United States Archives - Globetrotting Mommy

Fun Food Friday: Around the …

February 5, 2021 By Globetrotting Mommy

Hosting an Around the World Party or just want your kiddos to try some new flavors and foods? It’s Fun Food Friday and these adorable foodie flag plates are sure to please. They look great and some are so easy the kids can make them on their own. Try sneaking in a few geography and trivia questions while they’re nibbling. They’ll never notice.

This All-American Flag made of hot dogs, ketchup, and mustard is great for a backyard barbecue or kid’s birthday party.

USA Foodie Flag – Globetrotting Mommy Fun Food Friday

This Italian flag made of basil, spaghetti and tomatoes is perfect for a make-your-own-pasta party.

Italy Foodie Flag – Globetrotting Mommy Fun Food Friday

This Swiss flag is made of charcuteries and Swiss cheese. A great option for a picnic or after-school snack.

Swiss Foodie Flag – Globetrotting Mommy

India’s flag features curries, rice, and a pappadum wafer. This is a great option for introducing kids to some new flavors.

India Foodie Flag

This Australian flag is made from mincemeat and sauce. Think of it as a down-under version of pot-pie.

Australia Foodie Flag – Globetrotting Mommy Fun Food Friday

Kids love cheese and these Greek and French flags are a great way to get them to try some new varieties. The Greek flag is made of Feta and olives and the French flag is made of Blue cheese, brie and grapes.

Greek Foodie Flag – Globetrotting Mommy

France Foodie Flag – Globetrotting Mommy

United Kingdom’s flag is made from scone, cream and jams making it a great option for a tea party or weekend brunch for any London lovers.

United Kingdom Foodie Flag

Which is your favorite?

Have a great weekend!

Puzzles for Kids: Explore the …

September 25, 2020 By Globetrotting Mommy

Puzzles have become one of my favorite pandemic pastimes. Until family vacations are back, here are some cool puzzles for kids to explore the world from home.

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Puzzles For Kids: Explore the World From Home

This World Map Foam Puzzle would be a great play date activity for young elementary school kids. Play some international tunes and serve fun global bites and the kids won’t even realize they’re learning.

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Foam World Map Puzzle

This wooden USA Puzzle Map from Melissa and Doug is a great way for kids and up to learn their United States geography.

This wooden USA map puzzle is a great choice for elementary school kids.

This 3D Globe Puzzle from Ravensburger is a good option for kids ages 7-12. The 180-piece puzzle features curved pieces that click into a solid ball when completed. I love that it includes a rotation stand for display.

3D Globe puzzle

Tweens and teens can spot some insta-worthy global landmarks in this 1000 piece Globetrotter Jigsaw Puzzle.

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Cool puzzles for kids – Globetrotter Jigsaw Puzzle

For artsy kids (and adults) Michael Storrings has a slew of scenic puzzles from favorite cities like NYC, Paris, London, etc. Here’s New York City’s Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, 1000 piece puzzle.

Which is your favorite?

2016 Best Family Vacations in …

April 25, 2016 By admin

Since I’m in Disney World this week (be sure to follow along on Instagram and Snapchat!), I thought I’d share some exciting findings from the 2016 Family Fun Travel Awards which ranked some of the best family vacations. The winners include the most family friendly resorts, historic sites, national parks, museums, cities and more. Without further ado, here are the winners in the Northeast category…

2016 Family Fun Travel Awards – Northeast

Best Family Vacations in the Northeast – Hershey, PA

Top Family Resort: The Hotel Hershey, PA
This is one sweet hotel. You could spend a whole vacation on the premises, enjoying indoor and outdoor pools, walking trails, a ropes course and zip line, kayaking, and more. But you wouldn’t do that, would you? No, you wouldn’t, because the roller coasters and waterslides of Hersheypark and the delicious desserts of Hershey’s Chocolate World are minutes away by shuttle.

Hershey, Pennsylvania is one of my favorite vacation spots! If you’re heading to the sweetest place on earth be sure to check out my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark and Top 10 Family Friendly Things to Do in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Best Family Vacations in the Northeast – The Statue of Liberty

Top Historic Site: Statue of Liberty National Monument/ Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, NY & NJ
Between 1892 and 1954, more than 12 million immigrants debarked on Ellis Island under the blazing torch of Lady Liberty. Today, families still visit these iconic American monuments by boat, but they’re highly advised to reserve tickets far in advance. Ellis Island’s kid-geared audio tours paint a vivid picture of life as an immigrant; and if you’re ready for the burn (and are over 4 feet tall), venture the 377-step climb to Lady Liberty’s crown.

The Statue of Liberty is a perfect day trip for a NYC vacation or staycation. Before you go, be sure to check out my Top 5 Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty.

Top National Park or Preserve: White Mountain National Forest, NH
This wilderness park takes up about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire—and outdoor fun is serious business here. In winter, families flock here to ski; in summer, they come to hike, bike, boat, and explore granite caves (try Polar Caves Park in Rumney, NH). The base towns of North Conway, Jackson, and Lincoln all offer diverse lodging and dining options.

Top Children’s Museum: The Strong Museum of Play, Rochester, NY
A leader in the field of play and games, The Strong is a research center, toy museum, and all-around amazing interactive kid space rolled into one. The indoor butterfly garden, climbing wall, aquariums, and mini passenger train complement a host of hands-on learning areas, including the new Build, Drive, Go exhibit that features construction toys and vehicles of all types.

We’ve visited this museum on several occasions and it is definitely worth the trip.

Best Family Vacations in the Northeast – Boston, MA

Top Kid-Friendly City: Boston
Boston is big enough to offer a smorgasbord of awesomeness, from the New England Aquarium and Fenway Park, to first-class art, science, and children’s museums. Even so, it never feels like a mega-city—it’s walkable and clean, with good public transport and distinct areas to explore, like the Italian North End (homemade pasta!), Boston Harbor, and the bustling college town of Cambridge. Plus, it’s the birthplace of the American Revolution, which even the most jaded tween has to admit is pretty cool.

Boston is one of my favorite US cities. If you’re headed to Beantown this summer, be sure to check out Boston with Kids: Top 10 Family Friendly Attractions.

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

Thanks to Momtrends for inviting me to the #Momtrendstravel blogger event and providing me with a goody bag. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Southern Charm Aplenty in …

October 16, 2015 By admin

One of my favorite family friendly vacation spots is Charleston, South Carolina where the weather is mild, the food is delicious, the shopping is abundant and the city’s charm is never ending.

Southern Charm Aplenty in Charleston, South Carolina

I’m super excited to guest post over at The Chirping Moms where I share my Top 10 Family Friendly Things to Experience in Charleston, South Carolina. Be sure to follow Courtney and Julie’s family friendly adventures, crafty creations and great fashion picks as well as their Where to Wednesdays posts.

Have a great weekend!

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Travel Inspired Decor for …

March 11, 2015 By admin

If you’re decorating a nursery or kids room this spring, here are five of my favorite travel inspired decor finds.

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How fun is this iron Pottery Barn Kids USA Shelf for a kids room or playroom?

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Decorating Finds for Travel Inspired Nurseries and Kids Rooms

I love seeing globes in kids rooms and this Land of Nod Chalk Around the World Globe (in gold, red or blue) is a great way for kids to draw continents or write to-do notes.

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Decorating Finds for Travel Inspired Nurseries and Kids Rooms

These airplane shaped Can’t Miss Wall Hooks are a fun way to help kids hang their coats and backpacks.

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Decorating Finds for Travel Inspired Nurseries and Kids Rooms

I just ordered this fun “Oh the places you’ll go!” print for my daughter’s room. I’m loving pink and gold for a girly girls room.

Decorating Finds for Travel Inspired Nurseries and Kids Rooms

These giant floor pillows from Etsy come in different sizes and configurations featuring spots all over the world. I think this North America bean bag pillow would be super fun in a playroom or nursery.

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For more inspiration, check out my Fun Nursery and Kids Room Ideas board on Pinterest.

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Fun Food Friday: State Series …

September 5, 2014 By admin

Are you looking for a fun way to sneak in a little geography learning with your kids? Check out these handmade wooden State Series cutting boards from Etsy’s AHeirloom shop.

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Fun Food Friday: State Series Cutting Boards for Globetrotting Foodies

I think they’d be a great gift for any budding culinary star or globetrotting family. You can have icons engraved to commemorate cities where you got married, had children, went to school, etc. making it a fun family heirloom. Available in large or mini sizes, these cutting boards would also be a great gift for that person who has everything. Just pair it with a local cookbook or ingredients and you’ve got a fun foodie gift.

Bon appetit!

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Family Fun Magazine Announces …

April 7, 2014 By admin

Wondering where to plan that family vacation now that spring has finally sprung? FamilyFun magazine asked families to rank the best family travel destinations for their annual travel awards and the 60 winners have just been announced.

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Globetrotting Mommy: Family Fun Magazine Announces Travel Awards Winners

From Florida amusement parks, Midwest zoos and New York museums, family friendly locations across the country were selected as the top spots by region. The list of regional winners is below. I’ve been to all spots in the Northeast and some in every other region except the Midwest. Looks like I’ve got some exploring to do.

Globetrotting Mommy: Family Fun Magazine Announces Travel Awards Winners

Top Destinations by Region

Northeast

1. The Strong, NY

2. Hershey Park, PA

3. Bronx Zoo, NY

4. Acadia National Park, ME

5. New York, NY

West

1. Disneyland Park, CA

2. Disney California Adventure

3. Yellowstone National Park, WY, MT, & ID

4. Yosemite National Park, CA

5. Sea World, San Diego, CA

South

1. Magic Kingdom Park, FL

2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure, FL

3. Orlando, FL

4. Universal Studios Florida

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, FL

Midwest

1. Cedar Point Amusement Park, OH

2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD

3. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, NE

4. Toledo Zoo, OH

5. Brookfield Zoo, IL

What area do you think is the “Most Fun Region” for family getaways? Visit facebook.com/FamilyFun to cast your vote.

Fun Food Friday: Celebrate …

March 14, 2014 By admin

Irish Coffee is one of Irelands most famous drinks and one of the best Irish Coffee spots in the US is San Francisco’s famed Buena Vista. According to the bar’s history, in the early 1950’s, the combined efforts of the former owner, a travel writer and the mayor of San Francisco, a dairy owner, resulted in the successful re-creation of the Irish original.

Irish Coffee, St. Patrick's Day, San Francisco, Buena Vista

Fun Food Friday: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with San Francisco’s Buena Vista Irish Coffee

(photo credit)

If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by. If not, why not recreate the famous recipe at home.

Irish Coffee

• Fill a glass with very hot water to preheat, then empty.

• Fill three-quarters of the glass with hot coffee and drop in 2 sugar cubes.

• Stir until sugar is dissolved.

• Add a jigger of Irish Whiskey (1.5 oz.)

• Top with a collar of 2 oz. whipped heavy cream by pouring it over the back of a spoon.

• Enjoy while piping hot

Have a great weekend!

Globetrotter Wish List: Top 10 …

November 26, 2013 By admin

It’s time for globetrotting guys on my next holiday gift list! Check out the next round of great picks in my Globetrotter Wish List: Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Men…I think these gifts would be great for dads, grandpas, uncles, doormen and other important guys in your lives.