Random Activity
There are currently no activities/events scheduled in the calendar. Please check back soon as we update often.
Recipe Exchange
Ditalini and Beans
Ingredients A box of Ditalini-24 macaroni, a can of beans (I chose to use chili beans, but any kind will do), spaghetti sauce of your choice, and a bag of cheddar cheese. Preparation Add about... More
Ingredients A box of Ditalini-24 macaroni, a can of beans (I chose to use chili beans, but any kind will do), spaghetti sauce of your choice, and a bag of cheddar cheese. Preparation Add about... More
Search
Community
Photo Fun
Columns
It is our hope that parents will benifit from the Parent Pages columns. Please feel free to leave comments, or ask questions.
Fun and easy birthday parties
Posted on Tue, June 17th, 2008
Written by: J.B. Baker, Editor
email: cdparentpg@aol.com
Let’s face it – birthday parties can be a lot of work for parents. From the cake to the party games, to keeping a hoard of rambunctious kids entertained for an hour – parents are always looking for a stress-free way to entertain the birthday child on their big day. Luckily, there are many local entertainers and venues that allow parents to spend their time enjoying their child’s reactions to their party, rather than running around making sure the guests are happy.
Reptile Adventure
It is not every birthday party where a child pets a snake, gets up-close and personal with a horned frog, or learns about the habitat of a red-footed tortoise, but Reptile Adventure offers a different spin on the traditional cake and ice cream party.
“Kids are fascinated by the animals we bring,” said Jessica Shea, the owner of both the business, and the friendly reptiles.
Shea, who majored in biology at college, said her love of reptiles was formed when she was a child and a local biology teacher and herpetologist, shared his passion by bringing the animals into classrooms.
Shea’s goal is to provide the same experience for a new generation of children. Not only is the Reptile Adventure show a cheerful and positive introduction to reptiles; it's educational as Shea shares “stranger than fiction” facts so kids can better understand the role that reptiles play in our world. Shea, and her assistant, are sensitive to the fact that some children may harbor fears.
“No matter where I go there are at least a few kids are afraid, but because we are very sensitive, at the end of the show that child is usually eagerly holding a snake,” Shea said. “We can teach children they don’t have to be afraid.”
The fee is $100 for 45 minutes for shows held in the Capital Region, and Shea requests parents call at least a couple of weeks in advance, but recommends that parents call as soon as they have a date.
For information, call Jessica Shea at 495-8684 or visit the Web site at www.reptileadventure.net
Magician Joey D
Who doesn’t love magic? Professional magician Joey D has been performing in the Capital Region for the past 13 years and has perfected the art of the birthday party show. With tons of magic, good, clean humor and balloon art, Joey D entertainment appeals to both kids and adults alike.
“I know when I was a kid I wanted my birthday to be about me,” said Joesph DiDonna, better knows as Joey D. To that end, each birthday child gets the chance (shyness permitting) to be the star of the show and perform magic with Joey D. The birthday boy or girl is also showered with magic souvenirs to keep as a reminder of their special day. With more than 500 parties under his belt, DiDonna prides himself on his professionalism -- he brings a sound system and wireless mic to each party and a provides a special “party pack” to parents which includes everything from tips to make the day perfect, to a disposable camera (just in case) and an ice cream scoop. He will even provide goody bags filled with magic and game related treats.
“I try to make the party a hassle-free event for the parents,” he said. Depending on which of 3 birthday packages parents choose, Joey D can also make an entire zoo of animals and balloon sculptures for the birthday guests to take home.
Parents may also choose a 45-minute magic lesson where DiDonna teaches guests simple tricks that they learn and amaze their friends with. Of course, all materials are included.
“There is plenty of laughing, giggling and amazement at the parties,” DiDonna said.
Packages begin at $200 and DiDonna suggests that parents book at least a month in advance, and as always, the sooner you call the better to make sure that your date and time is available. For information call DiDonna at 587-7535, you can also visit the Web site at www.joesphdidonna.com.
Zoom Flume
If you are looking for a birthday destination, when the heat is on the coolest birthday party is one that includes water – and lots of it. Zoom Flume Waterpark, located in the Catskills, offers up just such a party. Get cooled off in the Hydrostorm, a giant 30 foot high totem pole spits out water the guests or ride the water slides, White Water River, Black Vortex and the Mighty Anaconda.
“It’s a fun place with a great family atmosphere,” said Kerrigan. Parents are wise to make check the height and weight of each invited child. The park enforces height and weight limits on each ride. Kerrigan suggests that children 48 inches or taller should be able to utilize most of the attractions on the site.
Reservations are required in advance and the party must include ten or more people. More information is available on the website, www.zoomflume.com.
Fun Plex Fun Park
A tried and true area favorite for birthday parties is the Fun Plex Fun Park in East Greenbush. With a wide variety of party options to choose from kids will wear themselves out taking part in all the activities available. All parties center around one game of adventure golf and pizza. Additional activities can be added in at an additional cost to include bankshot basketball, bumper boats, rock climbing, and go karts.
The rock climbing wall features a 35-foot three-sided wall with beginners, intermediates, and experts each having a dedicated side.
The gyroscope cage, yet another option, spins its rider in every direction so have the kids eat their pizza after that attraction. Bankshot basketball is an intriguing favorite offering up 25 baskets with each one having a backboard that varies in size, shape, height, angle and color.
In addition to all that each child is offered popcorn, a t-shirt and a toy to take home. Ice cream cake is provided. More information is available on their Web site, www.funplexfunpark.com.
You can contact cdparentpg@aol.com with any questions. Also, feel free to post comments below.
Readers had this to say
Nobody has made any comments about this yet... you could be the first. Comment about this article.
Posted on Tue, June 17th, 2008Written by: J.B. Baker, Editor
email: cdparentpg@aol.com
Let’s face it – birthday parties can be a lot of work for parents. From the cake to the party games, to keeping a hoard of rambunctious kids entertained for an hour – parents are always looking for a stress-free way to entertain the birthday child on their big day. Luckily, there are many local entertainers and venues that allow parents to spend their time enjoying their child’s reactions to their party, rather than running around making sure the guests are happy.
Reptile Adventure
It is not every birthday party where a child pets a snake, gets up-close and personal with a horned frog, or learns about the habitat of a red-footed tortoise, but Reptile Adventure offers a different spin on the traditional cake and ice cream party.
“Kids are fascinated by the animals we bring,” said Jessica Shea, the owner of both the business, and the friendly reptiles.
Shea, who majored in biology at college, said her love of reptiles was formed when she was a child and a local biology teacher and herpetologist, shared his passion by bringing the animals into classrooms.
Shea’s goal is to provide the same experience for a new generation of children. Not only is the Reptile Adventure show a cheerful and positive introduction to reptiles; it's educational as Shea shares “stranger than fiction” facts so kids can better understand the role that reptiles play in our world. Shea, and her assistant, are sensitive to the fact that some children may harbor fears.
“No matter where I go there are at least a few kids are afraid, but because we are very sensitive, at the end of the show that child is usually eagerly holding a snake,” Shea said. “We can teach children they don’t have to be afraid.”
The fee is $100 for 45 minutes for shows held in the Capital Region, and Shea requests parents call at least a couple of weeks in advance, but recommends that parents call as soon as they have a date.
For information, call Jessica Shea at 495-8684 or visit the Web site at www.reptileadventure.net
Magician Joey D
Who doesn’t love magic? Professional magician Joey D has been performing in the Capital Region for the past 13 years and has perfected the art of the birthday party show. With tons of magic, good, clean humor and balloon art, Joey D entertainment appeals to both kids and adults alike.
“I know when I was a kid I wanted my birthday to be about me,” said Joesph DiDonna, better knows as Joey D. To that end, each birthday child gets the chance (shyness permitting) to be the star of the show and perform magic with Joey D. The birthday boy or girl is also showered with magic souvenirs to keep as a reminder of their special day. With more than 500 parties under his belt, DiDonna prides himself on his professionalism -- he brings a sound system and wireless mic to each party and a provides a special “party pack” to parents which includes everything from tips to make the day perfect, to a disposable camera (just in case) and an ice cream scoop. He will even provide goody bags filled with magic and game related treats.
“I try to make the party a hassle-free event for the parents,” he said. Depending on which of 3 birthday packages parents choose, Joey D can also make an entire zoo of animals and balloon sculptures for the birthday guests to take home.
Parents may also choose a 45-minute magic lesson where DiDonna teaches guests simple tricks that they learn and amaze their friends with. Of course, all materials are included.
“There is plenty of laughing, giggling and amazement at the parties,” DiDonna said.
Packages begin at $200 and DiDonna suggests that parents book at least a month in advance, and as always, the sooner you call the better to make sure that your date and time is available. For information call DiDonna at 587-7535, you can also visit the Web site at www.joesphdidonna.com.
Zoom Flume
If you are looking for a birthday destination, when the heat is on the coolest birthday party is one that includes water – and lots of it. Zoom Flume Waterpark, located in the Catskills, offers up just such a party. Get cooled off in the Hydrostorm, a giant 30 foot high totem pole spits out water the guests or ride the water slides, White Water River, Black Vortex and the Mighty Anaconda.
“It’s a fun place with a great family atmosphere,” said Kerrigan. Parents are wise to make check the height and weight of each invited child. The park enforces height and weight limits on each ride. Kerrigan suggests that children 48 inches or taller should be able to utilize most of the attractions on the site.
Reservations are required in advance and the party must include ten or more people. More information is available on the website, www.zoomflume.com.
Fun Plex Fun Park
A tried and true area favorite for birthday parties is the Fun Plex Fun Park in East Greenbush. With a wide variety of party options to choose from kids will wear themselves out taking part in all the activities available. All parties center around one game of adventure golf and pizza. Additional activities can be added in at an additional cost to include bankshot basketball, bumper boats, rock climbing, and go karts.
The rock climbing wall features a 35-foot three-sided wall with beginners, intermediates, and experts each having a dedicated side.
The gyroscope cage, yet another option, spins its rider in every direction so have the kids eat their pizza after that attraction. Bankshot basketball is an intriguing favorite offering up 25 baskets with each one having a backboard that varies in size, shape, height, angle and color.
In addition to all that each child is offered popcorn, a t-shirt and a toy to take home. Ice cream cake is provided. More information is available on their Web site, www.funplexfunpark.com.
You can contact cdparentpg@aol.com with any questions. Also, feel free to post comments below.
Readers had this to say
Nobody has made any comments about this yet... you could be the first. Comment about this article.