We made it, Summer is finally here!  The last few school projects are completed and we drug ourselves mostly unscathed over the finish line.  We have the whole beautiful, hopefully sunny, long summer ahead.  Now, the question is how are we going to utilize this rare opportunity to have our kids for an extended time.  Pack the bags, because I sense a Road Trip is in order.

Road tripping is like an adventure on wheels, you can find a place you have never been and make it your destination, or you may be traveling to visit family and can use the chance to see or do a few fun things on the way.  Whatever, your reason here are a few tips to help make you a Road Tripping Warrior:

PLAN AHEAD

  • Map it Out: Knowing your route is key for budgeting and logistics, but also closures.  Summer is a prime time for road construction, and remodel projects.  The first thing you want to do is make sure everything is open, and available for your family fun and enjoyment.
  • Weather:  We all hope for blues skies ahead, but sometimes there is a little rain on our parade, that is okay.  Put a weather app on your phone to get the most up to date information, so you can skillfully avoid precarious weather.
  • Make a Play List:  There is something about music that just enriches the memory.  A play list is a great way to ensure a positive background to your adventure.
  • Look for Freebies/Transfers/Discounts:  If you have a National Park, or Museum on your Road Trip Itinerary.  Here is some useful information.   National Parks are promoting  Every Kid in a Park, where if you have a fourth Grader they get in for FREE, or if you are sans 4th Grader you can get an unlimited pass if you plan to hit a few.  Also, many of the Museum’s across the nation participate in reciprocal memberships, so if you currently have a family membership you may be able to get into a museum in another state for free.  Check your membership information.  Check online for additional discounts pre-trip your wallet will thank you.

INVOLVE THE KIDS

One of the best Road Trip discoveries to date, is the power of a team.  Have you ever watched a professional pit crew handle a car stop?  It is impressive.  Each person knows what to do, does it, and is engaged for the win.  Kids are part of your team, and they are capable.  Let them help.  When our kids started helping our lives became simpler, and the journey more enjoyable.  Early involvement usually results in excitement and cooperation.  Which means your team is winning.  Our kids help in four main ways:

  • Selecting Highlights:  We have our kids weigh in on different routes and stops.  If they are looking forward to a certain landmark or activity, then the mood of the car is positive.
  • Pack:  We put all the kids suitcases in a line, and hand the readers a pack list, and help the younger ones.   Once everyone has their stuff, you run through the lists, zip up the suitcases and have them take them out to the car.  This helps build excitement and you have done half of the work.
  • Learning Fun:  Each of our kids is in a different stage of learning and has different learning goals to prevent summer slip.  The kids help us hand pick educational activities they will enjoy doing in the car to help break up screen time.
  • Stop Jobs:  When we stop for gas we wash the windows, throw out any trash, and take potty breaks.  This is a great opportunity for helpers and movement.  We rotate who does what.  Since, our kids are too small to reach the windshield but enjoy doing the “Big Job” one parent helps while another takes the others to the rest room.

Overall, the more your kids help to make it happen, the more they will enjoy the experience. So, remember they are capable and let them help.

PACK WITH PURPOSE

  • Have you been to the Library lately? You should go.  Not only do they have books on cd, regular books, and often do summer reading challenges with perks.  They also have electronic learning games, that would pair perfectly with your road trip free of cost.
  • Color Wonder has saved me.  They don’t melt like crayons, and they don’t show up if they accidentally hit a seat, or if a child feels the need to Van Gough their legs.
  • Felt Busy Books for the Preschool/Kinder age kids, Target currently has an awesome selection in the One Spot.
  • Put Diapers/Wipes in the door so they are easily accessible when you stop.
  • Snacks:  We typically pack a small cooler so we can minimize the stop time for gas/bathroom breaks.
  • Games:  Brain Quest, Catchphrase, and Braid/Weaving crafts have been low maintenance options for car fun, to engage older kids.
  • Wrap the fun:  I will wrap the activities (often in whatever odds and ends wrapping paper I have left over Birthday/Christmas keeps it interesting)  Each time we reach certain points on our trip, they can unwrap a new activity.  The kids eat this up.
  • We purchased a movie player for our 4 day cross country trip.
  • Pack a Marriage workbook for you and your spouse to work through, while your kids are engaged in their activities or sleeping.

HIGHLIGHTS

If you are road tripping, to get somewhere to an event or visit family/friends, make some memories along the way.  A few of our favorite things to do are:

  • Eat Unique: Try a new dish, or restaurant
  • Hotel with a Pool.  My kids look forward to swimming each night at the end of the days drive.  It also helps them sleep better which is necessary when you have multiple days on the road.
  • Learn and See.  Find out if you are passing by any historical places you can learn about and stop to actually see in person.
  • Adventure:  Look for famous for opportunities: In St. Louis we were able to stop and go up the Gateway Arch, In Louisville we hit up the Slugger Museum, In Nashville a walking tour, each time we go we try to get at least one new experience along the way.  For my kids who have just begun reading, they love when they stumble upon a story of an area we have visited.

If you are Road Tripping for the adventure.

  • Camp:  Nothing says summer like a night under the stars.
  • Experience a zip line or mountain slide, river rafting or hiking.
  • Hit the Beach:  Seek out a Light House, test out your balance on a paddle board.

Summer is about to begin, and the road is your canvas.  Paint it beautiful!