LegoLand - March Homeschool Day

Next Monday is the next Homeschool Day at  LegoLand.  As you can see we had a lot of fun in January.

Cost is:
$8 for children under 12
One free chaperon admission per each five children ($25 for additional chaperons)
Parking is $12 a car

Reservations are required (877-350-5346 x3) and you must show proof of home schooling when you arrive (FPEA Card, HSLDA Card, etc.)

The group can be any size (the 15 person minimum is waived for these days).

Here are the dates for the remainder of the school year year:

March 11th
April 15th
May 13th

We plan to arrive at 9:30am.  I had hoped to attend on of the Educational programs this trip but with my youngest in tow that won't be possible.  However, if you can I highly suggest you look into attending the Education programs, I think it would really add to your day.

EVENT REMINDER

Hope many of you got out to enjoy the Orlando Wetlands Festival this weekend.

Tomorrow is our trip to GATORLAND, due to the cold weather we plan on arriving around 10am.  Monday, September 18, 2013.  Cost is $10 for everyone.

This weekend is the Pine Castle Pioneer Days.  Saturday and Sunday, September 23 & 24th.  The cost is nearly free at only $5 per family.

Gatorland - Monday 2/18

It's been a while since we visited Gatorland, the photograph above was taken at one of our last visits.  We had worked a while to get all the gators centered on one spot where we kept throwing pieces of hotdog.  It was something to entertain, what can I say.

In addition to watching and feeding, here's some other things to do:

• Gator Jumping Show
• Gator Wrestling Show
• Reptile Encounters
• Lorakeet Feeding
• Gator Feeding
• Train Ride
• Splash Park Area
• Variety of Animal Exhibits to view

February is the mating season for gators' so this is a great time to see them sitting on nests around the main lagoon.  Also since night comes early this time of year, if you stay till closing they have a huge bat house (holds a thousand I believe) and you may actual be able to see them coming and going.
 
I decided since Orange County Schools are out 2/18, that would be a good day to go; especially since they are running a great special for Florida Residents right now.

Cost is $10 for Everyone! (Kids Over 2 and Adults w/ Florida ID)

Park opens at 10am so that's when we'll be there, if your coming please email me so we know who to look for.

Pine Castle Pioneer Days - 2/23-2/24

This is a fun local event that's been going on for a long time.  

Here's the link to their official site.

Pioneer Days provides educational opportunities in a weekend of fun; including a variety of traditional pioneer crafts and demonstrations such as:

• Historic Encampments & Reenactments
• Traditional Music
• Quilting                                  
• Basketry
• Storytelling
• Indian Dancing
• Wild West Shoot Out

In addition to the above they have a parade on Saturday morning.  We went on Sunday last year so we missed the Saturday parade.  We aren't big into parades so that was alright for us.  

We will be going on Sunday again, works better for us that weekend.  The boys are looking forward to the Indian dancing celebration and the Wild West Shoot Out, the reenactment camps came a close second.  There was a variety of food vendors and shaded benches for seating.  

Cost:  $3 per individual or $5 per family (up to two adults and all children)

Here is the physical address:
5933 Randolph Ave, Orlando, FL 32809

Orlando Wetlands Festival - 2/16

We have gone to this event a number of times over the years.

If you are willing to get up early, the opportunity to see and photograph a variety of different birds is incredible.  Chris went ahead of us one year and got some nice photographs.

In addition to long bird walks they also have shorter guided nature walks and even a hay ride.

In the main area there is plenty to do as well; booths from a variety of different Florida Wildlife groups, games for the kids (like tree climbing), country music bands, etc.  Our favorite is usually the Audubon Birds of Prey and the Hands on Wildlife (my kids like to touch).

All in all its a nice day outside with the family.  This year they are having it at Fort Christmas Historical Park which will be a little different but I'm sure just as fun.  Perhaps if the buildings are open we can learn a little about Florida History as well.

Date:  Saturday, February, 16, 2013
Time:  9am to 3pm.
Cost:  FREE
Location:  1300 North Christmas Road, Christmas, FL  32709 (30 min. from downtown)
More Information:  Orlando Wetlands Festival

EVENT REMINDER

Saturday and Sunday (1/19-1/20) - Scottish Highlands Festival

Monday (1/21) - Trip to Homosassa Springs

Central Florida Scottish Highlands (Weekend Event)

The Central Florida Scottish Highland Festival will be held the weekend of January 19-20 this year.

I've never been to this event but I love this kind of stuff.  There's something fun and exciting about Scottish heritage.  If it's anything like the Renaissance Faire in the Fall it should be a great time!  Good news/Bad news doesn't look like you have to dress-up in period attire either.

Since its our first time going I think we'll try the Sunday games first.  It's a condensed schedule, but that will work fine for us.  Looks like all the groups are still performing, and they still have the Athletic Competitions. Kids can still participate in most of kid activities (from face painting to trying out their athletic skill).  The only big thing happening Saturday vs. Sunday appears to be the Disney stuff promoting their move "Brave".  However, I think that's an additional reason to go Sunday, since without Disney it should be less crowded.

This festival will fit in well with our study of the Celts and Olympics too, Bonus!

The festival will be held at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs, off 434 near 417.
Use this address to get directions: 1000 Central Winds Drive, Winter Springs, FL

Prices are cheaper online than at the gate.  It's a bit complicated depending on if you want to go Saturday or Sunday, so for simplicity here's the link.