Kids of all ages are bombarded with electronics – from TV to video games to iPads.  They are in our schools and in our homes and it is increasingly difficult to unplug and relax without a screen.  There are even reports of kids needing therapy to overcome their iPad addiction.  Travel is a perfect time to gradually wean kids (and adults) from the screens that invade our lives.

Before heading on a trip, stock up on some fun solo play and interactive games.  Introduce these on the journey BEFORE breaking out the electronics.  Here is a selection of our favorites:

• Vintage Wire Puzzles from Schylling:  A retro favorite that still entertains restless kids.  These are great for solo play or race each other to see who can solve them first.
• Mr Mystery Invisible Ink Books:  Invisible Ink books are favorites for kids of all ages – I love these for travel because they are both solo play and interactive.
• BlendyPen Activity Books from Melissa & Doug:  BlendyPens add a fun twist to traditional coloring activities.
• Magnetic or Vinyl Cling PlaySets:  An all time travel favorite – playsets spark the imagination!

What are your favorites?

General Travel With Kids · unpluggged travel

With our next big family vacation not scheduled until the fall, I have been looking for smaller trips to consider for the summer.  We are lucky to live in a region packed with state, local and national parks and I sometimes forget that there are fantastic things to do right around the corner.   Somehow a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park seems less exotic when it is 30 minutes away, despite the fact that we haven’t been recently.

The best part about park trips is that they are always affordable, educational and fun!

Here are some resources to get you started:

• National Park Service
• America’s State Parks
• State Parks

We are starting at Rocky Mountain National Park.  What is your first stop?

national parks

Quick clean · Road Trips with Kids

rest days · vacation tips

Almost every trip has a day or two of less than perfect weather.  Don’t let these ruin the vacation – plan ahead to make even rainy days fun.

Ready for the weather!

1. Pack rain gear – even to sunny destinations.  Rain coats are a must for every trip!  Use travel space bags to compact them into an easy to pack size.
2. Rain boots are bulky.  As an alternative pack water resistant shoes like Crocs or sandals – they compress practically flat and can be worn on non-rainy days as well.  At a minimum travel with at least two pairs of shoes (to give a soggy pair time to dry) and bring an extra pair of socks site-seeing.
3. Make it fun.  It rained one evening at Disney during the extended hours.  While the families around us were grumbling and heading for the exits, we started splashing in puddles and generally having a good time (it helps that we live in Denver where it rarely rains – my kids were thrilled to be wearing raincoats and playing in the rain!).  Within half an hour the rain had stopped and we had the park virtually to ourselves.  This is still a moment our kids still remember and talk about.
4. Pack indoor activities for use in the hotel room.  A few travel sized games – dominos, Travel Camp or even just old-fashioned card games - can make a rainy day into fun family time together.
5. Have some back-up activities.  Is there a museum, movie theater or even a shopping mall you can visit to get out of the hotel for a while?  It may not be on the top of your list but relax and enjoy anyway.
6. Known the climate – is your destination known for afternoon showers?  Plan your day around these showers – either by stopping for a snack during the shower or heading to the hotel for a quick break.

What are your tips for surviving rainy vacation days?

rainy day travel