CHILDREN’S RESOURCE GUIDE

TRIANGLE

JULY/AUGUST 2012 | FREE | CHILDRENSRESOURCEGUIDE.COM |

giraffes and dinos, oh my!

unforgettable

25 things to do before summer ends

daytrip to the NC Zoo

birthday bashes

Clothing by Reinie Day Clothing, www.ReinieDay.com

Exp: 8/31/12

childrensresourceguide.com 3

in this issue...places... 4—5Get the inside scoop on the North Carolina zoo’s newest exhibits, dinosaurs and giraffes!

happenings... 11 — 13A day-by-day list of all kid-friendly events happening across the Triangle!

ideas... 8—10 When the kids are climbing the walls, use our list of 25 things to do before summer ends to plan kid-friendly outings and day trips.

celebrations... 6—7Planning a birthday bash? Learn which Triangle locales can help you make it one to remember.

cheap eats... 14 — 15 Get a deal every night of the week with our listing of free and cheap meals.

staffpublisher Michelle Fish

creative director Kelly Giles

contributing writers Caroline Wall, Karen Daley

contributing photographers Christina Mossaad

about this magazineTriangle Children’s Resource Guide is published bi-monthly. For advertising information or for questions or comments about the magazine, please contact Michelle Fish at info@childrensresourceguide.com.

visit us onlinechildrensresourceguide.com

fine print© 2012. All rights reserved. The opinions of advertisers expressed in Triangle Children’s Resource Guide do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or any other members of the staff. The Publisher has made every effort to insure that all information presented in this magazine is accurate at the time of publishing and assumes no responsibility for omissions or misrepresentations of information.

Clothing by Reinie Day Clothing, www.ReinieDay.com.

Photo by Christina Mossaad.

4 July/August 2012

{places} north carolina zoo

giraffes and dinos, oh my!

SINCE the 1970s, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro has been a staple in family fun while promoting conservation and education. It’s the perfect way to take a day trip

across continents without needing a passport. Exciting new exhibits and additions are constantly underway, keeping families coming back for more year after year.

Visiting the zoo is a great time for the whole family. You can see exotic animals, beautiful landscapes, and learn more about the world. Kid-centric areas like the Endangered Species Carousel and a unique playground that

childrensresourceguide.com 5

features larger-than-life bugs and plants are available throughout the park. The North Carolina Zoo hosts a myriad of events all year, boasting everything from Birds and Blooms to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day to HOWL-O-Ween in October featuring the red wolves. Programs like Zoo Camps and Zoo Snoozes allow kids to get a more in-depth look at our natural environment.

Two of the newest attractions at the North Carolina Zoo are the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck and the Dinosaurs Exhibit. The Acacia Station provides a level view with the treetops, perfect for getting a good look at the giraffes. Open April through October, this exhibit is a special treat for families and a great place for photos. The Dinosaur Exhibit is home to 15 life-like animatronic

dinosaurs. The experience includes seeing life-like representations of popular dinos such as the T-Rex and Triceratops and provides an inside look into fossil sites in North Carolina. Kids can dig around in the fossil pit for treasure or examine a paleontologist’s tent. The Dinosaur Exhibit is available April through October 2012. Both Acacia Station and the Dinosaur Exhibit let families explore the wonders of our world through unique perspectives that won’t be experienced elsewhere.

These programs and exhibits are only a small amount of what the North Carolina Zoo has to offer. Any family looking for adventure, education, and fun should take a stop by Asheboro and enjoy the wonders nature has to offer.

— Caroline Wall

north carolina zoo {places}

giraffes and dinos, oh my!

6 July/August 2012

ONE of the great conveniences about raising a family in the Triangle is that there is so much to do. Between parks, museums, camps, and family friendly

restaurants, the Triangle truly spoils today’s family. In addition, the Triangle also offers a variety of services and venues for an amazing birthday party. The featured businesses below offer experiences beyond the cake and ice cream.

First in Fire Company brings a real fire truck and crew to your home. They offer

fire presentations, tool demonstrations, exploration of the fire truck, and even games. Packages start at $105.00 for 45 minutes. You can find all the information on their website at firstinfirecompany.com.

For the child who wants to create potions or for the child who is really into science experiments, madscience.org offers fun educational party packages. A Mad Scientist comes to your home and leads the party group in a series of planned engaging experiments. Birthday packages begin at $169.00 for 45 minutes. All the

{celebrations} birthdays in the triangle

not your typical birthday party

childrensresourceguide.com 7

information is listed on their website at madscience.org. Be sure to enter in your zip code to get local information.

Kilwin’s Ice Cream and Candy in Cary offers birthday parties beginning at $12.95 per attendee. Children will learn how Kilwin’s makes their candy and get a tour of the shop including the big freezer where all the ice cream is kept. Party goers will also get to create their own candy treats, taste many in house confections, and build their own sundae. Parties last about an hour and a half. Call Kilwin’s in Cary for more information at 919-463-9360.

The ultimate party for your video game aficionado would be a Games2U party. This company brings the arcade to your house. They provide “game specialists” to assist those who are not familiar with all the games. They can even bring 4D rides, laser tag, and giant inflatable hamster balls for the kids to roll around in. Packages start at $199.00. The website has a ton of information and pictures to get a sense of what the parties are like. Check it out at g2u.com and enter in your zip code for local information.

For those who love watching Cupcake Wars on Food Network Television, Sweet Cakes of Raleigh, offers cake decorating parties. For $30.00 a person, Sweet Cakes provides cupcakes for the party, a 6 inch round cake per person for decorating, icing, and pre-filled bags with colored icing. Goodie bags filled with cake decorating supplies are also included. More information can be found on their website at sweetcakes4u.com

— Karen Daley

Karen Daley is a freelance writer and teacher at Hopewell Academy in Cary. She writes about family fun and travel in and around the Triangle.

8 July/August 2012

{ideas} summer fun

things to do before

summer ends

25Museum of Life and Science433 West Murray AvenueDurham, NC, 27704

Pullen Park520 Ashe AvenueRaleigh, NC 27606

Western North Carolina Nature Center75 Gashes Creek Road Asheville, NC 28805

Hammocks Beach State ParkSwansboro, NC

Playspace Children’s Museum410 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores1 Roosevelt Blvd.Pine Knoll Shores, NC, 28512

Discovery Place301 North Tryon StreetCharlotte, NC, 28202

1.

7.

10.

14. 15.

2. 3.

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summer fun {ideas}

SciWorks400 West Hanes Mill Rd.Winston Salem, NC 27105

Hanging Rock State Park2015 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Off Hwy 8/89 Danbury, NC 27016

Greensboro Children’s Museum220 North Church StGreensboro, NC

Fort Fisher Historic State Site1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S. Kure Beach, NC 28449

Lazy Five Ranch1698 NC-150Mooresville, NC

North Carolina Zoological Park4401 Zoo PkwyAsheboro, NC,

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island4374 Airport Road Manteo, NC, 27954

Santa’s Land Theme Park & ZooRoute 1 Box 134-AFranklin, NC 28719

Ghost Town in the Sky890 Soco Road Maggie Valley, NC

Paramount’s Carowinds Water & Theme Park14523 Carowinds Blvd. (Avenue of the Carolinas) Charlotte, NC 28273

16. 17.

11. 12. 13.

8. 9.

4. 5. 6.

10 July/August 2012

{ideas} summer fun

Topsail SoundTopsail Beach, NC

Kidzu Children’s Museum105 E Franklin St. Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Wild Horse Safari1210 Ocean TrailCorolla, NC 27927

The Primate Center3705 Erwin RoadDurham, NC

Wonders of Science6106 Old Jenks Road Eagle Rock NC 27523

Cape Hatteras National SeashoreNational Park Drive, Hatteras Island Outer Banks, NC

Bald Head Island Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum101 Lighthouse WyndBald Head Island, NC 28461

Corolla Outback Adventures1150 Ocean TrailCorolla, NC 27927

18.

21.

23. 24. 25.

22.

19. 20.

childrensresourceguide.com 11

july/august events {happenings}

MondaysJumpin’ Beans Craft Day. Free with paid admission. 9:30am-4pm. Jumpin’ Beans, 1839 S. Main St., Wake Forest. 521-4445. jumpinbeanswf.com.

Open Play. Playtime for toddlers with mats and toys. 10am-1pm. University Mall, 210 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill. 967-6934. universitymallnc.com.

Quail Ridge Books and Music, Storytime. Ages 3-5. 10am. Raleigh. 828-1588. quailridgebooks.com.

TuesdaysCarolina Puppet Theater. First and third Tuesday of the month. A 50-minute show includes puppets, storytelling, movement and audience participation. 10am. Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs. 567-4000. carolinapuppets.com. $.

Chapel Hill Public Library Storytime. Stories, songs and activities. Ages 3-6. 10:30-11am and 3:30-4pm. Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Dr., Chapel Hill. 968-2778. http://chapelhillpubliclibrary.org.

Traveling Teachers. Environmentally friendly

july + augustevents

12 July/August 2012

{happenings} july/august events

crafts and activities. 10-11am. University Mall, 210 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill. 967-6934. universitymallnc.com.

Barnes & Noble Preschool Storytime. 10am., New Hope Commons, Durham. 489-3012.

Barnes & Noble Toddler Storytime. Ages 1-3. 10am., 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 467-3866. bn.com.

Drum for The Winter Hoop Jam YMCA Aquatics Center Annex (behind InterAct Bldg) Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm YMCA Aquatics Center Annex (behind Inter Act Bldg) 1012 Oberlin Rd Raleigh,

At the Speed of a Girl Celebrating 100 Years of Girl Scouting July 1, 2012 Noon-5pm North Carolina Museum of History 5 E. Edenton

St. Raleigh 27601 919-807-7900 www.ncmuseumofhistory.org This exhibit features the history of the Girls Scouts of America organization, founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low. All ages. Free ick-fil-a Holly Springs Tuesday May 8th 5-7:30 pm. We will have fun family and child oriented board and card games.

WednesdaysMVP Wednesday Marbles Kids Museum Show your Food Lion MVP card for $1 off museum admission on Wednesdays.

Fit Mamas. Mothers run or walk 1-3 mile with other moms. All abilities welcome. Children must ride in a stroller. 7:30am. Ridgewood Shopping Center, 3546 Wade Ave., Raleigh. 832-8275. fleetfeetraleigh.com.

Toddler Time. Make a craft. Free coffee for moms. Second and last Wednesday of the month. 9:30-10:30am. Chick-fil-A at White Oak Crossing. 220 Shenstone Ln., Garner. 662-7200. chickenspace.com.

Children’s Storytelling. Kids make a craft and enjoy sing-a-longs. 9:30am. Chick-fil-A, 1110 Beaver Creek Commons Dr., Apex. 303-2377.

The Children’s Store, Story time and Craft Activity. Ages 2-8. 10:30-11:30am. 243 S. Elliott Rd., Chapel Hill. 942-8027. thechildrensstoreinc.com.

Time for Toddlers. Stories, songs and movement activities. First three Wednesdays of the month. Ages 18-36 months and their caregivers. 10:15-10:35am and 11-11:20am. Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Dr., Chapel Hill. 968-2778. http://chapelhillpubliclibrary.org.

Exp. 8/30/12 Exp. 8/30/12

Editor’s Note: Events and times may change. Call event locations for details and confirmation!

childrensresourceguide.com 13

ThursdaysCurious Creatures. July 5, 2012 1-3pm Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs Kildaire Farm Rd. Cary 27518 919-387-5980 www.townofcary.org Discover fascinating facts about wildlife, their habits and their habitats through hikes, activities and crafts. Ages: 5 -8 years. $. Registration Required: Yes.

Kazoom Preschool Show. July 19, 2012 10am and 11:10am Kazoom Children’s Theatre 431 Peace St. Raleigh 27603. 919-365-0555 www.carolinapuppets.com/kazoom/index.php

FridaysOrnamentea Breakfast and Beads. Children enjoy art projects and books while parents socialize and make a craft project. Breakfast treats and coffee served. 8:30-10am. Fee for adult craft project., 509 N. West St., Raleigh. 834-6260. ornamentea.com

Barnes and Noble Family Fun Night. Books, activities and discussion. Every Friday but the first Friday, which is American Girl Night. School ages. 7pm. 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 467-3866. bn.com.

Adventure Landing Family Night. Unlimited mini-golf and laser tag and a large pizza. 6-10pm. $., 3311 Capital Blvd., Raleigh. 872-1688. adventurelanding.com/parks/raleigh.

Triangle Rock Club, Kids Climb Time Ages 6-12. 5-7pm. Supervised by an AMGA climbing wall instructor. Reservations recommended. 102 Pheasant Wood Ct., Morrisville. 463-7625. trianglerockclub.com $

Dreamsports Center, Sports Night. Supervised drop-in activities include in-line skating, soccer, floor hockey and basketball. Ages 8-13. 6:30-10:30pm. 1016 Investment Blvd., Apex. 387-2955. dreamsportscenter.com. $

Barnes & Noble Young Reader’s Book Club. Call store for book title. Ages 7-10. 6pm., 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 467-3866. bn.com.

Black Light Insect Hunt: Friday, August 17 | 8:30–11 pm. Enjoy the sounds and sights of a summer night in the Museum’s wetland. Specially-installed black lights attract insects to the screens

set up on the board walk. See and learn with our specialists what flies at night, from small to large beetles, moths and other critters. Cost $5 general public,$3 kids under age 10 Reservations requested, please call 919.220.5429 ext 313

SaturdaysEno River Farmers Market. Make-and-take crafts for kids. 8am-noon. Historic downtown Hillsborough. enoriverfarmersmarket.com.

Holly Springs Branch Library Free Family Movies. 10:15am. Presented by the. Call for titles. Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs. 577-1660.

Western Wake Farmers Market. Different programs offered each week in the Education Tent, plus live music and more than 30 farmers and artisans. 8am-noon. 1226 Morrisville Carpenter Rd., Cary. westernwakefarmersmarket.org.

Trolley Tours. Hour-long guided ride through downtown Raleigh. All ages. 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm. $. Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa St., Raleigh. 857-4364. raleighnc.gov/mordecai.

SundaysEmail your Sunday events to info@childrensresourceguide.com!

(Almost) EverydayNorth Hills Kids is a community where children are able to come and learn together, get exercise, and enjoy a fun, relaxed environment. They enjoy the activities & programs with other children and their parents while becoming familiar with the surrounding businesses at North Hills. Weekdays, except Thursdays, 9am-1pm.

NC Zoo Asheboro Special Dinosaur Exhibit! April through October 2012. Opens daily 10 a.m. Call for details.

If you have an event you would like to list, please tell us at info@childrensresourceguide.com!

july/august events {happenings}

14 July/August 2012

{cheap eats} dinner deals

kids eat cheap!

MondaysPerkins Restaurant & Bakery Apex and Raleigh locations. One child eats for free with the purchase of one adult entree every night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Perkins 908 U.S. 64 Apex, NC 27523 Kids eat free Monday or Tuesday Call to find out details (919) 462-8805

Crazy Fire Mongolian Grill, Kids eat free with adult purchase (919) 481-2222. 1270 Buck Jones Rd.

Torero’s Kids eat free from the Little Amigo Menu (one kid’s entree per adult entree purchased) on Monday through Thursday.

Tomato Jake’s Kids’ Night 5:30-9:30pm., 8202 Renaissance Pkwy., Ste. 101, Durham. 572-7722.

Fat Daddy’s, Kids eat for $1.25 with adult purchase 4-11pm Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 787-3773.

Moe’s Southwest Grill, 6807 Fayetteville Rd., Durham. 544-6637. Call for details

Fat Philly’s Classic Cheesesteaks G.B.

Alford Highway, Holly Springs. Kids eat for 99 cents after 5 p.m. on Mondays.

Fiesta Mexicana Cary, Clayton, north Raleigh, Garner locations. One adult entree gets you one free kids meal for a child under 12 on Mondays

TuesdaysGolden Coral, Kids eat for $1.99 with adult purchase Great Entertainment for the kids from 6-8pm.(919) 816-0352. 5707 Dillard Dr.

Cici’s Pizza, Locations across the Triangle. On Tuesdays, the buffet and a drink are 99 cents each for kids 4 to 10. Kids 3 and under are always free.

Chick-fil-A, Family Night. Kids make a craft. 5-7pm Call your local store for details

Champs, Kids eat free. Magic and balloons 4-8pm. 3741 Sumner Blvd., Triangle Town Center, Raleigh. 792-0330.

WednesdaysTequila Sunrise Mexican Grill, 877 E.

childrensresourceguide.com 15

Gannon Ave., Zebulon. 269-0999. Magic and Laughter with Happy Dan the Magic Man. Kids eat free. 6-8pm.

Buffalo Wild Wings, The Knightdale location has a kids night on Wednesdays where kids eat for $1.99 and the meal comes with a scoop of ice cream and toppings. It’s Monday nights at the Garner location.

IHOP, Kids 12 and under eat free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Two free children’s meals per adult meal purchased. 1313 Hillsborough St., Raleigh (919) 821-2242

Firehouse Subs Grande Heights Drive, Cary. Up to two kids meals are free with the purchase of an adult entree after 4 p.m. Wednesdays

McAlister’s Deli, Kids ages 12 and under eat free - dine-in only after 4 p.m. Drink not included. 4361 Lassiter at North Hills, Raleigh (919) 787-9543

Zaxby’s Kids eat free on Wednesday with the purchase of an adult meal at the Knightdale location. 6702 Hwy. 64 East, Knightdale (919) 261-9995

ThursdaysBear Rock Café, Kids eat for 99 cents with purchase of an adult meal after 4 p.m. University Mall, 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill (919) 942-4811

Papa John’s, Kids 12 and under get a free medium one-topping pizza, cheesesticks or chickenstrips with the purchase of a large pizza. (One free item per large pizza ordered.)

FridaysEno River Eatery, Durham. All kids meals are 99 cents every Friday after 5 p.m

SaturdaysDenny’s, Kids ages 10 and under eat free after 4 p.m. 3215 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh

(919) 876-9556

SundaysDickey’s Barbecue Pit Crossroads 200 Crossroads Blvd. Cary, NC (919) 233-5801

Hooter’s 4206 Wake Forest Road Raleigh, NC 27609 ( 919) 850-9882

TGI Fridays Durham 2608 Erwin Rd Ste 104 Durham, NC (919) 383-9636. Cary 2002 Kildaire Farm Rd Cary, NC (919) 233-8883

Hibachi Xpress Apex, Cary and Raleigh locations. Kids eat for $1 to $1.50 on Sundays.

Jersey Mikes, Locations across the Triangle. Two kids eat for free with the purchase of a regular sandwich on Sundays.

Twisted Fork, Triangle Town Center, Raleigh. Kids 10 and under eat free all day on Sundays and Mondays.

EverydayC & H Cafeteria, Six Forks Road, Raleigh location. One child age 6 and under per family eats for free from the kids menu Monday through Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday

Pita Delight, North Town Shopping Center, Creedmoor Road, Raleigh. Kids eat free everyday, all day with the purchase of an adult meal.

Tossed, Morrisville. One kid eats for free Monday thorugh Friday after 2 p.m. with the purchase of one adult entree and drink. The deal extends all day Saturday and Sunday.

dinner deals {cheap eats}

Editor’s Note: Dates and prices may have changed, so call ahead to double check!

Great

116 Quantum St. , Holly Springs, NC 27502 552-8331

www. olly prings cademy- .comH S A NC

Explore. . .Ages: 18mos. - 5 years old

Create Play. Learnfor 2012 year for those who

register in December 2011.- 10% DISCOUNT

- WIN a 32” HDTV; Drawing at our Grand Opening Jan. 9; 6:00pm to 7:00 pm Must be present to win

- DEC HOLIDAY CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE/Drop In We are offering weekly childcare and Hourly Drop in thru 1/6 . Go to website for details and forms.

- OPEN HOUSE - Every Thursday 4-7PM thru Jan. 5.

Come visit our center!

Great Quality, Amazing Value!

Holly Springs AcademyEarly Education Childcare Center

*Fresh, healthful (often organic) snacks*Children’s gardens*Now enrolling for Fall Pre-K class*Weekly summer camps!

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2 years