CLOSED: This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winners.
YOU CAN VIEW OUR LIST OF GIVEAWAY WINNERS HERE.

UPADTE: WE NOW ARE GIVING AWAY 2 SETS OF PASSES!!

Last Wednesday I packed myself, my kids, Once A Month Mom and her kids all into my van and we headed out to COSI to a special preview of their new Dinosaurs exhibit. Suffice it to say, the kids were excited to go. We have passes to Cincinnati Museum and can go to COSI for free, but this was a special chance to see the Dinosaur exhibit up close and personal. Rarr!!

The Dinosaurs: Explore, Escape, Survive exhibit is over 10,000 square feet of dino-rific fun! There are giant robotic dinosaurs, which kind of scared B since he's only almost 2. There was an amazing educational and hand-on maze, and about a dozen computer simulators that let your kids have a hand at being a dinosaur. The computer simulator was by far the favorite part of the exhibit for my boys. They ran from chair to chair trying to decide which dinosaur they wanted to be, until they found the 4 steering wheel car which all the kids promptly sat down it. Although, it left me wondering how on earth that car drove with 4 drivers, it must be pretty hard to get anywhere when everyone is turning their wheel in a different direction. As we drove home and B was sound asleep (because all Moms know that means it was a good/tiring day) C looks at me and says, "Mama, thanks so much for taking letting me go to that cool special Dino thing" and in my book- that is a GOOD day!

Do you have a dino fan in your home? I know since PBS started showing Dinosaur Train that my boys seem to care more about dinosaurs than they did before. Now, here is your chance for them to get up close and personal with some dinosaurs! Well, COSI has generously given us a set of 4 tickets to giveaway.
Includes four (4):
General admission voucher to Dinosaurs: Explore. Escape. Survive. exhibit, Waking the T.Rex 3D: The Story of SUE movie, and all COSI's permanent exhibits.

Main entry: Leave us your best dinosaur sound! Roar, growl, grr- let us hear it! (Be sure to leave your comment on this post so that it gets counted)

Want more chances to win? Well, here are some more ways you can enter, just be sure to leave a seperate/ new comment for each additional entry.

- Follow Deals For Dayton on Facebook, if you already do just leave that in a comment.

- Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter, if you already do just leave that in a comment.

- Follow COSI on Facebook if you already do just leave that in a new comment. Please feel free to let them know that Deals For Dayton sent you!

This contest ends Friday, July 1, at midnight EST. We will use Random.org to pick our winner.

We were invited to a special blogger sneak peek. You can check out the other lovely ladies that were there and get more chances to win on their sites too!

Random Becky
Hall of Fame Moms

CLOSED: This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winners.
YOU CAN VIEW OUR LIST OF GIVEAWAY WINNERS HERE.

Well, tomorrow the first day of summer is officially here and this summer is turning out to be a pretty hot one already! If you are looking for a way to cool off be sure to check out the Kettering Recreation Complex's new and improved water park: Adventure Reef. This 3-acre outdoor aquatic facility was built in 1990 but has undergone a serious facelift this past year. You can find more information about all the changes on their site. They also have several pictures of all the other renovations that are happening around the complex on their Facebook page.

Adventure Reef sits where Water Raves the old water-park was, but they have added an interactive splash pad, a waterfall pool, a water playground, a shaded shelter and two giant slides with their own splash pool. Now since Kings Island a little bit of a drive (and pricy), Splash Moraine closed and all the local free sprayground parks only are able to fit a few dozen kids, the Kettering Rec Center's Adventure Reef with its 1,400 capacity is sure to draw big crowds this summer. Plus with admission for Kettering residents, at only $3 for youths (3-17 years) and $3.50 for adults or for non-residents, $6 for youth and $7 for adults, it seems like a very reasonable option. Besides I love that kids under 3 are FREE!!

Since I haven't been to Adventure Reef yet (but I'm hoping to get there soon) I decided to go to my panel of experts A.K.A. my readers, and asked several of you what you thought of it. So straight from the mouths of local moms here's what you all had to say:

Erin H- It's a TON of fun... They have a gated toddler area for 4yrs and under that OLDER children are not even allowed in. For mommies with little ones, this is great! They have a splash park, slides, and a water park type area for older kids (3/4+). If you are a pass holder you can get in at 11:30, set up your spot, and get in the pool a good 15min before others.
It gets super busy around 1:30/2ish, but early evening until close it seems the crowd seems to thin out. During break times you can stay in the water with your kids if they are 3 and under. The only down side is that they don't open until 12 (to non members) and close at 8pm.
Tami R- Yes, it is great!! I love the new gated toddler area and the new spray water section stays on even during break time as well! My 2 1/2 year old loved the smaller slides although it was a little crowded she jumped right in!
Jenny R- The gated toddler area is great...if all of your children are under 6. If not, then it's not much help.
Tricia C- Love the toddler area that is fenced in, and I'm so happy that the gross sand is gone. Plus the new regulations about Sunday being for residents and pass-holders is great!
Heather B- I love it! My kids have the best time there!
Wendi C- We really love it, however I do think it will be a bit less crowded/crazy when the big pool opens up in a week or so. I think that will help to free up some space in the other areas of the park.
Tess A- We've been and we absolutely love it. There's something for kids of all ages. Buying a family pass is definitely the way to go. We look forward to spending many hours there this summer.
Lizzie A- I am wondering if the new one is good for little kids??? I loved how the old one had the little pool and slide for little ones and shallow play areas in the main pool...my little one is 3 and hates water on his head so he won't be going near the big bucket if he sees it spill!!!

So, to kick off the first officially day of summer we have a giveaway! We are giving away 13 sets of passes for our readers. That means 13 families will win 2 free tickets each! How fun is that?! If you have a pass already, maybe you can win it for a friend and they can go with you to Adventure Reef.

Main entry: Tell us how you plan on enjoying this summer. (Be sure to leave your comment on this post so that it gets counted)

Want more chances to win? Well, here are some more ways you can enter, just be sure to leave a additional/ new comment for each additional entry requirement that you fulfill.

- Follow Deals For Dayton on Facebook, if you already do just leave that in a comment.

- Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter, if you already do just leave that in a comment.

- Follow the Kettering Recreation Complex on Facebook, if you already do just leave that in a new comment. Please feel free to let them know that Deals For Dayton sent you!

This contest ends Friday, July 1, at midnight EST. We will use Random.org to pick our winner.

Disclosure: The Kettering Recreation Complex provided me with a set of passes. But this post and opinions are my own and not paid for or influenced by the item provided.

I don't know about you but sometimes I feel like with my 2 year old that I stall out on breakfast, lunch and even snack options. I mean honestly, how long is it going to be before he gets tired of cereal bars for breakfast, chicken nuggets for lunch and goldfish crackers for snacktime? When Tricia from Once A Month Mom announced she was working on a toddler ecookbook I was really excited to get some new toddler meal inspiration! So let me introduce you all to: Survive Before 5: Toddler Meals For Your Busy Days. This ecookbook is a step-by-step resource for cooking meals for kids before dinner. We all know that meal times can be a challenge and hopefully this month full of meal plans can help keep the kids happy, and more importantly, mom happy.

The plan includes breakfasts, lunches and snacks. Like all Once A Month Mom menus it contains grocery lists, instructions, recipe cards and labels. There are options for 1 child, 2 children, 4 children, or 6 children. If you have a child that eats more than the indicated toddler portions you can simply count them as an additional child when cooking. Since I have a 2 year old and a 6 year old I just make enough for 4 children so we have enough for both and a little leftover. Here are the recipes that are contained in the one month plan ecookbook:

    Breakfasts
        blueberry pancakes**
        toddler french toast sticks
        fruity breakfast burritos

    Lunches
        homemade spaghetti o’s**
        individual mac & cheese cups
        corndog muffins
        homemade cheesy rice
        apple chicken nuggets
        individual pizzas**

    Snacks
       frozen fruit cups
       homemade yogurt
       peanut butter banana yogurt pops**
       peanut butter granola bars**

**Indicates NEW Once a Month Mom recipes not found on the website – 5 new recipes in total!

Here are some additional features:
-A choice of preparing for 1 child, 2 children, 4 children or 6 children.
-Grocery lists for 1 child, 2 children, 4 children or 6 children.
-Customized labels for each of your prepared items.
-Recipe cards containing photographs and some step-by-step photos as well.

We've already have made the individual pizzas and corndog muffins. I was so excited when I found out that both boys loved the corndog muffins! Little B loved them because it was cornbread (and what kid doesn't love sweet cornbread?!) and hot dogs. When I added a little ketchup and he was in toddler meal-time heaven. So if you need some meal inspiration for your toddler, and even young school age kids, be sure to check out Survive Before 5: Toddler Meals For Your Busy Days. The price of this eCookbook is $7.99. You receive all of the resources above in an easy to view (or print) format.

Buy it now! HERE (don’t forget to use the coupon code OAMM599 to get a $2 discount through July 1st, 2011).

Books & Co is having a Summer Reading Program featuring the Junie B. Jones books. Children who read four of those books and present the booklet (which you can get in store) that has been signed by their parents will receive a free Junie B. Jones backpack. This seems like a Summer Reading Program more for older kids, but it still is a great way to get your kiddos reading this summer!

Need some help encouraging your kids to read? Or maybe you have a few bookworms in your house like me and would love to "reward" their love of reading. Seriously have you ever seen a cuter bookworm?! Well, now that summer is here there are several summer reading clubs/programs going on in the area. Here are a few of the ones that I know about that are currently going on. Be sure to sign up early so that your kids can take full advantage of the programs. Libraries want to encourage EVERYONE to read and have programs for teens and adults also.

Barnes and Noble
Dates: May 24- Sept 6
Summer Reading Club

Books & Co
Date: While supplies last
Junie B. Jones Backpack Summer Reading Club

Chuck E. Cheese
Dates: Year Round
Reading Rewards (Food purchase required)

Dayton Metro Libraries
Dates: June 1- Aug 1
Summer Reading Programs
Sign up at your local branch

Greene County Libraries
Dates: June 1- Aug 1
Kids Program- ages up to 12
Teens Program- ages 12-18
Adult Program
Sign up at your local branch

Half Price Bookstore
Dates: June 1- July 31
Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Club

Washington Centerville Libraries
Dates: June 6- Aug 1
Baby/Toddler Program- 0-24 months
Children's Program- Preschool- 5th Grade
Teen Program- 6-12 Grade
Adult Program- 18 yrs and up
Summer Reading Club
Sign up at your local branch

Did you know that one of the most important things that you can do to help your child's education is read to them daily? I'm kinda bummed that the Half Price Bookstore changed their Summer Reading Program, but it's still a fun deal. The Half Price Book Store is helping you get your kids to read this summer. We LOVE their summer reading  "Feed Your Brain" program. Starting June 1 through July 31 kids ages 14 and under can earn a $5 Shopping card if they read at least 15 minutes per day all summer. Here's how it works:

Get a Feed Your Brain Reading Log PDF and set a goal to read each day for at least 15 minutes or more throughout June and July. Grown-ups may read aloud for kids who are still learning.

Join them for the Feed Your Brain kick off on Sunday, June 5 at 2pm for the Biggest Storytime of the Summer at your local Half Price Books.

Add up your minutes and have your parent or guardian initial at the end of each week.

If your child reads 600 minutes or more they can turn in the completed reading log at Half Price Books July 25 – August 7 to receive a $5 Back-to-School Bucks summer reading reward!

Does your kid think they’re a Top Reader this summer? They will award one top reader per age group with a TOP READER prize, a $20 HPB Gift Card!

Don't forget this doesn't start until June 1, 2010. I'm getting so excited for summer. Is it warm outside yet?!

Here is a great chance for all you parents with children who like to bowl – in fact it's 2 free games of bowling everyday for your child all summer long!

There are several locations that are participating. Just register on the bowling center page. After you register, you will have the opportunity to purchase a family pass. The Family Pass is for adult members of the family to enjoy bowling throughout the summer as well. The family pass covers up to 4 adult family members.The program start and end dates are listed on the bowling center page that you register with. Once the program has begun, they will send you an email every Sunday morning that contains a link to your coupons and family passes for that week. Simply login to your account at anytime once the program has started to print your coupons and family passes. There are SO many great summer freebies!

We’re working to compile a list of Vacation Bible School (VBS) Programs being offered in the Dayton area. We will be adding to the list as the information is released for each church. If you have information about a VBS Program at your church, please feel free to leave a comment on this post below and we’ll make sure to add it!

*Note: Programs are listed in date order. Click the name of each church to be linked to their website for more information.

Week of June 13-17

Apex Community Church
If you go to this one... you might see me... 😉
Location: Kettering
Ages: 4yrs through 4th grade
Dates: June 13-17 (6-9pm)
Program: Inside Out & Upside Down on Main Street
Cost: Free
Online Registration

Centerville Community Church
Location: Centerville
Ages: 5yrs through completing 5th grade
Dates: June 13-17 (9am- 12:30pm)
Program: Son Surf
Cost: Free
Online Registration

Dayton Living Word Church
Location: Vandalia
Ages: Kindergarten through 6th grade
Dates: June 13-17 (9am-12:30pm)
Program: PandaMania
Cost: Possibly free
Online Registration

Far Hills Community Church
Location: Centerville
Ages: 3yrs through 5th grade
Dates: June 13-17 (6:30-9pm)
Program: Time Travelers
Cost: $20 (use coupon code TTNAZ11 for $5 discount)
Online Registration - use coupon code TTNAZ11 for $5 discount

Miamisburg Christian Church
Location: Miamisburg
Ages: 4yr through 7th grade
Dates: June 13-17 (6-8pm)
Program: Kickin it Old School
Cost: Free
Online Registration

Patterson Park
Location: Kettering
Ages: 3yr through 5th grade
Dates: June 12-16 (6:15-8:55pm)
Program: Big Apple Adventure
Cost: Free

Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church
Location: Kettering
Ages: 4yrs through 5th grade
Dates: June 13-17
Program: Shake It Up Cafe
Cost: $7 per child

Washington Heights Baptist Church
Location: Kettering
Ages: 4yrs through 6th grade
Dates: June 13-17 (9-11:55am)
Program: Gold Rush
Cost: Free
Online Registration

Week of June 20-24

Fairmont Presbyterian Church
Location: Kettering
Ages: 4yrs through 6th grade
Dates: June 20-24 (9am-12pm)
Program: Joseph's Journey
Cost: $5 per child
Online Registration

Prince Of Peace Church of the Brethren
Location: Kettering
Ages: 4yrs through 6th grade
Dates: June 20-25 (5:45-8:45pm)
Program: Panda Mania
Cost: Free
Online Registration

South Park United Methodist Church
Location: Dayton
Ages: 3yrs through 4th grade
Dates: June 27-30 (1-4pm)
Program: Shake It Up Cafe
Cost: $10 per child if they come from 1pm-4pm and then if they come for lunch at noon, it is an additional $5

St Andrew United Methodist Church
Location: Beavercreek
Ages: 3yrs through 5th grade
Dates: June 20-24th (6-8:30pm)
Program: Shake It Up Cafe
Cost: Free
Online Registration

St Helen Parish
Location: Riverside
Ages: 4yrs through 5th grade
Dates: June 20-24
Program: PandaMania
Cost: $5 per person/ $20 family max
Online Registration  

Zion Lutheran Church
Location: Dayton
Dates: June 20-24
Ages: Pre K-5th grade
Program: Creation
Cost: Free

Week of June 27- July 1

Christ United Methodist Church
Location: Kettering
Ages: 2 years through 5th grade
Dates: June 27 - 30 (9am- 12pm)
Program: In the Zone Sports Camp
Cost: Suggested donation $15/family
Online registration

Morning Star Baptist Church
Location: Centerville
Ages: K through 4th grade
Dates: June 27- July 1 (6-8:30pm)
Program: Gold Rush
Cost: Free
Online Registration

Week of July 11-15

Aley Church
Location: Beavercreek
Ages: 3yrs to entering 5th grade
Dates: July 11-15 (9am-12pm)
Program: Hometown Nazareth
Cost: $10 per child/ $25 family man
Online Registration

The Ridge Church
Location: Brookville
Ages: 3 yrs. through Adult
Dates:July 10-14 (5:30-8:30p.m.) Dinner included
Program: Big Apple Express
Cost: FREE
Online registration

Week of July 18-22

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Location: Kettering
Ages: Preschool through 5th grade
Dates: July 18-22 (9--11:45am)
Program: Hometown Nazareth/Where Jesus Was a Kid
Cost:Free
Online Registration

Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church
Location: Kettering
Ages: 3-12 years
Dates: July 17 - 21 (6- 8:30pm)
Program: Panda Mania
Cost: Free

Week of July 24-29

First Baptist Kettering
Location: Kettering
Ages: 4yrs through 5th grade
Dates: July 24-29
Program: Big Apple Adventure
Cost: Free
Online Registration

Week of July 31- August 5

Epiphany Lutheran Church
Location: Centerville
Ages: 3yrs through 5th grade
Dates: July 31- August 5 (6:30-8:30pm)
Program: Big Jungle Adventure
Cost: Free
Online Registration

Southwest Church
Location: Springboro (Coffman Family YMCA)
Ages: 3yrs (by August 1) to 4th Grade (grade completed)
Dates:August 1-5 (6:30 - 9:00 pm)
Program: Big Apple Adventure
Cost:
Online Registration

(Photo credit: Cumming Local)

We don't have cable at our house. I'll be honest though, if we did I would be a LAZY Mama and watch way too much TV, plus I'll admit it- I'm too cheap to spend the money on it. That said, we watch PBS for most of our kid's entertainment. I really like the cute little Stevesongs in between shows, they are fun little sings about science, friends, shapes and tons of other stuff. This week I discovered that Steve Roslonek (Stevesongs) has a CD called Marvelous Day. After a little research I realized that the Washington-Centerville Library and Dayton Metro Library both have a copy of the CD. So, I packed the boys into the car (in-spite of the rain) and we trekked to the library to find the CD.

It's a great CD, I had only listened to the first 5 songs with the boys they were all stuck in my head for most of the afternoon. Seriously as I'm typing this I'm singing, "the elephant left his suitcase at the station" in my head. Shh, don't tell anyone around me.. There are upbeat songs with funny lyrics and silly puns but most of them have a moral or are educational in some way. My favorite songs are "Elephant Hide and Seek" and "If You Want To Fly." Since most of the time I end up listening to the CDs too with the boys in the van I can't stand ones that have whiny kids voices on them. Hey, I'm just being honest! But the kids on this CD are TALENTED- wow! I really enjoy listening to Steve's voice and his energy in the songs even gets B clapping along. I highly recommend this CD, but I'm warning you that the songs might get stuck in your head too. But if it's for your kids' sake, well, it might be worth it. 😊

I am contemplating getting his other CD Music Time with Stevesongs that has the songs that he sings on PBS. I love that "RainKeeps Falling Down" song!

I'm linking up over at The Diaper Diaries for Things I love Thursday.

hAppy Monday folks! Sorry I've been gone for a few weeks on my hAppy Monday posts, but I'm back today. So, my favorite app today is actually a category. My boys always want to play on my phone and for the most part I don't mind. I would rather if they are doing something on it that it be a little educational if I can help it. That being the case- I have TONS of books on my phone. Here are a few of my favorite ones.

Timmy Tiptoes: This classic Beatrix Potter story with original illustrations is a great way to introduce your kids to this lesser know story. This book has been designed so that it reflects the original styling of this classic children's literature book but in a fun new way.

Three Little Pigs Storychimes: The story of the three little pigs with a few fun changes. Kids have the option to read or have the book read to them. These remind me of the books on tape I used to listen to that said "you know it's time to turn the page when you hear the chimes ring like this, 'ring.'" There are several other Storychimes book available for free.

Cooper's Big Bear Hug: This Hallmark book is meant to paired with the Cooper interactive Story Buddy. It's a tale of a sweet bear that wants to show his mom how much he loves her. You can record your voice so that you can read it to your child, even when you aren't there. The Cooper Story Buddy responds as the narrator reads key phrases in the book. We don't own the Cooper bear, but my boys like the story still. There are also Watson the Racoon and Jingle the Puppy books available right now.

Ladybug's Bookshelf: This is from Ladybug Magazine and comes with one free book called "Three O'Clock on the Farm." You can also buy other books from them to add to the collection. This book is for 2-6 year-olds with clever animations and hidden surprises.

Snow White: This is the story of Snow White in an interactive Pop-up book. Each page can be rotated so that you can see all sides of the page. This book is currently FREE, but I'm not sure for how long. I just downloaded it today and only looked at a few pages, but was impressed with the detail on each page.

There are TONS of great kids books avaiable that you have to pay for, but there are some of my top free ones that I like. And don't forget all the free iPad book apps too.