Southern Tier Get Together

[cielle]

Anybody out there still interested in trying to organize a get together? I'm not sure where everyone is geographically but it's seems we've got at least ithaca, binghamton & corning. If people were interested in Ithaca we have the sciencenter, the library & the parks as meeting places that I know of.

Any ideas for other places? Dates?

Can't hurt to give the kiddos a chance to play with some new people once in a while!

[AutumnWind]

Hi, Cielle!

I'm interested in a get-together. I'm thinking a community location would be a good place to start - like you were saying. My 21-month-old isn't great in the car, so I'm not sure we could be able to go to the Science Center at this point. Is there anything halfway between Ithaca & Binghamton? Or anything in Owego?

I know that in Binghamton itself there's a nice Parent Resource Center that's in the old train station building downtown. It's a wonderful large, cavernous room, full of tons of toys for age birth through 5 years old or so. I think it used to be the train lobby. Plus they have a little library with children's books and parenting books inside. It's a place to meet & play for parents & babies/toddlers. It's staffed with women and is set up for coffee & snacks. There's a couple adult-sized tables, and toddler tables and lots of high chairs. There's also comfy sofas & big easy chairs for mommies to sit and chat. You can see your kids cause it's all one huge room, so you can keep an eye on 'em. It's not a fancy place at all - it's a community play space. It's called the PAL Center (Parents As Leaders) & it's free. Anyway, that's an option. (Lewis Street in Binghamton - in the old train station building)

There's also the Discovery Center - a children's museum in Binghamton. A little like the Science Center but bigger. In my opinion, that's a good place to go with people you already know, cause you can't really visit there. You have to kind of chase your kids :). It's not really conducive to visiting if you've got a toddler with you. But it is beautiful. I think it's $4 per person (which isn't cheap). I'm a member, so my ds & I get in free, and I can get 2 guests in free. But, it might be better to meet somewhere that's better set up for hangin' out?

There's also Otsinengo Park (which is of course weather permitting). There's a newly remodled playground there, but last time I visited it was for a little older age group than my 21-month-old. However, it's a really pretty park with a large play ground & picnic tables.

Anyway, I'm willing to go to Owego, or somewhere halfway between Ithaca & Binghamton, or Corning & Binghamton. I'm kind of open as long as it's not too long a drive (i wouldn't mind a long drive myself at all, but like I said my little one has trouble with long rides).

[cielle]

Binghamton is okay with me. My inlaws are there so we can stay over if we don't feel like doing the drive twice in one day. I'm willing to leave it up to your judgement on place!

I'm going to take an MDC break for the next few days, I've been on way too much lately. Hopefully by the time I get back on this weekend, some other STers will post.

April is going to be busy for us because we're moving to a new house, doing easter, birthdays, etc. so maybe we can pick a day in May?

[AutumnWind]

Bump!

:p

[AutumnWind]

Bump!

:bouncy

[Unreal]

Going to a park would definitely work great for us...my second pick would be the discovery center. Ds1 is 7, but still enjoys it there. I haven't been to the parent resource center, but it doesn't sound like ds would have much to do there :(
Ds2 is much easier to please...as long as I have clean dipes and a sling ;)

Anyone else have older kids too?

[AutumnWind]

Sure, I'd meet at a park if that's better for everybody.

Also, when we have LLL meetings at the PAL Center, some mommies bring their older children (7 & 8 year olds, ect), and they have lots of fun at PAL, too. There's a computer there that's kid friendly, and puzzles, & all kinds of toys & art stuff.

But I'm open to meeting at a park, too. (Otsinengo would be a good one maybe?)

Any other mommies out there who'd like to get together? :)

[Unreal]

lol

Well if there is stuff at the PAL center, that wouldn't be bad =)
I just worry about him getting bored--that is usually the end of me ever getting a word in edgewise...

So, whatever works best for everyone! :D

Lauren

[BrooklynDoula]

Yeah! Just stopped in and I am up for a get together also! Any of these places sound good. PAL is great because it is indoors, so no weather issues, but the park is fun and ds LOVES the baby swings. Anything works for me.



Megan

[AutumnWind]

Just wanted to bump this up again so people can see it.

:)