Wednesday 30 November 2022

Jumpyard Trampoline Park Kids Party

 

Jumpyard Trampoline Park

Recommended to us by a few other parents, Jumpyard Trampoline Park has many locations around the city and in Sweden.

We recently booked a birthday party at Jumpyard Nacka and were pretty satisfied with the day! For those looking for an indoor place that hosts parties, takes care of the activity and food, Jumpyard, is a great option.

Jumpyard Nacka

You can choose which party package you are interested in and add any extras - like ice cream or slushie drinks. I liked that if there were any changes to the booking - additional kids, food, etc. You don't need to stress, just add them on the party day (if it is fewer than 5 additional kids). 

The birthday kid also receives a birthday bag from Jumpyard - which includes a t-shirt, bouncy ball, and a tattoo among other things!

Jumpyard Nacka

The staff were pretty busy helping out with all the parties going on but they were able to refill drinks, bring extra cups & plates and even brought pancakes for the kids who didn't want the pizza (this was very appreciated). For kids with dairy and egg allergies, fries and ketchup was a snack alternative. 

If you run out of pizza, don't worry, just ask the staff and they can bring more! The Jumpyard staff work very hard to make sure you have a great party experience!

It's about a 2 hour booking from the beginning of your visit. They start with quick introduction with the kids then 1 hour jump time followed by 45min in the party room. I was the only parent that day (my co-pilot was home with sick toddler) and the kids definitely kept me busy - pouring juice, passing pizza, balloons, napkins and trying to take photos of the action in between. 

Your 45min in the party room goes by fast and unfortunately you can't pay for extra time in the party room even if you wanted. They didn't rush us out, but they do give everyone a 15min warning.

A 2-hour birthday party is actually enough time especially considering the kids have a very high energy 1 hour of activity. 

Pro-tip! I'd recommend getting there about 20min ahead of time and telling all your guests to arrive then as well. This helps to gather your whole party before the introduction starts. Also helps to give yourself more time because of parking delays!


The only downsides we found:

It's a very busy place and there is a lot of noise. Might be more of a problem if you're with grandparents or younger kids.

If you don't pick a table closer to the viewing area you can't see them. Which makes it tricky if you want to see them, you need to leave your stuff. Fortunately, about 20 minutes before our party room time, I was able to enter the room, bring all our snacks, and the gifts to the party room. 

The Jumpyard staff even helped collect all the gifts, put them in a bag and bring them to the party room for us!

Note: You are allowed to bring cake or small fika items like cupcakes which we decided to bring! Candles are allowed as well.

The size of the room depends on how many guests you have. They set the table with plates and glasses and you can add whatever decorations you want as long as it's not confetti.

Coffee is free for parents of birthday parties! You get 2 mugs and can fill the coffee yourself :)

Overall, we had a very good experience at Jumpyard Trampoline Park, the kids were happy, the birthday kid was even happier and I didn't have to worry about any party cleanup ;) 

Don't forget your snacks!

Jumpyard Trampoline Park

Forumvägen 12, 131 53 Nacka, Sweden

Check out their website for more information!

Cupcakes!!

Thank you for the delicious Unicorn cupcakes Happy2bake! They were enjoyed by the big and little guests! :) 

Thursday 24 November 2022

Scuba diving in Greece


During our recent trip, my co-pilot and I were able to scuba dive together in the first time in years since pre-pandemic. Yes, this Mama got a chance to scuba dive on our family trip to Rhodes, Greece! 

The last time I scuba dived was actually the last time we were on the same Greek island!

Back then, it was a boat dive and our almost 2 year old had a nap on the dive boat and stayed with the boat captain! 

Fast forward to our recent trip back to Rhodes, Greece... This time the kids stayed at the resort! They had a combo of grandparents babysitting and the resort's kids club!

We were happy for a getaway to scuba dive together like we used to!

Our dive site location was at Anthony Quinn Bay, where the H20 Diving Center dive shop is located.

We had a private dive with just the dive instructor since it was the end of the season. We had two beach dives, in calm conditions. It was a nice refresher to our old hobby of scuba diving. The water was cool but visibility was great! 


We didn't see anything big but there were some lion fish, a hermit crab, some underwater pottery and even an octopus hiding in a little hole. We had a lovely time!

Waiting for kids to be able to dive with us someday :)

When we were there it was the last week of tourist season in Rhodes, Greece. They are closed until April when the new season starts again!

Thanks for reading and remember,
Don't forget your snacks!

H20 Diving Center
Faliraki, Rhodes, Greece
Check out their website
Equipment was in great condition and Greek/Lithuanian staff were very helpful!
SSI diveshop

Tuesday 22 November 2022

Skansen park in Stockholm

A model of Skansen park

Located on the island of Djurgården in Stockholm, Sweden, Skansen is a large, outdoor park themed as old-timey Sweden.

The park features Olden day Swedish houses and farmsteads, a children's zoo and several other areas to explore! There is also an aquarium at the park that costs extra to enter but one exhibit is free to enter and features marine life from Sweden. 

Skansen Stockholm



Skansen park

If it's your first visit, and even if its not, it's fun to take the small train around the park. The ride is only about 15 minutes but you can a short tour and a break from the walking. Note: The train isn't free and the staff usually go to each row and check how many passengers in your group before the train departs.

Kids love the traditional Swedish meatballs and mash or Köttbullar och mos available at one of the food stands at Skansen's main square, called Bollnästorget.

There you can also find a nice eating area, with a few little shops. It's also where you can hop aboard the train. 

What else can you find at the main square? A bumper car ride for kids that's quite popular. During the summer, this area is used for musical performances a few times a day! 


Skansen definitely offers a lot to do and see and we have been enjoying our visits. Be prepared to do a lot of walking during your visit so bring a stroller if you have young kids! 

Animal of the Day Skansen
Animal of the Day at the Children's zoo, which also has an indoor area to play and see some animals like the cats and rabbits!

Cats at Skansen

The area of the park called Galejan has some kids rides like a merry go round! Parents can ride with younger kids.

Skansen Stockholm


Skansen in the winter


In winter, remember that Skansen also has its own Christmas market selling everything from warm hats to delicious Swedish snacks! Check out my blog on the Skansen Christmas Market!

If you live in Stockholm, consider getting a year card for Skansen, so you can visit throughout the year!

Don't forget your snacks!

Skansen
Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden
Check out their website for park opening times!

Thursday 17 November 2022

Skeppsbro Bageri Stockholm

Skeppsbro Bageri Stockholm

The first time we visited Skeppsbro Bageri was during a trip to Stockholm centre. We were walking along the waterfront with the grandparents and kids and of course one of us needed the bathroom. 

Skeppsbro bageri

We were very happy to have found this cafe for fika (Swedish coffee break)! With plenty of outdoor and indoor seating and delicious Swedish cinnamon buns(kanelbullar) and cardamom buns (kardemummabullar), it was one of the highlights of our day in the city! 



Skeppsbro Bageri

We noticed these blue vintage trucks parked by the cafe but didn't realize until later that they are "Bread trucks" that visit different neighborhoods during the week!


Our neighborhood used to have a weekly visit from a Skeppsbro bread truck bringing the classic pastries like kanelbullar and  kardemummabullar but also monthly and seasonal specials like their delicious saffron buns for the Christmas season!


We enjoy our visits to Skeppsbro Bageri! It's always a cozy place for fika and the pastries and breakfast sandwiches are delish!

Skeppsbro Bageri



Skeppsbro Bageri

If you're visiting Stockholm and looking for a nice waterfront cafe to take a break or fika, definitely visit Skeppsbro Bageri! Be sure to also visit the blue trucks at a neighborhood near you! The buns are fresh and just as good :)


Don't forget your snacks!

Skeppsbro Bageri

Tullhus 1, Skeppsbron 21, 111 30 Stockholm

Check out their website for more information on their products!

There is also a Skeppsbro Bröd outlet that takes place every Sunday. You can buy frozen breads and pastries for very good prices. Either freeze them again when you get home or heat them up for Fika. 

Skeppsbro Bageri


Saturday 5 November 2022

Göteborg Restaurant

If youre looking for a brunch, lunch or dinner with a view, why not try the Göteborg Restaurant in the neighborhood of Hammarby Sjöstad in Stockholm, Sweden.



They offer various seasonal dishes along with some regular favorites. There are even various drinks named after different areas in Göteborg!


We needed to try this restaurant since we have previously lived in Göteborg, Sweden!


It's a great lunch choice even with kids! They have a few kids meal options, although they don't have any juice boxes or smoothies (my kids' favorites). 

You can ask to sit in the heated patio area if you prefer to sit outside as well. 

Göteborg restaurant

Brunch with a view! Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and Wallenberg with mash potatoes and Lingonberries. 

Their opening hours do vary so be sure to check their website before visiting. I recommend reserving a table as depending on the day, it can be a popular place!

Restaurant Göteborg
Delicious Goat cheese salad! 


In warmer months, you choose to sit outside or inside but if you sit outside you can only order the Bar Menu. If you want lunch or dinner, request a table indoors.

Classic Swedish meatballs with lingonberries, mash potatoes and pickles. 

I'm looking forward to trying their Julbord this Christmas season!! It's always nice to support the local restaurants :)

Göteborg restaurant also sells almonds and a few other items. 

Don't forget your snacks! 

Göteborg Restaurant



Restaurant Göteborg 
Stockholm, Sweden 
Check out their website for menus and more info.