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6 Great NYC Shows for the …

December 6, 2016 By admin

New York City is one of the most magical places to spend the holidays. While most visitors are busy checking out the bedazzled store windows and ice skating under the big tree, one of my favorite family friendly activities is taking in a great show. This year, I’m sharing some of my favorite holiday picks for everyone on your list. Show tickets make great holiday gift ideas, especially for those people who have it all. Book soon and enjoy because many of these are in town for a limited holiday run…

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season

These shows are all family friendly but I’ve categorized them by family members I think would especially enjoy each one.

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – Waitress is the perfect feel good Broadway musical for the holiday season.

BFF DATE: Waitress the Musical

Grab your besties and go see this Broadway love story that highlights relationships, friendships and baking. The acting, singing, and choreography are all fabulous and the characters truly come alive on stage. You’ll fall in love with the storyline and show’s heroine as you watch the show’s twists and turns. Best of all, little mini pies are sold at intermission. What more do you need for a night out with the girls?

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – That Golden Girls Show!

SISTER DATE: That Golden Girls Show

If you grew up in the 80’s, That Golden Girls Show will not disappoint. This is the perfect outing to take your sister (aunt, mom or grandma) or invite the whole family. I was wondering if it would be distracting to see a puppet show with the puppeteers on stage but turns out, their unique personalities just added to the adorableness of the show. You’ll laugh at the old jokes and antiquated references and will leave humming the “Thank You For Being a Friend” theme song. This off-broadway show is in the lively Union Square neighborhood so you can check out the famed gift market or farmer’s market before or after. Playing now through December 31, 2016.

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – Fiddler on the Roof

MOM DATE: Fiddler on the Roof

My mom and I have a tradition of seeing a new Broadway classic every year and this year we saw the newest incarnation of Fiddler on the Roof. The themes in Fiddler on the Roof are timeless, the dancing is AMAZING and the songs will keep you humming for weeks. The show is closing on December 31, 2016 so if you haven’t seen it yet, the holiday season is the perfect chance.

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – The Illusionists – Turn of The Century.

HUSBAND DATE: The Illusionists – Turn of the Century

If your husband doesn’t like Broadway musicals (I know, I know), The Illusionists is the perfect Broadway theater date night for the holidays. My husband and I were absolutely amazed by the optical illusions and magical performances that took place in The Palace Theater, the same theater where Harry Houdini once performed. From beds of nails, knife throwing, and card tricks to comedy acts and classic performances (yes they cut a woman in half!), every act was better than the next. Be sure to have some unique things in your purse in case you get called on stage by The Clairvoyants. This is a great family show for ages 6 and up. Now through January 1, 2017.

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – Peter and The Wolf at The Guggenheim Museum.

COUSINS DATE: Peter and the Wolf at the Guggenheim Museum

I’ve gone to sooooo many kids shows since becoming a mom and some are enjoyable for parents too and some aren’t. Lucky for me, Seeing Peter and The Wolf narrated by Isaac Mizrachi at The Guggenheim Museum was great fun for all. Mizrachi steals the show with his humorous storytelling and each character has their own instrumental pairing so the music really helps kids follow along. This show is a perfect choice to see with cousins and then you can explore the museum afterward. There are three remaining shows on December 9, 10 and 11, 2016.

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – Pip’s Island

KIDDIE PLAY DATE: Pip’s Island

I took my daughter and her pal on an after school adventure to Pip’s Island and they gave it a 9 and a 10! I still can’t explain this interactive show but think Willy Wonka meets a magical tree house with snow, bubbles, fog and mystical characters minus the candy. Parents go along too so be warned there is a crazy fast slide and no photos allowed. It’s perfect for kids 5-10 and near Chelsea piers, the High Line and art galleries making it a great weekend adventure. Check it out now through January 8, 2017.

Have you seen any of these shows? Tell me below in the comments.

I received media tickets to some of these shows for review purposes but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 5 Tips for Visiting One …

October 11, 2016 By admin

One World Observatory, the observation deck at the top of One World Trade Center (aka Freedom Tower) in New York City has quickly become one of the city’s top tourist attractions since it opened last year. If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, here are my top tips for visiting One World Trade Center, NYC’s tallest building.

Top 5 Tips for Visiting One World Trade Center

TICKETS AND PRICING AT ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER

1 – Buy your tickets in advance but don’t waste your money on the “priority” admission options since all visitors must pass thru the same waiting and security areas. The “flex” options are much more expensive but if you want to guarantee a clear day or kids being in a good mood, you may want to consider this. All tickets are timed so plan on getting there about 10-15 minutes before your scheduled admission time and you will be fine. If you’re traveling with young kids, I suggest visiting first thing in the morning or right after lunch time. Tickets start at $34 for adults for adults, $32 for seniors, and $28 for children 6-12. Kids five and under are free.

Top 5 Tips for Visiting One World Trade Center

GETTING THROUGH SECURITY

2 – All guests must pass through a quick security screening so this is not the day to break out your studded jeans and complicated belts. Be sure to check this list of prohibited items before you go as food and beverages, some strollers and camera equipment, large bags and other items are not allowed. All electronics, bags and metal objects will be scanned in bins while guests walk through metal detectors (no need to remove shoes). Once past security, a large LED screen shows how many visitors have been through that day and also since it’s opening. From there you can watch some short videos about the construction of the tower or continue on to the “sky pod” elevators.

Top 5 Tips for Visiting One World Trade Center

RIDING TO THE TOP – THE SKY POD ELEVATORS

3 – The “Sky Pod” elevators are super fast (47 seconds!) but you won’t want to miss the video that projects NYC being built (and rebuilt) all around you in an amazing time-lapse animation as you travel to the 102nd floor. You can see the complete video here. Be sure little kids are near the walls for best viewing and to warn them that their ears might pop during the ride. If you are prone to motion sickness, you might need a Dramamine.

ONCE AT THE TOP

4 – The first stop is the the See Forever Theater, a long room where a two-minute “Welcome to New York” video greets guests. When the video ends, the “screen” disappears to reveal the spectacular view so get ready to say “wow” out loud. From there, guests head to the 101st floor which features dining options and souvenir photos. Food and drinks are not allowed (except for water) and the dining options are crazy expensive so plan to eat before or after if you can. If you do need to buy an overpriced hot pretzel so your kids will not whine for an hour, I’m not here to judge.

Stunning NYC views atop One World Trade Center.

The 100th floor is where you’ll find the gorgeous 360-degree views so get your cameras ready although glass reflections and lighting are challenging. Be sure to visit the two observatory presentations which showcase information about the city, landmarks and activities.

Visitors can learn all about New York City at One World Observatory.

Top 5 Tips for Visiting One World Trade Center, Sky Portal, Globetrotting Mommy

Don’t miss the Sky Portal at One World Observatory.

The Sky Portal, a glass paneled circle on the floor is a must see for kids and adults alike. Look below to see live video feeds from outside 1 WTC to simulate the view from 100 stories up in the air. Note – Those are HDTVs under glass so no need to be scared.

Checking out the NYC views at One World Observatory.

The views are just amazing in person, and once you get to the Observatory, you are free to stay as long as you want which is a nice perk. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see up to 50 miles away while spotting iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building as well as several bridges and NYC neighborhoods. Gorgeous views, right?

Top 5 Tips for Visiting One World Trade Center

BACK TO THE BOTTOM

5 – The ride down has a different animated film featuring present day lower Manhattan so be sure to pay attention. Afterwards, be sure to check out the nearby 9/11 memorial which features two fountains representing the north and south towers of the fallen World Trade Center and the new Oculus shopping center.

The nearby Oculus is a must see.

Have you visited One World Trade Center? Tell me your favorite memory in the comments.

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Coney Island With Kids: Fall …

September 27, 2016 By admin

Coney Island with kids is always a fun summer retreat but Luna Park’s 2016 Halloween Harvest is one of my don’t miss recommendations for fall. We visited for the grand opening festivities and had a great time checking out the rides and seasonal activities.

Coney Island with kids: Fall Fun at Coney Island’s Halloween Harvest

Running through October 30th, the Halloween Harvest at Luna Park is sure to please kids of all ages with:

Fall Fun at Coney Island's Halloween Harvest, Luna Park

Coney Island with kids: Fall Fun at Coney Island’s Halloween Harvest

Dozens of kiddie, moderate and thrill rides at Luna Park (4-hour wristbands are $35)
Trick-or-treating with costumed characters
Magician shows
Kooky, spooky karaoke
Hay Maze (with pumpkin picking and painting – additional charge)
Live music with dance parties
Fun contests and games
Arts and crafts
Face painting and balloon animals
Petting zoo and pony rides
Fun photo ops

Additional special events include:

October 9 – Luna Park’s annual Dog Parade and Costume Contest, come pick the winners for Audience Choice, Cutest, Mister/Miss Congeniality, Most Original and Best of Show.

October 23 – Mark and the Maniac Carvers, Brooklyn-based pumpkin carvers transform a giant gourd into a Halloween masterpiece.

Fall Fun at Coney Island’s Halloween Harvest

Be sure to check out my Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island before you go and don’t forget your camera! If you like to take mural photos, be sure to check out Coney Art Walls for some awesome backdrops.

Luna Park is open on Saturdays from 12 noon to 11 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 noon to 8 p.m. For a complete schedule of Halloween Harvest events and activities and for more information, go to www.www.lunaparknyc.com.

Have you visited Coney Island? Tell me below in the comments.

Special thanks to the Luna Park for inviting us to attend Halloween Harvest. All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

5 Great Shows for Kids in NYC …

August 24, 2016 By admin

New York City is known for its vast theater performances and kids are encouraged to take in live shows before they even start talking. Now that my six-year old daughter has moved beyond Sesame Street, Disney On Ice and Pinkalicious shows, we’ve been having the best time exploring performances all over town.

5 Great Shows for Kids in NYC

If you’re looking for some family friendly theater recommendations, here’s the lowdown on 5 Great Shows for Kids in NYC.

5 Great Shows for Kids in NYC – Cirque du Soleil – PARAMOUR (Photo credit: Richard Termine)

1) Cirque du Soleil Paramour – Paramour, a Cirque du Soleil musical, blends the theatrics, sets and songs of Broadway with Cirque du Soleil’s signature moves in a new family friendly show. The love triangle plot might go above little heads but kids will have no trouble following along with the acrobatic performances and dance numbers. My mom and I enjoyed the show’s old world glamour, glitzy costumes, elaborate sets and story line but what really wowed us all were the various acrobatic acts that tied the whole performance together. This is an especially fun show for a multi-generational family outing and a great way to introduce young children to the world of Cirque du Soleil and Broadway at the same time. The two-hour and fifteen minute show has one intermission and booster seats are available. The Lyric Theatre is a gorgeous space with a candy store and staff members who deliver snacks and beverages right to your seats! Be sure to take photos with a cast member before the show and stay afterwards for a quick post show performance in the lobby.

Five Great Shows for Kids in NYC.

2) Blue Man Group – This long-running show is perfect for kids (tots to teens) and adults too. My daughter describes this one as “kind of a circus, kind of a magic show and kind of a music show” which pretty much sums up this creative performance. The Blue Man characters, who remain silent and in-character throughout the show, do an amazing job entertaining as they toss cereal into each others mouths, interact with audience members, play drums while painting and perform other funny acts. My daughter was giggling throughout the entire show and so were the other kids in the audience. The 90-minute show (no intermission) ends with gigantic streamers of toilet paper flooding the seats from above so you may want to prepare small kids for that part. In addition, some scenes are loud so you may want to bring along headsets for sensitive ears. Make sure to stay and take pictures with the performers after the show but don’t expect them to chat. You can also catch Blue Man shows in Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Orlando or on their World Tour.

5 Great Shows for Kids in NYC – Aladdin

3) Aladdin – A classic Broadway musical is always sure to please and one of my favorite kid-friendly picks is Disney’s Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre. The show features a great mix of dancing, singing, colorful costumes, spectacular sets, funny characters (especially the Genie) and witty repartee for the grown-ups. I love that there are no scary parts and that the story line is easy for little kids to understand. When Jasmine and Aladdin go flying across the stage on the magic carpet, kids of all ages will be wowed. This show is two-hours and 30 minutes with one intermission so plan bathroom breaks accordingly. Tickets are pricey but all seats are good (even in the balcony) just be sure to grab booster seats for small kids. If you’re looking for a theater outing with your favorite mom friends (and their kids), this is a great option.

Five Great NYC Shows for Kids - Stomp. Globetrotting Mommy

Five Great Shows for Kids in NYC – Stomp

4) STOMP – I first saw this show years ago when the East Village was super grungy and I was swinging single. I saw it again this summer with my husband and daughter and I’m pleased to report that it has stood the test of time. Still located in the historic Orpheum Theatre, the one-hour and 45 minute performance (no intermission) is a great option for kids who love music. The six-person cast perform the entire show just using rhythm and movements as they turn various objects and body parts into musical instruments. There is no complicated story line to follow and there is plenty of humor so young kids (ages 4+) will definitely enjoy. My husband doesn’t typically enjoy kid shows or Broadway musicals (I know, I know) but he really liked Stomp. Some parts of the show are very loud so earphones are a good option. You can also see Stomp on tour.

Five great shows for kids in NYC – The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

5) The Radio City Rockettes – If you’re looking for a classic NYC show, nothing beats seeing the Rockettes perform live at Radio City Musical Hall. With the classic winter Christmas Spectacular and The New York Spectacular summer show, this is a great show to see with the whole family (especially grandparents). The synchronized dance moves, lively music and technological surprises never fail to impress me and this is one of the few shows I can see year after year. The winter show features classic scenes like dancing wooden soldiers, sugar plum fairies and multiple Santa Clauses while the summer show takes the audience on a tour of famed NYC landmarks. Shows are 90 minutes without intermission and booster seats are available.

Do you have plans to see any NYC shows? Tell me below in the comments.

I received tickets to some shows for review purposes. As always, all opinions are mine. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

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

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

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 – 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 – Singing in the Rain.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Money, Money.

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 – 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.

This post is not sponsored. 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!

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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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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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

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

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

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.

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!

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.