Globetrotting Mommy

All things family, fun or just plain fabulous!

Gulliver’s Gate NYC: a …

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The latest NYC tourist attraction has arrived and it is definitely worth checking out with or without the kids.  Gulliver’s Gate is a “mini-world” exhibit in Times Square where families can wander from city to city, exploring the whole wide world in one trip. We checked it out at the grand opening party and I especially loved looking at all the mini NYC sights and landmarks. Just look at all the tiny details in this amazing downtown scene…

Such amazing details in the mini downtown NYC at Gulliver's Gate.

Such amazing details in the mini downtown NYC at Gulliver’s Gate.

We explored the hundreds of built-to-scale scenes from Europe, Asia, Latin America, Russia, New England, the Middle East and Washington DC, as well many other regions around the globe. My daughter especially enjoyed Gulliver’s Gate’s interactive aspects, including moving model trains and cars, as well as ships that sail, bridges that open and close, characters that move about and balloons that float through the air. Kids are given special keys to unlock some of the moving parts and this really helps to keep them focused on each exhibit.

Since we were just in London, my daughter loved naming all the London landmarks and watching the tiny queen come in and out of Buckingham Palace.  Can you spot her below?

Scenes from around the globe at Gulliver's Gate in Times Square, NYC.

Scenes from around the globe at Gulliver’s Gate in Times Square, NYC.

 There are so many famous landmarks like the Pyramids, the Colosseum, the Louvre, the Panama Canal, Big Ben, and more as well as scenes of locals all over the world. From playgrounds and concert halls to airports and subway stations, you can easily spend hours exploring around.
Gulliver's Gate NYC: a small, small world opens in Times Square

Gulliver’s Gate NYC: a small, small world opens in Times Square

Gulliver's Gate NYC: a small, small world opens in Times Square

Gulliver’s Gate NYC: a small, small world opens in Times Square

I personally loved the crazy attention to detail in all the exhibits as well as the cheeky adult finds like the Beatles crossing Abbey Road in London and the Obamas waving from the White House.

Teeny Tiny Beatles crossing Abbey Road in London at Gulliver's Gate.

Teeny Tiny Beatles crossing Abbey Road in London at Gulliver’s Gate.

If you’re looking for a fun keepsake, there is a full-body scanner and 3-D printer that allows visitors to make miniature versions of themselves to take home or you can opt to have your mini model live as a “model citizen” of Gulliver’s Gate. Tres cool.

What an awesome way to show kids the world’s landmarks and teach a little geography along the way. Visiting information and pricing can be found here.

Have you visited New York City?  Tell me your favorite spot in the comments below.

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Great Vacation Books for Kids …

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

Great Vacation Books for Kids. Globetrotting Mommy.

Great Vacation Books for Kids.

5 Great Vacation Books for kids…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Potty Training Around the …

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Potty training was definitely one of my most challenging parenting tasks to date.  If you’ve got potty training on your to-do list, this weekend’s impeding winter storm Jonas could be a good time to stay home, roll up the carpets and see how things go. Be sure to stock up on reward stickers, training underwear and cleaning supplies…

Potty Training Around the World and Travel Must Haves

Potty Training Around the World and Travel Must Haves

If you want some global potty training inspiration, check out this Potty Training Around the World story.

And, if you’re traveling with a newly potty trained kid, be sure to check out these Five Must Haves for Traveling While Potty Training. It can be very challenging to be on the go with little ones so try not to over schedule trips and be mindful of travel times and traffic delays.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the snow…

 

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Globetrotting Girls Alert: The …

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My daughter’s bedroom features a collection of dolls from around the world garnered from our travels, kind friends and family (thanks Uncle Burt!).

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

If you’re looking for a super cute way to decorate your daughter’s bedroom or playroom, look no further than The Land of Nod’s new Dolls of the World series.

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

The 13″ dolls feature traditional clothing and hairstyles from their native country and they are just adorable.  Little ones will love seeing how people around the world play dress-up without flying international. The grouping includes five cultures: German, Spanish, Japanese, Russian and Dutch. Check them out:

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, German, Germany, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, Spain, Spanish, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, Japan, Japanese, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, Russia, Russian, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, Dutch, Holland, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

I think these would be super cute for a nursery, bedroom or playroom. Which one is your favorite?

Be sure to follow my Pinterest Fun nursery and kids room ideas board for more decorating ideas and also check out my picks for a Safari themed nursery.

 

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I AM ELEVEN: Sneak peek into …

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When I was a new mom, I remember venturing out to the movies to see a documentary called Babies that chronicled the lives of four babies around the world.  I was amazed to see how different moms (and babies) had it in other countries (no wipes, no plush stroller buntings, oh my!) but the unifying theme was how the babies were loved and cared for in their communities.

I AM ELEVEN, Documentary, 11 year old, around the world, children, movie

I AM ELEVEN

I recently had the chance to see I AM ELEVEN, a new documentary that follows 11-year olds all over the world and it was a great sneak peek into the future for me. My daughter is almost five now and she’s so grown up in so many ways but clearly she’s still a little girl. Filmmaker Genevieve Bailey traveled to 15 countries to explore the world through the eyes of 11-year olds and the result is a fascinating look at the fleeting moment between childhood and adolescence aka middle childhood.

I loved seeing the children’s different environments and learning about their concerns and hopes for the future.  Some children were orphans while others were living pampered lives but the overall message was one of hope, curiosity and excitement for the future. Their dreams varied from becoming a ballet dancer, actress or secret agent to being a famous rapper or getting engaged in college, yet they shared a love of singing and dancing.

The film is currently playing in New York City with plans to open in California this month followed by Boston, Chicago, Washington DC and other markets.  I think its a fascinating must-see for children, parents and grandparents so be sure to check it out in a theater near you.

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