Earlier this summer, Grandpa Ed scored some tickets to Adventureland at a reduced price. I have many fond memories of going to Adventureland as a kid (and ok, as an adult too) - so, since our summer days are quickly slipping away, we packed up earlier this week and headed to Des Moines for B's first amusement park experience.
It was nice to have an adult-toddler ratio of 4-1 (G&G Miller came too), so that we could take turns accompanying B on rides, and also so that the adults could split up and on some grown up rides too.
Of course the very first thing we HAD to do upon our arrival was to ride the TRAIN.
When we finally got him off the train, the first "ride" Braden went on was the Lady Bugs. You can see by his expression that he was definitely not sure about it. (In hindsight, we realized it was probably not the best of ideas to send him on a ride by himself for his first experience).
Next up: The Log Ride. B was excited to ride in the "boats," and was feeling much more adventurous sitting with Daddy. Mommy ended up sitting in the front of the log, and therefore got soaked. B & B got a little wet, and Braden loved it. (Water + boats . . . what's not to love?)
There was certainly a theme to the rides we found appropriate for Braden . . . they were mostly forms of transportation/vehicles (which worked out great for him). . . and he ended up liking everything that he rode for the rest of the day.
Infant Ocean
Hampton Cars - he rode this one several times and always chose to drive the fire truck.
Bumper cars with Daddy! This was a "hit" too!
Another favorite ride was The Convoy. Again, he always picked the red semi to drive.
The Red Barons - Braden was excited to fly a plane, but didn't figure out hat he could make his plane fly up high (which was just fine with me!)
The Raging River - Billy and Braden both rode this ride for the first time, and B loved it when they got wet (especially other passengers).
Adventureland has added a water park to the grounds recently. Since it was HOT, we checked it out after lunch. It was crazy busy, and a little difficult to navigate. There were lots of slides, a lazy river, and a splash pad to explore. B loved the splash pad and one of the kiddie water slides, but unfortunately was not crazy about the lazy river (Mommy had been anticipating leisurely floating around). I think he just wanted to swim in a pool as he is used to doing, and we had forgotten to bring his floaties, so it was just sort of a difficult mess. So, no photos. Also, by that time we were hot, tired, and it was nap time (we all needed a rest!) - so we checked in to our hotel and took a break.
After a couple of hours of relaxing in the a/c and enjoying yummy pizza in our comfy, quiet hotel room, we headed back to the park for more fun.
Grandpa and Daddy went off again to ride roller coasters, and Grandma and I took B back to the rides he requested. He even rode Balloon Race and loved it - the cool breeze felt soooooo good.
Grandpa and Daddy were ready to call it a day before B was! Here they are coming across the park on the Sky Ride.
We wrapped up the day with a ride on the Giant Sky Wheel, which B also enjoyed.
It certainly is different to visit an amusement park with a a toddler - but I think a good time was had by all (despite the heat of 100+). Taking a break in the afternoon was a must (I think the adults were as tired as the two-year-old), and it sure was nice to just head back and crawl into a comfy bed rather than having to drive home that evening. B was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow - and he slept till about 9 the next morning. :)
I'm sure there will be many more trips to Adventureland in the future for our little guy - it will be fun to see what rides he likes as he grows older.
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