Revisiting: Sacramento Children's Museum

It has been a few years since we have been to the museum. We were annual pass holders for a year but I didn't renew because the kids weren't as excited with visiting. And I wasn't excited that large school groups were ALWAYS there, often with bigger kids and rougher behavior. 

But thanks to a thoughtful donation (free passes for 4!) we checked things out again. It was nice to see some new exhibits/play areas. 

The noodle tunnel was pretty clever though I would stand there wondering if one of mine was still wandering through or mixed up and going back another direction. 

  

The painting wall is always a huge hit, if you are lucky enough to get a spot. I think I just need to install some of this plexy onto my backyard fence. 

And always have a change of clothes for after- the water tables are more like showers for toddlers. 

Glad they had a sand box set up- kids and sand! So glad when they can enjoy it (somewhere other than my house or where I wonder how many animals have left some business behind).

Lil Equestrians

Mr. B's mom told us about Lil Equestrians. A fun morning program for the littles (age 2-5). Learn about farm animals in a very relaxed, hands on way. Chickens, Oreo the bunny, two Arabian horses, dog and cat are all available to the children. When you are waiting for a turn you can paint a pony, ride the zip line or bounce. Too bad this fun camp is moving to Penryn next month!

Target Run

The girls are always appropriately enthusiastic when we need to make a target run. Today we went for a new box for the beans (these things have wowed me with their popularity- I will never mock the "sensory bin" idea again). 

So glad I had this big helper along!

Inspiration struck and we were able to practice a few other very important lessons: 1) finding a good bargain 2) finding a good shoe. 

These clearance beauties will be donated to our church youth group shoe drive. 

Sacramento Zoo

Thank you, groupon, for the zoo tickets. I haven't been in so long and it was a great morning. The weather was perfect, the animals were active (except for the 2 exhibits closed for maintenance) and everyone was well behaved. The train ride and carousel were new since the last time I have visited as were the otter and redesigned giraffe exhibits. 

Super serious map reader! He was on a mission to find those lions. Too bad the exhibit had a burst pipe or something- a bunch of zoo workers digging a hole in the ground isn't very exciting.

Super serious train rider!

The gorillas were so close!

The giraffes were so active this early morning.

Lens cap fail, uhg. Bottom of the giraffe exhibit.

On our way out the docents were out with animals to touch. I was so surprised that the children were eager to touch the snakes. This python was very slow moving and meek so I wasn't too worried.

Field Trip: Nimbus Fish Hatchery

I remember being this age and visiting this hatchery often. It was so much fun to watch the children point and scream every time a giant fish leaped up and onto the next ladder section. They really enjoyed it. We did skip the tour that includes artificial spawning- I have to say I still feel awful when I see the rangers gutting all those fish (I know it is is for the greater good, yada yada).

Field Trip: Apple Hill

Apple Hill favorites: apples (of course), pony rides, fudge factory, and watching other people catch and release at the big pond.

Field Trip: Folsom Zoo Sanctuary

The weather gets an A+ this week. No more hurrying to get to the park before it is too hot to be outdoors. Apparently the animals agree, because they were all out and about for us to enjoy! The tiger and mountain lions were prowling around. The bears were playing with their rolling food traps. The deer was enjoying her food buckets. Even the barn owl was out on his perch.