Well the last week of July my sister, her 5 year old dtr, our dad, myself and my 8 year old dtr will be driving from Texas to Missouri to visit our other sister. I'm looking forward to the trip and making all sorts of plans. I'm looking to see if anyone had any ideas of things the girls can keep themselves busy with while on the road. Space is going to be an issue so I need to think of things that don't take up a lot of space. They will both have their dvd players, handheld video games and some coloring books with crayons. Any ideas on how to handle discipline? We thought of doing a sticker chart of sorts. My sister thinks I'm thinking too much in detail about this but I just want to make sure we are prepared and things will go as smooth as possible. Being cooped up in a vehicle for this length of time could be a challenge. Especially with space being an issue.
Oh and one more question, for those of you who are familiar with St. Louis what do you suggest for us to go do and see while there? We're thinking of the City Museum, zoo, Grant's Farm and maybe the Magic House. Any suggestions would be great! Thank you all in advance!
The zoo and Grant's Farm are great. The Magic House is fabulous! I haven't been to the City Museum, but I do reccomend the Science Center.
Definitely go up in the Arch! It's a St. Louis landmark, so you don't want to miss it. There is a museum at the base of the Arch that's pretty good. It's been awhile, but I know there are exhibits about Western Expansion. You have to go into the museum to get to the trams to go up in the arch.
Have fun!
1 mom found this helpful
Report This
K.F.
answers from
Dallas
on
We had a 15 hour road trip over spring break. The best thing we did was "goody bags". I packed mostly cheap little toys and coloring books, a couple movies and DS games, stuff like that. But instead of giving it to them all up front, every so often (you can do it at regular intervals, but I just had them open whenever I could tell we needed a distraction) have them open one. I also included snacks in some of them, some candy, etc. They loved it. Also, I don't know how out of the way Carthage, MO is going to be on your trip, but with 2 girls I highly suggest you see if it's worth the detour to make a stop at the Precious Moments Chapel. It's free and it was one of the highlights of our trip when we drove through to KS City, MO. . . . Have fun!
1 mom found this helpful
Report This
B.C.
answers from
Los Angeles
on
When my kids got antcy and wanted to fight with one another, I'd pull over into a rest stop. I'd have them run in to the rest stop or do a lap or two around the rest stop. The exercise eliminated the restive nature of being confined in a van. (We had 8 kids.) I'd also look for things to do along the road. When we had time, I'd stop at a hamburger joint and let the kids climb into their jungle gym. That helped tremendously.
When stopping at a burger place, I'd let each person place their order, then I'd pay for it. They had their own order number and got their stuff separately. This avoids a lot of confusion and the, "But I didn't want this. Its not mine." (Imaginge a whiney voice and an occasional tear.)
Hi! I just saw your post and I thought I would quickly respond. (I need to get off Mamapedia and run errands!) The first site above is a site I've used when traveling with kids. It has great ideas! The second link is one from this site that I asked about a month ago regarding St. Louis. I did get a lot of great ideas from it! Have fun!
1 mom found this helpful
Report This
J.G.
answers from
St. Louis
on
Keep a roll of duct tape on the dash where they can see it. That should keep them in line. :p
St Charles and Kimmswick have cool historical districts. Might be boring for the kids though it sounds like you already have them covered so maybe you diserve adult fun. Of course if you want adult fun there are a couple wineries close in. That is the problem with living here, I forget what is really fun because if it strikes me I just go.
Science center is also cool. I wouldn't do the arch. My kids were forced to go in grade school and refuse to ever go back....boring.
1 mom found this helpful
Report This
C.M.
answers from
St. Louis
on
If you are willing to come to the IL side (about 20 mins from St. Louis) - Cahokia Mounds is a pretty cool site where native americans lived in the past. What about a riverboat cruise down the mighty mississippi? A Cardinals' game? Look up Ted Drews and go there for ice cream!!! The Hill has some fantastic Italian restaurants as well. Also look at the Scott Trade Center and/or Riverport Ampetheater (think it's called something else now) to see what singers, shows, etc are showing when you will be in town. Check out the Fox - and see if you could catch a show, there, as well!
Somewhere in the city they have family movie nights outside in a park - not sure where but I think you could google it. Look up the Munie Theater (outdoors) and do a picnic at Forrest Park.
Amazon has travel games - anything from hand held ones like the smaller versions of Checkers to the 'mark off a license plate' or something similar scavenger hunt games they can play in the car. Bring a few 'surprise' things for them to do - a new book, comic book, coloring book, game, cards, movie, etc.
Enjoy!
Report This
J.P.
answers from
Chicago
on
I am actually getting ready for a long road trip too, and will be stopping in St. Louis on our way home. I am planning to see the same attractions you mentioned. For the car, I packed each child a backpack with new things that I haven't shown them yet, so it will make it more exciting... new books, activity books, magnetic play set, color wonder markers & book, a notebook for doodling, stickers, and small toys (Polly Pockets). They also each have a game system (6 year old just got DS, 3 year old has Leapster). I also picked up a few new dvds and packed lots of good snacks. Hopefully that will be enough to keep them happy for the long ride!!!
