Globetrotting Mommy

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Archives for April 2016

2016 Best Family Vacations in …

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Since I’m in Disney World this week (be sure to follow along on Instagram and Snapchat!), I thought I’d share some exciting findings from the 2016 Family Fun Travel Awards which ranked some of the best family vacations. The winners include the most family friendly resorts, historic sites, national parks, museums, cities and more. Without further ado, here are the winners in the Northeast category…

2016 Family Fun Travel Awards – Northeast

Best Family Vacations in the Northeast - Hershey, PA

Best Family Vacations in the Northeast – Hershey, PA

Top Family Resort: The Hotel Hershey, PA
This is one sweet hotel. You could spend a whole vacation on the premises, enjoying indoor and outdoor pools, walking trails, a ropes course and zip line, kayaking, and more. But you wouldn’t do that, would you? No, you wouldn’t, because the roller coasters and waterslides of Hersheypark and the delicious desserts of Hershey’s Chocolate World are minutes away by shuttle.

Hershey, Pennsylvania is one of my favorite vacation spots!  If you’re heading to the sweetest place on earth be sure to check out my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark and Top 10 Family Friendly Things to Do in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Best Family Vacations in the Northeast - The Statue of Liberty

Best Family Vacations in the Northeast – The Statue of Liberty

Top Historic Site: Statue of Liberty National Monument/ Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, NY & NJ
Between 1892 and 1954, more than 12 million immigrants debarked on Ellis Island under the blazing torch of Lady Liberty. Today, families still visit these iconic American monuments by boat, but they’re highly advised to reserve tickets far in advance. Ellis Island’s kid-geared audio tours paint a vivid picture of life as an immigrant; and if you’re ready for the burn (and are over 4 feet tall), venture the 377-step climb to Lady Liberty’s crown.

The Statue of Liberty is a perfect day trip for a NYC vacation or staycation. Before you go, be sure to check out my Top 5 Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty.

Top National Park or Preserve: White Mountain National Forest, NH
This wilderness park takes up about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire—and outdoor fun is serious business here. In winter, families flock here to ski; in summer, they come to hike, bike, boat, and explore granite caves (try Polar Caves Park in Rumney, NH). The base towns of North Conway, Jackson, and Lincoln all offer diverse lodging and dining options.

Top Children’s Museum: The Strong Museum of Play, Rochester, NY
A leader in the field of play and games, The Strong is a research center, toy museum, and all-around amazing interactive kid space rolled into one. The indoor butterfly garden, climbing wall, aquariums, and mini passenger train complement a host of hands-on learning areas, including the new Build, Drive, Go exhibit that features construction toys and vehicles of all types.

We’ve visited this museum on several occasions and it is definitely worth the trip.

Best Family Vacations in the Northeast - Boston, MA

Best Family Vacations in the Northeast – Boston, MA

Top Kid-Friendly City: Boston
Boston is big enough to offer a smorgasbord of awesomeness, from the New England Aquarium and Fenway Park, to first-class art, science, and children’s museums. Even so, it never feels like a mega-city—it’s walkable and clean, with good public transport and distinct areas to explore, like the Italian North End (homemade pasta!), Boston Harbor, and the bustling college town of Cambridge. Plus, it’s the birthplace of the American Revolution, which even the most jaded tween has to admit is pretty cool.

Boston is one of my favorite US cities. If you’re headed to Beantown this summer, be sure to check out Boston with Kids: Top 10 Family Friendly Attractions.

Have you visited any of these family friendly spots?  Tell me below in the comments.

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Thanks to Momtrends for inviting me to the #Momtrendstravel blogger event and providing me with a goody bag.  As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes …

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Do you have a picky little fashionista in your house? If so, this post about the new Kidpik subscription box is for you! Living in NYC, families get so many things delivered in a box (from groceries to shoes) because online shopping is typically easier, faster and much less complicated than venturing out to a store with kids in tow. When I heard that a new subscription clothing box was launching for girls (size 4-14!) just in time for our spring and summer travels, I immediately wanted in.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

My 6-year old has become super opinionated about her clothes and preferences seem to change on a weekly basis so we were both super excited to sign up for a Kidpik subscription box. The site was very easy to navigate and my daughter loved being able to select her own preferences. Kids plug in details about their location, clothing likes and dislikes, favorite patterns and colors.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

This was my daughter’s first time setting up an account for a website and she felt so grown up getting to make her own password and select her fashion preferences. It was so fun watching her carefully make her selections even though some made me cringe (imagine lime, pink and mint tie-dye maxi skirts!). Kids can specify if they don’t wear specific items, select details like skirt lengths and vote on how much sparkle they like or don’t like. The final step was selecting favorite outfits from a selection of photos and choosing favorite places to shop.

The custom styled boxes typically include five to seven items like tops, bottoms, dresses, layering pieces, shoes and accessories that make multiple mix and match outfits. Shipping and returns are free so there really isn’t much to risk. You can also exchange sizes and return or donate items you don’t love which is a nice perk.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas, Kids Fashion,

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

The box arrived and it was a hit! Girls fashion has sure come a long way since the Garanimals I used to wear. The items included two fun sparkly t-shirts, a stylish top featuring a colorful pineapple, a black and white striped maxi skirt, yellow skinny jeans, a white jean jacket, adorable mary-jane sneakers (in a nice travel tote), iron on patches and a glittery headband. Everything was super cute, age-appropriate, high-quality and most important…comfortable.

We have trips to Florida and the Caribbean coming up so I know this white jean jacket and the white sneakers will get a lot of wear.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas, Kids Fashion

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

Initially, my daughter was not thrilled with the yellow jeans because she thought all jeans were blue but once she tried them on she changed her mind.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

The items are meant to be mixed and matched together but they will also coordinate nicely with items you already own.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas, Kids Fashion

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

Here’s the best part…if you keep all items, the discounted price is approximately $75 per box or $12.50 per item!  Fun fashion styles, high quality goods and affordable pricing means we will be back for another box.

Watch this video below to see the live unboxing.

30% Off Your Purchase + Free Shipping and Styling When You Sign Up for kidpik!

Have you ever tried a subscription box service? Tell me in the comments below.

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Thanks to Kidpik for providing me with the subscription box to review. As always, all opinions are my own (or in this case, my daughter’s). If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 10 Things To Do at Crayola …

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We recently took a fun-filled road trip to Pennsylvania (more to come!) and one of the highlights of our getaway was a day at the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA. If you’re looking for an indoor retreat where kids (and adults) can unleash their creativity, this is a great option. Read on for more scoop and a Crayola Experience discount.

Top 10 Things To Do at Crayola Experience, Easton, PA

Top 10 Things To Do at Crayola Experience, Easton, PA (and ticket discount!)

You can easily spend the day at Crayola Experience. Grab lunch in the cafe or head outside to one of the nearby restaurants like kid-friendly Cheeburger Cheeburger.  The website features an interactive map so planning your trip is a breeze. Here’s my list of the Top 10 Things to Do at Crayola Experience, Easton, PA.

Start with the live theater Crayon Factory show at Crayola Experience.

Start with the live theater Crayon Factory show at Crayola Experience.

1) Start with the live theater Crayon Factory show. The best way to get oriented is to start with a crayon making lesson starring animated crayons and Crayola’s resident Crayonologist. As you leave, be sure to pick up your freshly made crayon. 

Make a personalized crayon at Wrap it Up!

Make a personalized crayon at Wrap it Up!

2) Make a personalized crayon at Wrap it Up! One of the all-time favorite exhibits, Wrap it Up! allows guests to choose a crayon color and make a personalized label.  Take your crayon and label to the special wrap machine and voila, a customized crayon is born! These make great souvenirs for teachers and classmates. Note: A token (included with admission) is required.

The Cafe Stage show showcases the history and science behind different Crayola products.

The Cafe Stage show showcases the history and science behind different Crayola products.

3) Check out the Cafe Stage show. Enjoy a snack and take in a show while you learn about the history and science behind different Crayola products. This show was really cute and my daughter loved being selected to talk about gravity while playing with Silly Putty.  If you’re looking to steal away from the crowds, this show is sure to please.

Create your own animated figures on the easy-to-use touch screens.

Create your own animated figures on the easy-to-use Art Alive touch screens.

4) Play in the Art Alive! animation room.  Kids and adults will love creating their own animated figures on the easy-to-use touch screens.  When you’re done, watch them float across the room on the animation screen.

Make a personalized puzzle at the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA.

Make a personalized puzzle at the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA.

5) Make a puzzle at Puzzle It! Color a drawing and use the special kid-powered puzzle press cutting machine to turn your creation into a six or 12-piece cardboard puzzle. Mail the pieces to a pen pal or grandparent and you’ll make their day. There are other crafty projects in this area with themes that change year-round.

Make one-of-a-kind crayon spin-art creations at Crayola Experience.

Make one-of-a-kind crayon spin-art creations at Crayola Experience.

6) Don’t miss the crayon drip art. Located on the fourth floor, the drip art area is the place to make one-of-a-kind crayon spin-art creations.  Select your crayon colors and spin the wheel fast or slow to change the patterns.  This is a favorite for kids and adults.

Take a break to play in the bright two-story playground.

Take a break to play in the bright two-story playground.

7) Take a break to play. Check out the bright two-story playground with a large climbing structure or Toddler Town area which features a colorful pegboard and giant ball maze.

Go back in time as you learn about Crayola's history.

Go back in time as you learn about Crayola’s history.

8) Take a stroll through crayon memory lane.  See how the crayon colors and names have evolved over the years. Don’t miss the vintage advertisements and memorabilia throughout the museum.

The Crayola Experience gift shop offers a great selection of gifts and Crayola memorabilia.

The Crayola Experience gift shop offers a great selection of gifts and Crayola memorabilia.

9) Shop till you drop. The gift shop is huge with a great selection of gifts and Crayola memorabilia.  You can create custom boxes of markers or crayons, make shirts customized with your drawings, purchase an endless supply of craft supplies and more.

The Crayola Experience features an array of colorful backdrops.

The Crayola Experience features an array of colorful backdrops.

10) Take in the surroundings.  From gigantic crayon and marker sculptures outside the lobby to colorful murals and crayon pathways, be sure to take some colorful outdoor pics of your kids running around.

There are so many other fun things to do so be sure to check out my full Crayola Experience review from our first visit. Planning a visit, book your ticket in advance with this Crayola Experience discount and save $4 per ticket.

Have you ever been to the Crayola Experience? Tell me in the comments below.

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Special thanks to Crayola Experience for a providing us with complimentary tickets. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

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