Oct 11 2008
Top 5 Tips for a Successful Outing with Kids
I had a day-long outing with the kids today, and I was reminded of some things that make adventures with children more successful.
- Have a plan. I had two possibilities in mind last evening, but waited until I checked the weather forecast this morning to make my decision. In the meantime, I thought of another possible destination (which I ultimately chose), but it cost me 30 minutes of research time this morning rather than getting a nice early start.
- Be flexible. Even though I had one particular activity in mind, I realized en route that if I took an alternate road, we’d have another fun stopping point along the way. Once at our destination, we learned of another family-friendly activity that was just down the road, so we worked that into our itinerary while we were in the vicinity.
- Think it through. I had forgotten how much earlier darkness comes in October than in July, so our 3-hour return trip was in the dark (and I don’t enjoy night-time driving). I had also overestimated the amount of our route that was a good four-lane highway. None of these were crucial, but I would have enjoyed the drive more under different circumstances.
- Be prepared. My stash of snacks in the trunk came in handy when we added an extra stop and had some time before the tour started. I did not, however, have jackets or a stroller along today, which would have been helpful.
- Seize the day! If you have a clear schedule and gas in the car, take advantage of the opportunity to take your family somewhere fun. Don’t save it for another day. That day may never come. Besides, if you really enjoy the trip, you can return again some day. Take the time to be adventurous!
I like the flexibility part – I think parents should have a training on flexibility before leaving the hospital – because that is really the key to sanity!
One other thing, you mentioned not having the stroller. I have also had this happen when it was removed from the car. Having a stroller along is important even for older kids. When I hear from parents who are contemplating not taking the stroller on vacation – I cringe! Strollers are necessary assistants- around town or around the world! Even if the kids don’t sit in them, they hold your drinks, toys, snacks, bags, and eventually tired kids!
Happy to help if you travel by air – http://www.JetWithKids.com
Good points, all.
Definitely agree with just going for it. You have to just try to take the kids and hope for a good day. It usually goes well. I don’t want to have regrets when my kids are grown that I didn’t take them and do fun things.
We tend to go on spur of the moment field trips, but for the longer expeditions, planning is essential. You get so much more from a trip when you prepare for it.
These are all important to consider and can make for a better outing.
Nice post. Since I’ve been trying to do this every week, I can vouch for your tips. A few additional ones:
Bring a few water bottles. You can refill them in many places and don’t end up paying 2 bucks each time.
Don’t be afraid to abort a mission is no one is having a good time (I guess this fits with the flexbility part).
If you are doing anything in nature, bring binoculars. Heck, just keep a pair in the trunk. They come in handy more often than you’d expect.
I’m so bad with the snacks! Great at drinking containers, but bad with snacks. I need to concoct some sort of laminated list to hook onto my diaper bag.
[...] the bounds of a day trip for me, but when the opportunity arises, I try to take it. (See #5 of my tips for outings with kids.) A longer car trip is much more palatable on a sunny fall day, so I packed up the kids and we [...]