Kids & Day Trips: What to Bring

It's August; summer is winding down. Perhaps you're looking forward to taking one last day trip with the kids before heading back to school.

(Photo by: Chance Agrella)

Here are a few tips, from my own mental notes, after spending a Sunday afternoon at the local county fair. I'm sure you'll have a few tips of your own to share as well!

1. Eat a meal before you head out.
Otherwise, you may find yourself spending way too much money on food once you arrive ($4 for one soft pretzel!) Plus, you'll have more time to spend enjoying the attractions, rather than searching for the food stands and finding a place to sit and eat.

2. Bring sunblock
I like the twist stick kind or travel-size; easy to carry in my bag or pocket, can re-apply during the day if needed.

3. Use a waist-pack (also known as fanny-pack)
Go hands-free! No lugging around a pocketbook. I pack a lot into mine: extra tissues, foil packets of hand wipes, band-aids, cell phone, pen & notepaper, ID, insurance cards (stored inside a clear plastic name badge holder), loose change, front pocket to stash the amusement ride tickets, ponytail tiebacks, mints to calm a quesy stomach, etc.

4. Pack a spare set of clothes for the kids (and yourself if you'd like).
Leave in the car. Also, depending on the weather, you might want to add a lightweight jacket for the kids, in case there's a chill in the air later.

5. Pack a small insulated lunch bag with ice pack, juice boxes, bottled water, and some small snacks. Good for the ride home.

6. Pre-program GPS, or bring map/directions, phone number of location (if applicable).
Sometimes, I'll also look up the address & phone number of a favorite restaurant chain that might be close by to our destination; call in advance to confirm address, hours, menu selection, make reservations.

Bonus:
I usually keep on hand the following items, at all times, in the car:
- Box of tissues
- Roll of paper towels
- Small pack of wipes
- Small supply of plastic bags for trash
- Old sheet or picnic blanket
- A gallon jug of water in the trunk (not for drinking though!). Use for washing hands if there's no running water nearby, rinsing sand off from the beach, splashing on face and arms to cool off, etc.

How about you? What do you keep on hand in your car?

Did you see my previous post on Kids & Vacations: Traveling by Car? The tips above are in addition to what we previously mentioned in that post.

Feel free to add your comments below, or contact me if you have any questions or need further assistance.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Helping you to Sort Things Out, one step at a time.

Regards,
Eva