Summer Fun :: Family Vacation Tips

Are you planning on taking a family trip this summer? Do the kids love car rides or are they always asking “are we there yet?”  Two summers ago we drove up to Tahoe and my daughter wore a shirt that said “Road Trip” and on the back it said “Are We There Yet?”  She was a pretty good traveler but I wish that I had this Vacation Journal that my friend Colleen created.  I love all the fun activities the kids can do prior to the trip, during the car ride and even after you are back home.  Here are some ideas to make your trip enjoyable for all!

BEFORE YOUR TRIP:

Download our Vacation Journal.  I put the 18 page journal into a three ring binder along with a pencil case.  On the side I included a notebook and map of the country.

Before the trip have them fill out the My Packing List Page which they can check off what they should bring on the trip.  Also there is room for them to write down any other items they can think of.  I think involving the kids even before the trip gets them excited about the family adventure!

Pack some snacks:

Make sure to pack some treats for the trip!  I was telling a friend of mine how my daughter never eats the lunch I pack for her at school and she recommended that I have her help me pack it in the morning – that way she is involved and she can’t complain that she didn’t like anything I packed!  Have the kids pack their lunch/snacks for the road.  This is what we packed together for a day trip the other day.

DURING:

Inside the 18 page Vacation Journal you will find pages they can fill out such as Methods of Transportation and a Map of California and The United States.  Have the kids map out where you are going on your trip! Inside the pencil case I included some pencils, markers, crayons, a rather large eraser and a treat.  I grew up eating OREO’s and love the new 2-pack, convenient on-the-go snack designed for busy schedules. The new OREO 2-pack is the perfect serving size for a treat on-the-go.  They are sold in packages of 18 and can be found at local grocery stores.

AFTER:

Games included in the Vacation Journal include Animal ISPY.  They can check off all the animals you spot on your vacation. Also included is a checklist of all the Landforms and Habitats you saw on your trip.  And after you get back they can tape any fun memorabilia from the trip such as cards, brochures, tickets, etc.  I think this is a great way to document your family trip and keep the kids busy!  Enjoy!

Hope these tips help you for your next family adventure!

Download the Vacation Journal here: Vacation Journal

 
Photograph courtesy of BMB Photography

Hope you enjoyed our second post in our Summer Fun series!  Check out our post about tips on putting together a Nature Day Camp.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.