Tips for Traveling with Kids

 

Here are some ideas to make summer travel fun!

You picture the perfect vacation. Smiling kids. Fun on the road. Perfect memories.
But, packing up your family and hitting the road can also be a recipe for boredom and frustration. So, how can you keep your kids amused while traveling? Here are some tips:

Put your kids in charge.

Have each of your children pack a small bag of their own selection of toys, books and music.

Let kids mimic you.

Children like to have what adults have.

• Consider buying an inexpensive digital camera for your kids to share
• Or perhaps an iPad loaded with fun learning games
• Maybe an iPod with music or recorded books
• Or a portable DVD player with an array of movies and cartoons

Share the music.

Bring a communal iPod with classic music, or sing-alongs for everyone to enjoy together!

Track your travels.

Buy a colorful map for your kids to follow along with on your journey. Vibrant maps or print outs from online sources help your kids feel involved, like they're helping you navigate.

Find the unexpected.

Research quirky stops – restaurants or landmarks – along your route. These are good opportunities for kids to stretch their legs and expend pent-up energy.

Load your snack packs.

Have healthy snacks on-hand for those long drives without pit-stops for food.

Play wildlife bingo and other games.

Headed to a national park? Have your kids keep their eyes peeled for wildlife sightings. Create a bingo card with animals you expect to see. Encourage your kids to mark the animals they spot. Whoever gets wildlife bingo first wins a prize.
Or, look for vanity license plates, specialty cars (Slug Bug!) or try to name as many food items that start with a given letter from the alphabet.

With a little planning and some ingenious ideas, you can transform an average summer trip into one you'll all remember fondly.


Courtesy of Ameriprise