Family Adventures

7 Ways to Have Fun With Bubbles

Forget the little bottle and the dinky wand. This is serious bubble fun!



  • A Simple Pleasure

    Every kid loves blowing bubbles. We defy you to find an exception. On a sunny day, it's a wonderful activity, whether it's just you and your grandchild or a whole gang of little ones. We have assembled our favorite bubble tricks, tips, and activities to help you make bigger, more colorful, more exciting bubbles together. Don't forget your camera! Bubbles make for great photo ops, too.

  • Paper Bubble Cone

    For big bubbles, the best tool to use is a piece of paper. Make a paper cone by rolling a sheet of 8-1/2-x-11-inch paper. Tape the smaller end so the cone shape holds. Cut the wide end so it is a more circular opening, being sure to leave no points or rough edges. Stand your cone in the shallow dish of bubble solution, allowing it to soak up solution for a few seconds. Lift the cone to your mouth, tilt it up, and blow on the smaller end. Practice using a steady stream of air to make the bubble grow. To release your bubble from the cone, gently pinch the wide end of the cone or quickly flick the cone to shake the bubble off.

  • Make Your Own Super Bubbles

    Follow this recipe to make super strong bubbles. Add food coloring for extra fun. You will need:
    • 1 package unflavored gelatin
    • 1 cup just-boiled water
    • 1 1/2 to 2 ounces glycerin (available in the skin care aisle or at health food stores)
    • 8 1/2 ounces Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
    Stir the gelatin into the hot water until it’s dissolved. Mix in the glycerin and shampoo, gently stirring. The solution will gel as it cools.

  • Create Bubble Art Together

    This project is messy, so do it outside or in a room prepared with newspaper or a tarp. You will need:
    • Bowls for bubble solution
    • Bubble solution
    • Tempera paints in multiple colors
    • Paper for your art
    Set out one bowl for each color of paint you will use. Pour one cup of solution into each bowl, then add a teaspoon of tempera paint to each. Stir. Have your grandchild select a color and blow a bubble toward you. Your job is to "catch" the bubble, so it pops on the paper. The bursting bubble creates a unique splatter. Layer colors to make cool patterns. Switch roles and have fun seeing what designs you can create.

  • Make Your Own Bubble Wands

    Wire hangers: Use pliers to stretch the hanger into a circle or oval. Be sure to cover any sharp edges with duct tape to prevent scrapes. For better bubbles, wrap the wand in cotton string or pipe cleaners, which will absorb liquid and allow you to blow bigger bubbles. Six-pack holders and produce baskets: Shapes like these make for amazing compound bubbles because they have multiple holes. Your fingers: This is a fun trick you and the kids can practice. Make an "OK" sign with your hand and dunk your finger-thumb circle into the solution. Blow through your hand wand. Use your imagination: Look around the house for plastic items with holes that you can try.

  • Blow Bubbles Within Bubbles

    It's neat to show kids how you can blow bubbles inside bubbles (and even bubbles inside those bubbles). It's easy: Pour bubble solution into a shallow dish. Dip one end of a straw into the mixture, slowly blow a bubble, and rest it on the surface of the solution. Wet the straw end again in the solution and gently penetrate the bubble with it (a dry straw will pop the bubble). Repeat the first step to create a bubble inside the bubble. How many layers can you make?

  • Lava Lamp Experiment

    This bubble science experiment is fun to do and watch. Make your own variations together. You will need:
    • Clear pint glass or similar-size glass
    • Water
    • Vegetable oil
    • Salt
    Pour water into the glass until it is three quarters full. Add about 1/2 inch of oil to the water. It will float because it is less dense than water. Sprinkle salt into the glass and see what happens. Cool, right? Think of other powdery substances you can substitute for salt in the experiment — dirt, flour, sugar, etc. Is the effect the same, or does something different happen?



    source:http://www.grandparents.com/grandkids/activities-games-and-crafts/sshow-fun-bubble-ideas-for-a-sunny-day

Free things to do in New York City

  • r
Alexander Hamilton exhibit, New York Historical Society.
  • Tree-flanked footpath leading to Grant's Tomb, Riverside Drive at West 122nd Street, Morningside Heights.
  • Tourist taking photo of Manhattan from the Staten Island Ferry.
  • Gagosian, Chelsea.
  • Governor's Island.
  • Joggers at Reservoir, Central Park.
View gallery
Seeing the bulk of New York City’s biggest attractions can mean spending a hefty chunk of a trip’s budget on tickets. Empire State Building? $23. The Met? $25. The Guggenheim and the Whitney go for $18 and $12, respectively. Even the Frick is $18. But there’s a lifetime of fun to be had without ever handing over a cent, and not just by taking on park trails, bike paths or window browsing. (Plus some ticket-admission spots have free times too – see the end of the post.)
Free New York travelers, get busy!

1. African Burial Ground

One of Lower Manhattan’s most fascinating, and controversial, stories of recent years circulates around the new African Burial Ground National Monument site. It began when a construction project in 1991 uncovered a burial ground of slaves – more than 400 caskets were found – from an age when New York had more slaves than any American city outside Charleston, South Carolina. Outside you can see part of the site now enveloped by buildings, and the compact visitors center does a masterful job at retelling African-American history in the city. See our 76-Second Travel Show episode on the museum’s opening. 290 Broadway between Duane & Elk Sts, Lower Manhattan.

2. Brooklyn Brewery tours

Free tours of Williamsburg’s Brooklyn Brewery run on the hour from 1-5pm Saturday, 1-4pm Sunday. 79 N 11th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

3. Central Park

It doesn’t take brilliant travel minds to tell you that a park is free to visit – most parks are. But most parks aren’t Central Park, Manhattan’s famed claim to thinking ahead (even if it was designed in the 1860s to boost real-estate value uptown).  It’s filled with free events, statues, people-watching and sites like Strawberry Fields, an ‘Imagine’ mosaic near the Dakota, where John Lennon was killed in 1980. Another site is ‘the Pond,’ at the southeastern corner, where Holden Caulfield kept turning to in ‘The Catcher in the Rye,’ wondering where those ducks go when it’s cold. 

4. Chelsea galleries

New York’s most concentrated area for a gallery crawl is in Chelsea, mostly in the 20s Streets between 10th and 11th Avenues. Check westchelseaarts.com or Gallery Guide for listings. All are free, no pressure to buy. And try timing for wine-and-cheese openings on Thursday evenings.

5. City Hall

Home to New York City’s government since 1812, City Hall tours take in its cupola-topped marble hall, the governor’s room as well as the spot where Abraham Lincoln’s coffin lay in state briefly in 1865. Tours must be reserved in advance. City Hall Park, facing the Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan.


source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com

MARCH 30, 2013                                                  
BARNYARD EASTER                            
EGG HUNT
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SATURDAY
  The Farm Museum will hold its annual       
  Egg Hunt in the orchard.  Egg hunts will
  be ongoing throughout the day.
  "Whiskers" the bunny will be hopping      
   around the farm to greet children and
  pose for pictures, bring your camera.
  Dance the "Bunny Hop", play egg toss and 
  egg rolling games on the farmhouse lawn. 
  Visit our farm animals and take a hayride.
  ADMISSION:  $5.00 per person
 (Free with Farm Membership PLUS)

I take my daughter to the Queens County Farm Museum every year. They have wonderful wholesome family fun...Its right in Queens too.






 Thanks to my amazing new friend Peggy, we were talking today about Stew Leonard's in Yonkers. After visiting there site I found amazing little events they are having for the children. I wanted to share it with all of you.



Stew Leonard's in Danbury
99 Federal Road, Danbury, CT
Store Phone: 203.790.8030

Banner
The days are getting shorter, there is a chill in the air and Stew Leonard's has started to welcome two of our top selling items for fall: apples and pumpkins. Both will arrive from local farmers throughout the tri-state area, heralding in the tastes, sights, and sounds of autumn.


Halloween Hay Bale Theater
Free of Charge

Every Friday night in October, the Danbury store's Hoedown is transformed into a Hay Bale Theater to show a free children's Halloween-themed movie. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The movies begin at 6:00 P.M., with seating opening at 5:45 P.M.:
  • October 5, 2012: Scooby-Doo! and the Legend of the Vampire
  • October 12, 2012: Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
  • October 19, 2012: Dora's Halloween Adventure
  • October 26, 2012: Monster House

Halloween Hayride Spooktacular


This is a family-friendly hayride that weaves through the Danbury store's pumpkin patch. The maiden hayride takes place on Saturday, September 22, 2012 and runs through Wednesday, October 31, 2012. Hours of operation are:
  • Monday through Friday: 3:00 P.M. until Dusk
  • Weekends: 10:30 A.M. until Dusk


Trick-or-Treat with the Stew Leonard's Characters

 On Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., children are invited to dress in their costumes and come to Stew Leonard's in Danbury to go trick or treating throughout the store. Each department in the store will have a candy station for kids to stop at. Children can come with their own bags or Stew Leonard's will provide one for them. Stew Leonard's famous characters, including mascot Wow the Cow, will be available for taking photos with the children. 

Halloween Day Trick or Treat

On Halloween day, Wednesday, October 31, children who come to Stew Leonard's in Danbury in their costumes will receive a free ice cream.

 source:http://www.stewleonards.com
Go apple crazy at the Queens County Farm Museum Apple Festival for FREE

October 2nd 2012
Nothing says "Autumn is really here" like wooden bins full of just-picked apples and bottles of freshly pressed cider. These wonderful icons of the season will be in abundance at this annual fest, which brings a variety of pommes from upstate producers to the farm's apple orchard. Chow down on a slice of an aromatic 8' x 8' apple cobbler ($3), listen to a country & western band, take a hayride ($2) or sup the good stuff from Jericho Cider Mill (glass $1.25, quart $3, half gallon $4.50, gallon $7.75). There's also a cider-pressing demonstration, where you can crank a hand-turn press, but beware of yellow jackets—they're attracted to the sweetness and pack quite a sting. 
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy between 73rd Rd and 74th Ave, Floral Park, Queens 718-347-3276
11 am--4 pm Free of Charge

 Source:queensfarm.org
Ride Jane's Carousel

Jane's Carousel is a completely restored historic Carousel made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC #61) in 1922. It is a classic 3-row machine with 48 exquisitely carved horses, and 2 superb chariots. The wood carvings, often attributed to John Zalar and Frank Carretta, are among the finest of their kind. In addition, the scenery panels, rounding boards, crests, center pole and platform are all original to the Carousel. It was the first Carousel to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jane's Carousel is now open in Brooklyn Bridge Park, in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn, where it is magically set on the East River, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. The Carousel is housed in a spectacular Pavilion designed by Pritzker Prize winning French architect Jean Nouvel. Jane's Carousel will delight children, as well as visitors from around the world, for many generations to come.

 Opened: Mon, Tue--Sun 11 am-7 pm, through Nov 5; Thu--Sun 11 am--6 pm through Apr 5. 
Cost $2 per ride
HOURS
SUMMER HOURS until October 15, 2012
Open 6 Days (closed Tuesdays)
FALL - WINTER, 2012-2013
October 15, 2012 - May 4, 2013
Thursday - Sunday
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
SPRING - SUMMER, 2013
May 4, 2013 – October 18, 2013
Open 6 days (closed Tuesdays)
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
TICKETS
Tickets are $2.00. Children age 3 and younger and those under 
42” tall may ride free if accompanied by a paying adult.
Special Multiple Ticket Discount: 12 Tickets - $20.00.
Special Group rates are available.
LOCATION
The Carousel is located in the DUMBO section of The Brooklyn Bridge Park, on the East River, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. The Carousel is easily accessed from Park entrances at Dock Street 



 October Pumpkin Picking in Long Island, NY (other area's to come)
Every year I start searching in August for an amazing new pumpkin farm for my family to visit. 
Pumpkins have been a Halloween tradition since 1866. What we may know as a "Jack-O-Lantern".
Each pumpkin farm offers a different selection of pumpkin picking. Some offer "picking pumpkin directly from the vine" and others offer "pre-picked off the vine pumpkins" which are generally located in one area of the farm. 

What else can you do at a Pumpkin Farm?
When I search for a pumpkin farm I look for one's that offer other family activities such as:

Bouncy Castles or Slides
Children's Playground (Most are included with your admission)
Games
Rides (Train Rides, Bicycle riding, Pony rides and Hayrides etc)
Petting Zoo or Farm
Shows / Music
Corn Maze
Haunted House
Apple Picking
Great far fresh foods
Animal Feeding
Face Paint
etc

How much does it cost?
When searching for a Pumpkin farm I look for Flat Price that offers unlimited access to the bouncy slide or castles, playgrounds, games, petting zoo and whatever else I can find included with admission. A lot of times you pay additional for pony rides, hayrides, face painting, the haunted house and apple picking. You can't get everything included in your admission. 

How can I be prepared for a day at the Pumpkin Farm?
I suggest wearing an old pair of sneakers and bring a pocket knife if you plan on picking a pumpkin on the vine. Pumpkin's are generally priced at $0.59 per pd to $0.79 per pd (Bring cash unless you have confirmed they accept credit cards). Come early to the farm. I am there 30 mins after it opens. I avoid parking headaches and my kids get to enjoy the bouncy castle and slides before the crowd of kids come. By the time it gets crowded we are ready to check out with our pumpkins.

What kind of food do they sell?
Pumpkin Farms sell amazing food and bake goods. It's like no other. Having an apple cider donut is a must for my family. If you get there early you will get a warm one. Can't forget the roasted corn. Most farms offer an unlimited number of baked pies and goods. Most important for your picky kiddies most offer the basic hot dog, hamburger, fries and corn dog. Some offer homemade jam's, maple syrup's and fresh vegetables.

What type of pumpkin should I choose?
You want to find a pumpkin with the least amount of bruises or damages to the skin. Your pumpkin should have a stem attached. In no way should your pumpkin have any soft or brown spots. 
Pumpkins come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Choose your pumpkin according to the design you wish to carve in it. 

Family Go Round 
Long Island Pumpkin Farms

Borellas Farm Stand
485 Edgewood Ave, Saint James, NY 11780.
Phone: 631.862.7330. Open: Weekends in October from 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of October enjoy our Fall Festival pumpkin picking (on the vine), hay rides , roasted corn , corn maze , and more. Payment: Cash, Visa/MasterCard. All vegetables are pre-picked. 

Save $8.00 on Admission by clicking the link below




Bridgewater Farms & Nursery
1624 Manatuck Blvd, Bay Shore, NY 11706. Phone: 631-665-5411. 
Email: info@brightwatersfarms.com Open: Gates open from 9 am-5 pm. Pumpkin Picking, Live entertainment with Zippy the Clown - Cartoon Characters - Face Painting - Little Farmers Play land, with giant inflatables, trike races, hay tunnel, and little tractor rides - Animal Feeding/Viewing - Cotton Candy - Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Kettle Corn, Roasted Corn - Bakery. 
Fall Harvest begins September 29, 2012 to October 28, 2012. 
What would fall be without a trip to the farm to enjoy the fruits of the harvest? Visit Brightwaters Farms with family & friends and experience the warm, serene atmosphere of our 12 + acre countryside setting. Indulge
in the harvest bounty from our country store & nursery where you will find: 
• Fresh apple cider
• Homemade baked pies and goodies
• Fresh baked cider donuts and cookies
• Roasted corn on the cob
• Fresh from the orchard apples
• Fresh squeezed lemonade		• Pumpkins and gourds
• Straw bales and scarecrows
• Cotton Candy
• Indian corn and corn stalks
• Ribbons and baskets
And a whole host of other specialty items to decorate your home inside and out with the bounty of the harvest.
Weekday Schedule (excluding Columbus Day): No Charge for Admission
Pumpkin Picking $0.69 per pound
Farm Animal Feeding $2.00 per cone
Farm Playground No Charge
Hayrides $3.00 per person
Country Store

Weekend & Columbus Day Schedule : $5.00 Admission per person under 1 year old is free
Admission includes:
Unlimited Hayrides
Farm Playground
Live Entertainment with Zippy The Clown
Face Painting
Cartoon Characters
Animal Viewing

Additional Charges:
Pumpkin Picking $0.69 per pound
Pony Rides $6.00 per ride 60 pound weight limit
Little Farmers Playland: (3) Giant Inflatable’s, Trike Ride & Mini Tractor Ride $2.00 per child per ride
Farm Animal Feeding $2.00 per cone
Or
POP Admission: $20.00 per child includes General Admission plus unlimited rides in Little Farmers Playland
Does not include Pony Rides or Farm Animal Feeding
We do not give refunds on POP or token purchases!

 Fink's Country Farm
6242 Middle Country Road, Manorville, NY 11949.
Email us at: info@finksfarm.com. 

 Website: http://www.finksfarm.com/Fall-Farm-Stand.html
FALL FESTIVAL GENERAL ADMISSION
$13.00 per person, Children 2 & under FREE! 
Rate includes unlimited access until 5pm to the following:
Unlimited Hay Rides* (first hay ride 10:00am) 
7-Acre Corn Maze
Animal Farm*
Barnyard Bouncer
Pig Races
Playground area		Calf Roping
Combine Slide
One (1) FREE Pumpkin Slingshot
Picnic area*
Bathroom facilities*
Live Music (Month of October only)
*Handicap accessible
**FALL FESTIVAL ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS
Corn Cannon
Face Painting
Fall Photos
Pony Rides - Starting at 10:30am
Pumpkin Slingshot 		Roasted corn
U-pick Pumpkins on the vine
Food & Beverage
Kiddie Train
**Additional fees apply
NIGHT LIFE ON THE FARM
FLASHLIGHT MAZE - SATURDAY NIGHTS ONLY (Month of October only)
SPOOKIE MAZE, October 26th and 27th		$9.00 per person, Children 2 & under FREE!
DON'T FORGET YOUR FLASHLIGHT!

FW Schmitt Farms
Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY and 26 PineLawn Road, Melville, NY 11747. Phone: 631-271-3276.  Open: Daytime fun will begin on Saturday, September 24th, We will then be open September 24th, 25th, October 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th. 



Day Time Fun
Pick your own pumpkins
Bouncy Slides / Pumpkin Patch Playground
Farm animals / Pony Rides
Long Island's Largest Straw Pyramid

Visit the link to find out more about the Day Time Activities: http://www.schmittfarms.com/Daytime.htm

Night Time Horror
Experience terror in Long Island's Largest haunted mansion
Escape the clutches of the creepy nightmare corn maze

Visit the link to find out more information:
http://www.schmittfarms.com/Nighttime.htm


 Hank's Pumpkin Town-Best Deal

 240 Montauk Hwighway, Watermill, NY 11976. Phone: (631) 726-4667
For more information click the link below:


THE MAZE PARK $10 WRISTBAND PER PERSON


INCLUDES UNLIMITED: ALL DAY CORN MAZE UNLIMITED WAGON RIDES • UNLIMITED TRACTOR TRAIN RIDES • TEXT TO PLAY • CALF ROPING • COW MILKING • GIANT MAZE MOUNTAIN SLIDE (a thrilling 50 foot tube slide) • PEDAL CART RACE TRACK  • SAND BOX With Diggers • CORN TABLE • CORN SWING • DUCK RACES MAZE GAMES • WOODEN PLAY STRUCTURES • EDUCATION STATIONS • 2 CURLY SLIDES & More! 


Harbes Family Farms


1223 Main Road, Jamesport, NY 11947
Phone: 631-722-2022. Email: harbes@harbesfamilyfarm.com. 
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm. 

 Pumpkin Patch-pick in the field, Fall festival, corn maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, pony rides, farm animals, school tours, events at your location
Visit the website for more information:
http://www.harbesfamilyfarm.com/events/harvest-festival/


 Stakey's Pumpkin Farm 
West Lane, Aquebogue, NY 11931. 
Phone: 631-722-3467. Fax: 631-722-8118. 
Email us at: info@stakeyspumpkinfarm.com

 PUMPKINS- Pumpkins Pumpkins Pumpkins! 26 acres of over pick your own with over 18 different varieties $25.00- All one can carry or $0.59- per pound


Challenge yourself in our 3 acre corn maze. Its an exciting adventure you will never forget. Sizzle your senses and pit your wits trying to find your way through our large puzzle. Getting lost is all part of the fun.

Visit the website to find more information out:
http://www.stakeyspumpkinfarm.com



White Post Farms

 250 Old Country Road, Melville, NY 11747. Phone: 631-351-9373. Fax: 631-424-4872. Email: rbrigman@hotmail.com
Long Island's favorite Fall Festival is always right at White Post Farms of Melville in Huntington, New York! We are Huntington's longest Fall Festival with six fun filled weekends and Columbus Day!

Our Festival runs September 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th and October 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th. Don't miss it!

Pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, train rides, corn maze, straw or hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
Visit the website for more information  http://www.whitepostfarms.com/

 More Locations To Come.....


  • Mil Neck Fall Festival is Coming October 6th 2012
Every year, Mill Neck's family fall festival draws ten of thousands of returning visitors and many more new friends. The festival annually brings the best of the autumn season to Long Island, making a trip to the beautiful Mill neck campus over Columbus Day weekend irresistible. This year's festival to be held on October 6th and 7th from 9am to 5pm promises to be better than ever, with the return of ripe apples, handmade country crafts, seasonable produce, grilled bratwurst, children's activities and many more. 
Click the brochure below to learn more information. I attend this event annually with my family. We purchase boxes of apples to make a killer apple pie from scratch...Recipe soon to come. 
http://www.millneck.org/news/fall_festival/fall_festival_assets/Apple%20Fest_brochure%20for%20online.pdf           posted 9/27/2012





*I will be working continuously to add more new events each day. Thanks for visiting!

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