As a mother who constantly travels with her child, I rely heavily on my stroller and I’ve struggled to find one that can accommodate my tall toddler. On the road, my stroller wears many hats; it serves as a retreat for an overwhelmed child, a bed, movie theater seating, and a shopping cart.
Recently I had the opportunity to test out the Baby Jogger City Elite 2012 while traveling to Mexico with family.
When Fed Ex delivered the stroller, I practically ripped the box open with my teeth in anticipation after learning the City Elite 2012 has the largest max head height of all the Baby Jogger strollers currently available. The City Elite comes in 5 easy to assemble pieces. It took me just 5 minutes to build the stroller (and two of those minutes were spent reading the directions).
My favorite features of the Baby Jogger City Elite 2012:
- Adjustable handlebar to accommodate individual users; it pivots from 34″ to 46″.
- It steers so well even a six year old can do it (and mine did!).
- Hand operated brake; at the San Francisco International Airport, our suitcases rolled down the shuttle stop; but the stroller stayed put.
- Soft handlebar console; hey moms, that’s one less accessory you’ll have to buy!
- Fits in the trunk of my Toyota Corolla with lots of room to spare.
- Huge easy to remove sunshade with panels that secure with silent magnets.
- Best raised kicker I’ve ever seen.
- Storage basket can be accessed from the front or the rear of the stroller.
- Plush padded seat reclines to a near flat position and the harness height adjusts via two secure clips.
- Easy to fold with one hand.
Only downsides I could find:
- If you remove the sunshade, you lose the ability to utilize the soft handlebar console.
- The stroller’s astounding array of storage compartments, gave SFO’s TSA agent a run for his money, in fact, he discovered a Transformer toy hidden deep within.
I’m happy to report the City Elite 2012 is great for tall toddlers, airport shuttles, air travel, napping, retreating to, viewing DVD’s from, and doubling as a shopping cart. If this little chariot of fire sounds like the ideal stroller for you, then check out our steal below!
The Steal: Win a Baby Jogger City Elite 2012 Single Stroller ($400 value!)
Details: One lucky winner will receive one Baby Jogger City Elite 2012 single stroller (valued at $400)
HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:
Step 1: Share this giveaway using the Facebook by clicking the FB “Like” button at the top of the page
Step 2: Leave a blog comment below letting us know that you did.
Get extra entries by repeating steps 1 and 2 once a day. But be sure to leave a new comment each time.
Want more chances to win?
Feel free to do any or all of the following actions. Each action counts as an extra entry but be sure to LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ONE or the entry will not be counted.
-
- Like Trekaroo on Facebook
- Fan Baby Jogger on Facebook.
- Follow Baby Jogger on Twitter
- Tweet a link to this Monday Mad Steal via @Trekaroo using the Twitter share button at the top of the page.
- Subscribe to the Trekaroo Blog
- Follow Trekaroo on Twitter
- Post this giveaway on your blog
Rules and guidelines:
- 18 years of age or older
- US Residents only
Deadline to enter: Sunday, February 4, 2012 at 11:59PM PST
What is Monday Madness?
Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal. It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.
Thanks to Online Sweepstakes and CashNet Sweepstakes,.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary stroller in order to complete this review and facilitate the subsequent giveaway. Baby Jogger did not ask that I state a particular opinion and as always, all opinions are my own.
Tina Buell is Trekaroo’s Northern California Destination Specialist, single mom, and mother to a constant ray of SONshine
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Each year at our children’s elementary school, kids write down their dreams for a better world. As I was browsing the hall, my heart smiled at the different dreams on display. “I wish that no one would rob our house.” “I dream that we people will not litter.” …on and on they go. As we celebrate one of our nation’s most courageous and inspirational dreamers – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I wonder, how are we as parents helping to inspire our children to dream big?
MLK Day is a great time to nurture your little dreamers by enjoying time together as a family. Here are some kid-friendly MLK events going on around the country. These events are a fun way to help our children connect with our nation’s heros who’ve worked to make the dream of the civil liberties come true.
- Kid-friendly Martin Luther King Events Around the US
- Martin Luther King Activities and Events for Kids in Connecticut
- Martin Luther King Activities and Events for Kids in Northern California
MLK Monument – Photo by: Flickr/tedeytan
National Parks are Free on MLK
Take advantage of the free admission to National Parks across the country to inspire your children to dream of a better world. As you enjoy a hike together, take the time to share some of your dreams with each other and how we can each help to make those dreams a reality.
Kings Canyon National Park – Photo by: Flickr/Jeff Pang
- Free Kid-friendly California National Parks in Honor of MLK
- Kid-friendly National Parks Offering Free Admission in Arizona
- Kid-friendly National Parks Offering Free Admission in New Mexico
…more National Parks Offering Free Admission on MLK
LiLing Pang is Trekaroo’s Founder, a wife, & a mom to two active boys and a 4 month old baby girl.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC| FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR| PA| TN | TX | VA | WA
South Dakota, the land of great faces and great places, is rich in pioneer, exploration and archeological history while boasting beautiful wide open whispering prairies, stunning jutting mountains, crystal clear lakes and lazy windy rivers (giving it more shoreline than the state of Florida!!) The population of the entire state is on par with the city of San Francisco, so there is lots of land for roaming and exploring. Although the state boasts numerous attractions that are sure to delight the history or science buffs, there are just as many beautiful spots to simply sit, relax and watch a laid back evening mosey on by. I am certain that once you travel with your family to South Dakota it will hold special place in your heart like it does mine.
10. Visit a little house on the prairie
Photo by: SD Tourism
Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s famous series of books will take great pleasure in getting to see her family home and over 2,000 artifacts from the author’s life at the Ingall’s Homestead in De Smet. Visit in the summer for a wider appeal of old-fashioned family fun when you can camp, take covered wagon tours, wear pinafores, bonnets, and straw hats while you are a student at the Little Prairie School or try your hand as a pioneer as you make rope, grind wheat, shell corn and make your own corn-cob doll. Each July, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant recreates part of the author’s life in theatrical fashion outdoors at the Homestead.
Been there? Share your scoop with other Trekaroo users.
9. Follow the signs to Wall Drug
Photo by: Trekaroo/Gretchen
Billboards offering free ice water in 1931 put the only drugstore in Wall, SD on the map. Today, Wall Drug greets almost 20,000 visitors on a summer day, many buying a $.05 cup of coffee or a cute, albeit kitschy, souvenir to take home. Signs line Intertstate-90 for over 500 miles pointing the way to Wall Drug; by the time it arrives, a massive gift-shop and restaurant in the middle of the prairie, you and your kids will feel as if you have come upon the greatest thing since sliced bread. And really, you have. Wall Drug is a family owned and operated wonderland of touristy wares, interesting photo ops, cheap local food and a fun, imaginative rest stop in the middle of a long car trip!
Need a longer pit stop? Rest your head in Wall at these hotels.
8. Explore the sprawling Badlands
Photo by: SD Tourism
Located on the edge of the Great Plains just outside of Wall, Badlands National Park is a beautiful and unique terrain full of 244,000 acres of buttes, spires, and rolling grasslands. Drive the highway 240 Loop for an hour overview of many of the park’s features including the Badlands Wilderness where you might spot bighorn sheep, coyotes, or even American bison. A quick 30 minute detour takes you to Robert’s Prairie Dog Town where you can try to catch a glimpse of the cute little mammals. One thing you are sure to see is an amazing panoramic view of the park’s beautiful landscapes. Eight hiking trails sprawl the lands including two just right for little ones: Cliff Shelf Nature Trail (.5 mile) or Fossil Exhibit Trail (.25 mile). In the summer, Night Sky Programs are an incredible way to end your day under a blanket of stars most urbanites have never imagined.
7. Head underground
Photo by SD Tourism
South Dakota’s land is full (er… I suppose, surprisingly hollow) of caves ready for exploration. Caves present kids (& grownups) with a unique, mysterious and always interesting look into life underground. Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument are must stops; the two cave systems together run almost 300 miles underground! Numerous tour options are available and run daily except on holidays. Rushmore Cave has the adreneline junky family covered with not only their simple cave tour, but the option of flying on a zip line or taking an advanced spelunking tour where you will literally have to crawl on your belly through tight spaces! (Claustrophic folks, take a deep breath now!!) Experienced hikers will enjoy the 45 minute hike at Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns, but children under three are only allowed in backpacks. If you are hoping to find some gold during your trip underground, head to Big Thunder Gold Mine where you are guaranteed to end your tour a small bit richer! Tips for cave expeditions: pack a sweater as it gets very chilly down in the earth. Be sure to check out the activity level of the tours; you can’t exactly decide mid-cave that it is too strenous. You always have to climb the uphill portion of the hike as you exit, so plan accordingly.
6. Dig up some bones
Photo by: Flickr/Clinton Little
Travel back in time 26,000 years at the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs where a unique sinkhole created a treasure of fossil remains from the ice age. The Mammoth Site is a must stop for any family with a budding paleontologist in tow, and has enough hands on activities that even non-scientists will applaud their visit. Home of the world’s largest Mammoth Research facility, you can tour both an active paleontology dig site and see real ice age fossils as they are found (which include over 58 Colombian and Woolly Mammoth fossils, in addition to numerous other animals). The museum takes on an especially active summer with programs for kids including an hour long Jr. Paleontologist program that gets your kids in the dirt with a simulated excavation held daily. Older kids are invited to participate in a more advanced simulated dig as well.
Check out other activites and hotels in Hot Springs, South Dakota.
5. Follow in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark
Photo by: SD Tourism
Lewis and Clark, some of our countries original “trekaroos”, followed the Missouri River through the state of South Dakota and so can you. There are many interstates and trails following the route and lots of stops along the way for a glimpse into what their travels were like. Spirit Mound, near Vermillion, SD in the southeast serves as a great starting point for your trek and a beautiful spot to picnic. Due to changes in the river over time, this is one of the only spots you can be absolutely certain to stand where the explorers once stood. The nearby Lewis & Clark Visitor’s Center in Yankton provides an overview of the history of the duo and great views of Lewis & Clark Lake and Recreation Center. The Rec Center is one of South Dakota’s most popular parks and boasts three campgrounds, a resort, playgrounds, fishing, swimming areas, and even wi-fi, which no doubt would have been handy for Lewis & Clark! Further north in Pierre, the state capitol, take a boat ride on the Capitol City Queen to view famous landmarks and history of the adventure from the water. Head to Farm Island for another great recreation and camping spot. While there check out the Lewis and Clark Family Center for hands on interactive displays focusing on the history of their expeditions.
4. Step back in time to the Wild Wild West
Photo by: SD Tourism
In 1876, the mining town Deadwood was born almost overnight as miners, outlaws, gunslingers and gamblers moseyed into town to search for gold. The entire city of Deadwood is a national historic landmark and is ripe for historic and entertaining tourism. Start your day with a walk through Adams House & Museum, Deadwood’s oldest museum full of historical artifacts on the town. Pan for gold at the Broken Boot Mine, or be a part of the daily reenactments of history including the shooting of Wild Bill Hickock at the #10 Saloon, or gunslinger shows on the street in front of the Four Aces, or the Celebrity Hotel (now actual gambling casinos, which are legal in Deadwood). Also note, unless you are an uber fan of bikers, be sure to check the dates of the annual Sturgis Harley Davidson Rally in early August before planning your trip: the town is literally overrun with bikers and many of the town’s normal activities are put on hold. Just a short drive outside of Deadwood, don’t miss the 1880 Train, a working vintage steam train that takes you on a beautiful historic route through the heart of South Dakota’s gold-panning history.
Find a great night’s stay in Deadwood.
3. Seek out a different point of view
Photo by: Flickr/puroticorico
Nine Native American Indian tribes call South Dakota their home and your trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the amazing cultural and historical destinations that offer a glimpse into the Native American experience. The Crazy Horse Memorial near Custer, SD is a cultural work-of-art in process: a massive rock sculpture (not yet finished, but already impressive) of Crazy Horse, the famous Native American leader. Although the mountain is still being carved, don’t miss this stop. The Indian Museum of North America and Native American Education & Cultural Center are located on the premises. The South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings showcases numerous Native American artists and even has a hands on “Kids Sensation Station” to keep small ones interested. The Native American Scenic Byway takes travelers over 450 miles, through five reservations and past countless markers and monuments including the Sitting Bull Monument and Fort Pierre, where Lewis & Clark met with the Native American Indians. If your children are mature enough, be sure to take them to the Wounded Knee Museum in Wall and the actual site of the Wounded Knee Massacre; despite the heavy nature of the topic, I believe that a thorough understanding of this event, and many more like it in Native American history, will help our children grow to be respectful and responsible leaders of tomorrow.
2. Stand in awe of an America’s grandest granite icon
Photo by: Trekaroo/windhaven
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located in the southwestern part of the state is one of America’s most famous landmarks and can’t be missed. Almost every Trekaroo user gives it 5/5 stars! I have fond memories of visiting the famous faces of Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington and Roosevelt as a kid and remember being especially intrigued by the ingenuity and skill required to complete such a masterpiece so long ago. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum began this masterpiece in 1927 and it took over 10 years to create; it is truly an amazing work of art and an awesome tribute to our great nation. Two short trails are worth the investment to get away from the crowds and closer to the Presidents’ 60-foot faces. Pick up a Jr. Ranger guidebook before you set out at the Visitor’s Center to really help bring history alive for your little ones. The Sculpter’s Studio, which is sure to inspire any budding artist, is open daily in the summer months, and Carver’s Café serves up yummy treats including ice cream to sweeten the end of your tour year round.
Check out Keystone, SD.
1. Put it all Together
Photo by: Flickr/markclong
South Dakota boasts 54 state parks and recreation areas full of beautiful lakes, breath-taking rocks and waterfalls, flowing prairies and deep, dense woods. My personal favorite, Custer State Park, happens to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited; it is centrally located just minutes from Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monuments and is less than one hour away from almost every activity in this guide. Three incredible, scenic 60 minute drives run through the park: Needles Highway, open only in the warmer months, takes its name from the “needle-like granite formations which seem to pierce the horizon along the highway.” Iron Mountain Road is meant to be taken at a leisurely 20mph to fully take in the amazing beauty. In case the sheer beauty of rock, prairie, and river landscapes doesn’t completely excite your child, never fear. The last major scenic route, Wilderness
Photo by: SD Tourism
Loop, almost guarantees that you and your family will have an animal encounter. In addition to deer, sheep and elk, free-loading burros will most likely approach your car for food, and you might just run into one (or many) of the park’s 1300 buffalo!! This park boasts numerous campgrounds, cabin rentals, and even the Custer State Park Resort with four different lodges hosting a variety of activities including horseback riding, a chuck wagon cookout and off road Jeep tours that take you to close encounters with the park’s buffalo. Custer State Park’s amazing natural beauty, wide array of options, and it’s close proximity with so many of the state’s famous wonders make it your best bet for visiting the diverse and beautiful South Dakota.
Katie Bodell is Trekaroo’s Assistant Editor, a wife, & a mom to three sweet California girls.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC| FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR| PA| TN | TX | VA | WA
Our little girl is all about the adventure of doing something, whether it is simply driving to the Mall to ride the carousel or a trip to Hawaii to visit family. Her question on Saturday morning is always, “What are we going to do fun today?” I told my wife that the ideal job for our daughter would be Activities Director on a cruise ship. So, what would be more perfect for her to open up on Christmas morning than a homemade coupon book for local destinations?
Photo by: flickr/andrewmalone
We create three coupons on a single sheet of letter-sized photo paper and print them at home. While we use Microsoft Publisher, you could use something as simple as Word to build your design. Once you’ve cut out the coupons, place them in a cheap coupon wallet from your local dollar store and place them in their stocking. Below is an example of a local theater coupon we created:
Here are the other coupons for this year that we use in our home:
- Saturday trip to Discovery Place in Charlotte
- Saturday trip to Adventure Landing for putt-putt golf and arcade games
- Choice of restaurant for lunch after church on Sunday
- Saturday trip to BounceU with a friend for a session of “Open Bounce”
- Saturday walking tour of downtown Winston-Salem (our home) followed by lunch or dinner at Mellow Mushroom
Christmas 2010 was the first year we did the Trip Coupons and they were a huge hit. When an open weekend came around, my daughter would check her coupon wallet to see what she had left to use. Some of the coupons will indicate “with a friend” because it’s an event where we parents make better spectators than participants, or because it simply adds to the fun factor.
The activities we selected for the coupons are things my family would do anyway, but it puts the control of when in our daughter’s hands, which is a big deal to her. She is also old enough to understand that there will be weekends when other things take precedent and she can’t redeem a coupon. An added benefit of the coupons is that it helps to spread those stretched Christmas dollars over several months while returning your child’s big Christmas morning grin back on their face when they redeem a coupon.
We hope that you have fun creating your own coupon books this holiday season. We would love for you to share which coupons your kids loved the most in our comments section!
Barry Swedeen (aka PCDoctorNC) is a guest contributor and Trekaroo member.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Over the past two decades, it seems that children’s museums have been popping up everywhere. When I was growing up a children’s museum was a rarity, but these days I find myself picking and choosing which children’s museums to visit because there are just so many! Thanks to the help of our thousands of members, Trekaroo has created a top ten list of the best children’s museums in the United States. These museums are setting bar for what it means to create interactive learning spaces that stimulate, fascinate, and entertain kids for hours on end. Who made the cut?
10.The Magic House Children’s Museum St. Louis, MO
This 5 star -rated children’s museum is big enough to keep your kids entertained for more than a day. Younger kids love the massive water table while older kids enjoy the TV studio, huge slides that run throughout the building and the science exhibits. Even babies have a special area just for them. Having both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits is another big bonus.
Photo Courtesty of Trekaroo user nataliesmom86
See other kid friendly activities, hotels and restaurants in St. Louis.
9. Strong Museum of Play Rochester, NY
The Strong Museum of Play is incredible, but definitely geared towards babies and younger kids. Trekaroo families love the wide variety of interactive exhibits from a Sesame Street themed area that preschoolers love to the butterfly garden and the extensive toy museum. Plan to spend all day being amused at the Strong Museum of Play.
Photo Courtesy of the Strong, Rochester, New York.
See other kid friendly activities, hotels and restaurants in Rochester.
8. Children’s Museum of Houston Houston, TX
The Children’s Museum of Houston is a large museum that encourages all kinds of learning for different age groups. Little ones will enjoy the pretend play area while older kids can learn math concepts in Cyberchase or about different cultures in the multi-cultural area. Got a climber on hand, they’ll dig the 40 foot Power Tower.
Photo Courtesy of Trekaroo user GPP_TX
See other kid friendly activities, hotels and restaurants in Houston.
7. Creative Discovery Museum Chattanooga, TN
The Creative Discovery Museum gets consistently raving 5 star reviews because it does a wonderful job of providing one of kind experiences for kids with differing interests. The dino-dig area is a big favorite as is the stage that will inspire budding thespians. The science areas are also great for keeping the interest of older kids.
Photo Courtesy of Creative Discovery Museum
See other kid friendly activities, hotels and restaurants in Chattanooga.
6. Port Discovery Baltimore, MD
Although this is one of the newest children’s museums, Port Discovery gets great reviews because it caters to a wide age range and interests. Whether you child is into building, puzzle solving, drawing, creating, learning, or climbing, they’ll find something to enthrall them at Port Discovery. The three story climbing structure is a big hit.
Photo Courtesy of Trekaroo user em-il-ie
See other kid friendly activities, hotels and restaurants in Baltimore.
5. Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose San Jose, CA
The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose will entertain your children for hours and hours. Families agree that it’s one of the best memberships they’ve purchased. Favorite areas in this museum are the Wonder Cabinet, the bubble area, the water play area and the arts and crafts area.
Photo Courtesy of Trekaroo user yangtheman
See other kid friendly activities, hotels and restaurants in San Jose.
4. Portland Children’s Museum Portland, OR
Not to be outdone is the Portland Children’s Museum which also gets raving 5 star reviews from Trekaroo families. The favorite areas in this museum are the children’s grocery store, pet hospital, play theater, construction zone and an wonderful water play area.
Photo Courtesy of Flickr user eyeliam
See other kid friendly activities, hotels and restaurants in Portland.
3. Boston Children’s Museum Boston, MA
The Boston Children’s Museum is a marvel from the moment you enter and lay your eyes on the three story climbing structure in the middle of the museum. The baby and toddler play area is large and filled with foam structures that little ones can climb on safely. There is such a variety of exhibits at this museum, you’re kids will be amused for hours. The water play area is a huge favorite too.
Photo Courtesy of Trekaroo user MissMagpieFGS
See other kid friendly activities, hotels and restaurants in Boston.
2. Please Touch Museum Philadelphia, PA
Fighting for a very close second is the Please Touch Museum. Families unanimously agree that this children’s museum deserves a 5 star rating. It has set the bar for imaginative play. The museum has so many different areas to explore from the auto shop to the grocery store, to the arts and crafts center and even a carousel. The fun does just does not end.
Photo Courtesy of Trekaroo user GPP_PA
See other kid friendly activities, hotels and restaurants in Philadelphia.
1. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
Taking first place as the Top Children’s Museum is the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. This large children’s museum gets raving 5 star reviews from just about every Trekaroo parent. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has many different sections and different themes. Among the favorites is the Dinosphere, Take Me There Egypt (it is set up like you are walking through the markets, homes, etc-it’s awesome), and the Science Port.
Photo Courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Indianpolis
See other kid friendly activities, hotels and restaurants in Indianapolis
Runners Up
Don’t miss out on these fantastic museums that placed just behind the top 10!
DuPage Children’s Museum Naperville, IL
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum Salt Lake City, UT
Children’s Museum of Denver Denver, CO
Louisiana Children’s Museum New Orleans, LA
Discovery Center Museum Rockford, IL
Kohl Children’s Museum Glenview, IL
Minnesota Children’s Museum St. Paul, MN
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Milwaukee, WI
Chicago Children’s Museum Chicago, IL
Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta Atlanta, GA
Talk Back
Trekaroo readers, what is your favorite Children’s Museum?? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to write a fabulous review here on Trekaroo to tell everyone how awesome it is!
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Katie Bodell is Trekaroo’s Assistant Editor, a wife, & a mom to three sweet California girls.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
