Tag: Family Vacation

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Cherry Crest Farm: One of the Top Family Destinations in Lancaster, PA

We were so lucky to visit Cherry Crest Farm on our last trip to Lancaster, PA. We saw the farm last year as we passed by in the Strasburg Railroad, but it wasn’t until a friend highly recommended it that we made it a “must see” this time around. I get why, this place was fantastic!

Old School Attractions

To be honest, we loved it even more than expected. From the huge and legit corn maze (read: we had to sit through a corn maze orientation), to the tons of “old school” games and rides and slides, to the local food, to the pig races – we had to pull the kids out of there.

Try Getting My Kids Off Pedal Carts

We began our day immediately heading to the Pedal Cart Track where my daughter, who is notorious for wanting to drive anything anyone will let her – got her fill.

The Amazing Maze

Next, we headed to The Amazing Maze to see what the hubbub was about. As Corn Maze first-timers, we were really impressed and opted for the beginner trail with our three kids – ages 7, 3 and 1. Besides seeing real ears of corn growing in the real corn husks, there were little hidden surprises and fun “corny” signs everywhere! My kids loved finding these Ninja Warrior places, or fun maze puzzle piece stations.

Corn Maze

Completely worth mentioning here is the love Cherry Crest Farm puts into this maze. This year’s theme was Charlotte’s Web and from an aerial view that’s just what you got. Plus with color coded ropes in the maze you could tell which part of the design you were in the whole time. Their 22 years of a-maze-ing designs are proudly displayed at the entrance.

Rubber Ducks and Straw Bales

Next, we headed to “The Courtyard” Area. Here my kids spent a TON of time playing with the Rubber Duck Race and going through the Straw Bale Maze. When my daughter told me she wanted to go on their “Website” I took a moment to say we’re not looking on phones while here. Then I saw her pointing and laughed. You have to say, Cherry Crest Farm has a good sense of humor!

Lil Wagon Express

But the piece d’resistance of this area was definitely the Lil Wagon Express. We went on it many, many, many times. But it is not just a wagon ride, it is a scavenger hunt to find hidden animals along the way. My son loved finding them. Every. Single. Time. (Hint, they were made of wood and didn’t move).

New Mom and Baby Friendly

For the moms in the crowd I have to take a moment to compliment Cherry Crest Farm for not only having a lovely Baby Changing Area and Nursing Suite, but a bathroom stocked with what’s needed when it’s needed. You know what I mean. No quarters necessary (thank you!).

Bucking Bronco

Enroute to the expansive area up the hill called “The Barnyard”, we stopped to take a picture on the Bucking Bronco. Not sure they made it the full 8 seconds, but Luke Perry would be proud.

Jumping and Chuting

This area was amazing! We could have spent an entire day just here. My kids high-tailed it to the Barnyard Jump for some intense jumping and then moved on to the Hay Chute Slide & Straw Bale Racer. The kids were able to walk up the hill themselves with their burlap sacks and then come shooting down. This was done a dozen times. I was ok with that because I didn’t have to walk up the hill even once (read: parenting win).

Giant Slinger

Next, my daughter tried the Giant Slinger. Now this is mean, but my favorite part was the power of the sling shot’s backfire shooting her onto her tush in a very surprising situation. She was not as amused as I was…

Building and Pounding

As big builder fans, our next stop was the Lil Cabin Builders area. Here the kids made life-size cabins out of huge Lincoln Logs. Next, they tried out their newly chiseled muscles on the Post Pounders and all the fun games out and about in the area.

And of Course a PIG RACE!

Finally, we caught a pig race and wanted desperately to make it over to the new Battle Zone but just didn’t have enough time. But this is a good problem to have, it means we have to go back!

Great Place to Visit Year Round

With three distinct seasons at Cherry Crest Farm– Spring, Summer, and Fall we can easily return and get to do even more. They’re open until November 4th, 2017 this season and honestly, I’m dying to go back for the Flashlight Maze and Pumpkin Festival. Plus – spoiler alert – the Fall has campfires and s’mores!

They have some pretty unique events too throughout the year, including a Facebook Fan Day – where admission is free if you liked their page. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before!

In my opinion, with the weather now cooler, and the summer traffic gone, Fall seems like the best time to visit Cherry Crest Farm. But then again, anytime would be a good time to go. Oh, Cherry Crest Farm – you had me at fresh squeezed lemonade and fudge.

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly vacation spots we’ve researched!

***GIVEAWAY***

The lovely people at Cherry Crest Farm want you to visit too! They are offering one lucky reader of The Mint Chip Mama a family four pack of tickets!

To win, please comment below with the activity your kids are the most excited to try at Cherry Crest Farm and why!

Winner chosen Wednesday, September 27th, 2017 at 5pm EST.

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Fire & Ice – Great Family Fun at Camelback Resort!

Camelback Resort

Skiing is a sport people love – unless you’re me – and your skill level is “drinking hot chocolate” (I’ve come to terms with it, I’m ok). Enter Camelback Resort. I married a skier who doesn’t get to go very often (see above) who swore he’d raise our kids to be skiers. But when is the right time to bring a kid on their first ski trip? Luckily that question was answered when we were invited to the Momtrends Winter Break at Camelback Mountain last weekend. The time in now, people!

Some Things Never Change

Ironically I grew up going to the Camelback Resort area annually, just never skiing, so it was a fitting location for my family’s first ski trip. The kids were beyond excited; it was barely containable in the car. Not only did we promise them a day of snow activities – like skiing and snow tubing, but a grand finale at Aquatopia – the largest indoor water park on the East Coast.

Camelback Resort’s Kids Ski Lessons

Camelback Resort’s Kids 90-Minute Beginner Lesson Package had everything we needed – including a full day lift ticket and equipment rental. We followed the easily marked, fool proof “step” system to get boots and skis, then headed right outside to the private Children’s Learning Area (aka minimal things to complain about for a first time ski boot wearer who wants to carry their own skis like a big shot).

Perfect for kids aged 4-12, they learned how to put on equipment, stand, balance, walk, get up and glide. This self contained area was drop off, so parents (read: my husband) could enjoy a few runs while the kids were in ski school. I was simply happy to sit and watch the big waves and smiles coming from the “magic carpet”.


We not only lucked out with the weather (50 degrees!) but met the nicest staff, making our first ski experience a positive one.

My daughter loved it and was good! As soon as the lesson ended she wanted to go on the bunny slope with my husband. He happily took her.

Not Everyone Loves To Ski

My little guy – like his mom – decided the hot chocolate trail was the right one for him. I can respect that. We headed into the bright, window filled dining area of the main base lodge to rock our Après–ski.

The first half of our day came to a great close.

Aquatopia

On to the second half – Aquatopia!

We headed to our car – parked in preferred parking (well worth the upcharge, the same price as a locker but you get proximity and storage) – and made our way over. Although Camelback Resort offers a shuttle we opted to drive so the kids could take a quick nap.

Camelback  Lodge

Excitement grew as we approached Camelback Lodge and saw colorful slide tubes going in and out of the building.

We entered – wow.

Besides Aquatopia (the 125,000 square foot, two level, indoor water park), Camelback Resort Lodge offers Arcadia Entertainment Center – filled with an indoor ropes/adventure park, “win a ticket” games galore, a paint your own pottery place, a huge candy store, mini-golf, laser tag, and bowling! Yes, all under ONE roof!

As we headed to the family changing rooms, we past a swim up bar, private rental cabanas with TVs, a lazy river and 7 pools. We didn’t know where to begin!

At only three, I was curious how my son would do and WOW did he love it. Spending the majority of his time at Kartrite Quest, he zoomed down slides big enough for a thrill (and me – to nervously trail behind him!) but not too scary. We went approximately three million times before he conceded to a break in the Penguin Play Bay.

My daredevil daughter, on the other hand, was ready to climb the stairs to the eight over 48” ride area with the kind of slides a water park enthusiast dreams of (including the Venus Slydetrap, the only slide of its kind in the world)! My personal favorite was the water roller coaster Storm Chaser. I would have gone on a hundred more times if my husband let me. I mean if there was more time…

As the day ended, we quickly showered the kids (so they were bed-transfer ready) and headed out. As we drove off, the little snores we heard – almost immediately – confirmed that we had one heck of a great day.

Only a two hour-ish drive from Long Island made Camelback a great first stop to my kids becoming the next (enter name of a famous skier here). We will definitely return!

A few tips from The Mint Chip Mama for your fire and ice vacation!

Ski Tips:

  1. Get to the mountain an hour before your lesson to allow for a relaxed equipment rental experience.
  2. Be cool with your kid not liking skiing. Drinking hot chocolate is slated for the 2020 Olympics. Maybe they’ll like it next year.
  3. “Bad ski weather” aka warm, misting rain, etc., is an awesome time for beginners because it keeps the crowds away.
  4. Keep the tags on your new ski stuff so you can return if not used.

Water Park Tips:

  1. Bring 2 sample size bottles of body wash/shampoo so you and your spouse can divide and conquer your post water park wash down.
  2. No need to bring towels, they’re included (yay!).
  3. Bring a plastic bag for wet suits.
  4. Bring a puddle jumper if your kids can’t swim. Although life vests are available, kids can’t wear them on the slides and holding your breathe while your three year old goes down a slide into a shallow pool is a veeeeery long trip. PS – it was fine.

Overall Tips:

  1. Pack separate bags for skiing and the water park; just grab the one you need.
  2. Pack water bottles; refill them every time you have the option.
  3. Pack 10x the snacks you think you’ll need. No, make that 20x.
  4. Bring a chair, oh- just keep one in your trunk. It comes in handy more often than you’d expect.
  5. Never underestimate a powernap to keep your kid and/or husband melt-down free.
  6. Leave your baby home with your mom even if your husband says no. What? Did I say that?

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly vacation spots we’ve researched!

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All Blog Posts Family Attractions/Travel Moms Can Have Fun Too

Tis the Season for Turkey! Turkey Hill Experience, That Is!

With Thanksgiving approaching and everyone googling turkey recipes I sit here reminiscing about our recent Turkey Hill Experience and want to share my recipe. It’s an easy recipe – open lid, get spoon, scoop, and eat.  Because people – without a doubt, my favorite type of turkey is Turkey Hill ice cream.

Do you agree?

If so I highly, highly recommend visiting the Turkey Hill Experience + Lab on your next visit to Lancaster, PA. A place where it’s always time to “talk turkey” (sorry).

Turkey HIll Is A Great Family Destination!

My family and I recently visited the fun, interactive (and delicious) Turkey Hill Experience and I must say – I am so glad we did. It was one of the clear highlights of our trip because – you know – ice cream! Not only was there plentiful samples, but there was fun stuff for the kids to play with and on, great family picture opportunities (you know I loves me a good stick-your-face-in-it thing), and my favorite – an opportunity to create my own flavor in their scientific, white lab coat wearing Taste Lab.

With three kids – ages six, three, and an infant, our one and only family vacation needed stroller friendly stops that could accommodate for multiple audiences. The Turkey Hill Experience with its nine interactive exhibit areas including the story of the Turkey Hill Dairy and how the company’s top-selling ice cream and iced tea flavors are selected and created kept my kids interested for hours.

Fun For Kids of All Ages

While my daughter could read and learn, my son could milk a mechanical cow, go in ball pits, swirl down slides, and sit in a milk truck. The baby – well – he was just excited to sample the flavors later on from his own personal dairy cow.  Moo.

Besides the above, this colorful and eye pleasing space offered a digital “create your own ice cream flavor” which walked you through several exhibits allowing you to create your own ice cream package and even film a commercial!

Turkey Hill Taste Lab

But my favorite activity of all was the Taste Lab. For a few dollars more you could go behind locked doors into the dream-come-true land of create your own ice cream flavor using all kinds of tastes and toppings (or as they say – flavoring, inclusions, and variegates). Well worth it, you not only get to play scientist but you learn more fun facts about the Dairy and brand and get to tour the facility eating your creation.

Turkey Hill Loves The Environment

More than just a delicious Dairy, as a proud tree hugger, you can imagine my excitement when I learned about Turkey Hill’s sustainability and environmental impact-reduction projects including the adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of the building that houses the Turkey Hill Experience. As strong advocates for preserving the history, culture, and open spaces of Lancaster County, they decided to convert the 25 year old vacant Ashley & Bailey Silk Mill into their new ice cream oasis instead of new construction. Along the same lines, once inside you can find many creative little ways they used recycled material.

Have only a short time to visit but think it sounds fun!? Stop by and check out the fully stocked tongue in cheek gift shop or one of the few exhibits open to the public at no charge. I promise the next time, you’ll stay to play.

Seasonal Events

Looking for a fun holiday activity? Check out the Turkey Hill Experience Ice Cream with Santa offered from 6pm – 8pm on Saturday December 10th and 17th, 2016. A perfect time to visit and enjoy the beautifully decorated space – including several themed Christmas trees. Kids under twelve can create a holiday card that will be mailed to their special someone, listen to Santa read Christmas stories, make a Christmas craft, and enjoy a special Christmas ice cream treat and one of Mrs. Claus’ freshly baked cookies. Turkey Hill drinks will be provided during the event.

Designed by the same firm as The Hershey Story and the Connecticut Science Center, the Turkey Hill Experience, located at 301 Linden St., Columbia, PA 17512, directly off Route 30 at the Columbia exit, opened on June 4, 2011. For hours of operation please visit their schedule. I also HIGHLY recommended ordering tickets (in advance) online as all tours were sold out by the time we arrived.

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly vacation spots we’ve researched!

What’s that saying?

Save a turkey, eat some ice cream!?

Happy Thanksgiving!

***Giveaway***

The Turkey Hill Experience would like to give away a family 4 pack of tickets to one lucky Mint Chip Mama reader!

To enter, please comment below with your favorite Turkey Hill ice cream flavor!

Winner will be chosen on Turkey Day, (November 24th, 2016) of course!

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Dutch Wonderland – A Fantastic Family Destination In Lancaster, Pennsylvania!

Dutch Wonderland – The Best Family Destination In Lancaster

Hear Ye Hear Ye.

If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway, look no further than Dutch Wonderland – a family destination in Lancaster!

While the water rides are hibernating for the season, the dry rides & shows are plentiful and festivals are non-stop!

Amusement Parks Are Rites of Passage

Few things are a young family’s rite of passage like a road trip to an amusement park. So as a new family of five we decided to give it a go. We strategically planned our visit to Lancaster, PA in early September before our school started – but while most others were already in session. Off peak, off peak, off peak.

I should note I have been DYING to go to Dutch Wonderland for (give or take) thirty five years. As a child my parents and I frequented Amish country but as my Dad says “It was raining every time we tried to go”.

Uh..huh…

While I won’t say I specifically remember sun…. I’ll just say I never got to go – but I passed those castle gates many a time with my hand outstretched towards them and a tear in my eye.

Alas…

I vowed that one day, one day (!) my kids would get to walk through those castle gates. That day, people, was September 1st, 2016.

My Dream Finally Came True

With three kids – six and a half, almost three, and three months we thought this was the perfect time to visit. I have to say – we were right!

The park is large in attractions but not overwhelming. While you could go on all the rides in one day the best offer around is to take advantage of the evening preview the night before. For us – with the earlier closing hour of 6pm – this was perfect. We arrived at 3pm and knocked out all of the “bigger” rides we knew would have lines the next day. I loved the preview not only for the efficient (and complimentary) aspect of it but also so I could plan our full day there with some knowledge of the park layout from my own eyes vs. the online map.

Rides For All Age Little Kids

My daughter loved the “bigger” rides but equally loved the smaller rides she could go on with her little brother. The rides were a bit edgier than our local amusement park so she was super excited. My son loved driving the cars and the train. I liked the “sitting and recharging” rides – read: train, monorail, and boat ride. As a parent – shade plus sitting is always a big, big win. The baby was excited for the new “Nursing Station”. But truthfully, I found the whole park nursing friendly with benches located all around.

There’s A Water Park Too! Hence The Best Family Destination In Lancaster

While the summer months (Memorial Day – Labor Day) are a great time to visit Dutch Wonderland to take advantage of Duke’s Lagoon, the Fall and Winter months are a killer time to go as well. Rides in jeans and a t-shirt vs. tank tops and sweat? Sign me up.

Seasonal Events

The 2016 season is still going strong. In the Fall there is Happy Hauntings (Saturdays and Sundays through October 30th) featuring themed rides, special entertainment, tasty treats, and the Trick-or-Treat Trail (a safe, interactive trick-or-treating experience).

If you’re looking for a party – check out the Spook-tacular Halloween Bash (Saturday and Sunday October 29th and 30th) featuring music, dancing and more.

In the winter – on select dates from November 19th to December 30th you can check out the Dutch Winter Wonderland with rides, entertainment, and the Royal Light Show – a spectacular display of thousands of twinkling lights dancing to your favorite holiday tunes!

Giving Back

Want to do good and receive a complimentary ticket to Dutch Winter Wonderland!? Well head there on November 19th, 2016 between 3:00pm and 9:00pm (the grand opening evening of Dutch Winter Wonderland) with a new, unwrapped toy. Children under the age of 12 will receive one complimentary admission in exchange for each donation to the Toys for Tots Foundation toy drive.

Fill Your Belly

As frequent visitors to our local amusement park – which has the same number of rides packed in to half the acreage – it was absolutely delightful to spend a day at Dutch Wonderland. Not only were there tons of rides and games, special treats like Dole Whip Junction and Funnel cake, a few Dutch education stations (my kids were really into these), shows, and characters – there were also lots of fun “stick your face in the picture” thingies which we all love.

So at 38 I can say my dream came true. I finally got to enter those big castle gates, walk over the drawbridge – naturally surrounded by a moat – and see the amazing place that is Dutch Wonderland. We had such a great time. The park wasn’t big enough to be stressful, but was big enough to fill our day and leave us wanting to return.  There were plenty of places to eat, rest, play, and enjoy. Dutch Wonderland’s location offered many fun resorts and restaurants within a ten minute drive and there was more to do in the area than we had days to be there. Just a fantastic weekend all around.

Go. Enjoy.

Think of me when you’re eating that Dole Whip!

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly vacation spots we’ve researched!

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Turks and Caicos – The Perfect Getaway!

‘Twas just a fortnight ago I sat on the sea’s edge with my paramour quietly reading. How lovely it was to have no clock, no responsibilities, and no dependents nearby handing me a booger.

As I opined in my Huffington Post piece last month “Vacation: All We Ever Wanted. Vacation: Miles to Getaway!” it was so nice for the two of us to just get away to the Caribbean for a bit.

To relax.

To stare at the ocean.

Waking up to the sound of waves crashing.

To only think about how early one needs to leave to walk down the beach in time for our dinner reservation.

Ahhhhh…

Beauty Can Be Easy

Our little getaway was perfect. We choose Turks & Caicos because we always wanted to go there and because there was an amazing mile redemption promotion going on (let’s be honest here).

We stayed at the beautiful Ocean Club West resort on Grace Bay which was in walking distance to the majority of restaurants and shops in the area. The one day we (rightly so!) ventured out of the area was to dine at the infamous Da Conch Shack. For this we rented a car – surprisingly cheaper and easier than a round trip taxi!

Perfect For Couples Or Families

While I loved our vacation for two – I can certainly see the draw to this island and specifically to this hotel for those traveling with children. The low key resort offered rooms of all sizes with our  two bedroom suite being so big I felt bad that it was only us!

My husband and I spoke multiple times about how if our kids were there we could put them to bed at 8pm & still enjoy the room and view with the lights on until our desired bedtime (which was embarrassingly early most nights). Isn’t that all one wants when traveling with children?

There was a fully equipped kitchen ready to go for any meal as well as strainers, etc. available to wash off a quick fruit snack.

The Perfect Resort In Turks And Caicos

Coupled with a gym and full spa – Ocean Club West could not be beat. Funny as it sounds – I appreciated the little details – like the foot shower at the entrance of the beach/resort allowing you to easily clean off your feet vs. doing the “don’t get me wet” hokey pokey one plays with a full outdoor shower. There was a beautiful pool, beautiful fountains, and even little statues here and there a kid would love to “find” on a scavenger hunt throughout the resort.

My Favorite Part Of Turks And Caicos Was The Balcony

But I must say – my absolute favorite part of all – was our huge screened-in balcony. We’d wake and read there, we’d come home and read there. We’d drink coffee and sit there. Any time of day, it was perfect. To me the height of luxury is not the lobby of the resort but the proximity I can sleep to the ocean. If I can hear the waves and nothing else I’m in heaven. This was heaven.

Dining in Turks And Caicos

One of our favorite meals (both for food and view) was at the resort’s Seaside Cafe. Our first night there we just sat and repeated over and over “THIS is what vacation is all about”. The Seaside Cafe should not be missed. No matter where you stay. It is straight and to the point. If you read the restaurant’s name it’s exactly what you get. When I go to the beach I want to eat by the ocean. Simple as that. Keep your fancy inland bistros.

As a guest of  Ocean Club West you’re welcome to take advantage of all the amenities of their sister property  Ocean Club too – located a nice walking distance down the beach. They welcome guests either by foot or complimentary shuttle. I loved this option as the walk “there” is always more fun than the walk “back”. Plus it’s like getting two resorts for the price of one.

Ocean Club West and Turks and Caicos should be on your short list for your next solo, singles, couples, girls, or family vacation (omg is going back myself an option!!?). I found this resort to be both affordable and reasonably priced in an otherwise expensive area. The resort had every amenity we wanted and the location could not be beat. I would happily recommend it but more importantly I would go back in a heartbeat.

If you do visit, it’s good to secure airport transfers in advance. We used Mr. Virgil’s taxi service roundtrip and were very happy with them. You can reach them at: 649-231-0199 or at hughlou@tciway.tc.

Bon Voyage – or as they say in Turks and Caicos – “have a good trip”. Because they speak English. They also take your good old George Washington’s.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly vacation spots we’ve researched!

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I Come From A Diggerland Down Under. America’s 1st Construction Themed Amusement Park!

Amusement parks are a place we go to see our kids have fun. If you’re a big kid like me you can often sneak some fun in for yourself too. I have to say of all the amusement parks I’ve ever been to Diggerland USA – the first construction themed amusement park in the US – was one of the most fun amusement parks I’ve ever visited. Even in the pouring rain.

If you have a truck obsessed kid like I do – this is the place for you!

Remove your idea of conventional rides and enter the concept of construction vehicles as rides. Yep, that means instead of sitting in a tea cup, you sit in the driver’s seat of a backhoe. And get to drive it! I’m pretty sure I could have gone my entire life without ever driving a backhoe – something I never really put too much thought into before – but you know what? It was awesome! I was giggling like a schoolgirl the whole time. At the end I apologized to the attendant for my embarrassing behavior but he only laughed and said everyone had the same reaction.

   

Rides Galore!

But the fun just starts there – to highlight a few of my favorites, there are mini-excavators turned into amusement park games (no prizes but included with admission!); the Dig-Around – Half Merry-Go-Round, Half Excavator, all Carousel; and my favorite – the Spin Dizzy – a specially designed spinning 3 ton high, torque JCB JS220! I love that they were constructed (too meta?) with the vehicle’s cab as the ride operator’s station!

   

Mini-Land Rovers

My daughter (at 44”) was too short to drive the full scale construction vehicles (a good thing as a five year old driving a huge truck is probably a bad idea) but she was able to join me as I drove them as well as ride all the kid rides. Her absolute favorite was the Mini-Land Rovers. She got to drive – and I mean drive, not on an attached track – herself. I had vivid flashback memories of me as a kid LOVING this exact type of ride and always begging my parents to go again and again. So I let her, because you know, I’m a cool mom.

   

Happiness is – The Barrel Train

My poor son (at under 36”) who loves construction vehicles more than milk was very limited on what he could ride. However once we found the Barrel Train – pulled by a dumper truck that cruised around the park, little “driving” wheel included – he was set. For an hour.

   

The Happiest Staff On Earth

One of the other things really worth highlighting at Diggerland USA was the staff. Now, I’m an amusement park junkie and can’t think of any park whose staff ever did anything but sit there apathetically pushing a button. At Diggerland USA I said to my husband over & over again “he was so nice, he was so helpful”. I actually asked the head honcho – who was pretty amazing himself, where he found these people. He shared that most were local high school graduates, who worked here as their first job.

Good Attitudes Come From Above

It was important to the people in charge that their employees were very well trained. This meant trained not only on their specific job – but on what it means to have a job. They felt this laid the groundwork for the tools needed in life wherever their paths take them. Yep, my mouth dropped open. Amazing. He said because the company wanted to invest in them the staff genuinely liked working there. They were happy – and it paid off! 85% of the staff returned this season – which apparently is unheard of in the amusement park industry. Sounds better than your job, right?

But Wait! There’s More

Besides the rides and the construction vehicles to drive there was a stunt show, a really fun gift shop, an arcade, a huge playground (ropes course, rock wall, crazy slide), and of course what park would be complete without a goat cam?!

Great Location

Diggerland USA is located behind Sahara Sam’s Oasis Water Park in West Berlin, New Jersey. We visited on the second day of a little family vacation – the day before we were at Sesame Place. It was perfect. After saying good bye to Elmo we drove about thirty minutes to one of the recommended hotels in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. We had a delicious dinner at Cracker Barrel (mmmmmm!) and went to sleep nice and early. In the morning we stopped at the (Lark) Voorhees Diner for breakfast (which if you know me and how I feel about diners you can imagine how good it was that I’m even mentioning it) and arrived at Diggerland USA when they opened at 10am. While we left at noon, I could have stayed at least another two hours.

   

Go Even If Your Kids Aren’t Truckers

If your kids are really into trucks I highly suggest a visit. Even if your kids aren’t so into trucks I promise they will have a blast. It is so different from any park you will visit this summer. It is definitely worth the new experience! I can’t stop talking about what a nice time we all had.

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly vacation spots we’ve researched!

   

*GIVEAWAY*

Diggerland USA has offered to give away a family four-pack of tickets to one lucky reader!

To win – please post in the comment section below:

What’s the biggest or most unique vehicle you’ve ever driven?

Winner will be chosen Saturday, August 8th, 2015.

If you enjoyed this post please like it. To get upcoming posts please follow it. If you want to see other fun updates as well please like my Facebook page. 

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The Mint Chip Mama’s Sesame Place Tips!

If you live on the East Coast, I’m guessing at some point in your life you have been – or are planning to go – to Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA.

Sesame Place Was One of My Favorites As A Kid

Sesame Place was my absolute favorite amusement park as a kid so I could not wait to take my own children. It’s a great park because you have the characters for the little kids and the rides for the big kids. It’s just a happy place to visit and even with going back year after year it just gets better.

Right on the tails of our third trip (last Friday – my strategy is always go on a weekday!) I offer up my tried & true tips.

Planning in advance

If you can’t tell by now, I’m a planner. I highly suggest booking your tickets, meal reservation, and anything else you want (locker, parking, etc) at least 24 hours in advance. The meals lock out that day so be sure to book it in advance. The park is a bit bigger than Adventureland and very manageable in one day.

Weather

Weather is always the wild card. Remember to check the weather in Langhorne, not where you live (duh) because it could be completely different.

Speaking of weather, in the three times we visited we had pouring rain, a hot summer day, and a 70% chance of rain which turned out perfect (woot!). Have no fear, if it does start raining, you can score a Sunny Day ticket to go back!

Our most recent visit was my favorite because the weather was perfect and I could go on the rides (last time I was preggers)! Interestingly enough I learned if you have a little cookie in your monster you can purchase a Single Day Admission Ticket at 50% off the front gate price (the day of your visit at Guest Relations) since your ride options are limited. In other words you can be the designated stuff holder without paying full price!

Arrival

You’ve driven four PAW Patrol’s (the way my family measures time) and you arrive.

I suggest getting there at 9:45am (they open at 10am). Pay your $17 parking fee, drive as far to the right as you can, and park. You will be very close to the park entrance. This is helpful so you can go back and forth to your car if needed (we kept all water ride supplies in there). As you wait for the park to open you can take your obligatory family photo under the “Sesame Place” arch d’triumph.

Also take a moment to enjoy the Hollywood Boulevard-ish Sesame Street character handprints and Edward Scissorhands-Esque foliage characters out front!

As you approach the entrance, there are ticket kiosks to the left but if you printed out your tickets at home (highly recommended) you can proceed to the entry and get scanned through. If you encounter any issues the guest service booth is located right there and the line goes fast.

Ride Strategy

At first glance you will see the biggest attraction, the Vapor Trail roller coaster. Head to that first as it’s popularity comes with a line to match. We did dry rides first, lunch, changed into our suits (secretly digesting along the way. Ah ah ah), water rides, and a final dry ride “spin cycle”.

Character Encounters

There are several ways to meet the Sesame Street characters – around the park (usually with a line), during a character meal, a VIP Meet & Greet, or the parade.

Shouting out a HUGE endorsement to the character meal – Lunch with Elmo & Friends – the highlight of our trip three times in a row. BOOK IT IN ADVANCE. You may be able to get 10% off as a AAA member. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t. Worth a try. Kids under 2 eat free but include them in your reservation. They offer breakfast and dinner as well.

Lunch with Elmo & Friends

I love Lunch with Elmo & Friends – it’s a great way to break up your day, refuel, and get some great photos.The characters walk around, sit at your table and pose with you. They also put on a show culminating in a big old dance party. Don’t forget to take home the straw cup they serve your kids. It’s the perfect (free) souvenir!

Water Rides

I haven’t been on legit water rides since college. Know what? I loved them as much as I remembered. The highlight was – while mid-tunnel and sparked by the pin holes in the Sesame Streak – a flash back memory of that very ride as a kid. Suddenly I wasn’t a wife and mother but a teen tour kid enjoying my favorite ride. I had totally forgotten about it. When my daughter asked if we could go on again I said “YES” with the gusto of younger me instead of 37 year old me dodging my husband and 20m old son who desperately wanted to go home.

Most water rides offer single or double tubes. At 43″ my daughter was able to ride alone. Not gonna lie, on our second turn when she asked to go solo I shed a small tear. Sunrise sunset.

As a big amphibious shoe fan I recommend wearing a pair of water shoes, Tevas, or Keens all day. I also like long sleeve rash guards. Also worth mentioning – there are complimentary life vests for babies & kids so no need to bring your own.

One of the coolest rides (and scariest for me because of the size & difficulty keeping an eye on my kid) was The Count’s Splash Castle. It was “awesome” and I’m sure my daughter could have spent another two hours there. I owed her a second dessert for pointing out the giant bucket was about to pour on my head as we exited.

Shows

If your visit coincides with very hot weather or a child too small or afraid of rides, be sure to check out the shows – some offering air conditioning along with entertainment!

Parade

The daily Neighborhood Birthday Party Parade is best seen at the intersection of the black & blue streets near the dry ride entrance. On a busy day it might be worth sending someone to stake out a good spot. Not totally necessary but a nice break from your family the rides. (I won’t tell your husband). People start lining up thirty minutes prior. Be sure to check your map or app for the day’s schedule.

We were lucky enough to attend a VIP Character Meet & Greet (30 minutes before the parade) this time. Afterwards, upon my husband’s suggestion, we sat down on a bench in the shade at the beginning of the route (in front of the lockers). It wasn’t the best viewing point but it was good enough and got us back on the water rides before the lines formed again.

The parade was cute and a good “grand finale”/exit strategy. If you live in the NYC area this strategy could get you home by dinner.

Bye Bye

You made it! If you’re expecting a sleep & transfer situation, I suggest a thorough delousing (think sun + sweat + ice cream in hair) before getting in the car. Bring a wash cloth and pajamas. I also brought a spray bottle filled with Mustela No Rinse Cleanser. Mustela. Spray, wash, pajama, go. They’ll be out before you leave the parking lot.

Bring lounge pants.

Your welcome.

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly vacation spots we’ve researched!

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