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Showing posts with label new york city. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new york city. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Where the Globe-Trotter Rests

In keeping with Karam's wandering lifestyle, we created a mural in his room to represent all his travels. Thanks Tom of Pied Piper Designs for making it happen!

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The artist at work

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Sydney, San Francisco and NYC

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Delhi and Mumbai

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Africa (he hasn't been yet but we were being proactive)

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Barcelona and Dubrovnik

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The friendly skies

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The full effect


Other posts in the Miscellaneous  series:

Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Traveling Parent


Monday, October 18, 2010

New! Momaboard Maps

Your own little diaper bag companion, with all Momaboard's recommendations highlighted to make your trip enjoyment-packed and stress free!

Barcelona, Spain

Budapest, Hungary

New York, United States

Shanghai, China 

Sonoma, United States

Sydney, Australia

Sunday, September 19, 2010

New York General Travel Tips

1. You wouldn't think it, but NYC is actually one of the most baby-friendly cities I have been to, perhaps because it has to cater to the needs of its diverse population. Despite the fact that the city is big and intimidating to most, you can find tiny oasis of child-friendly activities scatter throughout the island of Manhattan. Further, since this is the retail capital of the States, there is nothing you can't find in New York, no matter how rare or weird.

2. Transportation in NY is fairly easy: the subway connects most destinations and is handicap-accessible at most stations, taxis are easy to come by and fairly reasonable, and the numbered streets are simple to stroll through. You do not need car seats in NY taxis but make sure to buckle up because NY has some of the worst traffic and drivers in the country. Buses are available as well, but are harder because they can get pretty crowded and you have to do the whole stroller-folding thing.

3. Basic baby supplies are available at Duane Reade, which you will come across at practically every block, CVS pharmacies, and major supermarkets, D'Agostino and The Associated. And of course because this is New York, specialty stores will take care of the rest.

4. Every cuisine in the world is available in NY, including vegetarian, vegan and organic options. No dearth of variety here.

Other posts in the New York City series:


New York, United States: Must-Visit Toy Stores


New York, United States: The Best Kids' Bookstore Ever!

New York, United States: Our Favorite City Playgrounds and So Much More..

New York, United States: Fabulously Friendly Brunches

New York, United States: 10 Reasons We Love Bryant Park


New York, United States: 2 Kid-Friendly Daytime Itineraries (Tourist and Non)

New York can be a bit overwhelming if it's your first time. Here are a couple of kid-friendly itineraries to help you navigate the maze that is the Big Apple:

Itinerary 1 : The Tourist Route:
  • Start the day with a gander down to Bryant Park. Grab a mid-morning snack and coffee at the grill upstairs
  • Fuel up and get ready to hit up Toys-R-Us in Times Square
  • Walk up Broadway and marvel at the lights while baby takes a nap in the stroller
  • End up at Central Park and veg out for a bit. Hit up the Victorian Gardens amusement park for some  fun rides
  • Have a coffee at the Time Warner Center
  • Walk over to FAO Schwarz and check out the cool toys
  • Head home for detox from toy overload before getting a babysitter for the night
 Itinerary 2 : The Non-Tourist Route
  • Check out the kiddy boutiques on Thompson street in Soho. Bundles and Les Petits Chapelais are worth a visit.
  • Have brunch at the famous Balthazar if you are looking for a scene, or at Jane's at W. Houston if you are feeling more casual
  • Walk up to 18th Street (about 30 mins) while baby snoozes to Books of Wonder. Have a coffee and cupcake while checking out the literary treasures there
  • Head out to Madison Square Park for some water play and tire swinging
  • Head home and unwind for the night
    Photobucket Enter code "Momaboard" when shopping at bundlesnyc.com and get 10% off your entire order or mention Momaboard and get 10% off at the store
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Saturday, September 18, 2010

New York, United States: Momaboard's Portable New York Map

Your diaper bag companion with all Momaboard's recommendations. Simply print, and be on your way!


View Momaboard.com's Portable New York Map in a larger map

Friday, September 17, 2010

New York, United States: Our Favorite City Playgrounds and So Much More..

NY's city parks try very hard to encourage outdoor living, and they succeed - weather permitting anyway. Over-the-top play structures, great food options and free wi-fi are some of the things that make the following parks hot favorites with kids and adults alike.

Madison Square Park: Straddling the 24th street block between Fifth and Madison, Madison Square Park has a "where everybody knows your name" kind of vibe. The playground is teeming with kids, giant screens present communal viewing of hot events and the Shake Shack is great for burgers, juices or just water. Big plus that it is fairly contained so no one can get too lost, but everyone can find their own corner of peace. The water play area was a highlight with Karam on a smouldering NY summer day.

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Union Square Park: The latest in NY's city playgrounds, this one is bursting with creativity, with funky yellow tunnels and slides for the yunguns and space-themed climbing structures for the older kids. NY is obviously into water play because the sprouting fountains here occupy center court and are quite the crowd-pleaser. Since this is Union Square, the park is flanked by several cafes and restaurants and a Babies-R-Us and Children's Place if you are up for some shopping.

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Central Park: One of the most famous city parks in the world, Central Park does not disappoint wrt its offerings for children, be it winter or summer. Aside from the actual playgrounds (find them on the interactive map on the website), the special attraction in the summer is the Victorian Gardens, the ice rink that is converted into a mini amusement park. Not exactly cheap ($6.50 pp but one adult accompanying a child is free) but filled with age-appropriate rides and activities (and lavender candy floss, on which I overdosed). You can pay per ride ($2each) or buy the all-you-can-eat package (again one adult can ride with the child for free). My only caution here is that the attendants are not always mindful or aware of the restrictions of a ride and may permit a child to ride alone when they should be accompanied by an adult. So use your judgement and the guidelines displayed at the entrance of every ride. When you are done, hang out by the pond or take an (overpriced) horse carriage ride around the park and wave out to fellow riders.

Grab a coffee at the Time Warner Center, if not for the perfectly fluffy quiches at Bouchon bakery, then for the gorgeous views of Columbus Circle.

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Other posts in the New York City series:

New York General Travel Tips

New York, United States: Must-Visit Toy Stores

New York, United States: The Best Kids' Bookstore Ever!

New York, United States: Fabulously Friendly Brunches

New York, United States: 10 Reasons We Love Bryant Park