kids Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Globetrotting Mommy

Are we there yet? A new iPad …

November 27, 2013 By admin

If you’re heading out of town for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to download the Map the World iPad app before you go. It’s free, its fun, its educational and it”s a great app for traveling since it will keep the whole family entertained.

Globetrotting Mommy – Travelzoo’s Map the World iPad app review

This new iPad app, launched as part of Travelzoo‘s 15th birthday celebration, offers up nine puzzles for kids and adults to hone their geography knowledge. You simply drag the colorful puzzle pieces into the matching spot while recordings of the place’s names help you learn how to pronounce them.

Globetrotting Mommy – Map the World iPad App

I did a few puzzles and they were quite challenging (I’m talking to you Oceans and Seas). I really thought it would be too hard for my 4-year old but when I set her up with the United States puzzle, I was pleasantly surprised to see her finish it (in 10 minutes but still…). If you’re traveling with grandparents, I think this would be an easy app to get them working on their techie skills since its pretty self explanatory and they’ll enjoy the congratulatory prompts along the way.

The new iPad game also introduces players to one of the world’s poorest countries, Malawi. Through a giving-back program, Travelzoo is encouraging parents to donate $1 or more to Open Arms Malawi, a charitable organization that provides medical attention, shelter, education, food and love to some of Malawi’s 1,000,000 orphaned and abandoned children. A nice touch to go along with giving thanks this season.

What’s your favorite app for traveling?

Road trip: The Crayola …

November 13, 2013 By admin

My daughter is very artsy so when I heard that the Crayola Experience (formerly the Crayola Factory) had been expanded and renovated, I knew we had to check it out. Located about 90 minutes from New York City, its a great spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway. We stopped by on the way to visit family in Northern PA so it was a nice way to break up our trip.

Globetrotting Mommy – Crayola Experience

We arrived shortly after opening so the crowds weren’t too bad. I definitely recommend arriving early if possible. The Crayola Experience features four floors of activities for kids of all ages (no lie, we’re talking toddlers to teens) making it a great family destination. Crayons steal the show (fresh crayon smells waft throughout the exhibits) but you will also find activities that involve markers, wax, modeling clay and other artistic mediums.

Admission includes three tokens which can be used at Wrap it Up (custom crayons anyone?), Marker Mania and Modeling Madness. Additional tokens are $.50 each and you will definitely need more if your kids are anything like my daughter. Start at the theater which features a 20-minute interactive show (part human and part animation) detailing how crayons are made. As you exit, you receive a newly born crayon. Throw it in your welcome bag and start your adventure. Our first stop after the show was Wrap it Up. We had a lot of fun making custom crayons as souvenirs for our friends and family.

Globetrotting Mommy – Crayola Experience

From there we wandered up each floor and explored the activities. Basically, my daughter quickly ran from one activity to the next while we chased her around holding the map and snapping photos. You know how that goes. The favorites were Melt Down (painting with various colors of melted crayons), Art Alive (an animation area where your artwork appears on the wall), Be a Star exhibit (smile and your picture turns into a coloring page, T-shirt, puzzle, etc.), Doodle in the Dark (you move on the mat and the coordinating crayon dances on the screen), Puzzle It (turn your drawings into puzzles), Paint Palette (a crafting area) and Drip Art (a very cool crayon version of spin art). There were a handful of activities that were available for an extra charge which I found a bit annoying but they were mostly on the outskirts so that was nice. Be prepared to say yes or you might face a non-crayon type of melt down…

Globetrotting Mommy – The Crayola Factory – Art Alive

Globetrotting Mommy – Crayola Experience

While we didn’t explore every single area (way too crowded play area, water works area seemed out of place, etc.) we still managed to spend about four hours and had a great time. Be sure not to miss the memorabilia throughout the museum like the old school photos of vintage crayon boxes and their featured colors. Exit through the gift shop (of course) but this one actually features a nice array of gifts and souvenirs (including design your own packs of crayons and markers).

Things to know:

Admission to the Crayola Experience is $16.99 per person when you buy tickets in advance online. Kids under two are free. Annual passes are just $34.99 and are worth the price if you plan to visit two or more times in a year.

There is a cafe on the first floor or if you’re feeling adventurous, visit one of the downtown Easton restaurants within walking distance. Be sure to check out the directions and parking information before you go and let me know what you think.

Bon voyage.

Stella and Dot’s new …

November 12, 2013 By admin

Every little girl I know adores dress up. The more ruffles, jewels and tiaras the better, according to my daughter who is four going on 14. Since so much of the plastic princess jewelry breaks in about three minutes, we’ve gone through a lot of heartache over broken baubles. I was super excited when I attended the Fashion Forward Conference and learned that Stella and Dot, a real jewelry company known for their quality and fun styles, had introduced a girl’s collection.

Globetrotting Mommy – Stella & Dot

The styles are perfect for little and big girls with an adorable and chic mix of butterflies, flowers, pearls, rhinestones, chunky beads and fun charms. I love that they are casual enough for the playground and classroom yet dressy (or fancy as my kid says) at the same time. Globetrotting girls will especially love the Paris with Love Necklace and matching Paris Trio Earrings.

Here are some of my Stella and Dot favorites for girls:

Globetrotting Mommy – Stella and Dot

I think these would make great birthday or holiday gifts for any little jet setting girl.

Note: I was not compensated for this post but I did receive the Paris Trio Earrings in the Fashion Forward Conference goody bag. As always, all opinions are mine.

Day Trip: Pumpkin Picking on …

October 24, 2013 By admin

Pumpkin picking on Long Island is one of my favorite fall traditions. If you’re looking for a great day trip from NYC this weekend 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!

Globetrotting Mommy – Pumpkin Picking on Long Island

You’ll want to get there as early as you can (they open at 9 am) to avoid crowds and get the best photo ops and pumpkins. The $13 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 Maze from 7:30 – 10 pm on October 26th. And if you visit on Sunday, October 27th 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

Still not ready for Halloween, check out my post on Halloween costumes and Halloween gift ideas.

Great gift ideas for Halloween …

October 15, 2013 By admin

Here in the United States, Halloween is one of the biggest holidays around but did you know that a number of countries around the world also welcome the winter season with parties, costumes and sweet treats?

In Mexico, they celebrate El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with festivities and parades. In Spain, they eat “Bones of the Holy” pastries. In Holland, they celebrate Saint Martin’s Day by singing songs and eating sweets or tangerines.

If you’re looking for some non-candy Halloween gifts for kids, here are some of my favorite ideas:

How cute are these Trumpette Ghost Socks?

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Gift Ideas

These limited edition Halloween pacifiers from MAM come in a reusable case that can be used in the microwave to sterilize pacifiers. So smart.

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Gift Ideas

Kids of all ages will love these Uglydoll Universal Monsters available individually or in this adorably spooky set featuring Dracula, Frankenstein, The Bride, The Wolfman, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Mummy.

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween gift ideas

Girly girls will want to get their nails into the holiday season and this little ghouls piggy paint set is sure to please with glow-in-the-dark white, orange and black polishes.

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Gift Ideas

Books are always a great gift idea and this Creepy Carrots tale is a fall favorite in my house.

How about a gift kids and parents will love? Everyone loves Charlie Brown and this classic It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown DVD will keep the whole family entertained.

Happy Halloween season, wherever you’ll be celebrating!!

Get around town fast! Best …

October 1, 2013 By admin

Have your kids tired of riding in their stroller? Are you happy because you hate pushing that thing around town? Yes and yes…move over stroller, its time to check out the best scooters for kids.

Living in NYC, the early morning school commute options involve buses, subways, taxis, scooters or good old fashioned walking. The pre-school set seems to be the biggest fans of scooters and my daughter insists on riding hers most days. I like to indulge her because she thinks she’s getting a special treat but the reality is kids on scooters move fast and that is a win-win for moms hoping to make it anyplace on time.

Most scooters come apart making them a great option for taking on a trip near or far. Just don’t forget to pack your helmet.

Globetrotting Mommy – Best scooters for kids

Little kids: The Micro Mini leads the pack with NYC kids. The three-wheel design, easy steering and user friendly brake make this a perfect choice for beginners. It comes in a whole slew of rainbow colors and its super lightweight. Grab some stickers and plaster your name on it and there will be no fights in the playground. Recommended for ages 3-5 but my almost 4-year old daughter has been using this since she was 2.

Globetrotting Mommy – Best scooters for kids

Big kids: The Maxi Micro (recommended for ages 5-12) features three-wheels and a choice of two steering options (Pilot stick or traditional TBar). The quality is great and adjustable steering stick means it will grow with your child. Available in rainbow or metallic options.

Globetrotting Mommy – Best scooters for kids

Got Kids with Allergies? …

September 18, 2013 By admin

Children’s allergies are no joke. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics one out of every 12 children, or 11.8 million, has a food allergy and the CDC reports that one in 10 children have Asthma.

If you’re traveling far away or just down the road for a playdate, make sure your kids with allergies or illnesses are protected with these must-have products from AllerMates.

Globetrotting Mommy – Kids with allergies must have

I like these adjustable (fits most kids) allergy alert wristbands for kids with allergies to foods (peanut, egg, tree nuts, dairy, shellfish, fish, soy, sesame) and other sensitivities (Penicillin, insect stings, latex, pollen, cats, etc.). There are also wristbands to identify Diabetes, Asthma, Autism and vegan children.

Got a kid with more than one allergy? No worries, the multi-allergy wristband can fit up to six health charms (everything from peanuts and food dyes to I Carry an EpiPen®). Enter to win one below!

They also carry a wide range of “Do not let me eat ____.” stickers as well as lunch and snack bags that say “I have allergies” or “I’m Wheat Gluten Free.” And they have just launched a line of EpiPen®, Auvi-Q and Asthma Inhaler carrying cases

Globetrotting Mommy – Kids with Allergies Must Haves

AllerMates is offering Globetrotting Mommy readers a 20% discount code on all items (discount code: GTM13) and they have donated a multi-allergy wristband for one lucky winner. To enter, just like Globetrotting Mommy on Facebook and comment below which allergy/illness charms you’d put on the wristband. Deadline to enter is September 25 at midnight and the winner will be announced on September 26th.

Do not even think about leaving your kids with allergies at any hotel kids club without loading up on these items.

Created by a mom, of course…

DIY Toys for home and away …

September 12, 2013 By admin

Do you do like to do crafty art projects with your babes? Do you like to travel? Here’s a win-win idea for DIY toys you can use at home or away.

If your kiddo is obsessed with dramatic play time like mine, you will love this DIY pretend city idea I spotted on Kids Activities Blog. Since you really can’t fit a dollhouse into a suitcase, this is the next best thing.

Globetrotting Mommy – DIY Toys for travel

With just paper bags, old newspapers, paint, markers, stickers and a stapler, your little architects can create towns big or small. You can make them in advance and stuff them when you get to your destination or you can use your travel surroundings for inspiration. Imagine a skyline, a beach village, or a small town. So cute.

Bring along some super heroes and princesses, Little People, My Little Pony toys or Barbie dolls and you’re good to go.

What are your favorite toys for traveling?

Back-to-school or traveling? …

August 26, 2013 By admin

Tis the season for back-to-school shopping! Here are some of the best backpacks for school and travel.

Skip Hop makes the cutest stuff and their Zoo Packs Little Kid Backpacks are just adorable. Your tot will have a hard time deciding between the 16 animals – think ladybug, monkey, zebra, giraffe, frog, shark, and more. These mini-backpacks are the perfect size and you can get matching lunch bags too.

Globetrotting Mommy – Best Backpacks Skip Hop Zoo Pack Backpack

This Girls’ Tulle-Around Backpack from J.Crew will please any wanna-be princess. Available in bright berry or ivory, this is just the pick for your girly girl.

Globetrotting Mommy – Best Backpacks Girls’ Tulle-Around Backpack

Shark week anyone? This shiny silver Shark backpack is great for school or a scuba diving vacation.

Globetrotting Mommy – Best Backpacks Shiny Silver Shark Backpack

This fun Spiketus Rex backpack comes in full, half-pack, nibbler and mighty bite sizes so the whole family can match. Available in a full range of citrus, aqua, pink, black and multi-color, this is a great option for girls and boys.

Globetrotting Mommy – Best backpacks

Available in little (pre-school) and big kid sizes (ages 5-10), these backpacks from Beatrix New York are chic and sturdy. Take your pick from poodles, whales, dinosaurs, owls, monkeys, ladybugs, robots, etc. and don’t forget the matching lunch boxes and wheelie bags.

Globetrotting Mommy – Best Backpacks

Do your kids have favorite backpack for toting around their stuff? Let me know.

Best diaper bags for …

August 21, 2013 By admin

Traveling with a little one anytime soon? Below are my picks for the best diaper bags for traveling – think lightweight and functional. These diaper bags will fit all your supplies without screaming “I’m a tourist.” And yes, they all include the mandatory changing pad.

For the Mommy who makes it look easy:

I’ve never met a LeSport Sac bag I didn’t like and LeSport Sac’s Ryan diaper bag does not disappoint. Available in an array of solids and fun prints (love the bronze lightning, black patent and pinkie dot) this roomy classic is very durable, very lightweight and very easy to clean.

For urbanites like Eloise’s Mommy:

City moms like to look sleek and stylish day and night making this Carry Love Tote from TWELVElittle diaper bag a great option. Available in plum, teal and black, the chic and roomy bag features pockets galore and unlike many totes, it has a large top zipper closure for added security.

For the Jon & Kate Plus 8 Multiples Mommy:

When you’re running after a brood, you need your hands free. This quilted TWELVElittle Companion Backpack diaper bag comes to the rescue in teal, plum or black water resistant nylon. The lightweight backpack is roomy inside and out with multiple compartments, side pockets and a secret bottom pocket.

For the Fancy Nancy Mommy:

The sleek Kate Spade Stevie Diaper Bag is as chic as gets in the land of diaper bags. Made of durable nylon that wipes clean, this baby features several compartments and a change purse.