They’re up! They’re amazing (that’s my unbiased opinion). Sit down by yourself or with your daughter or with your BFF or with your own mom or your favorite mom crush and enjoy.
I’m sharing the whole playlist here (mine’s first- convenient, eh?)- and if it leaves you wanting more, head over to the Listen to Your Mother You Tube Channel. There were playlists for every show this year, and actually, playlists for every show since the inception of Ann Imig’s creation in 2010. Videos aren’t your thing? View the text of my reading, Real Moms.
We have reached the mid-point of summer break- time is just flying! After recovering from the boy’s birthday bash, we were ready for another adventure. Some years,we take BIG trips (NYC! Disney! Smoky Mountains!). Other years, we keep it local. This year is officially the year of the one-tank getaway. Where, oh where in Indiana can we go on one tank of gas?
Today’s answer: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Our welcome package. Tangerine and JackO’Lantern came with us everywhere!
Here are a few reasons why our trip was pretty much the perfect one-night getaway:
For Wayne is just under two hours away (from the NE side) from Indy. This means we didn’t even have to make a pit stop on our way there.
Fort Wayne is easy to get around- we stayed at the Hotel Fort Wayne, which is right off the highway, and pretty direct access to downtown. Everything we needed was 10-15 minutes away.
Downtown Fort Wayne looks like a downtown- there are tall buildings and what not- but it’s easy to navigate and parking was a breeze.
So theres’ the framework- just far enough away from home, easy to get around and easy to park. Now, on to the attractions…
THE HOTEL FORT WAYNE
What kid doesn’t love a hotel? I’ve been reading all kinds of accounts of summer fun, and just about everyone comments on how much kids love hotel pools and hotel beds and hotel television. Our kids are no exception. They pretty much wanted to move in to the Hotel Fort Wayne. Our hotel room was a double, and we were comfortable for the night. The conceirge level was closed the day we were there, but we were provided with some in room snacks, and breakfast from the restaurant the next day. We didn’t spend much time in the room on Tuesday, but Wednesday morning we went to the pool after breakfast.
It’s the kind of hotel pool I LOVED as a kid. I remember being about 10 and staying at a hotel with an indoor/outdoor pool. Things like that make an impression. The kahuna kids swam until I lured them out with “We are going to the Zoo!!!”
SCIENCE CENTRAL
After checking into our hotel, we headed to Science Central. This hands on science center was a great time- both kids really enjoyed all of the activities. MaM “walked on the moon” and both kids had fun trying to beat their times on the Giant Slide. Leilan was brave enough to try the elevated bike ride as the rest of us cheered him on. There’s also a spot for kids 7 & under that includes a water table, which was a huge hit with my 7 year old! I’ll be writing more details about Science Central on Indy with Kids in the next couple of weeks- stay tuned!
THE FORT WAYNE MUSEUM OF ART
We headed downtown after Science Central. The art museum would have been a quick stop had it not been for the early childhood room there. The galleries had some interesting pieces, but it was a five minute walk through at most for the kids. We spent over an hour in the early childhood room, however, which made the trip worth it. The kids had fun building with all kinds of blocks, and drawing on paper and a dry erase wall.
FORT WAYNE CONEY ISLAND HOT DOGS
We headed over to the legendary hot dog diner before the Tincaps game. The Kahuna kids love a good counter restuarant, and Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island Weiner Stand did not disappoint. Coney dogs, hamburgers, and plain hot dogs were ordered, and we all enjoyed. The staff was incredibly friendly and we really enjoyed the meal. The menu is very limited- burgers, dogs, chili, chips and drinks.
PARKVIEW FIELD, HOME OF THE TINCAPS
From there we walked to Parkview Field for the Tincaps game. Every summer we try to make it to at least one baseball game, and I was glad we were able to branch out from our usual hometown team. Parkview Field is known as a great baseball field, and after seeing a game, I can see why. We were able to get seats right on the third baseline, and watch the opposing team’s pitcher warm up. Even from third base, it was easy to see home plate and first base. There was entertainment between innings, and plenty of crowd-participation activities. The kids also really enjoyed the Kid Zone, where they both kept busy for about thirty minutes before the game started. For $10, they each got 6 tickets to spend on bouncing/inflatable attractions, and they had a great time. We enjoyed some snacks, and cheered the Tincaps onto a win.
An added bonus: Parkview Filed is open daily as a walking track to the general public. What a great use of a community space!
THE FORT WAYNE ZOO
This zoo is amazing. I am so glad we finally got there after about five summers of saying, “We should really go to the Fort Wayne Zoo.” The parking is easy, and everything about the zoo is set up for families. Want to bring in your lunch? Fine. Need to push a giant triplets stroller? Fine- it should fit everywhere. Need a bathroom or a water fountain? They’re everywhere. And all of the animal displays bring you up close to the animals. During our visit, we were just one glass pane away from a lion, with in arm’s reach of penguins, and close to many other animals as well. There were so many animals, including colorful birds and all kinds of monkeys. We spent about four hours at the zoo, and could have spent more- we definitely didn’t see everything.
I highly recommend taking some time to explore Fort Wayne. It was an easy trip, and the kids want to make plans to return. Several times during our trip, the kids commented, “This is fun!” “What a nice day!” “Can we come back here soon?” There are plenty of parks to explore, more eateries to experience, and attractions to see. There are plenty of locally owned restaurants, and blocks to explore downtown.
Disclosure: Thanks to Visit Fort Wayne for coordinating our trip!
Today both kiddos are off to camp- for the first time, they’re doing camp apart from each other. The boy is off to his first Scout day camp, and MaM is doing a park camp that focuses on nature. I can’t wait to hear about their days!!
Both programs are day camps, with one overnight for MaM. We were *almost* ready to sign her up for resident camp, but decided not to this summer. I have promised that she will be going to sleep away camp in 2016. Think she’ll hold me to it?
Actually, I can’t wait for her to have the experience of resident camp. I loved camp as a girl, and I loved camp when I was a counselor for three summers in college. Crazy fun things happen at camp!
If you’re getting your camper ready to go away for a few days (or a few weeks), the MinuteClinic and CVS* have you covered. From camp physicals and immunization updates, to treating things like poison ivy, MinuteClinic can help. While you’re there, you can also pick up camp essentials such as:
sunscreen
insect repellent
band aids
after-bite/anti-itch cream
travel size toiletries
flashligt batteries
disposable camera (it may blow your child’s mind how those work)
any OTC meds your child may need (turn those into the camp nurse when you get there)
When your child returns home, if she’s got a questionable rash or insect bit, the MinuteClinic can help assess the situation. Chances are though, you child will be physically fine while she’s away from home- but what about emotionally?
In my years as a camp counselor, I think we only sent one girl home for severe homesickness. For most campers, the first night at camp is usually the hardest, and then it gets easier each subsequent night. At the week’s closing campfire, many campers are crying…because they don’t want to go home!
Most camps will do a terrific job of keeping kids so busy, they don’t have time to think about home. With technology, some camps will send emails throughout the week with unit updates and photos (because you may be a little lost too). Even if you are a little sad/anxious, it’s important that your child doesn’t see it.
I still remember mail my family sent to me while I was away (I’m sure my mom probably mailed post cards before I left)- it’s always fun to get mail. Send your camper fun postcards with upbeat messages, like “I can’t wait to hear about the fun you’re having” and say things like “See you Friday!” instead of “we miss you”.
If you think she’ll use them, send stamped, addressed envelopes or postcards with your camper. From what I’ve heard, they don’t get used so much. And that’s ok- if they’re not writing home, chances are they’re having a great time making friends and memories. And that’s what Camp is all about!
*Thanks to MinuteClinic for sponsoring today’s post. Right now, if you get a camp physical at a MinuteClinic near you, you will receive a CVS coupon book valued at $25 on some important summer time essentials!
What kid doesn’t love a hotel? I’ve been reading all kinds of accounts of summer fun, and just about everyone comments on how much kids love hotel pools and hotel beds and hotel television. Our kids are no exception. They pretty much wanted to move in to the Hotel Fort Wayne. Our hotel room was a double, and we were comfortable for the night. The conceirge level was closed the day we were there, but we were provided with some in room snacks, and breakfast from the restaurant the next day. We didn’t spend much time in the room on Tuesday, but Wednesday morning we went to the pool after breakfast.
