Voting has begun for the Dreamin’ Baby Photo Contest!

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CAST YOUR VOTES HERE

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The winning photo will be determined by YOUR vote.  You can vote once a day until August August 15, 2010

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The winning baby will get to make dreams in his or her very own Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light.  This travel crib weighs just 1/3 of a regular travel crib and sets up in just a flip.  Trekaroo’s Carrie Yu took it for a spin was very impressed with this new product from Baby Bjorn.

Get the inside scoop on the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light:

Full review of the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib

Comparison Review of Lightweight Travel Cribs

Did you miss the chance to enter to win one for yourself?  Don’t fret, you can purchase one today on Amazon.

Did you know Trekaroo has a Travel Gear Store? Find all the travel gear we love for traveling with kids.

We’ve all wrestled hopelessly with our heavy portable cribs through airports and hotel lobbies. We have also all gone through that half hour of bewilderment as we stare hopelessly at a travel crib trying to figure out why on earth it’s sides just won’t stay up.

Well, what if I told you that there’s now a travel crib on the market that weighs only 11lbs.  (1/3 the weight of a Graco Pack and Play)? What if I told you that this travel crib sets up and takes down in just one flip?  Well, there you have it!  The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib does just that!

Pros:

• Lightweight (11 lbs with the case)
• Packs up small- easy to carry and to store
• Very sturdy
• Unbelievably easy to set up
• The mattress cover and fabric of the crib (that’s most of it!) are removable and machine washable.

Cons:

• Since the legs slant outward, you have to pay attention to where the bottom of the crib is when you’re walking by. This could be an issue in a small space, and is definitely something that you need to be aware of when it’s set up.
• Only useful for young kids, up to age 3 (possibly younger if you have a tall child)
• Fairly expensive, selling for ~$225-275, depending on the website/store

Full review of the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib

Comparison Review of Lightweight Travel Cribs

The Steal: Win a Baby Bjorn Travel Crib in the Dreamin’ Baby Photo Contest

We are really excited to give away a Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light to one lucky family with the cutest photo of your baby in dreamland.

Number of Winners: ONE (1) winner

Prize: A Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light worth $275

How to enter:

1) Enter a photo of YOUR sleeping baby: Entry Form

2) Get your friends to vote for your little cutie pie

Winner will be chosen based on popular vote.

Rules and guidelines: see entry form for official rules

Deadline to enter: Sunday, August 8, 2010 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 Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage.

Disclosure:  The Baby Bjorn Travel Light Crib was provided to Trekaroo by the manufacturer for review.  No other compensation was received and Trekaroo was not required to express any particular point of view.

Are we there yet?

Are you packing and getting ready for a 4th of July long weekend roadtrip with the family? Whether you’re flying to France, traveling to relatives or heading for the beach, check out our newly assembled Trekaroo’s Activities and Games Guide for Traveling with Kids.

These are all based on recommendations from Trekaroo’s community of travel-savvy parents over the last year. We’ve got games that can be played anytime, anywhere and no gameboards required. Some will make your kids think, some will make them laugh and some will turn them into detectives.

Here’s a sneak peak at Activities #24 through 35.

Guessing Games

24. 20 Questions (Ages 2+)
25. Treasure in a Bottle (Ages 2-4)
26. Name that Tune (Ages 3+)
27. Mother Goose’s Mixed Up Words (Ages 3-6)
28. How Far Away is That? (Ages 4+)
29. True or False (Ages 4-7)

Simple Activities with Just a Piece of Paper

30.  Print out coloring or activity pages from websites like Education.com or Crayola.com
31.  Print out a map of the US and check off each state that you find a license plate for
32.  Free Roadtrip Bingo print-outs from MomsMinivan
33.  Write a letter to grandma or a friend. Write a journal entry.
34.  Travel Scavenger print-outs from Moms Minivan
35.  Take a crayon, stick a coin underneath a sheet of paper and make a coin rubbing

The Trekaroo’s Activities and Games Guide for Traveling with Kids also has our favorite toys for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age kids, tweens and teens that you can purchase ahead of time and throw in your Mary Poppins “entertainment” carpet bag. You’ll find books, puzzles, activity kits and more to choose from to keep the kids entertained and happy for your “family vacation”

Be sure to check-out Activity #68 in Trekaroo’s Activities and Games Guide for Traveling with Kids. It’s a great idea that I’d never heard of from happyonvacation.

Related articles:

• Best Travel Trays for Kids
• Toys on the Fly
• Preparing Kids to Travel

Visit Trekaroo’s Travel Store for more of our favorite travel gear, toys, and books for babies to teens!

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Esther Lee is co-founder and CEO of Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.

Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

Have you ever looked at toddler who’s squirming in his airplane seat pulling the lap belt over his head with ease? My 2 year old son is never one to sit quietly on the plane and stay strapped in without a 5-point restraint system, but what airline has that? NONE.

Well, luckily the folks behind the CARES Kids Fly Safe aviation restraint know just what parents need for their little jet set. The CARES harness is designed specifically to keep children 1 year of age or older (weighing between 22 and 44 pounds) safe on an airplane. Between routine turbulence when flying over those Rocky Mountains to emergency situations, your toddler will be a lot safer traveling on an airplane with a CARES aviation restraint.

Pros:

• Only FAA certified alternative to a car seat
• 4-point harness that’s similar to your child’s car seat configuration
• Durable material that’s made by the same company who makes airplane safety belts
• Light (1 pound) and portable
• You can check-in your 50 pound car seat instead of lugging it on board

Cons:

• Simple to install, but requires an awkward moment when you ask the passenger behind your child to put their tray table down.
• No straps between the legs (the 5th safety point), so the straps have to be very snug or else smaller kids may slide down or wiggle out
• Red strap sometimes doesn’t align flush for curved back seats
• A big price tag if you don’t fly often

Here’s our full review of the Kids Fly Safe CARES Harness.

The Steal – Win a CARES Harness

We’ll be giving away 1 CARES harness.

Number of Winners: One (1)

Prize: 1 CARES Harness (Value $70)

To enter:

Share which is your FAVORITE airline when traveling with kids and why.

For additional entries, feel free to do any or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra entry but be sure to leave a separate comment for each one.

• Share which airline you think is the WORST when traveling with kids and why
• Tweet a link to this Monday Mad Steal via @Trekaroo
• Post this on your Facebook Wall using the Facebook Share link above
• Post this on your blog

Rules and guidelines:

• 18 years of age or older
• US Residents only
• One entry per person

Deadline to enter: Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 11:59PM PST

If you don’t want to register, but would like to purchase a CARES harness, it’s available on Amazon for $70. Go here to buy your child a CARES child aviation harness.

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 or Broadway 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.

Related articles:

• 10 Fun Travel Activities for Kids
• Travel Toys for Baby/Toddler
• Top 5 Travel Toys for Preschooler
• Best Portable Travel Cribs

Thanks to Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage.

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Esther Lee is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.

Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA

Portability and safety seem to be the features of choice. Congratulations to Comment #69, Brandi Westmoreland. You’re the new owner of a fabulous new Snazzy Baby Travel Chair.

One of the reasons I love Trekaroo is how I’ve got a community of thousands of parents keeping me up-to-date on what’s hot when traveling kids. One our newest Trekaroo members, Kailani (the mommy blogger behind An Island Life) tipped me off to the Snazzy Baby Travel Chair. Weighing in at less than 1 pound, the Snazzy Baby Travel Chair has been awarded the Most Portable Travel Chair by Trekaroo. It also fits into any diaper bag!!! Woo Woo! (Here’s the full article on Best Travel High Chairs).

The Steal – Win the Most Portable Travel High Chair

We knowing that eating outside the house is often difficult for kids who are more eager to play than eat.

Number of Winners: One (1)

Prize: 1 Snazzy Baby Travel Chair in Red for Valentine’s Day

To enter:

Tell us what feature(s) is important to you when shopping for a portable high chair.  You can leave a comment below, tweet your thoughts to @trekaroo, or leave a comment on Facebook.

For additional entries, feel free to do any or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra entry but be sure to leave a separate comment for each one.

• Subscribe to The Talking Trekaroo’s feed
• Follow Snazzy Baby on Twitter
• Follow Trekaroo on Twitter
• Tweet this giveaway
• Fan Snazzy Baby on Facebook
• Fan Trekaroo on Facebook
• Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to Snazzy Baby

Rules and guidelines:

• 18 years of age or older
• US Residents only
• Multiple entries allowed per person

Deadline to enter: Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 11:59PM PST

A Sweet Valentine’s Deal

Purchase a Snazzy Baby travel chair for $34.99 and get a free pair of leg warmers (value: $7.99) for your special little Valentine. Just go to http://www.snazzybaby.us/shop and enter in the code: TREKAROO when you purchase a Snazzy Baby Travel Chair and a free pair of leg warmers will be added to your purchase. You just choose the color! (Available in for funky colors: Wild Blue , Pink Pizzaz, Jungle Green and Oceans Blue.)  Jump on this deal before it expires at the end of the month on 2/28/2010.

Don’t need a pair of leg warmers. Purchase the chair on Amazon for $29.59 and it’s eligible for free shipping savings .

Related articles:

• Best Portable High Chairs for Travel
• Best Baby Travel Cribs
• Best Travel Toys for Babies and Toddlers
• Toys on the Fly
• Pack for Baby Without Bringing the Nursery

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 or Broadway 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 Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage.

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Esther Lee is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA

Thanks to everyone for sharing all of your awesome game and toy ideas!
We’re planning to pull together an article to share for all the 2010 travel that we’ll be doing with the kids.

Congratulations to all the winners who contributed on the blog, Facebook, and Twitter:
kbcmom (trekaroo talk), RunnerGrrrl, Nikki Wang, Ami, familiarycerz, Carrie, msrigs, Maria Legato (FB), BAT (Trekaroo Talk), and Kim.

Entertaining little kids when traveling is often the most exhausting part of a family “vacation.”  We thought it would be fun for all of us to share the tricks we have up our sleeves to create an exhaustive list of boredom busters. Leave a comment here or on twitter/facebook with your FREE or almost free activities or amusements.  (Don’t forget to tell us your Trekaroo screenname or blog name so we can give you credit for your genius when we quote you.

The Steal – Win a Kid’s Travel Game

We’ll be giving away ten fun toys to keep your kids occupied on the road.

Number of Winners: Ten (10)

Prize: 1 Travel Game (We’ve got CandyLand, Hungry, Hungry Hippos, Travel MagnaDoodle, and 7 Wikki Stix sets)

To enter:

Tell us one FREE game or creative activity you use to keep your kids entertained when traveling and why it works so well.   Each idea is one entry.  You can leave a comment below, tweet your idea to @trekaroo, or leave a comment on Facebook. One entry per idea.

Rules and guidelines:

• 18 years of age or older
• US Residents only
• One entry per person

Deadline to enter: Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 11:59PM PST

Related articles:

• 10 Fun Travel Activities for Kids
• Games on the Go
• Travel Toy Recommendations for Babies and Toddlers
• Top 10 Travel Toys for Elementary School Kids
• Top 5 Travel Toys for Preschoolers

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 or Broadway 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.

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Esther Lee is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.

Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA

From Charlotte to Greensboro to Raleigh and everywhere in between, the Piedmont region of North Carolina is bustling with vibrant city life juxtaposed against the enduring presence of nature. The diversity in landscape lends itself to a cornucopia of activities for kids from tikes to teens. With endorsements flowing in from parents who either live in or have visited the area, we’ve composed the superlatives of the region based on the votes from you, our wonderful Trekaroo families!

• Best Place for Kids in the Piedmont
• Best Science Museum for Kids
• Best Playground
• Best Amusement Park
• Best Thrill-seeking Fun
• Best Outdoor Attraction for Kids
• Best Free Attraction for Families

#1 Rated Place for kids in the Piedmont and Best place for kids to see the Animal Kingdom: North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro

The North Carolina Zoo is by far the most popular Piedmont destination on Trekaroo, with nearly twice the votes as the next most popular activity! With over 1100 animals, the NC Zoo boasts an amazing diversity of animals separated by geographical habitats, so there is something for every kind of animal lover.  KMCole says, “ My son prefers North America, because he loves Alligators and Turtles. My daughter prefers Africa, because she loves the elephants.”  As for the exhibits, many families share christinembyrd’s sentiment that the “zoo has worked very hard to make the animals’ areas as close to their natural habitat as possible.”  This also means large exhibit areas that are very spaced out, which leads to the nearly unanimous caution to wear your walking boots and bring a stroller!

Read or write reviews about North Carolina Zoo >

Photo Credit: NC Zoo

Best Science Museum for Kids: Museum of Life and Science in Durham

Lilkidthings says the Museum of Life and Science is “all about the outdoors.”  The museum combines interactive exhibits and places to get close to wildlife, like the butterfly and insect house.  For the renaissance child, this museum may have almost too many possibilities: train rides, space exhibit, playgrounds (outdoor and indoor), and a dinosaur trail. Even children still learning to say Tyrannosaurus Rex will find reason to smile in this educational fun zone.  TedsMom said, “We have already taken our one-year old son here twice because he had so much fun!”  As TedsMom said, kids will enjoy going back again and again.

Read or write reviews about Museum of Life and Science >

Photo Credit: ncmls.org

Best Playground: Dan Nicholas Park and Campground in Salisbury

From searching for gems to a train ride on the Spencer Moose express, the Dan Nicholas Park is a playground’s playground. “They have the most playground equipment I have seen since I was young,” says KMCole.  There is no dearth of activity at Dan Nicholas Park.  Mayasmom says her daughter “loved the animals and the putt putt course.”  All of this fun comes reasonably priced, too.  Carolinamama and her two kids had a blast for just one Andrew Jackson.  “Three hours of fun for $20 is pretty good!”  Trekaroo parents have unanimously given Dan Nicholas Park a five-star rating, which makes this a must-play destination when visiting the Piedmont Triangle.

Read or write reviews of Dan Nicholas Park and Campground >

Photo Credit: dannicholaspark.net

The Best Amusement Park for Kids: Carowinds in Charlotte

Carowinds is the largest and highest rated amusement park by Trekaroo parents in the Piedmont Triangle.  The rides are as high as the reviews, making Carowinds a thrill seekers destination. Even for those who don’t love a zip and zoom through the air, there is still plenty of fun to be had.   Krisco32 says, “The roller coasters are awesome, and little kids will love the Nick theme and characters.”  Some parents caution, though, that the park is geared towards older kids.  However, as jpocock says, “The waterpark is fun for all!”  As with most amusement parks, Carowinds can be a bit pricey, but there is definitely something special about this park.

Read or write reviews of Carowinds >

Photo Credit: Carowinds

Best Thrill-seeking Fun: NASCAR SpeedPark in Concord

M&M sponsored cars aren’t the only reason kids are fans of NASCAR.  Putting the pedal to the metal to cross the finish line is enough to get anyone’s heart pumping, especially the aspiring professional driver.  While nobody is hitting 200 mph at the NASCAR SpeedPark, the five, twisty kart tracks will keep your kids entertained for hours.  Trekaroo parent bukosker says that there is plenty of fun to satisfy all ages, including adults, with activities like laser tag, mini-golf, and kiddie rides.  Many trekaroo moms use NASCAR SpeedPark as a daddy-run daycare, like cinnamonsugah, “My husband took the kids here while I shopped at Concord Mills Mall.”  Tracie4 concurs that the “park is in a great location.”

Read or write reviews of NASCAR SpeedPark >

Photo Credit: nascarspeedpark.com

Best Outdoor Attraction to Visit with Kids: Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury

Nature is the imagination’s favorite playground and Hanging Rock State Park is one of the best play structures.  Trekaroo parent asenic waxes  nostalgic about this park: “I have such fond memories of going to Hanging Rock with my dad. I love the sandy beach they have to offer, the beautiful walking trails, waterfalls and scenic views.”  There is a network of trails with varying lengths to accommodate the varying sizes of legs doing the trekking.  TMNbecky suggest the “shorter, easier trail to the waterfall,” rather than the scenic trail to the top of the mountain for those traveling with kids. After the hike, kids will enjoy a dip in the lake.  “The beach is worth the couple of dollars and perfect for the little ones in your group,” mentions kikismom.  No matter what path you take at Hanging Rock, your kids will be amazed at the sheer cliffs and waterfalls they see.  And on those hot summer days, they’ll enjoy a good splash in the cool mountain lake.

Read or write reviews of Hanging Rock State Park >

Photo Credit: ncparks.gov

Best FREE Attraction for Families: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh

Dessia’s two girls loved their visit to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.  They really enjoyed “the room they get to dress up like all sorts of animals and insects.”  With four floors of exciting adventures to be found, there is plenty of space for excitement.  “From dinosaurs to sea life to bugs, its an adventure from start to finish,” says kitkat324.  For families with ages and tastes as different as dinosaurs and butterflies, have no fear!  Familiarycerz’s four children ranging from 3-10, rarely find a compromise on museums, but the NC Museum of Natural Sciences was a big hit for all.  With all the praise Trekaroo parents give to this museum, perhaps the most amazing part about it is that it’s FREE!

Read or write reviews of North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences >

Photo Credit: naturalsciences.org

Stephen Wanta is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA

New!  Trekaroo Travel Store

The new Trekaroo Travel Store is full of the best travel solutions on the market – clever and easy to tote along. Our travel toys have been road-tested and promise to provide hours of entertainment on the go. Everything has been hand-picked by travel savvy moms and dads.

Our Favorite Travel Gear See all travel gear


Ergo Baby Carrier
The Ergo baby carrier can be used as a front carrier and a back carrier. It folds up small enough to fit in your hand carry and feels comfortable for carry even a toddler for long distances. Love love love our Ergo!

PeaPod PLUS Travel Bed

Can’t rave enough about this ultra light travel bed/tent. It’s so much easier to tote around than a travel crib. Throw a sheet over it and you have a dark room. Put it on a bed or a comforter and ditch the air-mattress to reduce weight even more.


Phil and Ted Wriggle Wraper

Turn any chair into a high chair. Maybe not for everyday use, but great for on the go.  It sure beats feeding a squirmy baby in your lap.







Our Favorite Toys and Games that Travel Well see all travel games and toys

Fun Felt

Dado Stacking Cubes

These cubes nest into each other and fit perfectly in a travel bag. Topple free stacking in a moving car or plane.