Kamloops Wildlife Park

Aug 31 2007

Posted by Krystal as Adventures in Parenting, Reviews

Arden in the sandbox We have been here over 6 months now and still haven’t visited so today was the day. We headed out because of the final Connexions park hop but I didn’t see any ladies I recognized. We purchased seasons passes (for the price of less than two admissions how could we not?) They even made one up for Arden.

Overall it was a really great place. There have been some recent improvements and additions that really bring it to life but the overlying feel of the place is that it has been there forever and needs a TON of work done. The staff appeared to really care for the animals and they were almost all easily found by the kids. The red fox and porcupine were especially enjoyable with personalities that shone through their cages.

The kids loved the train and trying to spot the animals as they went by; it was only $2 for all of us to ride it and the kids enjoyed the whole waiting, giving the conductor the tickets, tooting the horn, pictures etc etc totally worth the $2. The playground is fantastic and if nothing else we are going back just to play there. A sandbox complete with trucks and shovels. A huge climbing area, Rhia holding a snake tunnels, a slide not to mention the spider web and spray park (which closes tomorrow I think!) this place is awesome. There is a covered picnic area which was slightly wasp infested but shady none the less. The goat petting area is right next door as well as the camels. Oh how the kids loved the camels!

On our way out a staff member made Rhiannon’s day when she said, “Does anyone want to pet a snake?” She was on that like a fly to honey (Oh and Rhia got to finally see a honey comb that was really really cool). It was a little garter snake one that is commonly found around here she really wanted to hold it but the girl just let her hold his tail. Close up encounters like that are awesome – Rhiannon held a hawk at Family Fun Day and ever since every time she sees a bird in a cage she asks to hold it!

We will without a doubt be back again and look forward to checking out the new bear and otter exhibit. Rhiannon LOVES otters!

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The final days of summer…

Aug 30 2007

Posted by Krystal as Adventures in Parenting

Well we were fortunate enough to have one more week of decent if not beautiful weather here in Kamloops. The kids and I saw quite a few folks out walking around McArthur Island this morning and who can blame them it was a gorgeous day, one that almost made me forget that the days are getting shorter and school is just around the corner.

After our walk we packed a quick lunch and headed over to our other favorite park, Prince Charles, where we enjoyed a picnic and a play. My daughter does not have a lot of friends here so when she finds little girls at the park she quickly attaches herself to them; it makes me so sad to watch them play together, she is so happy, so lonely, knowing that even if I were to pass along our number the odds of her gaining a friend are so slim. Regardless we had a lovely time in the beautiful park.

Homeward bound for some down time and then the kids beg me to play in the back yard while I make supper. I can hear their shouts of joy and laughter as they play in the fringes of the sprinkler their bare feet slapping on the concrete as they run back and forth from the door to the yard. They come inside tracking in grass and dripping on the mat all out of breath and too wound up to eat. By the time we are done dinner it is 7 and still light but dusk is falling fast. The kids are tired from a full day outside and go to bed without too much effort; I find myself grateful for those long summer days that are all too few and yet somehow excited about the change of season and the change of pace that follows a busy summer filled with activity.