Do you love going on a day trip with kids?
Maybe a homeschool field trip?
Yeah maybe it’s not your favorite. It can be quite a challenge driving around with a car full of kids.
When my family leaves for the day, wherever we are going is usually an hour or more away. That’s a challenge all on it’s own. But I love a day trip with kids and new adventures. I am determined to make our trips a success.
I have put together a list of 12 things you can do to make your day trip with kids or field trip easier and possibly even fun!
1. Be Prepared
Don’t leave home without a plan. Have a plan but be flexible. Pack what you need. Make a list and check it twice. And ask your kids to use the restroom about 3 times before you leave.
2. Pack a First Aid Kit
You never know when you might need one. Or maybe it’s just for the kid that needs a bandaid for every little bump and scrape. Make sure to have tummy medicine and nauseous medicine in there as well. For any tummy troubles and car sickness.
3. Have Dry Paper Towels on Hand
You never know what you’ll need these for but trust me, you will need them.
4. Pack Some Wet Wipes
For all the sticky messes and all the dirty hands plus any surfaces that may require cleaning. Wet wipes are a must.
5. Have Extra Plastic Bags In The Car
These are great for car sickness emergencies, messes and trash that you might accumulate.
6. Pack a Change of Clothes For Everyone (mom included)
For the kids and for you. I always make sure I have a backpack full of an extra pair of tops and bottoms for the kids. You never know when you’ll need them. And when you’re away from your home for a long period of time you will most likely need an extra pair of something.
7. A Small Cooler For Snacks
Kids are always hungry for snacks on long trips. Check out this list of great snack ideas for kids – Easy Kids Snack Ideas.
8. Pack Extra Water and/or Juice
Water is needed for many things not just drinking. And juice is a fun and delicious beverage you can pack for your kids.
9. Have Some Car Activities Ready
This blog post on road trip with kids has some great car game ideas – Road Trip with Kids.
10. DVD’s For a Player or Electronic Device For Videos
When car games get tiresome and watching a movie or a show is the only way to keep the kids from fighting.
11. Have Extra Cash On Hand
You never know when a card is not accepted or there’s a vending machine that you kids just need to get something.
12. Take Pictures
And don’t forget to enjoy the moments!
I hope this list is helpful. I know I try to have all of these 12 things for a field trip with kids but it doesn’t always happen. That’s ok. The main idea is that you are prepared and you and the kids are happy.
I will not sugar coat it for you mama. These trips can be stressful and full of anxious feelings. What I’ve been learning is my experience will depend on how I react to a situation. You can be prepared with these 12 things and something will still go wrong. Or you can have something missing and you can have an amazing time. It’s all about the attitude mama!
You got this!
Leave a Reply