Top 5 / September 21-27

Looking for fun ideas to do this week? Each week I showcase Pittsburgh venues to help remind us of all the great kid-friendly options in #Pittsburgh!
Here is my Top 5 list for the week - most of these family-friendly venues are open every day which make them flexible for scheduling day, evening or weekend visits!

Museum Fun: The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is currently running a special - buy an adult admission and get a child's admission free! A great deal - see full details for that promotion here. (Ends 9/30)

Free Fun: One of our favorite free things to do in the city is to pack a picnic and head to the fountain at Point State Park. We love the free open space which gives kids plenty of room to run or play with balls. Head down in the evening or weekends for better parking options or add to the excitement and take the T which stops just a few blocks over from the park. (Kids 5 & under ride free, age 6-11 are half-price.)

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For the Sports Fan: Free Admission for tours at PNC Park, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 10am-3pm (TOURS ONLY) Courtesy of RADical Days which begin this week! Go here to learn more about free admissions during RADical Days.

Park of the Week: Anderson Playground at Schenley Park is a city favorite! Lots of great features for kids as well as covered picnic tables and great trails which are perfect for hiking or using the jogging stroller. The medieval castle-like play environment includes ladders, turrets, and slides surrounded by a landscaped moat of uneven timber rounds, evergreens, and perennials. Brontosaurus paw prints cast from the fossil collection of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History help lead children from one play area to the next.

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Weekend Family Event: Hartwood Acres Hay Day, Saturday, Sept. 27, 11am-4pm. Also free, courtesy of RADical Days, includes hay rides, pumpkin patch, arts & crafts, petting zoo, bounce house, Halloween puppet show + more!
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Enjoy fun in #Pittsburgh this week!
#momtouragetop5

Ticket Giveaway - Fall Festival at Triple B Farms

Ready for your annual family trip to pick apples & pumpkins? You definitely want to put the Fall Festival at Triple B Farms on your list! It's a little bit of a drive from Pittsburgh, but a beautiful one, and one we think is totally worth it. Keep scrolling down to enter to win free admission to the Festival!

Triple B Farms

823 Berry Lane

Monongahela, PA 15063

The Fall Festival runs opens the last weekend in September (9/27) and runs each weekend through the end of October. Open Saturdays/Sunday, 10am-6pm.

 

So many choices!

 Don't miss out on Apple Cider Donuts, among many other goodies!

 So many great kids activities, my kiddos always have the best time.

 Jump on the wagon for a ride out to the pumpkin patch or just a spin around the farm. Keep your eyes peeled for over 250 pumpkin-headed characters from nursery rhymes and children's movies and guess their identities! 

  These slides. Last year my kids ran joyfully up this hill so many times, I lost track. They love them!

Admission is $12 for kids / $8 for adults. Activities included in admission:

Storybook Pumpkinland
Big Blue Boo Barn

Pick Your Own Apples

Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Giant Inflatables
Corn Maze
Farm Flinger

Pony Rides
...and don't forget about the rest of the Farm Fun:

Squirrel Hill Tunnel Slide

Rompin’ Rope Maze

Ducky Derby Races

Hay Bale Jump

Education Acres: the basement of the big blue barn is transformed into a hands-on learning station, all about farming!

Goatfield Street Bridge and other farm animals:

Visit and feed the pygmy goats (and watch them climb the bridge), chickens, potbellied pig, rabbits and other farm animals.

Observation Beehive: Watch the bees at work through a glass-fronted hive.

Farm Playground: playbarn, loft house, tractors for climbing, and other farm structures.

Hayrides: Available on festival dates only; call for specific dates.

 Head down to the orchard and pick some of their bountiful crop! Trees are specifically at kid-picking height. Perfection.

  

 

 

GIVEAWAY:

Two families will each a family 4-pack of tickets for the Fall Festival for any weekend in October! Please be sure to fill out info accurately, including your first & last name, to avoid being disqualified. TY! Go here to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Special Events each weekend:

Sept 27 /28
Make Your Own Scarecrow. 12pm-3pm. All Proceeds Benefit Autism Speaks. $20 per LIFESIZE Scarecrow. Pre-Registration thru Sept. 25.

Oct 4 / 5
Make Your Own Scarecrow. 12pm-3pm. All Proceeds Benefit Autism Speaks. $20 per LIFESIZE Scarecrow. Pre-Registration thru Sept. 25.
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Spookley Scavenger Hunt.  Free!! 12pm-3pm. Each participant gets a Spookley Sticker and entry into the Grand Prize Drawing after completing the Hunt. No registration necessary.

Oct 10/11/12/13
COLUMBUS DAY Weekend - extended hours for all Triple B Activities. PYO Apples & Food Barn will be open.

Friday, 4-7pm

Saturday, 10-6pm

Sunday, 10-6pm

Monday, Noon-6pm (if your school is closed-come have fun!)

Oct 18/19
Mad Science Weekend - Make Science Fun activities – FREE! 12pm-3pm. No registration necessary.

Oct 25/26
Come in Costume for a Treat! FREE! 12pm-3pm. No registration necessary.

The best free days in the 'Burgh!

When I first moved to Pittsburgh, learning about RADical Days was one of our favorite discoveries!  It was a great way to see our way around the city (for free!) and see what museums/venues would be of more interest for us to consider purchasing memberships. There are also a lot of special events & activities included. RADical Days is an annual event celebrating the assets with free admission, musical and dance performances and family activities offered by arts and culture organizations, parks and recreation, and sports and regional attractions that are funded by RAD.

RADical Days runs September 24th - November 9th, 2014.

Some highlights for families include:
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Wednesday, September 24

• PNC Park - Free Admission 10am-3pm (TOURS ONLY)

Saturday, September 27

• Allegheny County Parks - Hartwood Acres Hay Day & Allegheny Green Festival - Free Admission: 11am-4pm. Hay rides, pumpkin patch, arts & crafts, petting zoo, bounce house, Halloween puppet show + more!

Monday, September 29

• Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden -  Free admission: 9:30am – 5pm

Saturday, October 4, 2014

• National Aviary -  Free Admission: 10am-5pm
• Boyce/Mayview Park - The Outdoor Classroom -  Free admission 2-8pm. Guided nature hikes, geocaching, crafts and campfire treats (campfire 5:00 – 8:00 PM only).

Sunday, October 5

• Carnegie Science Center - Free admission 10am-5 pm
• Children’s Museum - Free admission: 10am-5pm

Saturday, October 11

• Frick Art & Historical Center -  Free admission 10am-5pm.  Experience the Frick's new Orientation Center; explore Clayton, the restored Frick family mansion, by taking free, self-guided tours; FREE family activities, including scavenger hunts, games, and art activities!
• Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History -  Free admission: 10am-5pm.

Sunday, October 12

• Sen. John Heinz History Center and Western PA Sports Museum - Free admission: 10am-5pm
• THE MATTRESS FACTORY -  Free admission: 1-5pm

Sunday, November 9

• Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium - Free admission: 9am-5pm (gates close at 4pm)

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These are just a FEW of the events to highlight, go here to view the full schedule. Over 50 free events & admissions in under 2 months!

You can also join the email alert list for RADical Days 2014, or get text message alerts on your mobile device, by texting RAD to 79797; message and data rates may apply.  Or follow RAD and RADical Days announcements on Facebook.

Top 5 / September 8-13

Looking for ideas to do this week? Each week I showcase Pittsburgh venues to help remind us of all the great kid-friendly options in #Pittsburgh!
Here is my Top 5 list for the week - most of these family-friendly venues are open every day which make them flexible for scheduling day, evening or weekend visits!

Park of the Week: Ross Municipal Center Park. A great playground, indoor bathrooms, pavilion covered picnic tables, basketball courts & a baseball field. 1000 Ross Municipal Drive. Pittsburgh, PA.

Something Unique: Visit Randyland. Randy Gilson has spent more than $100,000 on his colorful home to help with the revitalization of the North Side neighborhoods.  It is worth taking the opportunity to see this iconic Pittsburgh space! Over the course of 25 years, Randy has also installed 800 streetscapes, 50 vegetable garden plots and eight parks in the area. Randyland's courtyard is usually open daily from 1pm-7pm and visitors are welcome to explore the public art displays in and around the property. 1501 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212.

 Water Fun: Raccoon Creek Beach - although most water features have been closed for the season, we sure are glad for a few lingering hot days. If you're looking for some relief from the remaining summer-like days, remember the beach is still open! From their facebook page, Raccoon Creek State Park’s beach will close for the season on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at sunset. The food concession stand at the beach will close on Monday, September 1, 2014 for the season. The boat rental will be open daily until September 1, 2014, and then on weekends through mid-October. Please contact the park office for any additional information 724-899-2200.  3000 State Route 18, Hookstown, PA.

 

 

Beat the Heat: Phipps Conservatory. If the humidity sticks around, you might be looking for some relief indoors! Phipps is a great option for this time of year because it has indoor & outdoor areas to roam. The Summer Flower Show is running until October 5th. Small-scale trains wind through summer blooms and the whimsical miniature world of Garden Railroad. Multiple rooms are transformed into hubs of energy and activity as trains travel in, around and over gorgeous displays of flowers, topiaries and tropical plants. Various interactive features add to the fun.  More kids events are listed here.

Family Fun: Alphabet Trails & Tales at Frick Park on Saturday, September 13, 10am-1pm. The 15th annual Alphabet Trail and Tales is a free early and elementary aged literacy event for the entire family. Each year, Alphabet Trail and Tales presents the best in children’s books. Interactive, hand-painted story sets create a backdrop for a day of reading and fun. Follow the Alphabet Trail to enjoy art, music, games and activities. Read more about it here.

 Enjoy fun in Pittsburgh this week!

#momtouragetop5

Alphabet Trail & Tales

Last year was the first time our family was able to experience the special event that is Alphabet Trail & Tales. We had such a great time! My kids received balloon animals & free books, had fun at the petting zoo, made crafts, saw some fun music groups, + a lot more.

It begins at Frick Park / Blue Slide Playground and your family will discover 26 great ways to have fun along the Alphabet Trail! The 15th annual Alphabet Trail and Tales is a free early and elementary aged literacy event for the entire family. Each year, Alphabet Trail and Tales presents the best in children’s books. Interactive, hand-painted story sets create a backdrop for a day of reading and fun. Follow the Alphabet Trail to enjoy art, music, games and activities. This year there will also be new performances from the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Opera Theater. To view additional contributors, click here.......        ..    . 

Parking will be VERY busy on the streets of Frick Park, but it is free.

 

Saturday, September 13, 2014

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Frick Park Blue Slide Playground, Beechwood Blvd. at Nicholson Street
More Info call Citiparks Community Enrichment at 412-665-3665.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Frick Park Blue Slide Playground, Beechwood Blvd. at Nicholson Street
More Info call Citiparks Community Enrichment at 412-665-3665. 

  

 

Pittsburgh: Steeltown Strip Snack Attack‏

I was recently contacted by the Stray Boots Pittsburgh team about a fun & unique scavenger hunt / tour through our historic Strip District. With such local flavor and authentic cuisine, what better way to discover Pittsburgh’s Strip District than with a fun scavenger hunt adventure? 
This would be a fun family outing or an adventurous date for mom & dad! :) Have out of town friends & family coming through? Definitely a perfect tour to learn more about Pittsburgh!

Local native to Pittsburgh, Paul Cross, has always thought, “Pittsburgh is essentially overlooked when it comes to the many things it offers”, and found Stray Boots to be a great platform to showcase what he loves about the vibrant, engaging spirit of the Strip District. Introducing, Steeltown Strip Snack Attack, which uses the Stray Boots app to guide urban explorers around the tastiest locales in this captivating Pittsburgh neighborhood. 

I recently had a chance to chat with Paul Cross who told me there are 17 stops in a 3 block area in the Strip. During this self-guided food tour you will check out Mexican, Polish, seafood, a deli, candy store, Penn Mac + more! He says, "It's a great way to learn more about the area and see what Pittsburgh has to offer."

Part scavenger hunt / part tour, the Stray Boots app takes players around the Strip District to solve a series of challenges and trivia questions while earning points, taking fun photos, and learning about the culinary history and culture Pittsburgh has to offer. From biscotti and pierogies to popcorn and monster sandwiches, there's something here to satisfy even the pickiest palettes. Along the way, get a glimpse of the culture of this historic district and learn how it became a must-see spot for serious foodies. 

With the Stray Boots app as a “virtual” guide, Pittsburgh locals and tourists alike don’t need to make a reservation; they simply purchase Steeltown Strip Snack Attack for $10 per person via the Stray Boots website and download the free Stray Boots app for Android or iPhone with your activation instructions. The tour is walkable and suitable for all ages and interests, and explorers are able to go on the tour at their own pace, enabling as many breaks as they like. 

•  Visit the Stray Boots website, Steeltown Strip Snack Attack
• Add to cart, checkout and choose your group size
• Use code PGHMOMTOURAGE to receive 50% discount

(code expires October 31, 2014.)

 

FYI: They charge per person for the experience, just like other walking tours and scavenger hunts. (Children under 13 play free, but those under 8 may have trouble keeping up.)

Through their iPhone and Android app, Stray Boots offers over 80 self-guided tours, in over 25 cities in 3 different countries (US, UK and Israel). The tours play out like a scavenger hunt; customers liken it to doing your own private Amazing Race. Until recently, all tours were created by the Stray Boots team, but they have now launched a tool for local experts to create their own tours, privately or publicly. One of their first locally generated tours is in Pittsburgh, where local Paul Cross will receive 50% of the revenue from any of his tours sold. 

   

 

They have also recently launched a tool to create and share unique maps with recommendations on them. This one has been created of Pittsburgh, view it here.

#StrayBoots

 

This post sponsored by Stray Boots. All opinions remain my own.

Skin Care for Moms

Have you hit that age in life where you realize the products you used 10 years ago may not be working as great for you now? Did you ever think once you were past your teens you wouldn't have to worry about trouble skin again? Surprise! Hello pregnancy, post-pregnancy, & hormone changes...i.e.skin killers!
That has all happened to me in the past few years so I was thrilled when Jessica Youngker, a local Mary Kay consultant, reached out to me with some help & ideas for great skin products. I'm sure most of us have heard about Mary Kay®, or used it in the past, it is one of those timeless companies that you can always count on for quality products.
I don't have that perfect, flawless skin, and I sure envy those of you do! Foundation has always been a tricky find for me as many of the cheaper available brands out there have often made my skin break out. Jessica suggested I try the Mary Kay® CC Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 and I loved it. It color corrects any blotchiness, and gives me the sunscreen that I want, without the heaviness or oiliness that many brands have that I have tried. I love lightweight foundation and this is a good one!

Moisturizer is another product that my skin is very picky about. I tried out the Mary Kay® Botanical Effects® Hydrate Moisturizer. Unfortunately, my skin didn't love it and felt oily at the end of the day. But I have no doubt that it will work perfect for many moms. I also like that it is made without synthetic dyes or added fragrance.

As those birthday numbers creep up, we start to think about prevention for age fighting and keeping our skin looking as young as possible. Mary Kay's® best selling product, and the one Jessica recommends, is the TimeWise® Miracle Set®. it includes:

 3-In-1 Cleanser, 4.5 oz.
Age-Fighting Moisturizer, 3 fl. oz.
Day Solution Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35*, 1 fl. oz.
Night Solution, 1 fl. oz.

(Each can also be purchased separately.)

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Jessica also says, "The volufirm eye cream is amazing for dark circles and not sleeping!"

But whatever your skin care needs are, Mary Kay® probably has a product that would work great for you! You can contact Jessica directly from her site with any questions regarding your skin or MK® products. She also offers personalized facials and help with color looks that fit your life.

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Have fun, spoil yourself, and find a new product or two that works for you! :)

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This post is sponsored by Jessica Youngker of Mary Kay®. However, all opinions remain my own.