Have Kid, Will Travel: Idlewild

For my husband and I, one of the most gratifying things about parenthood is having the opportunity to see the world through our daughter's eyes.  That's why, leading up to Clara's first trip to Idlewild, an amusement and water park located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, we spent a ridiculous amount of time online researching the park's rides and attractions and imagining what our 2-year old would enjoy the most.  Let me tell you, the anticipation was high.  We both had fond memories of Idlewild from our own childhoods, and like every well-meaning parent, we wanted our little girl to love every minute of her trip.  

And she did.  For the most part.  Sure, there was that meltdown outside of Hootn' Holler' that lasted a good 15 minutes, but an ice cream cone was a quick cure.  And yes it was a little sticky that day.  And it rained a bit.  And the lines were long...and the crowds were thick enough to indicate that half of western Pennsylvania was there...and well...

Would we do it all again?  Absolutely!  Here are a few to-dos if you plan on visiting:

1.  Story Book Forest.  Just about every kid raised in the Laurel Highlands has visited this magical land at some point.  Children step through the pages of a story (literally - the entrance is a giant book) and are transported into a world where characters from nursery rhymes and fairy tales are just as real as they could be.  Mother Goose is the gray-haired, dimple-cheeked grandma every child wants.  The Good Ship Lollipop actually serves lollipops.  And I remember a younger version of myself being a little more than frightened to cross the bridge just in case the three billy goats gruff didn't actually scare off that nasty troll.  Truly, this is a magical place. 
   
2. Scampers.  On the surface, it's just a bunch of miniature cars moving in a circular fashion.  But to a two-year old, it's so much more than that.  It's an opportunity for daredevil driving and a taste of independence (no moms and dads allowed).  Clara rode it 8 times.  
   
3. Pack a picnic.  Skip the concession lines and take advantage of the peace and shade of one of the many picnic benches near the parking area.  This was great downtime for Clara, who needed a respite from the crowds.  
   
4. Bubbling Springs.  Imagine a large pit full of colorful, plastic balls.  Now add squealing, delighted children to that image and you get this very popular attraction in Jumpin' Jungle. 
   
5. Fish Pond.  This game, situated near the carousel in Olde Idlewild, was one of my favorites from childhood.  For 50 cents, you get a "fishing pole" and try to catch a "fish" racing by in the water below.  The number on the fish you catch corresponds to the prize you win, which in our case this year, happened to be a kazoo.  My daughter was in heaven, and this marvelous game has secured another admirer.  
   

If you've been to Idlewild, I'd love to hear your stories and trip tips.  Because, after all, we WILL be going back next summer!