Autumn Bucket List

I LOVE FALL! The crisp smell in the air, the crunch of leaves under your feet, and the fabulous display of color on the trees. It’s one of my favorite things about living in New England. However, I feel like this season goes by so quickly so we have to make the most of it while it’s here. So, what do I do? That’s right…a LIST! Here is a list of 35 items for my Autumn Bucket List:

Apple picking

There are so many amazing farms out there and doesn’t an apple taste best when it’s picked right from the tree, rubbed on your shirt, and you take a big CRUNCH out of one! Here are 15 of the best apple orchards in New England.

Burn some autumn scented candles

Autumn candles set the mood. Some wonderful ones include: Yankee, Pumpkin Spiced, Village Candle, Warm Apple Spice, Yankee, Macintosh, and Sweet Water Décor, Hello Fall.

Make some gourmet s’mores

At the lake we have making s’mores down to a science. Gourmet s’mores are when we use yummy candy bars instead of plain chocolate. This Hershey’s S’mores Caddy is great to store everything.

Make some warm apple cider

Warm apple cider is one of those drinks that immediately puts me in a calm mood. Here is a great recipe for homemade apple cider. The cinnamon sticks are key!

Time to take out those cozy sweaters

Sweater weather!! It’s a great time to invest in a few sweaters that you will wear all winter long. Check out this gorgeous long cardigan. This jacket sweater is perfect for layering in fall. I love the wooden buttons on this cable knit sweater.

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March 20, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

15 Teen-Friendly Activities in Boston

Boston, Massachusetts is one of those cities I immediately fell in love with… cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and it’s WICKED New England charm. It was love at first sight! Boston is a city with rich history and culture that offers family-friendly activities to explore. From outdoor adventures to educational experiences, there are many things to see and do in Boston that the whole family can enjoy. Here are ten family-friendly activities to do in Boston:

Visit the New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a popular attraction for families, featuring over 20,000 aquatic animals, including sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and touch tanks, where they can get up close and personal with marine life. Make time to watch a 3D movie at the Simons Theatre.

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October 25, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Itinerary for 2 Perfect Days in Portsmouth, NH

Itinerary for Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is one of my favorite coastal towns in New Hampshire. It is classy, yet welcoming, and the perfect destination for families. It has it all… beaches, art galleries, lobster boats, seafood restaurants. It holds a special place in my heart since we were married here. Every time I come back; the memories come floating back. Here is an itinerary for 2 perfect days in Portsmouth, NH.

DAY 1

On the way to Portsmouth, stop in the beautiful town of New Castle.

Head over to the picturesque 32-acre park, Great Island Common.

The park has 2 lighthouses…

The Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

And Whaleback Light

Check into Your Hotel

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August 8, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Santa’s Village

There’s nothing as magical as the spirit of Christmas and at Santa’s Village your family can experience this feeling even in the middle of summer. So many amusement parks seem the same, but Santa’s Village offer a unique concept. As soon as you walk through the front gate you will be transported into a winter wonderland and you’ll soon forget it’s August! My family has been going to this park for years and it’s become a tradition for us to go on my youngest daughter’s birthday. We loved bringing our friends there this year! Here are 10 things my family loves doing at Santa’s Village:

ELFABET GAME

Ever since my girls were little, this was a nice way to do a scavenger hunt while going about our day. After entering the park, head over to Elf University to pick up your elfabet card. As you walk around the park, you’ll see elves with various letters on them. Simply punch out the letters on your card and bring it back to the university at the end of the day to claim your prize. (Hint…bring it back even if you don’t find them all.)

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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.

January 24, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Day in Boston with Teens

If you live in New England and have a teen that loves theater, then Boston is the perfect destination for a getaway. Plays, musicals, bands… Boston has it all! Here is an itinerary for an amazing day in Boston with teens:

Check In

First stop is to drop off your bags at Kimpton Nine Zero hotel. This boutique hotel has it all…gorgeous rooms, elegant charm, and one of the most desirable locations in the heart of Boston. I recommend a City Skyline 2 Queen Beds room. The room has personal touches that give it historic charm while keeping modern amenities. (Check out a review of our stay!)

Look at the stunning view we had!

New England Aquarium

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January 20, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

New England Aquarium

(Boston, Massachusetts)

As soon as you walk through the doors of the New England Aquarium, you leave the busy streets of Boston and are transported to a world under the sea. Beneath the dim lights you are surrounded by the calls of penguins and the shadows of the large fish swimming in the center tank.

Our favorite animals live outside of the aquarium and even if you choose not to go in, take some time to visit with the adorable Atlantic harbor seals. They are seriously the cutest little guys and they are so curious that they come right up to the tank to peek at you. Look at this sweet face!

Now let me show you around the aquarium.

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January 10, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

House of Seven Gables

Salem, Massachusetts

If you are in Salem, MA, and want to get away from all the talk about witches, The House of the Seven Gables may be the destination for you. This historic home, built in 1668, is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. Take a guided 45-minute group tour through this seaside home. You’ll have an expert guide that is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject. Never read the book? Don’t worry…most visitors haven’t. It’s a wonderful way to get a glimpse of what Salem was like at that time period.

What do you see during your visit?

Let me show you a peek at some of the rooms you’ll view:

Make sure you go outside an look at the view of the harbor.

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October 14, 2021 mytravelingkids.com

A Visit to Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

If you are looking for a lovely activity for the whole family to do while you’re in Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum is a wonderful option. It was a gloomy, rainy day outside when I visited and it was the perfect place to spend the morning. Take a peek at some of the pieces that I most enjoyed:

Protector Goddess, mid-1800’s. Artist in Kerala, India

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July 8, 2021 mojo_services_admin_5176

Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Quechee, Vermont

While I was in Vermont, I wanted to get outside as much as possible, and the 47 acres of VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science) was the perfect place to breathe in some fresh air.

First stop…Forest Canopy Walk

I love great views but I hate heights, so I sometimes miss out. Not at VINS…their Forest Canopy Walk let me experience being eye level to the treetops without the fear. At some points I was over 50 feet in the air, and I loved every minute of it! Ok…so I was a little nervous at first because sections of the walk are on metal grates that you can see through…but I got used to it. What I like best about the canopy walk is all generations can do it together.