Friday, August 23, 2013

What's Up this Weekend: August 23-25

Check out all the fun in store this weekend!
 

 

Fri Aug 23


Western Idaho Fair
12:00pm – 11:00pm
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St
Micron Math Night at the Discovery Center of Idaho
4:30pm – 7:30pm
Discovery Center of Idaho 131 Myrtle St., Boise, ID 83702
Cable One Movie Night- Meridian
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Settlers Park (Corner of Meridian Rd and Ustick)
 


Sat Aug 24


Sprout Kids Club at the Boise Farmers Market
9:00am – 10:00am
11th & Grove St. - Between the Linen District & the Heart of Downtown Boise
Western Idaho Fair
12:00pm – 11:00pm
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St 
Barnes and Nobles Storytime
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers 1315 N. Milwaukee, Boise
 Read to a Therapy Dog at the Library!
2:00pm – 3:00pm
715 S Capitol Blvd Boise 


Sun Aug 25

 
Western Idaho Fair
12:00pm – 11:00pm
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Outdoor Play Review: Julius M. Kliener Park

We visited Julius M. Kliener Park over the weekend, also known as Kliener Park.   It is located at 1900 N. Records Avenue in Meridian. 
This park is HUGE and has a lot to offer. 
There are 2 play structures on the playground and 2 self spin toys.
 
 
 
It has giant rocks to climb on,
 
and several swings.
 
There is a great little Splash Pad that comes on at 11:00am-8:00pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
 
 
 There is a lot of seating and covered picnic areas spread around the park.
 
 
Restrooms are close by in the building to the left of the red slide.

 
There is concession stand.
 
 
There are water fountain spread around the entire area.
 
 
It has nice sand volley ball and basketball courts,
 
 
a nice pavilion,
 
 
2 beautiful fishing ponds,
 
 
an amphitheater,
 
 
2 miniature playgrounds,
 
 
and this giant hill. 
 

 

My boys dubbed it the rolling hill.
 
 
The only down side to Kliener park is shade.  There are many young trees that have been planted but none are mature enough to provide much shade.  There are several covered picnic areas, but those do fill quickly and are set back a bit from the play areas so you don't have the greatest view of your kiddos from the shade.
   
 
 We really enjoyed Kliener Park.  There is so much to do and explore we can't wait to go back!
We love this park
2 Sticky thumbs up and "a wink."
  
 
 
 
 

Monday, August 19, 2013

Outdoor Play Review: Babby Farms

Meet Babby.
 
 
 
She is the adorable mascot of Babby Farms.  While Babby farms has been around for years as a mobile petting zoo, they recently opened their facility for tours on May 1st of this year.
They are located at 5900 El Paso in Caldwell.
You can check out their website HERE
 
 
 
First, I just want to mention that Babby Farms is actually a little farther out than I thought.  From 84 you are going to be exiting Middleton.  There is no signage, so just be on the look out for small red barns and a sandy parking lot with parking spaces marked by hay bales.
When you first arrive, visit the small barn to pay admission. 
Admission is as follows:
Adults 12 – 61 $7.00
 Senior 62 Over $4.50
 Children 4- 11 $4.25
 Children under 3 are Free
On Wednesdays, they accept donations in lou of admission fees.  One non pershible food item or clothing donation equals one free admission.
They also have animal food for purchase for $1 plus tax.  I highly recommend getting the food since most of the animals can be fed.
They are open Wednesday - Sunday 12 pm to 7 pm.
 
After you pay, each group is taken on a guided tour of the facility.  Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the animals and the children learned a lot. 
Our guide with the lemur.
 
 Most of the animals were bottle fed and very tame.  Our guide climbed into most cages or pulled out the animals for the kids to get up close and personal with them.


Touching a tortoise
Touching a kinkajou


There are many unique animals that I had never seen up close before.
 

The kinkajou
The 2 Toed Sloth


Even some animals I have never heard of!
Have you heard of a zedonk? 
This is a half zebra, half donkey and Babby farms has one.
 

 
 There are MANY friendly animals to hand feed and pet. 


  The coolest part by far was going into the kangaroo enclosure to feed the kangaroos.



There is even a playground and picnic area, as well as a gift shop.
 
 
Our overall tour lasted close to 2 hours.  If you add in a picnic and some playground time, you could easily make a day of Babby Farms.   
 
There are a few negatives that you should be aware of.
First of all there are many friendly animals and several that bite.  There are signs on the cages for those that bite, but those are not helpful with small children around.  It's important to be aware of signs and fingers at all times.  We were told a few times that certain animals "may bite" but would "probably be ok to feed"  I wasn't exactly comfortable chancing small fingers. 
 
Babby Farms has ZERO shade.  There are no trees or awnings.  No place to escape the sun at all.  We were there for 3 solid hours and very overheated at the end.  Make sure you wear hats, bring an umbrella or plan for cooler times of the day and bring A LOT of water with you.
 
Overall, we really liked Babby Farms.  It was a unique experience, very different from a zoo or typical petting zoo.  We would highly recommend a visit.
 
We give Babby Farms
2 Sticky Thumbs Up!
 

Sunday, August 18, 2013

This Week's Happenings: August 19-23

Summer vacation is almost over!  Make sure you get out with the family for some fun this week.  There is a lot to do in town including: the Western Idaho Fair, Cable One Movie Night, a Block Party, the Summer Reading Program Good Neighbors Celebration, Story times, Science in the Park and more!
Make sure you check out the calendar HERE for details or to plan ahead!
 

 

Monday August 19


Reading at the Refuge
10:00am – 11:00am
Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Block Party at Meridian Library
10:30am – 11:30am
Meridian Library 3531 E Overland Rd, Meridian, ID 83642 
 Mobile Recreation Van at Liberty Park
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Liberty Park 520 N Liberty St Boise
Mobile Recreation Van at Redwood Park
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Redwood Park 2675 N Shamrock St
Western Idaho Fair
12:00pm – 11:00pm
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St T
Reading at the Refuge
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Mobile Recreation Van at Borah Park
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Borah Park 801 S Aurora Dr Boise
Family Night at the Meridian Pool
7:00pm – 9:00pm
213 E. Franklin Rd Meridian
 

Tuesday August 20


Family Storytime with Miss Nicole
10:30am – 11:00am
Silverstone Branch 3531 E Overland Rd, Meridian 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Mobile Recreation Van at Manitou Park
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Manitou Park 2001 S Manitou Ave Boise
Mobile Recreation Van at Owyhee Park
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Owyhee Park 3400 W Elder St Boise
Western Idaho Fair
12:00pm – 11:00pm
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St
Mobile Recreation Van at Hewett Park
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Hewett Park 11300 W McMilan Rd Boise
Storytime @ Settlers
6:00pm – 6:30pm
Bookmobile Settlers Park 3245 N Meridian Rd Meridian, ID 83646
Ceramica Paint Me a Story Night
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Ceramica 1002 S. Vista Avenue, Boise, Idaho 
Family Night at the Meridian Pool
7:00pm – 9:00pm
213 E. Franklin Rd Meridian


Wednesday August 21


Mobile Recreation Van at Redwood Park
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Redwood Park 2675 N Shamrock St
Mobile Recreation Van at Vetrans Park
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Vetrans Park 930 N Vetrans Memorial Pkwy Boise
Western Idaho Fair
12:00pm – 11:00pm
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St
Meridian Library Bookmobile Science in the Park
1:30pm – 2:00pm
Bookmobile 1900 N Records Ave, Meridian, 
Mobile Recreation Van at Phillippi Park
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Phillippi Park 2299 S Phillippi St Boise
Summer Reading & Good Neighbors Celebration
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Main Library 715 S Capitol Blvd Boise
Family Night at the Meridian Pool
7:00pm – 9:00pm
213 E. Franklin Rd Meridian
 

Thursday August 22

 
Mobile Recreation Van at Manitou Park
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Manitou Park 2001 S Manitou Ave Boise
Western Idaho Fair
12:00pm – 11:00pm
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St
Family Game Night
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Library at Collister 4724 W State St Boise City, ID 83703 Sycamore Room
Mobile Recreation Van at Morris Hill Park
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Morris Hill Park10 N Roosevelt St Boise
Flannel Board Storytime
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Hastings  680 E. Boise Ave., 
Family Night at the Meridian Pool
7:00pm – 9:00pm
213 E. Franklin Rd Meridian
 

Friday  August 23


Western Idaho Fair
12:00pm – 11:00pm
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St
Micron Math Night at the Discovery Center of Idaho
4:30pm – 7:30pm
Discovery Center of Idaho 131 Myrtle St., Boise, ID 83702
Cable One Movie Night
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Meridian - Settlers Park (Corner of Meridian Rd and Ustick)
 

Friday, August 16, 2013

Last Chance to Get Wet

The pools will be closing their doors for the summer soon, a few have already closed.
Make sure you make it by for one last swim!
 
 
 
 For Boise Pool Information call 208-608-7675 or visit their website HERE
 
Borah Pool
801 S Aurora Dr
Closes September 2, 2013
 
Fairmont Pool
7929 W Northview St
 Closes August 18, 2013
 
Ivywild Pool
2250 S Leadville Ave
Closes August 25, 2013
 
Lowell Pool
1601 N 28th ST
Already Closed
 
Natatorium Pool
1811 E Warm Springs Ave
Closes August 25, 2013
 
South Pool
921 S Shoshone St
Already Closed

For Meridian Pool Information call (208) 888-4392 or visit their website HERE
 
Meridian Pool
213 E. Franklin Rd
Closes August 26th
 
If you can't make it to the pool this week their is always the indoor option year round.
Click HERE to visit their website
West Y – Boise Aquatics Center
5959 North Discovery Place
Boise, ID 83713
208-377-9622

Thursday, August 15, 2013

What's Up This Weekend: August 16-18

So much family fun out there this weekend including:  the Western Idaho Fair, another Micron Math Night, FREE Movies in the Park, Lego Club, Watershed Weekend and so much more!
Make sure to check our calendar HERE for details and to plan ahead!
 
 
 

Friday August 16

Western Idaho Fair12:00pm – 11:00pm
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St
 
Mobile Recreation Van at Liberty Park 
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Liberty Park 520 N Liberty St Boise

Mobile Recreation Van at Veteran's Park
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Veteran's Park 930 N Veteran's Memorial Pkwy Boise

Meridian Library Tales to Tails
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Silverstone Branch 3531 E Overland Rd, Meridian,
 
Micron Math Night at the Discovery Center of Idaho
4:30pm – 7:30pm
Discovery Center of Idaho 131 Myrtle St., Boise, ID 83702

Cable One Movie Night- Meridian
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Settlers Park (Corner of Meridian Rd and Ustick)

 


Saturday Aug 17
 

Sprout Kids Club at the Boise Farmers Market
9:00am-1:00pm
11th & Grove St. - Between the Linen District & the Heart of Downtown Boise

Watershed Weekend
10:00am – 1:00pm
11818 West Joplin Road Boise 
Western Idaho Fair
12:00pm – 11:00pm
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St

Barnes and Nobles Storytime12:30pm – 1:30pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers 1315 N. Milwaukee, Boise 
Read to a Therapy Dog at the Library!
2:00pm – 3:00pm
715 S Capitol Blvd Boise

Movies Under the Stars: Back to the Future
7:00pm – 11:00pm
Julia Davis Park Gene Harris Band Shell 700 S Capital Blvd Boise
 


Sun Aug 18
 

Western Idaho Fair
12:00pm – 11:00pm
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St
 
Lego Club
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Library! at Hilcrest 5246 W Overland Rd, Boise 

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Outdoor Play Review: Storey Park

Today we took a trip to Storey Park. 
Located at 205 E. Franklin Road in Meridian.
It's a cute little park with a lot of shade  trees, right next to the meridian pool. 

 
 
 
The playground is a little older, so it has some bumps and bruises.  Overall, it is in good shape with several slides at different heights and swings, including 2 baby swings.


My boys were fascinated with this little built in on the side walls.  It's a race track.  If you look closely there are 2 shadows of cars and if you crank the handles they will race.  There are 2 of these at different levels.

 
 
 
There is a lot of seating.  I counted twelve picnic tables scattered around the park, plus this nice covered area with many more.
 
There are close-by restrooms...

 
and water fountains.
 
 
The playground itself has a great set up and lots for kids to do. 
My only concern was how close to busy roads we were. 
Here is a picture of Franklin from the playground.  There is a nice fence along the street.
 
 
However, on the Meridian Road side there is nothing. 
 
 
Since this is a really busy road, that was a concern for me.
 
It is right next to the Meridian pool, which makes it an excellent post swim place to have a picnic, but also creates additional traffic at peak times (like when swim lessons got out today.)  This side of the park is also open.
 
 
 
Overall, we had a great time at story park.  The boys enjoyed the playground and I enjoyed a cool spot at a picnic table in the shade, but there are safety concerns because of the closeness to busy streets and parking areas
 
We give this park 
One Sticky Thumb Sideways and One Sticky Thumb up
 


Boise Family Guide Calendar