Have Kids, Will Travel
Posted by Danielle Bean in Family on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:00 AM
Reader Jenny sends along this question:
“My husband and I are taking a 2400 mile roundtrip roadtrip for 14 days. We are looking for ideas of how to keep 5 kids entertained in the car, good Catholic points of interest that are not widely known about, local shrines, etc. that people have experienced on their own roadtrips.
We are specifically traveling from WI to FL and back via a different route. I’m sure there are plenty of other large families who cannot afford plane tickets and have done the PBJ packed lunches, and camping route rather than fancy hotels. I would appreciate any advice, and comments.”
The first thing I always advise road-tripping families is to check out Mary Ellen Barrett’s feature article in Faith and Family magazine’s June/July 2008 issue where she took on the concept of family “trips” in a practical, yet amusing, way. It’s available here online.
Barrett’s family trip article is just one example of the kind of practical, Catholic family-friendly fare subscribers get year-round in Faith and Family magazine. (What? You are not a subscriber? Let’s take care of that today!)
The next thing I always advise road-tripping families is ... Get thee to a dollar store! Before your departure, spend $20 and fill a “bag of tricks” with noise makers, mini flashlights, trucks, tops, and ... dozens of other things you never heard of before but that will keep your kids happily occupied on the road for hours.
When we do this, we make a rule that the “baby” (meaning the most difficult child, usually the toddler) gets each new toy first. When he tires of it, we introduce a new toy and the old one is fair game for other kids in the car. With 20 items, you will have 10 novel, distracting toys for the way there, and another 10 for the way back. Works for us!
Of course there are lots of other tips and tricks families can employ to make road trips more pleasant for everyone. What are your suggestions for Jenny? What has worked for you?
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