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Who Lives in a Pineapple Under …

August 9, 2016 By admin

I’ve got some really exciting news to share! SpongeBob SquarePants has invited my daughter and I to visit him and see his new villa at the newly opened five-star Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. We can’t wait to see him and check out The Pineapple villa.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana Unveils Luxe Pineapple Villa

We can’t wait to visit Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana and see SpongeBob’s new villa.

This is really big news for family travelers as its Nickelodeon’s first-ever international property, built by Karisma Hotels & Resorts. The signature dwelling at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is The Pineapple, the only such villa in the world. This 2-bedroom/3-bath playful presidential suite is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows guests to step inside SpongeBob’s world – the décor is Bikini Bottom-inspired – think pineapple exterior, porthole shaped window and swinging chairs. With 2,292 square feet of incredible indoor and outdoor living areas, including a garden, patio, signature infinity pool, and private butlers to take care of each and every need (think moonlight beach dinner!), guests will be pampered at every turn.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana Unveils The Pineapple. (Photo credit: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana)

I’m really looking forward to the luxe accommodations and Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive® Experience at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana while my daughter can’t wait for the Nickelodeon character and family activities. We’ll be there next week so be sure to follow along with our adventures on Instagram and Snapchat.

Rates at The Pineapple start at $3,800 per night for up to four adults and two children or two adults and six children, including the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience of all gourmet meals served a la carte, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service and full service concierge. Standard rates at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana begin at $345 per adult, per night including the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience. Additionally, up to two kids under 13 years old Stay, Eat and Play Free with a minimum 4-nights’ stay when staying in a room with two adults; the third child pays a child rate.

Reservations can be booked by calling 1 (844) SEE-NICK or by visiting www.nickresortpuntacana.com.

Ready to visit? Check out my Tips for Visiting Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana – Everything you need to know!

Note: I will be hosted during my upcoming stay at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana. All opinions are mine, as always. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Great Vacation Books for Kids …

July 26, 2016 By admin

If you think summer vacation reading is just for grown ups, think again! Help kids keep up their reading skills over summer (and sneak in some learning) with these easy-to-pack books for kids…

Great Vacation Books for Kids.

5 Great Vacation Books for kids…

50 Things You Should Know About American Presidents – Elementary school age kids are fascinated with history and this book gives a great overview of the last 50 United States Presidents. I love how each section of this colorful book features a different president along with interesting fast facts, maps, timelines and historical tidbits. If your summer travels bring you to Washington, DC, be sure to bring this one along.

Unofficial Minecraft Lab for Kids – Minecraft is all the rage and this book is a great option for hands-on family friendly projects that will sneak in some educational STEM learning along the way. The book uses the game’s four modes (survival, creative, adventure and spectator) to guide families through different quests (like scavenger hunts, circuit building, gardening, crafts and more) as they earn stickers and badges along the way. A lot of these activities can be done while traveling like the City Planning, Theme Park and Restaurant Research making this a great companion for summer travels.

Outside – A Guide to Discovering Nature – If your summer travels include a camping trip (far away or in the backyard), this kid-friendly text book will help you answer any and all questions about trees, flowers, rocks, beaches, animals, rainbows, stars and basically anything else that lives outdoors. The illustrations are gorgeous and kids will love trying all the interactive activities while they learn about science, astronomy and more. This book will be a great resource for kids of all ages making it a great gift for inquisitive kids.

Journey Around the World – This Discovery with Playmobil book is a kid friendly travel journal like you’ve never seen. Using Playmobil toys and characters, the book showcases more than 30 countries around the world using creative photographs and a pull-out map of the world. Kids will learn about different cultures through easy-to-digest travel stories that weave topics like sports, history, cuisine and pop culture together. This is a great book for globetrotting kids as well as kids who want to learn more about different cultures.

Dad’s Book of Awesome Projects – This book is filled with 25 DIY projects for crafty families. The book features lots of photos, easy-to-follow directions and helpful tips for dads (or moms). Some activities are great for staycations while others are perfect for vacations and I love that the activities are divided into day projects, weekend projects and school break projects. Some of the things kids can make include Duct Tape wallets (perfect for travel), friendship bracelets and super hero capes, or more complicated terrariums, birdhouses, popsicle suspension bridges (think Golden Gate Bridge), or fruit crate scooters. If your kids need some crafty inspiration, this book is sure to please.

I was gifted some of these books for review purposes but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for …

June 21, 2016 By admin

The only thing more fun than an indoor waterpark is an outdoor waterpark! If you’re heading out to Long Island this summer, be sure to stop by Splish Splash Waterpark for a family friendly adventure sure to please travelers of all ages.

Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for Families (and coupon)

On our recent visit, my family had so much fun enjoying our favorite rides and tackling some new ones. Today I’m sharing my Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for Families…

Before you go, be sure to check out my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash and use this Splish Splash coupon to save $6 off each ticket.

Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for Families (and coupon)

1) Kahuna Bay Wavepool

If you and your kids like playing in waves, you won’t want to miss the Kahuna Bay Wavepool. Every ten minutes, the waves start small and finish big (think four foot waves!). Small kids and grandparents can stay in the shallow end while big kids and parents ride the waves making this a great attraction for all families. Life jackets are available and plenty of lifeguards are on hand to be sure everyone stays safe.

Mammoth River is full of twists and turns.

2) Mammoth River Raft Ride

Grab a raft (fits up to five people) and the whole family will enjoy an adventurous twisting tube slide ride. No swim skills are necessary for this ride making it a great option for families with young kids (minimum 36″). Prepare to get splashed along the way and at the end of the ride.

More adventurous families will enjoy Bootleggers’s Run at Splish Splash.

3) Bootlegger’s Run

Think roller coaster meets water slide for this one! The four-person family-friendly raft goes uphill using new generation hydromagnetic technology and flies down like a roller coaster without rails. This one features a combination of open and closed tubes making it a great pick for kids who are scared of dark rides.

The Lazy River at Splish Splash is the perfect spot for families to relax.

4) Lazy River

Families will love this relaxing tube ride on the gentle current of a beautifully landscaped river. Along the way you’ll find spraying fountains to cool you off. All family members can participate in this one but if you want to keep your hair dry, you’ll have to duck around some of the fountain areas.

The Battle of Mutiny Bay is a great option for family fun.

5) The Battle of Mutiny Bay

This kind of interactive water attraction was completely new to my family and we loved it. Up to four people can ride in the pirate ship which features water spraying cannons in every seat. As the ride circles around Mutiny Bay, guests engage in the largest water gun fight imaginable as the landlubbers squirt the “pirates” from large water cannons. Split your family up and see which team gets soaked.

Ready to visit? Use this Splish Splash Coupon to save $6 off the gate price. FYI, on our visit some attractions were closed so be sure to call ahead if there is a ride you don’t want to miss out on.

Have you been to Splish Splash Waterpark? Tell me your favorite attraction in the comments below…

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!

11 Best Things to do at Disney …

June 7, 2016 By admin

A Disney World vacation is one of the most magical trips you’ll ever experience. From babies and toddlers to tweens and adults, everyone will find something they adore at Walt Disney World. If you’re heading to the happiest place on earth, here are my suggestions for the 11 Best Things to do at Disney World…

11 Best Things to do at Walt Disney World

1. Book FastPass+ in advance. Do your research in advance and be sure to plan your three daily FastPass+ selections as early as possible (60 days out if you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort or 30 days with a ticket or pass). Once there, remember to add more (with the app or at a kiosk) after you’ve used all three. I highly recommend advance booking for Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall, Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, Peter Pan, Test Track and any thrill rides you want to ride.

11 Best Things to do at Disney World. Be sure to book a character meal .

2. Enjoy a meal with your favorite characters. Take a break and enjoy a sit-down meal where you can meet and interact with various characters like princesses, Mickey Mouse and friends, Disney Junior cast members and other Disney favorites like Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland and more. Don’t forget your autograph books and cameras!

11 Best Things to do at Walt Disney World. Be sure to take a photo in front of Cinderella’s castle.

3. Take a picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle. There are so many fabulous photo ops at Disney World but don’t forget to get this iconic shot. The Disney PhotoPass photographers are located in prime spots so be sure to have them take one of the whole family with your camera (yes, they will gladly do this even if you don’t buy the Disney photo package).

11 Best Things to do at Disney World. Visiting with Gaston in front of his Tavern.

4. Interact with your favorite characters. If you don’t have time for a character meal, you can still meet the characters around the parks and at various meet and greet locations. You’ll find all the Disney classic favorites (think Mickey and Pals, Mary Poppins, Star Wars characters, Disney Princesses, Disney Junior cast members and more). Be sure to ask or check the daily schedule for details.

11 Best Things to do at Disney World. Don’t forget to take some “magic” photos.

5. Ask for a magic photo. If you’re booking the Disney Memory Maker (which I highly recommend), be sure to ask for some magical shots and videos. Depending on the backdrop, the Disney PhotoPass Photographers will insert Disney characters and other fun surprises into the pictures.

6. Dine in a castle. Guests of all ages will be impressed with the gorgeous castle interiors at Walt Disney World. If you can’t get into the famed Cinderella’s Royal Table, the Be Our Guest Restaurant at Belle’s Castle and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot’s Norway are both great options.

7. Catch a daytime parade or dance party. You won’t want to miss any of the colorful daytime parades and dance parties including the Festival of Fantasy Parade (at 3pm daily) and Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party (twice daily). Be sure to grab a viewing spot (at least 20 minutes in advance) and have a snack while you wait.

11 Best Things to do at Walt Disney World. Don’t miss Disney’s Electrical Parade.

8. Stay up late for the electrical parade, fireworks and shows. Chances are your kids will be staying up later than they do at home so try to keep them up at least one night for the famed Main Street Electrical parade, Electrical Water Pageant, signature shows like Fantasmic! or IllumiNations, Wishes fireworks and other evening shows.

11 Best Things to do at Disney World. Trading Disney pins is a great activity for kids.

9. Trade pins. Buy some pins in advance and let your kids trade with cast members or other collectors. This is a great way for little kids to show test their independence and bargaining skills. My daughter loved seeing all the different pins and was especially excited about the secret pins that were pinned backwards.

10. Come early for the Magic Kingdom opening ceremonies. If you’re traveling with young kids, chances are you’ll be up early. If you can arrive 30-60 minutes before Magic Kingdom’s opening, you will see an adorable Magic Kingdom Welcome Show with all your favorite Disney characters.

11 Best Things to do at Walt Disney World. Don’t forget to wear your Disney ears.

11. Wear your ears! For the full Walt Disney World experience buy or bring your favorite set of mouse ears. From the monogrammed classic hat to the glitzy character inspired headbands, I could not believe my eyes when I saw all the fun ears so be sure to grab a pair or two.

Ready to plan your trip? Be sure to check out 10 Ways Planning a Disney World Trip is Like Having a Baby before you go…

Have you been to Walt Disney World? Tell me your favorite activity in the comments below.

Special thanks to Walt Disney World for providing two one-day park-hopper tickets for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania …

June 1, 2016 By admin

Visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania with kids is one of my favorite family vacation recommendations. Chocolate lovers of all ages will find plenty to love about a Hershey vacation from the famed Hersheypark amusement park to Chocolate World as well as a zoo, musical shows, butterfly garden, trolly tours, museums, water attractions and so much more.

Visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania with kids – Family Friendly Attractions

If you’re planning a family trip to the “Sweetest Place on Earth” this summer, be sure to check out the following stories:

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark

Top 10 Family Friendly Things to Do in Hershey, Pennsylvania

15 Sweet Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania

Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth

Have you been to Hershey, PA? Tell me your favorite memory in the comments below.

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The Art and Whimsy of Mo …

May 17, 2016 By admin

Attention Mo Willems fanatics…one of the cutest art exhibits has arrived in New York City and fans of all ages will want to check it out – The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems at the New-York Historical Society.

The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems at the New-York Historical Society

One of my daughter’s favorite books as a toddler was Don’t Let The Pigeons Drive The Bus! and in the past six years, we’ve collected at least a dozen other Willems’ titles. I love how hysterical kids get when these books are read aloud and I also love how engaging these books are for new readers. Willems’ adorable characters, easy to read copy and funny storylines are a win-win for grown ups and kids alike and so is this exhibit.

The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems at the New-York Historical Society

Running through September 25, the exhibit highlights nearly 100 sketches and final drawings of the famed author’s works (like Knuffle Bunny and Elephant and Piggie) along with background on his career (including his Sesame Street days!), videos and memorabilia ranging from the early days to his 25th and final Elephant and Piggie book, The Thank You Book.

The exhibit includes an audio tour so you can follow along or you can just peruse at your own pace. My daughter listened to a large portion of the audio tour which included jokes and detailed descriptions of the artwork. In addition to visiting the art displays and gift shop, guests will also want to rest and read at exhibit’s bus display which is stocked with Mo Willems books.

The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems at the New-York Historical Society

One of the biggest takeaways from the exhibit was learning how Willems created his characters by using shapes and my daughter got to try out Willems’ techniques with a hands-on sketch class. It was so fun watching my daughter and the other students learning how to draw the beloved pigeon. If you’ve got a little artist, I highly recommend attending one of these complimentary sketch classes.

Don’t miss the sketching tours at The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems.

Before you visit, be sure to check out the exhibit’s schedule which includes story times, movies, sketching classes, character meet and greet opportunities and more.

If you haven’t visited the New-York Historical Society before, don’t miss the DiMenna Children’s History Museum on the lower level which features a wide range of interactive activities and a gorgeous reading room.

Are you looking forward to visiting this exhibit? What’s your favorite Mo Willems’ book? Tell me below in the comments.

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Top 10 Tips for Visiting …

May 9, 2016 By admin

Water parks are all the rage with junior travelers and the best indoor water parks are catering to adults as well. My family and I took the plunge and visited Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA and it really exceeded my expectations. From the fun filled water park and fine dining to activities and spa services, here are my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA

1) Splash in the Water Park –

You won’t want to miss the resort’s 220,000-square-foot indoor water park, the largest in Pennsylvania. Guests will find water coasters, slides and raft rides in all speeds and sizes as well as a basketball pool, lazy river, indoor/outdoor hot tub and more. Kids will love Splashdown Safari (think net crawls, water guns, and slides galore) and Tiko’s Watering Hole with pint sized swings and a mini lazy river.

Learn to swim like a mermaid at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA

2) Try your pick of signature aqua lessons: Mermaid or FlowRider –

My daughter tried out the resort’s new mermaid lessons and loved learning how to swim in a mermaid tail. I decided to tackle the FlowRider where you grab a board and catch some indoor waves. I won’t tell you how many times I crashed into the side wall but it really was a fun experience.

3) Get lost in the arcade –

You can’t get into the water park without meandering through the gigantic arcade so trust me when I say you will spend a lot of time playing arcade games as well as bowling, playing mini golf, laser frenzy and other fun games. Be sure to agree on a spending plan in advance and save room in your luggage for the prizes.

Kalahari’s Adventurers Club features daily activities for children.

4) Sign up for some family-friendly activities –

The Kalahari Adventures Club features daily supervised activities for kids (some fees apply) like games, crafting projects, character meetings, culinary challenges and family activities like hikes and scavenger hunts.

Kalahari features a wide array of family-friendly dining options.

5) Enjoy family-friendly dining –

Every restaurant is family-friendly at Kalahari from the upscale Brandburg to The Great Karoo Marketplace Buffet which features buffet offerings kids will love (think candy filled pancakes and chocolate fountains). If you’re visiting over a weekend, check out Kenya’s Birthday Bash Celebration, a fun-filled character breakfast party with family-style dining, dancing and kiddie games.

6) Save room for dessert –

There are sweet treats available morning, noon and night at The Last Bite. Ice cream lovers won’t want to miss the super-premium Wisconsin ice cream featuring flavors like Zanzibar Chocolate, Caramel Chaos, Fat Elvis, Big 5 Kalahari and more. It is delish!

Take in the African art at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA.

7) Take in the African surroundings –

The resort features an array of authentic African decor including batik prints, sculptures, murals, carvings and more. If you’re an art lover, be sure to look out for the gorgeous artwork in the rooms, hallways, public areas and restaurants.

Shop till you drop at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA

8) Shop Till You Drop –

The gift shops and specialty stores at Kalahari do not disappoint. You’ll find an array of swimwear and fun pool accessories like mermaid fins as well as authentic African gifts, crafts, stuffed animals, games and other souvenirs.

Visit the spa for a little relaxation at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA.

9) Relax in the Kalahari Spa & Salon –

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, escape to the spa where you can enjoy a full array of body treatments. I stole away for an hour to check out the sauna, steam room and hot tub and it was so peaceful and relaxing.

Check out story time at Kalahari’s Big Five Fireplace.

10) Check out Character Story Time –

Kalahari’s animal characters greet kids and a selection of oversized kids books are read aloud by the Big Five Fireplace.

Be sure to check out my full Kalahari Resort Poconos review for more details on this fun-filled family destination. This water park is so great it is also featured on this article: 19 Epic Indoor Water Parks You Will Want To Visit This Year!

Has your family ever stayed at a Kalahari Resort? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks to Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA for hosting my family. As always, all opinions are mine. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Gear Up for Some Cinco de Mayo …

May 4, 2016 By admin

Living in NYC, my daughter is surrounded by people from all different cultures and exposed to cuisines from around the world. It is very common to see young children chowing down on sushi, edamame, pad thai, tandoori chicken, tacos and other ethnic dishes around town.

Gear Up for Some Cinco de Mayo Family Fun. Ole!

Since Mexican food is one of our favorite cuisines (hello bright colors, nachos and margaritas), I thought I’d share some of my tips for hosting a kid-friendly Cinco de Mayo fiesta.

Whether you order in or cook up a storm, a Cinco de Mayo gathering is guaranteed fun for everyone. And don’t worry, those are mocktails above….

What’s your kid’s favorite cuisine? Tell me below in the comments.

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Top 10 Things To Do at Crayola …

April 7, 2016 By admin

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 (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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Fun Food Friday: New …

March 25, 2016 By admin

If you’ve already waited in line for a Cronut, its time to taste test the latest New York Foodie Fad: The Rainbow Bagel at Brooklyn’s Bagel Store.