We Can Dig It

Going into motherhood, I never anticipated what a large part construction vehicles would play in my life these first few years. I didn't expect I'd be able to differentiate between an excavator, backhoe and a bulldozer - but your children's interests quickly become your own. Now I know a lot more than I ever thought I would about construction (and dinosaurs, and Doc McStuffins), and I think that's one of the coolest parts of being a parent - when your kids develop an interest, learn about it, and end up teaching you a thing or two.

Leo has been deep in construction vehicle love for a couple years now, and Zoe is right on his heels. One of our favorite pastimes is checking out construction sites. There are a few properties that have been developed in our neighborhood and we like to walk over and watch as cranes lift heavy materials or to see welders in a cherry picker make sparks fly as they work. There is something poetic about watching as a huge structure is built from the ground up. It's no wonder Leo and Zoe are so captivated by the workers translating a building from concept to reality. Leo often says that he'd love to be a construction worker when he grows up and the main motivation behind that is so that he can drive construction vehicles. What a cool dream to have, right? I didn't really think it would be a reality for many years to come - until Diggerland.

We have been wanting to check out Diggerland since it opened and finally had the opportunity when we were invited to celebrate Diggerland's partnership with Activation ReACT, a non-profit dedicated to providing ways for people of all ages to lend a helping hand during natural disasters. Activation ReACT believes that anyone, no matter how small, can make a difference. I had the privilege to work with Elizabeth Norton, Activation ReACT's founder, last year during the #JerseyLove effort and I got to witness first hand her passion for helping others. And now, one short year later, she has built this non-profit from the ground up. I'm so proud of Elizabeth for transforming her vision from concept to reality. It's a true testament to her belief that one person can make a difference.

And Diggerland was everything we were hoping it would be. The concept is a park that allows children and their families drive, ride, and operate heavy machinery in a safe family-friendly environment. Seriously.

KIDS GET TO OPERATE CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES. 

This is like every 2-5 year old's dream. Zoe was just tall enough (36") to ride most of the attractions on an adult's lap which was a relief because I worried she'd be watching Leo having all the fun. She sure as heck held her own.

Dig-a-round
A carousel where you sit in an excavator bucket!

There are courses where you actually get to drive vehicles around a maze and then some stationary equipment you can operate. We had the opportunity to drive a dumper truck and operate a digger (which was super cool because there was real dirt to pick up and move around). I had to keep reminding myself to let the kids have a chance, because it was pretty cool even for me.

What could be better than checking out a a new construction themed amusement park with my family? Doing it in the name of a good cause! Our family had a great time and I'm so glad we got to be a part of Activation ReACT's "Activation Day."