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.

Arts, Crafts & Playtime? Yes, Please!

Motherhood is a glorious, joyful experience filled with love and kindness and a lot of tantrums … both from child and mom. The only people who ever say that raising little people is easy never had any. And the only thing harder than raising kids is entertaining them especially when they are little and home all .. day .. long.

How many of you moms out there were nodding along just now?? Well, last weekend I found a little gem that you are going to love. No really.

At 52 South Main Street in Nazareth, moms (and dads too) will find the entrance to Jelly Bean Town, USA. Your children will be so entertained upon entertaining that you will actually be able to – gasp – enjoy playing with them while not arguing or bartering or pitching tantrums! You won’t find jelly beans though, so read on for the scoop.

Jelly Bean Town USA is the vision of its owner, Tara Carson. It is, at its core, an arts and crafts center; but it is nestled inside a kid-friendly ‘town’ complete with a library, mail stop, dress-up center, grocery store, tool station and train table. A town whose every colorful detail is perfect and exact; thanks largely to its co-owner, Tara’s husband (vision-realizer & architect) John Carson.

You will see a bookshelf full of Dr. Seuss, a map listing capital cities, tables covered in art paper and supplies, several Purell stations, a water cooler, a coat rack and a clean bathroom. Your child will see the clouds on the ceiling, the jelly beans on the walls, the princess hat and knight mask, the balloons, the Legos, the trains, the huge chalkboard, and the stickers, oh and the STICKERS!! Together, you and your child will spend an afternoon laughing and creating and forgetting why you hate Barney and naps respectively.

And it is not just for the ultra-mini set. I brought along my Rooks (or little Castles), who are 11 and a half (so important to a girl) and 9. I knew my daughter would love the crafts. I was surprised to see how much fun my son had banging around in Tool Time and playing with the trains.

Jelly Bean Town, USA received 2 Thumbs Up from the Rooks. What better endorsement could you need?

Details:

Open Play Times are only $5 per child no matter how long you stay. (Seriously!!)

Monday 9:30a – 2p

Tuesday 11a – 5p

Wednesday 9:30a – 3p

Friday 9:30a – 2p

Every Sunday from 1 – 3p is a themed craft and playtime. Again, only $5.

There are also several one-day and one-week camp sessions during the summer.

Best Detail:

2 words – Birthday. Party.

Oh yeah. Tara loves birthdays and has several themes from which you can choose such as Princess Royalty or Diggin’ for Dinos. She is also open to any ideas you or your birthday bean may have. Ready to break out of the boring birthday bash grind? Of course you are. So call Tara.

 

Cool Details:

Jelly Bean Town, USA offers art classes after school for the young, budding-Picasso set. There are also special Crafting Sessions for adults several times a month. In the future, look for after-work art classes for adults too!

Tara, who studied art in school and is a graphic designer, really does see art everywhere. Her ultimate vision is to help old and young alike experience it for themselves too.

Helpful Details:

Need to fulfill an art credit for your home-schooled kids? Want to earn an art-centric merit badge for your troop? Yep, Tara does that too. Shoot her a call or email to make special arrangements for your class or troop.

Quirky Detail:

Jelly Bean Town USA’s mascot, Shelly Jelly Bean, can come to your parade or event. Guess how you find out more? Yep, call or email Tara.

Necessary Details:

52 South Main Street, Nazareth, PA 18064

610.248.0549

www.JellyBeanTownUSA.com

info@JellyBeanTownUSA.com

Cash, Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted.