beach Archives - Globetrotting Mommy

Top 10 Must-Have Items for …

June 9, 2020 By admin

Welcome back from the 2020 Corona virus hiatus! Now that summer travel is becoming more of a reality, I think we are all looking forward to some close to home family trips. While you dip your toes back into summer travel, be sure to check out these must-have items for summer travel.

1 – Waterproof Footwear – Summer footwear is important since slippery pavement and hot sand are never fun. For water parks, pools, lakes and beaches you’ll want to pack comfy, waterproof footwear for the whole family. For water parks, swim socks and rubber-soled beach shoes are great because kids can wear them all day. For rocky beaches and lakes, be sure to get a waterproof shoe with anti-slip sole, or Crocs. For strolling around town, Salt Water Sandals, Birkenstocks and Tevas will provide more support than flip flops.

2 – Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag – Water and cell phones are never a good combination so invest in a waterproof phone case, wearable pouch or dry bag. If you want really great underwater shots and movies, bring a GoPro.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel: Master Lock SafeSpace portable safe is perfect to store small valuables.

3 – Portable Safe – I’m a paranoid New Yorker who hates leaving anything valuable out of sight so I travel with a Master Lock SafeSpace® Portable Personal Safe. With this portable safe, I can safely lock up my keys and money, secure it to a lounge chair or table, throw a towel on top and jump in the pool.

4 – Floats – For kids who haven’t fully mastered the art of swimming, be sure to pack a floatation device. I recommend the Stearns Kids Puddle Jumper Life Jacket Vest (one of the few coast guard approved devices) for toddlers or a backpack type device like the Water Gear Back Float 4-Color Split Back Float for older kids.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. Don’t forget to label your water bottles.

5 – Water Bottle – Bring along a labeled water bottle for each family member so everyone stays hydrated and be sure to refill them with ice water throughout the day. My favorite leak-proof bottles include Camelbak, Contigo, and Nalgene.

6 – Skin Protection – Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Kids know the drill but packing some easy to use sunscreen sticks will make the process less painful. Don’t forget to bring sun protection lip balms as well.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. 2020 summer travel. Globetrotting Mommy.

Water Parks 101: Bring quick dry towels.

7 – Quick Dry Towels – Some water parks and pools provide towels so be sure to find out before you go. If you need to bring your own, try a lightweight microfiber towel.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. Don’t forget the cover-ups.

8 – Sun Protection Clothing – For summer travel, you’ll want to bring rash guards, sun hats or visors and a cover-up for each member of the family. Be sure to label your clothing with waterproof labels like Mabel’s Labels.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. Don’t forget the goggles.

9 – Goggles – If your kids have never been to a water park, be sure to bring along some goggles. Some kids are sensitive to the splashing water so goggles help on rides and in the splash parks.

10 – Sunglasses – Last but certainly not least, be sure to bring along UV protection sunglasses for kids and adults.

Pin for later…

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel - Summer 2020 Travel. Globetrotting Mommy

Happy travels…

Top 10 Cool Things to do in …

July 31, 2019 By admin

Taking a trip to Wildwood, New Jersey is like going back to a care-free time way before frappuccinos and Splena were invented. I couldn’t get enough of the the old-school architecture and was thrilled to find an absence of chain stores and avocado toast at every turn. When I heard the Star Spangled Banner play on the boardwalk as it opened and noticed everyone standing at attention, I knew I wasn’t in NYC anymore. If you’re looking to escape from hectic city schedules and have a fun summer getaway, Wildwood is the perfect place to unplug.

Top 10 Cool Things to do in Wildwood, New Jersey

It turns out, the New Jersey shore is way more family friendly than I ever thought. My family and I spent Father’s Day weekend checking out the fun-filled Morey’s Piers and its neighboring beach town and today I’m sharing my picks for the Top 10 Cool Things to do in Wildwood, New Jersey!

Top 10 Cool Things to do in Wildwood, New Jersey

Miles of gorgeous beaches await travelers in Wildwood, New Jersey

1) ENJOY MILES OF FREE BEACHES

The Jersey Shore town of Wildwood features miles of wide sandy beaches that are perfect for kids of all ages. Just steps from the boardwalk, the beach is perfect for an afternoon break or an all day adventure. Families with a lot of stuff will love the beach taxis that will magically transport your items down to the beach (and back!).

The iconic Wildwood beach balls are a great photo op.

2) SNAP A PIC WITH THE WILDWOOD BEACH BALLS

I’d seen these pics in my Facebook feed for years but seeing these gigantic beach balls in person will really make you say “wow” out loud. If you’re looking for a colorful family photo or selfie, be sure to strike a pose. The best times are early in the morning or before sunset.

Be sure to enjoy boardwalk treats like Johnson’s caramel popcorn.

3) TASTE TONS OF BOARDWALK TREATS

Boardwalk food and summer time go hand in hand so don’t miss the many tasty treats available in Wildwood, New Jersey. From funnel cakes and ice cream to fried Oreos and potato spirals, there is something for everyone. Our favorites were frozen treats from Polish Water Ice and Kohr Bros, Curley’s lemonade and the most amazing caramel popcorn from Johnson’s Popcorn.

StarLux Mini Golf has three family-friendly courses.

4) ENJOY A GAME OF MINI GOLF WITH A VIEW

Mini-golf is a great summer activity the whole family can enjoy and the StarLux Mini Golf in Wildwood, New Jersey has three fun courses (beach, boardwalk and ocean) with cute decor, fun memorabilia, tricky water features, and awesome ocean views. If you’ve got a multi-generational family group, this is a fantastic activity.

Renting a surrey is a family friendly way to explore Wildwood, New Jersey

5) TAKE A MORNING RIDE ALONG THE BOARDWALK

The two-mile boardwalk is just perfect for a family bike (or scooter) ride so be sure to plan one early morning for a ride. Bikes are allowed on the boardwalk until opening time and there are tons of rental shops around town. We rented a surrey and had so much fun riding it from our hotel to the end of the pier and back. If you’ve got small kids, this is a great option.

The rides and attractions on Morey’s Piers will thrill everyone in the family

6) RIDES, RIDES AND MORE RIDES AT MOREY’S PIERS

With three huge piers filled with everything from tot rides to upside-down thrill rides, adventure junkies of all ages will want to spend some serious time here. If you like your adventures wet, be sure to pack a swimsuit for the two awesome water parks. More details coming in my next post…

The Pan American hotel has direct access to the beach as well as a gorgeous swimming pool.

7) KICK BACK IN VINTAGE 1950s – 1960s STYLED HOTELS

You’ll need a few days here so be sure to book a stay in one of Wildwood’s vintage (yet thoroughly modern – hello free wifi) hotels. We stayed at the Pan American Hotel which was one of the areas first hotels and I loved all the vintage photos, letters and architect drawings as well as the aircraft inspired decor and furnishings. Our room had a fully stocked kitchenette, dining area, living area with a pull-out-bed and balcony overlooking the pool so we had plenty of room to spread out. We loved the hotel’s hearty breakfast options and friendly waitstaff who remembered us each morning.

Strike a pose for an old school photo on the Wildwood Boardwalk

8) UNLEASH YOUR INNER GANGSTER OR FLAPPER GIRL

My daughter was obsessed with the Old Time Photo shop and as much as I tried to dissuade her with my concerns over lice and germs, she did not budge. My husband agreed to be in the photo with her and I was happy to oversee their costumes choices. There were hundreds of costumes and props to choose from but they finally went with gangster and flapper girl. If you’re into this kinda thing, this is definitely a good spot to do it.

The Sightseer tram is a great way to travel the Wildwood Boardwalk.

9) REST YOUR FEET AND TRAVEL BY TRAM

Exploring the boardwalk and piers involves a lot of walking (as much as a day at Disney!) so definitely bring a stroller for small kids and jump on and off the tram to conserve energy. The iconic Sightseer tram car runs along the long Wildwood Boardwalk.

The many shops along the Wildwood Boardwalk have something for everyone

10) SHOP TILL YOU DROP

If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring home, there are dozens of shops selling clothing, mugs and magnets, sweets (chocolate covered everything and fudge galore), swimwear and more fidget spinners than I’ve ever seen in one spot!

Have you ever visited Wildwood, New Jersey? Tell me your favorite memory in the comments below.

Thank you to Morey’s Piers for providing our hotel accommodations and some meals and activities. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 10 Tips for Visiting …

June 20, 2019 By admin

A summer trip to Wildwood, New Jersey is a great retreat for families who love their beach trips with a side of adventure. If you’re headed to the Jersey Shore, you will definitely want to check out Morey’s Piers, three fun-filled piers offering amusement park rides and coasters, water park fun, boardwalk games, culinary treats and so much more. Read on for my tips for visiting Morey’s Piers.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

Dress cool and comfortable for a day at Morey’s Piers.

1) What to Wear

A day at Morey’s Piers means a beachy outfit and super comfortable shoes like strappy sandals or Birkenstocks. Pack swimsuits, rash guards and waterproof phone pouches if you’re planning to get wet and don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. I highly suggest a small cross body bag that you can wear on the non-water rides and water shoes and rashguards for the kids.

The VIP Behind The Scenes Tour is a great way to learn about Morey’s Piers History.

2) Book a Morey’s Piers VIP Tour

For kids 12+ and adults, the Morey’s Piers VIP Tour is a unique opportunity to learn all about the inner workings of the three Morey’s Piers. The 90-minute tour is led by a Morey family member and explains all the magical details that go into keeping Morey’s Piers safe, clean and friendly. I loved seeing the back-of-house storage and maintenance areas, watching how the workers maintain 300+ feet of roller coaster tracks and learning about the magnetic roller coaster brakes. I also loved learning a little trivia like they go through 400,000 pounds of potatoes each summer! The tour ends with a bucket of Curley’s famous french fries and other fun souvenirs.

3) Have a Plan

If you’re traveling with a large group, pick a meeting spot and have younger kids wear waterproof ID bands in case they get lost. There are three piers (Mariner’s Pier, Surfside Pier, and Adventure Pier) with attractions for all ages so you might want to spend an hour or two at each pier before scheduling the entire day.

We loved all the family friendly rides at Morey’s Piers

4) Don’t Miss the Family Friendly Rides

Yes, there is the Giant Wheel and multiple carousels (with an upstairs and spinning teacup seats!) but don’t miss the many other family friendly rides. The giant Seagull cycles that give you a great aerial view of the piers and the ocean as you pedal along. The Flying Galleon monorail is a fun pirate themed ride we all enjoyed and don’t miss the kid friendly roller coasters, tilt-a-whirl and bumper cars and my daughter’s personal favorite, the Kite Flyer. There are plenty of toddler-friendly rides so everyone can get in on the action. Note: It can get quite windy on the rides so bring a jacket if you go at night.

Tasty snacks are everywhere on Morey’s Piers.

5) Take a Snack Break

Walking tacos, funnel cakes, french fries, crepes, pizza, popcorn and ice cream are just some of the delicious food items available at Morey’s Piers. We loved taking an afternoon snack break and trying new treats like Curley’s fries and sweet lemonade. And yes, there are some healthy options too like colorful smoothie bowls.

If you love thrill rides, don’t miss FLY! – The Great Nor’Easter

6) Try a Thrill Ride or Two

My daughter was just short of the 52″ height minimum for FLY! The Great Nor’Easter ride but my husband and I both tried it out and it was definitely one of the fastest and most scenic rides we’ve even ridden. My personal favorite was The Great White since I prefer not going upside down. And you can probably guess we were all too chicken to try the really crazy adventurous Springshot and Skyscraper rides but loved watching…

You can enjoy tasty sit-down meals at several Morey’s Piers restaurants

7) Enjoy Great Dining

Just because you’re on a boardwalk doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice meal. After a full day of running around, we loved our leisurely dinner of healthy salads, generous kids meal options and salmon perfectly cooked on a plank at Joe’s Fish Co. Other great spots for a sit-down meal are Stubborn Brothers where we enjoyed tasty appetizers and frosty cocktails (and mocktails) on the beachfront patio, Jumbo’s for oversized crab cakes and sandwiches and Taco Joint for south-of-the border faves.

Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis Water Parks are fun for the whole family

8) Splash Away at Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis Water Parks

These two water parks open before the rest of the piers so pick the sunniest day of your trip and map out some water park fun for the whole family. Both parks feature kiddie play areas with water canons, nets, ropes and water sprays. The entire family will enjoy the awesome lazy rivers and adventure seekers will love Shotgun Falls which features a six-foot drop and the WipeOut racer slides. I loved how clean and orderly everything was kept as well as the large seating areas, locker areas, and large bathrooms. Bring your own lightweight towels and goggles as well as a waterproof phone pouch and portable safe.

My daughter enjoyed a kids yoga and art class on Adventure Pier.

9) Get A Taste of The Arts on Adventure Pier

Stop by the artBOX Store on Adventure Pier and check out the funky original artwork including sculptures and prints, clothing, memorabilia, home goods and more. Don’t miss the galleries which are located inside old freight containers and climb up the steps for an awesome view. Check the events schedule for music and crafts offerings.

10) Chat With The Staff

Many of the employees running the rides are foreign exchange students from around the world. We had the best time chatting with these enthusiastic students and watching them smile and clap as we were on the rides.

Have you been to Morey’s Piers? What are your tips for visiting Morey’s Piers? Tell me your favorite ride in the comments below. Ready to plan your trip? Check out these Top 10 Cool Things to do in Wildwood, New Jersey.

Thank you to Morey’s Piers for providing our hotel accommodations and some meals and activities. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Summer Fun: Top 10 Things to …

June 13, 2017 By admin

I’m always amazed by all the things to do in Coney Island. From beaches and museums to all-day amusement park rides and family-friendly eats, Coney Island is a great day trip for the whole family. Read on for my favorite Coney Island picks…

Top 10 Things to do in Coney Island

Luna Park has 30 family friendly rides.

1) Ride the family friendly rides at Luna Park, NYC’s largest amusement park. New this year, Luna Park’s all-day wristband includes unlimited rides (one ride per visit for the Coney Island Raceway and Slingshot) on all 30 Luna Park attractions including the Cyclone. Now that my daughter is over 48” inches, she loved going on The Tickler and Steeplechase rides.

2) Bring your swimsuits and hit the waves at Coney Island’s beach. Coney Island boasts nearly three miles of family friendly beach so bring a cooler and chairs and stay for the day or just take a quick dip and get back on the rides. Don’t forget the sunscreen and other family friendly beach essentials.

3) Stop for a photo-op and snack at Coney Island Walls, the outdoor museum of street art.

10 Things to do on Coney Island. Ride the iconic Cyclone roller coaster.

4) Celebrate the Cyclone’s 90th anniversary by riding this iconic roller coaster (must be 54 inches). I guarantee you’ll love it.

Nathan’s Famous is a must for Coney Island visitors.

5) Have a hot dog at world’s famous Nathan’s Famous. If you’re up for it, join in on the world famous July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest.

6) Take a spin on the historic B&B Carousell which has been gorgeously restored.

7) See the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball team in action at MCU Park. Their Sunday Funday games include kiddie perks and giveaways with themes including Paw Patrol, Marvel Super Hero Nights and more.

8) Join in on the famous Mermaid Parade taking place on June 17.

Dino's Wonder Wheel is one of Coney Island's top attractions.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel is one of Coney Island’s top attractions.

9) Take a spin on Deno’s Wonder Wheel, the centerpiece of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. This 97-year old Coney Island landmark offers the best beach and boardwalk views with a choice of swinging or stationary cars. You’ll also find dozens of family friendly rides here including some newly restored vintage rides.

10) Walk along the boardwalk and discover old school arcades, circus shows, and the nearby New York Aquarium.

Before you go, be sure to check out my Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island and check out the events calendar.

Have you been to Coney Island? Tell me your favorite thing to do there in the comments below.

Special thanks to the Alliance for Coney Island for inviting us to participate in Coney Island Family Blogger Day. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

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.