Special Valentine's Craft and Play at Party Paradise

On Thursday, February 4th, from 4-5:30 pm there will be a Make a Craft & Play afternoon at Monkey-a-Round inside Party Paradise. Activities include a Valentine's Day craft, playtime in monkey-a-round and refreshments. The cost is $12 per family and pre-registration and pre-payment are necessary. Call Party Paradise at 688-4005 to register. (If no one answers, leave a message! Someone will return your call.)

Party Paradise is a great, locally owned and operated place to bring your kids that are under the age of 5. It is located on W. Klein Rd in the Dash's shopping plaza.

I'm planning on attending with my kids (as long as no one is sick). Leave a comment and let me know if you will be there as well!

FREE Glenn Colton Concert

Have you ever been to a Glenn Colton concert? If not, then here's your chance and it's FREE!

Discovery Kids Learning Center hosts, "Jammin' in our jammies" family concert with Glenn Colton! Wednesday, February 3rd, at 6:30 pm you can put your kids in their "jammies", bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the concert in the gymnasium. Discovery Kids Learning Center is located at 150 Stahl Road in Getzville, NY. Registration is not necessary but if you need more information you can call Discovery Kids at 629-3463.

Saturday Fun 1/30/2010

This Saturday, January 30, Boulevard Mall hosts Putting for Poverty from 10am-6pm in the Sears Court area. This indoor golfing event is for all ages. Your kids can have some fun AND support the Friends of Night People! (I did not know this, but Friends of Night People was started in 1969 and helps the homeless, poor and destitute in Buffalo, NY.)

Also on Saturday, Riviera Theatre shows Where the Wild Things Are at 1pm. Cost is just $2! Go to the Theatre website for directions.

Happy Weekend!

TGIF Parent Edition

Attention Moms and Dads!! Looking to have a date night? Rolly Pollies is bringing back the Parents Night Out!

Parents' Night Out in East Amherst will be this Friday, January 29th, from 6:00pm-9pm.
From the Rolly Pollies website:

Children will enjoy creative arts, group games, snack time (snack provided by you, we are nut free), and plenty of free play! We will end the program with story time to get you little one ready to go right to bed!

If you choose to try this sometime, I have to say that the Rolly Pollies staff is awesome and will take great care of your kids while providing 3 hours of fun! Children ages 3 (potty trained) through 9 years old can be dropped off for this program.

The cost for the 3 hour program is $30.00, or $40.00 for 2 siblings, $50.00 for 3 siblings. Reservations are necessary, so call them at 689-6151 to reserve a spot.

Please note, this Parent's Night Out is only at the East Amherst location. The Parent's Night Out date for the Orchard Park location will be 2/12/2010.

Pike Winter Carnival

This Sunday, January 31st, from 12-4pm you can take the family over to the Pike Winter Carnival. This year the theme is Nursery Rhymes and activities and admission are FREE to the public! Look at all the things that are going on:

*Preschool Crafts
*Games
*Tractor Rides
*Cake Decorating Contest
*Chili Contest
*Chinese Auction

This will be some good, FREE fun for the entire family! Check out their website for more of the details.

Toddler Playgroup

If you're looking for a playgroup to join, you may want to check this one out! Discovery Kids Learning Center has toddler playgroups forming now. Kids age 16-36 months and a parent/caregiver will meet Thursdays from 9:30-11am. This hour and a half really packs a punch! Check this out - your child will play with peers, enjoy art experiences, music and movement, songs and fingerplays, a snack and more.

Plus, the teacher of the playgroup is an early childhood professional and other professional service providers will be on hand to share information on milestones to look for as well as things to watch out for in speech/language, physical and behavioral development.

Cost is $75 plus a $10 registration fee for the 6-week session. The next session begins February 4th so if you're interested call Discovery Kids at 629-3463 to register.

I think any little girl or boy might have a lot of fun with all the different activities Discovery Kids offers during this playgroup!

FREE Rolly Pollies Caterpillars Class

UPDATED 1/5/2011 - The cost for this class is now $54


Here is one of those "I'm the last one to know" posts!

Rolly Pollies offers its Caterpillar Class for FREE. This class is for babies 6 months to walking. Honestly, I had no idea anything was FREE at Rolly Pollies!
Granted, I'm not sure what you do with your little one (who doesn't walk) at Rolly Pollies but it would be interesting to find out! The Caterpillars class meets either Mondays from 5:15-6pm or Wednesdays from 1:15-2pm.

You can access the information at the Rolly Pollies website.

If you go to the Caterpillars class, come on back over here and let me know!

Review of Music with Mar

I have heard so much about Music with Mar in the 3 and 1/2 years I've lived here. It seems every mom I know has done this music class, but we never have! Friday we met another mom and her son and participated in Music with Mar for the first time.

Our friend and her son regularly attend Music with Mar at the Amherst Community Church during the 11am time. This class is held in the Community Room which is a huge room with beautiful, old wood floors. I was told that generally this particular class is about 15-20 mommies and their kids. The last couple of weeks this class has been more like 35 moms and their kids. So, let's think about that for a second. I counted about 35 moms/dads/caregivers their, each one had one kid and some had two. That's a LOT of people for a music class!

Big B and K2 loved the little stuffed frogs that were out for play at the beginning of the class. The teacher, Miss Katie was amazing! At the beginning she brings Mr. Froggy around the room to sing hello to each child. Would you believe she did not forget one single child's name? The music at this particular class emphasized singing the alphabet, counting to 10 and learning primary and secondary colors. All of which was done with body movement of some kind. Also, there was a walking and marching around the room activity watching Miss Katie's signs of red, yellow or green lights.

My kids really had a good time and you can't beat the price - $7 for our family. No registration is necessary so you may like that kind of flexibility. You just go when you can. The drawback to that is just what we experienced when we visited. A huge class with a LOT of kids running around!

The great thing about Music with Mar is that it is offered in many, many locations. Give it a try - your kids will have a fun time!

Are your kids currently enrolled in Music with Mar? Leave a comment and let me know what they love about the class!

FREE class - Jump Bunch Sports and Fitness for Kids

I just wanted to pop this back up to the top today! This FREE class is tomorrow!!

Jump Bunch Sports and Fitness for Kids is offering a FREE class for kids age 2-4 with their parents. The date for this class is January 25th from either 9:45-10:30am or 10:45-11:30am. Mark your calendar for this FREE class which will be held at the Hamburg Recreation Center in Hamburg, NY.

JumpBunch has been around since 1996 but just recently became available in Buffalo in July 2009. They provide sports and fitness classes to children ages 15 months through 12 years old.

There is no need to register for this FREE class - just show up!

Buffalo Museum of Science - Great Membership Deal

Now is the time to get your membership to the Buffalo Museum of Science.

Here's a great deal for you! If you use the promo code ELMO at checkout you can save $10. That makes the family membership only $40! This code can be used online or over the phone.

Let's break it down a little so you can see what a great price this is. Usually adult admission is $8, seniors $7, kids 2 and up $6, children under 2 free. So, just visiting twice in a year with 2 adults and a child over the age of 2 will cost you $44! If you know you will visit the Buffalo Museum of Science more than twice this year you should consider purchasing a membership. This offer will be valid until February 17th.

Check the Museum of Science website for the 2010 activities and exhibits.

Did you know non-members can get $1 admission discount if you are a member of AAA or WBFO? Also, NFTA pass card holders or Buffalo & Erie County Public Library card holder get the $1 admission discount as well!

Disney on Ice Princess Classics

I just had to post this today because it's a pretty good deal. If you are interested in catching this show in the next 2 days you can still get a great deal on tickets. If you purchase through tickets.com and use coupon code fs22 you will save $5 on each ticket. The cheapest ticket becomes $7 and the most expensive will be $21. (Granted, for $7 you will be up in the "nose bleed" section!)

This coupon code does not appear to work on the Rinkside or VIP seating areas. Those ticket prices are still $55 and $40 respectively.

Here are the showtimes at HSBC arena:

January 22nd, 7pm
January 23rd, 11am, 3pm and 7pm
January 24th, 1pm and 5 pm

I saw some of the skaters on WGRZ earlier this week and this looks like a lot of fun. Even for the little guys in your family!

Have you already gone to Disney on Ice? Leave a comment and let me know!

Saturday Fun 1/23/2010

This Saturday the Strong National Museum of Play opens the LEGO Castle Adventure Exhibit. Your kids can explore a huge castle that will have a lot of LEGO brick decorations; dress up as a knight, princess or dragon and climb the lookout tower. This goes along with the Art of the Brick exhibit that Strong Museum will have until the middle of March.

And don't forget about Lowe's FREE Build and Grow Clinic taking place Saturday from 10-11am. This week your kids can build a Tic Tac Toe Game.

B is for Books will have MOUSE from Laura Numeroff's book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Mouse will be at B is for Books from 10am - 2pm on Saturday.

Finally, Explore and More Children's Museum in East Aurora hosts Let's Get Physical from 12-3pm.

Aquarium of Niagara Traveling Touch Tank at Toddletown

February 1st and 2nd Toddletown and More will have the Aquarium of Niagara Touch Tank. From the Toddletown website:

Your little one will be up close with living creatures from the ocean!

The program will start at 10am each day and the cost is $8 per child which includes the program and unlimited play for the entire day. You can purchase tickets at Toddletown or over the phone with a credit card until tickets run out.

As of the writing of this, Amy (the owner of Toddletown), has told me they still have spots available. So, if you think your kids would like this I would get on over their or call ASAP to reserve your spot.

One of the great things about Toddletown is that you can bring your own lunch in! However, Amy did ask that I mention that Toddletown is a peanut-free zone.

Unfortunately, we're going to miss this fun event! If you take your kids, come on back here and leave a comment letting me know how they liked it!

Review of Thruway Lanes Bowling

Hang tight, everyone! It's a long one!

Last Friday morning I took Big B and K2 over to Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga for some bumper bowling. Big B was beside himself with excitement when we walked into the bowling alley. We met up with another mom and her 2 sons so our boys could try this out together for the first time!

Because it was a weekday morning the place was practically deserted. The cost was $3 per person per game with a shoe rental of $3.50 per person. I went ahead and paid for a shoe rental for myself as I figured Big B may need a little help.

The 3 boys shared one of the lightweight balls and we made our way to our assigned lane. The first thing I realized was that this was going to take a LONG, LONG time. In bumper bowling they pull these bars up out of the gutter so the ball never goes in the gutter. It just gets "bumped" along the way, slowly, slowly until it reaches the pins. That is, IF it reaches the pins. A couple of times the ball just stopped in the middle of the lane, once it stopped up by the pins and once it stopped in the lane and started rolling back towards us! Of course, this problem requires help from the bowling alley employees who were not to be found very easily or quickly (I guess because it was not a busy morning).

The next realization came very quickly after the first. It was very hard for these little guys to wait there turn. So there was the constant "Is it my turn?" and "Now, is it my turn?" the entire time we were there.

Finally, I realized I was crazy to bring my 13 month old (still crawling) to a bowling alley. Of course, all she wanted to do was get down and crawl all over the place. EWWW!

Ok, enough of the view from a mom. How about the kids? Of course, they absolutely loved it! Even though there was lots of asking about whose turn it was, there was no fighting over the ball and they cheered each other on every time! The little guys were so cute trying to roll, push and throw the ball down the lane. They had a great time and everyone was sad to go. (By the way, after 1 hour and 45 minutes we gave up on finishing the game!)

Now for the FREE stuff! I just went to AMF Thruway Lanes website and joined the eCLUB (bottom right hand side of the page). And I got a coupon for a FREE round of bowling for up to 10 people (shoe rental not included). Keep in mind, it does expire 30 days from when you get it and you must show photo I.D. when you redeem it at the bowling alley. When you join the eCLUB you get special offers each month.

Also, Thruway Lanes has a program called Bumper Buddies for ages 3-7 that takes place Saturdays at 11am. It started on January 16th but it's not too late to join up! The league includes: 2 games, end of the year banquet, trophy, diploma with picture and patches. Cost is $6.50 per week for 12 weeks. Go here for directions and hours of operation for Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY.

For my kids, bumper bowling was a huge hit and yes, we will be going back sometime soon!

Animals from Around the World (1/21/2010)

Thursday, January 21st, you can join naturalist Mark Carra for a fun visit with some unique creatures from around the world. Animals from Around the World will take place at the East Aurora Library at 7pm. Admission is FREE but $ donation is appreciated.

Visit the library website for more information or call 800-377-1520.

FREE Day of Dentistry

I was on the fence about talking about the dentist on a blog that is supposed to be about fun for kids! But, I know you moms and dads may be interested in this little piece of information.

Give Kids A Smile Day
Friday, February 5th, 2010
8:00 am - 3:00pm
University Of Buffalo

A FREE Day of Dentistry for children 1-18 years of age. Services that will be offered are:

Dental Exams
X-rays
Dental Cleanings
Fluoride treatment
Fillings
Sealants
Extractions
Orthodontic Consultation

Please call the University of Buffalo's School of Dental Medicine to schedule an appointment at (716) 861-3593 or (716)829-3717.

Thanks to www.WNYKids.com for sharing this information with me!

Buffalo News Article

There was a great article in the Buffalo News on January 15th, 2010. You can access Outdoor Fun is the best way to beat the winter blues on the Buffalo News website.

Highlights of the article include:

+Delaware Park: walk, snowshoe or cross-country ski in the park or sled down Shakespeare Hill
+Buffalo Zoo: specifically, Rainforest Falls
+Rotary Rink: read more about Rotary Rink in my post here
+Sledding at Chestnut Ridge in Orchard Park (see more sledding hills here)
+Ice Skating at the Time Warner Classic Rink in East Aurora
+Tubing at Colden Tubing

I found the article to be very informative and I hope it is useful to you as well.

Monday, January 18th - What Are You Doing?

A day off from school! The best time to get out with the kids and have some fun! Here are some fun ideas for the day:

Last day of Winterfest Weekend in Tonawanda. Today you can catch the last FREE skate at Lincoln Arena as well as the parent/child mini golf tournament.

Monkey See, Monkey Do has an event from 10am-1pm which includes the following:
- "Enigma: A Magical Mystery" by Graeme Base - book reading, discussion and journal writing.
- Private Magic Show with local performer, Mike Seege
- Magic Crafts
- "Mystery" lunch provided!
- Magical stories, crafts and lunch
Registration is required and the cost for this 3 hours of jam packed fun (and lunch!) is $30 per child.

And FREE admission to Buffalo Museum of Science. Wow!

Saturday Fun 1/16/2010

Here are my suggestions for a fun Saturday with your kids:

Monkey See, Monkey Do in Clarence has local musician Matt James with Cool Music for Kids. This FREE event begins at 11am when Matt teaches the kids how to compose a song and then performs some upbeat family-friendly music.

Winterfest Weekend in Tonawanda which you can read more about here.

Walk at Knox Farm State Park begins at 9am. Bundle up and hike the trails looking for wildlife and other discoveries.

Buffalo Zoo has Warm Up with the Cold Blooded from 11am-3pm. Your kids will learn about reptiles through a few keeper talks, see a snake feeding and many other activities you can read about at the Buffalo Zoo website.

To end the day, you can take the kids over to Wegmans on Niagara Falls Blvd in Amherst. They will have a FREE showing of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs at 6pm. Dad and mom can grab a hot drink and chat while the kids watch a movie!

Buffalo Museum of Science - FREE admission

The Buffalo Museum of Science will offer FREE admission on Monday, January 18th from 10am-4pm. The museum will also host a Health and Wellness Fair, nature walks and family-friendly activities and crafts. Check out the Science Museum's website for more information.

TGIF

As you make your plans for Friday night my first suggestion is Winterfest Weekend in Tonawanda, NY. You can read details here.

Plus, see these additional ongoing Friday night events.

It's a long weekend! Check back later today and tomorrow for more fun activities happening in the Buffalo area!

Winterfest Weekend - January 14-18, 2010

You may want to head over to Tonawanda, NY this weekend and check out their Winterfest Weekend 2010. Winterfest begins January 14th but the fun events for kids take place Saturday, Sunday and Monday (the 16th-18th). Winterfest Weekend looks like a fun and family friendly event that has minimal cost attached!

Saturday, January 16th from 12pm-4pm you can take a hayride through Lincoln Park, visit the video arcade (inside a heated tent) or catch a figure skating show. In the evening there will be a bonfire, fireworks and a concert from 6-10pm. And Lincoln arena will host a FREE open skate from 7-10pm. (Although I could find nothing mentioned about this, I assume you would need to pay for skate rentals if you do not own your own.)

Sunday, January 17th the hayrides in Lincoln Park are available from 1-5pm. There will also be snowmobile rides for $1 donation to the Ronald McDonald House. Xtreme Video Arcade is offered as well as a family skate and carnival from 1-3:30pm. The evening again ends with a bonfire and fireworks. Plus, the Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center hosts a FREE recreational swim from 4:30-6pm. (I am a big fan of the Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center - it is a very nice facility!)

On Monday, January 18th, Lincoln Arena opens for another FREE skate from 2:30-3:30pm and the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome hosts a Parent/Child Mini Golf Tournament with a 6:30pm start time. (I love the Golf Dome!)

The activities I've listed here are really just the tip of the iceberg! There are several more events happening during Winterfest Weekend so check out the complete schedule at the Town of Tonawanda website. For updated information, you can call the Town Youth, Parks and Recreation Department at 831-1001.

Curious George at Monkey See, Monkey Do

I just stumbled across this event this afternoon and it looks great! There will be a Curious George appearance and book reading at Monkey See, Monkey Do this Thursday, January 14th at 2:30pm. The event is presented by WGRZ Channel 2 and you are supposed to go online at wgrz.com, click on the Moms Like Me link in the upper right hand corner to register for the appearance and a chance to win tickets to Curious George LIVE at Shea's Performing Arts Center.

Now, I have been on both the WGRZ website and the MLM website several times today and have yet to see this link. (There is a Curious George ad but when you click on it it takes you to a page to purchase tickets.) At this point, I would recommend calling over to Monkey See, Monkey Do to register. Their number is 716-218-4121.

I'll update this post when I get more information. It would be awesome to win tickets to see Curious George!

ETA: Apparently, this event required a ticket and is full! Monkey See, Monkey Do just has not updated their website. Bummer!!

WNED Kid Fest

ETA on 2/3/2010: I was just over on the WNED website and looks like tickets are SOLD OUT!

Every year I say to myself, "I really need to take Big B to this - he would love it!" Yes, I have good intentions but we have still never gone. Maybe this year?

WNED presents Kid Fest February 6th from 12-5 or February 7th from 12-4. This year Kid Fest features Buddy from Dinosaur Train (one of Big B's favorite new shows), Sid the Science Kid, Curious George and a few others. You can order your tickets here and the cost is $10 per adult and $7 per child age 1-12.

It seems this must be a really fun event because WNED says tickets SOLD OUT last year! If you haven't already, you may want to think about getting your tickets now.

ETA on 2/3/2010: I was just over on the WNED website and looks like tickets are SOLD OUT!

Is this a "must-do" event? Leave a comment and let me know!

Gymnastics Unlimited

My kids have never participated in a gymnastics program, but I recently read about Gymnastics Unlimited. They offer programs for children age 1-3 as well as classes for preschool through age 18. Gymnastics Unlimited has private and semi-private lessons as well as instruction for the more serious gymnast. Here is a breakdown of classes, class times and class fees.

As a mom that looks for things to do during the week, here is what was most interesting to me. Each Wednesday and Thursday from 12pm-1pm Gymnastics Unlimited offers open play time for $7. This is a great price compared to what I've seen at similar types of places in our area.

Gymnastics Unlimited open playground time looks like a lot of fun for kids. Just look at the picture and you can see all the space for kids to run around. A perfect winter activity!

Audubon Library Storytime with Miss Lucy

Registration for this FREE, weekly storytime with the BEST librarian in Western New York is rapidly approaching. If you are a mom/dad/caregiver, of a 1-5 year old mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 13th. Registration begins at 10am for Tiny Toddler Time, Toddler Time and Preschool Storytime. Read more about Miss Lucy and the Audubon Library here.

What library do you take your kids to for storytime? Leave a comment and let me know!

Rink at the Brink

I recently added Rink at the Brink to my ice skating post here but after further "investigation" I decided it deserved its very own post on this blog.

Rink at the Brink is a new attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario recently opening on November 25th, 2009. The description from the Rink at the Brink website says it well:

The Rink at the Brink is situated a stone’s throw from the “brink” of the Horseshoe Falls, offering breathtaking views and a magical outdoor Niagara Falls ice skating experience.

The cost for this "breathtaking and magical" experience is $9.99 for adults and $7.99 for children (which includes skate rental). If you own your own skates you pay a couple of dollars less per person.

The Rink at the Brink is open from 10am-10pm daily until February 28th, 2010.

All right moms - what did you think? Did your kids have a great time at the Rink at the Brink? Leave a comment and let me know!

A Buffalo Inspired ART ROOM

Recently I heard a couple of great comments about a Buffalo Inspired Art Room in Woodlawn, NY. They offer art classes for everyone but what is most interesting to me is the Art Class for the Preschoolers age 2-5. Classes meet Thursday from 11-12am, Friday from 10-11am or from 4-5pm. You prepay for 4 weeks of classes at the cost of $6 per class - wow! That is a great price for an hour! According to the website, here are some of the things your preschooler will experience in a typical class:

Children will work with all kinds of fun art stuff. We will learn about famous artists while creating great pieces of art work. We will paint, make collages & do tons of other things every week. Classes are limited to 8 students.

If you do not want to commit to a 4 week class, the Friday 4-5pm time is ongoing each week, pay-as-you-go and registration is not required.

Need more information? Check out the ART ROOM website!

Nature's Circle at Tifft Nature Preserve

Tifft Nature Preserve offers Nature's Circle for children ages 2-3. This program takes place the second Tuesday of each month from 10:30-11:15am. Your kids will enjoy a story, singing and games all in a natural setting. The cost is $4 per child and adult and $2 per additional child with the same adult. If you are a member of the Buffalo Museum of Science you can save 10%.

Tuesday, January 12th, the Nature's Circle theme will be Winter Wonders and February's theme is Nature's Coats. If you are interested in checking into this fun event, Tifft's Nature Preserve asks that you register or call ahead before you come.

Mom Review: Brighton Bay at the Paddock Golf Dome

Recently, I wrote about the Paddock Golf Dome's Indoor Miniature Golf. I've been inside a good bit with the kiddos this week so I decided today we were going to check out Brighton Bay miniature golf course. Thanks to his dad, Big B loves to play golf - on the Wii, that is! So, when he saw where we were going he was super excited.

I think because it was a weekday morning we had the course to ourselves. There were lots of the older, retired crowd around but they were all hitting balls on the driving range. The cost was $5 per person and I was planning on playing with Big B. The very kind gentleman behind the counter only charged us for one person which was nice. (Especially considering I never did get to play!) I'm not sure what I was thinking as I had my 13 month old strapped to me in the Bjorn so there was no way I was going to be up and down picking up balls with 20 lbs. strapped to my front! Next time I will bring the stroller. I wasn't sure if this was a stroller friendly place but the kind gentlemen assured me that it would not be a problem.

Everything inside the golf dome is very nice and clean. The temperature was perfect for an indoor activity such as this. There was a big rack for hanging up winter coats, etc. The course was fine and included a few water hazards, sand bunkers, and some very pretty fish swimming around in the nice, clean water.

We live relatively close to the Paddock Golf Dome and I can definitely see that this will be a great, indoor winter activity for us!

Saturday Fun 1/9/10

The first Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic of 2010 will be held on January 9th. This Saturday from 10-11am your child can build the coin bank seen here. Remember, these clinics are FREE you just need to sign up.

If you and the kids want to bundle up and get outside, you should head over to Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. Explore the world of winter plants and see where the spring wildflowers will bloom. Winter Wildflowers will be held Saturday, January 9 at 10:30 AM.

Page's Paradise Island

I think I may be the last to have heard about this place! Page's Paradise Island is located on Transit Rd in Depew, NY. Activities include a climbing wall, turtle pond and arcade, splash pool and neon mini-golf.

You can access their rates here and several coupons here.

I would really like some more information from my readers on this place. Do you have to eat while you are there or can you just go and play mini golf or use the climbing wall? Also, I see the splash pool is indoors so I assume it is heated and open year round?

TGIF

At the beginning of the new year, I thought I would remind everyone of a few ongoing Friday night activites.

Adventure Landing for Middle School students ages 10-14 from 7-10pm.
Explore and More Children's Museum offers Play Late til' Eight the first Friday of each month. (EXCEPT this month when Play Late til' Eight has been scheduled for January 8th since January 1st was a holiday)
Designing Dish offers a monthly Kids Nite Out Party. This month the party takes place on January 15th from 6-8:30pm.
Gusto at the Gallery free admission each Friday from 3-10pm.

Do you know of a fun, ongoing Friday night activity? Leave a comment and let me know!

Gusto at the Gallery

UPDATE 5/21/2011: M & T First Fridays have now replaced Gusto at the Gallery


Now here is one of those events I always want to check out but have yet to actually do it. Albright-Knox Art Gallery hosts Gusto at the Gallery each Friday from 3-10pm. Gusto at the Gallery is FREE but there is a $3 parking fee. Gusto at the Gallery for 2010 begins January 8th with Family Night: Mysteries with Mangold.

Have your kids enjoyed Gusto at the Gallery? Leave a comment and let me know!

Paddock Golf Dome

How about some indoor miniature golf at the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome? According to the website the best part of the golf dome is the 18 hole Brighton Bay Miniature Golf Course. Now, if this means anything to you, the holes range from par 2's, 3's and 4's. (My husband loves to golf so unfortunately I do understand what this means!) Cost is $5 per person and the dome is open 8am-9pm, seven days a week.

I think our playgroup is going to try this out later this month. I'll let you know if the kids have a fun time!

Boulevard Mall Kids Club

Boulevard Mall hosts Boulevard Buddies Kids Club the second Tuesday morning of each month. Boulevard Buddies is for kids ages 6 and under and it is FREE! Tuesday, January 12th, your kids will learn how to make their own pretzels with Auntie Anne's. Yum! RSVP by Friday, the 8th, by calling 834-5192 to reserve your child's spot. Or you can register here and the Boulevard Mall will send you an email with all the information I have included in this post (but you will still need to call to reserve your spot). Boulevard Mall Kids Club meets at 10:30am in the Food Court.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming Kid's Club dates:
Tuesday, February 9th, RSVP by Friday, February 5th
Tuesday, March 9th, RSVP by Friday, March 5th

ETA on 1/9/2010: If you go to the Boulevard Buddies registration page and fill out the information required they will send you coupons in the mail. Today I received 3 coupons: BOGO at Auntie Anne's, BOGO Cheeseburger at Bill Gray's and one free Kids Meal at T.G.I. Fridays. Best of all they do not expire until April 2010!

I just heard about this Kids Club last week. Have your kids participated in it before? Leave a comment and let me know!

Wee Explorers at Buffalo Museum of Science

The Buffalo Museum of Science offers Wee Explorers the first Thursday of each month for children ages 3-4 and a caregiver. The cost is $5 for museum members or $12 for non-members (this price includes the child and the adult). There are two Wee Explorer times to choose from: Thursday 10:30-12 or Thursday 1:00-2:30.

You can check the Museum's website for registration information and the theme for this month's hands-on event!

Markheim Pet Store and Steve's Wonderful World of Pets

As I've mentioned previously, when we first moved to Buffalo I didn't know anyone and had no family in the area. My first winter with an almost one year old was the longest winter ever! We really didn't have a lot of money so I was desperate to find some free things to do so I could get us out of the house. Over that winter we spent several afternoons at Markheim Pet Store in Amherst. Big B was enamored by all the fish and wide-eyed by the squawking birds.

Over the summer I heard about Steve's Wonderful World of Pets in Williamsville. I took the kids over recently to check it out and we had a lot of fun. The staff are very nice and helpful and they will gladly take the puppies out for the kids to see. Steve's also has fish, bunnies, birds, etc.

If you are having a "desperate" moment this winter, think puppies, kittens, bunnies...

Saturday Fun 1/2/2010

Have I mentioned how much I love these FREE Kids Workshops at the Home Depot? This Saturday your kids ages 5-12 will build a calendar. You really have to check it out - it looks awesome! For information concerning times and locations read this previous post.

TGIF

This will be one of the last nights to catch the Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds in Hamburg. If you haven't already enjoyed this fun event, why not head over tonight?