Looking for a quick and exciting gram-worthy getaway, drivable from NYC?
Unique staycations in New Jersey? Kischy and fun hotels in New York and New Jersey that will have kids' and adults' dropping to the floor?? ME. TOO!! I hope this roundup helps inspire you to books something crazy for your next vacation, birthday, or special celebration!!
If you want to go on a Safari...
try glamping at Six Flag's Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa! 
Savannah Sunset Safari View from Glamping Suite Veranda - copyright SixFlags
Savannah Sunset opened in 2024 and has gorgeous and comfortable glamping options for couples and families; their largest accommodation being their 6-guest suite with veranda and safari view! Packages include morning giraffe encounter, breakfast, nightly activities, and admission to Six Flag's attractions (varies by time of year), including the 350-acre Wild Safari Adventure (home to 1,200 animals from 6 continents), Great Adventure amusement park, and Hurricane Harbor water park. 
Savannah Sunset Family Glamping Suite with Veranda - copyright six flags
It is NOT a low budget stay, more of a splurge, especially with their two-night minimum. BUT it is only a fraction of the cost (and time) required to actually fly to Africa and go on a full safari. So... if that's on your bucket list but it's not doable in the foreseeable future, Six Flag's Savannah Sunset is the next best thing! This would be such a memorable birthday surprise getaway and, hello, AMAZING proposal spot!! LOCATION: Jackson, New Jersey OPEN: select dates in April + November, and daily May 1 - Nov 2, 2025.
If you love planes...
jet off to TWA Hotel at JFK Airport! 
Designed to bring you back to the good ol' retro era of airplane travel, TWA Hotel transports you to the 1960's quite literally from the moment walk up to it from the airport. What's cool is that there are several options, depending on your budget and time constraints. You can simply visit the hotel as a day trip from NY or NJ (what we did a few years ago) or if you have a decent layover at JFK airport. For day trippers, it serves as a super fun museum to explore, with curated vintage (and completely free) exhibits! Also not limited to overnight guests, anyone can book time at their year round (95*F heated) rooftop pool - for $25/adult $10/child either directly on their website or through ResortPass. If you want to book a room, you can book daytime use (great for those with a layover at JFK after a long red eye flight!) or spend the night. Overnights start from just over $300/night (but do not include pool access, that's still an add-on). 
Don't miss: Taking photos in front of their 1958 Lockheed Constellation "Connie" propeller jet out back (open for cocktails 4-10:30PM nightly). LOCATION: One Idlewild Drive, New York (outside of Terminal 5 @ JFK Airport, NYC) - they have $80 valet parking for overnight guests, otherwise you can park at the airport and take the free AirTrain to Terminal 5 (see directions here).
If you love LEGO...
play at LEGOLAND Hotel!
Perfectly paired with a day (or more) at LEGOLAND theme park, but of course you can go just for a night in one of their 250 LEGO-themed rooms!!
copyright LEGOLAND Hotel
Why you'll love it? LEGOLAND Hotel is steps away from LEGOLAND, with free breakfast, nightly entertainment for kids and families, seasonal outdoor pool, and LEGO build and play areas throughout the hotel and within each room. There are 4 different suite themes to choose from (LEGO® NINJAGO®, Pirate, Kingdom, or LEGO Friends), and each room includes a separate sleeping area for the kids (hello, fun bunk beds!)
LOCATION: Goshen, New York
OPEN: from April 10, 2025
If you love kitschy quirkiness and hiking...
escape to The Roxbury! 
copyright The Roxbury
Every room, suite, and cottage at The Roxbury's 2 locations (within 2 miles of eachother) are the epitome of over-the-top bespoke creativity, in the best way. Outside of Japan's infamous "Love Hotels" I have never seen such a unique accommodation. Just, SO fun!! For a romantic getaway, girls weekend, but also for families. From Dracula to Superhero to Wizard of Oz, there's a theme for every interest and fantasy! 
copyright The Roxbury
What's more? They've got a seasonal outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and sauna, and are surrounded by beautiful landscape and hiking opportunities.
LOCATION: Roxbury, NY
If you love tropical getaways...
lounge poolside at Crystal Springs Resort! 
Crystal Springs' indoor and outdoor pools really set it apart, and especially in winter, spending the day in their warm and tropical Biosphere is the quickest and easiest way to feel like you had a mini Caribbean escape, without leaving New Jersey! They also have tons of activities, both free and fee based, such as kids painting, cocktail making classes, and tours of their ah-may-zing wine cellar! In winter, don't forget glice skating, and tubing at the nearby Mountain Creek!
Our family truly feels like Crystal Springs is an amazing home away from home, having been hosted by them FOUR times (check out our thorough reviews and fun youtube videos here), we absolutely cannot get enough of it (seriously, been considering purchasing a unit - it's a "condo hotel", kind of like a time share but a bit different - so you can book and visit just like a hotel, or buy your own unit and have them rent it out for you).
Whether for a weeklong summer family vacation, business golf trip, destination wedding, or weekend anniversary getaway, it's the perfect spot! They have great options for big groups too, including adjoining rooms with full kitchens, living rooms, and balconies with fire places!! LOCATION: Hamburg, NJ
If you love beach + indoor waterparks...
check out The Showboat + Indoor Waterpark! 
Sitting on the boardwalk in the heart of Atlantic City, The Showboat really has it all! The Oasis Indoor Waterpark is SO fun (with numerous slides, a lazy river, a FlowRider, restaurants, and a bar - you can stay there ALL day). The hotel also has a go cart track, HUGE arcade, mini golf, roller skating, and more. The beach is right out front, and there are numerous hotels, restaurants, and activities within a few minutes walk! Because of the warm indoor waterpark, it's a great winter getaway, and for beach lovers, its a must during summer! Book just a room, just the waterpark, or a package. LOCATION: Atlantic City, NJ 
Other roundups and posts we think you'll love:
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Photo credit: Matthew Murphy
One very cool part of my job is the variety of press invites we receive, and this past weekend I was so honored to get invited and bring my husband along to see a brand new and AMAZING show in NYC! 
Ain’t Done Bad is a theatrical dance performance conceived, directed, AND choreographed by the phenomenal Jakob Karr, who also dances the lead roll. WHAT is that even called, a quadruple threat? This man is already a complete legend.
Jakob Karr / Photo credit: Matthew Murphy
As if the phenomenal dancing and the stunning lighting weren't enough, it's entirely backed by heartfelt music from various albums by country star Orville Peck. One track, Legends Never Die (my favorite incredibly fun scene that had me wanting to jump up and start dancing myself) even features Shania Twain!
Yusaku Komori, Jordan Lombardi & Jakob Karr / Photo credit: Matthew Murphy
“AIN’T DONE BAD is my love letter to anyone who has ever struggled with their identity, and it is a thank you note to everyone who helped me find my voice” says Karr.
This is for anyone who:
I would like to note, however, that viewer discretion is advised due to strobe lighting and some highly suggestive dancing during the main character’s period of sexual awakening. Think *that scene* in Center Stage, with men, a bit less clothes, and a lot more gyrating. And it was amazing. 
Photo credit: Matthew Murphy
Starring
The show premiered in 2021, winning the “Best Show’ highest honor at the Orlando International Fringe Festival and is running through September 1 on The Irene Diamond Stage at Pershing Square Signature Center (480 W. 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan). With only 294 seats, it’s a lovely and intimate theater. The show is 90 minutes long with 10 minute intermission. Access the Playbill here and... BUY TICKETS HERE!! 
Photo credit: Matthew Murphy
Attention New Jersey and New York residents who love all things Disney and/or ice skating.
Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars is HERE!!! Right here in NJ and NY through November 19, 2023!!! What's so fun about this one is that it will include characters and music from SO MANY of the Disney and Pixar movies we know and love, including Frozen 2, Encanto, Aladdin, Tiana, Moana, Rapunzel, Cars, Toy Story, and more! For even more fun, add on the pre-show Character Experience that includes games, storytelling, crafting and interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel, and photo ops to boot! 
Magic in the Stars NY / NJ 2023 Upcoming Schedule:
We're heading to the show in Newark this weekend, and I honestly don't know who's more excited... me or the kids!! HA! It's our first Disney on Ice show, but hopefully not our last!! Be sure to follow us on Instagram for live coverage and a fun highlights reel!!
More Disney on Ice shows will be coming to the NY/NJ/NYC area early in the new year (these will make great Christmas presents)!
Get tickets for any Disney on Ice Shows here! 
It's that time of year... time for TOYS TOYS and more TOYS!!! I'm heading to event after event to bring you the best toys for Christmas 2023!! The first event of the season was The Toy Insider's 2023 Holiday of Play! Be sure to watch my highlights video with some great toy demos, with affiliate links to all the toys below to help you get your shopping done!!
Disclaimer: Affiliate links below - as an Amazon associate, I receive commission from qualified purchases made after clicking below links, they help fund the blog - thank you!!!
My favorite toys in order of appearance in the above video:
1. Beast Lab from Moose Toys 2. Dog-E Interactive Robot Dog 3. Style Bae 4. Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Interactive Dobby 5. Firefighter Dolls 6. NeeDoh by Schylling Gumdrop, Nice Cube 7. Fingerlings Luna Unicorn 8. Tamagotchi Uni 9. Hot Wheels Rift Rally
Toy Insider's HOT 20 List:
0-2 years
3-4 years
5-7 years
8+ years
Toy Insider's 12 under $20 List (i.e. great birthday and holiday gifts!!)
The Toy Insider's STEM 10:
Have a tip about 2023 hottest toy or trending products?? Leave a comment below or shoot me an email!! I have a few more fun toy events coming up including 2023 New York Toy Fair, so stay tuned!!
NY & NJ area moms, dads, kids, and kids of all ages - let's go to the Circus!!! Circus Vazquez that is! No animals, just SUPER talented humans performing for you at a number of nearby locations over the next couple of months!
Circus Vazquez, now in its 54th year and run by the five Vazquez brothers (third generation of their family to manage this circus), is returns to the NYC area with its brand new 2023 production featuring new thrills, new laughs and new excitement! Circus Vazquez, featuring incredible performers from Mexico, Columbia, Mongolia, Chile, Ukraine, India and the U.S., is the largest family-owned circus in the United States! They'll be making SIX stops in New Jersey, Long Island and New York City including a first-ever stop at Randall's Island! Presented in English in the largest tent currently touring in the U.S., and it's climate-controlled with bathrooms, concession stand, and lots of great light up and spinny merch of course! Watch our fun highlights video from when we went to see Circus Vazquez in Paramus NJ last year to see the awesomeness you can expect!
Upcoming shows:
Enter to win a FOUR PACK of tickets
to your choice of upcoming shows in NJ or NY!! Details follow:
MY PERSONAL REVIEW:
We were provided tickets to check out the Gazillion Bubble Show in NYC in exchange for our promotion and let me just say, myself and my kids (even my jaded 10 year old) were BLOWN AWAY (pun intended). They rotate the bubble artists and we had Guinness Record holding Anna Yang at our show. She was just amazing! Like a bubble magician! HOW could she do all of this stuff, like blowing tiny bubbles into a larger bubble, or reaching into a big bubble and pulling a gas filled bubble out of it!?? LIKE... HOW!?!?! It was just jaw dropping super fun and amazing show. There were several opportunities for kids to volunteer to go up to stage (one of my 3 got chosen and she's just over the moon!), and volunteers all got rewarded with bubbles and bubble machines which was a fun extra bonus! It's a great show for those visiting NYC and for those who live in or nearby and come into the city frequently. It's a convenient location in midtown so we took the bus from NJ and it was a 15 minute walk from Port Authority, check out my highlights video of our most recent "Saturday in the City" where we went to both Gazillion Bubble Show and Japan Parade - so much fun! I love our city!! DISCOUNT TICKETS!!! Get your Gazillion Bubble Show tickets for as low as $49* (Reg. $79)!! Read on for more info and to get your discounted tickets today!! Celebrating 15 years in NYC, Gazillion Bubble Show is the unpoppable international hit for the whole family! Bubble lovers of all ages are delighted with an incredibubble experience, awashed with a bubble tide, and perhaps even find themselves inside a bubble. Mind-blowing bubble magic, spectacular laser lighting effects and momentary soapy masterpieces will make you smile, laugh, and feel like a kid again. You have to experience it to bubblieve it! Performance Schedule:
3 WAYS TO BUY YOUR TICKETS:
ABOUT DOG MAN THE MUSICAL:
A Hilarious Heartfelt Family Adventure Based On The Worldwide Bestselling Series! With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world\'s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey's beloved characters.
NY Times Critic's Pick
Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they're in 5th grade, they figure it's time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!!?How hard could it be? SAVE UP TO $30 ON SELECT TICKETS MARCH 4 - APRIL 2! $51 Discount: Mon 7pm, Fri 7pm, Sat 430pm $61 Discount: Sat 11am & 2pm, Sun 12pm & 3pm LOCATION: New World Stages Box Office, 340 West 50th St Btw 8th & 9th Ave NYC 3 WAYS TO FETCH YOUR TICKETS: 1. ONLINE: Visit TelechargeOffers.com & enter code: DMGEN23 2. CALL: 212-947-8844 & mention code: DMGEN23 3. IN PERSON: Visit New World Stages Box Office, 340 West 50th St Btw 8th & 9th Ave NYC "You have to love a family show that makes adults laugh, too." -New York Times "This show is perfect for everyone." -Newsday "Dog Man should be every kid's best friend." -Theater Life "Epic musical adventure." -New York Family "Non-stop enjoyment from beginning to end." -Plays To See "Hamilton was a game-changer for Broadway shows. It was new, fresh, different, brilliant, etc. I put Dog Man in the same category. What a great way to introduce young people to the stage with something to which they can relate." -Craig, DOG MAN fan on Twitter *Offer valid on select performances 3/4/23 - 4/2/23. All tickets subject to a $2 facility fee. Normal service charges apply to phone & internet orders only. All sales are final - no refunds or exchanges. Offer subject to availability & prior sale. Not valid in combination with any other offers. Performance schedule subject to change. Code valid for purchases made through 4/2/23. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. 
Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical is running Off-Broadway in NYC through April 30 (unless the show gets extended AGAIN, which it might, cuz it's THAT GOOD!!!), and if you like ANY of the following , you're going to absolutely love it:
I had only ever seen episode 1 of Stranger Things before, so to know that I'm not very familiar with the suuuuuper popular Netflix series is important. Despite this, I still utterly enjoyed this musical. Literally laughing out loud throughout. It's hilarious!!! Jokes related to the show, jokes related to the 80's, jokes related to teenage angst and puppy love and silly dancing and omg it's just so so so so good you guys!!
Jeremiah Garcia, Jeffrey Laughrun, and Jamir Brown in STRANGER SINGS! THE PARODY MUSICAL (photo by Evan Zimmerman_MurphyMade)
Watch my video below for a sneak peak into the really cool theater, which is decorated in such a fun way with Christmas lights and 80's paraphernalia! It's small and intimate, meaning NO BAD SEATS (they actually even have bean bag chairs on the floor if you want to go that route)! The cast even had a little "dance party" for us after they took their bows - you can really tell they love their roles and their jobs!!!
Many wonder if this show is appropriate for kids and I'll say, if you are comfortable with your kids watching the Netflix show, then yes, it'll be fine. The only potentially inappropriate things I noticed were cursing and silly scenes eluding to making out / sex, but nothing was graphic or gory, just 100% pure silly camp. There were several tweens and teens at the matinee I attended, and while my own kids (7, 7, 10) probably wouldn't have gotten half the jokes, they would have enjoyed it, for sure!!
The cast of STRANGER SINGS! THE PARODY MUSICAL (photo by Evan Zimmerman_MurphyMade)
In a nut shell - great original songs, beautiful singing, non-stop laughter (from the lyrics to the spoken dialogue to the slapstick comedic movements, dances etc). I mean, come on, Will was a frickin' PUPPET (see photo above), the boys had choreographed bike ride using just the handlebars, and the mom had a whole song about her alter ego being Wynona. So. damn. gooooooood.
Grab your tickets NOW!!!
Located at Playhouse 46 in NYC's Theater District (steps from Times Square and Hell's Kitchen) 
Guest post provided by Bounce - instantly find locations nearby to drop off your luggage wherever you go!
At the western end of Long Island, Brooklyn is a fantastic place for a family trip with all of the beaches and parks in the borough. It may be small, but it has the most people in the state of New York with over 2.6 million residents. Everyone has heard of the Brooklyn Bridge, but there is a lot more to Brooklyn than that.
Brooklyn has over 30 museums with a children’s museum, toy museum, and museum of food and drink that kids of all ages will love. And just a quick train, bus, or Uber ride away, you cannot forget the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty! But you cannot bring your luggage, so drop it off at a Brooklyn luggage storage facility before starting to explore. 
Museums
Theme Parks
Attractions
Animal Fun
Between all these visits, you have to stop and eat. Shake Shack is a favorite for families with locations throughout Brooklyn and New York City. Stage Door Deli and Pizzeria in lower Manhattan has sandwiches, pizza, and all kinds of other yummy foods. And for dessert, go to Laboratorio del Gelato in NYC's Lower East Side (or New JerseY) where they have 15 kinds of chocolate and 40 flavors of fruit gelato.
To further plan your visit (or staycation if you're a NYC local), check out some of these great resources: 
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased :)
We just got back from a full (hosted) day at the Liberty Science Center and had THE. BEST. TIME! For the full experience of the new dinosaur exhibit and see what the entire center has to offer from the largest planetarium in the western hemisphere to hot wheels exhibit and and so so soooo much fun for the kids (and adults!), be sure to watch our highlights video here, then keep reading for details on their latest exhibition, Sue the T-Rex Experience!
I've always been into dinosaurs, I mean, who isn't!? I've seen my fair share of fossils and full-size replicas but honestly, Sue the T.Rex Experience at Liberty Science Center is a completely different ball game and you will LOVE. IT!
Upon entering the exhibit, you immediately find yourself face to face with the huge and menacing Sue, named after the paleontologist who discovered the fossils during a commercial excavation trip in South Dakota in 1990. Standing at 40 feet long and 13 feet tall at the hip, she is the most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found and has helped scientists learn more about T. rex than ever before... and now we can learn about her at Liberty Science Center!
They do a great light show on Sue, which is beautiful and educational - they highlight different bones as they talk about what each finding has revealed about her life, and death! This was fascinating, as well as the large movies they play on the opposite side of the room where you can watch daily life for her and other dinosaurs at the time, including some pretty action-packed fight scenes which my kids found especially captivating (me, too)!
Another highlight was the life-size replica of Sue enjoying a tasty meal (see above right image) - you can see the bloody tooth marks on her prey, you can touch the skin, it's just really breath-taking and makes it feel so incredibly real! Just next to it you can even take a whiff of what they think her breath smelled like. WARNING: it's revolting!!!! Watch our video to see our hilarious reactions! But as with everything at LSC, it's a fun learning experience - we learn her breath would have smelled horrible, of rotting meat, because they had small gaps between the teeth where meat would get trapped, and obviously, they couldn't brush and floss LOL!
While large and in charge Sue dominates the exhibit, there are some other fossils and replicas to see and learn about, like the life-sized Triceratops (above right)! Give yourself at least a few hours (if not a full day) to explore this exhibit and the rest of the museum. It's a great family-friendly trip!!
TICKETS:
PANDEMIC SAFETY:
We hadn't been to Liberty Science Center (or any indoor activities like it) since the time I now refer to as #PrePandemic, so I was very curious to see how things would be handled. Rest assured, we felt completely safe! They took the kids' temperatures upon entry to the science center, masks are required for ages 2+ (regardless of vaccination status), they kept exhibits to a low capacity with short lines outside so they could maintain safety without crowds, and the cafe is closed, however they do have limited spaced out indoor dining seating (outdoor as well) and if you find yourself in a pinch they also have some vending machines with drinks and snacks. |
 
About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! 
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