Vacationing with your children is a great way to make lifelong memories, but it can also be a hassle. Here are seven ways to keep your children occupied, happy and involved on your next trip.
Use metal baking sheets as lap desks. Having a hard surface in front of them allows kids to draw, play games or color on long car trips. Magnets will also stick to the sheets, making it easier to anchor paper or other objects to the sheet. Glue a magnet to the bottom of a small cup for a spill-proof way to hold crayons, game pieces or other small items.
Provide each child with his or her own sports camera. Encourage your kids to snap photos of their favorite sights on the road or at your destination. When you return from your trip, have the photos developed and let each child create a personalized scrapbook or photo album. This is a great way to experience the world from the perspective of each of your children, and they'll love watching for photo-worthy moments and objects on your trip.
Hold a road-trip scavenger hunt. Provide each child with a checklist of things to watch out for on your trip. Have your kids watch for license plates from each of the 50 states, certain types of transportation (trains, planes, etc.), landmarks and other things you are likely to encounter on your trip. Your children will spend less time being bored or bickering if they are always on the lookout for items to check off their list.
Stretch your legs at rest stops and parks. Kids are naturally full of energy, and being pent-up in the car for hours will lead to negative expressions of that energy as they become bored and restless. Many rest stops along interstate highways have playgrounds and open, grassy areas. Let the kids throw a football for a while, play on the swings, or have a picnic in the sunshine before hitting the road again.
- Allow teenagers some time in the passenger seat. Children older than 13 can safely ride in the front seat and may appreciate a brief reprieve from sitting with younger children in the back. Allow them to choose the music you play on the stereo, navigate, read or simply gaze out the window in peace.
Bring plenty of activities, along with extra batteries and charging cables for devices. If you aren't aiming for a completely "unplugged" vacation, allowing your kids to play handheld video games, watch DVDs or listen to MP3 players can promote harmony in the car or on a plane.
Have older children help you navigate. Older kids can use their map-reading skills to point you in the right direction and feel involved in your trip. If you're using a portable GPS device, allow the kids to find and suggest upcoming restaurants, rest areas or attractions.
Traveling with your family is far more fun when your kids are agreeable and entertained. Use these tips to keep your children engaged throughout your trip, no matter how long it is.
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