Archives for June 2017

The Best Rides at Splish …

June 19, 2017 By admin

We’ve started a family tradition of kicking off summer with a visit to Splish Splash Waterpark and this year was no different. After a crazy cold spring, we finally had the chance to visit last weekend and today I’m sharing the scoop on the Best Rides at Splish Splash for every age. Splish Splash is located in Riverhead, Long Island, about 90-minutes from Manhattan making it a great day trip to escape the city heat.

Best Rides at Splish Splash, Long Island.

From babies to grandparents, everyone will find a favorite attraction at Splish Splash Waterpark. Splish Splash is a great option for a multi-generational visit since the rides are fairly close to each other, there is plenty of shade and seats plus attractions even a grandma who wants to keep her hair dry can enjoy. Read on for the best rides at Splish Splash for everyone in your family.

The Octopus Pool at Splish Splash is perfect for babies at toddlers.

BEST SPOTS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS

The Kiddie Cove section is where you’ll be spending most of your time if you’ve got tiny kids. The Octopus Pool has the cutest baby swings, sprinkler fountains and super shallow wading pool. Across the way are three kiddie water slides that are pretty slow and end in a shallow pool so they are perfect for toddlers and little kids. There are plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas so parents can set up camp or rent a nearby cabana.

Best Rides at Splish Splash, Long Island. The Yellow Submarine area is a hit with little kids.

BEST FOR LITTLE KIDS (3-8 and under 54″)

For children, the Pirate’s Cove shipwreck area and Yellow Submarine area feature small climbing and sliding structures in shallow pools. The Monsoon Lagoon is a larger play area that features a faster waterslide, canons and climbing ropes area. Little kids will also love the Kahuna Bay Wave Pool and the Lazy River. For rides, Dinosaur Falls and Mammoth River are the tamest raft rides and Bootleggers Run is a great family roller coaster ride for kids 42″ and up.

Best Splish Splash Rides for big kids

BEST RIDES AT SPLISH SPLASH FOR BIG KIDS (8-12)

Big kids have their pick of rides at Splish Splash since most rides have a 42″or 48″ height requirement to ride solo. Bootleggers Run is a favorite for this age as well as Hollywood Stunt Rider and Dragon’s Den tube rides, and the Giant Twister and Max Trax body slides. For kids who love dark rides, the Abyss tube slide and Barrier Reef body slide are great options.

Best Splish Splash Rides for teens and adults: Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror

BEST RIDES AT SPLISH SPLASH FOR TEENS AND ADULTS

Cliff Diver sends riders down an 8-story slide making it a great choice for adventure seekers. If dark and twisty rides are your thing, Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror will be a favorite. One of my favorite rides to watch is Shotgun Falls where riders plunge into a 10-foot pool so I would recommend this one only for strong swimmers.

Mammoth River is a great choice for the whole family.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The Battle of Mutiny Bay is a slow interactive water ride where you can shoot water from the ship or from water cannons on land. Other picks are the lazy river, Kahuna Bay Wavepool (the whistle means the waves are coming), Soak City pool area and Mammoth River (you will get wet on this one). In addition to rides, families can enjoy a Tropical Parrot Show from June 17 – September 4 at 12:30, 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30.

Ready to visit? Check out my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash and save $5 per ticket with this Splish Splash coupon code.

Special thanks to Splish Splash for inviting us to visit. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 5 Picks From Big City Moms …

June 15, 2017 By admin

The Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower is one of the best events for new and expecting parents to get the scoop on the newest baby products, services, and parenting trends. At the recent NYC baby shower event, I got to check out the latest and greatest baby products and today I’m sharing my favorites.

Top 5 Picks for Globetrotting Moms From Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower

1) NYC streets are hard on baby strollers and if you ever have a stroller emergency, you’ll be happy to hear about Tot Squad. Whether your stroller was injured by airplane employees, or by being bumped down a zillion subway steps, Tot Squad will pick it up and fix it quickly as they stock most of the of popular stroller parts. They also offer non-toxic cleaning services.

Life Ice is a healthy frozen treat for kids of all ages.

2) For parents looking for a healthy alternative to ice cream cones, Life Ice is a frozen source for healthy living. Packaged in plastic cubettes, these icy treats (in fruits, greens and chocolate flavors) are easy to bring along on a vacation or playdate. Just pop in the freezer and your treats are ready to serve. I love that they’re all-natural and just the perfect size for teething babies.

Stylish yet practical, HAPP diaper bags are stain and water resistant making them perfect for travel.

3) Lightweight diaper bags are a must for globetrotting moms and when they have lots of compartments, hidden storage sections and a memory foam changing pad, all the better. The new line of HAPP diaper bags are stylish, affordable and easy to clean making them a great choice for any new mom. I love the tote, backpack and hobo styling and neutral colors.

The Inglesina Zippy Light stroller stands when folded making it easy to store in NYC apartments.

4) Folding strollers are a must for city moms and the Inglesina Zippy Light stroller can go from newborns to toddler and beyond (up to 55 pounds!). The Zippy Light stroller has a fully reclining backrest, adjustable footrest, extending shade and comes in an assortment of classic colors. I love that it easily folds with one hand and stands when folded. If you’ve ever tried to search for your metro card while holding a baby and stroller you’ll love this feature.

Nuna’s SENA aire’s playard is great for travel.

5) If you’re in the market for a travel play yard and bassinet that looks good and is super easy to use, Nuna’s SENA aire is a great choice. The all mesh design makes for a light design that easily folds with one hand. I love that it comes with an organic sheet and travel case so you’ll be ready to go. Available in regular or mini.

Have you tried any of these items from the Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower? Tell me your favorite in the comments below.

I was invited to the Biggest Baby Shower Event as a media guest but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Summer Fun: Top 10 Things to …

June 13, 2017 By admin

I’m always amazed by all the things to do in Coney Island. From beaches and museums to all-day amusement park rides and family-friendly eats, Coney Island is a great day trip for the whole family. Read on for my favorite Coney Island picks…

Top 10 Things to do in Coney Island

Luna Park has 30 family friendly rides.

1) Ride the family friendly rides at Luna Park, NYC’s largest amusement park. New this year, Luna Park’s all-day wristband includes unlimited rides (one ride per visit for the Coney Island Raceway and Slingshot) on all 30 Luna Park attractions including the Cyclone. Now that my daughter is over 48” inches, she loved going on The Tickler and Steeplechase rides.

2) Bring your swimsuits and hit the waves at Coney Island’s beach. Coney Island boasts nearly three miles of family friendly beach so bring a cooler and chairs and stay for the day or just take a quick dip and get back on the rides. Don’t forget the sunscreen and other family friendly beach essentials.

3) Stop for a photo-op and snack at Coney Island Walls, the outdoor museum of street art.

10 Things to do on Coney Island. Ride the iconic Cyclone roller coaster.

4) Celebrate the Cyclone’s 90th anniversary by riding this iconic roller coaster (must be 54 inches). I guarantee you’ll love it.

Nathan’s Famous is a must for Coney Island visitors.

5) Have a hot dog at world’s famous Nathan’s Famous. If you’re up for it, join in on the world famous July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest.

6) Take a spin on the historic B&B Carousell which has been gorgeously restored.

7) See the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball team in action at MCU Park. Their Sunday Funday games include kiddie perks and giveaways with themes including Paw Patrol, Marvel Super Hero Nights and more.

8) Join in on the famous Mermaid Parade taking place on June 17.

Dino's Wonder Wheel is one of Coney Island's top attractions.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel is one of Coney Island’s top attractions.

9) Take a spin on Deno’s Wonder Wheel, the centerpiece of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. This 97-year old Coney Island landmark offers the best beach and boardwalk views with a choice of swinging or stationary cars. You’ll also find dozens of family friendly rides here including some newly restored vintage rides.

10) Walk along the boardwalk and discover old school arcades, circus shows, and the nearby New York Aquarium.

Before you go, be sure to check out my Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island and check out the events calendar.

Have you been to Coney Island? Tell me your favorite thing to do there in the comments below.

Special thanks to the Alliance for Coney Island for inviting us to participate in Coney Island Family Blogger Day. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Gulliver’s Gate NYC: a …

June 9, 2017 By admin

The latest NYC tourist attraction has arrived and it is definitely worth checking out with or without the kids. Gulliver’s Gate is a “mini-world” exhibit in Times Square where families can wander from city to city, exploring the whole wide world in one trip. We checked it out at the grand opening party and I especially loved looking at all the mini NYC sights and landmarks. Just look at all the tiny details in this amazing downtown scene…

Such amazing details in the mini downtown NYC at Gulliver’s Gate.

We explored the hundreds of built-to-scale scenes from Europe, Asia, Latin America, Russia, New England, the Middle East and Washington DC, as well many other regions around the globe. My daughter especially enjoyed Gulliver’s Gate’s interactive aspects, including moving model trains and cars, as well as ships that sail, bridges that open and close, characters that move about and balloons that float through the air. Kids are given special keys to unlock some of the moving parts and this really helps to keep them focused on each exhibit.

Since we were just in London, my daughter loved naming all the London landmarks and watching the tiny queen come in and out of Buckingham Palace. Can you spot her below?

Scenes from around the globe at Gulliver’s Gate in Times Square, NYC.

There are so many famous landmarks like the Pyramids, the Colosseum, the Louvre, the Panama Canal, Big Ben, and more as well as scenes of locals all over the world. From playgrounds and concert halls to airports and subway stations, you can easily spend hours exploring around.

Gulliver’s Gate NYC: a small, small world opens in Times Square

I personally loved the crazy attention to detail in all the exhibits as well as the cheeky adult finds like the Beatles crossing Abbey Road in London and the Obamas waving from the White House.

Teeny Tiny Beatles crossing Abbey Road in London at Gulliver’s Gate.

If you’re looking for a fun keepsake, there is a full-body scanner and 3-D printer that allows visitors to make miniature versions of themselves to take home or you can opt to have your mini model live as a “model citizen” of Gulliver’s Gate. Tres cool.

What an awesome way to show kids the world’s landmarks and teach a little geography along the way. Visiting information and pricing can be found here.

Have you visited New York City? Tell me your favorite spot in the comments below.

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