids all agreed. The entertainment was unmatched- if there was a stand alone show, I would have paid to see it.  Artist Geoff Marsh juggles with and without fire, water, and more, and includes kids chosen from the audience.  Better, he is hilarious, and keeps everyone rolling with laughter from start to finish. One of our favorite parts of the day, and a show that we highly recommend you take the time to see.

fire show

Open through October 1, 2017. Other locations and dates on the website. Tickets are $25 per adult, $12 per child, under 5 are free. General parking is also free. For an events schedule, please see http://www.renfair.com/ny/

 

Win Tickets- Curious George at the Liberty Science Center #LSCCuriousity

 

 

liberty science center

The Liberty Science Center in nearby Jersey City, NJ has a ton to do for kids and families. They also constantly rotate exhibits and events so no one ever gets tired of doing anything. The latest event is Curious George: Let’s Get Curious, which opened this weekend.

“Letting curiosity and inquiry be their guides, children explore familiar buildings and locales from the “Curious George” books and television series on PBS Kids in Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! The exhibit presents key concepts in science, math, and engineering, which are woven throughout the exhibit. Activities invite children to learn like Curious George does—through direct experience and problem solving!

You can also meet Curious George in person at the Science Center. George will visit October 1, November 11, November 25, December 28, and December 29. Come take photos with him and give a big, friendly hug. Curious George can’t wait to meet your family!”

liberty science center

You can also get plenty of Curious George souvenirs in the gift shop.

All the fun an excitement was a wonderful way to get kids and adults to learn science and mechanics in a hands on way, while having tons of fun- the true Liberty Science Center fashion. The kids also loved meeting Curious George himself.  The exhibit will run until Jan. 8, 2017.

hands on learning

 

There is also the “Bodies Revealed” exhibit that older kids, parents- and really anyone will enjoy. It does cost more, so as a premium exhibition, it is available with the Premium Pass or a Combination Ticket.

“Bodies Revealed* presents real human figures and organs that reveal the wonder and beauty of the human form. The exhibition shows detailed views of human anatomy, from whole body displays to individual skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and circulatory systems. Unlike models that idealize the body through the eyes of an artist, this exhibition shows the body and its systems as they really exist, including natural variation.

The figures, skeletons, and organs in Bodies Revealed came from individuals who donated their bodies to accredited medical universities in the People’s Republic of China for the purpose of study and education. All donated bodies were examined by an anatomist and a biological anthropologist to confirm that they died of natural causes. A separate gallery respectfully displays the stages of human development in the womb. All of the embryos and fetuses died of natural causes before birth. (Viewers enter the gallery through clearly marked doors.)”

hands on learning

Don’t forget to sign up for fun experiments! Staff is on hand if you or the kids need help. (And yes, the kids took turns, LOL)

There are also IMAX and Real 3D movies playing. These are also for an extra fee, but worth the price.  We saw “Beautiful Planet” in the IMAX theater, which was not only visually stunning, but also gave the audience insights as to the changes our planet is going through and why.  Hopefully, it also encourages people to make better choices to help the planet as well.

 

All this and more can be found at the Liberty Science Center, where science comes alive on a regular basis. Make sure you check out the ever changing schedule of IMAX movies (where where the gigantic IMAX screen makes the smallest of critters and the liveliest of robots come to life)- it’s very cool to see a movie in a giant dome.

If you would like to win a 4 pack of tickets, please just leave your name and email in the comments below. Ends Oct. 20, 2016. Thanks!

Razor Scooter- Perfect for Fall!

Now is the time to raise to your feet, grab your wheels, and hit the road/driveway/park. Fall is a great season to go out and have fun! The summer heat is over, the winter cold isn’t here, and the leaves will start changing any day to reveal a cascade of colors and patterns everywhere you look. Walking also works, but I know kids prefer their transportation involve wheels, bikes and scooters.

Razor scooter has a great line of products, for kids of all ages and heights. Little Man is learning how to ride his bike, but for now nothing beats the ease of zipping around on a scooter. He especially likes the ability to go as fast, or slow as he likes. Little Man can be very cautious some days, and as adventurous as a cat others.

There is a very important point I must make before going any further safety. Please be sure to get a helmet and pads before putting your kids on anything with wheels, [Read more…]