North Carolina-Year 1
Its been one year since we loaded our belongings into a U-Haul and made the 300+ miles to North Carolina. A lot has happened in the last year and it has been quite the experience. The kids have adjusted well and love their school. They also enjoy being able to visit their Nana and Pop-Pop whenever they want.
I personally miss my friends back in Delaware and can't wait to see them again. However, I have learned to adjust just like my kiddos since moving down South. We've had the opportunity to do some pretty cool things all of them are kid-friendly and perfect for the whole family.
Some of the places we've visited include the Greensboro Science Center, Jordon Lake, North Carolina Zoo, and many more. We've even enjoyed the local playgrounds as well as City Park in Burlington. The arcade in Huffman Mill Mall is a good time waster and if they kids have lots of energy they can burn it off in the inflatable bounce houses in Bouncin Around. There are hiking trails in the area and it is a great way for the kids to enjoy nature.
My children have enjoyed visiting these places and as a parent allowing kids to enjoy new experiences is important and making memories is forever.
***I've listed some of the places we've visited along with useful information that may come in handy if you should visit.
Children's Museum of Alamance County:
Let the kids spend hours playing and enjoying the exhibits. Some of the exhibits include the building zone, Health Center, and science adventure. There are other exhibits, but my kids found these to be their favorite. The Museum is closed Sunday and Mondays, but you and your family can enjoy the benefits Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.*You can also become a member and receive unlimited general admission, discounts on birthday parties and gift shop items, members-only invites and so much more.
Tip: Once you pay for admission it is good for the whole day.
Admission is $5 per person.
This establishment is an Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo and there is plenty to do with the family. Some of the highlights from our several visits include the touch tank,where the kids can pet stingrays. The aquarium also allows the public to attend the daily shark reef dive at 11 a.m. Also, enjoy the shark feeding at 4 p.m. The penguins are another favorite and are fed twice during the day. Enter into the expansion and see real coral and try to spot seahorses, clown fish, and some jellyfish. Look into doing an Aquarium Adventure or Penguin Encounter.
Outdoors you can visit the Red Pandas and Gibbons along with the other animals on site. Have your camera handy to take pictures of the peacocks that roam the grounds. Head over to the friendly farm and see goats and even pet them too. If you are feeling adventurous sign-up for the Skywild ropes course, with three difficulty levels it is sure to be fun. Or keep your feet on the ground and experience a Zoo Trek. There is plenty to do at the GSC, and you'll have lots of fun.
*Tip: The food in the cafe is a little pricey
*Tip:Greensboro residents, college students, City of Greensboro employees. and members of the military receive a $1 off admission.
Get there early to avoid the long lines and invest in a membership. The parking is free and you can park at either region. You catch the tram once inside the park to transport you to each another area of the park.
Enjoy the both the Africa and North America regions with plenty to see and five miles of trails between them. There are over 1,600 animals and a variety of plants and to get the total experience it is best to walk the park.
Africa: You'll see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, baboons, and so many more animals. The Air Hike ropes course is sure to please. Take an African Zoofari and see about 100 animals. The tour lasts about an hour. Feed the giraffes at the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck it gets you up close and personal with the long-necked mammals.
North America: Check out the Polar bear, cougars, alligators, and much more. Let the kids play in the Kids Zone and experience something different everyday of the week. Allow the kids to play on the playground the bug like theme has swings, slides, and climbing equipment. Plenty of space to burn off that extra energy.
Junction Plaza: If you get hungry you can head on over to junction on the park tram or walk to enjoy a meal at the several restaurants in the plaza. While in Junction enjoy a 4-D show or take a ride on the carousel.
There is plenty to do and lots of fun to be had. Make sure to pick up a park map at either entrance and explore all the things the park has to offer.
*Tip: bring plenty of water
*Tip: pack a lunch, the food in Junction is pricey
*Tip: dress for the weather, hats, sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes. Sneakers are your friend.
Lazy 5 Ranch:
Going to Lazy 5 Ranch is quite the experience and if you have never visited you should in the future. I heard about this place from a co-worker and I am glad we went. Of course, we went in November and it was a chilly, windy day, but the kids had a great time. I am telling you the look o their faces when they had animals coming up to their windows was priceless.You have the option to drive through in your car or ride on the wagon. We opted to drive in my SUV and my kids enjoyed it so much we rode through twice. You pay the entrance fee and pay for the animal feed and drive through the park. It's about 3 and 1/2 miles long and you can spend as much time as you like driving through.
Some of the animals come right up to your windows and eat the feed out of your hands. The rams and llamas are quite interesting and will steal your bucket of feed if you aren't careful. The giraffes and zebras are beautiful animals to see up close. There is other things to do while on the ranch so be sure to take advantage of them.*Tip: get there early
*Tip:reserve the wagon and keep your care from being damaged
*Tip: animal feed is $3 a bucket
General Admissions:
Adults: $11
Kids & seniors: $8
**Wagon rides include admission and animal feed however, the price for adult is $16 and kid & seniors is $11.
Greensboro Children's Museum: This is another place where the kids can let their imaginations take over. There are several areas in the building that the kids can play. The kids loved exploring the outdoor garden and playing on the outdoor play area. The kiddos will enjoy shopping at the market, visiting the news room, the mail room, and a lot more. This place is worth the money and trust me the kids will have a blast. Admission is $10 a person.
Burlington Splash Park:
One of our favorite things to do when it's hot is go to the Splash Park. It's a fun way for the kiddos to cool off and just be kids. Parking is free and so is admittance to the park. Just be sure everyone who plans on indulging in the water i proper swimwear.
Living in the Triad you are hours from the beach and in the summer you want to take a trip to the beach. Sometimes that trip doesn't happen and you settle for the lake. If you travel to Apex, you'll get the opportunity to enjoy the waves and trails. Jordan Lake is a state park and the entrance fee is reasonable. Get there early and set up in the shady. This has become our go to for our fun in the sun. Its been quite the year and I am sure a lot more adventures await. It is important to me that my kids experience different things and stay kids as long as possible. I do not know what the future holds, but I know it will be a blast.
Thanks to everyone who has kept in touch during the year and are anxious to know about my journey here in North Carolina. This post is more family-based and besides adult time is is rare when there is such much to do with my family.
Much love!
Until next time
Samantha Jan
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