The kids and I checked out Science Sleuths Friday at the Urbandale Public Library. The Urbandale Public Library has become one of our favorite hang outs this winter. They have so much to offer!
On the second Friday of every month, they offer Science Sleuths. This is a half hour program, that takes place in the story room. Each session has a different lesson. Friday’s lesson was ‘Sink or Float’. The kids had a blast learning about items that could sink or float!
We first listened to a couple of stories explaining why some items may sink or float.
Then we did a hands on activity to discover for ourselves, what sinks or floats. Our teacher brought in a large tub full of water and several different items such as: a plastic spoon, penny, balloon, CD, and more! She placed two signs up on the walls, in separate areas of the room. One sign read ‘sink’ and the other sign read ‘float’. Before she placed the item in the tub, the kids had to go stand by the sign that read what they thought would happen! Not only was this a good learning experience, but it also got the kids up and moving!
After the activity the kids were able to create their own sail boats using foam cups and/or trays, a dowel, paper, and tape. The kids enjoyed cutting and taping and creating their own boats that would sink or float in the tub of water. Some kids also experimented with placing items on their boats, to see if it would still float.
The kids were also given a worksheet to take home to extend their learning!
I highly recommend Science Sleuths! This is a FREE class! It is designed for children ages 3 years to 6 years, accompanied by an adult. I was also able to bring Amelia in with me. She enjoyed listening and watching 🙂 You must pre-register by calling 331-4490.
It’s that time of year! Santa is going to be one busy guy this holiday season. There are several events and places to meet and see Santa. I have only listed a few popular events and places, but make sure to check out my calendar on the right hand side for a complete list!
1. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove – November 29 – December 21: Every Saturday & Sunday
Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! Saturdays 9 am – 12 pm and Sundays 11 am – 2 pm. Cost $7.95 ages 3 and older $5.95 ages 2 and younger. Check out the Center Grove website for more details!
2. Santa Express – November 28- 30, December 5-7, December 12-14 and December 19-21
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is offering the Santa Express again this year! A perfect event for your little ones. You will travel to the “North Pole” while singing Christmas carols, have hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Santa and receive a silver bell! Tickets are on sale! Make sure to reserve your ticket soon, because they will go fast. Check out the website for times and prices.
3. Santa at Jordan Creek Mall – November 21st – December 24th
Visit Santa at Jordan Creek Mall and get pictures done! No specific times are listed. Check out the Jordan Creek Towncenter site for more information!
4. Santa at Valley West Mall – November 14th – December 24th
Visit Santa at Valley West Mall, ride the train, and take pictures! Monday thru Saturday 10 am – 8 pm; Sunday11 am – 5pm; and Christmas Eve10 am – Noon. For more information check out the Valley West Mall website.
5. Santa at Merle Hay Mall – November 16th – December 24th
Visit Santa at Merle Hay Mall. There are no hours listed, hours may vary. For more information check out the Merle Hay Mall website.
6. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops – Now thru December 24th
Get a FREE 4×6 studio with Santa, lots of kids activities and crafts! Games, trains, coloring, wildlife carousel, and SO MUCH MORE! For more information check out the Bass Pro Shops website for more information!
7. Windsor Wonderland – Saturday, December 6th at 6:30 pm
Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park. Admission is $3.00 per person & 2 and under are free. Admission includes a hot dog, hot chocolate, activities and the viewing up the three classic movies; Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Windsor Wonderland flyer.
8. Santa at Blank Park Zoo – Saturday, December 6th & Saturday, December 13th 10 am – 2 pm
This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For more information visit the Blank Park Zoo website for detail and scheduled events.
9. Holidays in Johnston – Saturday, December 6th 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
There will be a gingerbread making contest, crafts, cookie decorating, entertainment, food and more! Santa will make an appearance on a fire truck! For more information and registration for for the Gingerbread House Making contest check out the Johnston Patch website!
10. Breakfast at the North Pole: Reiman Gardens – Saturday, December 13th
There are two sittings available one at 8 am and 10:30 am. This event is for the whole family where you will enjoy a healthy breakfast in the Winter Wonderland, activity station, and carolers. You must register! For more information, prices, and to register check out the Reiman Garden’s website.
11. Brunch with Santa: Urbandale – Saturday, December 13th 9 am – 11 am
Bring your kiddos, camera, and wish list! Join Santa for donuts, juice, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and so much more! $10 per child. For more information and to register check out the Urbandale event page!
12. Breakfast with Santa at Pump it Up – Sunday, December 16th
Jump your little hearts out and take a break and share breakfast with Santa! Private time with Santa will be first come, first serve. Pre-sale $8.00 per child. $10.00 per child for tickets purchased online. $12.00 per child for tickets purchased at the door. Check out the flyer here!
13. Breakfast with Santa at the Science Center of Iowa – Saturday, December 20th & Sunday, December 21st
Enjoy a delicious buffet-style catered meal in the Food Chain Café, decked out specially for the season, snap a picture with Santa and share your wish list! Explore SCI, see science demonstrations and live programs. Science Center of Iowa members receive a discount! Check out all the information here.
It SNOWED this week! The first snow has really put me into the holiday spirit now. That’s probably a good thing, since a bunch of holiday events are already starting THIS WEEKEND!!
Since it was snowy and cold, we decided to check out the Urbandale Public Library. I am so happy we did, I have REALLY been missing out. We had a blast!
The main reason we went is for the Toddler Story Time! Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday they offer a special Toddler Story Time. Each week is a different theme. This week was Eric Carle where we read, sang and played different activities incorporating all of Eric Carle’s famous books including The Very Hungry Caterpillar. There is also story time offered Wednesday and Thursday’s, they are not toddler specific. They also offer story time for babies too! Check out the schedule here!
The Story Room is such a cute and fun area. There are windows with cute little loft areas where the kids can climb up into. There are large doors that are closed when story time begins, which I like because Monte sure does like to run sometimes! My favorite part was the cute, wooden chair that the story teller sits in 🙂
We showed up a bit early, which is okay, because there is so much more then story time that is offered! We played on the computers for awhile, which were awesome! The computers are programmed for a certain age range. They have one computer specifically programed for ages 0-36 months! You can wear headphones, listen, and play along. Some of the screens are even touch-screen.
There are also building blocks, magna tiles, puppets, a coloring station and tons of books of course!
The Urbandale Library not only offers the fun story room, toys, books, DVD’s, CD’s, Chapter’s cafe, free wi-fi … they also offer some fun classes.
Lego Club
Reading Pals
Mothers & Others (great opportunity to meet some other mothers!)
Brown Bag
Minecraft
Tuesday Night Movie
Teen Yoga
Music Together
Science Sleuths
Teen Book Club
All of these things are FREE and most do not require registration, but make sure to check the calendar for details!
What is your favorite thing to do at the Urbandale Public Library?
