Apologies and New Weekly Plan C's

I wanted to apologize for my inconsistency in regards to my blog for the last few weeks. We have welcomed our newest addition to our family for folks who don't know us personally on top of moving into our new place. So after focusing on the home front for a few weeks I am ready and stir crazy at home to start my blog up again. While I may not be attending many of these events, I urge folks to check them out. They all sound like fun!

I was made aware of a couple of local things that are starting up again/ opened recently and wanted to share them! A lot of these events were postponed / cancelled due to school being out so now that school is session there has been an increase in local activities again.

Orono Trampoline Park:

Where: IGA Plaza in Orono

When: From 3 pm to 8 pm daily 

Cost: 

• Toddlers 

• 60 minutes -$8 

• 90 minutes- $15

• 120 minutes- $20

• General 

• 60 minutes -$14

• 90 minutes- $20

• 120 minutes- $25

• Socks

• $2.50

Orono Public Library :
Pajama Story Time ( ages 2 and up to 12)

• October 13th

• November 10th

• December 15th

Thomas School of Dance :

• Where: 14 State st. Bangor, Maine

• Mommy and Me pre-ballet and creative dance for 18 months to 3 years. Adult participation required. Does not perform in end of year show.
• Saturday 9:00-9:30 Offered in 6 week sessions for $60, Next session starts 9/10. Pre registration required.  Online registration available https://thomasschoolofdance.coursestorm.com/ 

• Young Preschool Class ½ hour pre-ballet and creative dance for 2 1/2 to 4 year olds. No parent participation. Offered in 6 week sessions and ongoing sessions.  Does not perform in end of year show.

• Saturday 8:45-9:15 6 week session for $60; Next session starts 9/10 .  Pre registration required. Online registration available https://thomasschoolofdance.coursestorm.com/
• Monday 3:30-4:00 6 week session for $60; Next session starts 9/12 .  Pre registration required. Online registration available https://thomasschoolofdance.coursestorm.com/
• Saturday 9:30-10:00 ongoing class for $165/semester. Pre registration required.

• Preschool Dance for 4 – 5 year olds not yet in kindergarten. No parent participation. Will include pre-ballet, creative dance and introduction to tap. Option to perform in spring recital.

• Wednesday 4:30-5:15
• Saturday 9:15-10:00

Merrill Hall Infant/ Toddler Program:

Where: University of Maine, Merrill Hall, Room 119

When: 9:30-10:30 Tuesday- Thursday

Cost: $30 a semester ($3 a session) , however scholarships are available.

• Tuesday- ages 1-2 years

• Wednesday- ages birth -1 year

• Thursday- ages 2-3 years

Toddler Tap Takeover:

Where: Nocturnem Draft Haus

When: 5 pm to 7 p.m. every 4th Wednesday

What: The purpose of this event is for parents to be able to bring their kids out to dinner without forcing them to be sit down and be quiet. The lounge is closed off so they can be as loud and rambunctious as you let them! Also, they'll have a special kids food menu for the event!

What's Happening the Last Week of July/ First Week of August

I may update this one periodically throughout the week given more time and/or 4 a.m. sleep nights due to active babies in my belly. But, here a start for your weekend and next week. There may be more for the rest of the week on the Bangor Daily News Event page. But, these are the highlight events I think may be worth checking out. I am going to be honest, I am not huge on fair rides. So I am mainly focused on the agricultural aspect. As an adult, I get more excited about the Common Ground Fair and Bill Hill Fairs -- for that reason despite growing up next to the Bangor State Fair my entire life. With that said I also have memories of being a little girl and seeing the ferris wheel up when my parents drove on 395 going from Bangor to Bucksport and getting excited the fair was in town. But, here are some local and day-trip ideas for you week.

Friday-7/29

• Maine Cloth Diaper Company, Bangor
• July Lobster Footprint/Handprint Craft @ 12:00 ( $5 for paper, $10 for canvass) 
• Big Band Swing to Benefit the Gifts of Music 
• Gomez Park Downtown Bangor from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Bangor State Fair- Opening Day
• Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
• $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
• Children 3 and under are free
• CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
• Pony Rides 
• Animal Alley 
• Old McDonald’s Farm 
• Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
• 4-H Educational Exhibits
• Horse Pulls- 3pm

• ulDiscovery Museum
• Marshmellow Launchers @ 11:00 
• Bouy Bells @ 2:00

• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature. 
• Screen 1
• Kiss Your Ice Goodbye- 8:30
• Secret Life of Pets- 10:20
• 
  
• Saturday 7/30

• Maine Artisan Bread Fair
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. @ Skowhegan State Fairgrounds ( Free!)
• Open Farm Day In the Village Farm and Garden -- 10 a.m.  to 3p.m.
• 47 Pleasant st, Passadumpkeag, Maine 
• Goats
• Pigs
• Chickens
• Turkeys
• Dogs
• Ducks
• Bees
• Millinocket Christmas in July Celebration 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• $5 lunch
• "Sleigh Rides" ( horse and wagon) with Santa  (pay by donation) 
• Celebrate Unity Festival (3rd Annual) 
• Northern Solstice Alpaca Farm 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 
• Soap felting
• Free Coffee and Donuts
• Field of Dreams 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• Music
• BBQ
• Bounce House
• Ice Cream 
• Vendors
• Family Activities
• Village at Depot Crossing
• Classic Car rally
• Bangor State Fair
• Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
• $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
• Children 3 and under are free
• CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
• Pony Rides 
• Animal Alley 
• Old McDonald’s Farm 
• Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
• 4-H Educational Exhibits
• Oxen Pulls @ Noon
• 4-H Dog Show @1pm
• 4-H Activities @3-5 pm
• Discovery Museum
• Sailors Valentines  @ 2:00 p.m. ( $1 fee)
• Fields Pond Family Discovery Series: Insects
• 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  and  6 p.m. to 8 p.m. -- $25 for family of members and $35 for family of non-members
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
• Screen 1
• Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
• Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10

Sunday- 7/31

• Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
• Unearthing the Past -- $10 and pre-registration required.
• Discovery Museum -- Sea Crowns @ 2:00
• Not So Empty Nest Ice Cream Social 
• 624 Hammond Street, Bangor from Noon to 4:00 p.m.
• Bangor State Fair
• Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
• $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
• Children 3 and under are free
• CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
• Pony Rides 
• Animal Alley 
• Old McDonald’s Farm 
• Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
• 4-H Educational Exhibits
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
• Screen 1
• Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
• Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10

Monday-8/1

• Bangor State Fair
• Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
• $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
• Children 3 and under are free
• CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
• Pony Rides 
• Animal Alley 
• Old McDonald’s Farm 
• Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
• 4-H Educational Exhibits
• 4-H Horse Show

• Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
• Treasure Hunters -- $10 and pre-registration required.
• 8th Annual Our Town Belfast Street Party 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. ( Free Entry!)
• FEATURING:
• Motor Booty Affair (sponsored by the Unity Foundation)
• DJ Erik Klausmeyer
• DJ Z Lite
• Games
•  Music
•  Dancing
• Ticket/Bracelet for rides
•  Street Food
• Discovery Museum
•  Sailing Theme 11:00 to 11:30
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
• Screen 1
• Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
• Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10

Tuesday- 8/2

• Bangor State Fair
• Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
• $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
• Children 3 and under are free
• CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
• Pony Rides  
• Animal Alley 
• Old McDonald’s Farm 
• Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
• 4-H Educational Exhibits
• 4-H Sheep Show @2
• Dairy Show @ Noon
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
• Screen 1
• Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
• Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10

• Discovery Museum 
• Sailing Theme From 11 to 11:30

Wednesday- 8/3

• Maine Cloth Diaper Company
• Music Time w/ Miss Julie @10:30 a.m.
• Taste of Waterville from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 
• Entertainment
• Activities
• Food and Drinks
• Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
• Treasure Hunters -- $10 and pre-registration required.
• Bangor State Fair
• Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
• $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
• Children 3 and under are free
• CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
• Pony Rides 
• Animal Alley 
• Old McDonald’s Farm 
• Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
• 4-H Educational Exhibits
• 4-H Judging Contest @ 2
• 4-H Show Games Day @2
• Cake Conncotions -- Bangor 
• Mommy & Me Cake Decorating
• Decorate a 6" cake together
• $25 pre-paid event ( I know, it's over the $15. But, in my defense it sounds so yummy and fun. With that said all of the decor and ingredients are provided for you, plus you get a cake in the end.)
• 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
• Screen 1
• Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
• Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10

Thursday 8/4

• Old Town Concerts in the Park
• Pete Kilpatrick Band 6:30 @ Gazebo Downtown -- Free!
• Bangor Cool  Sounds Concert Series 
• Broadway Rocks 5 PM @ Westmarket Square -- Free!
• Bangor State Fair
• Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
• $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
• Children 3 and under are free
• CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
• Pony Rides 
• Animal Alley 
• Old McDonald’s Farm 
• Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
• 4-H Educational Exhibits
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
• Screen 1
• Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
• Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10

If you have an event to add that is specific to this week feel free to comment! Don't forget most libraries have free Discovery Museum Passes with regular attendance! 

Billy's Third Pick of the Week : Belfast Moosehead Lake Railroad

Last year Billy, our daughter and I went for a ride on the Belfast Moosehead train. Billy talks about wanting to do a bunch of their featured events. They have pizza rides, pumpkin picking ride, toys for tots rides ( varying on the time of year). They have some great kid friendly/ family friendly events year round for slightly more than the $15 I swear by.  But, this is one of those events that is just so enjoyable that you will regret passing it up. Also with what I just said, we went Maine Train Day which was half off for adults and kids ride for free costing $10 for all of us. But, for a family of three and a child discount it is affordable enough for the memories being made. Whenever we go to Belfast we always go down town and enjoy the arts in the parks. There are some featured interactive arts around town that is always fun and great food. I swear by the Belfast Co-op and they have been child friendly since I was a child, the food is great, healthy and affordable including vegan and vegetarian options.

Featured Webpage and Upcoming Events:
http://belfastandmooseheadlakerail.org/joomla/index.php

What's happening in the Third week of July!

Saturday-7/23

• Bucksport Bay Festival -- see Facebook for more details and times!
• Autoshow at Crosby's 
• Karaoke
• Children's Area
• Baking Contests
• Fireworks

Bucksport Waterfront outlooking Fort Knox

• Fort Knox
• Orono Public Safety Carseat Check Event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Orrington's Endless Yard Sale ( some kids enjoy yard sales ... I did when I was a kid)
• Discovery Museum
• Glowworm Puppets@ 2:00 pm
• Kiwanis Auction-  Forrest Ave. Orono
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature. 
• Screen 1
• Kiss Your Ice Goodbye- 8:30
• Secret Life of Pets- 10:20
• 
  
• Sunday 7/24

• Open Farm Day -- The Curran Homestead Living History Farm -- Free Admission from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00pm
• Bucksport Bay Festival -- See details on webpage!
• Fort Knox 
• Discovery Museum
• Sea Glass Wind Chimes @ 2:00 p.m.
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
• Screen 1
• Kiss Your Ice Goodbye- 8:30
• Secret Life of Pets- 10:20

Monday- 7/25

• Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
• Unearthing the Past -- $10 and pre-registration required.
• Discovery Museum -- Silly Hats @ 2:00

Tuesday-7/26

• LAST Orono Concerts in the Park
• Inanna, Sisters in Rhythem 6:30 @ Webster Park -- Free!
• Discovery Museum
•  Wish Bottle Charms ( $2) from 11 to 11:30
• Secrets of Fieflies  from 2 to 2:30
• Fields Pond Family Discovery Series: Frogs and Snakes
• 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  and  6 p.m. to 8 p.m. -- $25 for family of members and $35 for family of non-members

Wednesday- 7/27

• Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
• Unearthing the Past-- $10 and pre-registration required.
• Discovery Museum 
• Sea Crowns From 11 to 11:30
• Driftwood Creations From 2 to 2:30

Thursday- 7/28

• Fields Pond Family Discovery Series: Birds
• 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  and  6 p.m. to 8 p.m. -- $25 for family of members and $35 for family of non-members
• Old Town Concerts in the Park
• Putnam Smith Trio 6:30 @ Gazebo Downtown -- Free!
• Bangor Cool  Sounds Concert Series 
• William Joseph Jiordan 5 PM @ Westmarket Square -- Free!
• Discovery Museum
• Paper Making from 11 to 11:30
• Balloon Powered Race Boats from 2 to 2:30

If you have an event to add that is specific to this week feel free to comment! Don't forget most libraries have free Discovery Museum Passes with regular attendance! 

Rachel's Pick of the Week : Camden

I apologize to my regular followers for not pasting last week. As I stated in my initial post in the beginning, we are expecting child number two at the end of August/ beginning of September. There have been a lot more appointments taking up my time and we are moving this month so finding the time to get posts in are difficult.But, as I found myself up at 4a.m. this fine Saturday with nothing to do expect eat a bowl of cereal and watch the sunrise ( watch out friends red sky in the morning). I found this the perfect time to make a pick from me.


All summer long I have been wanting to go to Camden for a day. Not only did some of my best friends grow up there and I'd love to catch up with their families even though they are miles away there is just so much to do! This was one of my favorite day trips as an adult and a child. Camden has one of the best children's libraries in the state! If you have a library card you can check out books there through Minerva and they have a great collection for children. Just outside of the library there is a children's garden, park and amphitheater. There is a another green space across the street that brings you to the ocean and docks ( great tidal pools on low tide). If you have older kids Ocean Kayaking is a lot of fun and 1/4 a mile down the road there is boat landing.

Laite Memorial Beach is roughly a mile from the library. It has a playground, park and beach for swimming and collecting. There are a bunch of shops in between and the traffic may be high this time of year. Something to consider if your child need a break or has a difficult time window shopping.

Often times we would venture into town and do some window shopping, then go to Merryspring Nature Park. There are great walking paths and beautiful well kept gardens for adults and children to enjoy!There is a Hannaford less than a block away so bring a blanket and pick up a lunch or you can eat in the gazebo there. 

After lunch may be a good time to drive to Camden Hills State Park where you can drive or hike up Mt. Battie. We usually drive since we are lazy and you can have a full view of Camden and surrounding Islands. There's a great tower at the top which requires a lot of support of a parent or guardian. 

View from the top of Mt. Battie

Merrysprings 

A family friend feeding ducks from the park mentioned

View from Mt. Battie

Picture of the gazebo!

Merryspring

Inside the tower at Mt. Battie

Outside of the library

MerrySprings

Entrance to Children's Garden at Libarary

What's Happening this Week?

Every week there are fun things going on in the area all summer long and I have decided to do special events on certain days/nights of the week. Since this is late Wednesday and I am inspired to look these events up on Wednesday's I will strive to post them then for the weekend going into the next week. Some of these are for older kids or toddler That take long naps mid-day ( Some toddlers take 2-3 hour naps mid-day )with a I only include kid friendly events. So if you are looking for not so kid friendly events I am sorry.

Thursday- 7/14

• Discovery Museum -- Pet Dragons ( Make your own dragon Puppet) From 11 to 11:30 age 3+
• Hampden Academy-- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm ( $5 a ticket)
• The Trendy Robots Play for Free @ 5 PM  in Pickering Square in Bangor all ages
• Briar Patch -- Find Waldo Downtown Bangor -- Last day
• Old Town Concerts in the Park - Sharon Hood and Dixon Road @6:30 Free
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature. 
• Screen 1
• Finding Dory- 8:30
• The BFG- 10:30
• Screen 2
• Secret Life of Pets- 8:30
• The Legend of Tarzan- 10:30

Friday- 7/15

• Maine Cloth Diaper Company-- Piggy Paint Mani Pedi  Noon to 6 pm $9 a person for all ages.
• Discovery Museum -- Paper Making from 11 to 11:30 age 3+
• Hampden Academy-- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm ( $5 a ticket)
• River City Cinema -- Pickering Square, Bangor Maine
• Princess Bride -- Free- 8:30
• Ice Cream Train! Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad co. & Museum -- Portland, Maine from Noon to 6:00 pm
• 
  
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature. 
• Screen 1
• Secret Life of Pets- 8:30
• The Legend of Tarzan- 10:30

Saturday-7/16

• Discovery Museum -- Maine Magnets ( $1) from 2 to 2:30
• Hampden Academy-- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm ( $5 a ticket)

• Barbecued chicken supper to benefit Comins Hall preservation-- Eddington, Maine ( $8 for Adults and $3 for children) from 5 to 6:30

• Baked Bean Church Supper-- Dedham Congregational Church from 5 to 6:30 pm ( Adults $9, Kids 12 and under $4 and pre-schoolers free
• Fun In the Park- Broadway Park from 4:30 to 10:00 -- Free
• Rick Charette and the Bubble Gum Band
• Screening of Kung Fu Panda 3
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature. 
• Screen 1
• Secret Life of Pets- 8:30
• The Legend of Tarzan- 10:30
• The Annual Maine Celtic Celebration-- Main St. Belfast, Maine ( Most events are free)

Sunday 7/17

• The Annual Maine Celtic Celebration-- Main St. Belfast, Maine ( Most events are free)
• Bucksport Pixie Harbor Hoopla from 11am to 4pm -- Free ( costumes welcome)
• Fort Knox Pirate Festival from 11am to 4pm -- Regular Fort Admission ( if you would like to sail on pirate ship $25 per person)
• Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
• Screen 1
• Secret Life of Pets- 8:30
• The Legend of Tarzan- 10:30

Monday- 7/18

• Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
• Fairies,Trolls, and Goblins -- $10 and pre-registration required.
• Discovery Museum -- Sea Junk from 2 to 2:30

Tuesday-7/19

• Orono Concerts in the Park
• Tough End Strings Band 6:30 @ Webster Park -- Free!
• Discovery Museum
•  Maine Magnets ( $1) from 11 to 11:30
• Underwater Kingdoms age 3+ ( $3)  from 2 to 2:30

Wednesday- 7/20

• Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
• Fairies,Trolls, and Goblins -- $10 and pre-registration required.
• Discovery Museum -- Build your Own Birdhouse 4+ from 1:30 to 2:30

If you have an event to add that is specific to this week feel free to comment! Don't forget most libraries have free Discovery Museum Passes with regular attendance! 

Billy's weekly Pick: Morgan's Beach

One place Billy and I discuss going to regularly is Morgan's Beach. Morgan's Beach is in Enfield, Maine  on your way to Lincoln from Old Town . One can take I95 or Route US2-E to Morgan's Beach it's attached to Cold Stream Pond.  This is roughly a 45 minute drive from Bangor, 35 from Old Town, 10 minutes from Lincoln. There is a price which I believe last year was no more than $3 for adults, $2 for kid under 12-3 and under 3 kids on in for 3. Parking is limited.The water is clear, privately owned and maintained, play area with swings and tires, changing rooms, restrooms and snack shack one hand. Plenty of shade and real sand on the beach for children to play on. On hot days this place can get crowded, we find the earlier in the day the better.  While we have a private camp available to us, we find the beach is perfect for socialization of our toddler and the beach is easier for her to ease herself in opposed to the rocks at the bottom of the lake at camp. You can always count on seeing someone you know there too, which in most cases is pleasant. A perfect place to make a sand castle though! Very rare in the middle of Maine.