What's New at the LV Zoo? August Events for Kids, Big & Little.

I'm just going to say ... I love the Lehigh Valley Zoo! While it's not the largest, most exotic zoo, it's local, enjoyable and offers a great way for my kids to explore, learn and play (i.e. burn off some energy). For the first time this year, we purchased the family pass. The annual pass is $99 and is good for one year from purchase. It basically pays for itself after three visits for a family of four.

AUGUST EVENTS AT THE LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO

• August 2nd: The Lehigh Valley Business Group (LVBG) is sponsoring a free night at the zoo from 5 - 9 p.m. While there is no entrance fee, families are asked to register ahead of time and bring their free tickets.  

• August 3rd: Nocturnal Family Safari for families (kids must be 4+) from 5:30 p.m. - 9 a.m. Hike, eat and SLEEP with zoo animals! This sounds like a really great program; price starts at $30 for zoo members. Pre-registration required by calling 610.799.4171, ext. 238, 228 or 227.

•  August 5th - 9th: Summer Camps at Zoo for ages 11 - 14. Explorer camps is from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and offers a wide range of educational and fun-filled activities. Registration required and camp starts at $240 for zoo members.

• August 15th: Summer Twilight at the Zoo from 4 - 8 p.m. with $1.00 hot dogs. 

• August 18th: Fifth Annual Run Wild for Wildlife Conservation, 10K, 5K and 1-mile family smart fun walk. Register via active.com. 

• August 24th: If you like margaritas, cheesburgers (in paradise) and Jimmy Buffett, this event at the Zoo maybe for you. Zoo in Paradise opens at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are available for $15.

DAILY ANIMAL FEEDINGS AT THE ZOO

If you're little ones like watching the animals, then feeding times will be a great experience for them to see. The penguins get their "fish on" every day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the the mongoose lemur eats a 1 p.m.   At noon on August 7, 17, 18 and 31 the alligator will be fed and the cute, lovable otter will get his (or her?) grub on at 12 p.m. on August 10, 11, 21 and 25.

For more information on what's going on at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in August or to register for any special events, visit www.lvzoo.org.

17 Fun & Free Things to Do This Summer in the Lehigh Valley

Like many parents, I am always on the hunt for things to do with the kids. It's an added bonus when, not only are we having fun, but it doesn't cost anything. (Who doesn't love free?) So, I scoured the interwebs in search of upcoming, free fun throughout the Lehigh Valley.

1. Allentown Art Museum -- Check out the Toulouse Lautrec exhibit. The museum offers free admission on Sundays, and kids 5 and under are always free.
2. Appalachian Trail -- Take the kids on a hike! You can pick up the trail on Rt. 309N.
3. ArtsQuest - Peas & Qs is a great family program at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Events start at 11:30; I recommend getting there a bit early to get a good seat.
   
4. Barnes and Noble -- Story time is offered Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. at the Lehigh Valley Mall location.
5. Bob Rodale Fitness Park -- You can't beat the giant sandbox at this park. The kids will love it!
   
6. Chick-fil-A -- Story times and family nights in Trexlertown at the Chick-fil-A on Hamilton Boulevard.
7. Concerts - Free concerts on select Saturday nights in Lower Macungie and on Friday nights in July at 7 p.m. at the Promenades.
8. Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomy Society --August 13 at 7:30 p.m. for grades 6 - 12; free planetarium show at the South Mountain observatory.
9. Lehigh Valley Road Runners -- There are still a few kids races left this summer. Register online.
10. Lehigh Valley Zoo -- The Lehigh Valley Business group is sponsoring a free night at the Zoo on August 2nd. To register go to http://lvbgtakesoverlvzoo.eventbrite.com.
11. Parkland Library -- Keep the kids reading all summer long! The Parkland Community Library has a great summer reading club for kids 2 and up.
12. Promenade Shoppes -- Pack their bathing suits and play in the PopJet by Starbucks. Little ones go crazy for this water time play action. Open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
13. Promenade Shoppes Kids Day -- Enjoy free family-friendly activities on August 17 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
14. Saucon Rail Trail -- Get out their bikes or go for a run! Great exercise and burns off energy (just in time for naps).
15. South Whitehall Township -- At 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the township offers various free crafts and story times. Registration with the township building is requested.
16. Trexler Nature Preserve -- Forge the Jordan River and picnic at this free and picturesque spot.
    
17. Vacation Bible Schools - Check out our list of VBS programs.

For more information, check out the individual websites or click the embedded links above.

Do you have more events to share? What does your family like to do ... for free ... in the Valley? Share your events and ideas for fun below!

Not Your Father's Game Preserve

I remember going to the Trexler Game Preserve with my father when I was a little girl. Or, more precisely, I remember leaving the Game Preserve. Driving through the creek to exit was always the highlight. Wondering if we were going to be washed away in the car. Craning our necks to see down to the water as we drove through. Yelping as dad pretended to lose control of the car. Good times.

I promise you still get to drive through the creek to exit the new Lehigh Valley Zoo, but it will no longer be the highlight of your trip. In fact, I really had to drama it up to get a reaction from the rooks who were completely tuckered out after hours at the zoo.

And yes, I said zoo! You know how you used to have to schlep all the way to Philly to take your kids to a zoo with real animals? Not anymore.

Want to see a zebra or an emu or a crocodile or a camel or a horse or some-manner of horned, four-legged mountainy creature? Just head up Route 309.

Want to walk along a path lined by only a rope close enough to touch a kangaroo? Just turn off Route 100.

Want to watch wolves feed on an actual deer? Ok … want to stand on a lovely walking path basking in the beautiful spring sunshine while your children safely watch wolves feed on a deer a mere 2 feet away? Just do it!

Because this, moms & dads, is the absolute best part about the Lehigh Valley Zoo. It’s in the Valley! You do not have to chain your children to your hip for safety. You can watch them follow the sea otter around and around while you sit and take photos. You can enjoy the stroll as they race toward the penguins. You can ….wait for it … relax and actually enjoy your outing as much as your kids.

No seriously. The rooks and I did just that on April 6^th when we attended Opening Day at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. I have to admit that I was skeptical over my impending level of enjoyment because 1) I do not like animals and 2) I am not that much fonder of crowds. I know; so why was I going to a zoo? Because my rook girl loves animals. She loves animals the way all pre-teen girls love animals … times about 100. Oh, and she has this thing for wolves.

On Saturday, she learned all about wolves. She watched wolves eat a deer. She got to enter a wolf howling contest. She touched a wolf pelt. She begged for a stuffed animal wolf in the gift shop. She debated her case as to how wolves are really friendly if approached properly, and we should be allowed to pet them. She learned how to lose a debate with grace. It. Was. Fantastic.

Oh and the rook boy had a blast too. His favorite part of the day was the playground. Yep, a full playground with swings and slides and a merry-go-round. It is right next to the large sandbox-like area where kids can dig up dinosaur bones. Right next to the petting zoo. And right in the middle are benches and a beautiful gazebo and a large pavilion. This is where I sat and watched each rook run this way and that enjoying everything at their individual will and pace. Because I could see each child at all times. Not even seeing Dr. Doolittle’s pushmi-pullyu could beat that.

So go to the new Lehigh Valley Zoo. Enjoy your day trip with the kids. You've earned it!

Not convinced? How about now ….

You can bring in your own food or drinks, and the food at the Bison Prairie Grill is not grossly over-priced. (Nor are the gift shop items.)

There are several beautiful and peaceful places to sit and eat or just enjoy nature.

You can pet a turtle or a possum at the Bison Auditorium or touch a snake at the Zoomagination Deck.

Parking is free. Yes, FREE!

Leaving is a picturesque climb through the mountains past bison and elk which drops you off right on Route 309; rather than a stressful creep down Girard past strange men selling bottles of warm water which drops you off right in the middle of the ironically named Schuylkill Expressway.

You can adopt a penguin, or attend a summer camp, or spend the night at the zoo. (This sounds so cool!)

There are more Zoo Signature Activities and Events than there are feathers on a peacock.

There are special prices for grandparents who bring their grandchildren. (Oh yeah, I'm talking to you, Grandpa Castle. When was the last time you traversed the treacherous Jordan Creek??)

The zoo is open year-round with incredible rates as well as fantastic membership plans.

Seriously? Why have you not gone to the zoo website yet? Go. Buy tickets. Take the kids this weekend. They are having a Party for the Planet this Saturday the 20^th.

You will want to thank me, I promise.

Instead … buy your child a stuffed wolf and say it’s from my rook girl. Then they can fawn over its cuteness via Instagram posts. If you don't understand, congratulations on not having a pre-teen daughter. Go adopt a prairie dog instead.