JenOni

Philadelphia Area Fun

Zoo Day with Kids at the Philadelphia Zoo, Urban Green and Wild Works

Zoo Day

Our zoo day was long overdue. The Philadelphia Zoo has so much history as it opened in 1874. Although I do not remember going to the zoo as a child it is one of the places we went for family time. I think my last visit with my tween was nine years ago. The zoo is an ideal trip for family with over 1,000 animals and over 500 plant species.

*I received complimentary tickets free of charge(all opinions shared are my own) and decided to make Sunday a zoo day. The day was perfect thanks to the weather. I was able to convince both kids to go. We had a great time going through the different exhibits. I really love the fact the zoo continues to make additions to the zoo. The zoo offers a trail exploration called Zoo360 that includes a network of see-through mesh trails. It was really cool to see animals so close up roaming through the trails overhead. Another addition is the urban green which is beautifully landscaped with outdoor seating and a number of food trucks plus an ice cream stand.

I know we covered the entire zoo visiting the Big Cat Falls, Outback Post, Primate Reserve, KidZoo, McNeil Aviation Center, Reptiles and Amphibians, and much more.

My favorite animal

Urban Green

Wild Works

The other addition includes Wild Works which is an ariel rope course. My tween loved the zip lining part of the course.


Another favorite around the zoo is the Lego exhibits, these are phenomenal.

Lastly, the card keys are back! These brought back memories. A real educational experience as you unlock stories from the animal keepers.

On the next visit, we have to pack our lunch and download the zoo app to assist with navigating all the activities for the day. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging family activity during the summer definitely plan a trip to the zoo.

Summer Learning with GSK Science in the Summer Program

The summer break brings a lot of downtime for kids. If you are interested in an educational program, check out the link below for more details on the GSK Science in Summer program.

According to a recent article by Oxford Learning, students lose 2-3 months of reading skills over the summer on average. “A majority of students (56 percent) want to be involved in a summer program that “helps kids keep up with schoolwork or prepare for the next grade,” said Ruth Peters Ph.D.

GSK Science in the Summer

GSK Science in the Summer is a free STEM program for children in underserved communities across the country. This year’s summer enrichment program “The Science of Me”, sponsored by global healthcare company GSK and administered by one of the nation’s premier centers of science education, The Franklin Institute, engages children in science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on learning and exploration. Overall, this program will aid 26,000 students nationwide during the summer months.

For those in the Philadelphia area, the program is sponsored by GSK and administered by The Franklin Institute. The free program is for students entering grades 2-6 and held at libraries in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Registration has opened in each county. Here is the link to register

Both representatives from GSK and The Franklin Institute give compelling reasons why this program is vital for expanding interests in STEM.

STEM

“At a time of skyrocketing demand for STEM skills in our nation’s workforce, GSK Science in the Summer™ continues to bridge a gap in access to science education where it is widest,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, Manager of US Community Partnerships at GSK. “We’re proud of our joint efforts with The Franklin Institute, as well as every parent and educator, to instill a love of learning in all of our students.”
Over the past 33 years, GSK Science in the Summer™ has brought free science education to more than 300,000 students nationwide. This summer alone, 26,000 children across the U.S. will discover how food fuels our bodies, where oxygen goes when we breathe it, how our brains interpret the world, and the role DNA plays in making us who we are.


“Engaging students in STEM at an early age is critical to fostering the next generation of scientists and innovators, and one of the best ways we can prepare students for lifelong success,” said Dr. Darryl Williams, Senior Vice President of Science and Education at The Franklin Institute. “We are extremely proud of this program, and of the partnership with GSK that makes STEM learning accessible and fun for students across the country.”

As a STEM graduate, I am encouraging this program for kids who have an interest in the field of STEM.

2019 Philadelphia Flower Show – “Flower Power”

*I received tickets free of charge. All opinions shared are my own.

PhiladelphiaFlowerShow
Philadelphia Flower Show



Philadelphia Flower Show

After growing up in the city, this was my first Philadelphia Flower Show. The floral designs throughout the show representing various countries were beautiful works of art. The FTD World Cup was the top attraction of the flower show from March 1st to 3rd. The 2019 Interflora World Cup Champion was Bart Hassam, Austria. I tried to capture a few of the designs as I walked through taking in everything.

Philadelphia Flower Show
Philadelphia Flower Show
Philadelphia Flower Show

I love flowers for adding a nice decorative touch to any room. They are also good to boost my mood. Aetna offered a both for mindfulness. The idea was to use all of your senses for the exhibit.

Philadelphia Flower Show
Philadelphia Flower Show

Philadelphia Flower Show
Philadelphia Flower Show
Philadelphia Flower Show

In addition to the floral designs, there were exhibits with various competitors for terrariums, succulents, cacti, bonsai, and foliage. In the bonsai exhibit, there was an attendee who provided information on the bonsais.

The Power of the Seasons displayed each season with items that were representative of the senses for each season.

This is a nice event for the entire family. Everything under one roof, exhibits, vendors selling everything from fresh flowers, household accessories, to jewelry. There are also food vendors as well. I am looking forward to next year’s theme.

Foodie Friday South Jazz Kitchen

This week’s Foodie Friday profile is on another favorite area restaurant for outstanding soul food. My first time at South was last June. It was a great summer evening, valet parking is available down the street. When you first enter the restaurant there is a bar to the right and then the main dining area that also has counter seating as well. Upon entering the restaurant I noticed some diners were eating al fresco. The jazz lounge is adjacent to the main dining room. As I looked over the menu and wanted to try multiple dishes, I decided on the fried green tomatoes appetizer. It was beyond delicious and I missed that the tomatoes were served with shrimp remoulade. I devoured every bite on my plate. For my entree, I picked the Carolina shrimp & grits. Grits are one of my favorite breakfast foods. I can eat grits with bacon, sausage, shrimp, salmon croquettes, or fish. The best grits are made to perfection when they are creamy. The entree was superb. Lobster grits, with a Nola sauce and asparagus garnished with shrimp. The grits were creamy and cooked perfectly. I am anxious to go back again.

Fried Green Tomatoes & Shrimp Remoulad with pickled red cabbage
Caronlina Shrimp & Grits

Mexican Food and Dining Out at Xolo Tacos with Kids

Mexican food is one of my favorite cuisines. Dining out at XoloTacos was a great night. This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. The food was outstanding with every bite. We capped off dinner with dessert which was worth every calorie.

Every dish had fresh ingredients and the crispy empanadas were outstanding. I cannot wait to visit again and try the Mahi Mahi tacos, soup, a margarita, and dessert.

Mexican Food
Mexican Food
Mexican Food
Mexican Food
Chips and Guacomole
Mexican Food
Empanadas – cheese and picadillo
Mexican Food
Nachos Libres
Mexican Food
Seared Spicy Rock Shrimp Tacos
Mexican Food
Churros and Mexican Hot Chocolate
Mexican Food
Chocolate Ice Cream

Camping Trip and What we Packed for Two Days Away for Class Trip

 

The annual 5th-grade camping trip came up so quickly.  I was determined to start packing weeks before the departure date.   It was suggested the kids bring a suitcase with wheels and a bag with a sleeping bag and travel pillow packed separately.

Our packing list included:

  • fitted sheet, twin bed
  • flip-flops for shower
  • sleeping bag- Target(laundered before the trip)
  • travel pillow, found this at Amazon (washed the cover and ran pillow through hot dryer)
  • blanket
  • backpack (packed all sleeping items)
  • PJs, bottoms, shorts, and t-shirts
  • 5 pairs of socks(waterproof socks are a great idea, fleece socks to keep feet warm)
  • hiking boots (strongly suggest rubber boots especially if the grounds are muddy )
  • sneakers(depending on the weather conditions, the sneakers were no match for the mud)
  • 3 pairs of long pants, 2 pairs of gym shorts(only if weather permits)
  • 5 shirts, definitely would pack more long sleeve vs. short sleeves(nights get chilly)
  • 2 sweatshirts, sweaters, or jacket(things that can layer well)
  • poncho(rain slicker if rain is predicted)
  • toiletries(body wash, deodorant, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellant, shampoo)- found most in Target travel size aisle
  • 2 towels and washcloths(extra washcloths) and beach towel
  • baseball cap or hat with a brim
  • swimsuit
  • 2 to 3 trash bags (wet clothing)
  • laundry bag

 

Philadelphia – Spring and Summer Fun at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Philadelphia Spruce Street Harbor Park

Philadelphia offers a number of activities during the spring and summer season.  This is yet another outdoor space for family fun.   I noticed people on my Facebook timeline posting pictures from Spruce Street Harbor Park.  This is another venue in my backyard that was worth a drive into the city.  It is located off of Columbus Blvd (Delaware Avenue) at Spruce Street along Penns Landing.   The kids and I decided to go and I was pleasantly surprised with the overall design.   The weather was perfect enough to enjoy some outdoor sights.   I enjoy the city for activities, however, my pet peeve is PARKING.    The parking lot is $20 unless you are a Blue Cross & Blue Shield employee parking is $13.  (***eyeroll***). There is on street parking on Columbus Boulevard,  if you are lucky enough to find parking in a designated area.   Ok, I digress.

Now for a look inside of this urban oasis of activities.   Spruce Street Harbor Park opened in 2014,  it is open from July to August.  It is a unique space at Penns Landing because it offers a boardwalk,  a beach, a fountain area and misting stations.    The main attraction for the #SSHP is a number of floating barges with lily pad gardens, a pop-up restaurant and bar and nets over the water.   I would suggest checking the calendar of events because throughout the season there are festivals, concerts, and movies on the Great Plaza.    There is also a Facebook page for activity updates, Spruce Street Harbor Park.     If you want to unwind and relax there are hammocks, Adirondack chairs or find a seat underneath an umbrella in the beach area.  Just a tidbit of information, Huffington Post voted the urban beach, one of the best urban beaches in the world, who knew?

What would Philadelphia be without a great selection of foods, the food vendors are set up in cargo containers along the harbor boardwalk.   For the foodie in you,  there are delicious  summer foods  from Federal Donuts with their famous  donuts by the bag and chicken sandwiches(note: the food here is not the same menu as the other Federal Donuts throughout the city), Graso Group(offering chicken fingers, fries, hot dogs and other fare), ice cream from Franklin Fountain(my favorite banana a cup is $5 and you get a hearty scoop), a water ice truck that sells funnel cake(yummy) and I spotted a food truck Distrito’s for my chicken tacos.   For adults seeking alcoholic beverages, there is a concession serving craft beer and cocktails which must be consumed inside the Oasis.

In the Columbus seating area, there is plenty of movable seating, an oversized chess game, oversized soft Legos, a large Jenga game.  Another attraction for the kids is the cargo container with plenty of arcade games to get the kids attention.    The arcade has a photo booth for those who like to take those quirky and memorable pictures.   The Independence Seaport Museum has admission to tour the ships that are docked on the waterfront.     Now if you walk pass the ship Gazela you will find the beach area with lounge chairs, beach umbrellas and a simulated pebble beach material.  If you need to cool off, don’t forget to visit the Mist Walk. There is also roller skating on the other side of harbor park, which is $3 admission per person, $10 per person for skate rentals.

 

 

Foodie: Favorite Local Breakfast Cafe

In September, my daughter and I were searching a local place to have breakfast.   I remembered hearing about Nudy’s when I lived in Chester county.

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day especially on the weekend.  It’s even better when someone else is making the meal.   My daughter is a huge fan of pancakes.     I ordered an egg white omelet loaded with veggies and an order of home fries(really hash browns) with a cup of java.

BreakfastEggWhiteOmelet

My daughter ordered a short stack of blueberry pancakes.   Just so you know the short stack is an order of 2 pancakes vs. 3 pancakes in a regular order.

BreakfastBlueberryPancakes

 

During our spring break staycation, all three of us went for BREAKFAST.   It was a true pancake feast because we all ordered pancakes.

Blueberry

BreakfastBlueberryPancakesMarch

Chocolate Chip Short Stack

BreakfastChocolateChip

Plain Stack

BreakfastPlainStack

I forgot to mention the sides, my son ordered a side of bacon and scrambled eggs

BreakfastSides

On our next visit I’m going to try either the cake french toast or regular french toast.