Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

On Wednesday, we had a lovely field trip on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. We rode what is known as the Canal Summer Express. This means we boarded in Peninsula, rode up to the Canal Visitor Center and back to the Peninsula. It lasted about 2-1/2 hours.

At the Visitor Center, we viewed an actual demonstration of a working lock on the Ohio & Erie Canal. Talk about Ohio history! There is no guardrail or yellow CAUTION tape. There we stood looking over the edge of the lock down down down to the surface of the stagnant water. We kept a good eye on the 2 year old, to be sure. While we were being educated by a wonderful volunteer about the canal history, we watched the gates open (some of us helped), allowing water to fill the lock so our imaginary boat could continue its journey down the canal. Our guide reminded the students to listen to the sounds the water made in order to know when it was getting full. First, the lock emptied and then we filled it up again. It may not sound like much, but it was pretty cool.

The Visitor Center is a mini-museum dedicated to the canals, history and local animals. Inside was a tabletop version of the life-size canal lock outside. Many of the children enjoyed watching the re-enactment there as well. Outside, we were divided into 2 groups. I did a terrible job of dividing the groups equally. (Sorry) Personally, I think we could have stayed together and had just as much fun. At that time, we were introduced to a small version of bowling using wooden pins and balls that fit on a small board which our guides said "might have been used by children during the canal time period." We were also led in some races together.

After a few minutes to look around the Visitor Center, (where many of the books and information were well-priced), we were led back to the train. We ate our lunch on the train up and finished on the train back. We had also been provided with a Bingo game that listed many items we would see out the windows on the way.
The volunteer guides were wonderful, friendly, and very helpful. They enjoy what they do, and it showed.

All of our children behaved wonderfully. Thank you all for that! I especially enjoyed meeting so many new people. Our group totalled 43, most of whom I met that day. It was great!

The cost was $8.00/adults, $6.00/children 1 and over, and it had to be prepaid. There were other people on the train, but they traveled in a separate car from us, and didn't get the same rates.

We had a terrific time and would definitely like to go again.

St. Helena III Canal Boat

Today, we took a field trip to Canal Fulton in Stark county to ride on a real horse-drawn canal boat. The boat is called the St. Helena III. We had about 8 families join us for the ride, some of whom are new to the group, which is wonderful. I love meeting all of the new people, and I could see some of the kids making some new friends, which is the best part.

Other than having some trouble finding where to go, we had a very nice trip. There aren't many signs there to tell you if you are in the right place. I found one small brown one across the street coming from the North that pointed to the left. They are doing quite a bit of construction, so I imagine that they will work on making it more clear when it is finished. It was quite hot and sunny, so the drivers and the young guy narrating were dripping sweat. Although the boat is open and obviously not air-conditioned, it is shady, and it wasn't too uncomfortable for us during the cruise. It was a very smooth ride, and the guide was quite informative giving a brief history of the canal and how the boats operated. There was also plenty of time for questions, which he was able to answer easily. He really seemed to know what he was talking about. On the ride back, the children were allowed to climb up on deck to watch the girl steer the boat. They even climbed up on the roof.

We were given the group rate, which only requires 12 people or more. The group rate is $5.50 adults, and $3.50 children 5 and older. Under 5 are free. It is possible to take a stroller on board (one of us did it), but you have to carry it down the few steps there are to get on the boat. The cruise takes most of an hour.

The staff were quite friendly, especially considering how hot they were. If you go, though, don't expect them to be around before the cruise, since the same crew drives the boat as sells the tickets, so you have to wait for the earlier boat to return in order to buy tickets for the next cruise. Cruises run at 1, 2 and 3 o'clock most afternoons. Also, there was no bathroom. There was a port-o-potty, which I assume was there for the construction crews, but it was used by us as well.

If you're interested in visiting, you can call 1-800-HELENA3 for info.

NASA Glenn Visitor Center

I'm surprised I haven't mentioned this field trip yet. We have visited the NASA Glenn Visitor Center in Cleveland numerous times, and it is always enjoyable, and always informative.

The basic field trip program includes 3 parts:
1) A 20-30 minute "lecture" or talk by a staff member about what it's like to live and work in space. The students get to see the layers of the space suit, common types of food eaten by the astronauts, and other items used in the space shuttle. There is plenty of time for questions, and the guides have always been very friendly and helpful. On our last visit, March '05, our guide even talked about his opinions of how space travel affects the astronauts spiritually.

2) A very entertaining video of the astronauts actually living and working in space. It takes the students on a quick tour of the inside of the shuttle and highlights many of the humorous aspects of being astronauts. The astronauts involved in the video were definitely enjoying themselves.

3) A visit to the exhibits in the Visitor Center with a grade-specific information scavenger hunt. The students are given clipboards, pencils and copies of a fill-in-the-blank type paper. The answers can be found in different areas of the visitor center. The field trip contact is responsible for making copies for their group ahead of time and bringing them along. The scavenger hunt is helpful in making the information actually remain in the students' heads, but it can take a good amount of time. Usually 30 minutes is allotted for this activity. It isn't necessary, however, and the students can enjoy the visitor center without it. For a first visit, I recommend doing it. You can spend more time on your own in the center after the program is over.

Because it is a government-funded facility, the program is free. Reservations are required, however, and they will not give a program to less than 20 people. You can visit the visitor center anytime for free outside of the program, and they often have promotional weekends and other programs to take part in.

When you visit, be prepared to stop and talk to a guard. They will ask you questions about carrying weapons, your citizenship, etc., and if they have time, they may search your trunk, etc. This is due to the heightened security measures at every government facility since 9/11. If this makes you uncomfortable, stay home. The guards there are not to be messed with. Personally, it's no big deal, and it's worth it for the visit.

NASA is a cool and fun field trip for anyone. There is no problem with strollers, etc. It is handicapped-accessible. If your little one is making noise, you might want to sit in the lobby during the video and lecture. I usually go to the back of the auditorium when my daughter gets restless. There are also great educator resources available. If you are interested in space and rocket science or even just physics, this is the place to go.

Rocket Science at the Space Domes America

What a thrill! Our children became rocket scientists today at the Space Domes America in Copley, Ohio next to Copley High School. I can't wait to add some pictures to this post, but for now, words will do.

We spent between 2 and 3 hours just building our rockets, but it was not tiresome at all. The kids, even though they were standing the entire time they were building, were completely engrossed in the task at hand. They used plastic bottles, a bit of styrofoam posterboard and lots and lots of electrical tape to personally make each of their rockets, and even decorated them before the launch.

Our teacher, Mrs. Sesker, was a lively, friendly person who challenged the children to discover answers on their own. Although she is obviously very well-educated, she gave each of them an opportunity to learn by doing, not just hearing. During our brief lunch break, she explained how rockets liftoff and other aspects of the flight, even bringing out a whiteboard to draw some diagrams for us. This was only after she made us promise not to make fun of her drawing ability. There was no concern for that, because all of the kids were enthralled with her teaching.

The launch was a wonderful success. With very well-made rockets, our students sent their creations soaring across the field, possibly worrying the tennis players, who were practicing extremely close to our launch pad. We were also blessed with a nice, sunny day and no wind to affect the trajectories of the rockets.

Mrs. Sesker gave us this opportunity outside of her busy camp schedule. (She runs summer daycamps at the facility through the season. Check it out.) She has offered to do it again for us even to learn about another branch of science. She was very giving and helpful, and told me that she just loves to teach children. It was a great day of fun, discovery and wonder for all the kids, and the moms too.

Woo City Ice Cream Co.

On Wednesday, we visited Woo City Ice Cream Co. in Wooster, naturally, in Wayne County. Although their organic and all-natural ice cream, sorbet and Woo-fu are becoming more popular and widely distributed, they still retain a feeling of "homemade." This must be due to the real people who run the company. Our group of students and parents outnumbered the staff when we visited. It was a small, but very welcoming place.

First, we were bundled into what must be the employees eating area, where David, one of the 2 owners told us all about the products that are used to make the ice creams, etc. He explained that they use organic, locally produced milk and milk products which are low-heat pasteurized to retain as many nutrients as possible, and try to keep the other ingredients organic as well. There are very few non-organic ingredients in their products. He also explained to everyone what "organic" means, which was helpful, especially for the kids, and talked about the ice cream making process.

They divided the group in half with the first half going into the "back" where the ingredients are stored and where they make the ice cream itself. Everyone had to wear hair nets, a shirt covering of some sort (like a Woo City t-shirt), and disposable booties on our shoes. In the back, David explained more about the ingredients and where they come from, took us in the freezer to show us the stored product, and then, around the corner to watch the "cold chefs" at work. "Cold chefs" are the ones who develop the new flavors and make sure they taste just right. If a certain chef calls with an idea for an ice cream flavor he needs, then the cold chefs are the ones to create it. This is where we were able to taste some caramel swirl ice cream as it came out of the machine.

The other half of the group waited in the lunchroom, but we were not bored by any means. Christian, another staff member, brought out boxes of small cups frozen with ice cream for all of us to try. He filled the table with them as the children eagerly looked on. Just when we'd finished counting, he brought out some more. So with our tiny little taster spoons and rock-hard frozen ice cream, we chipped away little bits of the best-tasting ice cream I've ever had. No joke. Of course, the ice creams melted a bit while we sat there, so it got easier to eat. When the first group came back, the second group had to leave our ice creams to take the tour.

We were able to sample: 5 Star Chocolate, Malted Vanilla, Mango Sorbet, Cookies & Cream (you've never had it like this!), Pear Sorbet, Butter Pecan, Lemon Creme, and Strawberry Rose. I'm sure I forgot a few, but it was amazing. I don't have a final count, but it seemed there was a neck and neck race between the 5 Star Chocolate and the Cookies & Cream as far as the kids' favorites.

I had no problem taking my little one. She loved the strawberry rose ice cream, and didn't mind wearing the hairnet "hat" when we went in the back. I did carry her through, and I'm sure a stroller would be impossible to take. It's a small business, and also a pristine, clean one.

The people there have been wonderfully welcoming every time I've talked to them. They gave us all the samples we wanted, and didn't charge us a penny. I'm sure they've made some new customers, but they seemed to just enjoy having us visit. I would love to go again.

The Heronry in Bath

In the midst of bustling city life live some of the most majestic yet awkward creatures on Earth. I'm speaking of the Great Blue Heron, one of my favorite birds. In Bath, Ohio, on Bath Road no less, for about half of the year, you will find a large assembling of heron families, all nesting together. This amazing natural spectacle is called a heronry.
Great Blue Heron Survey

Each year, the herons return from their winter migration long before most of us think winter is over (February), and begin their nesting. The nests are left behind by the previous owners, but the new inhabitants still feel a need to add more materials and make it their own. Pretty soon, maybe around April, you can see the tiny heads of the newest members of the family poking out of the nests and by July, they have "flown the coop" so to speak.

This is one of my favorite free field trips. If you are ever anywhere near the area (which is very close to Montrose, West Akron and Cuyahoga Falls), you really should take a quick detour to view the herons. The heronry is located on Bath Road between Riverview Road and Akron-Peninsula Road. There is a small parking area off the side of the road with signs and an informative plaque. You can stand and watch the glorious birds as they roost in their nests, their long necks curved and bent into a number of different shapes, and every few minutes, one will spread its massive wings and fly around the area, usually bringing something back to the nest. I find them fascinating, and my daughter enjoys it as well.

If you decide to drive up to see the heronry, make a day of it by hiking or biking one of the many nearby trails, picnicking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and/or visiting the F.A. Seiberling Naturealm, one of my favorite branches of the Summit County MetroParks. The free visitor center is always interesting, with many different real animal exhibits.

So Go! Now! Before they are gone, go visit them at home. And if you can remember, come again next spring to watch them return and begin again.

Canton Symphony - Kinder Concerts

On April 13, we attended a performance with the Canton Symphony Orchestra called a "Kinder Concert." They recommend this for the early elementary grades, but it was still quite enjoyable for those of us who were a bit older.

The goal of the concert was to acquaint the children with the different sections and instruments that make up the orchestra. This was accomplished by first telling the children about a certain section and the instruments it contains, then showing the students the instruments by holding them up or out, and then playing a selection which highlighted that particular family of instruments. Often, the musicians would walk out and around the children, and there were a few seemingly impromptu solos by these very talented musicians in order to demonstrate the instrument's sound. The concert was extremely enjoyable, and included some very recognizable important classical pieces from the Barber of Seville Overture (Rossini) to a group sing-a-long of London Bridge and ending with On the Beautiful Blue Danube by Strauss. I was given a wonderfully informative workbook with much information regarding the orchestra and its parts.

I did not know ahead of time, however, that the concert takes place in the lobby with the children seated on the floor. This is not an issue at all, but I was under the impression when I made my reservations that seating was very limited. When we arrived, there didn't seem to be any shortage of floor space. There were a few school groups there, and most of these children were around Kindergarten age, but they were well-behaved

I was treated well by the staff when I called. Tickets cost about $4.00 each. Reservations, though, had to be made by March 8, which was a little early for some of my group to plan on coming. Still, it was worth the effort and I hope to spend more time listening to this charming orchestra.