Travels with Children

We made a two-day trip to Iowa this weekend and did some fun and interesting things that I’ll write about in the days to come, but I’m going to post about our last stop first.

We visited the tiny town of Nemaha, Iowa, (population 70), with a couple thousand other people who wanted to see the Farmall Promenade.  I had heard about these square-dancing tractors earlier this summer and had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to go see them.  Suddenly summer was closing in on us, and we found our opportunity.

As we talked to people in the area, we almost decided against going.  One woman told us that the show is really entertaining, but that they were expecting a lot of people and that it would probably be hard to see.  Unless they brought in bleachers; maybe they’ll have bleachers, she said . . . but it’s going to be hard to see.  With this information, we hemmed and hawed about whether we should go.  In the end, we decided that we had nothing to lose, and since my husband and I really did want to see the show, we’d give it a try.

We arrived in Nemaha at 2:45 for the 4:00 show.  Attendants showed us where to park, and we headed to the site.  The organizers had indeed set up bleachers, as well as benches on hay bales, and space for people who’d brought their own lawn chairs.  We spotted an elevated platform with a few chairs on it and staked our claim on the rest of the area.  That was definitely our best move, because it allowed us a good view, as well as a little space for the kids to move around without bothering other people.  If we hadn’t arrived early, it would have been difficult to find a vantage point for the kids (and us) to really see the show well.

It was hot in Nemaha, and the wait was pretty long, but I’ll give the kids a lot of credit:  they handled it well.  I had brought snacks and drinks for them, which helped as well, and there were reasonably-priced concessions available.

Finally, at 4:00, the show began.  The four groups of Mr. and “Mrs.” boarded their Farmall tractors and the dancing began to the call of a very capable and entertaining Laurie Mason-Schmidt, who put her heart and soul into the show.  In between “dances,” there were entertaining bits and some nice tributes to the people who have worked with the Farmall Promenade for the past ten years–the lady who made cookies before every bus trip, the Star Energy station that provided the gas for the tractors and never sent a bill, the wives of the dancer-drivers, and many more.

The best part, though, was the dancing.  Watching eight tractors do-si-do and swing their partners was a sight to see.  The tractor wheels were often just inches apart as they spun in their circles, and these are tractors without power steering.

This was small-town Iowa at its best.  People from Nemaha and the surrounding communities had gotten the promenade set up for their visitors, and had a meal for 1,800 people planned afterward.  From the national anthem to the last bow, I had tears in my eyes several times as I watched how this group of people and their community had come together with something unique and entertaining.

We were so glad we went.  The kids each had their own favorite parts–the tractors “wound and wound,” the big circle at the end, the antics of the drivers–and although they complained about the heat, they were fully at attention when the tractors were dancing.  It’s hard to describe exactly how and why we enjoyed this so much, but it was really one of the nicest family things we’ve done together.

If you want to go to the Farmall Promenade, well . . . you can’t.  You see, this was the last dance.  After ten years of promenading, the Farmalls will be parked once again.  They’ll be missed.

For more information on the Farmall Promenade, visit www.farmallpromenade.com

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I also posted some video clips on Youtube.

We’re planning a little end-of-the-summer getaway tomorrow and Saturday.  Our first thought was to go to Wisconsin Dells since we’d heard there were good deals there after the lake floated away.  I couldn’t find anything in our budget, though, and it’s a long drive for a 2-day trip, so we scratched that.  (I’d love to hear Dells recommendations, especially on a budget, to file away for a future trip!)

Instead we’re heading to Iowa.  We found a nice-looking waterpark hotel and I have a few other ideas up my sleeve.  My database of possible things to do in Minnesota will come in handy because I can look things up by town.  I can also dig out my Iowa Off the Beaten Path book.

I’m not looking forward to packing.  I never like that part but I always manage to get it done.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend.  Do you have plans to go anywhere fun?  If so, please share in the comments.

• 2601 Central Ave. NW at the intersection of Central and New York Avenues, just east of the Central Avenue bridge over the Rio Grande.
• 311 locally or (505) 768-2000
• 9:00am-5:00pm daily, except January 1, Thanksgiving Day and December 25. Ticket booths close one half-hour before closing and no one will be admitted after this time.
• Adults $7 for both attractions, kids $3, and children under 3 get in free.  For an extra $5 you can also get admission to the Albuquerque Zoo and a train ride.
• Stroller & wheelchair friendly, but a few paths are cinder and it’s a little harder than normal to push.

I began our visit to the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens & Albuquerque Aquarium thinking I would love the gardens but my 2 1/2 year old would be bored silly.  I thought we wouldn’t stay very long.  Boy, was I wrong.  He ended up loving it so much we went back again 2 days later.

The first thing you see when you enter the garden is a giant castle.

This is the start of the adventure–the Childrens Fantasy Garden.  I’d say we spent 75% of our time in this area.  It’s a wonderful labyrinthine world that begins when you walk under the curling tail of a dragon with smoke puffing out of his nostrils and over a moat.  Inside the castle walls are fruit and flowering trees and a tower with a sand floor, perfect for sitting and digging in.

In the next section of the fantasy garden you seem to have been magically shrunk down to the size of a bug.  Everything is huge–the vegetables and tools in the garden, the ants and bees, the pinecones.  It’s truly as if you’ve gone through the looking glass.  There’s also a giant pumpkin to climb inside with a spongy gym floor perfect for tumbling.

Slides through logs, mazes, hidden caves and hidey holes can all be found throughout.  And of course, all along the way there are real plants, flowers and bugs to stop and examine.

Back outside the castle grounds you move on to a model train village that winds though the trees.  The train wasn’t running when we were there but we had just as much fun looking at all the little houses and farms in the village.  Then it was on to a big duck pond.

The second major highlight of the garden is the butterfly enclosure.

It’s just beautiful and amazing.  Your not supposed to touch the butterflies but that doesn’t mean they can’t touch you!  I recommend wearing bright clothing if you want to attract them.  A woman with a silk flower in her hair got the most attention, but with my red hair, I had a little halo of them as well.  We used the charts on the wall to identify a few of them and my son had a great time yelling out the few varieties he learned when he spotted them.  There’s also a display where you can watch butterflies hatch out of their chrysalis.  It’s amazing.

Though the fantasy garden and butterfly enclosure were easily the highlights we also enjoyed the rose garden, the herb garden (both great for little kids who like to sniff), the koi pond in the Japanese garden, and farm with its chickens, apple orchard and towering sunflowers.

If junk food isn’t your bag, skip the snack stand and bring your own lunch.  There’s a wonderful open lawn in the middle of the garden with plenty of shade for a picnic and enough room for a great game of chase.

Now I’ve spent all this time talking about the Botanic Gardens and you’re probably wondering about the Aquarium.  I have to say, I thought it was kind of lame.  It’s small.  It does have a couple of large tanks, one with sharks.  It also has a very cool jelly fish display.  But for the most part, we liked it mainly as an opportunity to get out of the heat at the end of our visit to the garden.  Kids very into fish will still like it, but I think I’ve been ruined by the amazing Aquariums I’ve been to in Dallas & New York.

If you live in this area and have small children, it’s well worth the cost to invest in a yearly pass just for the garden and the zoo (post on that to come…).  Can you tell how much I loved this place?

Billed as one of the best state fairs in the United States, the “great Minnesota get-together” can sometimes be seen as the “great Minnesota sea of people.”  This was the biggest crowd my kids have ever seen.

To see more Photo Friday travel photos, head over to DeliciousBaby.

Well, it’s official.  I’m “brave.”  Or at least that’s what I heard from a number of people when they encountered our group as we walked around the Minnesota State Fair today.  I’m sure “crazy” crossed the minds of a few as well, but those were polite enough to keep it to themselves.

So, is it possible for a mom of four young kids to take them to the fair?  Absolutely!  I’ll admit that, even with all the places I’ve taken the kids, the fair made me a little nervous, but it really turned out well.

Here’s how we did it.  Hopefully other parents hoping to go to the State Fair will find some useful tips here.

We left home at 6:45 a.m.  (Skip this next part if you have your own favorite route and/or parking plan.)  I went in on the new Hwy 212 (love that road!) and around on 494 to Hwy 5 onto W 7th St.  Up the hill on Snelling (where you forget you’re in the city), and here’s my parking trick that we found by accident several years ago:  Stay in the left lane on Snelling until you pass the Energy Park Drive/Como exits.  Then get in the right lane by the fairgrounds and miss the long lines waiting to turn left at the east entrance(s).  Go back into the left lane, but don’t turn left on Larpenteur.  Continue north to the next light (is it Roselawn?) and turn left (west) there.  Go to the 4-way stop at Fairview and turn left there, then left again on Larpenteur.  Get in the right lane and turn into the fairgrounds parking area.  If you’re in the left line for parking, you should end up in the Camel Lot very close to the north gate.  We’ve had very good luck with this plan the last four times we went to the fair.  (End of route/parking recommendation.)

We arrived at the fairgrounds right at 9:00.  After putting on sunscreen and loading up the stroller with snacks and water, we headed to the gate.  I took pictures of each of the kids so I’d remember what they had been wearing in the event that we got separated.  Our first step once paying for our admission was to stop at the information booth just inside the gate and fill out ID bracelets for the kids.  These are free and allow you to write your name, your child’s name, phone numbers, and important medical information on a small card, which is then inserted into an orange bracelet to be placed on the child’s arm.  The only way to get the information out is to cut off the bracelet, so you don’t have to worry about losing it or having your child tamper with it.  I always rest easier once I have these on the kids.

The Eco Experience was our next stop.  We actually went through it twice throughout the day.  It has interesting exhibits on recycling, wind energy, water quality, and so on, and has a lot of activities for kids.  There’s a scavenger hunt/passport that kids can get filled out at various stations throughout the building and then get a prize at the end.  There’s also a nice little play/activity area next to the stage where we spent some time later in the day.

One other important thing about the Eco Experience is that it has one of the best unisex/handicapped restrooms I’ve found on the fairgrounds, so if you have a stroller and/or small children, you don’t have to let them out of your sight while you use the restroom.

Down the street, the Thrivent Builds/Habitat for Humanity “big red truck” was a very family-friendly area, and it surprised me that it was one of the kids’ favorites at the end of the day.  The truck tour is very moving, and there are supervised activities for the kids to do.

Across from that, I spent $6.00 on a small bag of sand to divide between the kids and let them pan for jewels at the Niagara Cave booth.  They came out with a nice little bag of colored rocks and will enjoy going back and looking at them another day.

We headed across the fairgrounds to Famous Dave’s for an early lunch at 10:30.  Here I tried our only real “fair food,” the Pig Lickers (chocolate covered bacon), and it was yummy!  Famous Dave’s is a family favorite, so we split two meals and had plenty of food for the five of us.

Along the way (I think just south of the Kidway on the east side) we happened upon a JFK exhibit.  It includes a replica of the car Kennedy was riding in when he was assassinated, and some other memorabilia.  The kids liked the height chart of the presidents and loved that one was as tall as Mom and several the same height as Dad.

After lunch we went to look at the animals.  The kids were most interested in the Miracle of Birth Center, but it seems that everyone else at the fair was as well.  We couldn’t even get the stroller in the door, so we exited through the grain bin amidst some disappointment.

Next stop, the all-you-can-drink-milk for $1 each, with our choice of chocolate or white milk.  The cups are 12 oz., so we didn’t end up needing many refills, but it was nice to have something cold and healthy to drink mid-day.

Then we were off to see Princess Kay.  The newly crowned Princess Kay of the Milky Way had the honor of sitting in the 40-degree rotating booth for 8 hours today while her likeness was carved in a block of butter.  The kids thought it was really neat to see.

We stopped at the WCCO radio booth on Carnes Avenue and the kids were really excited to see and hear the on-air personalities.  Susie Jones and Mike Lynch each took some time to visit with us, and the kids were just slightly confused that Dave Lee wasn’t there since he’d been on the air as we drove in the morning.

They also had some confusion over whether the 830-WCCO people were on TV somewhere else, so we headed down the street to WCCO-TV and watched part of their live-from-the-fair noon broadcast.

Since it’s an election year, there were plenty of candidates’ booths, and we spotted one of our U.S. Senate candidates.

We picked up a very large rootbeer for $3 at the 1919 stand, drank our fill, and had some left over.  It was a decent price as far as soda goes at the fair.

Another bathroom stop under the grandstand ramp (not nearly as family-friendly as the Eco building), and we were off to the booths at the Education Building.  Here is where I came to the distinct realization that the fair with kids is different than the fair without kids.  The Education Building is usually one of my favorites, but we breezed quickly along the outer edges to avoid the crowded aisles.  (Note to fair-goers:  There are a lot of strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters throughout the fairgrounds.  If you stop to look at a display, or visit with your neighbor, can you please pay attention to where you are and take a step to the side rather than stopping in (and blocking for everyone else) the middle of the aisle?  Thanks!)

I had promised the kids they’d each get one ride on the Kidway so they chose their rides and we bought the tickets.  The rides were discounted all day today (2-4 tickets instead of 3-5 per ride) and I believe they’re also discounted in the mornings throughout the fair.

Then we were off to Little Farmhands.  This is a really nice area for kids aged 3-10 where they can pretend to be farm helpers.  They plant “seeds,” harvest vegetables, feed the animals, gather eggs, and “milk” the cow, then take their goods to market and receive play money which they can spend in the store.  This area is free and is a really nice activity for kids to do.

By then it was almost 3:00 and I thought our day was almost to an end, but the kids wanted to go back to the Eco Experience since we hadn’t spent much time there in the morning.  When we left there, a crowd was gathering at the Northwoods Stage, where we were treated to a presentation by Ron Schara of Minnesota Bound and his dog, Raven.  It was interesting and brief (only about 20 minutes long), which is a good combination for kids, and at the end the boys went up to pet Raven.  This was one of the highlights of their day.

We were close to the parking lot, but I asked the kids one last time if there was anything they wanted to do again before we left the fair.  I didn’t exactly love their responses since they were on the other end of the fairgrounds:  1) see if Don Shelby was at the WCCO radio booth now, 2) see if the Miracle of Birth Center was less crowded now, and 3) check the progress of the Princess Kay butter sculpture.

So, back we went, stopping along the way to see the new Welcome to Minnesota mosaic on the side of the health fair building.

Don Shelby was indeed broadcasting by then, so the kids saw him banter with Jeff McKinney before we went to Miracle of Birth.  It was much more manageable mid-afternoon, and the kids could see the animals up-close and witnessed the birth of a lamb on the TV screens.  Princess Kay was still being sculpted but had much more detail than in the morning, and the kids were still really enamored with the process.

By this time, it was 4:30 so we started to head back to the car.  The crowds were growing as the afternoon progressed, and the boys finally started to complain that their legs were tired.  (I can’t blame them, as I was wearing down as well.)  I never thought that our outing to the fair would last for 8 hours!

The kids’ biggest disappointment was that Dad couldn’t go with us, but I have a feeling that we’ll be begged to go back annually now, so we hope he can accompany us next year.

If I had to pick one thing that made our day go smoothly, it was our stroller.  I debated taking the side-by-side double, but decided it might be wider than I liked.  Instead, I took a single stroller with a footboard.  (I saw a lot of sit’n’stands that would accomplish the same thing.)  Our two-year-old rode in the stroller, our four-year-old rode on the footboard, and the boys each hung on to one stroller handle.  The only times I had trouble were when they let go of the stroller–then the seven-year-old would tend to wander and the five-year-old would lag behind.  Having them all “attached” to me worked really well.

I’m exhausted after our day!  Are you tired yet from reading about it?  I realize this is a reeeeaaallly long post, but I hope it will help some other parents brave the Minnesota State Fair with their kids and have a great time as well.

Find all the details about the Minnesota State Fair at www.mnstatefair.org.

I’m thinking of taking the kids to the State Fair tomorrow.  I never plan to go to the fair, but then it gets here and I get fair fever and end up going more often than not.

The last time we went was without the kids, and I remember thinking how nice it was to go without pushing the stroller and counting heads.  I think the last time we took kids, we “only” had three and there were two adults.  If I go tomorrow, it will be with four kids and no husband.

On the other hand, if I’m going to go to the fair this year, tomorrow’s the day to do it.  The first day traditionally has the smallest crowds (by a longshot) and it’s “Thrifty Thursday” so I’d save $9 on admission and there are some other money-savers around the fair.

Then again, if I take the kids this year I’m afraid they’ll get the fair bug and want to go every year.

What do you think?  Should I be adventurous and take the kids to the State Fair?  We blocked off tomorrow for some sort of an outing, so is that where we should go?  Or will I end up wishing I hadn’t braved it?  Post your opinions in the comments, and I’ll let you know what we decide!

This site was recently featured in our school district’s newsletter.  Welcome to any new local readers!  Here you’ll find some ideas for fun places to take your kids without spending a lot of money.  Some of them may even be right in your own backyard!  Most of the places featured are in Minnesota, but due to my own travels and some great guest posts, you might find some vacation ideas as well.

I hope this site will inspire you to explore with your kids.  Remember that a place doesn’t have to be big or fancy or famous to be fun and interesting for kids.  Adventures can be found most anywhere.

I’m always on the lookout for new places to visit, so if you have ideas, please post a comment, and let me know if you’ve found this site to be useful!

How to go to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival with five people on a budget:

1. Be sure three of the five are under age 6 so they’re free.
2. Get a free child’s ticket for an older child at GoCityKids Steals & Deals.
3. Buy one adult admission for $19.95.
4. Eat a big breakfast/lunch before heading in.
5. Warn kids that you won’t be paying for expensive food, trinkets, or activities.
6. Be prepared for a constant line of “Why can’t we do that?” and “Why can’t I have that?” when you realize that nearly everything at the festival that is fun for kids costs $3-$5 per child, and that a bottle of water is $2.00 and soda is $3.50.
7. Explain that there are several shows that are free.  Then feel like a thief if you don’t contribute when the performers “pass the hat” after the show.
8. Finally find the Children’s Realm where the kids can make a wand or mask or have a balloon animal made and do a few other play things.  But wait, are you supposed to tip for those activities as well?
9. Leave the festival with kids disappointed because they didn’t get to do much that was fun and you disenfranchised because you wonder what your admission price got you.
10. Realize that the only way to take your family to the Renaissance Festival on a budget is if your budget for the day is $200.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

• http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/index.html
• Off Highway 169, just south of MN 41, Shakopee, MN
• 800-966-8215
• Weekends and Labor Day, mid-August through September
• Adults $19.95, ages 6-12 $10.95, seniors 65+ $17.95.  Discount tickets available; check website for details.
• Stroller accessible, although terrain is rough through parking area.
• Restrooms (”privies”/portapotties) available
• Concessions available

This is the view from “Mt. Tom” in Sibley State Park, west central Minnesota.  It’s a short hike up a path from the parking lot, and then up a few steps to the “tower,” to be able to see for miles and miles.  Even though the area was in near-drought conditions, the area was beautifully green from above.

The kids loved climbing the tower and trying to spot the resort where we’d be staying for the week.

Do you have a travel photo you’d like to share? See how to add it to Photo Fridays at www.deliciousbaby.com.

Usually when I go anywhere, I have four kids in tow.  While we usually make it work quite well, there is a fair amount of stress that comes with keeping track of everyone, stopping arguments, and keeping everyone happy.

Today I had the pleasure of spending a long-awaited day out with just my oldest, who is 7 1/2.  We drove into the Cities to run some errands, eat at a restaurant I knew he’d enjoy (Pei Wei Diner, where he could have “Chinese chicken” AND watch them make it), and do something fun.

I gave him several options for our “fun” activity–a movie, a chutes and ladders park, the arboretum, and more–but even though we’ve been there several times before, he chose the Science Museum of Minnesota.

I learned that the Science Museum is a lot more fun when I’m one-on-one with a child.  He was able to set the pace and choose what he wanted to see without interference from anyone else.  We panned for jewels in the Big Backyard and did some other things, like special snacks, that I could afford for one child but would never do when the cost is multiplied by four.

All in all, we had a great day.  It’s nice to spend some special time with each of my children once in a while.

Related posts:  Star Wars at the Science Museum of Minnesota; Science Museum of Minnesota