5 Awesome Things to do in NYC …

January 6, 2022 By admin

I’m always getting asked about my top picks for a family-friendly NYC vacation so today I’m sharing some of my favorite New York City outings for kids. If you’ve got a family trip to NYC in the calendar, be sure to check out these 5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids…

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids

In no particular order, these attractions are great for kids of all ages and parents (and grandparents) will enjoy them too.

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids. The Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty, Battery Park

This outing will take a half-day but it will be well worth your time. The ferry ride gives you some amazing NYC views and photo ops and the expansive Liberty Park grounds are perfect for little ones to run around. Older kids will love going up to the crown level while the pedestal level is great for younger kids. Buy tickets in advance and check out my Top 5 Tips for Visiting The Statue of Liberty before you go.

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids. The Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park.

The Seaglass Carousel, at the Battery Conservancy

New York City’s newest carousel is a showstopper sure to thrill kids and grown ups alike. Unlike traditional horses, this ride features an array of gorgeous translucent fish that are up to 14 feet tall. Guests will feel like they are swimming as they glide and swirl around while the fish change colors and magical music comes from every direction. At $5 a ride, this is a must for the whole gang.

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise.

Circle Line Cruise, Pier 83

Since Manhattan is an island, one of my favorite ways to take it all in is by sea. With a choice of family-friendly tours and longer sightseeing trips, this is one of my family’s favorite things to do on a sunny day. You can’t go wrong with the 1.5 hour Landmark Cruise which takes guests along Manhattan’s west side to the Statue of Liberty and back.

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids. One World Trade Center.

One World Trade Center.

With 360 degree views of New York City, the One World Observatory at One World Trade Center is a must see for tourists and locals alike. From the history lesson in the elevator ride to the on site concierge desk, kids will be sure to learn some interesting tidbits about NYC along the way. Be sure to check out the nearby sights like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Brookfield Place, the Oculus and the new Eataly before or after your visit.

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids. The Highline, NYC.

The High Line, Chelsea.

Located above Manhattan’s west side, The High Line is free and fabulous. Kids will love exploring all the fun views and kid friendly spots (look for the seesaw bench and secret tunnels) while parents will love the laid back (and car free) ambiance. Check out the events calendar before you go and leave time to explore nearby Chelsea Market and art galleries. There are several staircase entrances and exits and a few elevator entrances so map out your arrival spots carefully if you’ve got a heavy stroller.

Have you visited any of these spots? Tell me below in the comments.

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10 Awesome Kids Books – …

March 12, 2021 By Globetrotting Mommy

New York City is one of the best places to explore with kids and reading is a great way to get kids excited about upcoming trips. If you’ve got NYC on your family travel bucket list, check out these 10 Awesome Kids Books – New York City.

10 Awesome Kids Books – New York City

1) 123 New York: A Cool Counting Book by Puck. Perfect for babies and toddlers, this little board book is a great introduction to NYC landmarks. The book is all numbers and pictures so it “reads” in any language you’d like. Uno Statue of Liberty… Dos baseballs…Tres Brooklyn Bridges…they’ll be counting up to ten in no time.

2) This is New York by Miroslav Sasek (ages three and up). I have loved this book for years. The classic storybook shows many details of city life with cartoon characters and colorful illustrations. It may seem a bit dated but it still captures the spirit of New York.

3) Larry Gets Lost in New York City (ages three – seven). Lovable puppy Larry is always getting lost. Follow Larry’s escapades around Manhattan while he visits the city’s many landmarks and attractions.

4) A Walk in New York by Salvatore Rubbino (ages four – eight). Another favorite, this gorgeous book features a father and son’s New York City explorations. Bits of trivia mix with the drawings so kids learn all sorts of interesting NYC facts like the names of the marble lions outside the New York Public Library…aka Patience and Fortitude.

5) Little Kid, Big City (ages five+). Written by a popular NYC blogger, this book is full of first-hand tips for visiting a slew of Big Apple sights and attractions. Kids “choose” their own adventure as they read by deciding “where to go” and flipping through the gorgeously illustrated pages. The fold-out map is super handy for little navigators.

6) My Subway Ride by Paul DuBois Jacobs (ages four – eight). This colorful book depicts the sounds and sights of the NYC subway system. Girls and boys will both enjoy this one.

7) Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet (ages five – ten). If your family loves New York City’s famed Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, this book is sure to become an immediate favorite. The story tells the true story of how the famous floats came to creation with gorgeous graphics and a bit of STEM education along the way.

8) You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum by Jacqueline Press Weitzman (ages five-eight). This wordless picture book follows a yellow balloon as it floats all around Manhattan. Kids will recognize famous landmarks as well as paintings and sculptures as they use their imaginations to “read.”

9) Eloise: The Ultimate Edition by Kay Thompson (ages five-ten). For girls who love, love, love Eloise, this treasury will be a big hit. This is a great choice for young travelers since it features Eloise in Moscow and Eloise in Paris as well as Eloise at Christmastime and the original Eloise story and scrapbook.

10) The New York Times: 36 Hours USA & Canada by Barbara Ireland (Kids eight and up). Bigger kids can plan family adventures with this coffee table book filled with travel itineraries and suggestions for trips to New York City (and beyond).

Books make great birthday, baby shower and holiday gifts and these are all sure to please globetrotting kids and parents alike. Planning a New York-themed baby nursery? Just stock a bookshelf with these and you’re halfway there.

(Note: This post contains affiliate links)

Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos …

February 3, 2020 By admin

A fun-filled whirlwind Walt Disney World trip is always fun but it’s even better combined with a Disney Cruise. Today I’m sharing Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos to take on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas that will leave you wanting more.

Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos on Castaway Cay

I’ve visited Castaway Cay on three separate trips and it never disappoints. There is so much to see and do on this island so be sure to save some time for exploring and don’t miss these awesome Castaway Cay photo-ops.

1) Must Take Disney Cruise Photos – Disney Characters in Beach Wear

Don’t miss the Disney gang tossing around beach balls and hanging out in their swim gear on Castaway Cay. Stop for some fun photo ops as you arrive on Castaway Cay and don’t miss this fun gang at the dance party.

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay — The characters are one of my favorite must-take photos on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

2) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Portrait With the Ship

You can take cruise ship photos when you board in Port Canaveral but the photo ops are much prettier from Castaway Cay. Snap away with the blue water and ship in the background for the perfect cruise souvenir.

3) Best Castaway Cay Photos – Capture the Ocean

The crystal clear blue water on Castaway Cay will take your breath away. Be sure to get a few shots of everyone on a float or in the water.

4) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Action Shots at Sea

Don’t forget to take photos of your child’s first time snorkeling or swimming in the Caribbean. Bring your underwater camera for snorkeling and be sure to take photos of the underwater Mickeys.

5) Best Castaway Cay Photos – Land Activities Like Biking

In addition to water sports, Castaway Cay has a lot of land activities like biking, 5K races, and sports. Take some family photos as you explore on land.

6) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Amazing Views From Scenic Lookout Points

Be sure to check out the lookout points along the bike path and at the Heads Up Bar. The views are awesome with the ship in the background.

7) Best Photos to Take on Castaway Cay – Ice Cream Memories

With non-stop ice cream machines flowing on Castaway Cay be sure to take a fun ice cream photo. From the perfect swirl with a beach backdrop to messy ice cream faces, you’ll want to remember these moments.

8) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Fun Backdrops on Castaway Cay

There are lots of fun backdrops featuring characters and oversized nautical scenes on the island. How cute are these for Disney fans?

9) Best Photos to Take on Castaway Cay – Relaxing Moments

All that beach time needs to be balanced with a bit of relaxation so try to capture kids napping, playing in the sand or swinging on the island’s many hammocks.

10) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Farewell Picture

Don’t miss a shot under this Castaway Cay sign before you get back on the ship. What better way to remember your fun-filled day?

Heading off on a Disney Cruise? Check out these 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise and Top 11 Tips for Visiting Castaway Cay.

Have you taken a Disney Cruise? Tell me your favorite memories in the comments below.

As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on Florida: Tips for …

January 14, 2020 By admin

Like soooo many New Yorkers, I spent a lot of winter vacations visiting my grandparents in Florida (Yes, I loved Disney). The sunshine state never got old for me and one of my all time favorite memories is visiting Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach. When I visited with my daughter, (and my mom and great aunt) it was even more fun than I remembered. Read on for my tips for visiting Lion Country Safari.

PS, we visited on National Zebra Day so we dressed for the occasion.

Tips for Visiting Lion Country Safari

The drive-through safari comes first and its just like it sounds. In the comfort of your own vehicle, you simply roll up your windows, pop in the audio tour and drive. As you go through the four mile preserve, you’ll see free roaming animals up close and personal including Southern White Rhinos, Zebra, Giraffe, Lions, Llamas, Impala, Kudu, Ostrich, Gemsbok, Water Buffalo, Wildebeest and more.

There are seven sections representing different areas in South America, Africa, and Asia and you can go as fast or slow as you like. Yes, the animals stop right in front of your car just like I remembered and no the monkeys don’t climb on top of your car like they used to. If you don’t want to take your kids on that long flight to South Africa, this may be the next best thing.

Globetrotting Mommy - Spotlight on Florida at Lion Country Safari

Spotlight on Florida Tips for Visiting Lion Country Safari

The second section is the walk-through amusement park and its a nice manageable size with lots of benches, shaded areas, cooling stations, rides, attractions and animal encounters. My daughter loved the rides, best suited for younger kids, including the Ferris wheel, carousel, kiddie train and flying elephant. I loved the mini-golf, paddle boats, Safari Queen boat tour (perfect for all ages) and animal shows.

We took our time exploring, fed some of the animals, rode a camel, checked out some shows and had some ice cream. The Safari Splash water sprayground was closed the day we visited or we would have done that too.

If you’re looking for a low-key animal and attraction packed day that will keep your whole family entertained but won’t exhaust everyone, this is it.

If you go:

The park opens daily at 9:30 am 365 days a year. Admission is $39.95 for visitors 10-64, $35.00 for seniors and $30.00 for kids 3-9. Kids two and younger are free. Parking is $8 per vehicle.

Plan to spend about 4-6 hours visiting. Don’t forget your sunscreen and water park essentials but leave your pets and convertibles home.

Bon voyage!

Great Gifts for Travelers

December 16, 2019 By admin

If you’re looking for gift ideas for the globetrotter in your life, you’ll love this post. My holiday gift guide is full of great gifts for travelers to enjoy at home and away…

TRAVEL MUST-HAVES:

Digital Luggage Scale – My number one travel accessory is this easy-to-use luggage scale. Stop guessing if your bag is under 50 pounds and say goodbye to extra baggage charges.

Packing Cubes – I am a huge fan of packing cubes, especially for families since each person can choose their color. Just group items or outfits in cubes and packing will be a breeze.

Hanging Toiletry Bag – I keep my toiletry bag packed so I can just grab and go. Zippered compartments are perfect for travel accessories and the hanging design keeps bathroom clutter to a minimum.

Travel Jewelry Organizer – Keep your jewels safe and never lose an earring again with these colorful jewelry boxes. The small size and compartments make this a great option for quick trips. And remember, never ever check your jewels in luggage!

Reusable Shopping Bags – These are so useful for shopping at home and away. They also double as road-trip snack bags, beach totes and laundry bags. Choose from solids, prints and metallic options – an easy gift for travelers.

Travel Adaptor – A must for every globetrotter. Keep your favorite electronics charged wherever you go. Pick a different color for everyone in your family.

Travel Sized Laundry Bag – For the traveler who has everything, this world map laundry bag is a fun gift. I love that it folds into a tiny travel pouch with a carabineer.

TRAVEL INSPIRED GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS:

Gifts for Travelers - Travel Inspired Gifts

Show Tickets and Personalized Shirt – For the Broadway fan on your list, a pair of tickets to an upcoming show and a personalized shirt to wear make a great gift. I used my Cricut Explore Air™ 2 machine to personalize a “So Fetch” shirt for a Mean Girls lover in sparkly pink.

Scratch Your Travels USA Map – Travelers will love highlighting their US adventures as they scratch off each state they visit. Add a frame and you’ve got a great family gift.

Travel Scarf – A travel scarf is always a good idea and this infinity version with a secret hidden zipper pocket is a great gift for travelers all ages. Choose from solids and patterns.

50 States, 5,000 Ideas – This comprehensive National Geographic book is full of sightseeing ideas in every state. A great gift option for families.

FOR TRAVEL LOVING FOODIES:

Bokksu – For the adventurous eater on your list, a Bokksu box filled with Japanese snacks and teas is sure to please. A great option for travel-loving families who like to try new foods. Choose from monthly subscriptions in two different sizes.

Custom Etched Map Glassware – For the coffee or hot cocoa drinker, wine aficionado and spirits lover on your list, I love Well Told Designs glassware etched with a favorite city, college town, airport, island, marathon route and more. Choose from pints, rocks, wine, mugs, mason jars, champagne flutes, etc. and you’ve got a great gift for everyone on your list.

Sitka Salmon Shares – For seafood lovers, gift a box of seasonal wild-caught seafood – straight from Southeast Alaska and the North Pacific! Sitka Salmon Shares, a community-supported fishery, supports sustainable fisheries and delivers the freshest catches from boat to doorstep. Use code SITKA25 to receive $25 off any 2020 Premium Sitka Seafood Share.

Trader Joe’s Chocolate Passport – Every holiday season Trader Joe’s brings out their cult favorites and their Chocolate Passport is a great option for every traveler on your list. Perfect for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, etc.

BEST FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR TRAVELING:

Tenzi – I’m a huge fan of easy-to-pack family games and Tenzi is one of my favorites. This multi-dice game is easy to learn and fast to play. There are several variations which help keep boredom at bay. Add in the 77 Ways to Play The Add-on Card Set and you’re guaranteed hours of good fun.

Playing Cards – An oldie but goodie, playing cards are easy to bring along on any trip making them great gifts for travelers. From Go Fish and War to Canasta and Rummy, everyone on the trip will find something to play. Other options include Solitare and building card houses.

Match-O-Rama – From the makers of Telestrations, Match-O-Rama is a great game choice for multi-generational family trips. The better you know the players, the easier you can predict how others will answer. Or maybe not? Easy to learn, fast to play and sure to keep the whole family entertained.

Kodak Premium Puzzles – Puzzles are a great activity to bring along on a vacation. Choose from easy to hard (depending on the ages and patience levels) and the whole family can enjoy. Kodak has a lot of travel-themed options (Boston, Italy, Greece, US National Parks and more) perfect for travel-loving families.

Need more gifts for travelers and everyone else on your list? Check out my 2020 Tween and Teen Gift Guide and Great Gifts for Teens and Tweens from 2019 .

I received some of these items for review purposes but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Top 10 New York City Holiday …

December 4, 2019 By admin

New York City is fun any time of year but a visit during the holiday season is something every family should experience. New York City holiday activities for families will surely wow visitors of all ages. From glittering holiday windows, iconic holiday shows and ice skaing galore, there is something for everyone. Pack your comfy shoes and come explore…

Top 10 New York City holiday activities for families

1. Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is one of New York City’s classic holiday scenes. Stop by for photos in front of the famed Christmas tree and take in the larger than life bronze Prometheus sculpture and hoards of ice skaters. If you want to see the city from above, Top of the Rock offers great views of the city’s skyline.

10 best New York City holiday activities for families

2. Department store holiday displays

Visiting department store holiday windows is a must for the holidays. My favorite store displays can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Barneys New York, Tiffany & Co., and Macy’s. The Saks evening light show is a must (every 30 minutes) and Frozen fans will especially love the 2019 Frozen themed windows. Macy’s Santaland boasts an elaborate indoor winter wonderland with Santa photo ops.

10 best New York City holiday activities for families

3. Ice skating in the city

One of the most iconic New York City holiday activities is ice skating. The most popular (and priciest) choice is The Rink at Rockefeller Center. Try to go off-peak to avoid the crowds. Trump Wollman Rink in Central Park offers stunning city views. The Bank of America Winter Village Bryant Park rink is free (just pay for skate rentals) and has awesome snack and shopping options.

4. Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Don’t miss the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The Rockettes Celebration. This annual stage show has been a holiday fixture since 1933 for good reason. The spectacular has kept up with the times and now features a 3-D portion, techno-tricks, amazing costumes and backdrops. The famed dancers, however, really steal the show.

5. Shop till you drop

Tourists strolling down New York City streets toting shopping bags can be seen on ever block during the holidays. If you’ve got a family of shoppers, you’ll want to get in on the fun. Kid favorites include the Lego Store, FAO Schwarz, Nintendo, CAMP, American Girl Place and Build-A-Bear. Parents will want to check out NYC’s famed department stores and jewelry boutiques. There are also several festive pop up holiday markets in Bryant Park, Union Square, Columbus Circle and Grand Central.

10 best New York City holiday activities for families

6. New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Head to Brooklyn for the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show, a one-of-a-kind experience where families can watch model trains zip past more than 150 miniature New York landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and Rockefeller Center. Make advance reservations for this hot holiday pick.

10 best New York City holiday activities for families

7. Special New York City Holiday Activities for Kids

December in New York City offers a wide range of special holiday events for kids. Choose from options like gingerbread house decorating at Eloise at The Plaza, GingerBread Lane at the New York Hall of Science, Nutcracker ballet performances and holiday puppet making at Central Park’s Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre following Yeti, Set, Snow.

8. Live Theater

Every trip to New York City should include attending a live performance. There are some really fun holiday shows this year including 42FT at The New Victory Theater (think circus and actobats) and The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays (six famed illusionists in one non-stop show) which will wow the whole family. Broadway favorites like Aladdin, Wicked and The Lion King or off-Broadway picks like the Gazillion Bubble Show are other good options.

9. Tea time

Take an afternoon break for tea or hot (or frozen) chocolate at one of the city’s famous sweet shops or a meal at iconic holiday restaurants. Some favorites include Alice’s Tea Cup, the Russian Tea Room, The Palm Court at The Plaza, Serendipity 3, Max Brenner, and Rolf’s German Restaurant.

10 best New York City holiday activities for families

10. A holiday ride

A fun family friendly (kids 6+) sightseeing option is The Ride which offers a comfortable tour of NYC hotspots with great views and interactive entertainment along the way (think part tour, part show, total entertainment). Look for discount codes on their website and book in advance as popular times will fill up.

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Sailing Around NYC Aboard …

November 7, 2019 By admin

Since New York City is surrounded by water, one of my favorite family activities is sailing around NYC. We’ve cruised around Manhattan on everything from large Circle Line ships to an authentic 1930’s tugboat. For our most recent voyage, we climbed aboard a classic 1950’s yacht and enjoyed a scenic fall foliage cruise with Classic Harbor Line.

Sailing Around NYC Aboard Classic Harbor Line

We lucked out with a sunny fall day and fairly mild temps. I packed scarfs and hats, a picnic brunch and some Halloween treats to fight off any hangry or “I’m cold” moments.

Sailing Around NYC Aboard Classic Harbor Line

Tourists and locals alike will enjoy the Fall Foliage Cruise on Yacht Full Moon from Chelsea Piers. The 2.5 hour trip up the Hudson River is a great option for the whole family as the yacht offers comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, tables to share a picnic lunch, bathroom facilities and a very accommodating staff.

My daughter loved sitting on the upper deck bean bag chairs (yes, blankets are provided) where she could point out all the NYC buildings as we departed Chelsea Piers.

Aside from the colorful foliage, we loved spotting iconic landmarks such as the George Washington Bridge, the Cloisters, the Palisades, the Little Red Light House and the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Captain Pat narrated here and there sharing a bit of history as he pointed out the sights. He even offered to let my daughter try her hand at sailing.

Two friendly staffers were on board to deliver drinks (warm and cold) and blankets. I definitely recommend bringing a picnic and/or snacks if you’re bringing kids. The downstairs seating area is heated making it a great spot to eat.

There are plenty of photo-ops so be sure to bring a camera. With stunning views along the way, you’ll want to capture it all.

So gorgeous, right?

In addition to a variety of fall foliage cruises, Classic Harbor Line has several holiday cruises perfect for the whole family including the Cocoa and Carrols Holiday Cruise and a Holiday Jazz Cruise.

If you’re looking to escape the NYC holiday crowds, sailing around NYC aboard Classic Harbor Line’s holiday offerings would be a great idea.

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Boston with Kids: Top 10 …

October 25, 2019 By admin

Boston is my home away from home and I never ever tire of traveling to Beantown. I love that its an easy city to see by foot and that there are so many fun attractions for visitor of all ages.

Boston with Kids: Top 10 Family Friendly Attractions

If you’re planning a trip to to New England, here are my Top 10 Things to do in Boston with Kids.

Boston with kids, Boston Children's Museum, Kids, Travel, Massachusetts, Kids Museum, family travel

Boston Children’s Museum offers hours of fun.

1) Visit the Boston Children’s Museum

Children’s museums are always a big hit and the sprawling Boston Children’s Museum does not disappoint. There are three floors with dozens of interactive exhibits and I am pretty sure my daughter would have been happy to spend the entire day here. From blowing gigantic bubbles, conducting science experiments and creating arts and crafts projects to climbing in an enclosed sculpture, building towers and playing musical instruments, kids of all ages will be happily entertained for hours. I especially love the various cultural programs that teach children about different holidays, customs and and traditions. There are some great family friendly restaurants nearby which is handy because it will probably be dinnertime by the time you leave.

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The New England Aquarium is a great spot for families.

2) Check out the New England Aquarium

Boston’s waterfront aquarium offers some amazing attractions like a towering four-story tank filled with colorful fish, sea turtles and sting rays but for my daughter, the penguins stole the show. Kids will love watching the divers swim around at feeding time (including an interactive Q&A session) and seals doing tricks while more adventurous tots will enjoy interactive petting exhibits in the largest touch tank on the East Coast. If you have time, sign up for one of their famous Whale Watch cruises or take in a 3D movie in the IMAX theater.

The Swan Boats in Boston Common are a must for families.

3) Ride the Boston Swan Boats

Boston Common and Boston Public Garden are a great place to visit with young children who want to run around. You’ll find miles of grassy fields, playgrounds, a merry-go-round, balloon artists, the famed Make Way for Ducklings sculpture (great for photo ops!), the Frog Pond fountain and the iconic Boston Swan Boats. Pedaled by foot, these giant swan boats are a one-of-a-kind scenic ride that the whole family will enjoy. The line moves quickly and the ride is approximately 15 minutes so there is no time for kids to get restless. Families can leave strollers on land, next to the ticket booth. Tickets start at just $2.50 making it a very affordable pitstop.

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Boston’s Faneuil Hall is a must for foodie families.

4) Stop at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

For shoppers, snackers, or history buffs, Faneuil Hall Marketplace (aka Quincy Market) is a must-visit. There are dozens of shops and souvenir stands selling everything from sports memorabilia and home accessories to sunglasses and clothing. For dining, you’ll find sit-down restaurants like historical Durgin-Park, outdoor cafes, juice bars and a gigantic food colonnade featuring everything from sushi and lobster rolls to ice cream and pastries. Kids will enjoy the famed street performances so be sure to wander around till you spot one.

5) Follow the Freedom Trail

For school-aged children, Boston’s Freedom Trail offers a great opportunity to make learning history fun. The 2.5 mile red-lined route, leads you to 16 historically significant Boston sites related to the American Revolution like museums, meetinghouses, churches and burying grounds. Give your kids a map and let them try their hands at navigating or just let them lead the way (follow the red line)! Older children will last for the whole trail but for younger kids, I recommend going from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall.

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Check out Boston by land and sea with a Boston Duck Tour.

6) Take a Boston Duck Tour

This touristy option is on the pricy side (kids 3-11 are $29) but if you haven’t taken your kids on a water/land vehicle, I do recommend it. The interactive (you will be quacking…) sightseeing tour starts on land and drives past 30-something tourist spots but the excitement really begins when the bus turns into a duck and drives into the Charles River! The skyline water views are stunning but for my daughter, the highlight was getting a turn to steer. Kids (and grown ups) get a chance to navigate at sea so be sure to bring your cameras. If you’ve been running around on foot, this is a nice chance to rest and take in the scenery.

Boston with Kids, Family Friendly, Newbury Street, Copley Square

Check out Newbury Street and Copley Square’s shops and restaurants.

7) Check out Copley Square and Newbury Street

Walking is the best way to take it all in and Copley Place and Newbury Street are great neighborhoods for families to explore, have a meal and people watch. Upscale Newbury Street is filled with cafes and boutiques (think toys, clothes, music and home goods) while Copley Square features a large mall (hello teenagers!), park and is nearby to the Prudential Center (Skywalk observatory has amazing views) and Boston’s enormous Central Library.

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Kids of all ages will love exploring the Boston Museum of Science.

8) Scope out the Boston Museum of Science

My daughter adores science museums and the Boston Museum of Science was one of the highlights from our summer visit. We visited the Planetarium first to see Big Bird’s Adventure: One World, One Sky which is great for children five and under. From there, we spent a half-day visiting dozens of exhibits where my daughter examined a pig’s heart and sheep eyes, played astronaut, built animal skeletons, solved engineering puzzles, created tunes on a musical staircase and learned about a proportions in gigantic math exhibit. The museum is huge with a nice kids Discovery Center (for kids eight and under) and an impressive cafeteria with water views.

9) Spend an afternoon at Harvard Square

Cambridge is a fun neighborhood to explore with kids. You’ll find cafes, shopping galore, street performances and parks to explore. This is a great spot to take in a movie, walking tour or comedy show depending on the ages of your kids. Don’t forget a visit to the famed university while you’re there.

10) Ride the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority aka The T

Boston’s subway system, knicknamed the T, is a very kid-friendly experience and easy way to get around when little feet tire out. The trains are color coded and you are either traveling in-bound or out-bound so its pretty hard to get lost. There are stops at several tourist friendly locales including Logan International Airport, South Station and North Station as well attractions like the aquarium, Faneuil Hall, Museum of Science and Harvard Square. Children 11 and younger ride free with a parent and the turnstiles are stroller friendly.

What are your favorite kid-friendly places to visit in Boston?

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Five Cool Things to Check Out …

September 19, 2019 By admin

NYC’s new American Girl Place, one of our favorite New York City hotspots has a glitzy new home in Rockefeller Center. The 40,000-square-foot flagship store is stunning and the location is perfectly central for locals and tourists. If you’ve got an American Girl doll fan at home, read on to learn about Five Cool Things to Check Out at NYC’s new American Girl Place.

Five Cool Things to Check Out at NYC’s New American Girl Place

1) The American Girl Salon, Only At American Girl New York

One of the major enhancements at the new American Girl Place is the gorgeous American Girl Salon. Dolls have always been able to enjoy salon pampering but now girls can get in on the spa and salon action too. Girls can choose hairstyles to match their dolls (or not) and they can now enjoy mini mani’s and ear piercing alongside their dolls. And yes, the ear piercing is major news! Girl hairstyles start at $25 while doll styles begin at $10. It was so fun to watch my daughter and her doll Lea have their hair done in matching styles with coordinating ribbons. If you’re looking for a special girl’s day out treat, a stop here will definitely impress everyone. You’ll want to review the salon options and make reservations in advance, especially over holidays and weekends.

2) The New American Girl Cafe

Always a classic choice for a special dining treat, the new American Girl Cafe features modern decor, an updated a-la-carte menu and they have done away with the set seating times so you won’t find yourself waiting in a long line. You and your dolls can enjoy brunch, afternoon tea, lunch or dinner with old menu favorites (pink lemonade, pigs-in-blankets, cinnamon buns, chocolate mousse flowerpots) as well as new offerings. Dolls can enjoy meals (in their own seats – so bring them along or borrow one at check-in) and girls are given souvenir dining accessories to use and take home. We enjoyed our lunch and my daughter loved getting to share the experience all glammed up along with her doll. Yes, they have private rooms for birthday parties so keep that in mind when birthday season arrives.

3) Explore American Girl Books and Movies

The new American Girl store features a comfortable section where kids can watch the company’s award-winning movies and videos. There is also a cozy nook where kids can browse the brand’s hundreds of best-selling fiction and advice books. I love that these areas are for kids (and parents) to relax as shopping in NYC can be very hectic. My daughter is in third grade and the American Girl books have really been essential in teaching her how to navigate friendships and her growing body.

4) Create Your Own Design Studio

My favorite new addition is the Create Your Own Design Studio where girls can custom design their own doll via an online experience that takes personalization and customization to a whole new level. There are more than one million possible design combinations from hairstyles, eye colors, skin shades and accessories galore so girls can truly create the doll of their dreams. Girls can also design one-of-a-kind doll and girl-sized clothing at the design studio, which can be printed in-store. If your daughter likes to add her personal touches to everything, she will love these new options.

5) Check out the American Girl Doll of the Year!

We’re huge fans of these annual additions (like Gabriela, Grace and Lea) and I love that the 2018 American Girl Doll, Luciana Vega encourages girls to explore science as she aspires to explore Mars someday. The New York City store features a special section dedicated to the annual doll as well as specialty items (like cafe drinks and salon services) toys and clothes. Best of all, the BeForever characters and newer dolls are featured in special showcases where girls can get a glimpse into their worlds and play in interactive areas. Younger girls will especially love exploring the WellieWishers and Bitty Baby areas.

Ready to visit? Check out my Top Tips for Visiting American Girl Place in NYC and pin this for your next NYC trip.

Have you been to NYC’s new American Girl Place? Who is your favorite doll?

Thanks to American Girl for providing us pampering spa services and lunch. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

NYC With Kids: Take a Sail …

August 9, 2019 By admin

Cruising around Manhattan is always a good idea but it’s extra fun on an authentic 1930’s tugboat! If you’re looking for a unique way to see New York City, try this one-of-a-kind sail around Lower Manhattan.

Sail around Lower Manhattan aboard W.O. Decker, New York's last working tugboat. — Sail around Lower Manhattan aboard W.O. Decker, New York’s last working tugboat.

Perfect for tweens and teens, a sail aboard W.O. Decker, New York’s last working tugboat offers stunning views of Lower NYC and the Statue of Liberty and an opportunity to get up close and personal with the captain and crew.