Zoo-per Fun in the Capital: Hopping Through the National Zoo

 

Hey friends! My family and I finally got the chance to spend some time at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and I have to say—it did not disappoint. If you’re looking for a spot that’s fun, relaxing, and surprisingly educational, this place is a total win.

From the moment you step through the gates, it feels less like a zoo and more like a scenic park with animals sprinkled throughout. The winding paths, tall trees, and rolling hills make it easy to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and just let curiosity guide the way. Bonus? Admission is completely free, which feels like a little miracle in today’s world. You do need to pay for parking if you are driving

There’s something for everyone here:

• Elephants: Large habitats make it easy to watch these gentle giants roam, forage, and splash around for what feels like hours.

• Big cats: Lions and tigers are full of wow-factor—especially if you catch them playing or during feeding time.

• Primates: From gorillas to orangutans, their personalities are endlessly entertaining

I loved how thoughtfully designed the habitats are. They don’t feel like cages; it’s like you’re watching animals live their lives naturally, and you just happen to be there.

Being part of the Smithsonian, the National Zoo blends education seamlessly into the experience. There are interactive displays, staff chats, and placards teaching you about endangered species and global conservation. You’ll walk away having learned a ton without ever feeling like someone’s lecturing you.

Tips for Your Visit

• Wear comfortable shoes—the zoo is pretty hilly!

• Parking is available but fills up fast, so consider taking the Metro for stress-free travel.

• Exhibits rotate sometimes, so check the schedule ahead of time to see what’s open.

Whether you’re a D.C. local or visiting for the first time, the National Zoo is one of those spots that lets you slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature. Beautiful, educational, and accessible—it’s a must-add to your D.C. itinerary.

Until next time, keep hopping toward fun adventures, and may every trip leave you with a few more smiles than you expected!

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

Hop, Sip, Celebrate: Holiday Wishes from The Froggy Take

Hey friends,

The holidays are here, and I just wanted to hop by and wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Kwanzaa, or whatever holiday lights up your season!

This time of year is all about slowing down, soaking up the festive vibes, and celebrating the little joys—whether that’s sipping a warm drink, watching twinkling lights, wrapping presents, or sharing a smile with someone you love. For me, it’s also a perfect excuse to indulge in some extra chocolate and cozy up with family and friends (and maybe a frog-themed mug or two!).

No matter what you’re celebrating, I hope your days are filled with laughter, love, and a little bit of holiday magic. Take a moment to appreciate the moments that make this season special and don’t forget to sprinkle a little kindness wherever you go—it’s the best gift you can give.

From my Froggy Take family to yours, here’s wishing you all a holiday season that’s bright, warm, and full of cheer. 🐸✨

Until next time, keep hopping into joy and making memories that make your heart leap!

Frogs, Fun, and Lego Runs

A few weeks ago, my 6-year-old and I finally checked out Legoland Discovery Centre Toronto, and let me tell you — for my little Lego-lover, this place was absolute magic.

From the moment we walked in, his eyes were HUGE. You could practically feel the excitement buzzing off him! Bright colors, giant Lego models, and super friendly staff immediately set the tone for a fun, kid-focused adventure.

We kicked things off in a room that showed how Lego is made. I loved that it was educational, but my son barely noticed because he was having so much fun exploring everything.

Next up was Kingdom Quest, a little laser-shooting dark ride where we had to “save the princess.” He loved it so much he insisted we go twice. Watching him giggle as he aimed his laser made me grin too.

Then came Mini Land, which honestly blew me away — even as an adult. It’s a mini Toronto made entirely out of Lego bricks: CN Tower, Rogers Centre, downtown skyline — the works. My son kept pressing all the buttons that make different scenes move or light up. I loved watching him point out landmarks he recognized, and us showing him areas we’ll actually be visiting someday.

After exploring Mini Land, we hit the Build & Test Zone. If your kid likes building and racing things (and let’s be honest, what kid doesn’t?), this is the place. My son built probably 10 different cars, trying to make “the fastest one ever” for the racetrack. Simple activity, but honestly one of the best parts of our day.

The 4D cinema was a fun surprise. They had four different short films that played every 30 minutes — perfect for keeping little attention spans happy. The wind and water effects had my son cracking up, especially when he got “sprayed” during the Lego storm scene.

We also spent time in the soft block area, where he could build large-scale versions of things he’s already built at home, and the Duplo area for toddlers (which some biggerskids were loving). I really appreciated that everything is divided into zones — it keeps everyone happy and prevents sensory overload.

Things to Know Before You Go

• It can get busy, especially at peak times. Going early on a Friday helped us avoid some of the crowds.

• Expect to spend 2–3 hours there, depending on your child’s pace — we stayed almost all day because he was having that much fun.

• Adults must be accompanied by a child, so it’s very much a kid-first experience.

• You can’t bring in food or drinks, but we brought a water bottle with no issues. There’s also a café with reasonably priced options if you need a snack.

Legoland Discovery Centre Toronto isn’t a full-day theme park, but for a half-day (or even most of a day) adventure with kids in the 4–8 range, it’s fantastic. My son was smiling the entire time, and honestly, that’s the review that matters most.

We left with a small Lego set (of course we did), tired legs, and happy hearts. If you’re looking for a hands-on, imagination-fueled outing for your little one, this place is definitely worth hopping into on your next weekend adventure.

Until next time, keep hopping toward fun adventures — and may your days be filled with laughter, Lego, 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

 

A Ribbiting Day at Sweet Pea’s Farm

If you’re looking for a cute, low-key family outing that won’t break the bank, let me tell you about our little adventure to Sweet Pea’s Farm — because honestly, it was such a wholesome day and I’m still smiling thinking about it.

We bought our tickets online (highly recommend, because you get a discount!), and once we arrived, we followed a quiet dirt road to a big grassy parking area. It already had that cozy farm vibe — the kind where the kids are leaning forward in their seats because they just know something fun is coming.

We were the first to arrive and headed up to the front to check in and got our bracelets. You can also buy ice cream cones filled with animal feed there, and of course we did — three cones for $5, which felt like a total win. My son was so excited to feed the goats, cows, and even the chickens. I’m not sure who was happier, honestly — him or the animals.

From there, the place opened up into a mini wonderland. There was a bouncy castle and a giant bouncy pumpkin pad that basically acted like a magnet for every child within a 50-foot radius. We also spotted a little train — complete with individual train cars and actual train sounds. Our admission included one ride, but you can buy extra tickets for $2. My son rode the train 3 times.

Next up was the tractor ride through the farm, which was surprisingly relaxing. The corn maze was a hit too — not too hard, not too short — just the right amount of “Are we lost?” mixed with giggles and a slight panic when I thought we were never going to get out.

They also had big piles of hay bales that the kids could climb and jump around on, plus a small park area with a sandbox for little ones who love digging more than running. For the older kids (or the brave adults), there was a zipline that looked like so much fun.

At one point we needed a snack break, so we wandered over to their snack shack. It’s small but they have everything you need — drinks, fries, burgers, and even hot chocolate. Exactly the kind of simple comfort food that hits the spot when you’ve been running around a farm all day.

All in all, Sweet Pea’s Farm was the perfect mix of “old-fashioned fun” and “the kids will crash so hard after this.” We’ll definitely be hopping back again.

Until next time, keep hopping toward fun little adventures — and may every family outing be as sweet as a day on the farm!

Hopping Into Magic: Seeing David Copperfield in Vegas

 

Seeing David Copperfield live has honestly been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and finally getting to experience it in Las Vegas was everything I hoped for. From the moment the lights dimmed and the music started, it felt like stepping into a world where truly anything is possible.

The show is a mix of mind-blowing illusions, storytelling, and jaw-dropping moments. Copperfield is charming, funny, and completely in control of every detail — it’s incredible to watch someone make the impossible look effortless. There were tricks that had the entire audience gasping and cheering, and even small moments that made me laugh out loud.

What surprised me most was how personal the experience felt. Even in a full theater, it felt like he was performing just for us. The stage design, lighting, and music all come together perfectly, creating that classic Vegas magic vibe, but with a level of artistry and precision that’s truly next-level.

The theater had a variety of seating options. We sat at a small table with four seats pushed together, which honestly felt a little tight — like a sardine in a can! There were booths available, and if I go again, I’d probably splurge for one of those. This trip, though, was all about getting the most bang for my buck.

Walking out of the theater, I couldn’t stop smiling. It’s one of those experiences you just want to relive over and over, and I know it’s a memory I’ll treasure forever. If seeing David Copperfield has ever been on your bucket list, don’t wait — it’s worth every second.

Until next time, keep hopping toward the dreams you’ve had since you were a kid — and may your life always have a little magic sprinkled in!

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.

Laughs, Paint, and Music: Our Froggy Take on Blue Man Group

 

While in Las Vegas, we decided to catch a few shows, and the Blue Man Group came highly recommended so we decided it should be one of those shows — and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From the moment we entered the theater, we were pulled into this wild, colorful, and totally unique world that’s impossible to describe, without giving spoilers!

First off, the energy in the theater is incredible. The Blue Men are hilarious and entertaining, and somehow manage to make music, comedy, and audience interaction feel seamless. We were laughing, clapping, and gasping all at once — the show really keeps you on your toes and it’s for all ages which is even better

The visual effects and music are spectacular, but very loud so come prepared. Think bright paint, crazy instruments, and inventive drumming that makes you want to bounce in your seat. There’s even some audience participation, but don’t worry — it’s all in good fun, and everyone is included in a way that’s lighthearted and hilarious.

The performers are so in sync, the stunts and gags are flawless, and it’s clear how much work and talent goes into the show. It’s not just a performance — it’s an experience. We didn’t bring our kids on this trip but if we come back we will be brining them to see this show.

The theater itself is comfortable and well-designed, and the staff were friendly and helpful, making the whole experience smooth from start to finish.

Honestly, it’s one of those shows you’ll remember for a long time. If you’re heading to Vegas, whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, I’d absolutely recommend adding Blue Man Group to your list. It’s funny, energetic, and just downright fun.

Until next time, keep hopping into adventures that surprise you — and may your days be as colorful as a Blue Man’s paint splash!

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  

Feasting Like a Frog: Our Excalibur Buffet Experience

 

While we were in Vegas, we were looking for ways to stretch our dollars and make the most of our time there. That’s when I stumbled across the My Vegas app, which lets you play slot-style games for points that can be redeemed for rewards — everything from hotel discounts to discounts on show tickets and even 2-for-1 buffet coupons. I figured, why not? Every little bit helps, right?

After playing a bit, I racked up enough points for a 2-for-1 coupon at the Excalibur Hotel Buffet. Heads up: it couldn’t be charged to our Luxor room, and alcohol and gratuities weren’t included, but still — a solid deal!

The buffet itself was impressive. They had a huge variety of dishes for breakfast and lunch — I especially loved the omelette station, and there was plenty for anyone who enjoys classic comfort foods: a carving station with a variety of meats, gravies, mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese, rice, salads, and a great selection of breads. And of course, for the sweet tooth, there was a large dessert section.

One of my favorite touches was the self-serve beverage machines — soda, juices, milk, tea, and coffee. I even whipped up an iced coffee with two shots of espresso and a splash of milk — perfection!

The staff were friendly and attentive, always tidying up tables and keeping the dining area clean. The kitchen team was constantly topping off the dishes so nothing ever ran out.

We were so impressed with the selection and value that we went back on our last day, even without a coupon. It really was that good!

Until next time, keep hopping toward delicious adventures — and may your plate always be full and your coffee perfectly iced!

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