Category Archives: Active

Explore Rhythm (7/14/2012)

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Drums are probably the oldest musical instrument that humans use. (Maybe even older than voice!) Likewise, only of the earliest childhood experiences is the cause-effect relationship of hitting something and the resulting “bang”-sounds. Hit, hit, hit – bang-bang-bang, and you got music; at least in some people’s ears.

Davis Farmers Market by basykes, used under the CC-BY licenseMusic Explorium takes these ideas a step further and allows kids and adults to explore music in a variety of ways, from kids birthday parties to corporate retreat drum cycles. Every second Saturday, they are hosting a Family Rhythm Jam. Kids (3+) can explore the feeling of rhythm with a variety of percussion instruments and drums.

Music Explorium is less than half an hour from downtown Raleigh on Hwy 40. (One exit before Southpoint.) I haven’t been myself, but I’m looking forward to checking it out when my boy turns three.

5314 Hwy 55, Suite 107 Durham, NC 27713
919-484-9090 http://www.musicexplorium.com

Family Rhythm Jams take place every second Saturday of the month from 10-11. Kids 3 and older only.

Spiderman at Adventure Landing (7/7/2012)

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Miniature Golf! Arcades! Go-Karts! You would think that kids (and discerning adults) don’t need an special reason to visit Adventure Landing. But this Saturday they give you just that, since they have invited Spiderman himself to visit! And if you ask nicely, you may even be able to get a picture taken with Mr. Spiderman.

Also, the new Spiderman Movie is now playing at Marbles on the IMAX screen.

Spiderman will be at Adventure Landing from 10am-2pm for “meet&greet” as well as photo opportunities.

A heat wave hike

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Hiking may not be on the top of your list during a heat wave, but this hike takes you to a naturally cool region. Caution: It will still be hot, and any strenuous outside activity should be avoided druing a Heat Advisory. Know your limits.

If you do want to go, here is a description of a cool hike down into Crabtree Creek valley (which is naturally cooler) where you can explore the old Company Mill ruins (also cool).

Capital City BMX race (4/29/2012)

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838 BMX

Go 838!

Did you know that there is a BMX race track inside the belt line? If you think the sport of BMX racing went out with Monchichi and Aerobics Leotards some time in the late 80s, you are mistaken. BMX (unlike Monchichi and Aerobics) is alive and kicking the pedal. And while there are adults and even professional riders using this course, there are races are for all age groups. (I wasn’t able to find out what their specific groups are, but the youngest nationally sanctioned age is “under 5”, and some of the photos on website show kids that could fit very well in this group.) [I heard back from Capital City BMX.]

Capital City BMX has riders as young as 3 and as experienced as 65, but most are somewhere between 8 and 15. Also, BMX is certainly not just for boys, and a professional woman BMX rider recently held a clinic at the course. According to CCBMX, about 1/3 of the riders are girls.

But just watching the race is fun for every age, and probably a good way to determine if that sport is something for your youngen – or for you!

Sunday, registration at noon, racing at 1pm. (There are races most Sundays.)

The track is located in Lions Park at 516 Dennis Ave, Raleigh, NC 27604. (Between Capital Blvd and Raleigh Blvd, 5 minutes NE of Downtown Raleigh) Lions Park is a nice but little known park, so if you get tired of BMX you can always head over to the playground, which has a pretty awesome play structure.

Update: I edited the age group and the gender ratio after CCBMX replied to my last-minute inquiry. They also shared that will add strider bikes this year for the under 4 crowd. Rest assured that The Daddy is very excited about that and will keep you posted on that topic in a future post!

838 by Scott, used under the CC BY-NC-SA license