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

Ribbits and Roars: A Family Day at the Zoo

 

Hi folks, I’m so glad you’re here for this week’s Froggy Take.

Zoos are always a family favorite — my kids love the adventure, and I love seeing their excitement when an animal comes right up to the glass. On our recent trip to the Toronto Zoo, we spent the day exploring exhibits, learning a little, and testing how family-friendly the experience really is. Here’s my froggy take.

A few weeks ago, I decided to take the family to the Toronto Zoo — it had been a while since our last visit, and I figured it would be a fun day out for all of us.

Before we went, I did a bit of research on admission, parking, and whether any discounts were available. According to the Toronto Zoo website, they’re the only authorized ticket seller and recommend avoiding third-party sites to steer clear of scams. That said, you can get a discount just by purchasing your tickets online and in advance.

From what I found, ticket prices vary depending on when you go and how far ahead you book. On the lower end, tickets were around $21 for kids and $30 for adults, and on the higher end, $25 for kids and $36 for adults. It looks like the closer you are to your visit date, the higher the price.

You can also buy tickets at the gate on the day of your visit. From what I read, gate prices are about $45 for adults and $32 for kids, but apparently, there’s a discount at the gate for Presto cardholders. I didn’t use that option myself, so I can’t confirm for sure — but it might be worth looking into!

If you're driving, you’ll also need to purchase a parking pass for $20, which I didn’t mind too much since the money goes toward feeding the over 3,000 animals that call the zoo home. If you're taking public transit, there are several bus routes that stop right outside the front gate, which is super convenient.

Another thing to know: they offer three different yearly membership tiers, which can be a great option if you think you’ll visit more than once. You actually have 14 days after your visit to upgrade your ticket to a yearly membership — which is great if you want to "test drive" the zoo before committing. The Platinum membership even allows you to bring a guest with you every time you visit, which is perfect if you like to include a grandparent or another relative.

Now onto our actual visit!

At the time of our visit there was some construction happening near the front gates, we heard some noise or noticed a bit of dust, but honestly, it didn’t take away from the experience at all.

Right after entering, we saw the main Zoomobile station, and nearby there’s a spot where you can rent strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, or lockers for the day, which is super handy if you’re visiting with kids or just don’t want to carry everything around.

We started our day by heading to the Indo-Malaya Pavilion — one of my favourite areas. We saw the Sumatran orangutans and White-handed gibbons, and the newer outdoor orangutan habitat was really impressive. Definitely worth checking out!

One thing I appreciated throughout the day was how many water fountains and bottle refill stations there were. It made it really easy to stay hydrated, especially with all the walking.

We took our time at each stop, watching the animals and reading the signs to learn more about them. At a few exhibits, we came across zoo volunteers who were sharing extra info, showing replica skulls, and answering questions. They were so kind and patient with the kids, and if they didn’t know something, they made an effort to find the answer. You could tell they really cared.

I was also really happy that we all wore comfortable clothes and shoes — the zoo is spread out over about 500 acres, so you’re definitely going to get your steps in! We brought hats, water bottles, and sunscreen, but there were also little pop-up shops around in case you forgot anything (though, of course, prices were a bit higher).

Some animals are inside indoor pavilions, others are in outdoor habitats, and many — like the orangutans, gorillas, and otters — have access to both. So if you don’t spot them right away, it’s worth checking the other viewing area.

The zoo was open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM the day we visited, and we got there right when they opened. You’re allowed to bring in your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, which is great. There are lots of picnic spots spread out along the paths between pavilions, and a few food stands on site, though what’s open seems to depend on the season and day of the week.

We brought our lunch and decided to take a break back at the car midday. It gave us a chance to cool off in the AC and relax for a bit, which was nice — especially not having to chase our little guy around for 30 minutes while trying to eat! And since the zoo allows re-entry, it worked out perfectly.

One of the highlights of our visit was getting to hear a few animal talks by the zookeepers and seeing the penguin feeding. It was such a cool experience! I also loved that we could use the Toronto Zoo app to see the day’s schedule of talks and where they were happening. Super helpful to plan our time

It was a warm day, but many of the outdoor enclosures had mist systems to keep the animals cool. In a few areas, they even had mist sprays for guests to walk through — the kids had a blast running through them!

Later in the day, we decided to ride the Zoomobile. You do need to buy a separate ticket, but it’s ride-all-day, and you can hop on and off at different stations. There’s an option to buy single tickets or a group pass for four, and Platinum and Gold membership holders get access included.

There are five Zoomobile stops: Main Station, Canadian Domain, African Savanna, Tundra Trek, and Eurasia. We got on at the Main Station near the entrance and rode it through the full loop, including a special area with animals you can only see from the Zoomobile. Just a heads-up — if you try to board at some of the other stops, there may not always be space, so some people had to wait or keep walking.

We ended up spending the whole day at the zoo and left just after 6pm. We had a little snack in the car, waited for the parking lot to clear out a bit, then scanned our parking pass and headed home.

According to my 6-year-old, the red pandas and giraffes were the best part of the day. For me, it was seeing the gorillas in their outdoor habitat and watching the penguins get fed.

All in all, it was a great day — and I’d absolutely recommend it if you’re looking for a family-friendly outing that’s both fun and educational!

If you would like more information on tickets/admission hop on over to https://www.torontozoo.com/tickets/admission/

For more information on season pass prices and perks leap on over to https://www.torontozoo.com/Membership/

And that’s a wrap on this week’s Froggy Take. Wishing you happy hopping until the next one!

 

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 

Froggy Approved: Thigh Society Shorts That Make a Splash

Ready to hop through summer without chafing? Here’s my froggy take on Thigh Society!

Underwear might not be the flashiest thing to review, but let’s be honest — if it’s not comfortable, nothing else really matters. I decided to test out Thigh Society to see if it could hold up to real, everyday life as a busy mom. Spoiler: I’ve got thoughts. Here’s my take

About a month ago, I came across an ad for Thigh Society — you know, one of those "no more chub rub" promises that almost sound too good to be true. But the ad caught my eye, especially because they mentioned having different styles and options, so I figured I'd check it out.

As soon as I landed on their website, I fell in love with all the thigh puns (so fun!) and the variety of products they offer. I ended up taking their short quiz, which was actually pretty helpful — after each question, it gives you a little fact about their products, which I thought was a nice touch.

At the end of the quiz, it does ask for your email to show your result — but it also applies a 10% off code, which, let's be honest, is always a win in my books. I love a good deal, and even a small discount helps when you're on a budget.

Based on my answers, the quiz recommended I try The Cooling shorts, which are $44 CAD. I’m not someone who usually splurges on myself, so I hesitated a bit. That price felt steep for what’s basically an underwear-style item. But I had a few outdoor events coming up with lots of walking, and I knew I didn’t want to deal with chafing.

What really stood out to me was that their size range is super inclusive — from XS/S all the way up to 5XL/6XL — and they offer six different lengths (from 5” to 21”). Not to mention, tons of colours to choose from! I’d love to say I added them to my cart and bought them right away… but no. I closed the tab and went back to my usual doom-scrolling.

But I couldn't stop thinking about them. I run hot, and the idea of something that helps keep me cool and prevents chafing? It sounded almost too good to be true. I kept going back to the website, looking at the different styles, reading about the materials, even comparing them to similar products elsewhere — but I just kept coming back to Thigh Society.

I also loved that it’s a Canadian company, and I really connected with what the founder shared about their own experience with chub rub. Plus, the whole brand vibe — all the puns and the realness — just spoke to me.

After a few days of going back and forth, I finally took the plunge. I added a pair to my cart. They do offer free shipping when you buy two pairs, and a free gift when you buy three, but that wasn’t in the budget for me, so I just bought the one pair and paid for shipping.

Let me tell you — they shipped FAST. I don’t know if I just got lucky or if it’s the norm, but I placed the order and it arrived at my front door about three days later. I think I might live close to their warehouse, which probably helped, but still — I was impressed.

As soon as they arrived, I ran to grab the package and tried them on immediately — and I was instantly in love. They felt so smooth, and walking around in them felt amazing. That said, I always wash new clothes before wearing them for real, so I threw them in the laundry right away and hung them to dry, just to be safe.

The next day, I wore them out to run errands — I even wore a dress to give them the true "chub rub test." And honestly? I forgot I was wearing them. No rolling up, no need to adjust anything, and zero chafing. It was kind of magical.

Yes, it still makes me nervous that I paid that much for one pair, but as a plus-sized woman, I can honestly say — they are worth every penny. I’ve worn them in hot weather, under pants and dresses, walking for 8+ hours, and they’ve held up beautifully. Still no chub rub for me.

If you’ve been on the fence, I’d definitely recommend taking their quick quiz and checking them out for yourself. You can find it here:
👉 https://thighsociety.ca/pages/quiz

Thanks for hopping by! May your adventures be comfy and your thighs forever rub-free.

 

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 Leap into Luxury: My Stay at Casino Rama

 

Hey there, thanks for hopping by The Froggy Take.

I believe hotels can set the tone for an entire trip — a cozy stay makes everything smoother, while a rough one can throw the whole experience off. On our recent getaway, we checked into Casino Rama Resort in Orillia, Ontario and put it to the test. From check-in to check-out, here’s how our stay really went.

I was able to book the room really easily through their website — just one night in a Deluxe King Suite. It came to $219 plus tax, which as a mom, I thought it was a bit on the pricey side but decided to give it a go as it was for a special occasion and a bit of a break from the kids.

Check-in time was listed online as 4pm, and we got there around 5pm. The front desk staff greeted us with a smile and got us checked in quickly after taking my ID and credit card. They also mentioned that if you sign up for their casino loyalty card, you get 10% off the base room rate — a nice little perk I didn’t know about!

Our room was on the 3rd floor, which also happens to be where the pool is. The pool area looked really nice, though we didn’t get a chance to use it this time around.

The room itself was super clean and roomy. The bed was big and comfy, with nightstands (and drawers!) on both sides. There was a spacious closet with a safe, ironing board, and a luggage stand — all the usual stuff. The bathroom was a good size too, with a bathtub and seperate shower that had full-size bottles of body wash and shampoo personally the communal body wash and shampoo is not something I am a fan off but I do get that it’s better for the enviroment. I also loved that there was a full-length mirror and a makeup mirror with two different magnifications — such a nice option!

The room also had a cozy gas fireplace, a loveseat, an extra chair, and a little mini fridge that was just the right size to chill a few drinks.

After settling in, we headed downstairs to the casino and grabbed dinner at the Couchiching Court Buffet. It’s open Friday and Saturday from 4–9pm and costs $32 plus tax per person. The staff there were really friendly and let us pick a table over the booth, which was nice. It wasn’t too busy, and the whole vibe was pretty relaxed. There was a good variety of food to choose from, as someone who does not eat red meat it’s always a concern that there will not be enough options to eat. I also liked that non-alcoholic drinks were included. I mostly stuck to water, but finished off with a coffee alongside a few desserts. We didnt feel pressured to finish up our food quickly so they could use the table for other guests. I am not sure if this is because it wasnt busy or if that is generally the way they are.

After dinner, we hit the gaming floor to play a few slot machines — there were lots of different price ranges to choose from. I liked that there was an on-floor drink station too, so we could easily grab a coffee or a soft drink while playing. I do miss the days when you could hear coins clinking in the machines, but using vouchers does make it easier to switch between games and bet amounts. There were a few live tables open for blackjack and roulette, but I just stuck with the slots this time around.

After awhile we went back up to our room to enjoy a few cold beverages and hanging out infront of the fire place.

Check-out time is listed as 11am, which might feel a bit early if you’ve had a late night in the casino or at a concert. But luckily, there’s a Tim Hortons right on site, or you can swing by the drink station on the gaming floor to grab a coffee and get that much-needed wake-up boost.

Overall, the stay was short but enjoyable! Next time, I’d love to try out more of the amenities — maybe check out the pool or even see what the spa has to offer.

If you would like more information on prices, availbilty and what the Resort has to offer hop over to https://www.casinorama.com/hotel/

That’s all from me today, folks. Until next time, hop on back for more real reviews.

 

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 

About The Froggy Take

Welcome to The Froggy Take — where I hope, honest opinions will meet everyday adventures. As a mom of two and a small business owner, my days are constantly filled with new experiences, places, and things. This blog is my space to share genuine reviews — no sponsors, no scripts, just my own take.

From family outings at the zoo to testing out everyday essentials at home, The Froggy Take leaps into life’s best finds (and a few that might not make the splash). Think of it as a friendly voice from the pond of life, hopefully helping you decide what’s worth your time, money, and energy.

Here, it's all about being honest, having a little fun, and appreciating the tiny (and occasionally significant) discoveries along the way.

 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