One of the good things about having a nearly two year old is that you don’t have to take them to attractions, theme parks, museums, zoos or aquariums to thrill them (of course, you should still take them to all of those–they are kids after all). On Saturday, we took Chloe Jane less than a mile from our house to the Hastings Garden Center. It’s a good place to buy plants, bird seed, fountains, koi and goldfish and landscaping supplies. But for Chloe Jane, it is a veritable cornucopia of fun.
Hi Birdie!
Inside, Hastings has a Macaw and two parrots which Chloe Jane likes to wave and say “hi” to. Outside, they have several of their fountains operating which Chloe Jane likes to run her hands through and bathe the stone birds adorning the fountain. There is also a toy train set running over bridges and through tunnels and Chloe Jane follows it around the track yelling, “choo, choo!”. Hastings also has pathways and bridges around the outdoor area and the different ponds and landscaping. Chloe Jane finds ponds with Koi and goldfish and there is one pond with two turtles which Chloe Jane insists are “Mama” and “baby.” There are bench swings and flowering plants and babbling water features throughout.
Back inside, Chloe Jane likes to scoop bird seed into a bag for Mom to fill our bird feeder at home. They also have a popcorn machine with free popcorn that Chloe Jane never fails to point out during her visits. Finally, there is a small fountain inside where Chloe Jane likes to toss in pennies. I don’t know if she is making any wishes with each penny she throws in, but I make the same one with every toss . . . for more days like these.
I see turtles
For more photos of the day at Hastings, check out the SmugMug Gallery.