Ringing Rocks State Park, PA

Ringing Rocks State Park in PA is definately an interesting place to visit. The reason it is called Ringing Rocks is if you hit a rock with a hammer or another rock it makes a ringing sound, almost like a bell, but to me it sounded more like pots and pans being hit with a spoon (something my kids loved to do as toddlers).  My boys were laughing that this could be a place of a true "Rock" concert.  The field of rocks is quite large, and fun to climb on. There are quite a few theories for how and why this field formed, and where the rocks came from. 

This is a great website for the information: http://www.davidhanauer.com/buckscounty/ringingrocks/  Towards the end it also mentions the first ever "Rock" concert with the rocks from this park.

The enitre experience was really weird and fun.  It was an interesting (and a bit creepy) experience for all. Hopping across giant boulders while hitting them with hammers is fun anytime.
Here is some more info about the place:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ringing-rocks-park-upper-black-eddy
http://rockpiles.blogspot.com/2007/05/ringing-rocks-upper-black-eddy.html
After we hopped on rocks we took a nice hike down to the waterfalls, which happen to be the largest waterfalls in Bucks County.

If you decide to head down there, definately don't forget the hammers, and comfy shoes to climb the rocks in.

Also, right across Delaware is French town with many places to shop and eat. We especially like this place: http://twobuttons.com/ It is a large store with friendly owners and many interesting things.  It is right off Rt. 29 going South from French Town.  There is a restaurant/bakery in the same parking lot with good food. It is called Lovin' Oven: http://www.lovinovenfrenchtown.com/

And another picture of the waterfalls, apparently we were there when it was really dry:

Bowcraft

Bowcraft is a fun little amusement park in Union County, NJ. It is right on Rt. 22 in Scotch Plains.  We have gone there many times.  They have several ways you can pay for rides. You can either purchase a full day pass, or you can buy individual tickets and use them for the rides. If you have one kid and are just making it a quick stop for a few rides, individual tickets is the way to go.  However, if you'd like to spend some time there, they have several deals that you can take advantage of.  For example, they have a night pass, where after 5 pm the pass is $12.95.  That's the one we like.  From 5 until closing gives you plenty of time to try out all the rides, and it won't be as hot as during the day (the park gets little shade and becomes hot quickly). 

I always thought the rides were more geared towards the younger crowd.  My youngest and his friends love it.  My older one, almost 12, and other 12-13 year old friends and family we've brought there seem to be less enthusiastic about the rides.  Maybe they feel they are too cool for it, but deep in their heart still have a blast. ;) There are a few rides the older guys do like, but only a few.  For the younger ones, however, it's a blast!
Here is their website with directions, hours and pricing.
http://bowcraft.com/

There is also an indoor arcade the older kids like more!

We spend a lot of time on bumper cars!

NJ State Theater in New Brunswick, NJ

Every so once in a while we go to NJ State Theater to see a few on schooltime performances.  We homeschool, so it is easy enough for us to purchase the tickets for schooltime performances anytime there is something good playing.  It is most certainly worth the effort.
Last year we saw Blast!, "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble", "MOMIX remix" and the Shanghai Acrobats. 

With Blast! my youngest was only able to sit through the first half. We read "Sylvester" so much, that it was very interesting to see it come to life.  The Shanghai Acrobats was an amazing show. Both kids loved it. They sat with their mouths gaping open. We also had great seats, right in the second row in the front. MOMIX Remix was a really nice show. Well done. You can tell that the dancers put their heart in it. The kids enjoyed it thoroughly.
After one of shows we went to this place: http://www.stuffyerface.com/ It was something we have wanted to try ever since watching the Man vs. Food show with the kids. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6otbUX6Or4 It was yummy.

New Brunswick has a lot to do, so be sure to check out other attractions and making a day out of it. 

Here is the website for the NJ State Theater to see their upcoming performances:  http://www.statetheatrenj.org/

American Museum of Natural History

We made it out to the city to go and see the Museum of Natural History. The older guy loves archeology stuff right now, and the little one is into anything space related. They had a good time there.  Our library offers passes to this museum and many other ones as well.

 

 

The enjoyed the museum, it is always fun, no matter how often we come there.  They also enjoyed feeding the obnoxious city pigeons, and eating the icky hot dog from the hot dog stand. And then the drive through Chinatown. And french fries here:
http://www.pommesfrites.ws/  The french fries were GOOD!

Here is the website for the museum with hours and directions: http://www.amnh.org/