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The Rockettes New York …

July 5, 2016 By admin

Seeing the Rockettes perform at Radio City Music Hall is one of my favorite New York City winter activities. Watching their synchronized dancing, fighting the Rock Center crowds and seeing the iconic Christmas tree just never gets old.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular - Awesome Summer Fun for Families, Family Travel, Globetrotting Mommy, New York City, NYC with kids

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Awesome Summer Fun for Families

When my daughter saw a poster for The New York Spectacular, the Rockettes’ summer show, she immediately begged to go and I secretly cringed inside. My expectations were low but I figured it would be a fun outing to celebrate the end of the school year. I invited my mom to join us and planned a big NYC girl’s day to kick off summer.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular - Awesome Summer Fun for Families, Family Travel, Globetrotting Mommy, New York City, NYC with kids

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Awesome Summer Fun for Families

It turns out, the New York Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes was indeed spectacular!  In fact, all three of us thought it was better than the Christmas show. I was pleasantly surprised to see how family friendly the story line was but what was most impressive were the amazing sets, cool technology, fun music and the choreographed dance moves that really made New York City come alive on stage.

The show follows two kids who accidentally get lost from their parents. The kids make their way around the city’s popular sights and attractions until the family is finally reunited at the end. Its a great sightseeing tour of NYC, as they visit the Empire State Building, Wall Street, Central Park, Times Square, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fashion Avenue and other popular sights.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular - Awesome Summer Fun for Families

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – The Met comes alive on stage.

Along the way, famous statues and artwork come alive as the kids search for clues to find their parents.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular - Awesome Summer Fun for Families, Family Travel, Globetrotting Mommy, New York City, NYC with kids

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Alice in Wonderland statue from Central Park.

The show opens with Taylor Swifts’s “Welcome to New York” and closes with Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” In between, the acts feature a mix of classic show tunes and modern music as well as an interactive scene that gets everyone dancing in the aisles. Some of my favorite musical scenes were the Rockettes tap dancing to “Singing in the Rain, dancing to “Money, Money,” surrounded by giant dollar signs and projections of stock-market tickers” and prancing around in a stunning red, white and black fashion show set to Madonna’s “Vogue.”

The Rockettes New York Spectacular - Awesome Summer Fun for Families

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Singing in the Rain.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular - Awesome Summer Fun for Families

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Money, Money.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular - Awesome Summer Fun for Families

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – The Vogue fashion show was amazing.

Kids will have no trouble following along with the story line and they will especially love seeing Central Park’s Alice in Wonderland statue come alive and watching the famed New York Public Library lions Patience and Fortitude perform a rap number.  Its a little hokey but it all works.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular - Awesome Summer Fun for Families, Family Travel, Globetrotting Mommy, New York City, NYC with kids

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Outside the New York Public Library

And of course the grand finale stole the show…

If you want to escape the heat and see NYC from the comfort of Radio City Music Hall, head over to the New York Spectacular before it ends on August, 7, 2016. There is no intermission during the 90 minute show so plan snacks and bathroom breaks accordingly.

Have you seen a Rockettes show?  Tell me below in the comments.

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2 CommentsFiled Under: Entertainment, Just for Boys, Just for Dads, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Just for Moms, Multi-generational travel, New York, Products I love, reviews, Summer Travel, Travel, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: Family-friendly, New York, New York Spectacular, NYC, Radio City Music Hall, review, Rockettes, theater

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)

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), kahuna bay wavepool

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, splish splash, water park, long island

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. Water park, long island, family fun, splish splash

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. Water Park. Best Rides for Families, Long Island

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. Splish Splash, Water Park, Long Island

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…

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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!

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10 CommentsFiled Under: Amusement Park, Day Trip, Just for Boys, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Multi-generational travel, New York, playtime, Staycation, Travel, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: amusement park, Lazy River, Long Island, New York, Raft rides, Splish Splash, Water Park

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, Disney, Orlando, Disney with kids

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 .

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.

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. Gaston, Orlando, Disney Tips, Disney with kids

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. Disney, Orlando, Disney with kids, tips

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. Disney Tips, Disney Parade

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. Disney, Orlando, Trading Pins, Tips, Disney with kids

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. Disney, Tips, Orlando, Disney with Kids, Mickey Ears, Disney Ears

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.

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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!

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22 CommentsFiled Under: Amusement Park, Disney, Florida, Food and Drink, Just for Boys, Just for Dads, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Just for Moms, Travel, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: Character Meal, Disney, Disney World, Family Travel, fastpass, Orlando, Princess, Tips

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

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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4 CommentsFiled Under: Amusement Park, Just for Boys, Just for Dads, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Just for Moms, Museums, Pennsylvania, Road Trip, Travel, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: Chocolate World, Family Vacation, Hershey, Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

Fairy Tales’ Summer Hair …

May 24, 2016 By admin

Summer is around the corner (finally!) and unlike bald babies who can safely hide behind sun shields and stroller netting, the big kids will be running wild in the great outdoors. Unless you’re vacationing in a bubble this summer, here’s the scoop on some must-have hair and skin essentials from Fairy Tales.

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids #fairytalesmix

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids

Rosemary Repel because lice are not nice.

Upon returning to school after Spring Break, I got a very frightening email…”someone in your daughter’s class was sent home…” you know the rest.  After the initial panic subsided, I told my daughter we’d be braiding her long hair for the near future and using a spray to keep the potential bugs away. After trying a few products (eww, that smells gross, etc.), we were both happy to discover Rosemary Repel made with organic herbs of rosemary, citronella, lavender, and tea tree oil. It smells great, helps detangle and keeps lice away so we’ve added it to our daily routine. For added prevention, try the Rosemary Repel shampoo and conditioner.

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids #FairyTalesMix

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids

Escape the bug bites with Bug Bandit.

Mosquito bites are a rite of passage for summer but with the Zica virus on the rise, kids and adults should be more and more cautious about bugs at home and away. Fairy Tales’ Bug Bandit is a healthy, DEET-free spray that smells great and keeps bugs at bay while moisturizing skin. Bring this on your next camping adventure, Caribbean retreat or visit to grandma’s house and remember to reapply after swimming.

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids #FairyTalesMix

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids

Messy hair, don’t care. Tangle Tamers to the rescue.

If my daughter was in charge of maintaining her long wavy locks, she would happily ignore the knots and wear it loose every day. Since its my job (lucky me!), I am all about making it as pain free and easy as possible for both of us. Over the years, we’ve tried many shampoos, conditioners, detangling spray, satin pillows and knot-reducing hairstyles and they all help to some degree. Fairy Tales’ Super Charge Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner are great for managing long manes and they smell amazing too. The Static Free Detangling Spray really made a big difference with combing out messy knots and I love that the all natural ingredients help strengthen the hair.

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids

Sun and surf hair essentials.

Summer means pool and beach time which leads to dry and chemical damaged hair so Fairy Tales created an entire line of Sun & Swim products to keep hair healthy and hydrated.  The Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo, Lemon-Aid Conditioner and CoCo Cabana After-Sun Spray work together to keep hair soft and shiny after a day of fun in the sun. They smell delicious (citrus, pineapple, banana and coconut!) and are also safe color treated hair. If your kids are heading to sleep away camp, these are a must.

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids #fairytalesmix

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids

Special thanks to Momtrends and Fairy Tales for inviting me to the Mix & Mingle cocktail party last week to try out the new Fairy Tales products and test my bartending skills. It was so fun mingling, taking in the rooftop NYC views and making colorful cocktails featuring some of the same natural ingredients that are used in their hair care products.  If you’re looking for a fun and fruity summer cocktail, this Rapunzel Red Ringer, inspired by Fairy Tales’ Rosemary Repel, was my favorite!

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids

Summer Hair and Skin Essentials from Fairy Tales for Globetrotting Kids

Have you tried Fairy Tales products?  Tell me your favorite product in the comments below.

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Thanks to Momtrends and Fairy Tales for sponsoring this post and providing me with a gift bag at the Mix and Mingle event. 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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2 CommentsFiled Under: beach, Beauty, Cool for School, Don't travel without, Food and Drink, Just for Boys, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Products I love, Travel Tagged With: Beauty products, Conditioner, Fairy Tales Hair Care, Girls Hair, Hair Care, Momtrends, Shampoo

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, NYC, Museum, Mo Williams, Kids Exhibit

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

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, Museums, New York City, Family Travel

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. New York Historical Society, Mo Williams, Kids Museum, Art Exhibit, New York City

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

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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7 CommentsFiled Under: Books, crafty, Just for Boys, Just for Dads, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Just for Moms, Museums, New York, reviews, Travel, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: Art Exhibit, Books, Mo Willems, Museums, New York, New York Historical Society, Travel

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

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. 

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA. Learn to swim like a mermaid at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA

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.

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.

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!

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA. Take in the African art at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA.

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.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA. Shop till you drop at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA

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.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA. Visit the spa for a little relaxation at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA.

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 storytime at Kalahari's Big Five Fireplace. Top 10 Tips for Visiting Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA

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!

 

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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!

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10 CommentsFiled Under: Day Trip, Entertainment, Food and Drink, Just for Boys, Just for Dads, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Just for Moms, Pennsylvania, reviews, Road Trip, Staycation, Travel, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: Arcade, Family Friendly Resort, family fun, Family Travel, FlowRider, Kalahari, mermaid, Pennsylvania, Poconos, Travel, Water Park

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!

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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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Around the World, DIY, Food and Drink, Holidays and Celebrations, Just for Boys, Just for Dads, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Just for Moms, New York, Travel Tagged With: Cinco de Mayo, diy, Entertaining, family fun, Food and Beverage, holidays, Playdates

2016 Best Family Vacations in …

April 25, 2016 By admin

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!

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1 CommentFiled Under: Amusement Park, Boston, Day Trip, Hotels, Just for Kids, Museums, New York, Pennsylvania, Road Trip, Staycation, Travel, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: Ellis Island, family fun, Hershey, Northeast, PA, Statue of Liberty, travel awards, United States

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

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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1 CommentFiled Under: crafty, Day Trip, DIY, Just for Boys, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Museums, Pennsylvania, playtime, reviews, Road Trip, Staycation, Travel, Travel Tips, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: Crayola, Crayola Experience, Crayola Factory, Crayons, diy, Family Travel, Things to do with kids

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Hi, I’m Lyla! I’ve been globetrotting with my husband, daughter, extended family, and girlfriends for years. I share travel tips, destination guides, and adventures that inspire women 40+ to explore the world. Globetrotting Mommy — and beyond!

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