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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips …

May 26, 2015 By admin

Its no secret that my daughter and I love a fun amusement park. With trips to Victorian Gardens, Adventureland, Hershey Park, and Sesame Place under her belt, I knew she would love a visit to nearby Coney Island. I had not been to the famed boardwalk town since pre-Hurricane Sandy so I was equally excited for our staycation day trip. Read on for my Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island.

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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island

1 – Plan time for rides. I’m sure its no surprise that rides top my list of tips for visiting Coney Island. Kids of all ages will have hours of fun with a choice of several options including Luna Park, Deno’s WonderWheel Amusement Park, the B&B Carousell and the famed Cyclone. I found these smaller parks very managable, since the rides were very close together and it was pretty easy to navigate. If you want a ride that swings, speeds, bumps, spins upside down or just swivels, you’ll find it here. And, if you’re traveling with toddlers, there are quite a few slower kiddie rides. I love that you can purchase rides with several options ranging from a la carte to all-you-can-ride wristbands, and I also appreciate that non-riders can enter the amusement parks for free.

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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island

2 – Save room for food. Coney Island is home to famed Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and they never disappoint. If you’re looking for something indoors, try Applebee’s or the new Wahlburgers (yes, Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg own this burger hotspot). There are plenty of boardwalk restaurants, bars and snack shops (think funnel cakes, ice cream and everything fried, oh my…) and specialty stores like Piece of Velvet (cupcakes and cakes) and IT’SUGAR (a candy lovers delight). And, Coney Smorgasburg launched last weekend…so there is no shortage of good eats.

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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island

3 – Find the perfect activity for each kid. Coney Island really has something for everyone. If you’ve got baseball fans, check out a Brooklyn Cyclones game, some of which feature fireworks and character meetings. There are old school arcade games (yes, Zoltar!), amusement park games, circus shows and kids and adults will love a detour to the nearby New York Aquarium.

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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island

4 – Pack your beach gear. Coney Island boasts nearly three miles of family friendly beach. Bring a cooler and chairs and stay for the day or just take a quick dip and get back on the rides.  With courts for beach volleyball, handball, and basketball as well as playgrounds, the beach and boardwalk offer up hours of entertainment for families. Don’t forget the sunscreen and other family friendly beach essentials.

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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island

5 – Check out the special events schedule before you visit. From the famous Mermaid Parade and Luna Park’s SuperHero Day to circus performances, fireworks and karaoke, Coney Island’s summer schedule is packed with fun for the whole family.

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Special thanks to the Alliance for Coney Island for inviting us to participate in Coney Island Family Blogger Day.  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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3 CommentsFiled Under: Amusement Park, beach, Day Trip, Events, Food and Drink, Just for Boys, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, New York, reviews, Road Trip, Staycation, Teen Travel, Travel, Travel Tips, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: amusement park, beach, Brooklyn, Coney Island, Deno's WonderWheel, family fun, Luna Park, New York, New York Aquarium, New York Attractions, rides, Summer, Travel Tips

Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple …

December 23, 2014 By admin

Going to the circus is a rite of passage for little kids. I finally got a chance to take my five-year old to her first circus (along with my sister) and I’m still not sure which one of us had the most fun.  Read on for my Big Apple Circus Review…

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Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

The Big Apple Circus is a small, one ring circus in Lincoln Center thats perfect for families with small kids.  When I was growing up, I remember never knowing where to look at the circus because there was always so much going on but with just one ring, its so easy to focus on the acts. The audience is seated in a tent around the ring and because of the intimate size, no seat is more than 50 feet from the ring. Plus, there is a live band playing above the circus which really adds to the grown-up circus feel.

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Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

This is not the circus my sister and I grew up with where we saw a million clowns climbing out of a tiny car. Instead of the usual clown antics, the Big Apple Circus features a European vibe with sophisticated acrobats, trapeze artists, a Ringmaster who charms the audience, Francesco the Clown who gets everyone laughing, animal acts, magical moments that unfold in front of your eyes and more.

This year’s Big Apple Circus is named Metamorphosis and the acts highlight a variety of amazing transformations.

Take a peek at some of the talented acrobats and performers…

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Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

Look closely to see the contortionist all folded up into this box.  Can you believe that this woman wiggled her way into the box too? So amazing!

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Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

Animals and clowns always steal the show…

Big Apple Circus, NYC, Circus, Acrobats, Metamorposis

Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

These Russian quick change artists were my absolute favorites. I thought seeing Cinderella go from rags to ball gown on Broadway was amazing but this woman who changed into eight costumes in a matter of minutes just blew my mind.

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Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

This is Big Apple Circus’ 37th season which says a lot. Metamorphosis really amazed all three of us and my daughter is still asking me how they did all the tricks. I love that some of the animal performers were rescued from local shelters and I also love that Big Apple Circus has several community outreach programs like Clown Care. If you have a chance to see Metamorphosis before it closes on January 11th in NYC, I highly recommend it. The show continues this winter/spring in Bridgewater, NJ, Boston, MA and Queens, NY.

Things to know:

The show is approximately two hours (with a 15 minute intermission) and appropriate for kids of all ages.  Children under 3 can sit on a parent’s lap for free. Stroller parking and changing tables are available.

A variety of typical circus food is available (hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, etc.) at reasonable prices.

The circus takes place in a heated tent and the bathrooms are on the primitive side.

Enjoy!

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Thanks to Big Apple Circus for providing our 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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2 CommentsFiled Under: Day Trip, Entertainment, Events, Just for Boys, Just for Dads, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Just for Moms, New York, playtime, reviews, Staycation, Travel, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: Big Apple Circus, Circus, Lincoln Center, Metamorphosis, New York, NYC with Kids, Things to do in NYC with Kids, Visiting NYC with Kids

Staycation Ideas 102: Get …

November 14, 2014 By admin

Keeping NYC kids entertained outside in the winter can be challenging but can so staying home which typically means a post-playdate messy apartment. When LeapFrog and MomSelect asked if I wanted to try out the new LeapTV and host my very own playdate, I was excited to say the least.

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Staycation Ideas 102: Get Moving with LeapTV from LeapFrog

My five-year old daughter had never played with any gaming devices other than the iPad but I had a feeling she would quickly become hooked on LeapTV.  Over the years we’ve amassed a variety of LeapFrog learning products and I’ve always been impressed with their ability to hold her interest. The LeapTV from LeapFrog is a great addition to our collection since it gets her moving and having fun while teaching reading, math, science and problem solving.  That’s a win-win in my book.

LeapTV, designed for kids ages 3-8, is way more advanced than anything I ever had as a child of the 80s. It uses a motion-sensing camera so kids can use their bodies to “touch” and watch themselves on TV (so cool!) and a controller that fits small hands perfectly and can be used in two positions. The audio instruction makes it simple for little kids while older children can read the prompts.  My five-year old and her pal had a super fun time testing out the Pet Play World (free when you register) as well as the LeapFrog Sports! and LeapFrog Dance & Learn games. Several other game are available as well.

These little girls like to boogie so they wanted to start with the dancing games.  They danced around and loved watching themselves on the tv screen.  While they danced and drummed, they learned new moves as well as rhymes and compound words. This game also teaches letters and sounds, sight words and word sounds.  For these kindergarten kids who are just learning to read, this was a huge hit.

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Staycation Ideas 102: Get Moving with LeapTV from LeapFrog

The LeapFrog Sports! cartridge features nine games (soccer/football, bowling, baseball, karate, skateboarding, snowboarding, swimming, rope climbing and weight lifting) that all teach math. The games involve shapes, number recognition and patterns for younger kids as well as addition, subtraction and fractions.  The soccer and skateboarding games were the favorites here.

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Staycation Ideas 102: Get Moving with LeapTV from LeapFrog

The controller takes a bit of practice for young kids to master and the response time seemed a bit slow compared to adult gaming devices but the girls didn’t seem to mind.  Overall, it was a big hit and the girls played nicely even as they competed against each other which is not always the case with board games…

The games adapt to each child’s level—starting with age, and then automatically adjusting the learning for just the right challenge so I think this will be a popular choice for years to come. If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas, this would definitely be a hit for families with small kids.

After an hour or so of hard core playing and learning, these girls were tired out and my apartment was still clean. It doesn’t get better than that…

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Staycation Ideas 102: Get Moving with LeapTV from LeapFrog

If you want to see LeapTV in action, check out this movie…

Have a great weekend.

 

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I was not compensated for this post but I received free products in order to host the LeapFrog sponsored MommyParty. As always, all opinions are my own.

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2 CommentsFiled Under: Great Gifts, Just for Boys, Just for Dads, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Products I love, Staycation, Toys Tagged With: Dance, exercise, Games, games for kids, holiday gifts, LeapFrog, LeapTV, learning, review, sports, Staycation, technology, toys, video games

Family Fun with Baby Loves …

November 12, 2014 By admin

Can you imagine a family friendly activity where kids can dance and sing under disco lights, moms can catch up with friends and dads can guzzle beer?  It exists and its called Baby Loves Disco!

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Family Fun with Baby Loves Disco Dance Parties

My family and I were invited to check out the Boo Baby Boo Halloween Baby Loves Disco party in NYC last month and it was a fun time for all.  Baby Loves Disco parties are held across the United States (New York, DC, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco) in super cool grown up venues like Le Poisson Rouge, DNA Lounge and World Cafe giving adults and kids a chance to feel grown up!  I don’t know about you but I’m always happy to attend events that don’t take place in typical kiddie venues (not that there’s anything wrong with that…).

During November, the dance parties feature a Pajama Party theme (think come in your PJS, snack on Pop Tarts and late night snacks and jump on the bed dance contests!).  Dress your best because there will be prizes for best family PJs…

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Family Fun with Baby Loves Disco Dance Parties

The party we attended featured a variety of tables with activities for kids (like face painting, balloon twisting, arts and crafts, mini manis, tastings, etc.) and information for parents (Urban Sitter, CityMani, The Jewish Museum, Mommy Nearest, Happy Family, etc.).  If you’re a new mom, this is a great way to get your bearings in the craziness of momhood.

Kids of all ages are welcome but most kids seemed to be in the 3-10 range at the event I attended. Have no fear if you have small children, Baby Loves Disco parties feature a dedicated play area with mats and toys for babies and tots.

The DJ did a great job keeping kids (and adults) entertained with fun commentary, dance lessons, and contests. When dancers worked up an appetite, super kid-friendly snacks (puffs, fruit pouches, pretzels, PB & banana roll ups, chips & salsa, etc.) and juice boxes were plentiful. Grown-ups could order from a fully stocked bar (at NYC nightclub prices, natch) so everyone stayed happy.

Winter is on its way and that means time to schedule some family friendly indoor activities.  If you’ve got kids who like to boogie, this is a great pick for a staycation or vacation! The NYC Baby Loves Disco Pajama Party will take place on Sunday, November 23.  Check the Baby Loves Disco events page for information on other cities and tickets.

 

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: California, Chicago, Events, Just for Boys, Just for Dads, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Just for Moms, New York, playtime, reviews, Staycation, Where To Go Tagged With: Baby Loves Disco, Chicago, Dance Party, DJ, Face Painting, Halloween, kids, Los Angeles, New York, Pajama Party, San Francisco, Staycation

Somebody Come and Play! …

November 6, 2014 By admin

It was a cold and rainy day outside but when my daughter and I stepped into the “Somebody Come and Play” Sesame Street Exhibit at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, things suddenly turned warm and fuzzy. From life size characters like Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo and Snuffleupagus to movies and memorabilia, this adorable exhibit showcases highlights from the show’s last 45 years with something to please children and adults alike.

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Somebody Come and Play! Checking out the Sesame Street Exhibit at the New York Public Library for the arts in Lincoln Center

If you live in NYC or if you’ll be passing through between now and January 31, 2015, its worth the trip, especially if you’ve got young children. My five-year old daughter ran around from section to section for a couple of hours, happily entertained.  There are numerous scripts, photos, story boards, original art and music scores and other memorabilia from the archives as well as interactive exhibits for children.

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Somebody Come and Play! Checking out the Sesame Street Exhibit at the New York Public Library for the arts in Lincoln Center

Sesame Street, Exhibit, New York Public Library, Lincoln Center, New York City, Somebody Come and Play

Somebody Come and Play! Checking out the Sesame Street Exhibit at the New York Public Library for the arts in Lincoln Center

Kids can visit the Sesame Street steps (push a button and make Oscar pop out of his trash can!), watch show highlights, feel Muppet fur, and play in the art area featuring a gigantic chalk board. The day we went a special presentation of Follow That Bird was playing in the auditorium. If you visit on November 19, The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland will be playing at 3pm and there are a number of seminars for adults.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is located at 40 Lincoln Center Plaza and the hours are Monday and Thursday noon to 8 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday noon to 6 pm. The Lincoln Center’s central plaza is a great spot for kids to run around before or after. Just look for the fountains and have fun!

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1 CommentFiled Under: Day Trip, Events, free, Just for Boys, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Museums, New York, reviews, Staycation, Travel, United States Tagged With: Exhibit, Family Travel, Free, kids, New York Public Library, NYC, NYC with Kids, PBS, Sesame Street

Top 5 Family Friendly …

October 24, 2014 By admin

This is probably going to be one of the last nice weekends before the Polar Vortex strikes again so get your costumes ready and check out these family friendly Halloween activities.

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Top 5 Family Friendly Halloween Activities in NYC

1) Circle Line’s Halloween Ball Kids Costume Cruise

Want to combine a Halloween activity with a little sightseeing?  You’ll love Circle Line’s special Halloween Ball – Kids Costume Cruise. I reviewed this family friendly cruise this summer and it was so much fun.  Kids are in for a spooky fun time with a strolling magician and face painter and everyone will enjoy the amazing NYC views.

When and where: Saturday, October 25. Pier 83 (West 42nd St. and 12th Ave.) Boarding begins at 9:30 am and the cruise sails from 10 am – 11:15 am.

2) Baby Loves Disco’s Boo Baby Boo Halloween Spectacular

Does your baby love to boogie?  Check out Baby Loves Disco’s Halloween themed dance party on Sunday. Come in costume and bring your dancing shoes! There will be kid-friendly activities like balloon sculpting, crafting, mini manis and a costume contest. I’ll be there with my daughter so come by and say hi! If you can’t make it, the next one is a Pajama Party on November 23 – just roll our of bed and come in your PJs!  How fun.

When and Where: Sunday, October 26. Le Poisson Rouge (158 Bleecker) from noon – 3

3) Haunted High Line

Check out the spooky transformation of the High Line at its 4th annual family Halloween celebration, the Haunted High Line. Kids can trick-or-treat with the Mad Cookie Man and the West Side Cowboy, create Halloween art, explore the haunted train tunnel created by students from the School of Visual Arts, and learn about the creation of the High Line and the spooky history of Manhattan’s West Side.

When and Where: Saturday, October 25. The High Line (14th to 17th Streets) from 11 am – 3 pm.

4) Boo at the Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is always a hit with kids of all ages and one of my favorite times to visit is for Boo at the Zoo. Come this weekend (and Columbus day or Halloween) and you’ll enjoy hay mazes, costume parades, musical performances, magic shows, a Dinosaur Safari and more. Bring your camera and don’t miss the Jack O’Lantern Illumination, a dark passageway filled with hundreds of intricately carved and illuminated pumpkins. Buy your tickets online and save $5 off each ticket.

When and Where: The Bronx Zoo. Weekends through November 2 from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

5) Halloween Kidz Karnival

Hudson River Park is transforming Tribeca’s Pier 26 into a wickedly wild Halloween Kidz Karnival. Dress in costume and enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, rides, snacks and more.  Story Pirates will put on a Halloween-themed improv show that’s sure to thrill. This is a great not too scary option for young kids.

When and Where:  October 26. Noon to 5 pm. Hudson River Park’s Pier 26

Happy almost Halloween.  Are you still looking for costume ideas?

 

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Contest, crafty, Cruises, Events, free, Holidays and Celebrations, Just for Boys, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, New York, Staycation, United States, Where To Go, Zoo Tagged With: Baby Loves Disco, Boo at the Zoo, Circle Line, costumes, Cruise, Dance Party, Events, Fall Events, Halloween, Halloween Contests, Halloween Kidz Karnival, Haunted High Line, New York with Kids, NYC, sightseeing, The Bronx Zoo, The High Line

Fall Fun: Pumpkin Picking on …

September 18, 2014 By admin

Back-to-school came and went and now its time for Halloween!  Pumpkin picking on Long Island is one of my favorite fall activities but if you wait too long, the pumpkins are picked over and the crowds are crazy. So, pick a weekend (between September 20 and November 2) and head over to Fink’s Country Farm on Eastern Long Island. It’s not too far from the Riverhead outlets so if you’re feeling ambitious you might come home with pumpkins and a few new outfits!

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Pumpkin Picking at Fink’s Farm on Long Island

You’ll want to get there as early as you can (like 9 ish) to avoid crowds and get the best photo ops and pumpkins. The $13.25 admission price includes unlimited access to the Fall Festival weekend activities including Hay Rides, 7-Acre Corn Maze, Pig Races, Animal Farm, Barnyard Bouncer, Corn Crib, Live Music and more. Additional attractions are available for an extra charge including Pony Rides, Face Painting, Fall Photos, U-Pick Pumpkins on the vine, Kiddie Train, Corn Cannon and Pumpkin Slingshot. There are plenty of picnic tables and the food stand serves soups, sandwiches, hot dogs, roasted corn on the cob (delish!) and beverages (get the hot apple cider). The food line was really long the day we went so be prepared to wait or pack a picnic and snacks.  Bathrooms are plentiful but they are port-a-potties (I know, I know) and there is an area for diaper changing.

If you’ve got older kids, you might want to bring a flashlight and check out the Spookie Flashlight Maze from 7:30 – 10 pm on October 25th. There is also a regular Flashlight Maze on October 18 from 7:30 – 10pm.  And if you visit on Sunday, October 26th there will be trick-or-treating.

There was so much to do and see my daughter was running around checking everything out for hours. She’s a pro at pony rides by now and she enjoyed her first pig race and corn crib. The Animal Farm was pretty extensive and there were plenty of feeding and petting opportunities.  The staff was friendly and I loved that it wasn’t as commercial or expensive as many other pumpkin patches on Long Island (you know who you are). We left with three big pumpkins and a bunch of gourds for $12 which I thought was a real bargain when you consider one pumpkin at the Union Square Farmer’s Market is $10+ dollars.

You can also buy Halloween decorations, plants, pies (freshly baked by Mrs. Fink), vegetables, cider and other fall favorites at the farm stand.

There were so many great spots for pictures so bring your camera.  Here are some of my favorite photos from our visit…

Globetrotting Mommy - Pumpkin Picking on Long Island

Finks Farm 3Finks 4finks 5Finks 6finks 7

Need more Halloween inspiration? Check out my post on Halloween costumes and Halloween gift ideas.

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Holidays and Celebrations, Just for Boys, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, New York, reviews, Road Trip, Staycation, Travel Safety, United States Tagged With: Day Trip, Eastern Long Island, Fall Activities, family outing, Family Travel, Fink's Country Farm, Halloween, Long Island, pumpkin picking

Circle Line Debuts Bear …

September 12, 2014 By admin

Looking for a fun fall day trip from NYC that doesn’t involve driving, getting lost or keeping kids in a car seat for hours?  Circle Line is kicking off their new Bear Mountain fall cruises this weekend and here are my top 10 reasons you should check it out…

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Circle Line Debuts Bear Mountain Fall Cruises

1) You won’t be driving!  This is a big plus for NYC parents who dread thoughts of traffic, tunnels and are-we-there-yet tantrums.

2) You won’t have to ask for directions. The boat will drop you off at Bear Mountain and pick you back up in three hours.

3) You can relax during the trip instead of being stuck in a car or train. This is a biggie for parents with toddlers.

4) Bathrooms on board!  No trying to time pee-pee breaks and no emergency pit-stops required. Win, win!

5) You can point out all the various bridges, changing leaves and sites along the way.

6) Plenty of photo ops and great viewing areas.

7) No food necessary, you can order a picnic lunch for the whole family (extra charge applies) or grab something at the concessions stand on board.

8) You’ll have three hours to experience Bear Mountain State Park’s 50 different hiking trails, nature walks and fall festivals like Oktoberfest. This is just enough time for a family picnic and nearby exploring.

9) The return home departs at 2:30 pm so afternoon nappers can sleep away in their strollers on the way back.

10) You’ll be home in NYC at 5:30 pm.  No traffic guaranteed and everyone can relax on the way back and be home in time for bedtime.

HERE’S THE SCOOP:  The full day trip departs at NYC’s Pier 83 at 9 am Saturdays and Sundays now through October (and Columbus day) and returns at 5:30 pm.  Tickets are $60 for adults, $51 for seniors and $36 for children.

If a full-day is too big of a commitment, check out Circle Line’s iconic NYC cruises.  See a full review of my Circle Line Kids Cruise here.

Bon voyage!

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Cruises, Day Trip, New York, Staycation, Travel, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: Bear Mountain, Circle Line, Cruise, Day Trip, fall, fall foliage, Family Travel

Spotlight on NYC: Victorian …

August 21, 2014 By admin

One of my favorite spots to disappear in the summer is Central Park. The big boulders, lakes and miles of grass quickly make me forget I’m dead smack in the middle of an urban jungle. After I became a mom, I quickly found out that Central Park is also home to Victorian Gardens, a mini-amusement park (with stellar views!) that is just perfect for the mini-set.

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Spotlight on NYC: Victorian Gardens Amusement Park in Central Park

Victorian Gardens is located at Wollman Rink which is an ice skating rink in the winter. Leave it to the Donald to turn any bit of real estate into a money making enterprise. There is a nice selection of children’s rides (bumper boats, swings, airplanes, roller coaster, train, etc.) and none are too scary so even the littlest kids will be entertained.

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Spotlight on NYC: Victorian Gardens Amusement Park in Central Park

This was my daughter’s third summer visiting and she was especially excited to be tall enough (42 inches) for every single ride! The rides are just perfect for the 2-5 age range but younger kids will be fine riding with parents. Its a very manageable spot with little kids since the rides are all contained in a small area (think ice rink) and the lines are never too long. Pack a lunch and grab a picnic bench or buy food at the concessions stand when you get hungry.

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Spotlight on NYC: Victorian Gardens Amusement Park in Central Park

It’s a little pricey for what it is (pay-as-you-go starting at $7 or unlimited wristband options starting at $21) but since you don’t have to drive hours to get there, I think its worth paying up. Kids under 36 inches are free so bring along the little siblings. After a couple of hours, you’ll be ready to go home but don’t say I didn’t warn you if your kids want to stay and climb the nearby boulders for another hour…

If you’ll be near Central Park, check it out before they close on September 7.

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3 CommentsFiled Under: Airplane, Amusement Park, Day Trip, Just for Boys, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, New York, reviews, Staycation, Travel, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: amusement park, Central Park, Family Travel, kids, Kids in NYC, New York, Victorian Gardens, Visiting NYC with Kids

Staycation Ideas 101: DIY Salt …

August 14, 2014 By admin

Remember when I was home day after day mending my broken foot aka taking a NYC summer staycation?  Well, Morton Salt sent me a care package full of goodies to cheer me up and suggested I throw a playdate party to celebrate the Morton Salt Girl’s 100th birthday! She’s looking pretty good for 100, right?

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Staycation Ideas 101: DIY Salt Dough with Morton Salt

As I soaked my recuperating foot in Morton Epson salt baths (Eucalyptus and Lavender, yum) I decided that throwing a little DIY Salt Dough party for my daughter and her pal would be a win win.  The kids could get crafty, the moms could chat and the mess would be minimal.

I made the dough in advance to keep things easy. Kids plus flour is a dangerous combination in my book but if you’re feeling daring, this is a pretty easy recipe for little hands…

SUPER EASY SALT DOUGH

  • 1 cup of Morton Salt
  • 2 cups of flour
  • 3/4 cup of water
  1. Mix the salt and flour together in a large bowl.
  2. Gradually stir in the water and mix until it forms dough.
  3. Knead the dough and add more flour if it sticks to your hands.
  4. Roll out the dough and separate into individual pieces.
  5. Use cookie cutters or create your own designs.
  6. Bake in oven at 250 degrees for about two hours depending on size.

The girls got right to work with their designs…

Salt Dough, Recipe, DIY, Morton's, Happy Birthday, 100, Staycation Ideas, Globetrotting Mommy, Morton Salt Girl

Staycation Ideas 101: DIY Salt Dough with Morton Salt

They added in some stones and played while they baked. When they were cool, they added on finishing touches with markers but you could also use paint or glitter glue.

Salt Dough, Recipe, DIY, Morton's, Happy Birthday, 100, Staycation Ideas, Globetrotting Mommy, Morton Salt Girl

Staycation Ideas 101: DIY Salt Dough with Morton Salt

This is a great project for a rainy day or staycation.  I’m sure you already have the supplies so give it a try.

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: crafty, DIY, Food and Drink, Just for Boys, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, playtime, Staycation Tagged With: 100th Birthday, arts and crafts, crafty, diy, Happy Birthday Morton Salt Girl, Morton Salt, Party, Playdate, Salt Dough, Staycation

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