Day Trips With Kids - The Do's & The Don'ts

I'm not going to lie to you....it is possible to go on fun, relaxing day trips with your children. It is possible, but it does take some organizing prep work. Gone are those days when you can just waltz out of the house unprepared with a devil may care smile on your face. You gave up that freedom when the first child arrived. Along with many other freedoms, but back to the subject at hand.

What do you need to do to assure a fun day's outing before you leave the house?

• Plan where you are going. No aimless driving around country roads. Have a destination in mind.
• Dress kids in bright colored shirts, preferably the same color, so they are easy to spot in a crowd. Or while running ahead of you.
• Pack non messy snacks for the car. Water, not juice (too sticky). Trail mix without chocolate chips. Nothing that would get them or the car dirty.
• Have a rule about video use if you have a player in your car. Our rule is if the destination is more then 1 hour away, video ok. If less then 1 hour, no video. And always have the kids use headsets to save your sanity. Doesn't matter what they cost. They are worth every penny.
• Decide what your souvenir $ limit will be and tell the kids ahead of time. Also state that you will be visiting the gift shop at the end of the day, not right when you get there. Or, if they insist you go before, tell them they will have to carry their purchase around all day. Give them a choice. Then stick with the result. 
• If you have a browser in the family, suggest they start a collection of something inexpensive and small, like key chains. Lot less browsing that way.
• Pack lunch if allowed. Better for you, better for the kids and better for your wallet. If not allowed at your destination, you can still pack lunch and have a picnic along the way.
• Get a special dessert, such as ice cream or candy later in the day. I always go on line and research what ice cream places are near where we are going. Saves a lot of frustration.

That's it! Work with these guidelines and you should all enjoy your day out. A bit of organization goes a long, long way towards happiness.

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be organized.....evelyn