By Anne McAlpin

Spring break and headed to an adventure or theme park with your nieces and nephews?  Here are some packing & travel tips to make your adventure even more fun.  

Remember:  Everyone likes to be involved, and as they say:  Planning is half the fun!  So… about a week in advance, arrange a pizza night to “plan” your adventure. 

If it’s a day trip, you can use their book bags/backpacks to start organizing what they’d like to take.  If it’s longer, you have time to start organizing larger bags. 

My mantra: less stuff, less stress!

-Remember to pack light weight, comfortable clothes.  Wear only well broken-in sneakers (and socks to avoid blisters).

-Sportswear clothing is great for adventure parks as most combine UPF sun protection & quick drying fabric.  The zippered pockets found on most sportswear shirts/pants/shorts are perfect to secure items like coins, keys, lip balm & sunglasses while you’re busy having fun.

-A small lightweight shoulder bag (instead of a backpack) is a favorite for many day-trippers. The benefit: when you’re standing in line you have easier access to your bag by having it in front of you (and it’s more secure).  And you’re hands free while finding tickets, helping kids & getting on & off rides etc.  Usually a backpack ends up on the ground while you’re searching for things. 

-Pack a change of clothes (at least a t-shirt) in a plastic bag to pop on after a water ride in case it’s cold out.

-Ziplocs® are great to organize your bag - write each child’s name on outside and organize accordingly.

-A quick drying large microfiber travel towel can be used in a variety of situations and takes up only 6” of space in your bag.  Can be used to dry off or as a blanket if the weather turns chilly.

-Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses & and hats for everyone. Spray sunscreen is a hit in our group. 

-We’re always happiest when we’re eating so remember to toss in some healthy snacks (that won’t melt) and water for hydration.

-A water-proof pouch for smart phones, cameras, etc. is vital to protect electronics.   Pack extra mobile power. You don’t want to spend valuable fun time searching for an outlet.

-A rain poncho from the dollar store works great for wet rides/or rainy days & to use as drop cloth for a picnic in a pinch.  If expecting rain toss in a few $1 umbrellas as well.

-Wrap disposable waterproof cameras for everybody- great for capturing once in a lifetime photos! Unwrap while you’re standing in line.

-Toss in a few bandannas to use for a variety of reasons; towel, sit on a curb, napkin in the car, etc.

-Pack paper/pencils to entertain nieces and nephews (and adults!) while waiting in long lines… tick tack toe, drawing, etc.

-Most smart phones have tons of free apps that can also be used to make time in line fly by.  Of course, smart phones /texting are a great way to keep in touch with teenagers or other adults at the park. 

-Budget a set amount of money that you will spend each day for each child for food, souvenirs, etc.  It can be an expensive getaway.

-Give each niece/nephew a coin purse or plastic snack size bag pre-packed with “treat” money in it.  They can choose how they would like to spend “their” special money.  This helps eliminate the constant “Can I have …?” souvenir they pass by.

-And, on the way home, ask my favorite question I always ask my nieces and nephews when we travel together:  What was your favorite part of the day?  You might be surprised by the answer!

Photo David Castillo Dominici
Published: March 3, 2015