family activities Archives - Page 2 of 2

Finding Dory Printables for Kids

April 19, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

Today, I’m sharing Finding Dory printables. The movie will be in theatres June 17, 2016. So, be sure to mark your calendar. You won’t want to miss Dory’s next big adventure.

Finding Dory Printables:

ABOUT THE MOVIE: Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” welcomes back to the big screen everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory (voice of Ellen DeGeneres). So, Dory is living happily in the reef with Marlin (voice of Albert Brooks) and Nemo (voice of Hayden Rolence). Dory suddenly remembers that she has a family out there who may be looking for her. As a result, the trio takes off on a life-changing adventure across the ocean to California’s prestigious Marine Life Institute. The Marine Life Institute (MLI) is a rehabilitation center and aquarium.

Next, in an effort to find her mom (voice of Diane Keaton) and dad (voice of Eugene Levy), Dory enlists the help of three of the MLI’s most intriguing residents. One which is Hank (voice of Ed O’Neill), a cantankerous octopus who frequently gives employees the slip. Also, Bailey (voice of Ty Burrell), a beluga whale who is convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz. Last, Destiny (voice of Kaitlin Olson), a nearsighted whale shark.

Furthermore, after deftly navigating the complex inner workings of the MLI, Dory and her friends discover the magic within their flaws, friendships and family. Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) is the director. Also, it is co-directed by Angus MacLane (“Toy Story OF TERROR!”), and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”). Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” swims into theaters June 17, 2016.

Last, mark your calendar and make it a family affair. In the mean time, enjoy our maze, coloring and connect the dot pages below. You can download the pages here.

I hope that you will print the Finding Dory printables as adorable as I do, and you will print a few for your kids.

Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Xtreme Circus Review

April 7, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Elephants, Tigers, Acrobats, and Bikers performed at the Ringling Brothers-Barnum & Bailey Xtreme Circus at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. It was an evening spent eating junk food, watching clowns, jugglers and other entertainers perform before the big show. Than we would sit in awe of the Ring Master and all the other performers for the Greatest Show On Earth.

First, we ate dinner at the Green Turtle prior to the show. Nothing fancy, the adults had wings and the kids pizza and fries. From there we entered the venue for the preshow activities. They had jugglers, clowns, and an area set up where the children could try on various costumes. After 15 – 20 minutes we moved to our seats. We had great seats about 10 rows from the floor. We were high enough where those standing didn’t really affect our view of the show, but low enough where we had an incredible view of the ring.

Take plenty of money because outside snacks and drinks are not allowed. Security will search you and your bags at all entrances. I slipped money into my pockets and carried my camera. I just left my purse in the trunk. However, it’s nothing unusual. I actually don’t know many places that allow outside food in their venues.

Inside the Big Top, they are sold before the show and during intermission. Outside the Big Top they are sold until everyone vacates the premises. The kids wanted cotton candy before the show started. Count it, $14.00 per bag. It does come with an adorable circus hat that can be kept as a souvenir. I also saw bags being sold without the hat at the concession stands outside the arena. Lemonade is $12.00 per drink. They also offered Italian Ice in adorable elephants cups for $14.00 – $15.00 depending on the size.

Our show started at 7:30 p.m. It lasted approximately 3 hours. It was about 2 1/2 hours for the actual show and about 30 minutes for an intermission. We enjoyed all aspects of the show. Personally, I could have done without the clowns, but what’s a circus without clowns. I was a little afraid that the 4 year old would become bored, but that didn’t happen.

The performers were able to engage the audience through music and/or their acts. There were plenty of Oohs and Awes. The audience clapped along with the Ringmaster and the band was quite good. I even participated in the clapping and the Awes. The lions were beautiful, but there were no flaming hoops to jump through. I did enjoy the Mermaids. I’m fascinated by Mermaids and my granddaughter’s favorite princess is Ariel.

The elephants have been a part of the show for 145 years. Sadly, they will no longer be a part of the show after May 2016. Fortunately, the elephants will retire to a conservation center in Florida. The company hasn’t said how it will rebrand their shows once the stars, the elephants, retire.

The tightrope walkers and bikers were amazing. I loved the camels. It was an amazing 3 hours. Most importantly, it was nice to converse with my 8 year old grandson about the acts. We ended the evening with the kids having their faces painted. Count it, $14.00 each. Additionally, another $30.00 to park in the Verizon Center garage. But the evening was so worth it. Finally, I’m happy that I would create an evening that the children will always remember.

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: circus, family activities, family fun

22 Places Kids Eat Free

December 3, 2015 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on places kids eat free. Need a break from the stresses of the day? While the kids are eating for free, you can relax and possibly have a cocktail or a nice dessert. Furthermore, we all need to take time to unwind and just relax outside of the house. So, lets check the places that help families have a night out that won’t break the bank:

Applebees – First, kids eat free Monday and Tuesday nights at participating locations. Be sure to signup for
their Email club for a free entree for your birthday. Other nights kids eat for $1.00.
Au Bon Pain – Free birthday lunch. Sign up for their eClub.
Backyard Burger – Kids eat free on Tuesday. Sign up for their eClub for additional deals.
Bennigan’s – Kids 12 and under eat free on Tuesdays after 4 pm with paying adult.
Bob Evans – Kids eat free after 4 pm with paying adult.
Buffalo Wild Wings – Get a order of snack wings or dessert for your birthday when you join the Buffalo Circle. Captain D’s – Join the Kid’s Club and get a special birthday greeting and a free meal. Ages 12 and under only. Kids 12 and under can eat from the kids menu for just 99 cents on other days.
Chick-fil-A – Next, kids eat free between 5:30-7:30 pm. One child per adult.
Cici’s – Kids eat free every day with paying adult.
Denny’s – Free Grand Slam on your birthday. Valid ID must be presented.
Firehouse Subs – Free sub on your birthday. Valid ID must be presented. All kiddos eat free when an adult combo meal is purchased on other days.
Friendly’s – Free sundae on your birthday when you join the BFF Club.
Golden Corral – Kids 3 and under eat free.
IHOP – Kids under 12 eat free everyday between 4 pm – 8 pm accompanied by paying adults/parents.
Johnny Rocket’s – Additionally, kids can get a free hamburger on your birthday. Join the eClub for additional deals.
Lonestar Steak House – For each paying adult, 2 kids get to chow down for free all day long and they’ll happily feed 2 kids per adult.
Marie Callender’s – One child eats free with each adult entree purchased.
Perkins – Get a free meal for children 12 and under with each adult entrée on Wednesdays from 4 – 9 p.m.
Pizza Hut – Kid eat free Tuesday evenings.
Red Robin – Furthermore, kids can enjoy a free burger for their birthday when you sign up for their eClub. Kids 10 and under eat free with paying adult on other days.
Shoney’s – Kids 4 years and under eat free with adult entrée.
Tony Roma – Kids 11 and under can eat ribs free.
TGIF – Kids eat free on Mondays or Tuesdays. Call your local TGIF for the day in your area.

So, I recommend that you call ahead to ensure that the establishment will be able to accommodate you and your children. Be sure to ask what days and times they offer free meals and what ages are included. Take advantage of the freebies on family night, birthdays and anniversaries. Finally, we hope that you will take advantage of places kids eat free, and have a great family night out. You deserve it.

Filed Under: Family Time Tagged With: family activities, family fun, kids eat free

9 Virginia Beach Budget Activities

July 30, 2015 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing a few travel tips on Virginia Beach budget activities. First, as a single mother budgeting has become second nature to me. This year I will be spending a few days in Virginia Beach with my grandchildren instead of taking them to Myrtle Beach as we normally do. So, before I leave for vacation I search for things to do to ensure we don’t get bored and the activities within my budget. Unfortunately, many families think they can’t afford a vacation because they have to fund every activity for the entire week. Not true!

There’s more to Virginia Beach than the Atlantic Ocean and miles of sand. So, the key is to research free and budget friendly things for the family to do before you leave for vacation. Furthermore, make a list of Virginia Beach activities and discuss them with your family. If it’s something they aren’t interested in, you still have time to do additional research before you arrive. I searched the Hampton Roads area, which includes Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Williamsburg and Hampton. Trust me, there’s something for everybody.

Here’s 9 Virginia Beach Budget Activities:

1. Naval Station Norfolk – You must see the world’s largest naval base. The base houses 75 ships and 134 aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, large amphibious ships, submarines, supply ships, airplanes and helicopters. In addition, the tour includes historic homes in the Jamestown, VA area.

2. Beach Street USA Entertainment – Next, you can find laser and light shows to interactive adventures based on a theme or popular movies. You could be required to unravel a murder mystery, play other games or compete in contests. Also, they have nights where you dress up as characters from movies or watch a movie on the beach. Check out the site for activities of for day.

photo from Virginia Legends

3. Virginia Beach Legend Walk – Additionally, free tours of Virginians who have made significant contributions to the country and/or world. Some of the inductee are Arthur Ashe, Patsy Cline, Katie Couric, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson to name a few. Great way to get a family conversation going on the inductees.

4. Virginia Beach Amusement Park – The Hurricane, Skycraper, Music Express and Comic Storm are a few rides that you will discover on the boardwalk. Great entertainment for the entire family, and the park offers all day wrist bands too.

photo from Mt. Trashmore

5. Mt. Trashmore Park – Also, a 165 acre park that has 11 picnic shelters of various sizes, 2 volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, a skate park, restrooms, outdoor fitness stations, concessions and fishing awaits you. Also, if you have a driver’s license or other photo ID you can check out badminton equipment, a football, frisbee, horseshoes, volleyball and net, wheelchairs and more. So, it’s a great way to spend the day away from the beach and enjoy free activities along with a picnic.

photo from Jungle Golf

6. Jungle Golf – So, if you love miniature golf check out this 18 hole golf course with an air conditioned snack bar.

Photo from Ocean Breeze Water Park

7. Ocean Breeze Water Park – Fortunately, the park has over 30 rides, slides, and attractions. Additionally, it is located approximately 10 minutes from the Virginia Beach ocean front. Parking, sunscreen and inner tubes are free. Trams are also available to help you breeze your way into the park. Be sure to put this on your list.

8. Firework Display – The firework displays are awesome. The fact they are ocean front makes it even better. So, be sure to check the schedule for dates and times for the firework displays.

9. Hunt Club Farm – Last, Virginia Beach has plenty of ocean and sand. But, it also has a Petting Zoo and Pony Rides at Hunt Club Farm. They have chickens that are friendly enough to pickup, llamas, goats, peacocks, turkeys and many other animals. They also offer pony rides, a playground area and shaded tables to enjoy a snack. The farm also sells homemade jams, jellies, soaps, candles and more. So, be sure to grab a few souvenirs while you’re there.

Finally, the fireworks displays are truly spectacular over the ocean. Be sure to add this to your Virginia Beach activities. Additionally, my grandchildren love the petting zoo and pony rides at Hunt Club Farm. The Ocean Breeze Water Park is a great way to spend the day too. Adults and kids can enjoy Beach Street USA entertainment. Most importantly, you can find something for everyone on my Virginia Beach activities list without breaking the bank.