A Wild Day in Orlando: Gatorland Fun with the Family

 

Hey there, and welcome back to The Froggy Take! This time, we hopped on over to Gatorland in sunny Orlando, Florida — because when you’ve got a 6-year-old who’s absolutely obsessed with gators, it’s kind of a no-brainer, right?

We easily found parking and made our way to the entrance, stopping for a few fun photo ops along the way (because you know I can’t resist a good photo moment). We decided to go all in and got the Greater Gator Package, which included admission for the day, a “Meet a Gator” experience, unlimited train rides and gator chow.

We showed up later in the afternoon thinking we’d have plenty of time to explore — turns out, we could’ve spent all day there! Between the Gator Jumparoo Show, Meet a Gator, and Legends of the Swamp, there’s so much happening throughout the day.

We started by wandering through the park, checking out all the incredible habitats and gators of every size. When it was time for the “Meet a Gator” experience, we lined up for a photo and then stayed for the show. It was fantastic — fun, educational, and the host kept everyone laughing and engaged the entire time.

After that, we explored a bit more and stepped into the bird aviary, which ended up being one of my favourite parts of the day. You have to walk slowly and calmly, and before long, the birds land right on you! The look on my son’s face — pure joy.

I really appreciated that Gatorland groups their gators by age, so you can see just how much they grow over time — it’s both fascinating and a little wild to see the difference up close.

Next up, it was time to grab our gator chow and feed some very hungry gators. Let me tell you — those guys are enthusiastic eaters! You can even rent a fishing line and fish to feed the smaller gators, which my little one thought was the coolest thing ever.

We capped things off with a ride on the Gatorland Express Train, which was a relaxing way to see even more of the park. There’s also an awesome splash pad area that looked like so much fun — we just ran out of time this visit, but it’s on our list for next time.

By the time we left, we’d seen more gators, crocs, and birds than we could count — and we were all smiles. We stayed right until closing and loved every second. Safe to say, we’re already planning our next trip back!

Until next time, keep hopping toward your next wild adventure — and remember, life’s always better when you take a leap!

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective.

From Monster Trucks to Ostriches: A Citrus-Filled Adventure

 

While we were in sunny Orlando, Florida, we stumbled across a place called Showcase of Citrus — and wow, what a hidden gem! This family-owned, 2,500-acre u-pick citrus orchard has been around since 1989, and it’s packed with fun for all ages.

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a variety of animals and a big, barn-style area filled with photo ops, a gift shop, a bar, and a spot to buy some of their fresh citrus. Inside the store, you can grab buckets of feed starting at just $4 and head out to treat the animals up front — my little one couldn’t stop smiling!

There’s also a kids’ play area that’s perfect for burning off energy while you enjoy the peaceful surroundings. But the real highlight for us? The monster truck tour through the ranch!

This was the main reason we went, and it did not disappoint. They encourage you to reserve a spot, and tours usually run hourly. Before hopping on, you sign a waiver, purchase any feed, and line up for the ride. We climbed aboard an old-school bus with monster truck wheels along with a few other families, and the adventure began.

Our driver took the time to show us around the ranch, talk about the oranges, and even warned us to keep an eye out for Bigfoot and alligators — just a little extra thrill to keep things interesting! Midway through the tour, we got to meet and feed some amazing animals right from the bus windows. We fed a camel, an ostrich, cows, and a few other friendly creatures. Honestly, how many people can say they’ve fed an ostrich? It was such a unique, memorable experience.

Of course, Showcase of Citrus isn’t just about the monster truck tours. You can pick your own oranges, go gem mining in a real sluice box, enjoy a picnic on the grounds, and just soak in the fresh air. The family works together to make sure every visitor has a fun, hands-on experience — whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little of both.

By the end of the day, we had a bag full of fresh citrus, a few new animal friends in our hearts, and memories we’ll never forget. If you’re ever near Orlando, this is a spot you don’t want to miss!

Until next time, keep hopping into adventures big and small — and may your days be filled with sunshine, smiles, and maybe a few oranges too!

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective

From Tadpole to Trendy: How Kits.ca Changed My Glasses Game

I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 12, and honestly, they’ve been a huge part of my story ever since. I still remember my very first pair—big, round, plastic, and purple. Yep, purple was my favorite color at the time, and they fit within my family’s budget, so it seemed perfect… until junior high kids discovered them. Cue the teasing: “Are those big enough?” “Hey, four-eyes!” All the classic insults.

As a kid, I tried everything to “escape” my glasses—hiding them, “losing” them—but somehow, they always survived. Eventually, my grandma took me to Sears, and I picked out a smaller, metal-framed pair. That was the start of a yearly ritual: optometrist visits, agonizing over which style to wear next, and budgeting carefully because glasses weren’t cheap. For years, I usually had only one pair. But once I could earn my own money, I finally treated myself to two—and it felt like a little slice of luxury. Switching them depending on my outfit or mood? Pure joy.

Fast forward to today, and I stumbled across Kits.ca offering a free first pair of glasses. I’ll admit, I was skeptical. How could I pick glasses online without trying them on? And what about my pupillary distance (PD)? Kits made it so simple. Their step-by-step tool helped me measure my PD, their virtual try-on let me test different styles, and within minutes I had my pick, uploaded my prescription, and placed my order.

Less than a week later, the box arrived. And wow—I was impressed. The fit was perfect, the lenses were spot-on, and the quality was amazing. I immediately ordered two more pairs, all for a fraction of what I used to pay for one in-store. Finally, I had the freedom to try bold styles I never would’ve dared to wear as a teen.

And wouldn’t you know it? My latest pair? Big, plastic, and purple—just like my very first pair. Only this time, I absolutely love them.

Until next time, keep hopping into styles that make you feel confident—and may your vision always be crystal clear!

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective 

Hoppy Thanksgiving! Celebrating the Little Things

 

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with laughter, love, and all the pumpkin pie you can handle! May your day be full of cozy moments, delicious food, and plenty of reasons to smile.

Even if you’re hopping around family chaos or just enjoying a quiet day, take a moment to reflect on the little things that make life sweet — a good meal, a funny story, or even just a warm cup of coffee.

From my lily pad to yours, have a wonderful, joy-filled Thanksgiving!

Until next time, keep hopping into gratitude and may your heart be as full as your plate! 

Hop on Over to Clifton Hill: Fun Pass Review

If you’re planning a day at Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls and want to pack in a bunch of attractions without breaking the bank, the Clifton Hill Fun Pass is a solid choice. We snagged ours through Costco, and I’ve got all the froggy details for you!

We grabbed the Clifton Hill Fun Pass at Costco, which ended up being a much better deal than buying individual tickets. I can’t remember the exact price at the store, but online it’s around $34.98 for adults and $22.95 for kids, which includes six attractions — a full day of fun without emptying your wallet.

What’s Included and some of my thoughts

SkyWheel
The line might look intimidating at first, but it moves quickly. Each gondola is enclosed and temperature-controlled, so it’s perfect rain or shine. The views of the Falls and surrounding area are breathtaking — definitely one of our highlights.

Movieland Wax Museum
A fun, interactive museum with tons of photo ops featuring celebrities and movie characters. Some areas are a little dated, but it’s still a fun stop for a quick photo spree. We took some great photos to remember our visit.

Ghost Blasters
Short, quirky, and fun! You ride in a cart with a laser gun, shooting at glow-in-the-dark targets. Our kids loved it, and us adults got a little competitive too — a nice little burst of excitement. My youngest like it so much him and I bought a seperate ticket and went though again.

Zombie Attack
This one took us by surprise — in a good way! A 4D theater with moving seats and immersive effects, you get to fight zombies on a huge screen. Can definitely be a bit graphic and scarier for the younger kids so keep that in mind.

Carnival Chaos (4D)
You can choose between this and Toy Store 4D; we picked Carnival Chaos. It’s a wild, interactive ride for up to four people — hold on to your belongings! Quick but we had a blast. If we were to go again i think this would be something we would do.

Dinosaur Adventure Golf
You can also choose between this and Wizard’s Golf. Dinosaur Adventure Golf is outdoors with giant dino models and a cool volcano feature. Busy during peak hours, but a fun way to end the day.

Overall I think yhe Clifton Hill Fun Pass gives a little something for everyone — thrill rides, interactive experiences, and family-friendly fun. A few attractions could use a refresh, but overall, it’s convenient, entertaining, and a great value, especially if you grab it through Costco.

This is a perfect option for first-timers or families looking to get the most out of a day at Clifton Hill.

Until next time, keep hopping toward fun adventures — and may your days be full of laughter, thrills, and a little bit of magic!

 

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective 

Comfort by the Falls: A Froggy Stay

Welcome back to The Froggy Take—where I leap into new places, products, and experiences to share the real scoop with you. This week, my family and I packed up for a little Niagara Falls adventure and checked into the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. Between the fresh-baked cookies, the cozy setup for the kids, and the short walk to all the main attractions, it turned out to be the perfect spot for our getaway. Here’s how it all went!

We stayed at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Niagara Falls, ON, and honestly, it was such a great setup for our little family getaway. We booked a room with two Queen beds plus a sofa bed, which worked out perfectly—the kids had their own spot to crash, and we got to stretch out and watch TV without feeling cramped.

We rolled in just after 4 PM, excited to kick off the weekend. Check-in was super smooth—the staff at the front desk were so warm and welcoming, and they handed us complimentary bottled water since we’re Choice Privileges members. A small thing, but it felt nice. Even better? The lobby smelled like fresh-baked cookies when we walked in (and yes, we grabbed some).

Right across from the lobby, there’s a 24/7 hot beverage station with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. That little perk became a lifesaver after long days of exploring—it was so cozy to grab a cup before heading up to the room or grabbing a cup on our way out again.

We headed up to our room to find our room and the room layout really made it easy for a family stay. On one side, we had the two Queen beds, a TV, nightstand, and a small closet. The other side (separated by a door) had the sofa bed, another TV, an armchair, a table with two chairs, and a mini-fridge with a counter area. It gave us a bit of separation, which was nice after a busy day.

The location was another big win. We were just a short walk to Clifton Hill and all the main Niagara Falls attractions, which made it super easy to get around with the kids. No stressing about parking or driving anywhere.

At check-in, we got breakfast vouchers, which we’d hand over for a solid breakfast spread. They had a mix of hot and cold options—bagels, English muffins, cereal, scrambled eggs, sausage, yogurt, muffins, and even tarts. Drinks included the usual coffee and tea, plus juices. It was more than enough to keep everyone fueled for the day.

After a busy morning of doing some attractions we returned to the hotel, had a bite to eat and then headed to try out the indoor pool. It was clean, not too crowded, and had everything we needed—towels right in the pool area, bins for used ones, and even a curtained-off changing area.

Overall, it was a super comfortable and convenient stay. The little touches—the cookies, the hot drink station, the family-friendly room layout—really made it feel like they’d thought about what families need. We’d definitely stay there again the next time we’re in Niagara Falls.

That’s all from the lily pad today—ribbit back soon!

 

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective 

Ribbits & Ripples: Family Fun Under the Sea

 

Hello again, let’s leap right into today’s review!

My oldest could live at the aquarium if we let her — she’s got a season pass, and it’s easily one of her favorite places. So, we decided to make a family outing of it and see what Ripley’s Aquarium had to offer for all ages. From sharks to stingrays (and a few surprises in between), here’s how it stacked up for us.

Her season pass comes with a 30% discount on the flex ticket for up to four additional guests per visit, which is awesome for family outings. A regular flex ticket is about $50 for adults and $33 for youth (ages 6 to 13). The flex ticket gives you the freedom to visit on any day or time, which is super convenient.

If you want to save a few bucks, they also offer timed tickets, which are slightly cheaper — and let’s be honest, every dollar counts. There’s also a “Sharks After Dark” option that gives you a bit of a discount for visits later in the day.

We drove into Toronto and, while there’s no dedicated Ripley’s Aquarium parking, there are plenty of public lots within walking distance, so parking wasn’t an issue even with the Toronto Bluejays being in town.

When we got there, my daughter used her season pass to grab discounted tickets for the rest of us, and we headed inside. One of the things I like about Ripley’s is that there’s no time limit once you’re in — you can take your time, explore at your own pace, and take breaks if needed.

You’re allowed to bring in reusable water bottles, and there are two water refill stations inside the aquarium, which is great if you’re spending a few hours there.

Each section of the aquarium has informative displays that show which sea creatures live in that tank, along with a short write-up about them — really helpful for learning as you go.

They also offer different educational talks throughout the day, which are listed on their website. My oldest actually caught one of them while we were there and really enjoyed it.

One of the coolest parts of the aquarium is the moving walkway that takes you through a huge tunnel tank filled with sea turtles, various kinds of sharks, and tons of fish. We ended up doing that section three times because there was just so much to see — and it never gets old watching a shark swim right over your head!

In the middle of the aquarium, there’s a kids' play area with tubes, slides, and climbing structures — just a heads-up, kids are asked to keep their shoes on. There’s also a little interactive water table play station that our youngest really enjoyed splashing around in. There are a few food options in this area too, but we didn’t grab anything so I’m not sure what’s available.

Toward the end of the aquarium, there’s a touch tank area where you can interact with some sea creatures — though it’s not always open. There’s also an area where you can try to touch a stingray, which was a fun and memorable moment for the kids.

Once you’ve finished the full loop, you can either go back through and do it all again, or head to the exit — which, heads up, takes you through the gift shop. Personally, I’d prefer if there was an option to exit without going through it. Not every family wants (or can afford) to stop and buy something, and I think that kind of pressure isn’t totally necessary. Just something to keep in mind if you're planning a visit.

We ended up spending an amazing 4.5 hours at the aquarium — just exploring, learning, and taking it all in. Our youngest spent a good chunk of time in the play area while our oldest was off enjoying the educational talk.

When I look at the cost of a single visit compared to the price of a season pass, I honestly think the season’s pass is a pretty good value — definitely something I’d consider buying for myself in the future or suggesting as a gift idea for someone else.

According to my 6-year-old, the best parts of the day were the moving walkway, seeing the sharks swimming overhead, and the lobster tank. Personally, I was mesmerized by the jellyfish display and loved watching the stingrays glide through the water.

Thanks for hopping by to read my take — here’s to leaping into your own adventures.

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective