You may remember that I recently shared my advice in the article titled the kids guide to overnight flights. I promised at the end of that article to share more tips on how to keep your kids entertained and engaged while on vacation, so here goes!
The kids guide to having fun on a family vacation
Get involved in the planning process – ask Mom and Dad questions about where you’re going and what you’ll be doing while you’re there. You can contribute to the planning by checking books out of the library about the places you’ll visit. You’ll enjoy the experience a lot more if you know a little bit about the destination.
You be the navigator – take charge of the map and lead your family back to your hotel or through the ever confusing public transportation system. You’ll learn some valuable skills and take some of the stress off of Mom and Dad in the process.
Keep a journal – as you’re reading about the destination before you even leave home, jot down some of the sites you want to visit or interesting facts about the things you’ll see that you can share while you’re there.
Take photos – you’ve got a different perspective than Mom and Dad – use your camera, phone or iPod to take photos along the way that you can add to the family collection when you return home.
Kid friendly tours – Ask Mom and Dad about the possibility of some time with a local tour guide who gears his or her knowledge towards kids and their interests – the Vatican museums are a lot more interesting when you hear the stories behind the treasures in a way that you can understand.
Learn a few words in the native language – sure, smiles are the same in any language, but it’s nice to be able to say “Thank you” or “Hello” in the language spoken at your destination
Get your hands dirty – Mom and Dad might not like this tip too much, but I think you’ll enjoy it! Go to a local park and see if you can participate in an informal football match (we call it soccer, but you still know how to play) – Go to a local playground and get some energy out after your long plane ride, even with the language barrier you’ll find you have something in common with the kids there. What about a pizza making class or a french pastry class? That sounds like a great way to get your hands dirty while you learn about the culture.
Lastly, remember the tip about discipline not stopping on the airplane? Well, it doesn’t stop on vacation either. The most important thing to remember is that even though you’re away from home and not in your normal routine that Mom and Dad still make the rules.
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