Road Trip Diversions

Getting out on the open highways is still a great way to see the country and bond with the family. It can also be a stress filled event for parents traveling with children unless they are prepared in advance. Fortunately there are many activities that travel well and keeping children busy with fun activities will greatly reduce stress for everybody. Other strategies like planning for frequent stops for exercise and bathroom breaks will make the trip more pleasant all around.

Taking breaks every two hours is a good rule of thumb for long road trips with children. During these breaks children can stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, and have a snack and burn off some energy. Items like a ball or a Frisbee can be easily packed so that children have an opportunity to play for 10 or 15 minutes before resuming the trip. In addition, stretching exercises are a good way to relieve some stress. Along the road there are also restaurants with indoor play areas. If the family is planning on eating from a restaurant rather than packing their own lunches, these restaurants are a good alternative.

Plan ahead by packing activities and supplies.

Coolers with healthy snacks and drinks are a must. Include emergency supplies for the trip such as band-aids and anti-bacterial cream. Depending on the age of the children a porta-potty or training potty can help avoid emergencies. For small children this may be especially helpful.

Pack small versions of family games. For example, many department stories carry travel size versions of games like Risk. A lap tray can provide a solid surface for playing. Coloring books, crayons and small toys that can be carried in an activity back-pack may also provide boredom relief.

Books on tape will help pass the time. For a more creative version of this you can tell stories as a group. One person starts and then the story is picked up by the next person along the way. Sing-alongs are another way to pass the time. As are other group activities like I spy with my little eye. This activity involves guessing what the person is seeing often using colors or letters of the alphabet.

Scavenger hunts are another fun activity. Parents can find unfamiliar landmarks on a map and include those on maps or clues they give the children. The object is to find those sites along the way. This can also be a fun way to incorporate some of the rest stops. For instance, the location of historical markers may be a great place for everyone to stretch legs and to learn something new in the process.

Family road trips are experiences that stay etched in memory years afterwards. Making a road-trip memorable, in a good way, involves a little planning and a bit of patience, but the pay-off is great. There are few activities that allow a family to reconnect more than a family road trip. It's an adventure, an event, and family-time all wrapped together.

Learn more about this author, Jeanette Mcdonough.
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