Showing posts with label Outdoor Activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Outdoor Activities. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Baby Animals & Tulip Festival at Andelin Farm - A Must See Attraction During Spring in Sparks, Nevada



Baby Animal & Tulip Festival, 2024
April 3 to May 4
Wednesday - Thursday, 3pm - 7pm
Friday - Saturday, 10am - 7pm
Andelin Farm welcomes visitors throughout the seasons:

There's nothing quite as enjoyable as spending time with adorable baby animals, surrounded by laughter and joy in the delightful spring weather, munching on kettle corn, and savoring the scent of fresh-cut tulips.

At Andelin Farm's Baby Animals & Tulip Festival event, you can immerse yourself in all of these wonderful experiences and more.

This cherished farm, managed by a warm family and dedicated staff, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure their guests have the best possible time.

Over the years of my visits, I've witnessed numerous positive changes that have made the farm even more enjoyable than before.

With a variety of activities to enjoy, their flat per-person rate is incredibly worthwhile, granting access to a place perfect for creating cherished memories and having safe, wholesome fun.


Activities Available:
- Zip line (weight limit of 135 pounds), 38'' requires assistance, 44" unassisted
- Jump pad for bouncing fun.
- Hamster wheel for playful spinning.
- Pony and horse rides - additional $5 per person per ride or one ride included with a Seasonal Plus Pass.
- Chick holding experience
- Barrel train ride
- Hayride (tractor-pulled) for a scenic tour.
- Baby animal petting with supervised access by staff.
- Feeding goats and chickens (additional fee for food or included in Seasonal Plus Pass).
- Gem mining sluice with fees based on the size of the mining bag.
- Gift shop offering trail mix, snacks, crafts, ice cream, pantry items, and affordable drinks
- Duck races with water pumps 
- Hay maze
- Play fishing
- U-pick flower section 
- Lassoing 
- Rabbit hole slides 


Notes
Tickets:
- Tickets can be purchased in person or online, with online tickets being $2 cheaper.

Opening Times for the Farm:
- Opening dates vary. For the latest updates, follow Andelin Farm's Instagram page.

Checking Weather Ahead of Time:
- Check hourly reports to plan your day accordingly. I recommend applying sunscreen to the kids throughout the day, especially given the heightened sun intensity at our elevation.

Animals to See:
- Explore a variety of animals including camels, llamas, alpacas, emus, sheep, goats, peacocks, turkey, horses, ponies, calves, and chickens.

Food:
- Admission is not required to access the food trucks located at the farm entrance, with plenty of picnic tables available. Food trucks are generally open during public hours.
  - Island Hot Dog Truck serves delicious hot dogs.
  - Mini donuts are fun and made to order and ice cream slushies are a must.

Safety:
- Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the farm for your convenience.

Shop:
- Visit the farm store located in the barn for homemade goods and crafts, including jams, baking mixes, hot sauces, snacks, kettle corn, sweet caramel nuggets, trail mix, yogurt pretzels, Andelin-branded merchandise, hats, jewelry, soaps, and more.
- Various vendors also set up shop during peak times in the fall
- Cold drinks and ice cream available

Private Events and Rentable Spaces:
- Private group tours are available, and the barn and pavilions can be rented for weddings and events.

Photo Opportunities:
- Capture memorable moments around the farm with numerous photo opportunities including flower picking, baby animal petting, horse and pony rides for both adults and kids, and fun photo cutouts.

Footwear:
- Proper footwear is essential as the farm grounds are primarily dirt

Parking:
- The parking lot offers ample grass/dirt space

Strollers:
- Umbrella strollers are not recommended due to the dirt and rock terrain. Jogging and larger strollers are preferable.

Restrooms:
- Porta Potties are available both inside and outside the farm for your convenience.


Categorized Under "Season/Holidays" and "Birthday/Event Venues"

Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved

***Information subject to change

Friday, March 5, 2021

Tube Tahoe - Stunning Views, Fresh Air, and A Tubular Time


Two not so steep lanes (left) and  two steeper lanes (on right with orange netting)
Tube Tahoe was born during the pandemic, aiming to supply a fun spot for everyone to safely have fun outdoors.

(530) 600-2304
*Liability Waiver Form (save some time and fill out before your visit)

Business Snapshot
Tube Tahoe is a family-friendly tubing business in South Lake Tahoe that opens up in the winter and features beautiful views of Mt. Tallac and Echo Summit.  Here you'll find nicely groomed lanes, friendly service, a grocery store and food truck next door, and lots of tubuler fun.  Equipment is included and tubing is on a first come, first-served basis.  This business stands out with their long lanes (around 500ft.), limited crowds (fees may have something to do with this), views, and rad service.  Workers help guests onto their tubes, making this spot ideal for families.  If you're looking for steeper runs, this may not be the place you're looking for.  They hold free days for special needs families. You can follow them on Instagram for updates.

Check in at this building.

VIT (very important tuber) Season Pass

Click on "Book Reservervations" on homepage and click on "purchase tickets" to see this option. Rates as of 1.2023 

During the pandemic, my family made a trip out to our usual tubing spot-Adventure Mountain, but they were at capacity.  

I asked the worker out on the road if he knew of another tubing place around and he referred me and my family to Tube Tahoe.  

I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was close by (12 minutes).  

I'm glad that Adventure Mountain was at capacity since we were presented with another place to explore and try out.  

The four slopes at Tube Tahoe were perfectly groomed, with kind workers at the top to help hold the tubes in place before take-off.  

This was extremely helpful, allowing for my two little ones to be able to go on their own without me and my husband's supervision.

Me and my family had a great time at TubeTahoe.  Though it was different from our usual snow adventure —less crowds and fewer slopes — it was a welcome change as me and my family love to discover and explore new places.

If you're wondering, Adventure Mountain is also a great tubing resort, with more lanes (18 in prime weather), a snow play area, and a building that has a small shop and eatery area that serves fast food.  This resort caters both to smaller children and adults as some of the slopes are on the steeper side.  If you plan on visiting this resort, make sure to get there a bit before they open to avoid crowds and to secure a parking spot. 

Free Fun Day for Special Needs Families, 2023


"We are excited to host a Free Fun Day for Special Needs Families from near and far. Come visit us this Sunday, January 22nd from 9am – 4pm and check-in at the ticket shop! We will have two tubing lanes designated for this event. We will also be hosting this event on February 12th and March 19th, 2023, if you can’t make it this Sunday!" -source

Thanks so much for being awesome, Tube Tahoe! 

They have a small shop just in case you forget something.  Snacks available for sale.

On A Budget?  No Problem.
There are plenty of areas around Lake Tahoe that are open to the public free of charge (snow permitting).  Check out this video made by YouTuber Gabriella, showing you where to find them. 


Notes
-50% discount for South Lake Tahoe locals with ID
-no magic carpet. must walk up to get to the top
-their tubes were so comfortable compared to the ones at Adventure Mountain
-Google maps brought me to the wrong address. Instead, use the Holiday Market grocery store address. 
-Check the weather ahead of time so that you can dress appropriately. Check road conditions to make sure they are clear for travel. 
-Tube Tahoe is conveniently located right next to a grocery Holiday Market, gas station, and Pretty Odd Weiners
-the views of the surrounding mountains were breathtaking
-their store has all of the essentials- sunblock, winter gear, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses
-outside sleds are not allowed for safety purposes
-there are no places to have picnics except for car or nearby places
-compared to Adventure Mountain, you are not allowed to play with snow in the surrounding areas
-there are a couple of mini slopes at the bottom that me and my kids had fun playing around
-walkway up to the slopes are not as steep as the ones at Adventure Mountain, making them more kid-friendly
-different rates for weekdays vs weekends. Check website for current rates. They charge per person
-first come first served
-helmets not required
-minors under 42" must ride with an adult
-can book for parties after the holidays
-if you're looking for another short road trip nearby, BOA Vista Orchards, a family favorite, is open year-round and the whole Apple Hill opens during Fall. One hour away. 


Pricing as of 1/9/2023
Please check website for current rates

Delicious dogs from Pretty Off Weiners next door after a full day of fun.

Pretty Odd Weiners 
from Website (as of 1/9/2023)

Monday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Friday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm


*All opinions are my own.  Information subject to change.  Please check in with business for the latest information.

Photos
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Magic Carpet Golf, Reno - Take a Magic Carpet Ride Into Fantasy and Back in Time Into the Prehistoric Era


6925 S Virginia St
Reno, NV 89511


(775) 853-8837
Reviews on Yelp

I didn't grow up with mini golf, so I never had the interest to seek out places like Magic Carpet Golf.  After becoming a parent, my mindset changed and like many parents, I am always on the hunt for places to take my kids.  Finding places that are safe, fun and educational is like finding gold.  

Five years ago when I first moved to Reno, I found such a place-Magic Carpet Golf.  It drew me in with it's inviting, whimsical, handmade structures and tall trees.  I couldn't believe that I've been missing out on so much fun all these years.

One hot summer day, I dropped in with my son and fell in love with the place.  Upon entering, we were welcomed with some good old video games, many of which I played when I was a kid.  I was so happy that my kids would get to experience some of the joys of my childhood.  

We checked in at the counter, where we found three courses to choose from- a 19-hole-course with a fantasy theme, a 19 whole course with a dinosaur theme and a 28-hole course with a theme unknown to me since I have yet to try it out.  

Me and my son tried both the fantasy and dinosaur courses between different visits.  We were given a score card, putters & a ball by the nice person at the counter, headed out to our course, and went at our own pace.  Of all the times I've been here, it's never been busy to the point that I felt rushed.  

My son had a great time with a look of pure joy on his face as he swung his putter and admired the handmade structures (some mechanical moving).  It was so great to see him have so much fun, all while getting exercise and fresh air.   

I love the fact that mini golf is something you don't have to be good at.  You take the ball, aim for the hole and swing for the win — all while being able to enjoy the ambiance they've worked so hard to create. 

During the pandemic, I'm even more appreciative of outdoor places like this that enable people to have a fun and safe time, allowing good air circulation and space to distance yourself from others.  

Notes:
-family owned and run
-Masks required in lobby and outside when a distance of six ft cannot be maintained.  Putters wiped down.
-In the summer, they serve Dole Whips.  Yes, the ones from Disneyland.  If you're really hooked on them, believe it or not, you can buy the machine and mixture from Amazon.  
-Hungry? Walk over to Sushi Minato next door if you want to get your picnic on at Magic Carpet
-handicap accessible 
-water structures make for a relaxing environment 
-great shade in the summer
-at the end of your game, place your ball into the ball slot machine for a chance to win a free game
-drink and snack machine available inside building
-little play putter available for little ones (my 2 year old had fun pretend playing).  The person at the counter gave my son one along with a ball free of charge.
-I would throw a party here, hands down.  Check their website for more information on their birthday packages
-you don't have to have children to have fun here.  I always see adults on their oown,having fun.
-ideal spot for meetings, fundraisers, field trips, team building and work events
-restrooms available
-No alcohol, no glass, no cooking
-the place is well kept and beautiful 
-closed on Thanksgiving
-hours change according to season and weather. check website or call in for current hours
-Right next to Target across the street
-outdoor food and cake allowed for events