Return to Nature: Reviews of Nature Centers and Sanctuaries

I’ve been attending so many “Parent and Me” toddler groups this month (Gymboree, YMCA, and Phoenixville Library’s kids programs) that I was starting to feel the only way to entertain a toddler would involve a parachute, bubbles, and circle songs.  How can I get away from the daily trap of singing “Wheels on the Bus” to keep my little girl entertained?   

Return to Nature!  What can keep a child entertained more than flowers, butterflies, bunny rabbits, turtles, fish, and an assortment of farm animals? Nothing I can think of!  So we headed to the Upper Schuykill Valley Park on 1600 Black Rock Road in Royersford to check out what they have to offer a toddler.  The first thing checked out was the butterfly house, and while there weren’t any butterflies in it on this visit, there was a nice koi pond with frogs and turtles to enjoy. To get out of the heat, two air conditioned rooms allow for some nice animal viewing.  The rabbit house had some cute little thumpers to enjoy, and while we couldn’t pet them, it was nice to say helIo through the cages.  The barn where the piglets used to be housed has been converted into a wonderful indoor sanctuary for a fish pond, several snakes, frogs, and turtles, as well as a skunk and a minx.  I have to say that while I missed the little piggies, what they’ve done to the space is even more enjoyable!   Around the back of the buildings are areas to view eagles, vultures, owls, pheasants, and other birds.  Then finally enjoy the farm area where goats and foxes reside.  If your toddler isn’t too tired try a short nature walk on the canal trail and end up at the Schuykill Canal Park in Monte Clare. Be warned, this trail is NOT paved and has some rocks to traverse, so don’t take the stroller.   

The Upper Schuykill Valley Park is only a short mile from the Black Rock Sanctuary where there ARE paved trails for a stroller ride.  The toddler crowd will enjoy the giant bird’s nest to walk in and easy access to the pond for splashing and turtle spotting.  There is also a butterfly trail here as well as picnic areas so pack a lunch and enjoy nature a while.  A kid doesn’t need all the singing and dancing and playground equipment parents tend to scope out for entertainment.  Really, watching my daughter throw rocks in the stream at the Great Valley Nature Center for over an hour and a half taught me that much! I’d review the GVNC for you, but we honestly never made it past the creek both times we visited! However, stomping through the creek sure beat a dip in the chlorinated and crowded waters of Baker Pool at the Y on a hot day! Much better for your piece of mind too!

So before you circle up for yet another Parent and Me program of any variety, consider taking a vacation from the routine and return to nature.  You will be glad you did!

3 Nearby Playgrounds Worth Visiting

Not all playgrounds are created equal.  I’ve been to a fair share of the neighborhood parks to discover this alarming fact.  However, there are a few wonderful gems among the quartz.  If you are looking to capitalize on the cooler weather, get your kids in the car and visit these parks!

Kimberton Park- Located on 2202 Kimberton Road in Phoenixville, this park has the best facilities I’ve found locally.  There are three giant playground equipment centers that are PERFECT for toddlers as well as the bigger kids.  Some playground equipment makes me wince when my toddler is climbing at heights I’m not quite comfortable with….Kimberton avoids this to the relief of parents everywhere with daredevil children.  This park also boasts a giant sandbox and swings! 

Wilson Farm Park-   the website certainly doesn’t do this park justice.  It’s missing pictures of an amazingly huge playground (and one a very nice foam foundation- no woodchips!)  Slides, rock wall, swings, jungle gym, and fantastic bathroom facility right there!  It’s located near the Chesterbrook shopping center by the interchange of 202 and 252.  You want to head to the “family activities” area. Don’t be fooled by the small playground area when you first enter the park.  Travel to the back of the park and you will find the gold! 

Manderach Memorial Playground- located at Limerick Community Park Swamp Pike and Ziegler Road.  This place hosts a giant playground castle for the bigger kids and separate smaller castles for the toddlers to place in too!  It’s truly a marvel of playground science.  Beware though, the place is naturally swarming with kids! 

Kutztown Folk Festival this Weekend!

Being as PA Dutch as a person can possibly get, it was essential to visit the Kutztown Folk Festival and reconnect with my roots.  Get all the kraut dogs, funnel cake, homemade ice cream, and corn fritters you can stomach at this festival of the foods and arts.  Besides being able to eat some authentic Dutch food, you can purchase a HUGE variety of handmade amish/mennonite crafts from over 200 craftsmen at the fair.

But what is there to do for the kids? How about a real carousel ride pulled by a mule?  Or puppet shows? Live musical performances?  Hay mazes, petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, child size train rides? Yes, the Kutztown Folk Festival has them all!

Some things you need to know...It's going to be hot Friday and Saturday.  Bring water, or you'll be paying $2 a bottle.  If your kids want to bounce in the bounce house, BRING SOCKS!  The heat makes the plastic SUPER hot, so you don't want to burn the toddler's footsies by trying it barefoot. 
Also these particular rides you need to purchase tickets for.  There are plenty of free kids activities, but bring cash (there are ATMs on site). 

Kids under 12 years of age get in free, but adults are $14 (parking is included). Here is a coupon for $3 off of admission (my gift to you!) Have fun, and if you ain't Dutch, you ain't much! Festival ends Sunday, July 8th.