Showing posts with label gardens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gardens. Show all posts

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Flamingo Gardens Scarecrows are Back

There is so much going on at Flamingo Gardens! We love going to see the scarecrows, my daughter thinks it's a Halloween must do!

 CLICK HERE for a full review and loads of pictures of last years event!
October 28, 2012
Story Time with the Good Witch
11:30am - 3:00pm



Kids will love Story Time at Flamingo Gardens with friendly witches and their creepy pets. It begins with a costume parade at 11:30 am through the haunted woods to find the witches' cottage.  Story time is at Noon followed by a costume contest, crafts and other tricks and treats. Visitors can also explore the Great Scarecrows throughout the Boo-tanical gardens and take a hayride between 1 pm-3pm. Sure to be fun for all but best for younger children.  

Come in costume on October 28th for Half-price admission!




October 13, 2012
Harvest Fest & Great Scarecrow Competition
9:30am-4:30pm

Celebrate the Fall season at Harvest Fest with hayrides, crafts, scavenger hunt, and a Fall Market. Scarecrows take over the boo-tanical gardens with the 3rd Annual Great Scarecrow Competition. Enter your own imaginative interpretation of the classic scarecrow or come vote for your favorite. Judging takes place at noon and winners announced at 2pm. The Garden Shop is open with vegetables and herbs for the Fall garden.

Hayrides are 10am-4pm, admission is HALF PRICE all day!




October 19, 20, 26, 27, 2012
Haunted Nights at Flamingo Gardens
7:00pm-9:00pm

The Swamp Witch lives to haunt another night at Flamingo Gardens' Haunted Nights, Friday and Saturday nights before Halloween. With ghouls and ghosts, witches and zombies, this special night of fright outdoor event is not for the timid. Sponsored by Spirit Halloween stores and featuring both live actors and animatronic props staged throughout the West Arboretum, this year's Haunted Nights has new surprises and ghouls sure to scare! Beware....

$8 General Admission for this special night time event.

No member passes, discounts or coupons. Not recommended for children under 10. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

  


Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Princess Diana Memorial Playground at Kensington Gardens

Princess Diana Memorial Playground
This was probably my daughters favorite playground.  Please don't make the mistake that we made and get there in the evening right before they close.  You and your child will want plenty of time to play here.  I have no way of knowing, but I can only image that Princess Diana would have been very proud to have her name to this absolute fantasy land of a playground that is free to all kids. There are many memorials to her name in London, but I can't think of any that are more fitting and appropriate.


Princess Diana Memorial Playground

The playground is in Kensington Gardens and if you are there in the summer you will see amazing flowers, gardens and of course roses on your walk through Kensington Gardens to the Playground.  The Playground has attendants available for first aid, bathrooms, is accessible to those with disabilities, and also a gate attendant.  One thing I really liked is that adults are not allowed in without a child, except for an hour in the morning before the Playground officially opens.


Princess Diana Memorial Playground


The Playground is really big and there are lots of beautiful oasis areas tucked away around the playground, so if you have very young children do not expect to be able to sit and let them run free while you drink your coffee, as you can't see them everywhere they go.  The good news is, you will want to explore as much as they do so you can enjoy it right along with them.  There are plenty of benches and picnic tables available in each section as well.



Princess Diana Memorial Playground

The Playground itself has been developed with natural materials and lends itself to imaginative play in nature.  One section offers kids and their parents a chance to make music with chimes and different materials.  One area has a square metal pads laid into the ground and when you jump on them they sound beautiful chiming tones.  These are not sounds that parents are going to feel they want to get away from, but sounds that ring in the beauty of nature in the serene garden setting.


Princess Diana Memorial Playground


I find myself failing for words to describe this place.  I could have stayed there all day! Climbing structures, rocking boats, Teepees, carved animals, swings, a full sized pirate ship to climb in, green spaces to run and so much more all in a garden setting that lives up to the British ability to create gardens that will impress even those with the least interest in floral life.  I am sure this is what Never Never Land is really like. I found myself keeping an eye out the entire time in case Peter, Tink and the Lost Boys showed up.




Princess Diana Memorial Playground
I also have to give a thumbs up to the British and their dedication to tea!  Many of the parks we visited had cafes open right on the playgrounds and this one is no exception.  Check out the pictures and video to get an idea.  I don't think I can do it justice with words.




Princess Diana Memorial Playground




As far as I can tell the nearest Tube Station is Knightsbridge.  Opening times change throughout the year so be sure to check before you go.

 Best Free Photo Opportunities in London.

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Princess Diana Memorial Playground



Princess Diana Memorial Playground


Princess Diana Memorial Playground


Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Princess Diana Memorial Playground


Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

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