8/23/16: Groupon makes it easy to save on fun activities for your family

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  As always all opinions are my own.

My family goes to a lot of fun places and we see a lot of great shows.  I have always felt that experiences mean more than material goods.  Memories are so wonderful to have and I feel like I give my kids so many wonderful memories by traveling to attractions and going to shows.  However, going to attractions, zoos, show, and fun activities with the kids is very expensive.  I always look for ways to save money so we can enjoy more for less.  Groupon has always been one of the sites I check first.  If you have not used it you must check out Groupon Things to Do to find activities in your area to save money on.  It is a fantastic way to go to activities with the family and not feel guilty about the money being spent.

This is such a great way to save money locally and when you are travelling.  You can search for places to go in the city you will be travelling to and find lots of great discounts.  There are so many cool things on there like water parks, live shows such as Disney Live, whale watches, mini-golf, concerts, festivals, paintball and more.  There are so many places to go with a discount.  I have used it many times and it is so easy.  When I used it for glow mini-golf I just printed the voucer and showed it to them at the counter and we were good to go.  You can also go online and get the voucher when you visit the location.

Who doesn't love to save money and have fun?  Check them out!
Find them online:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Groupon.US/

Twitter:  @groupon

8/20/16: Nintendo 3DS Be a Kid For a Day Event

My kids have loved playing on their 3DS gaming systems for many years now so when I got an invite for an exclusive Nintendo 3DS Be a Kid For a Day VIP event I knew they would love it.  Share what it’s like to “Be a Kid For a Day” using the hashtag #3DSKidForADay #Contest and tagging @NintendoAmerica across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and you can win cool prizes.

We started out with at California Pizza Kitchen where the kids got to try out some cool games on a 3DS system.  The kids are very comfortable with the system as they have been playing on them for years.  We learned about the new 3DS XL system that has face-tracking to adjust images based on your viewing angle to provide a clearer picture.

It also has new controls.  Games leap to life with super-stable 3D.  Plus all the 3DS games can still be played and also games from previous systems like Nintendo DS and DSi.  There will be some new titles that will only be available on the new 3DS XL System.  There is also an improved camera and browsing ability.  You can also transfer photos, music and other files between a PC via a wireless network!

Mario and Luigi even stopped by!  The kids were having fun being silly.

Mario even played some games.  They also told us about the 2DS system that is only $79.99.

Mario dabbing.

We had some fun on Snapchat with the Play Nintendo filter.

We then headed over to a fun play area that is setup in the South Shore Plaza in Braintree.  It is there until Sunday.  There were different stations set up where kids would play different games including Donkey Kong Country, Pokemon, Kirby, Mario Kart, Super Mario Brothers 2, Yoshi's Island, and Yoki Watch.

There were some fun picture opportunities.  Here are the kids in a Mario Kart.

Mario actually driving Mario Kart and Mario jumping to his flag.

The kids had so much fun playing all of these games.

After kids played all the games in the stations they got to go to a claw game and try and win a prize.  There were also competitions of game play.

The kids playing Donkey Kong Country.

Lots of areas with all of your favorite characters.

The ever popular Pokemon!

What a fun time!  Nintendo continues to have cool new games and a great gaming system.

Check out all their cool games and the new 3DS XL gaming system!

Disclosure:  I was provided with dinner and a VIP Event with Nintendo including a gift bag for promotional purposes.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

8/19/16: Roger Williams Zoo and Limited Time Birds from Down Under Exhibit

The kids and I always enjoy visiting the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI.  There is always something new for us to see and it is such a beautiful zoo.

We always enjoy starting by visiting the elephants.  If you get there early enough you can even see them getting a bath.

Every year there is something new to see.  Two years ago they opened the Alex and Ani Farmyard.   Last year a new cheetah exhibit opened.

This year we checked out the new Birds from Down Under special exhibit.

This will only be offered for one season and is in the Zoo’s greenhouse right beside the Big Backyard outdoor play area.

It is lovely inside with a 2,100-square foot greenhouse that contains over 450 vibrant bird species including grass parakeets, cockatiels, and various parrot species.

We had so much fun feeding them.  

Hurry to get there and experience it as it is only open until Labor Day from 10:30am – 4:30pm.  It is an additional charge of $3 per person in addition to Zoo admission ($2 for RWP Zoo members) and includes a food stick.  If you want to purchase an additional stick of food it costs $1.

Another thing we experienced for the first time was taking a Camel Ride.

This year the Camel Rides have an extended pathway that allow the ride to be longer.

The Camel Rides are right next to the Beyond the Fence area of the Big Backyard and is open from 10-4:30.

The kids had a blast.  This also is available through Labor Day.  

Learn more here about Seasonal Exhibits.

The giraffes are really awesome to see.

There is also a giraffe feeding, you can see details here.

One of the coolest things we saw was the Tree Kangaroo.  Notice her baby in her pouch.  So adorable!

 Here is the Alex and Ani Farmyard.

I love this guy.

We saw Zebras.

My favorite animal is the Red Panda.  He is so adorable.

There are so many wonderful animals to see.  You can see all animals here as I am only showing you a sampling.  

Love the tortoises.

Plus it is a lovely zoo.  It is so picturesque.
 

 

 There is a great play area for kids.  This is the CVS Caremark All Kids Can Treehouse.

Make sure to visit them in summer and fall.  A must see is the awesome Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in October.

 Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWPZoo

Twitter: @RWPZoo

Disclosure:  I received 4 tickets to the Roger Williams Park Zoo and passes to the Birds from Down Under exhibit for review purposes.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.