Necknapperz The Perfect Travel Friend For Kids! #Travel #kids @necknapperz

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Necknapperz The Perfect Travel Friend For Kids!

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Our family loves to travel. Most of the time we are in the van for hours having fun on our roadtrips. Along the way we are always looking for ways to make the trip more fun and more comfortable for our kids. My youngest daughter falls asleep all the time in the car and I am constantly trying to come up with ways to keep her head in one spot. Most times I end up in the middle van seat with my arm holding up her head. It’s not a great position to be in. When we came across Necknapperz I could have not been any more thrilled about testing it out. Our Necknapperz arrived just in time for our last trip.

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Necknapperz is a great travel item for kids! It’s a friend while they are awake and a supportive neck pillow when they are asleep.  Kids can snuggle and play with the adorable animals and then easily transform it from a loveable plush animal into an ergonomic neck pillow at naptime.  Bonus: Most kids will be able to transform the Necknapperz from plush to pillow by themselves! We checked out the dolphin Necknapperz which was adorable. They are also available as a unicorn, wolf, monkey, lion, elephant, piggy and more. Check out all the choices here: http://www.necknapperz.com/brands/Neck-Napperz.html

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necknapperzwindowWhen I asked my daughter what she thought of Necknapperz – Her response was, “Absolutely adorable! Can I get them all?”. I kindly explained to her that she only had one neck, but who knows, we may have a few friends in the future. By the way, Mommy tested it out, too! Very comfy. Necknapperz combine ultra-soft fabrics with space-age micro-beads and high quality craftsmanship for the best in comfort and support for your kids. In addition, each Necknapperz neck pillow unzips and completely transforms into a huggable plush toy unlike some of the predecessors that simply present a pillow that folds in half to produce an imaginary friend like Pillow Pets or provide the neck pillow with the head of an animal character on the end. If you are looking for a neck pillow that transforms to and from a cute animal, definitely give Necknapperz a go. You will not be disappointed! Check them out on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/NeckNapperz.

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was given a Necknapperz and compensated for this post. All opinions are that of my own and honest. Contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net or @3decades3kids across Social media platforms. 

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in New Jersey #JenksMemory

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Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Fun!

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Ever since I was a child, I can remember riding up and down the New Jersey Parkway every single summer heading to different shore towns to spend countless days on the beach and boardwalk. The same could be said for my own kids. Funny thing is I thought we had been to almost every beach town along the route. Not sure how we missed out on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk all of these years. It’s a definite great place for families and friends to create memories and to return to year after year.

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jenkssharkFirst of all, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach is close! It’s less than two hours from NYC and an easy drive. Our family left early in the morning and arrived at our destination around 10 am. In my eyes that was perfect timing. I noticed that soon after things started to really crowd up.  We found a parking lot easily and headed straight to the beach. Right away our family loved how everything was right there-all together. The boardwalk did not last forever, it was a perfect size and not overwhelming. As for the beach. It was gorgeous. The lifeguards were totally attentive to all of the swimmers and boogie boarders. That really kept mom and dad at ease. The waves were crazy the day we visited! The kids had such a blast. My big guys spent the day in the waves- while Mommy and Emily built a sand castle city! I was also thrilled that sand toys, beach chairs and umbrellas were all available and they did not break the bank.  It was a perfect day at the beach! There was also a changing house available complete with private showers. Bonus: It was super clean!

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jenksaquariumOur second stop was the boardwalk. We cleaned up and headed out to check it all out. Our family decided to check out Jenkinson’s Aquarium. All I can say is Wow! What a hidden gem. The aquarium was just amazing. There were so many varieties of fish and sealife. There was even a tank filled with sharks! Emily was thrilled by the touch tank and the seal feeding. As for me, I could not believe I was able to get in a little bit of learning in the middle of our beach trip.

Next up we went out in search of some lunch. The choices were all there from burgers to seafood to typical boardwalk food.  Once place looked better than the next. I can’t even remember where we ate, but it was absolutely delicious. We feasted on sausage, peppers and onions, philly cheesesteak, pizza and more. We also grabbed some late night snacks before we headed home. My favorite “foodie” choice of the day was the hot waffles and ice cream sandwich. Wooza! It’s a must- but get it as a share food. It’s pretty big! As day turned into night we played boardwalk games of chance and made a million memories walking the boardwalk and riding the rides! There were rides for everyone in the family! Our favorites we rode over and over again. It was a summer day that our family will remember for a very long time! We cannot wait to visit again. For more information about Jenkinson’s Boardwalk click here: http://jenkinsons.com/

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Disclosure: Diane Sullivan is a Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Ambassador. All opinions are that of mine and completely honest. As part of the ambassador blogger program our family was provided with family VIP wristbands and compensation. Contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net and @3decades3kids.

Enjoy Halloween in Hershey, PA @HersheyPA #HersheyParkHappy

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Enjoy Halloween in Hershey, PA
The Sweetest Place On Earth Delivers Family-Friendly Fun

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August is here and we all know what comes next-September, and then my favorite month of the year, October! Yes, I absolutely am in love with October! There is something about the chill in the air, the changing leaves and of course Halloween! I may be so into summer right now, but come the first breeze of Fall, I will be breaking out the cuddly sweaters and cozy boots!  Fall does bring some wonderful changes as Hershey transforms into a festive Halloween destination. Featuring safe, family-focused events and activities ranging from roller coaster rides and a trick-or-treat adventure at Hersheypark in the Dark to a flashlight walking experience at ZooAmerica during Creatures of the Night, Halloween In Hersheyprovides guests with three weekends of family thrills.

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Although we are wearing our flip-flops, now is a great time to book your Halloween stay at a Hershey Resort!

The fun takes place Fridays through Sundays from October 16 through November 1, and includes:

Hersheypark in the Dark

Hersheypark in the Dark features more than 50 rides and attractions including the Park’s 13 roller coaster and Halloween-themed entertainment. Guests visiting the Park will experience:

  • Halloween-themed rides and experiences.
  • New this year! Thrill seekers will enjoy our newest roller coaster, Laff Trakk, the nation’s only indoor, spinning glow-coaster, in complete darkness the last hour of each operating evening.  
  • Additionally, the Park will also turn the lights off on our three wooden roller coasters during that same hour creating more opportunity for seasonal fun!  
  • Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Adventure featuring a candy trail that starts at Hershey’s Chocolate World and continues throughTreatville, a seasonal town inside Hersheypark, for children 12 and younger (costumes are encouraged).
  • Fall-themed food and beverage offerings, and live entertainment including favorites “Bunsen & The Burners,” a band of crazy singing scientists and their monster friends.

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Tickets for Hersheypark in the Dark are $35.85 for adults (ages 9-54) and $24.85 for juniors (ages 3-8) and seniors (ages 55+). For hours of operation and additional information, please visit www.hershey ; park.com/seasons/halloween.php.

Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica

Included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark in the Dark, guests are invited to bring a flashlight to experience Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica. This is the only time of the year when guests can experience the Zoo after dark. They will enjoy:

  • Seeing the nocturnal habits of North American species.
  • Pumpkin treats being fed for select animals.

Separate admission is also available at the Zoo’s off-street entrance.

The Official Resorts of Hersheypark

Guests that stay at one of the three Official Resorts of Hersheypark get to enjoy discounted admission to Hersheypark in the Dark and complimentary shuttle service.

The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge offer a Halloween In Hershey Package that gives guests the following perks:

  • Deluxe accommodations.
  • Breakfast with the Hershey’s Characters.
  • One-day admission to Hersheypark in the Dark.
  • Admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience.

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The package is available Fridays and Saturdays from October 16 through October 31 with prices starting from $489* at Hershey Lodgeand $559* at The Hotel Hershey, for a family of four.

*Price is per room per night, based on a family of four. Excludes tax and gratuities. Other restrictions may apply.

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey     

From September 1 through November 30, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey offers guests fall-themed treatments to relax their mind and body.

  • Pumpkin Latte Manicure & Pedicure: $140* Monday – Thursday, $150* Friday – Sunday
  • Pumpkin Spice Scrub: $70* Monday – Thursday, $75* Friday – Sunday (available October
  • Pumpkin Soufflé Wrap: $125* Monday – Thursday, $135* Friday – Sunday (available October 1)
  • Pumpkin Immersion: $195* Monday – Thursday, $205* Friday – Sunday (available October 1)

*A 20 percent service charge will be added to the bill for all treatments. This treatment may not be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion.

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Hershey’s Chocolate World

With fun for the whole family each weekend during Halloween in Hershey, Hershey’s Chocolate World guests enjoy:

  • Hershey’s Trick-Or-Treat Adventure: Enter Hershey Hallow to begin your trick-or-treat adventure.
  • Tricky Treats & Sweets: Shop Halloween treats in Hershey’s largest candy store and pick up delightful sweets from the bakery.
  • NEW! Flavors of Fall Dessert Festival: Discover unique treats and rediscover classic favorites.

The Hershey Story Museum

Visitors can learn about the history of chocolate at The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, and families can experience:

  • Black Cat Alley: Follow the black cat to Halloween fun and get a head start on trick-or-treating with some delicious Hershey’s treats! Kids can use vintage Hershey advertising art to create their own mini Halloween character to use as a pin or decoration. Make a Halloween spider web, too. Costumes are encouraged for children ages 12 and under. $5 per person. This activity is held Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from October 17 through November 1.

Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens lights up the night with more than 150 uniquely carved illuminated pumpkins and a variety of whimsical scarecrows, some of which come alive, during its annual Pumpkin Glow. Kids ages 12 and younger are invited to bring a flashlight, come in costume, trick-or-treat throughout the Gardens and experience the following activities:

  • Listen to a garden-themed story.
  • Collect candy treats at stops along the Gardens’ paths.
  • Watch live pumpkin carving demonstrations.

Pumpkin Glow is from 6 to 9 p.m. on October 23, 24, 30 and 31.

            For additional information, hours and pricing for Halloween In Hershey, please visit www.HersheyPA.com. Follow us on Twitter @HersheyPA. 

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan is a travel blogger who loves to visit Pa. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan. No compensation was given for this post. Please contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net or 3decades3kids@gmail.com and everywhere else as @3decades3kids.

Hershey Park In Hershey Pa #HersheyParkHappy @HersheyPa #LaughTrakk

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Hershey Park- The Sweetest Place On Earth

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Looking for an absolutely wonderful place to visit with your family? Look no further than Hershey, Pennsylvania. Our family recently took a roadtrip to Hershey, Pa to spend the weekend. We love getting out of the city and heading to the beautiful mountains and countryside that surrounds the Sweetest Place on Earth. This trip we had a definite list of things we wanted to do including checking out the new ride- Laugh Trakk.

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To our family there is no better place to be than Hershey, Pa! We just love Hershey Park and all the memories we have created throughout the years. With a family of five we are always looking for weekends we can spend just unplugged- sharing laughs and good times. Hershey Park has something for each one of us. I honestly believe it has something for everyone. As soon as we arrived at Hershey Park we headed directly to the newest ride, Laugh Trakk! The ride definitely did not disappoint. This indoor spinning roller coaster had us from the entrance which is fully lined with mirrors to get your group laughing and having fun before the ride even begins. The Fun House theme is in full effect and trust me on this one, do not miss it when you are visiting! By the way there is a Hershey Park app you can download to have the entire park in the palm of your hands.

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Personally I think one of the biggest perks to Hershey Park is the enclosed waterpark- The Boardwalk. We just love it. This seasonal delight is just big enough for you to enjoy for an hour or the entire day. It’s a great place to start off the day and then continue you on to all the nighttime fun there is in store. My daughter is pretty much obsessed with the both the mini and big wave pool at The Boardwalk. As for hubby and the boys, they can’t keep away from the waterslides and tubes. There are also Boardwalk themed games of chance and foods right there to make you feel like you are at a seaside resort!

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When it comes to choosing a resort while visiting Hershey Park you will not find better than the Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge. During this trip we had the true pleasure of experiencing the Hershey Lodge which captivates you for the moment of check-in to the Hershey Characters appearing in the lobby and the special kids check in time where children can decorate their own lanyard and join into special check in activities. As for the rooms- spectacular! They are just beautiful, clean and super roomy! Did I mention that the wallpaper in the rest room is Hershey kiss themed. As a guest of the resort you are treated to extra time in Hershey Park along with a free shuttle service that takes guests door to door. The only issue we found about the Hershey Lodge is that it is very difficult to leave. It’s so welcoming and there are so many activities, along with an indoor and outdoor pool that you may never want to leave!

We found the best way to work a two day/ one night stay is to arrive early on day one- check in early at the resort and pick up the tickets to Hershey Park. Then head over to the themepark for the day. On day two we wake up and head over to the indoor/outdoor pool for a swim, then head over to Chocolate World.

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Chocolate World is located just before the entrance to Hershey Park. It is free to enter, and you can also take The Ride Chocolate Tour through a the story of making chocolate which includes a sample at the end of the ride. Yum! It’s also a great place to shop and dine. You can find all of your favorite Hershey’s candies and also some that you may not find anywhere else. There are special cupcakes, fudges, choco covered strawberries, milkshakes and so much more.

There are activities you can choose for an additional price. The trolley ride, Trolley Works is a fun family activity that takes you on an entertaining and informative ride through time. We tried three of the activites. All three were family friendly and definitely worth it! Our first was the 4D Chocolate Mystery- Wow! This fun 4D interactive show even includes the audience to choose the ending! You may even hear your name, so listen carefully. Our second choice was The Chocolate Tasting Experience (new for 2015). Chocolate Tasting? Count me in! Our family was not sure what to expect but it certainly exceeded all of our expectations. Without giving out spoilers I can just tell you that this activity purred from beginning to end. We learned how sight, smell and sound all play into the different types of chocolates throughout the world. And I thought I was a chocolate expert! Our final activity was Create Your Own Candy Bar! Wooza!! This one was definitely my favorite. The entire family felt like we were transported into the Hershey’s Chocolate factory to create our very own chocolate bars! First you suit up including a hairnet, then you choose your toppings, and watch your chocolate bar created on the assembly line right in front of your very eyes. During the process you even have the chance to create your very own original wrapper! This is definitely something you will want to do again and again. So much fun!

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Well, this post was super long but filled with goodness just like Hershey, Pa. So what are you waiting for? Here’s the website to check it all out and make your own reservation. There is still plenty of time left to summer. Another wonderful time to visit is Fall/Halloween and Winter/Christmas. We cannot wait to go back again! Thanks for all the happiness Hershey. No wonder we love you so much! http://www.hersheypa.com/

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was provided with a deeply discounted media rate including room/activities/tickets. All opinions are honest and that of Diane Sullivan. #SummerInPa  Contact me  at Diane@3decades3kids.net or 3decades3kids@gmail.com and everywhere else @3decades3kids.

 

Great Wolf Lodge- A Great Family Winter Warm Up Getaway @GreatWolfLodge

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The winter freeze is definitely upon us. Although we do enjoy the snowy outdoor activities, we are also always in search of a cozy winter retreat. Luckily for us, Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos- less than two hours away from NYC is always there for us. Imagine enjoying an indoor water park with a view of the snowy mountains. It’s yours for the taking. One of our favorite family fun resorts is definitely Great Wolf. No matter that age of your children, from infants to adults, even the grandparents will have a blast. If you do visit, make sure you pack your swimsuit. Well, if you do forget, there is always one available at one of the shoppes.

Here is a list of TEN Things our family loves

 about Great Wolf Lodge:

 1. You can choose your own activity level from reading a book in front of the fireplace in the Grand Lobby to swimming and water slides. It’s your call.

2. Magiquest and Shadowquest: What a fun game for all ages. The kids will love solving quests and moving on to different levels. Good Luck at the end if you go up against the dragon. He’s a tough one to beat, but there is always someone on hand from the Magiquest team to help you out, so don’t worry.

3. The Water park! Okay, so this one is definitely is my family’s favorite. We all love the wave pool, water slides and whirlpools. 84 degrees. Yes, please!

4. There are plenty of places to dine at the lodge. You do not have to leave to fill up the bellies. There are choices from buffets, Wolf It Down pizza, and more. Did I mention there is a Starbucks?

5. Story Hour is my daughter’s favorite. She loves watching the Clock Tower show followed by story time and then a character meet and greet. It is simply adorable. If you visit, don’t miss it.

6. The rooms are a world onto themselves. There is a huge variety of room styles to choose from. We love the loft with two floors of fun, and an in room fireplace and balcony. There are also rooms that tout bunk beds and their own kids’ cabin within the room.

7. There is a SPA within the lodge. One for adults and one for kids- Scooops Kids Spa. Enough said?

8. The Northern Lights arcade is a family fun spot for all of us. Everyone in our family has a blast between air hockey, skee ball, Deal or No Deal, and so many more choices.

9. The Staff! They are amazing. We visit the Poconos location and they are just top notch. No matter where you are in the lodge you can find a smiling face and someone to help or just brighten up your day. They are knowledgeable and willing to lend an extra hand.

10. Family time! With everyone on a different schedule it’s nice to get away, even for one night and just be together. The laughs are many and the memories we are making will last forever. Great Wolf Lodge cannot be beat for close to home family fun!


If your family is ready to warm up this winter, you should definitely check out Great Wolf Lodge.

See you there! Greatwolf.com.

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this post. A greatly reduced media rate is provided in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan. Contact me at ELGEorgia@aol.com and everywhere else as .@3decades3kids.