Vacation Activities

Now that summer is here, many working mothers are treated to a well-deserved vacation. We look forward to sleeping late and unwinding. Some of us stay around the house and take day trips, others embark on longer trips. No matter if the trip is short or long; or by car, boat, plane or train; you still have to prepare for bored kids.

When you are on a trip, you hear the famous words "Are we there yet?" or "How long is it going to take to get there?" When you hear these questions (for the first of many times), you have just pulled out of the driveway!

There are lots of ready-made travel games available at stores and they are great entertainment. These games can be played en route and at your destination. Some have small pieces (usually smaller than the standard version of the game) so your kids have to be careful not to lose all the parts.

If you don't want to spend a lot of money, there are items around the house that are great for trips. Take cake pans and use them as personal game tables. The edges prevent dice or playing cards from getting lost. You could try lining the pans with felt to keep the noise down and to make the dice roll better or to prevent cards from slipping. You could also try large & shallow plastic containers (we get margarine in them at warehouse outlets).

"Pencil-less" sketch pads such as Etch-A-Sketch® or Magna Doodle® are good because they are reusable and there is no chance of loosing pens or pencils.

If your car has a tape or CD player, bring some tapes or CDs along. You can also bring tapes that have story books accompanying them. The kids can read along with the tape. Maybe buy some sing-along tapes so the whole family can join in. On the other hand, if you think the kids want to listen to their own tapes or CDs, bring a portable player and headphones. Be prepared by bringing a lot of extra batteries.

Don't forget pillows and blankets in case they want to nap along the way. The trip seems to go quicker when you are sleeping!

Pack a book bag or backpack with paper, pencils, markers, crayons, stickers, storybooks, activity & game books, crossword books, comic books and small toys. Older kids may want to start a travel journal where they list daily events.

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