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You’re doing it. You’re going to take the kids on a day trip to expand their little horizons and (hopefully!) wear them out. But what happens when you get there? Chaos, mama. Chaos will always happen when you go on days trips with kids. But, with a little bit of planning and a few tricks up your sleeve, the fun and adventure will far out-weigh any chaos.
Top Family Day Trips for Kids: Fun Destinations Everyone Will Love
First things first – you’re going to need a destination. Being smart about where you choose to have your family adventure will set you up for success from the get-go. Quiet events where everyone can hear your littles when they get sad/tired/hungry are not where you want to be with infants, toddlers, or littles. Maybe even some of your preteens. (Teens – don’t let me down here.) Anything that encourages movement and exploration is gold. And if it also imparts some wisdom, you’ve hit the jackpot.
Free Day Trips
Y’all know I have to plug your local public library by now, right? Follow your public library’s (for your county and the surrounding counties – most programs are open to any one, not just card holders) social media and check out their website for all the free programming. Seriously, you’d be amazed at the free educational workshops, performances, activities, and more that are available to you.
Speaking of those local libraries, many offer free state park passes (depending on the state you live in). Check out the pass, get in to the parks for free, and enjoy all the perks of an annual state park passholder without having to purchase one. Some of those passes even include free tours for historical homes in your state.
Produce stands – now stick with me on this one – they are so great. I’m not talking the little one-man show on the side of the road (although those are also fun, just not for long with littles!), I mean the larger setups that have been in business for years and offer things like pumpkin patch tours, hay rides, strawberry picking, and the like. Sure, you may have to pay for a basket to go strawberry picking BUT if you were going to spend that money on fresh fruit for your kids anyway, why not let them go pick it themselves? Physical activity, fresh air, and a little more knowledge about where their food comes from and your kiddos will be worn out in no time!
Never underestimate the power of taking your kids to a local park. Seriously. Rotate through all the ones near and semi-near your house. It never ceases to amaze me how excited my kiddos get to visit the park down the street (even though we absolutely have a lovely playset in our backyard).
Day Trips that Cost Money
The zoo is one of our absolute favorite day trips. Opportunities for learning, movement, and curiosity abound in a space designed with kiddos in mind. It’s the best. Check your nearest zoo for annual family memberships for great deals and incentives – usually they’re decently enough priced that they pay for themselves in just a few trips.
Museums are a great rainy day alternative. Especially those with kid-centered areas of the museum designed for hands-on learning and discovery. Check your local one for deals and specials to save some money.
Entertainment Ideas for the Ride on Your Day Trips for Kids
You’re all piled in the car and headed on an adventure when you hear it – the dreaded “Are we there yet?” But never fear, mama! We are going to have some entertainment ready to go to distract the cuties in the backseat.
- Toniebox: The Toniebox is one of our all-time favorite things. I love everything about it. Keeping the kids as screen-free as possible (without losing my mind and without keeping them from learning necessary digital skills for this technology-driven world) while also entertaining them is a dream.
- Books: Self-explanatory. Mine could read forever and never get tired of it. I don’t know where those librarian’s kids get it from…
- Busy Books: These are just what they sound like. Activity booklets with manipulatives to keep little fingers (and minds) busy.
- Erasable Drawing Pads: Get the ones with the pens attached to the board. Thank me later.
- Tablets: Yep, I said it. Put the tablets in their hands so you can deal with bumper-to-bumper hold ups without pulling your hair out. Lock ’em down, know exactly what’s on there, and limit the time they spend on them.
Don’t pick things that have tons of pieces. Just don’t. Inevitably, you’ll be driving along the interstate – probably just getting to a heavy-traffic area – and someone will begin crying that they’ve dropped a piece and the entire rest of the toy is worthless without it. Save your sanity and skip anything will multiple pieces!
Getting Around on Day Trips for Kids: Tips for Stress-Free Travel
You made it to your destination! Now how to move these kids from place to place? Elementary kids and older are good to go on foot but you know your toddler just isn’t going to make it. Now what?
- Slings and Baby Carriers: These are amazing for your on-the-go adventures. Let the big kids frolic while your itty-bitty naps in their kangaroo-like heaven.
- Foldable Strollers: Bring that stroller with you where ever you go. I adore the compact ones, they make life so much easier. Especially in places where you might walk inside or need to be cooped up for a minute. Take your baby or toddler out, fold it up, hide it under the table or carry it close.
- Wagons: Wagons are amazing. We take ours to the zoo, to festivals, on the beach, and any other outdoors event you can think of. They pull like a dream and you can throw a canopy on if you need one.
Dress for Success: What to Wear on Day Trips for Kids
Who cares what you wear as long as it’s comfy, right? No one really, but you might when you try to spot your child in a sea of other kids. Hear me when I tell you it’s the most stressful .00003 seconds of your life when you glance up and don’t immediately spot your child. Plan ahead and avoid that panic attack. Dress your babies in bright colors, unique patterns, or anything else that will catch your eye in a crowd. If you’re somewhere the kids will be in bathing suits, find some unique and funky jewelry to make them stand out.
Another great tip for being in crowded places with your kids is to write your phone number on their hand and cover it with a liquid bandage to keep it in place for the day. That way, if your child gets separated from you for any reason, they will have a contact number on them.
Favorite Must-Haves for Day Trips with Kids: Packing Essentials and Tips
Be prepared for any and all situations and you just might survive. I’m kidding, but really – you may as well have a nice little array of goodies you might need to avoid some of the chaos. No worries, mama. It’s all stuff you probably already have.
- Water Bottles: Bring those water bottles! It gets hot and we all know the first thing the kiddos will start in with is “I’m hot” and “I’m thirsty.” Most places – even the paid ones – have water fountains gallore so you can probably avoid those $5 and $6 water bottle charges.
- A Good Bag for Mama: This doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be a cross body you don’t mind getting a little beat up during the day. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s hands-free to cause you less stess. I’m a huge fan of this one – it’s not big enough for me to be tempted to fill it, but it gets the job done. Plus, my phone is easily available for all those cutie photo ops!
- Snacks: You know you need snackage but remember – don’t pack anything that melts. Even those awesome granola bars with the chocolate chips. Pouches, meat sticks, teething snacks – anything that doesn’t require refridgeration or heating up. Bonus points if it’s not too messy!
- Compact First Aid Kit: You don’t need to go crazy here, you probably already have a solid one in your car and, chances are, most places you visit will have one readily available. All you need here is enough to get you to either of those places. And to keep any “I need a bandaid!” moments from making you pack it in early.
- Hand Sanitizer (Or han-i-tizer as my babies call it!): Self-explanatory. Adventuring is messy and you want clean hands for meals and snacks. Also great if you’re somewhere petting animals.
- Medications: Don’t forget any medications your child is required to have! If they take something on a schedule take it with you even if you plan to be back in plenty of time. Things happen – traffic, extra-long hikes, naps, random adventure side quests – and you want to have it with you just in case. A few everyday emergency meds like Benadryl and pain medications are always a nice addition to your travel bag!
You won’t be able to plan for every eventuality but this will give you a solid foundation to less stressful day out with your kiddos! If you can, have a little bag always made up with most of the items mentioned here so you can be spontaneous on days the kids are in great modes for adventuring. Just grab the bag and go have fun! And don’t stress, mama. We’ve got this!