So you’re sick of the snow and you’re planning a trip someplace warm. Sunny. Relaxing. Where they wouldn’t know what to do with a snow shovel. Or, you’re tired of the heat and you’re planning a trip someplace cold. Sunny. Ski-able. We humans are always going places, aren’t we?
Whatever the case, you’re planning a trip. And you want to figure out a way to get the kiddos interested in your destination. What to do? Well, there’s lots of stuff:
We’ve already talked about the old stand-by, making a paper chain. You put on as many links as you have days until departure. Now, you can leave it at that, and let the kiddos take a link off every day, watching the chain get shorter. Or you can infuse some Polka Dot Suitcase: on each link, write an activity related to your destination. Going to the beach? One link can be making a “sand” snack (small, clear cups; butterscotch pudding in the bottom, crushed vanilla wafers on top). Another activity could be sponge-stamping pillowcases with sea motifs. Older kids can research ocean life or the efficacy of different sun lotions.
Read. This one’s a given, really. Get nonfiction books about your destination — travel books, sure, but also any kind of historic tie-ins or nature guides. And don’t forget fiction. Coming to the South? Check out some books by Southern authors.
Plan a casual scavenger hunt. You’re already planning a trip. You’re already gonna have an overflowing plate. Don’t make this too hard on yourself. Give the kids some, say, nature books or one of those books that has the bird sounds right in it. Challenge them to memorize a couple birds and try to identify them when you’re at your destination. Or maybe trees unique to the region. There’s good info online about identifying shells, too. Or maybe older kids can identify architecture in the area.
Prep their gastronomic experience. Even if your kid’s a die-hard chicken nugget-and-macaroni devotee, you’ve gotta at least offer them some local cuisine at your destination. So, together, find some cookbooks at the library so you can introduce them to some of the flavors/styles they’ll be able to try “for real” once you arrive. Ask around on message boards or your pals to find out where the locals eat — and what they eat. Then try to create something similar in the comfort of your home. Trust me — it’ll be fun!
Incorporate your destination into family movie night. Rent a flick that takes place in or around your travel destination. The easy ones are if you’re heading to a historic destination — Gettysburg, Williamsburg, all the great ‘burgs. But if you’re heading to a city — New York, Vegas, New Orleans — there are family-friendly movies to be found that take place in those places, too. Hello, Netflix!
So, I’ve mentioned we’re heading to Charleston – pretty soon now! Cannot wait. You bet I’m getting my guys geared up for what we’ll see and do when we’re there. ‘Cause when the kids are excited, Momma’s excited. Well, actually Momma’s always excited about everything, because she’s a big fat nerd, but work with me here. Let’s face it: When the kids know what to expect, there are less bumps in the road. And less bumps are always a good thing, especially when traveling. So prep the kids, and get out there! Let me know where you go!
