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  • About Me
    • Hire Me!
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    • Subscribe to our List Serves!
    • Press Page - Travel
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimers
  • Family Travel
  • Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from NYC
  • Hudson Valley
    • Day Trips & Activities
  • Bay Ridge Families
    • Scavenger Hunt
    • Advertising
    • Submit Your Event
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Online Events & Local Resources in Bay Ridge during COVID-19 Quarantine

3/20/2020

3 Comments

 
updated: 3/31/20
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Spread the Love, Not the Germs:
  • Stay home!!!!
  • When taking kids out for fresh air and exercise, maintain 6 feet distance from other humans you don't live with, i.e. NO PLAYDATES!!! And don't visit places where surfaces are likely to be touched by others, i.e. NO PLAYGROUNDS!!!
  • Quarantine Rainbow Connection: Have your children draw a rainbow and put it in their window. Add your address here. View the map of rainbows here and look for them when out getting fresh air and exercise (while keeping proper social distancing!).
  • Alt Side Parking Suspended through April 14
  • Schools Closed through April 19


Local Support & Care for those in need:
  • Bay Ridge Cares - offering relief and support to local areas (food shopping, running errands, dog walking, care packages, wellness checks, etc) - contact them if you know someone in need, or would like to volunteer
  • Invisible Hands: free, safe deliveries for most at risk community members (sign up to volunteer or request a delivery)
  • NYC DOE providing 3 free meals a day for all NYC children, available at 400 sites from M-F 7:30AM - 1:30PM. Click here for locations and hours.
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Online Programs by Bay Ridge Businesses
  • Bay Ridge Ballet - FREE ballet classes on their new YouTube channel
  • Bay Ridge Jewish Center - will be offering Tot Shabbat and some other programs via FB live
  • HY Martial Arts - free live Kung Fu classes on Facebook / Instagram, ages 5+, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 3PM. FREE but donations welcome.
  • Music Together of Bay Ridge - spring semester will be online, with weekly group class via Zoom, and unlimited private Facebook lives, $115 per family from April 6, more info & register here.
  • Urban Steam Lab: virtual science class held Tues & Thurs for 3 weeks (March 31 - April 16; 6 classes) for children in 3rd - 6th grades. $120 for first child, 66% discount for siblings, inclues science kit that can be picked up or delivered locally.​
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FREE Online Programs (beyond Bay Ridge)
  • Daily @ Various Times: Free Live Stage & Classes through KidPass
  • Weekdays @ 11AM - Mornings with Papa Tom (FB Live Music Class), suggested donation $10
  • Weekdays @ 11AM-1PM - Science Mom's YouTube Live "QuaranTime"​ (Science), FREE
  • Weekdays @ 2 - 2:45PM (ages 8-12) - Live YT Art Class, Monster Art School with Steve Ellis
  • Weekdays @ 3 - 3:45PM (ages 13+) - Live YT Art Class, Monster Art School with Steve Ellis​​
  • Weekdays @ 3PM - Home Safari Facebook Lives at Cincinnati Zoo (Science), FREE
  • The Buttons Band FB & IG Live music classes, Wed @ 11AM, Thurs @ 3:30PM, Sun @ 11AM
  • FB Live Workouts by With Love Personal Training, FREE, various days/times
  • ​Ongoing interactive homeschooling classes for various ages, organized by Emily Drabinski, the head librarian at CUNY's Graduate Center and her partner, Karen Miller, a history professor at Laguardia Community College, FREE
  • List of 37+ children's musicians live online music classes
  • List of children's book authors doing online readings
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Local Deliveries:
  • BookMark Shoppe store is closed but local deliveries receive 20% off online orders with code ADRIFB
  • Bubbles & Suds -15% off laundry pickup/delivery for Bay Ridge Residents for next 2 weeks (March 16 - 30?)
  • Most grocery stores will maintain their deliveries via phone, internet, or in-store. You can also try InstaCart for delivery from Costco, Aldies, Whole Foods, etc (currently need to schedule delivery a few days ahead), Fresh Direct (currently 1+ week booked out period), and Amazon Fresh (you'll need an Amazon Prime membership, get a free 30-day trial here).
  • Leaky Barrel Wines & Sprits: call (718) 256-0346
  • Cafes and restaurants can not allow dine-in but most are offering takeout pickup and delivery.

Other Helpful Info: COVID-19
  • NY State Department of Health's COVID-19 Page
  • CDC COVID-19 Page
  • The Best Materials for DIY Masks​
  • What "Non-Essential" vs. "Essential" businesses are and what must be closed


Other Helpful Info: Remote Learning
  • NYC DOE Learn at Home Activities
  • Parents Guide to Google Classroom
  • Free Texas Instruments Software
  • Download 300,000 free books from NYPL
  • Scholastic Learn at Home Programs
  • Virtual concerts, plays, and museums

3 Comments

Spring Must Haves for Women

3/13/2020

3 Comments

 
Spring is here (or nearly here), along with Coronavirus, but this post isn't about that so much. Other than to say, online shopping and DIY hair and nails at home is where it's at, talk about proper social distancing, am I right!? Besides stocking up on sanitizing goods and staples for the pantry, how about stocking up on some fabulous springtime goodies to brighten your day and have you ready to take on the world in a few weeks (or months!?), after the whole "flatten the curve" strategy has hopefully worked and we're ready to go about our normal social butterfly lives again!
US Japan Fam's Women's Spring Must Haves
Disclaimer: This post includes some items that were provided in exchange for my promotion or review, but all thoughts are my own and unbiased. This post also includes many affiliate links - you won't pay more but I'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking. This is how we bloggers survive, ya'll! Thank you and arigatou!!!

US Japan Fam's Women's Spring Must Haves - Arcopedico Harley Wedge Sandals
Arcopedico Harley Wedge Sandals
Springtime means getting your tootsies pedicured and ready to great the world. What better way than in some super cute (and comfy) sandals!? I just recieved this pair of Harley Wedge Sandals from Arcopedico and while they are MUCH higher than my typical shoes (I'm an inch taller than my husband so tend to shy away from any lift or heel), I'm absolutely in love with them and dying for the weather to warm up so I can take them out on the town! The ankle strap is actually velcro so has some good adjustability. Upper is made of their patented Lytech™ blend, and the Arne-Dry footbed makes this wedge shockingly lightweight! You can find them in black/silver, grey/white, and camel (which I chose as I currently didn't have any neutral shoes), in sizes 36 (US 5.5) - 42 (US 10.5-11).
  • BUY:  $115 - $120 on Amazon (affiliate link) and arcopedicousa.com

Old Navy Rockstar Jeggings
I don't know about you, but I really miss my maternity pants. Not just that the elastic waist is super comfy, but buttons and zippers add so much bulk to your midsection! A fellow twin mom recommended Old Navy's Rockstar Jeggings to me about half a year ago, I ordered a few, and became a die hard fan. They're basically all I wear now. Oh crap, now everyone knows my secret. The fun thing is that they are actually jeans, not what you think of "jegging" material which is so fake and gross. These are jeans, that are nice and stretchy, and instead of a button and zipper they just have a tall elastic waist that smooths out your mom pooch instead of cutting into it creating a muffin top on even a skinny mom! They're flattering, comfy, and stylish. And if you time it right, you can grab them on a super sale, at the moment many styles are 30% off!
  • BUY: see all Rockstar Jeggings styles here (affiliate link; regularly $34.99 - $44.99)
US Japan Fam's Women's Spring Must Haves - Old Navy Rockstar Jeggings

Boxed Semi-Perm Hair Dye
I've been dyeing my hair fun semi-permanent colors for about 2 years now. You can read more about each experiment here - I've tried several brands and colors, all wash out pretty much by 10-15 washes (teal was the exception, it lingered as a hint of green for quite some time, and if you have very light hair, bleached or otherwise treated hair you may also experience lingering as well). Here are some fun springtime colors you may want to try. These contain no bleach or ammonia, which means they are kind to your hair with absolutely zero damage! And now is the perfect chance to go for some funky hair if you've suddenly found yourself working from home due coronavirus containment policies!

Glasses & Sunglasses
I've been a huge fan of DiscountGlasses.com for a while now, even before becoming one of their Ambassadors! With a large selection of glasses and sunglasses for babies, kids, and adults starting at just $20, with virtual try on and free 365 day returns, you can't lose! I recently got their super lightweight and colorful Westend Cherry Creek glasses in Multi Blue (see below left, $20 with lenses!!), which I find not just comfortable but so cheerful! And don't forget about my Westend Bexley sunglasses (see below right, $69.95 with lenses), I mean, how fabulous are these!?!?
  • Buy: on DiscountGlasses.com (affiliate link)
US Japan Fam's Women's Spring Must Haves - DiscountGlasses.com

Colorful Silicone Necklace
I got into silicone jewelry back when I had babies and wanted fun items that the kids could chew on and yank without destroying it. Fast forward a few years, my kids are 4, 4, and 7 and these are still pretty much the only necklaces I wear! HA! And every time I go out with one on, I get a compliment. So, yes, they're marketed as teething jewelry, but anyone can and should wear them. So fun! Colorful! Durable! Chewbeads is probably the most well known brand but you can find a number of brands as well as homemade ones on Etsy.
  • Buy: on Amazon (affiliate link)

Tumbler & Reusable Cups
We all know single use bottles and cups are a no no. So stop using them and make sure you have a few great reusable tumblers on hand at home, in the car, in your bag, under your stroller etc so that you're never caught out having to use a disposable one. Personally I think having really cute designs will help you stay motivated to BYO! Check some of these out:
Other great stuff and DISCOUNTS:
(affiliate links follow)

- Get straighter, brighter teeth in an average of 6 months for thousands less than braces. Get started with Candid clear aligners for 65% off the starter kit. Use code: NEWSMILE65

- Up to 65% off Women's Clothing at Jane.com! Shop today!

- Cricut Explore Air™ Machine + EVERYTHING Starter Set - Mixbook's Home Decor

- Shop Travel Label Packs from Mabel's Labels

3 Comments

Bay Ridge Area Kids Events Roundup: March 14 - 20

3/12/2020

1 Comment

 
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SPECIAL COVID-19 MESSAGE:
While there is no immediate cause for panic or mass quarantine regarding COVID-19 in South Brooklyn, we do believe practicing hand washing and social distancing to be of the utmost importance, to protect your family and the community. We will share important updates via our FB page, and you can get updates from NYC by text by messaging "COVID" to 692-692. We will continue providing our weekly kids' events roundups, but urge you to think carefully whether or not to hold or attend any indoor or outdoor group gatherings. Slowing the spread and flattening the curve of how many individuals need intensive care in the hospitals is the biggest concern here (see more on that here) - the more we limit close contact with others, the harder it is for the virus to spread (and it can be spread before symptoms are present, and by those who have it but are still going about their daily lives thinking it's just a simple cold, as is quite likely with children and otherwise healthy adults). You can find important and updates here:
  • NYC Department of Health's Coronavirus Page
  • NYC Department of Education's Coronavirus Page
  • CDC's Coronavirus Page​​
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Here's our roundup of the kids' activities and family-friendly events going on in the Greater Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn for the week of March 14 - 20, 2020!

​Don't forget to sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the loop of all the local goings on!!

​All the events and ads below are linked, so click away for more details and to double check before heading out for an event (time changes, cancellations, and mistakes do happen on occasion).

Click here to submit your Bay Ridge area family-friendly event or program for a complimentary listing in an upcoming events roundup!

Businesses are invited to read more about advertising with us and to sign up for our advertisers' newsletter to receive occasional ad specials and upcoming deadline.

Disclaimer: This post includes some affiliate links - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.
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ONGOING:​​​​​
  • March 13 - March 31: events and public programing at Brooklyn public libraries have been canceled, but for now, library branches remain open (stay updated here).
  • ​​~ March 16: UPK4 Applications for children born in 2016 (more info and apply here)
  • April 14-15-16: Evamarie Violin Workshops, ages 3-4 and 5-6
  • ~ April 24: UPK3 Applications for children born in 2017 (more info and apply here, only available in Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 27, 29, 31, and 32 i.e. not in Bay Ridge, but anyone can apply no matter where you live)​
  • ​Family Friendly Day Trips & Weekend Getaway Idea
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SATURDAY, MARCH 14:
  • FREE - Chess at 3 @ 268 36th Street @ 12:30 - 4
  • FREE - Rock & Roll Playhouse: Music of Grateful Dead for Kids @ 274 36th St (Courtyard 5-6) @ 1 - 2​
  • OGO New York's Fashion Night @ Best Western @ 6 - 9
  • Legally Blonde @ Xaverian @ 7

SUNDAY, MARCH 15:
  • Legally Blonde @ Xaverian @ 2
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MONDAY, MARCH 16:
  • ​​Tic Toc Spanish @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12

TUESDAY, MARCH 17:
  • ​BYOBaby Play Date ($5) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​​

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18:
  • ​Lavender Blues ($20) @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:45​
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THURSDAY, MARCH 19:​​
  • Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7
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FRIDAY, MARCH 20:
  • nothing on our radar
1 Comment

Bay Ridge Area Kids Events Roundup: March 7 - 13

3/6/2020

1 Comment

 
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Here's our roundup of the kids' activities and family-friendly events going on in the Greater Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn for the week of March 7 - 13, 2020!

​Don't forget to sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the loop of all the local goings on!!

​All the events and ads below are linked, so click away for more details and to double check before heading out for an event (time changes, cancellations, and mistakes do happen on occasion).

Click here to submit your Bay Ridge area family-friendly event or program for a complimentary listing in an upcoming events roundup!

Businesses are invited to read more about advertising with us and to sign up for our advertisers' newsletter to receive occasional ad specials and upcoming deadline.

Disclaimer: This post includes some affiliate links - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.
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ONGOING:​​​​​
  • ​​~ March 16: UPK4 Applications for children born in 2016 (more info and apply here)
  • April 14-15-16: Evamarie Violin Workshops, ages 3-4 and 5-6
  • ~ April 24: UPK3 Applications for children born in 2017 (more info and apply here, only available in Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 27, 29, 31, and 32 i.e. not in Bay Ridge, but anyone can apply no matter where you live)​
  • ​Family Friendly Day Trips & Weekend Getaway Idea
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SATURDAY, MARCH 7:
  • FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
  • SASKIA Kids Make Your Own Jewelry Class @ 67 35th St @ 11 - 12
  • "Hope the Koala" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
  • Mobile Pet Adoption @ My Natural Pet @ 12 - 4
  • FREE - Chess Workshop for Children @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 12:30 - 2:30
  • FREE - Chess at 3 @ 268 36th Street @ 12:30 - 4
  • FREE - Rock & Roll Playhouse: Music of Tom Petty for Kids @ 274 36th St (Courtyard 5-6) @ 1 - 2
  • FREE - Team Up To Read: Making Connections @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 3
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3
  • FREE - Cantonese / English Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 4
  • FREE - Sing 'n Schmooze on Shabbat @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 4 - 5:15
  • Legally Blonde @ Xaverian @ 7

SUNDAY, MARCH 8:
  • Legally Blonde @ Xaverian @ 2
  • Magical Purim Bash @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 2 - 5
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MONDAY, MARCH 9:
  • Dr. Alex & Friends Singalong ($10) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 10 - 11​​​
  • FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
  • ​Tic Toc Spanish @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
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TUESDAY, MARCH 10:
  • Alternate Side Parking Suspended (Purim)
  • FREE - Toy Time! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
  • ​BYOBaby Play Date ($5) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​​
  • FREE - Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11:
  • ​Lavender Blues ($20) @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:45
  • FREE - Toy Time! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
  • FREE - Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
  • FREE - Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
  • FREE - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
  • FREE - Build With LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
  • FREE - Dungeons & Dragons @ Dyker Library @ 4 - 5:15
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12:
  • Tots & Toddlers Paint @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 1
  • FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
  • FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  • FREE - Dungeons and Dragons @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
  • Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7

FRIDAY, MARCH 13:
  • FREE - Toy Time! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 11
  • FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - Kids Create: Arts and Crafts @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
  • FREE - Makerbot DIY @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
  • Parents Night Out Dropoff @ Bounce U @ 6 - 8:30
  • Legally Blonde @ Xaverian @ 7
1 Comment

Family Vacation at Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark

3/3/2020

6 Comments

 
US Japan Fam reviews The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark for the perfect family vacation near NYC
Disclaimer: Our stay and activities were provided in exchange for our honest review - all thoughts and opinions are my own and 100% unbiased!

When it comes to family vacation destinations within a 3 hour drive from New York City, your options are plentiful. We've actually reviewed many of them (see our "family friendly day trips and weekend getaways from NYC" list here), but our trip to The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark this past weekend truly blew us away. It was spectacular, non-stop fun and excitement, beautiful, just AMAZING! A must visit for any family in the Tri-State area, honestly!!! Watch our video here and read on for more about what makes The Kartrite so special!
Located in Monticello, NY, The Kartrite is just a 2 hour drive from NYC, making it the perfect weekend destination! The Kartrite hasn't even celebrated its first birthday yet, so everything is beautiful, new, and utilizing the latest technology. Take your room key for example. It's not a key or even a card. It's a wrist band!! The internal chip acts as both your room key and your water park admission! I mean, HELLO! Could they make it any easier!? At the arcade, you add activities and game tokens to your Playopolis card, and any tickets you win go back onto your card - so it's completely cash and paper free! What's more? You can get a card for each member of your family and then pool all the points to one card when checking out and "buying" your kids' prizes.
US Japan Fam reviews The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark for the perfect family vacation near NYC
There are ski slopes and cute towns nearby, but frankly, don't even bother. We spent our entire 3 days at The Kartrite and had zero desire or need to leave the fabulous facilities. At check-in we received a list of the complimentary daily kids' activities (things like STEAM projects, sand art, marshmallow towers, daily movie night in the lobby), and they even have a 3 hour nightly"Kids' Night Out" drop-off program for $55/child. We ended up spending 10am-5:30pm Saturday at the Waterpark, 10am-2pm Sunday at Indoor Adventures area, and the rest of the time either eating or lounging in the room!

US Japan Fam reviews The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark for the perfect family vacation near NYC
THE WATERPARK
It should go without saying, the waterpark is the main attraction. This is why people come to The Kartrite, and for good reason, it's spectacular!! Touted as New York's biggest indoor waterpark, and covered by the world’s largest texlon transparent roof (I didn't realize this and thankfully we didn't burn, but as per their website, apparently you can tan through it, so don't forget your sunscreen!), they really went above and beyond in every way, and entrance is included with your stay at The Kartrite (even on check in and check out days). To top it off, it was the most physically pleasant indoor waterpark we've been to. We've visited many where either the air or the water wasn't quite warm enough, and left you chilled and needing to leave within 2 hours. We've also experienced some where the air was so thick with chlorine that our eyes stung and lungs burned! We didn't experience any of this at The Kartrite! With the exception of the bathrooms being cold and the lunch line being long, everything else was absolutely perfect! 
US Japan Fam reviews The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark for the perfect family vacation near NYC - baby pools
There's an adorable toddler area with mini slides and splash zones, free life jackets for kids, a basketball pool, a great lazy river (never had to wait long to get a single or double tube to ride on), several kiddie water slides, 5 big kid / adult water slides (with minimum height of 42" or 48"), water adventure areas with a dump bucket, and even a well heated outdoor pool that you can access from inside (it was about 25*F when we went, and we were completely warm in this pool outside, until my kids splashed me and got my face and ears wet, then they started to freeze)!
US Japan Fam reviews The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark for the perfect family vacation near NYC
US Japan Fam reviews The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark for the perfect family vacation near NYC - Flowrider
There's no extra fee for their Flowrider (shown above), where you can do indoor boogie boarding, wake boarding, or surfing. Lines can get long for this because they give each rider ample time to have several tries, but it's totally worth the wait. It was my first time as well as my son's first time. After watching many people wipe out (no tears or injuries though) I was incredibly nervous but it was insanely fun!! The staff were super helpful, taking the time to explain how to do it, and if you are doing well they'll guide you from the front on learning tricks while you're still riding. It was amazing!! My son and I both were able to get up onto our knees and we saw others learning to spin the board around. So cool! You can see us in action on Flowrider in this video!
US Japan Fam reviews The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark for the perfect family vacation near NYC - Noreaster Waterslide
The most unique item at the waterpark is probably the Nor'easter water slide (see giant blue monstrosity above). I've never seen anything quite like it, but unfortunately we weren't able to ride it. There's a minimum height of 48" (our kids are too short), and you must have 2 or 4 riders (and I felt too shy to ask a stranger to ride with me). We did enjoy watching it though, and our 7 year old will definitely be tall enough if we go back in half a year or so! Can't wait!! 
There is a cafeteria style grill in the waterpark as well as a bar. We ended up ordering a whole pizza, for $20, which was good for our family of 5. You can put it charges on your room which makes it nice, no need to bring your wallet. There are lockers, I believe from about $15 per day, but I really recommend leaving valuables in your room and bringing a waterproof pouch for your phone so you can keep it on you for quick photos and videos. You do need to wear coverup and shoes between your room and the waterpark, but we just put ours in a bag and left them on a chair. I guess there is always a risk of theft, but it didn't feel especially risky to me.
US Japan Fam reviews The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark for the perfect family vacation near NYC - Cabana
You can also splurge by purchasing a cabana for the day, which we were treated to by The Kartrite! The regular lounge chairs really fill up quickly around the waterpark, so having a private reserved section was really nice, plus it comes stocked with fruit, snacks, beverages in a mini fridge, and your own waiter by the push of a button!! Of course our kids were most impressed with the 32" HD TV in our cabana, and I was thrilled it had an outlet to turbo charge my phone after taking a full day's worth of photos and videos it was running out of juice! We got Cabana #11 which was right in front of the kids' adventure area, we were able to sit back and relax while still having a great view of our kids. Score!!

If you're not staying at the hotel, you can purchase a Splash Pash day pass to the waterpark for $79 - $99 (children under 2 are free). Great option if you live nearby or just want to drive up for the day!

US Japan Fam reviews The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark for the perfect family vacation near NYC - Indoor Adventures
INDOOR ADVENTURES:
I actually had no idea these existed at The Kartrite. I'm used to seeing giant arcades, but this was so much more! This massive play center on the first floor consists of:
  • Arcade (pay per game, most took 2-8 credits each; credits cost about $.20 - $.27 each depending on how many you buy at once)
  • Mini bowling ($6) - just 3 lanes with bumpers and teeny little balls with no holes - a great intro to bowling for little kids! We did 3 players for our kids' game but it was pointless, they just didn't understand about going twice and then letting next person go. So, if yours are little, just buy one game and let them all take turns as the same player LOL!
  • Ropes Course & Zipline ($12) If between 42"-48", child must be accompanied by an adult, who pays as well. My husband took my son and I was really impressed by how well my 7 year old did. I mean, this course is 1-2 stories high, I can't believe he wasn't terrified!! Some parts were rather challenging and the accompanying adult may have their work cut out for them having to assist the child. But overall they had a blast! Kinda regret not going myself!
  • Rock Climbing ($7) - this was the first time rock climbing for myself, my 7 year old, and my husband. There are 3 towers, each with very different structure and technique. Very fun, and secure, you repel down which was scary at first but once you realized how slowly and safely you went down, super fun!! Heads up: I only did 2 towers (5 minutes total climbing??), and 2 days later I'm still sore!! My 7 year old did a great job but wasn't able to make it to the top buzzer on any of them, but wasn't bothered by it in the least!
  • 3D (XD) Theater Ride ($7) - OK so HUGE heads up here. Don't let your kids choose which movie they see. Don't do it. Be the mean mom. Use your better judgement. Or else you may end up with a couple of traumatized 4 year olds like me (see the video for how bad it was). They had a cute cartoon one that was perfect for kids. But no. My 7 year old insisted on the "Haunted Mine" and then his sisters chimed in that they too wanted to see it. Demanded to see it. So, OK, I caved... They get 3D glasses and jump on board of a 4 person bench that looks like a roller coaster ride. Door closes. If you bought a ticket you can ride with them, but I didn't, and watched from the surveillance screen out front. It all looked good for a while. Their hair was blowing. The ride was rocking and shaking. And then Emi threw off her glasses. And then both girls started hysterically crying and screaming. The staff noticed before I did and jumped into rescue mode, thank goodness!!! After taking them out and talking to them about how it wasn't real, they calmed down and haven't had any nightmares or anything, so I think we're good. Just heed my warning... go with the cute little cartoon for your littles!!!
  • Laser Tag ($12) - This was my son's 1st time playing laser tag and suffice it to say, it brings out his competitive side just like his mama's! It was really fun playing together. There was only one other team at the same time, another mom and son. I was surprised how large the arena was! Lots of hiding spaces and targets to shoot, and a staff member was walking around and monitoring the whole time (I kept trying to shoot him accidentally haha)! The vest is heavy though, my 45 pound 7 year old was just barely OK to wear it. So keep that in mind.
  • Virtual Reality Game ($8) - This was our first time doing a VR game and it was HILARIOUS!!! So so so so weird, and fun, and a bit scary haha! There are a bunch of games to choose from, so you may want to pre-select before your child enters if you don't want them shooting up aliens or something like that. I did one that did have guns but the "bad guys" were kinda like big apples invading my grocery store while I was trying to check out. They have sanitizing wipes to clean the mask and controllers before and after you use them, which was a great touch!

Basically, you purchase each activity and/or credits, they all go onto your Playopolis card and you scan it for each game or activity. You can buy packages as well, which reduces individual costs. I highly recommend this, so you just go out and have a huge fun day rather them deliberating over individual costs. Just splurge and treat your kids, and yourself!! For example, the "Voyage Pick Four" ($50) package includes 80 arcade credits and you chose 4 of the following: ​Climbing Wall, XD Theater, Bowling, Laser Tag, Virtual Reality, Rope Course. Family members can share a card too, in case you want each kid to do 2 of those activities.

US Japan Fam reviews The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark for the perfect family vacation near NYC - Dining Options
DINING OPTIONS:
There were several restaurants to choose from and we honestly enjoyed every meal (well, "enjoyed" may be debatable since dining with 3 overtired cranky kids is always a struggle), but the food, service, and atmospheres were great! The kids' menus seemed to be the same at each restaurant though, so not as much variety, but if you have non-picky kids they could share items off of the adult menu perhaps. Then again we have pretty picky eaters. We ate at Bixby's Derby the first night, which had an upscale yet cozy vibe with huge tall-backed booths (besides looking really cool, I think they do well to absorb noise)! We ate at Harvey's Wallbanger the second night for dinner and the third day for lunch. It's very casual American bar/grille type atmosphere, with some booths and many high tables (I was nervous but our kids didn't fall out, thankfully). They all have crayons and coloring placemats with fun activities like dots and boxes and tic tac toe to keep everyone occupied without screens - hooray! For both breakfasts we got the buffet at Eat. Eat. Eat which was delicious!! A huge variety of food from pastries to omelet station, waffles, bacon, you name it, and 3 and under eats free there!

US Japan Fam reviews The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark for the perfect family vacation near NYC - Suite Accommodations
ACCOMMODATIONS:
The rooms are definitely in tune with the stylishly modern design of the rest of the hotel. They have 1, 2, and 3 bedroom suites. We got the "Two Bedroom Grand Corner Suite" which has an 8 guest max occupancy and at 966 square feet it's actually bigger than our own home in Brooklyn, which had its first open house while we were staying at The Kartrite!! The kids got the bedroom with 2 queens (the twins cuddled up in one), and us grownups took the master bedroom with a King and attached bathroom. The living room featured a his and her sink bathroom, sofa bed, Keurig, mini fridge, and balcony. I've seen some suites with bunk beds, too! So definitely search for the set up that'll work best for your family! On our first night, the kids took forever to settle down, not going to sleep until after 9pm, and were up from about 4:30am due to excitement. It was a disaster!!! The next night was much better after an exhausting day at the waterpark, and they slept til 6:30am without waking us up!! Hooray for 2 bedrooms and a living room, plenty of space and doors to block out sound!! Rates very greatly by type of room and day / season, but I've seen as low as $127/night for a family of 4 (don't forget, that includes waterpark passes for every day including check in day and check out day)!!

I'm not even sure who will be making it down here to the end of the post. I'm thinking most of you have already clicked over to The Kartrite's website to book your vacation!! But in case you're still here, thank you for sticking it out til the end!! Would love to hear your thoughts on The Kartrite - have you been there before? Planning to go? Have another family-friendly vacation destination we should review!?!? Comment below and we will love you foreverrrrrrr!!!
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    About Me ^_^

    I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins plus 1).  This blog is chock full of product reviews, family travel guides, and giveaways galore! It's also home to Bay Ridge Families, and several guides focused on kid-friendly activities and guides to South Brooklyn, Hudson Valley, and New Jersey, as well as family-friendly destinations beyond the NYC area (check the menu bar!)

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