Archives for December 2018

Liberty Science Center, Jersey City – Fun for All Ages!

December 16, 2018 by

As parents to a 21 month old toddler, we are always looking for fun things to do in the New York and New Jersey area.  Even though I have lived in the city on and off for 20 years, it took until today to go visit the amazing Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, just a few minutes outside the Holland Tunnel.  We had so much fun!  I didn’t know if there would be a lot to do for someone so young, but there was a great “I Explore” exhibition with all kinds of interactive activities for the little ones.  The planetarium is spectacular, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and is showing “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure.” It also has a lazar light show and other shows for all ages.  

This winter, the Liberty Science Center is showcasing Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit and The International Exhibit of Sherlock Holmes.  Although my daughter is not familiar with  Doc McStuffins yet, she had such a blast, playing with all of the dolls, giving them bottles, bathing them and putting them to bed in their bassinets.  She talked on the play phones and went up and down the slide several times!  If it wasn’t nap time, she probably could have stayed there all day!

Other permanent exhibitions include the Dream Machine, Touch Tunnel, Infinity Climber, Eat and Be Eaten, Bees to Bots, Pixel Art, and a bunch more.   For a list and explanation of all the exhibits, click here,

If you need a snack break, the cafe at the Liberty Science Center is affordable and has a variety of food including fresh pizzas to healthy hot foods you can get by weight or as a side.  There is a salad bar and a variety of snacks.

So if you’re looking for some family fun and learning on a cold winter day, or anytime of year, the Liberty Science Center is a great place to spend a few hours or an entire day!  Click here for admission details.

Filed Under: Destinations

Club Med Sandpiper Bay – The Perfect Family Retreat!

December 11, 2018 by

Are you looking for a great last minute family getaway for the holidays or New Years? Maybe you want to wait for the airfare prices to dip and take a trip in January.  If you do decide to head down to Florida for the holidays or add on a few days when visiting family, Club Med Sandpiper Bay is a extremely fun and relaxing all-inclusive family getaway.   For the holiday season, they have special holiday programing  including a Snowman on Sand Contest, holiday themed parades and shows, meet-and-greets and gifts for Santa, elegant holiday dinners and festive cocktail parties.  This is on top of their already comprehensive schedule of programs and activities for both adults and kids.  

We decided to add on a few extra days  when visiting the grandparents nearby in Boynton Beach a few months ago and drove just an hour to Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida.  Did you know there was a Club Med so close in the U.S?  The last time I was at a Club Med I was single and in Turks and Caicos.  Having the ability to still enjoy the French influence with the amazing culinary options, extensive activities, relaxing spa, and above all, the award winning baby and kids clubs made for an exceptional getaway.

My daughter has never been in daycare, so I didn’t know how it would be dropping her off at the Baby Club, but once there, she had a great time with the other children.  The GOs were terrific. They took her to lunch, put her down for a nap, went for a ride around the resort in their buggy and  then in the pool to go swimming.  This was in addition to the open play they had for the various age groups.  They have baby and kids clubs for children up to age 17.

The international buffets were terrific.  Each breakfast, lunch and dinner had a different theme each day.  And of course their traditional chocolate bread was included!  There is also an option to enjoy a sit down restaurant, also included in the cost of the resort.  They offer babysitting, for a small charge, to watch the little ones at night if you’d like to make it a quiet and romantic night.  The buffet seating is extremely family friendly with lots of kids all around, plenty of high chairs and a selection of food for all ages.  They also have a baby bar with soft foods and milk, a bottle warming station and other staples for your baby. 

Club Med Sandpiper Bay makes traveling with your little ones very simple.  They will provide you with a pack n play, diaper station in your room, a baby bathtub, and a stroller so you don’t have to worry about bringing any of that with you on your trip.  We all know how much we already have to pack, so the fact they make it carefree also helps with making the trip as stress free as possible.

I hope we can make Club Med Sandpiper Bay a family tradition.  Maybe I’ll pull in the rest of the family too because it really is perfect for family getaways and reunions!

Filed Under: Passport Baby, United States Tagged With: , , ,