MOSH (Museum of Science & History)

September 24, 2012 By Anne

I tool the family to the MOSH, which is short for The Museum of Science and History. Since we are fairly new to the area, I promised the kids we would have fun exploring new things.

We went through the giant mouth and into The Body Within. Through here we found a maze of fun and interesting facts about our bodies. Some were a little gross and some were funny.

Then into the Water World exhibit where we saw all things native to Florida and more. My kids love looking at fish and sea creatures.

We went upstairs to The Current of Times and checked out some history of Jacksonville and Florida. Savannah thought the phone booth was cool. We don’t see these anymore.

The dinosaur exhibit was pretty cool.

I think our favorite place was The Florida Naturalists Center where we cold see live animals – owls, frogs, snakes, lizards and more.

We were also treated to a show in the Planetarium. I have never seen a show there. We all enjoyed that, however my four year old got a little antsy sitting there.

Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children 3-12, BUT if you go on Fridays it’s only $5!!

Check out The MOSH on Facebook and Twitter too!

We received passes to visit. Opinions are my own.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Halloween Fun at SeaWorld

September 1, 2012 By Anne

Every weekend in October – you can have tons of fun at SeaWorld!! There will be an underwater fantasy, silly spooky shows, fun fishy crafts and lots of candy and trick-or-treat fun! All of this is free with your SeaWorld admission.

ORLANDO, Fla. – (August 2012) – SeaWorld Orlando invites families to dive in and explore an underwater “fantasea” at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular. Lifetime memories are created during Central Florida’s ultimate family-friendly event where children can trick-or-treat, dance with fanciful sea creatures, and create sea-themed arts and crafts. Back and better than ever this year, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular returns with added trick-or-treat stations and even more colorful characters.

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular takes place every weekend in October: 6-7, 13-14, 19-21 and 26-28. This daytime event runs from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., leaving the littlest of trick-or-treaters wide-eyed for the fun-filled activities. The best way to experience all of SeaWorld’s year-round events, as well as exclusive savings and perks, is with an Annual Pass. For more details or to purchase visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

We went last year and had a blast!! See our Spooktacular Halloween visit!

You can dance and play games at Penelope’s Party Zone. Stock up on the candy at the Trick-or-Treating Under the Sea. There are different stations throughout the park. You can eat Carmel apples and chocolate covered rice crispies treats at the Sweet Treat Decorating station.

SeaWorld’s Holiday Family Sleepovers (6 p.m. – 9 a.m. on Oct. 19,20, 26 and 27)

Families can snuggle into a spooky slumber surrounded by exotic fish, rays, and sea dragons inside the floor-to-ceiling aquariums at Manta. Cost is $78 per person or $103 (includes next-day park admission). A pizza dinner and breakfast are included. Program is for children in grades K-5 and their families. Reservations can be made by calling: 1-800-406-2244. For more info, visit seaworldorlando.com.

This is not a sponsored post. Just wanted to share.

Anne

Alligator Farm – St Augustine

August 29, 2012 By Anne

We moved north about 6 months ago and are having fun checking out all the new attractions. Alligator Farm has been on our list since March. We will be visiting soon. I wanted to share a little about Alligator Farm with you before we go….

The Alligator Farm, technically called The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park began in the late nineteenth century as a small exhibition of Florida reptiles. Today it functions as a modern zoo serving the public and the scientific community. They offer educational shows and exhibits and important research.

Of course they have alligators, but they also have The Land of Crocodiles – What’s the difference? Alligators have shorter, blunter, heavier heads than crocodiles, which have long, tapered snouts lined with sharp teeth. Step into the ultimate crocodilian experience as you trek past exhibits featuring every recognized crocodilian species from around the world. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is the only facility in the world to offer this incredible opportunity. From the small Chinese alligator to the rare Indian gharial and Nile crocodile, you’ll see animals that you may never see anywhere else.

Maximo is the baddest alligator around! Not really but Maximo is impressive! At 15 foot 3 inch, 1,250-pound Maximo, the largest animal at The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. A saltwater crocodile, or “Saltie” as his species is called in Australia, Maximo hatched from an egg collected by aborigines along an Australian river bank. He grew to his adult size at the Cairn’s Crocodile Farm. With an underwater viewing window, we’re proud to give you the chance to see our most magnificent animal up-close.

Red-ruffed Lemurs. Alligator Farm has more than just alligators.These uniquely beautiful native primates of Madagascar swing and dart through the branches of their exhibit to the delight of guests. Their deep red fur, long black tails and striking eyes make them one of the world’s most beloved animals. A new edition to our animal collection, we’re proud to display this endangered species.

There is also Komodo dragons, pythons, birds and more! We are looking forward to visiting and seeing what makes one of St. Augustine’s attractions so popular!

My son is super excited to be able to try the Crocodile Crossing – Zip through the Zoo! A zip line course that goes right over the crocodiles!!

Check out more at Alligator Farm’s website. They have camps, parent’s night out and overnights stays. (uh, no thank you) lol!

There is so much to learn just on their website! Stay tuned for more on our trip there!

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I will receive a family pass to visit. Opinions are my own.

Anne

The MOSH (Museum of Science and History) in Jacksonville

August 12, 2012 By Anne

Being new to North Florida, we are loving finding new places to visit and explore. One such place is the Museum of Science and History(MOSH) in Jacksonville.

I’ve heard from several friends that this is a great place to take the kids. Some even have annual passes. I went on the website to check it out and found a few exhibits I definitely want to check out when we visit.

I love everything water, so the Water Worlds exhibit is on the list! The underwater world of the first coast in MOSH’s permanent aquarium exhibit. Multiple aquariums will represent the many fascinating water habitats and live aquatic animals found throughout Florida and beyond.

And who doesn’t like native animals. We are from South Florida, so I’m sure the animals are similar. Florida Naturalist’s Center houses all of MOSH’s resident live animals. Owls, snakes, turtles, tortoises, and alligators- just to name a few- are all native to Florida.

This one looks a little intimidating but fun! Enter The Body Within through MOSH’s larger than life mouth, stroll down the digestive tract, and exit out the rear! Learn all about our bodies and how they work with hands-on interactive fun. My girlfriend has to carry her son through here as he is frighten by the big mouth!

Also on my list the KidSpace, a big area to play and explore including a tree house! There is also a Planetarium, I’ve always wanted to visit one.

We are hoping to go this week to visit and explore. I have no doubt the kids and I will love it!

Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children 3-12, BUT if you go on Fridays it’s only $5!!

Check out The MOSH on Facebook and Twitter too!

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Look for more on The MOSH after we visit!

We will receive complimentary passes to visit. Opinions are my own

Anne

Where Will You go This Summer?

May 15, 2012 By Anne

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Newport Beach for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We are going on a road trip this summer? We are super excited because we will be able to stop along the way to and from to see the entire site along the East coast!

But what if you are on the West Coast?

How about Newport Beach?

Summer is almost here so you got to make plans and Newport Beach has everything you can think of! At least what they have what I would want in a vacation!

Sandy beaches, pristine waters and beautiful views. I’ll take it!

I’ve heard that when you visit Newport Beach you will feel like a local. It’s not touristy. It has natural beauty and a vibrant yachting community. I’ve never been yachting, but it sounds wonderful!

If you are looking to travel on the West Coast or just looking at places to visit, take a look at the VisitNewPortBeach site.

While checking out the site myself, I found so many things to do. If we went I would love to do the tours and sightseeing and check out the TV and Film locations. I think it would awesome to check them out! It’s definitely something different for us.

Also, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach hotel looks wonderful for families. Right now if one room at full price you will receive a connecting room for kids 18 and under at 50% off. Yeah! A room for the adults and one for the kids!!

The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is a resort-style hotel with 26 acres and 3-pools! They also have shuffle board, ping pong, a 9-hole and a par-3 golf course. My hubby and son would love to play golf! You can call 800-233-1234 and mention the Family Plan to book today!

Check out this video! Doesn’t it look inviting?