Millbrook Exchange/Community Center - Refurbished Park, Splash Pad & Baby Pool

We were so excited to check out this new park at Millbrook Exchange Community Center & Park (with splash pad). So I read up a bit and headed out to check it out.

Unfortunately, just as we arrived (a 35-minute drive later) we found out that the park was not yet open and the splash pad was not free or refurbished. Based on the articles I had read it was all open and mostly new (we visited May 30, so a few weeks has passed and the park may be open now). The stories were unclear, and I was visibly frustrated. I have a neighborhood pool, which I already pay for. Why would I drive all that way to pay for my kids to play?

Well, it was fun! We had a great time, and the people were incredibly friendly. The park, when it opens (which the construction workers said would be two weeks, but I wouldn't bank on it) will be wonderful. There were two separate sections and it looked really nice. Unfortunately, the bad taste in my mouth about it not yet being open after such a long drive will hinder this review.

If I lived in North Raleigh and didn't have a community pool, I would definitely take advantage of this place. It was $2/per child and $6 per adult if you are a Raleigh resident.

I do not, however, so for my Holly Springs, Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina readers - this place isn't quite worth the drive just yet. It may be when the park opens - but still, for those with community pools, I'm not sure I'd drive all that way for a park. A shorter drive and different circumstances would likely evoke a much better review of this place.

1905 Spring Forest Road
Raleigh, NC

HIGHLIGHTS: Wonderful, lowish cost for a pool activity that doesn't require a membership. Splash pads and toddler pools are almost always a hit for young kids, and the new playground looks like it will be amazing if/when it opens (yes, that was a bit snarky). The guy at the front, taking payments, was very friendly and helpful.

LOW LIGHTS: They don't seem to have the media connections to get the word out about the correct opening date of the refurbished park; for those of us on the Southwest side of the Triangle, it's not really very close & the cost is more for non-Raleigh residents. The restrooms aren't really very clean, nor are they convenient to the splash pad and pool areas for much-needed quick trips little ones and potty training kids of need. But it's not too bad either. For someone living in the area I would absolutely ignore my review and go and enjoy!!! The lifeguards did not seem like they enjoyed their jobs -- very unfriendly that day.

COST:  $2 for 1-12 year olds, $4 for 13-54 and $3 per 55+ (RALEIGH RESIDENTS). Nonresidents pay $3 for 1-12, $7 for 13-54 and $5 for 55+.
HELPFUL HINT: You didn't hear this from me, but they don't really check if you're a resident or not, so if you want to save a few bucks just say you're a Raleigh resident. I feel terrible writing that, but it's true and if I can save people a few bucks ...

A Sweet Creation for a Healthy Snack!

AUTHOR'S NOTE: One of my closest friends (and a Not-So Stay-At-Home Mommy) owns Sweet Creations Frozen Yogurt in Fuquay-Varina, so I could not objectively write this review. Of course I think it's the best frozen yogurt place in the world. They have changing tables in the bathrooms and high chairs, too!! So I asked a great friend and Not-So Stay-At-Home Mommy herself to share her far more objective feelings about this place. So here it is!

 


By Amanda Moore


Being a serious frozen yogurt lover, I'm always on the hunt for a good fro-yo place. So when a friend suggested that we stop at Sweet Creations frozen yogurt shop in Fuquay-Varina on our way home the park with our young kids, I was all in. Normally I avoid eating establishments of any kind. With a toddler who loves a good food fight and an audience for her singing and table-dance routine, I just say "no" to restaurants. On this day, however, my sweet tooth prevailed over my good judgement.

Amanda with her daughter.

 
When we arrived, we were greeted by a friendly girl behind the counter who asked us if we'd been before and welcomed us to sample the yogurt. She suggested a new flavor called Only 8 Chocolate, which is very low in calories and was super delicious, so I went with that. I was thrilled with the extensive selection at the topping bar, and with how well stocked and fresh all the offerings were. In fact the whole establishment was clean, bright and well-kept. I went with mostly fruit toppings and added a few cookie and candy goodies for my daughter with the hopes that I could bribe her into behaving. No such luck. 
 

It says coming soon, but it's already here!

A few bites in, she was under the table and screaming. After a quick wrestling match she decided to join us again and painted the table with yogurt. Mortified as always, I ate my yogurt at a brain-freeze pace and gathered our things, trying to corral her as we waited for my friend and her little girls to finish, who were ecstatically polishing off their bowls. I was especially impressed when the owner, who saw me struggling and insisted that we not worry about the mess. Then he made sure that I had a frequent visitors card. Really? We were welcome back?! Can't wait to try it again, or better yet, go on date night. 

Oh, and if you think it's to chilly out for frozen yogurt this time of year, they offer a premium hot beverage bar. Yum! And there were coupons in the Clipper Magazine that came out a few weeks ago for Sweet Creations.



Sweet Creations
400 Broad Street
Fuquay-Varina, NC

Falcon Park in Fuquay-Varina: I'll definitely go back

Our kids saw the park, looked at each other and giggled. Falcon Park is a keeper, although not in my top 5.

 Falcon Park in Fuquay-Varina is pretty easy to review. This is a good park. It's not bad; it's not great. It was fun to go, although I think our kids were pretty worn out from a lot of activity, and we didn't last long. The equipment is at a good height for toddlers and preschoolers, my kids ages, it's challenging but not too challenging, there's lots of space and running room and it's not too close to the road.

Falling on the bridge.

The equipment is a little old, however. And the bridge is pretty steep, my 3-year-old fell on it twice. But she didn't get hurt. In fact, the second time she laughed because she fell into her sister. The swings were just fine, although there were only two. There's a second part of the playground for smaller kids, which mine also enjoyed. The bathrooms were really gross, though. They smelled terrible and looked even worse.

I liked this park, and I will definitely go back, maybe on a hot summer day when we need a little shade.

611 E. Academy Street
Fuquay-Varina, NC

HIGHLIGHTS: Shaded park, close to the middle school, two separate play areas for kids with short attention spans, swings, bridges and tunnels and nice people.

LOW LIGHTS: Horrible smelling and looking bathrooms, and the water didn't work so we couldn't wash hands (EW!), the equipment is a little old, bridge has a steep drop off and there are only two swings.

COST: Free!

Keep an Open Mind - Make a Friend!

Don't be afraid to do something new or find a new friend. Get out of your comfort zone.

"friends are like chocolate cake, you can never have enough ..."

That's a bad simile for a woman on a diet.

I had a playdate with a book author who lives in my neighborhood today who was giving me self-publishing tips. It was really fun, and she was so nice. Jordan made a new little buddy. They played really well, and both girls were introduced to new toys.

HIGHLIGHTS: New friends, new experiences, new ideas and a change of pace and you can do it anywhere.

LOW LIGHTS: You never know how your kids are going to get along with the new kids. Sharing is sometimes an issue, but that's an every day issue at our house anyway. 

COST: Free!

Going off the deep end - Or in it!?

Dani and her friend show off their Puddle Jumpers.

My girls are 17 months apart in age. They're hard to keep track of in public and especially at the swimming pool. Midway through the summer I picked up a Stearns Puddle Jumper. So many of the kids had them at the pool and I'd never seen one before.

I found them online, but didn't want to pay $20 each for them. Then I found them at Harris Teeter on sale for $12.50. (In retrospect, I would pay $50 for this life jacket.) I got two and headed straight to the pool. D is a little small for it, but I slipped it on her anyway.

Jordan is a big pool kid. She loves to be there, but she couldn't swim and she was too big for her floaties so they were useless. You should've seen her her first day with the Puddle Jumper. She kicked and paddled all the way across the pool into the deep end. Two visits to the pool later (less than a week) she took it off and went under water - face and all! I told her to kick her legs. She did, and she started to swim. I don't know if it was the Puddle Jumper or the timing, but coincidently Jordan can swim now.

Dani, too, is far more independant with the Puddle Jumper. She kicks and bobs and jumps around in the water and prefers that I don't hold her. I highly recommend this product. On a side note, a friend said she bought a knockoff version of the Puddle Jumper. It wasn't as good, she said, and she ended up buying the Stearns version.

HIGHLIGHTS: Puts your child in a safe vertical or floating horizontal position very easily. My brother teaches little ones how to swim and said getting kids horizontal in the pool is important in teaching children to swim and more urgently get them comfortable in the water.  I don't have to be glued to my kids sides at the pool because they really work!

LOW LIGHTS: It's for kids 30-60 lbs. Dani is about 28 lbs so it's a bit big for her.  

COST: I paid $12.50 on sale (they're probably going on sale now as the end of the pool season is approaching) - saw them today on Amazon.com for as low as $15.

Don't Feed the Ducks! But You Can Play with a Turtle!

Don't do this! Ha, even though my daughter (3) did fall in the water, that's not why. You're not supposed to feed the ducks at Bass Lake. In fact, you're not supposed to feed any of the wildlife. WHOOPS!

My friend, Amanda, and I were so bored last week. We just couldn't think of anything to do. We almost just stayed back played in the cul de sac, again.

Instead we grabbed some old bread and headed to Bass Lake Park (off of Bass Lake Road) in Holly Springs. Since there are two 1-year-olds and one 2-year-old between us, we missed a few signs. The girls started to feed the ducks, who darted toward us at the edge of the water. In fact, they wouldn't leave us alone when the bread quickly ran out.

About 5 minutes later, park personell came over to show us, rather politely I might add, that there were signs (which we were almost sitting on) asking people not to feed the animals. WHOOPS!

But he was incredibly nice and told us about a little nature center in the Bass Lake Park pavilion. I must say, I've been to Bass Lake a dozen times and had no idea this was there. I knew about the ducks, the boat rental, the beautiful deck on the pavilion and even the trails (which are a bit rough for toddlers).

The North Carolina Environmental Education Center was wonderful. Ella and Dani (both 1 1/2) and Jordan (almost 3) loved it. They played for at least 30 minutes without a problem. There were live snakes, fish, books, toys and even a live turtle that wasn't even contained. All three girls loved the turtle. I appropriately named it Shelly.

I don't usually encourage rule breaking, but this is the exception. If we hadn't broken their rules, we wouldn't have met Shelly or found this great little facility.

Bass Lake Park
900 Bass Lake Road
Holly Springs, NC

HIGHLIGHTS: Live animals (but in terrariums so you don't have to touch them), lots of books, friendly staff and other educational toys/tools. (See also cost)

LOW LIGHTS: There were a few unprotected "don't-touch" items and even a few rock samples which both 1-year-olds put in their mouths. It's not terribly clean. 

COST: FREE

Beat The Heat with the BUG BEAT!

When it's 95 degrees and sweltering hot, we tend to do the same things over and over. By August it can get very boring! I am not the craft person some of my mommy friends are. I just didn't get "that" gene. Gimme a ball and bat, a swing set, jungle gym, swimming pool -- ANYTHING -- but don't coop me up inside!

However, there are a few things I do LOVE to do with my girls (18 months & almost 3) when we just can't deal with the weather anymore. My favorite is the dance parties! For a baby shower gift my mom gave me a book Do Bugs Have Belly Buttons? by Christine Tortorella. It's a CD book. No, it's not just an audio book but a CD with the front cover as the page-turning book. It's adorable.

My girls absolutely love the music, specifically the song "Bug Beat." It's impossible to describe, so I'll just show you (video above).  -- She also offers free downloads of her song on her website dobugshavebellybuttons.com!

I recently learned the author, wife of New York Rangers coach John Tortorella, gives all proceeds from the sale of her books to literacy programs. Love that.

HIGHLIGHTS: It's a great way to get your kids on your feet when it's too hot to run around outside.

LOW LIGHTS: Sometimes they make me listen to it 100 times.

COST: FREE or for book $10 + $1.95 shipping

Story time At Holly Springs Library

Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Holly Springs Library (at 10 and 11 a.m.) there is story time. Since my girls are 1 & 2, we go to the early session. At 11 the story teller caters to pre-schoolers (3 & 4).

Story Time is money on a rainy, blazing hot or freezing cold day. But it's pretty packed on those extreme-weather days. There's singing, reading (of course), puppet shows and after it's over, they offer coloring or craft activities.  Even my 17-month old stands still for a few minutes to watch Miss Terry read her stories or sing a song and dance. 

Jordan (2) is getting more involved, answer questions, raising her hand to participate and singing and dancing along to the songs. It's really been wonderful, and it's so close to home it's an easy default for me when I don't want to pack a lunch or plan ahead.  There are also sessions on Mondays for babies (under 18 months, I believe). I've never been to these, but I like Tuesdays & Wednesdays so I can only imagine it's worth a shot if you have a little one.

\HIGHLIGHTS: It's so close to home, easy parking and my kids love Miss Terry.

LOW LIGHTS: It can get very crowded, and it's at a library so there are a lot of things my kids can get into.

COST: FREE -- My favorite!

A hidden Gem! Great for Little Ones

Jordan's buddy Cora playing on the climbing equipment,
and once again teach Jordan something new.

I love my mommy friends! Just when you think you are getting to know the area, someone says, "Have you been to Waverly Place (in Cary)?"

Of course I have! I shop at Whole Foods when I have money burning a hole in my pocket. (Which is never, but I know where it is and have been there just a few times in the past five years). What does that have to do with our playdate? I thought.

I quickly found out! So there is a FANTASTIC little play area within Waverly's empty shell of a shopping complex. The parking lots are almost always empty, as are the shops. But this place is wonderful once you get there. Because so few know about it, the parking was easy. I just parked around the backside (which faces Chic-Fil-A and Tryon Road). Even when I saw the place I was pessimistic. Then, Dani (17 months) goes running for the back of the fenced area. That's when I saw it! WATER!!!! D loves water. This little play area has water that shoots out from the ground. They called it the splash pad. Either way, it was amazing. The girls played for almost 2 1/2 hours. I'm glad I brought snacks and water. There was no shade.



Dani (17 months) plays in the splash pad.

We didn't take advantage, but just outside the play area was a flat, grassy area for the kids to run around. I'm sure that will make for a nice picnic area for me and the girls one day.

I LOVE this place. I will definitely go back.

I couldn't find an address, but it's on the corner of
Tryon & Kildaire Farm kitty corner from Western Wake Hospital.

HIGHLIGHTS: It's small, easy to keep track of the kids and there's water (which my kids LOVE). Also, it seems to be kind of unknown, so it's not packed.

LOW LIGHTS: It's a little hike to Cary and it's not in a shady spot.

COST: FREE!!

Turtle Park (AKA Crowder Park) is A Nice Change

Crowder Park in Apex, NC off of Ten-Ten Road is another fun park to try out. It's not my favorite, but it's pretty fun, especially the first time you go. It's pretty shaded, too, so it's a great park to go to when it gets hot.

Both of my daughters absolutely screached when they saw the turtles from the bridge that connects two sections of the park. The turtles swim up, almost right at you, and then duck under water and swim away. There's a 3-acre pond, Crowder Pond?, that runs through the park. The turtles are everywhere. We counted at least 15 when we were there last time, and we weren't there long. There are two areas with playgrounds and a couple shelters and paved trails.

Next time we go we'll pack a lunch and have a little picnic. Oh, yeah, and the squirrels were incredibly friendly and not scared of people That scared me a little bit. Wild animals and toddlers don't generally mix well, but the saving grace is that the animals run away from the kids. They didn't here. The squirrels were actually playing under the playground equipment. Dani (15 months) loved it. She chased the squirrels for 30 minutes, screaming the whole time. Needless to say, she barely made it out of the parking lot before falling asleep in her carseat.

I cannot decide if that friendly animals are a positive or a negative. But the play equipment is wonderful, and there are several areas with equipment. So if one area is crowded, just keep walking onto the next.

4709 Ten Ten Rd.
Apex, NC 27539
Phone: 919-662-2850

HIGHLIGHTS: Free, the pond loaded with turtles, lots of shelters, two separate areas with playgrounds

LOW LIGHTS: Animals may just be a bit friendly, it can get crowded because there are lots of kids groups that go there, there always seems to be some kind of construction or repairs on the equipment (not good for the very little ones)

PRICE: FREE!!!

Later Crocodiles

Where is my second favorite place to go? HARRIS LAKE

A reader (yay, I have a reader) asked where my second favorite place to go is - I am partial to outdoor activities.  I love going to Harris Lake in New Hill because it has two sets of jungle gyms - one for older kids (I am counting my oldest, Jordan, who is 2 as an older kid) and another for my 1-year-old, Dani. (Harris Lake is just off of New Hill/Holloman Road)

It's also incredibly close to my neighborhood, so it becomes my default when I'm tired of the neighborhood playground but don't want to drive to downtown Raleigh.

Harris Lake Park also has walking trails, biking trails and a dock off of which people can drop their fishing lines. My kids love running up and down the dock, screaming, pounding their feet and spit fishing. That's when we peak our heads over the top rail and spit into the water (classy, I know), and the fish just attack the spit.

There's a great open field where my girls like to run, kick a soccer ball and fly kites. We also held Jordan's 2nd birthday there in one of the shelters. It was perfect, inexpensive and it went off so well a good friend of mine did the same for her son's birthday just weeks later. That's a pretty good sign.

We'll probably make it to Harris Lake some time next few weeks. They have a lot of activities at Harris Lake Park, and I plan to attend a few this summer and write about them. You're welcome to look back for photos and more.

HIGHLIGHTS: Free & there are options for older & younger kids

LOW LIGHTS: Ticks! Spray your kids, they are everywhere & they're the small ones & it's located on Shearin Harris Nuclear Plant land so there's a cooling tower in the backdrop (freaked me out at first but I'm very comfortable with it now OBVIOUSLY)

PRICE: Nothing

GAS COSTS: Minimal for those in Holly Springs & Apex

ADDRESS:

2112 County Park Dr
New Hill, NC 27562

 

Later Crocodiles

It's Dancy-Dance Time

I love my Thursday mornings at Brueggers Bagels for music time with Miss Tina (10 a.m.). She's energetic, great with the kids and I cannot say enough good things about this toddler activity.

However, I am at a loss to think of any more right now because my little stinkers were a hot mess this morning. As much as I hate to say a bad word about an activity we love, you would never (and should never) believe that my 1- & 2-year-olds behave all the time!

So here goes: Jordan (2) had the death grip on my leg for the first 15 minutes. And since it was cut a bit short today because Miss Tina had to catch a plane, she basically let go of me for three songs. UGH! Dani (1) is usually a champ on Thursdays. She loves to dance, play with the other kids, and give hugs and kisses to Miss Tina's stuffed animals. Not today.

She played "prison break" the whole time. Dani would dance for about 30 seconds, lulling me into thinking she was having fun and behaving. I would then turn to look for Jordan or console her for ... I DON'T KNOW WHAT. When I looked back, Dani was gone. She made a run for the chip display and had her hands on her chosen bag by the time I was able to peel Jordan off my leg and fight through the crowd of people to stop her.

She did this no less than five times in about 30 minutes. And there was so much more, but who wants to hear about all that?

Do I recommend music time with Miss Tina at Brueggers Bagels in Apex off of Williams Street (near Harris Teeter)? YUP, sure do. Do I recommend going with my children? Hmmmm, I'll have to get back to you on that one.

ADDRESS:

760 West Williams Street

Apex, NC 27502

HIGHLIGHTS: It's free, super yummy bagels, lots of kids to play with, Miss Tina is fantastic!

LOW LIGHTS: It can get crowded (getting there early is a must if you want a good seat), there are super yummy bagels there (and I am perpetually on a diet), and it is a restaurant, so not everybody there is excited about music time

COST: Free, unless you get some food

GAS: My GPS estimated less than $2 to and from Holly Springs

Later Crocodiles

A Rosie Time in Raleigh!

Photo By James Nedock Photography

I had no idea The Raleigh Little Theatre even existed, but this GORGEOUS venue is a great 1-hour stop for you and your kids. I wouldn't plan to be entertained for much longer than that with a toddler though.

You won't believe this place. The Rose Garden behind the Raleigh Little Theatre is spectacular! 

Photo By James Nedock Photography

Now, there isn't a playground or sandbox or swings. It's not that kind of place. It's more of an open area with beautiful flowers, water fountains and a great little stage and set of steps for the kids to run up and down. My kids loved the open areas and the big tree they could climb through.

We actually had our family pictures taken there this weekend. The Raleigh Little Theatre also offers summer camps, school year classes and field-trip opportunities in addition to concerts outside in the summer. From what I could see on the events website, the event usually start around 7 p.m. so perhaps not the best option for my toddlers. But some kids stay up a bit later.

HIGHLIGHTS: Beautiful, lots of flowers and things we normally don't go see, the stairs are awesome for the toddlers to burn off some energy running up and down

LOW LIGHTS: Rose bushes have thorns, we were on high alert after my daughter clumsily walked into a bush, it doesn't keep them entertained long

COST: FREE

GAS: It's about 15 miles each way for us, so I'm guessing around $4

ADDRESS:

301 Pogue Street
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 821-3111

See You at Brueggers?

My mother, and inspiration for most of my mothering ways, made a suggestion that I tell you all where I'm going next so perhaps you can go, too (if it's a scheduled activity)!

Tomorrow I am heading to Brueggers Bagels in Apex at 10 a.m. for music time.

Address & Phone
760 West Williams Street
Apex, NC 27502
(919) 367-7720

Every Thursday at 10 a.m. they host what our family calls "music time." I'm not even sure this is the official name.
This wonderful woman comes, plays music and sings for the kids with a box full of stuffed animals.
I can never remember her name, but my kids love her!

So that's where I'll be tomorrow. Hope to see you there.

Later Crocodiles

Pullen Park: A Stay-At-Home Mom's DREAM!

If you are the mom of a toddler or preschooler in the Raleigh area and have not been to Pullen Park, don't put it off any longer. This place is truly wonderful. When I first heard "park," I cringed. I was NOT about to drive into Raleigh from Holly Springs for a park. There are parks ALL over Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina and Apex.

NOPE, I just wasn't going to do it. But, a new friend of mine wanted to go with her daughter. Since I think she's pretty fabulous, I agreed.

We walked up to the gate and my daughters squeeled with delight as the train horn blasted "CHOO CHOO!" right in front of them. I knew I was going to love it at that moment.

I will warn you, this place is not entirely free. It can be. But you won't want it to be. There are swings (including a tire swing, which reminds me of being a kid in the midwest), jungle gyms, sandboxes (huge sandboxes), music stations, mist sprayers for the extra warm days, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. All that is free. But the train, the carousel and the boat rides all cost $1 per rider (including parents and everyone over 1 year). IT'S WORTH IT. I never spend more than $10 as the rides are pretty lengthy for the money and there is so much to do.

Pullen Park is located off of Western Boulevard in Raleigh. There is a carousel, train, a little boat ride (which I find boring but my 2-year-old absolutely loves), swings, a pond with ducks, picnic areas, shelters, food vendors, huge sandboxes, tons of preschoolers and toddlers, trails for walking & the list goes on. I love this place and try to go once a week.

HIGHLIGHTS: The view, the varity of activities available, the picnic areas & shelters

LOW LIGHTS: Parking, VERY busy on the weekends

COST: Entry is Free as well as parking, Amusements are $1 per person over age 1 (that includes ALL riding parents/grandparents/etc)

GAS: I've never calculated this. I will update later but will say TOTALLY WORTH it either way

ADDRESS:

520 Ashe Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27606

HOURS (see website for more details)

Day	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Open	10:00am	10:00am	10:00am	10:00am	10:00am	10:00am	10:00am
Close	9:00pm	9:00pm	9:00pm	9:00pm	9:00pm	9:00pm	9:00pm

Later Crocodile