Farmer's market fun

It was my oldest's birthday, and she was sick. We wanted to do something fun but didn't want to expose kids to her illness. So we went to the state farmer's market. She loves the muscadine icee and the fresh squeezed juice drinks.
We didn't last long. She spiked a high fever. Poor baby.
We got her a few samples and drinks and we never fail to enjoy ourselves. Although i think we pushed it a bit today. We just love it there.!

By the way, I LOVE HALLOWEEN. And they already had pumpkins!

1201 Agriculture Street  

Raleigh, NC 27603 HIGHLIGHTS: Great, inexpensive produce, free samples, NC products.

LOW LIGHTS: It can be really crowded and hot in the summer. In the winter it's a little smaller with less to choose from.

COST: Free!

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

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