Posts Tagged ‘Family vacation’

Focus On: Traveling with Children

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Whether traveling via plane, train or car, the following here are some traveling tips for your next family vacation:

INFANT TO ONE YEAR

  • Plan for an active stretch. A rest stop break or a playground – let them walk or toddle for twenty or so minutes before climbing back in the car.
  • Bring music, mobiles, bubbles and books.
  • Pre-measure formula into bottles and carry a room temperature bottle of water to mix on the go.
  • Be prepared for a mess – snacks, diapers, spit-up, etc. – small trash bag, wipes, hand sanitizer (for the adults), spare water, tissues, bib and a blanket.
  • Even if you are traveling by plane, a car seat can double as a feeding chair or nap location. Call ahead for a crib to be added to your hotel room.
  • Be prepared and do not overload yourself. If time allows, buy what you can when you get to your destination.

FIRST STEPS (12-18 MONTHS)

  • Many of the Infant travel tips apply here.
  • Use “links” to keep toys within your child’s reach.
  • Even in the cool weather, crack a window for fresh air. Stale air may make your little one grumpy. Remove heavy jackets and shoes for comfort.
  • Bring music, books, stuffed animal, play mirror and foam shapes that will “stick” to the car seat. In an airplane – bring/purchase headphones for music and rest it on your child’s shoulders instead of over their ears.
  • Have some active playtime just before leaving and plan for frequent stops. In an airplane, let children walk down the aisle periodically at their own pace.
  • Airports can be a bustling place. This may be the one time you check your luggage at the curb. This way you can focus on your little one’s needs without the hassle of luggage in tow.

TODDLER AND GET SET (18-36 MONTHS)

  • Many of the First Steps travel tips apply here.
  • Play window games – count the silos, trucks or red lights.
  • Attach a mirror to the front passenger visor so you can see and interact with your toddler without having to spin around.
  • Buckle up a toy bin right next to the children so they can help themselves – books, links, stuffed animals and puppets.
  • Have your child help you pack a picnic lunch or snack and then serve it to everyone.
  • A blanket can make a quick play space in any lobby, airport, etc.

PRESCHOOL TO PRE-K (36 MONTHS +)

  • ‘I Spy’ a blue car, a white truck and other objects you can see while moving.
  • Laptop desk for drawing with paper and crayons.
  • Car-Ride Checklist – make a picture itinerary of landmarks you will see along the way.
  • Ask your child to keep score – gas prices, mileage or count out toll money.
  • Play “I’m thinking of an animal.” Provide age-appropriate hints to help your child guess a particular animal.
  • If you’re using a hotel babysitter: 1– Check the sitter’s credentials, including criminal and/or child abuse clearances. 2 – Check the room and the equipment in the room. 3 – Carry your phone and check your phone service when you arrive at your destination.

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Planning a Mini Vacation

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

Planning a child-friendly mini vacation can be a difficult task; you will want to choose a destination that will be memorable, safe and fun. With young and energetic children, families should choose destinations that offer a wide array of activities. Comprehensive research, via the Internet or your local travel agent, is integral to a safe and smart mini vacation for your family. Consider the following tips when arranging your next family trip:

Zoo or Aquarium

Zoos and aquariums introduce children to thousands of new animals and species. The majority of zoos and aquariums use creative ways to involve young children in what is usually considered a ‘look-but-don’t-touch’ environment.

  • Opportunities to pet and feed the animals will allow your child to explore and discover in a hands-on way. Children may or may not recall something that is told to them, but if you allow them to do it and touch it, it will make a lasting impression.
  • Make sure the zoo or aquarium offers educational programs that target young children.
  • Ensure that the zoo or aquarium has a strong commitment to safety, including several first aid stations and ample security.
  • Visit the zoo or aquarium Web site before finalizing your trip to make sure that it will be an appropriate fit for your young child.
  • If your child is a journal writer, encourage them to journal their experiences and feelings.

TIP Read a book about animals/aquatic life with your child before your zoo or aquarium visit – this helps build excitement about the upcoming trip. Providing children with a little background regarding animals they may experience may produce a higher probability of knowledge and experiential retention.

Beach or Lake

If you are near a beach or lake, make it a day! Children love to explore sand and water–let them play in it!

  • Bring a plastic magnifying glass so your little trekker can become a geologist, analyzing the sand and shells.
  • If the beach you are planning to visit has a bay area, or if you are visiting a lake, rent a canoe for an afternoon and take your child for an aquatic adventure. This is a great opportunity to teach your child the importance of water safety and aquatic life – always wear life jackets.
  • It is imperative to re-apply your child’s sunscreen every two hours. Shade your child from extra rays and use an umbrella and hats.
  • Maintain eye contact on your child at all times, regardless of the presence of lifeguards.
  • Consider painting your seashell treasures when you get home. These personalized memories are wonderful gifts for grandparents, aunts and uncles.

TIP Bring a large make-up or powder brush (with talc) for an easy, pain-free way to remove sand before sunscreen application or at the end of the day.

Museum

Museums are a great attraction for family trips.  Children’s museums focus on learning through play, where children are encouraged to explore with their senses.

  • Museums generally allow your little explorers to participate in activities such as working with fossils, climbing tree houses and even performing on a TV set or an opera house stage.
  • Exploration centers, imagination factories, sensory stations and education-based play spaces are common attributes in many museums. Even your infant will enjoy learning.
  • If it looks like a mini-supermarket, understand that to your toddler or preschooler it is a supermarket. Allow you little one to explore this environment as if it was a ‘research and development’ project.
  • Does your museum display art? If it does, ask your child open-ended questions: What do you see? What colors did the artist use? How would you change this painting/sculpture?
  • After your museum adventure, take a few moments with your child and draw or sculpt (with dough or clay) a memory.

TIP Allow your child to explore every facet of the museum. The museum’s design is based upon research in child development; even the ‘silliest’ activity may improve a developmental skill.

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Posted in Activities, Family, Learning through Play, Summer | No Comments »

Stress-less Summer Travel with Kids

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

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I was recently asked about my favorite kid-friendly travel items, and that sparked the idea for this next post about traveling with children.

Traveling with the family is fun, but it can also be overwhelming. Long gone are the days of just tossing a few belongings into a suitcase and heading out on the open road. It’s important to be prepared and to keep kids happy and healthy during family adventures.

Whether traveling via plane, train or car, the following is a guide on creating the ultimate travel survival kit for minimal stress and maximum fun:

JUST IN CASE…

  • Pre-measure formula into bottles and carry a room temperature bottle of water to mix on the go.
  • Be prepared for a mess – snacks, diapers, spit-up, etc. – with a small trash bag, wipes, hand sanitizer (for the adults), spare water, tissues, bib and a blanket.
  • Even if you are traveling by plane, a car seat can double as a feeding chair or nap location. If you’re staying at a hotel, call ahead for a crib for your room.
  • Bring along a spare set of clothes for everyone (parents included)

KEEPING YOUR BABY OR TODDLER ENTERTAINED

  • Bring music, mobiles, bubbles and books, stuffed animal, play mirror and foam shapes that will “stick” to the car seat. In an airplane, purchase headphones for music and rest them on your child’s shoulders instead of over their ears.
  • Use “links” to keep toys within your child’s reach.
  • Play window games – count the signs, trucks or red lights. “I Spy” a blue car, a white truck and other objects you can see while moving.
  • Bring a laptop desk for drawing with paper and crayons.
  • Play “I’m thinking of an animal.” Provide age-appropriate hints to help your child guess a particular animal.

CAR TRAVEL

  • Plan for an active stretch. At a rest-stop break or a playground, let the children walk or toddle for 20 or so minutes before climbing back in the car.
  • Attach a mirror to the front passenger visor so you can see and interact with your toddler without having to spin around.
  • Buckle up a toy bin right next to the children so they can help themselves – books, links, stuffed animals and puppets.
  • Create a car-ride checklist – make a picture itinerary of landmarks you will see along the way.
  • Ask your child to keep score – gas prices, mileage — or count out toll money.

PLANE TRAVEL

  • In an airplane, let children walk down the aisle periodically at their own pace.
  • Airports can be a bustling place. Consider checking your luggage at the curb. This way you can focus on your little one’s needs without the hassle of luggage in tow.
  • A blanket can make a quick play space in any lobby, airport, etc.

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Posted in Summer, Tips | No Comments »