#OutandAboutAva enjoys The Wolf @theatre_raleigh #TRTheWolf #Raleigh #FamilyFun #soNCsavvy

March 6, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Hey Raleigh….are you afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Well there is nothing to fear but lots to cheer for at this family friendly performance of The Wolf! This encore production is back by popular demand and runs from March 3-20 at the Kennedy Theatre.

Theatre Raleigh‘s Theatre for Young Audiences production of The Wolf is “a story of courage, redemption and baked goods.” The Wolf, played by the talented Quincy Ellis, is the antagonist from all your favorite Fairy Tales… Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, and The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Remember all those cautionary tales from our childhood? Well now you have the opportunity to join Peter, Little Red and the Three Little Pigs as they band together to defeat the Wolf!

This Saturday, I attended the 3 pm show with my husband and 4 yr old daughter who was a bit concerned if the show was going to be “scary”. I assured her the wolf was not real and by the end of the show she was quite a fan of the wolf!
Our physical proximity to the production added a unique level of intimacy rarely seen in today’s performing arts. The story was told on a level that the kids could comprehend. Dancing and music are interwoven seamlessly in the play.
We watched the animals do popular dances like the “whip and nae nae ” on the farm. That was some very clever choreography to modernize these childhood classics and bring these stories up to date!
We got a chance to briefly meet Director/Choreographer, Lauren Kennedy and like her I am extremely excited about what Theatre Raleigh has planned for their new Family Series!

The Wolf is a celebration of the power of teamwork and determination. Great life lessons to learn for the whole family. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/children and are available at http://www.theatreraleigh.com. Group rates available by calling the box office – 919-832-9997.

So grab the kids, tell your friends and plan to see a great show that brings dance, theatre and imagination together in a whole new way!
Here is some video to wet your appetite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXmItXsZ4Ak&feature=youtu.be

New Year, New Fun at the Newly Renovated @ChildMuseumATL #childrensmuseumATL with #OutandAboutAva ~ #Familyfun Recap by #SobeSavvy .com

January 3, 2016SobeSavvy 1 Comment

” I wanna have some fun”…with those 5 words expressed by my 4 yr old, we were off the to The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Located adjacent to Centennial Park downtown. According to their website, it was founded in 1988 as a “Museum Without Walls” and opened to the public in 2003. True to that initial vision it is indeed a grand open space with not a wall in site.

They recently reopened after a 8.2 million dollar renovation that added a 3,000-square-foot mezzanine level. That level emphasizes STEM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math education), with new interactive exhibits. My little one enjoyed some one on one interaction with friendly and knowledgeable staff members on that level. She actually saw her own fingerprint under a digital microscope and used a huge tablet computer that animates all of the body systems. I don’t know who loved the “piano stairs” more..me or her !!

Downstairs it is all about open play and learn. Gravity and pulley exhibits rule. They even had a mini supermarket for her to do some grocery shopping !

There is a elevated stage area for performances and storytellers. All and all a great way to spend the afternoon. Treat your kids and yourself to a fun learning trip and go to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta where fun and games provide education to your child’s day!

#OutandAboutAva Builds & Plays @LDCatlanta #Legoland #Atlanta #Family fun ~Recap by #SobeSavvy .com

January 2, 2016SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Legoland Discovery Center in Atlanta

” Leg Godt”…”Leg Godt”..”Led Godt”..Say that Danish phrase {which means to “play well” } quickly 3 times and it sounds like.. LEGO. Since 1949, the Danish company with that name has been producing what they called “Automatic Binding Bricks”. Generations of adults have fond memories of growing up playing and creating all sorts of things with their colorful Lego sets. My favorite was a fort that I built to keep out imaginary invaders. Lego’s force children to tap into that creative side of their frontal lobe and come up with all sorts of fun fantastic things with their Lego’s.

With my 4 year old in tow we headed for LegoLand Discovery Center in Atlanta http://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta/ This is one of only 6 in the United States. It is located inside the upscale Phipps Plaza Shopping Center. It is a mini indoor Lego amusement park. It is a bright colorful space with 2 rides, a 4D cinema and 11 play Zones. There was something new to discover during our almost 2 hour visit. Hundred of thousands of Lego’s to embrace. She built and raced those cars and did karaoke. Slid down slides and experienced real snow in the 4D theatre. It all was so much fun, all due to a little thin plastic block called a Lego !!

Next time you are in Atlanta with your family make sure to make Legoland a must see on your itinerary !

#FamilyFun in @BaltimoreMD with #OutandAboutAva! @PortDiscovery @BmoreWaterTaxi @prattlibrary #USSCONSTELLATION @GeppisMuseum #FamilyTravel #VisitBaltimore

November 19, 2015SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Baltimore is a city rich in history and heritage. My heritage started in Baltimore City where I was born and where I lived until 1996. So much has changed but so much remains the same. Charm City never loses its charm to me, so it is with great pleasure to explore with my 4 yr old daughter some of the things that make Baltimore special! Recently we paid a short but sweet 24 hr visit to “My Bmore” and here are the places we checked out:

1. Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Location
We took a walk through the monumental Enoch Pratt Free library located in the city’s cultural heart, Mount Vernon area just north of downtown. This library has a charming Children’s department that includes learning toys to play with, computers, a day/night room and live fish to feed!

2. Historic Ships in Baltimore
Historic Ships in Baltimore includes five national historic landmarks. We toured the 1854 Sloop-of-War USS Constellation and while on board we could see the Lightship Chesapeake glistening red on the Inner Harbor. My daughter loved pressing the numbers in the handheld tour guide and listening to the facts given about the ship, it’s sailors and Captain!

3. Geppi’s Museum
Geppi’s Entertainment Museum is a memorable trip thru American pop culture. We got to experience a time line of nostalgic toys, comics, and other collectibles highlighting familiar characters for both her and I. I was very impressed by the museum’s collection and decided to make my own entertainment by way of photo slideshow as seen here:
https://instagram.com/p/-P1I3riXK-/

4. Baltimore Water Taxi
Ride all day on an on-off ticket when you board any of the blue and white water taxi boats. Get a free map and guide to over 35 attractions and neighborhoods. We boarded at the Inner Harbor and got off at Fell’s Point. From there we headed to the Broadway Market for a slice of cheese pizza, every child’s favorite!

5. Port Discovery Children’s Museum
About a year ago, my daughter Ava had a chance to visit Port Discovery Children’s Museum ( http://atomic-temporary-51558291.wpcomstaging.com/2014/08/14/outandaboutava-visits-portdiscovery-childrens-museum-baltimore-maryland-recap-by-sobesavvy/) with her Nana. A year is a long time in a child’s growth and development and this museum offers ever-changing programs for kids ages birth through 10. Voted one of the top 5 children’s museum in the USA by Child Magazine, this was the perfect attraction to visit during our short stay. We even got to see the new “Here We Grow! ” Exhibit which introduces children to farm processes, products and people. It was some much fun trying to beat the machine in milking the cow the fastest! I also enjoyed having the opportunity to read her one of the many books about farm animals, etc. while there. This museum is a great way for a child to learn and play during a Baltimore stay!

#OutandaboutAva Recaps #Wild Kratts Live! @DPAC @WILDKrattsOffic #FamilyFun #SundayFunday

November 10, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

The wildly popular PBS KIDS® television show named WILD KRATTS, brought their creature power alive on stage at the DPAC http://www.dpacnc.com on Sunday November 8, 2015 for two shows 1:00p.m. and 4:30p.m.

When I saw the flier for the show, I knew this was a family fun event not to be missed! Animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris “come to real life” in a classic Wild Kratts story. Off “To the Creature Rescue!” went the Emmy® nominated Kratt Brothers who activated some fan favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. Through hilarious pratfalls and amazing animal ‘wow facts’ and videos the Wild Kratts team rescues their favorite invention from Zach’s clutches so the animals of the creature world are safe once again.
Many young fans in the audience were ready to activate their Creature Power Suits and join in on the adventure! And if you didn’t come with your own suit, you could buy many items at the show!

Wild Kratts LIVE! was created for the stage by the imaginative minds of Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt from Zooboomafoo, Kratt’s Creatures and Be the Creature. The Kratt Brothers’ national tours draw tens of thousands of creature-crazy kids and their families.It benefits their not-for-profit Kratt Brothers Creature Hero Society. Their company has successfully protected critical wildlife habitats through the creation of nature reserves.

Here are their upcoming tour dates :

Now in it’s fourth season, Wild Kratts was created and developed by real life brothers and zoologists Martin and Chris Kratt (both nominated for Daytime Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Children’s Animated Series). Wild Kratts features the brothers on incredible expeditions to meet wild creatures from the far corners of the earth. Diving into the habitats of these unusual animals with the use of futuristic technology and Creature Powers Suits that allow the brothers to take their funny and exciting adventures to where they’ve never gone before. Wild Kratts has received numerous awards since it’s inception in 2011 including Parents Choice, Kidscreen, Aurora and 2 Emmy® nominations. The series is a co-production of The Kratt Brothers Company and 9 Story Entertainment.

For more about Kratt Brothers Company, Go to http://www.krattbrothers.com
https://www.facebook.com/wildkrattsofficial

and follow at https://twitter.com/WildKrattsOffic

My daughter, age 4 was on the edge of her seat and enjoyed the hour long show, which included an intermission.

What made it even more special was the chance to meet and greet the Kratt brothers after the show! #OutandAboutAva even got an autographed picture from Chris Kratt as a cool momento. I highly recommend this show. It was both educational and fun for the whole family!

https://instagram.com/p/91zhr9iXKx/

#OutandaboutAva Creates #kidsart at #Mommyandme #Art Class @Artopia_Raleigh #Artopia #FamilyFun #Raleigh~#soNCsavvy Recap

August 17, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

My daughter loves art. All kinds of art. I told my husband I wanted to take our little one to a real art studio so she could experience art in a classic but fun age oriented atmosphere. I live near a place called Artopia in North Raleigh.http://www.artopia-raleigh.com/. They offer all sorts of art classes for all age groups. Summer art camp programs and adult oriented art programs in the evenings.

I always would drive by and see the different programs they have highlighted on their billboard. One day I saw they had a “Mommy and Me Class” on Fridays between 9:30-10:30am http://www.artopia-raleigh.com/Programs/mommy-and-me/. It just so happened to be Ava’s birthday weekend so this was perfect. So we attended Friday’s Mommy and Me Art Class. It was a great way to have some mommy and me fun with her and we got to take home a frame-able piece of art that both her and I created. We call the project “Ava’s Autumn”. All the material used are non toxic and safe for children so that was a plus.

Their website states “.. Projects will include finger painting, chalk art, arts and crafts, and much more! You will go home with a frame-able piece of art that both you and your child created. It is held on Fridays from 9:30-10:30 am \ Ages 0-4 Sign up now and enjoy a great experience of art and connection”

We were greeted by their pleasant staff and led to the space where the class was held. It was bright, airy and loft like. The project of the day was to do a painting to represent the fall season. The instructor gave us a myriad of fall like color choices to be used.

They supplied all the materials and direction. Ava {with a little help from me !}used brown, orange, reds and whites to make falling leaves, barren trees and soil.

The instructor quizzed Ava on her knowledge of primary colors and she passed {with flying colors !}. The instructor/student interaction was lovely and engaging. The finished product ended up on Ava’s bedroom wall where she proudly shows it off to any visitors. Mommy and me gets two hands up !

Artopia is a great space for kids birthday parties and events. Call them at (919) 307-8144 for details and plan your party today.

Here are some pictures from our day at Artopia !

#OutandAboutAVA spends a “Marbleous” day @MarblesRaleigh @ImaxRaleigh #supportthefort #FamilyFun #Raleigh~#soNCsavvy Recap

June 18, 2015SobeSavvy 1 Comment

*This post is dedicated to Dr. Seus and all the other nursery rhymers and poets out there. 🙂

This poem is called~
“Our Marbleous Day”

It was a hot , summer day…
so we headed to MARBLES Kids Museum to “Imagine. Discover. Learn.” And Play!

There are plenty of activities for the kid in all of us to explore.
My four year old learned thru playing and enjoyed activities galore!

The museum is organized, even sparked my inner child
Marbles really allows for ones imagination to run wild!

We made the most of our visit
and was prepared to spend the day
We saw a movie at Imax
And ate at Pogo Cafe!

We checked out the new Around Town Kitchen & Grocery
In partnership with Loews
Please go Support the FORT by 6/26
All donations will be matched by Moe’s!

We really enjoyed our visit
There is something for everyone
Here is my photo slideshow
Capturing all of our Family Fun!

https://instagram.com/p/4Evj19CXEL/

#OutAndAboutAva Hops over to @JungleIsland #MegaEggaHunt! April 3-5 #Miami #FamilyFun #Easter ~Recap by SobeSavvy.com

April 4, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

My 3 yr old toddler loves adventure! Every morning she is ready to seize the day and celebrate as if it was a holiday. This Friday starts the Easter holiday weekend and we decided to hop over to Jungle Island for one of the three days of egg-citement as South Florida’s popular attraction debuts a thrilling Mega Egga Hunt! Adventure from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 3-5. Each day, Mega Egga Hunt will feature continuous egg hunts with goodie bags for every child, plus acres of bounce houses, rides, arts & crafts, music, and appearances by the Easter bunny. Guests also can cool off at Jungle Island’s new floating obstacle course, Rainforest Riptide at Parrot Cove. To reserve tickets, visit http://www.jungleisland.com/megaeggahunt.

“Easter weekend is our biggest celebration of the year at Jungle Island,” said Managing Director, Christopher Gould. “This year, our guests can look forward to many more exciting activities as part of the Mega Egga Hunt! Adventure.”

It’s all happening at Jungle Island, home to some of the world’s most fascinating animals. The Mega Egga Hunt! Adventure at Jungle Island is free with paid park admission. Certain restrictions apply. Visit any participating South Florida Publix or Pet Supermarket to pick up a $7 off discount coupon to Jungle Island. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

What’s more, Jungle Island is offering Easter Brunch in the Treetop Ballroom on Sunday, April 5. Call 305-400-7000, follow @JungleIsland on social media, or visit www.jungleisland.com/megaeggahunt. Jungle Island is located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail in Miami.

About Jungle Island
Jungle Island, a favorite South Florida landmark, is an intimate zoological park located in the heart of Miami, between downtown Miami and South Beach. Building upon a rich tradition that began in 1936, Jungle Island is home to some of the world’s most rare and exotic animals. Park guests enjoy engaging animal shows and informative exhibits while strolling by streams and waterfalls under a lush canopy of tropical trees. Guests can choose to participate in hands-on interactions with fascinating animals or go on guided behind-the-scenes VIP tours. Jungle Island enriches the lives of park visitors through immersive, real-life jungle experiences centered on adventure, animals, discovery and play. With its newly renovated Treetop Ballroom and picturesque outdoor spaces including a private beach, the 18-acre park also serves as Miami’s destination for extraordinary events. Discover Jungle Island today.

Enjoy these pictures from our family funday at Jungle Island’s Mega Egga Hunt! and have a Happy Easter 2015!

#OutandAboutAva makes her 1st #YouthFairMemories @MiamiDadeFair #MiamiYouthFair #FamilyFun~Recap by #SobeSavvy.com

March 17, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

So the day my 3.5yr old daughter had been waiting for had finally arrived. This was THE day we were going to the FAIR ! Not just any fair but one of the biggest and best fairs in the nation. The Miami Dade County Youth Fair http://www.thefair.me/thefair. Held on the FIU campus every year for 3 full weeks, this is the fair not to be missed.

Our little girl pulled us on multiple rides, games and even a circus performance under the big tent. They have things for kids and adults alike. We spent the majority of our time in the KiddieLand area. Everything is kid sized. Swings, mini roller coasters and teacup rides were just a few of the thrilling rides my girl enjoyed. After a cherry sno cone break we went to the circus tent for a great show. She went fishing and played a water gun balloon carnival game. Won a pig and a lady bug ! We all split a ginormous turkey leg for lunch.

We wandered through their exhibition halls where they had a belly dancing show and all sorts of things offered for purchase. Ava really really loved the animal halls. Rabbits and chickens were everywhere. The petting zoo was just the icing on the cake. One could forget we were in the biggest urban area in Florida while walking amongst camels and goats. Just spending the day watching my little girl have the time of her life was a gift I will not soon forget.. THE FAIR ! GET THERE !

Here are some photos capturing our Sunday Funday!

#OutandAboutAva goes Wild for #WildHolidays @JungleIsland #JungleIsland – Recap by #SobeSavvy

December 27, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On Saturday December 27, 2014, our family of three checked out Wild Holidays at Jungle Island !
From December 20th thru January 4th -you too can go wild this holiday season with a wildlife celebration at Jungle Island, located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, FL 33132 .

South Florida’s popular attraction invites little and big elves alike to Wild Holidays – a two-week family-friendly affair featuring Joy to the World holiday village, candy cane jungle, holiday-themed animal shows, a daily animal parade, reindeer games, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, face-painting, story time and more. $34.95 for adults and $26.95 for children, plus tax. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, December 20, 2014, –January 4, 2015.

Visit any participating South Florida Burger King to pick-up a $6 off admission discount coupon.

My daughter was thrilled to be visiting. She is an avid outdoors person so the words jungle and island fit her to a tee. Lions, Tigers and Lemurs Oh My ! We basically let her lead us around as she meandered about. Colorful parrots were fed and Jungle Theatre shows were witnessed. We even got up and close with the animals in the Manu exhibit. The park was decked out in their christmas best. Candy Cane lane was a treat. As was the arts and crafts area which is set up for this special Wild Holiday event. We ended our visit lined up to enjoy the animal train parade…How great..How Wild !!

Here are some pics from our visit.