10 Things Kids Gain from Sleepaway Camp

A few years ago, my friend Julie and I were miserable because our girls went to sleepaway camp for two weeks. We were missing our kiddos, obsessing about whether they were OK, and we started asking ourselves why we even send them. Is it really worth being away from them for such a long time? After feeling sorry for myself (and making a really big mojito) things started to come into perspective. The girls LOVE camp and they are lucky to be able to have this experience. So Julie, as we head into another summer of our girls being gone, let’s think about all the things they gain from sleepaway camp.

INDEPENDENCE

I can be a bit controlling at times (OK…my girls sometimes call me their ‘smother’) so camp gives them a chance to make some decisions on their own. They get to choose what activities they do during free time, when to write home (only once last year for my youngest…big sigh), and when to brush their teeth (I’m embarrassed to tell you how many times that actually happened!). Camp gives them the chance to make unexpected choices like when my older daughter chose to go on a long bike ride with a group of girls she didn’t know and ended up having a great time.

SOCIAL SKILLS

When you are placed in a cabin with 11 other girls, it is a crash course in social skills. You learn to be cooperative, respectful, and empathetic. This is a great chance to learn problem solving since there are bound to be disagreements.

(more…)

June 27, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Stone Zoo

The Stone Zoo is on 26 acres, so it is a small zoo that can easily be enjoyed in a few hours. Since the zoo is only about a half hour from Boston, it is the perfect day trip.

Our favorite animals at the Stone Zoo

There are so many incredible animals to see at the Stone Zoo in their many exhibits. Let me introduce you to some of our favorites:

My all-time favorites are the flamingos!!

(more…)

June 20, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

25 Best Summer Reads for 2022

Tomorrow is the FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!!! Is there anything better than lying on a hammock by the lake or sitting with your toes in the sand at the beach? Actually yes…doing it with a book you can’t put down. Here are 25 of the best summer reads for 2022! Not all of them are new releases. Some are blasts from the past you might have missed.

Have a fabulous summer!

(Click on the title to get more information!)

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

BY: Alma Cuervo

(Yes, I’ve recommended it before…yes, it’s that good!)

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

The Upstairs Wife

By: Rachel Hawkins

(more…)

June 6, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

De Palm Island, Aruba

De Palm Island

(Aruba)

De Palm Island is a wonderful place to escape to spend the day relaxing and playing in the sun. Swim, eat, drink, and enjoy a stunning little island.

Getting to the Island

If you have your own transportation, you can drive yourself to the ferry terminal. However, if you have no car, no worries…you can get picked up from your hotel by the De Palm bus and they’ll drive you over. Once you get to the terminal, jump on the small ferry and take a lovely 10-minute ride over to the island.

Check Out the Beach

We found a great spot in the first row of papillons and had an amazing view of the stunning beach area. Just look at this view! To warn you, a lot of the beach had rough coral at the entrance. We figured out that if you went in through the left side of the beach, there was no coral. I felt bad for people walking into the water and twisting their faces in pain. You may want to bring water shoes. The beach is smaller than I expected, but it was fine since people seem to spread out on the island.

Snorkel Time

This was our favorite activity we did n the island and we actually did it twice. They provide flippers and snorkels and everyone must wear a floatation device.

You enter the water off this dock.

As soon as you enter the water you start seeing fish.

The reef is not colorful, but it is still really pretty. There were so many different fish and many of them come right up to you.

We had such a great time! You may want to bring an underwater camera.

Adorable Flamingos

These adorable birds were so beautiful and we couldn’t get enough of them.

You could take turns going into the enclosure to take pictures with them but you can’t touch or feed them.

Look at how beautiful they are!

Slides

A set of cement steps (lots of them) bring you to a Body Drop Slide. I was in awe of my daughter as I watched the tube close around her, heard the countdown, and then watched the floor drop from under her as she slid down the steep slide. I didn’t do that one, but I loved the two twisting slides. They were especially fun when you’re racing each other down.

Kids’ Waterpark

Young kids looked like they were having a blast in the kids’ waterpark. It has water cannons, tipping water buckets, slides, and more.

Time to Eat

The island has two spots to eat…the grill and the buffet. The grill has items like burgers, French fries, and hot dogs.

There is also a buffet with salads, potato salad, coleslaw, fish, chicken, desserts, etc. All food on the island is all-you-can-eat! Look at the gorgeous view you have as you eat.

There is also a bar that has cocktails, beer, and soft drinks. Best part…it’s an open bar!

What Else Can You Do There?

For an extra cost, you can do Sea Treks, Snuba, hair braiding, massages, temporary tattoos, and premium seating.

How Long Can Your Stay on the Island?

It is open daily from 10:00- 5:00.

How Much Does it Cost?

Adults (13+) $119

Kids (4-12) $95

Kids under 4 are free

Tips for a Perfect Day

You can rent beach cabanas and private cabanas but you may want to do it in advance because there was none left when we got there.

They offer daily salsa lessons.

Banana boat rides are offered throughout the day.

Bring a change of clothes. There are outdoor showers to get all the sand and salt off your skin.

You need to bring your own towels.

Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.

Click here for their website.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/depalmisland/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/depalmisland

May 31, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

May 2022 Product Roundup

Hello May! I’ve been anxiously waiting for you and have been enjoying being out in nice warm weather! This month we’re thinking ahead to all those amazing men in our lives and celebrating Father’s Day. Here are some amazing products that would be perfect gifts. Enjoy our May 2022 Product Roundup.

Sock Box

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THEM

Who doesn’t love a fabulous pair of socks? Sock Box allows you to have 1-2 awesome pairs of socks delivered right to your door. I love the element of surprise that comes with this subscription. Sock Box believes in giving their customers the best. All the manufacturers and brands they work with have high quality products that they stand behind.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

We were thrilled to be given a 3-month subscription. Our April box included:

East of Liberty

Richer Poorer

Our May box had:

Brooklyn Strong

Hitsu Socks

WHAT DOES IT COST?

(more…)

May 30, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

10 Tips for Taking Kids to a Broadway Show

There’s no better place to watch theater than Broadway! Some people think it is an activity that’s only for adults, but I couldn’t disagree more! There are so many great family shows and kids will never forget their first one. However, family + Broadway = $$$ so you might want to plan ahead! Here are 10 tips for taking your kids to a Broadway show:

(more…)

May 23, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Marriott Aruba Ocean Club

Photo Credit: Marriott

Marriott Aruba Ocean Club

Our next stop on our mother/daughter Aruba trip was the beautiful Marriott Aruba Ocean Club. We chose to stay here because we wanted a little more space to stretch out after sharing a room for the first two nights. This hotel was more of a condo style, so we had a bit more privacy. We didn’t have far to walk since the hotel is right next door to the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, where we had spent our last two nights.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT OUR STAY!

May 16, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Review

Photo Credit: Marriott

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

After a long, cold winter (did I mention LONG?) my thirteen-year-old daughter and I couldn’t wait to get our toes in the sand. We were on our first solo mom/daughter trip outside of the US, and Aruba was the perfect destination for our stay. There are several Marriott hotels on the island and we couldn’t choose which to stay at so we decided to stay at two of them because they were right near each other.

Click here to read all about our stay.

May 9, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Viewpoint Hotel (York, Maine)

There is something soothing about the ocean. The smell of the salt in the air, the breeze blowing on your skin, and the calming sound of waves crashing on the shore makes you feel present. The coast is my favorite place to visit when in Maine. I couldn’t think of a better place to escape before the madness of end-of-the-school-year activities. The Viewpoint Hotel is a stunning little piece of paradise with unimaginable views. I decided to bring my high school daughter along with me and it was the perfect place for us to relax and recharge.

Click here to read all about our stay.

April 25, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

10 Amazing Mother’s Day Gift

Our April 2022 Product Review is dedicated to the amazing women in your life…MOMS! Mother’s Day is right around the corner and they deserve something special. Here are 10 amazing Mother’s Day gifts for these fabulous women! And if you’re a mom…treat yourself to something just for you…you deserve it!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!

Doing Good

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

I always love to hear a company’s mission because it tells a lot about their character. Doing Good Co says their mission is to build others up. The products included in these amazing gift boxes are something that offers inspiration and makes someone feel special. Throughout her life, Sydney, the founder of the company, has had one unwavering purpose – to find ways of encouraging others. I love that she offers the choice between a one time gift box and a subscription plan, where the gifts will keep on giving. You can make it more personal by selecting individual things you want to include in your gift. Choose from items such as candles, wooden signs, mugs, stationary, bracelets, lip balms, and much more.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

Be Still Box

(Size: small $17.99)