This post is sponsored by Palace Entertainment, which provided me with four free admissions tickets to Idlewild and SoakZone in Ligonier, Pa. All opinions expressed here are my own.
A step back in time. That’s what Idlewild feels like.
And it’s a wonderful feeling.
I jumped when given the opportunity to take Baby Bird to Idlewild and SoakZone in Ligonier — Daniel Tiger lives there! — and my family wasn’t disappointed.
The nostalgic feeling hit as soon as we entered the park.
Towering wooden pavilions and picnic benches surround the classic midway, which features ice cream stands, pizza joints, and a funnel cake to die for.
After devouring our packed picnic lunch, we got down to the business of the day: seeing Daniel Tiger.
We found him with Katerina Kittycat in Racoon Lagoon, where the two perform several times each day. To say Baby Bird (and I) enjoyed the show would be a severe understatement.
We clapped, we sang, Baby Bird danced on a picnic table. A good time was had by all.
Then it was time meet Daniel.
Now, I’d never hurt a child, but I might have been willing to accidentally push a few out of the way to get my baby to her favorite character. Luckily, it didn’t come to that, and we were got great photos with Daniel and Katerina.
I know Baby Bird won’t remember the moment she met her favorite television character — and got to rub his whiskers — but I’ll never forget it. The joy on her face was enough to buoy my spirits for a year. All the Little One’s at Daniel Tiger’s show were enthralled.
That 15-minute show and the happiness it brought to the children in attendance secured Idlewild’s place in my heart.
All the cheering and dancing left Baby Bird feeling peckish.
I expected to have to feed her in the car, but I thought I’d take a chance and ask a park employee whether there was a private place I could nurse.
She cheerfully directed me to the breastfeeding tent.
Yes, nursing moms. You read that right. Idlewild has a space to breastfeed privately — and it isn’t a bathroom! Granted, it’s a tent in the middle of SoakZone near the restrooms, so it’s not necessarily the place to nurse a nosy, fidgety toddler. But I appreciate the fact that the park is nursing mom-friendly and is giving its support for breastfeeding in word and deed.
The rest of our day flew by. The plan was to spend some time in SoakZone — because Baby Bird loves the water — then head back through Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Storybook Forest.
The best-laid plans …
Our Idlewild adventure ended at SoakZone.
Baby Bird splished
and splashed
and made a new friend.
She swam herself to sleep.
We walked by the Racoon Lagoon rides and Storybook Forest, but Baby Bird never got to enjoy it.
And I was OK with that.
Later, when my mom asked her whether she’d had fun at the park, Baby Bird clapped and grinned. It’s her new way of saying “you better believe it.”
so, would I recommend Idlewild and SoakZone to other parents with children as young as mine? Absolutely.
Would I recommend it to parents of kids older than mine? You better believe it.
Idlewild deserves it’s family-friendly reputation. Other parks in my area have children’s sections, but there’s nothing for a child of my daughter’s age.
Idlewild, on the other hand, has something for everyone.
Its classic feel helps keep Little Ones from becoming overwhelmed. They’re not bombarded with flashing lights and blaring sounds at every turn. SoakZone, with its wave pool, waterslides, and innertube river, is the perfect place for teens to spend a lazy afternoon.
Bottom line: A return Turner family trip to Idlewild and SoakZone is guaranteed.
We want you to go, too, and experience all the awesomeness of Idlewild. Use my promo code, messymommySBlog17, or click here to save $13 off each of your tickets (through Sept. 17, 2017)!
