What Can I Do At Disney's Animal Kingdom With Little Kids and Babies?

This post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commision if you purchase something after clicking through the links.  The price for you is the same whether you use my links or not. 

Animal Kingdom is a fantastic park.  If I had to rank the Walt Disney World Parks, I would put it at number two, second only to Magic Kingdom (which simply has to be first!).  This park has three amazing rides, although two of them the little ones can't do: Flights of Passage (the best Disney ride, hands down), Expedition Everest (my favorite Disney coaster), and Kilimanjaro Safaris (simply an amazing animal experience).

Can I bring my little one on rides at Disney's Animal Kingdom?

Ride options for little ones at Animal Kingdom are somewhat limited.  The following rides do not have a height restriction:

• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• TriceraTop Spin
• Na’vi River Journey
• Wildlife Express Train

Since it's one of my favorite Disney things, I just have to say that the Safari is an amazing experience for the whole family.  It's not a short ride either, it lasts roughly 22 minutes and you will see a large variety of animals on the journey.  It's one of my favorite Disney experiences.  (I should note that the seats aren't particular soft and that the terrain is purposefully bumpy, so just keep that in mind.)  My Instagram account has a couple pictures of the Safari, including this one of a giraffe!

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Here are some of my Amazon recommendations for Animal Kingdom: get in the Disney spirit with a fun shirt and matching socks, don't forget snacks for you and the children in a small cooler, which you can easily store in your lightweight stroller! 

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What can't my little kids and babies ride?

Here are the rides for taller riders with their height requirements:

• Kali River Rapids -- 38 inches
• DINOSAUR -- 40 inches
• Expedition Everest -- 44 inches
• Primeval Whirl -- 48 inches
• Avatar Flight of Passage -- 44 inches

Are the shows appropriate for all ages?

Yes!  My little ones both were mesmerized by Lion King and Nemo in particular.  These, like Beauty and the Beast at Hollywood Studios, really are in a class above the others.

• It's Tough to be a Bug! (Does have some some slightly scary effects -- darkness, loud noises, and fake spiders)
• Festival of the Lion King
• Finding Nemo - The Musical
• Up! A Great Bird Adventure

What characters should we see while at Animal Kingdom?

There are a couple of characters that can be seen in the "traditional" meet and greet format exclusively at Animal Kingdom.  These currently include: Dug and Russel, Timon, Pocahontas, Scrooge McDuck, and Launchpad.  Below Alexander and I were having fun with Chip and Dale during Donald's Dino-Bash!

What else is there for little kids to do at Animal Kingdom?

• The Boneyard (playground with climbing nets and slides)
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch (closing October 2018)
• Wilderness Explorers
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
• Rivers of Light (night show)
• Animal stations

Keep in mind that things at Walt Disney World are constantly changing.  Something that might be there today might not be there tomorrow.  Something that is there today might not have been there yesterday.  If you notice something on this page that needs updating please leave me a comment.  This post was updated September 2018.

Be sure to check out the rest of the posts in this series!

What can I do at Magic Kingdom with Little Kids and Babies?

What can I do at Hollywood Studios with Little Kids and Babies?
What can I do at EPCOT with Little Kids and Babies?
and
Disney with Two Little Kids and One Adult

Reading Eggs Review and Read to Cure Challenge

I received a free three month subscription in exchange for my honest opinions.  

What is Reading Eggs?  It is a comprehensive online program of reading lessons and e-books dedicated to teaching children ages 3-13 literacy skills for a lifetime of reading success.

What does Catherine think of Reading Eggs?  Catherine, age 3, loves Reading Eggs.  She asks to play several times a day and I am always the one who has to set a time limit.  It's still a "new" activity for her, so I will be sure to update you later if she is still as enthusiastic a couple of weeks from now.  (I hope she is!)

What do I think of Reading Eggs?  I have a great appreciation for any program that helps instill a love of learning and reading.  I love that Catherine can work through the lessons at her own pace.  After each lesson there is the option to repeat the lesson or move on to the next one. I am glad that there is a focus on learning phonics, I've seen some programs that downplay the importance of phonics.  I also like that it is a great introduction to working on the computer -- and helping strengthen her fine motor skills.

Are there any negatives?  Personally, I find some of the animations and "rewards" a little annoying.  However, Catherine always dances to the music and seems to really enjoy them, so maybe it's an age thing.  Also, and maybe this was a glitch, there was one game very early on where she had to "catch" fish with a certain word on them that simply went way too fast.  I had to play the game for her in order for us to continue.  (And I did not get a perfect score!)

Anything else that you should know?  Over ninety percent of parents notice an improvement in their child's reading ability after using Reading Eggs.  The program is compatible with PC, Mac, iPad, and Android.  There is a money back guarantee.

Would you like to try it?  Click here for a free five week trial.  (For new customers only.)  If you try it, I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions!

Also, I'd like to tell you about The Reading Eggs Read-To-Cure Challenge.  From February 3, 2014 to March 7, 2014 your child can join thousands of children across the United States taking part in the Reading Eggs Read-To-Cure Challenge.  This is an effort to inspire children to read while raising funds for The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS).  The goal is to raise $25,000.  Additionally, Reading Eggs will match every donation made up to this amount! 

Are you curious?  Would you like to learn more about the cause? The Reading Eggs Read-To-Cure Challenge aims to help the NCCS realize their mission to improve the quality of life for children with cancer. All money raised will help provide financial, emotional and educational support for children and families battling childhood cancer. Learn more about the NCCS at www.thenccs.org. 

If you like the sound of that, then you need to know: how does the Read-To-Cure Challenge work?  Children sign up for a FREE 5 week trial of Reading Eggs, the popular online reading program for 3–13 year olds.  From February 3rd to March 7th they are encouraged to complete as many books and Reading Eggs lessons as they can. Friends and family can sponsor their reading efforts, with all  money raised going to the NCCS. 

There are great prizes up for grabs for the top 3 children who read the most books and the top 3 children who raise the most funds! 

The Reading Eggs Read-To-Cure Challenge is a FREE event. To start fundraising, children will be set up with their own fundraising web page and you can email family and friends to sponsor their reading efforts with donations! 

Signing Up: Parents, sign up for your free trial of Reading Eggs HERE!  After you log in add your child to your account.  Once your child is set up in the dashboard they need to click on the button on the left hand side bar prompting them to join the challenge. Parents, you can always come back here to see your child’s progress in the challenge. From there it is easy to follow the prompts to customize your child’s very own fundraising page.


All opinions are 100% mine and were not influenced in any way. Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Twitter, and any and all other social media are not affiliated with this review. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

10 Character Valentine's Day Coloring Pages

All of these printable coloring pages are free.  All of the following links will take you away from The Philosopher's Wife blog.

Dora and Boots

Piglet

Winnie the Pooh

R2-D2 and Yoda

Eeyore

Clifford the Bid Red Dog 

Elmo 

Hello Kitty

Snoopy 

Tinkerbell 

10 Religious Christmas Coloring Pages for Preschoolers

These are all free printables available at other websites.  Enjoy!

Holy Family in the Stable

Holy Family

Baby Jesus in Manger

We Three Kings

Nativity Scene

Jesse Tree Advent Calendar 

Joy to the World Angel

Precious Moments Nativity  

Silent Night Shepherd

Come All Ye Faithful  

Be sure to check out the 10 December Coloring Pages for Preschoolers too! 

10 December Coloring Pages for Preschoolers

The following are all December themed free printables from other websites.  

(These are all non-religious -- find 10 Religious Christmas Coloring Pages here.)

Welcome December Wreath

Jingle Bells 

Children Catching Snow

Ice Skating Dora the Explorer

Kids Sledding

Rudolf in Snow

Winter Collage

Mittens

Penguins

Children Making a Snowman  

Be sure to check out my Toddlers: Preschool and Fun board on Pinterest! 

10 November Themed Coloring Pages for Preschoolers

This post contains affiliate links. 

At time of posting these are all free printables.  Simply click through to get to the coloring pages.

Autumn Leaves
Fall Squirrel
Thanksgiving Turkey
Pilgrim and Indian Children Sharing Dinner
Pumpkin
Scarecrow
Horn of Plenty
Indian Teepees
Hello November Pilgrims
Give Thanks!

Here's a few BONUS November themed coloring pages for you! 

Basket of Apples Coloring Page

Raccoon

Squirrel  

Acorn 

Feel free to let me know about any broken links and I'll update this post accordingly!

Teaching Time for Toddlers: Magnets

These guys have been gracing the front of the fridge,
and the inside of my small crock-pot, since Easter.
Anyone know what species the orange fish is?
Or the one under/just to the left of the shark?

Magnets are so much fun!  Even as an adult I enjoy fiddling with them, don't you?  There is a plethora of toddler targeted magnetic toys and learning aids out there.

I've told you previously about Catherine's magnetic fish.  (Sadly, I still haven't been able to identify all the varieties.)  She still loves them and plays with them quite frequently.

Right out of bed and
she's "fishing"!

For her birthday she received the Melissa & Doug Animal Magnets.  (Her cousins have this set and she has always been fascinated by it!)

She also was given the Melissa & Doug Deluxe 10-Piece Magnetic Fishing Game.  (This one is Daddy and Mommy's favorite!)  This is a great toy/activity for little ones!  Using the "fishing rod" to "catch" the fish requires a little bit of skill and patience--two great things to teach youngsters while playing.  

I love all of these magnets because they are helping to stimulate Catherine's fine motor skills, she is learning to identify the different animals, plus she is having fun experimenting with which materials the magnets "stick" to--a great introduction into the world of science!  

What have you and your toddler(s) been up to recently?  Or not so recently?  
I'd love to read all about it!
Please, link up below!  I'd love if you'd grab my button (on the left) but it's not required to share.

What/How To Teach a Toddler?

I wrote this post three months ago, and--for some strange reason--never got around to posting it.  

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My sweet little girl is getting so big!  I honestly can't believe how fast she is growing up.  This of course presents me with new challenges; with one of the greatest being how to begin her education.

Yes, she is only 15 months old, but I believe it is important to cultivate an early love of learning.

There are so many books, articles, internet forums, etc. dedicated to helping you to help your child learn.  However, it is incredibly hard to weed through them and find any black and white guidelines.  And, as everything regarding child raising, what to teach/how to teach/when to teach your child is highly controversial.

So what's a Mommy to do?

For now I try to fit "learning time" in throughout the day.  We do flashcards with colors, numbers, first words, and shapes.  We sing songs.  We say prayers.  We play the Naming Game (I hold Catherine and we dance around the apartment and name everything--seriously, everything--from the couch to the Progresso can of French Onion Soup).  We read books.  I try to narrate everything I do--"Mommy is washing a cup with a sponge and soap and hot water..."

But I can't help wondering sometimes, is this enough?  Should I be doing more?  If so, what?

We don't color or draw yet--she still would rather eat the crayons.  I don't do programs such as Your Baby Can Read--I'm certainly not against it, but it is a little expensive and has mixed reviews.  I don't have many Montessori approved toys--although I do need to do more research into this method of teaching/learning.  I don't do baby signing--I got some books and dvds from the library and tried it for a little while but for whatever reason it was short lived.

Like every Mommy out there, I just want the best for my little girl!