You cherish and love your child. You do everything in your power to make sure they can flourish to become healthy, well-rounded adults.

Of course, you want to create the best home for your children to learn and grow. But what about holidays and downtime?

You might think that your kids might get lazy or miss out on some learning milestone if you take a break. The truth is, the experiences they have on vacation can help with things like school and helping them focus on long-term goals.

This is especially true if you take educational vacations. Take a look at these five great ideas and start planning your trip!

Ideas for Educational Family Vacations

1) Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California

This place has everything you’d want in a getaway that enriches your child’s mind! There are tons of activities to see, touch, and do.

With over 200 activities and almost 35,000 animals and plants, there aren’t many educational vacations that can beat it! Get ready to splash and play all day!

2) Smithsonian Sleepovers, Washington D.C.

What kid (or kid at heart) doesn’t love the Ben Stiller movie, “Night at the Museum?” It seems so fun to spend an evening after hours with all of the exhibits after everyone else is gone.

Thanks to the Smithsonian, you can! You’ll get a guided tour, do arts and crafts, and be up close and personal in your pajamas with all the cool stuff in these historic museums.

3) Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Among all of the educational vacations you can choose, this one is definitely an undiscovered gem!

Touted as the largest children’s museums in the nation, your kids will delight in exploring all 472,900 square feet of it. You’ll have a great – and education – time checking out Chinese terracotta warriors, examining a shipwreck, or deciphering hieroglyphs.

4) Grand Canyon National Park

Not much can stack up against the majesty of nature. You and your family will have a wonderful time in the great outdoors, learning about how this incredible formation came to be.

Figuring out how to get there might seem like a big task. There are plenty of specialty tours that can guide you while planning educational vacations for your kids.

5) Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

How was America founded? How were laws crafted at the beginning of our nation? What interesting inventions did our founders contribute to the world?

There’s so much to see and do in Colonial Williamsburg it’s hard to be bored. This entire town is dedicated to preserving and demonstrating history.

Don’t just go for an afternoon – there are things to see both day and night.

Start Planning Your Educational Vacations Today!

Learning doesn’t have to end when spring break or summer vacations start. Educational vacations can help keep your child’s mind active in a fun and exciting way.

A big bonus? Family bonding time!

Going places and doing activities together helps create a “happiness anchor.” This is a memory that will help your children become resilient adults.

Before you hit the road, be sure to check out these ideas for fun road trip activities for kids! Flying instead? Read our post on how to keep your cool when flying with kids.

Got a spirited kid and want them to learn about the world in a fun way? We have tons of activities for kids, both on vacation and at home!

The post 5 Educational Vacations for the Whole Family to Enjoy appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Traveling with toddlers can be a wild ride. They’re cute, they’re nutty, and they always seem to be hungry. Seriously…why do they need to eat every five minutes?

As a parent, it can be tough to find healthy snacks that your toddler enjoys, especially when you’re on the go.

Luckily, using my son as a guinea pig , we have found some tasty (and relatively healthy) snacks that are sure to please. They are perfect for road trips, airplane flights, or any adventure where you and your little one need a healthy nibble. They will keep your kiddos fueled and happy, and hopefully, prevent any hangry meltdowns.

Who knows, you might even discover a few snacks that you want to steal for yourself. (Hey, I won’t judge.)

Brothers-ALL-Natural Fuji Apple Crisps

We discovered these freeze-dried apple slices about a year ago and now they are an absolute must-have in our pantry. I love the fact that apples are the only ingredient and there are no preservatives or nasty stuff.They are crispy like potato chips, so our toddler thinks he is eating junk food when he is actually eating a healthy snack. Brothers has other types of fruit as well.

The strawberries and bananas are good, but they are crumbly and make too much of a mess for traveling. The Asian pears are actually the best, but for some reason the pears do not have free shipping through Amazon. So, I recommend the apples.

Annie’s Homegrown Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks

These gummy snacks have saved us on countless outings with our toddler. While they aren’t quite as healthy as the apple slices, I don’t feel too guilty about them. The nice thing about gummies is that they take longer to eat, so they last awhile. Plus, they aren’t really filling, so they don’t spoil his dinner too much. They sell them in individual packages, but I buy the bigger bags and use little travel containers. We have a lot less waste this way because I can portion them out better.

YummyEarth Organic Lollipops

We bought these before our first airplane ride with our toddler. I read somewhere that when you fly with a toddler, you should give them a lollipop or a pacifier during takeoff to keep their ears from popping. Of course, lollipops come in handy in other traveling situations too. I chose these because they are made with fruit juice instead of sugar and crazy preservatives. If you haven’t introduced your toddler to lollipops, try them at home first. The first few times were pretty messy because our toddler didn’t really know how to keep his mouth closed around the stick yet. He would just sit there smiling and drooling sticky juice.

Annie’s Homegrown Organic Cheddar Bunnies

When we are out and about and my toddler is about to gnaw his arm off, these cheesy snacks buy us enough time to finish up and get to some place with proper food. He loves them and they are healthier than the other cheesy crackers out there. They are small enough to eat in a single bite, but big enough that they don’t fall out of those little snack cups. (You know the ones that let their hands in but keep the snacks from falling out.) I am pretty sure they sell these in individual servings too, but I portion them out in individual containers.

Horizon Organic Reduced Fat Milk

I couldn’t believe it when I found this…Milk that doesn’t need to be refrigerated until after it is opened! This stuff is amazing! I throw one 8 ounce serving in my bag and hit the road. If my toddler drinks it, cool. If he isn’t in the mood, I just put it back in the pantry when we get home. The only downside with this wonderful product is that they don’t have a whole milk version. (I called the company and made a suggestion though.) We buy the plain milk, but they also have chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.

The post The Best Healthy Toddler Traveling Snacks appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Childproof the Back Door and Window
This last trip, I put my toddler’s car seat behind the front passenger seat instead of in the middle. It made it easier to hand him things and keep an eye on him. If your toddler will be next to a door, be sure to check your owner’s manual to figure out how to prevent him or her from opening the door or window while you are driving.

Pack Plenty of Snacks
On a long car ride with a toddler, snacks are more than just food. They are entertainment. Pack interesting snacks and plenty of them. For great healthy toddler snacks for traveling, read: The Best Healthy Toddler Traveling Snacks

Have More than One Sippy Cup at the Ready
At home, your toddler may only drink one cup of juice or milk in an hour or two, but prepare two cups at least before you leave and any time you stop. Toddlers are notorious for “accidentally” dropping cups in the car and the last thing you want is a toddler screaming for juice when you are on the highway. I just used an insulated lunch bag to keep them fresh.

Keep the Essentials in the Front Seat
This really goes without saying, but think about what you will need quick and easy access to when you are driving. Your cell phone, sippy cups, snacks, little toys, etc.

Pack a Riding Toy
If you have the room, consider packing a riding toy. This was a life saver on a 10 hour drive I took recently. Every time we stopped, I found a safe place and let my toddler ride his little heart out. He had more fun than if he was just running and was completely tuckered out when we got back in the car.

Play with the Balance on your Radio
Most car stereos have the option to make the music louder either in the front or the back. When my toddler is sleeping, I listen to books on tape with the balance set so that it is louder in the front. When he is awake and listening to toddler music, I change the balance to the back so that I can think.

Try to Avoid Traveling with a Dog
I have a great dog who travels very well, but traveling with a dog is a totally different experience when you have a toddler and no adult help. If you have help, one person can take care of the dog’s needs while one person takes care of the toddler’s needs. If you are alone, you have to do it all. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it can be. I had to leave my dog in the car to take my toddler to the bathroom (a 15 minute adventure). Even with the windows cracked and the moon-roof open, I was given the third degree every time. I am not sure what folks expected me to do, but next time my best buddy is going to stay home.

Plan for a Much Longer Trip
On my last adventure, I ended up stopping about every hour and a half for 45 minutes to an hour. (I was traveling with a toddler and a dog.) My 7 hour trip ended up taking 10 hours. Maybe you will get lucky and your toddler will sleep for much of the trip (mine did not), but just be prepared to make a lot more stops than normal.

The post Long Car Trips, Alone with a Toddler: Some Tips appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Family adventures happen all the time. In fact, more than a third of families say that they will be taking at least one annual vacation. Make sure memories with your kids are guaranteed to be wonderful by planning road trip activities ahead of time.

If you take a few moments to map out what to do before your youngsters go stir crazy in the backseat, you can reap several benefits.

First, your journey will feel much shorter. We all know that time flies when everyone is actively involved in the experience.

Secondly, everyone’s emotions will run toward the positive, not the negative. Adults and kids feel more optimistic in a car filled with laughter and conversation.

Finally, your kids will learn and grow during travel periods. This helps them create lifelong, meaningful memories.

Ready to make your “car time” shine whether you’re vacationing at the beach, in the mountains, in the city, or anywhere in between? Take advantage of these great travel ideas!

6 Road Trip Activities for Kids of All Ages

You know you need to bring luggage, toys, and a sense of humor when traveling. But don’t forget things to do when you’re in the car, too.

Before you pack up, be sure to write down the six best road trip activities.

1. Pay Attention to License Plates

This is an oldie-but-goodie because families have been doing it for years.

Watch as each license plate goes by, and see how many states’ plates you see. You can turn this into a contest to see who can spot the most different states’ plates in a specific period of time, such as 10 minutes.

Want to really move this to an educational opportunity? Download a picture of the United States map and give all your passengers a copy.

That way, they can note when they find a plate. Plus, the kids get more acquainted with where states are located.

2. Make Bingo Cards

Most Bingo cards have 25 spaces with a “free” spot in the middle. Your goal is to develop as many items as you can for the other spaces on each passenger’s personal Bingo card.

For instance, you might want to put these types of Bingo notes in card squares:

• Yield sign
• 18-wheeler with a logo for a supermarket
• Red sports car
• SUV towing a vehicle or trailer
• Bird in the middle of the road
• Car stopped by the side of road

You’ll be able to use your imagination and come up with common — and perhaps not-so-common — things you see while traveling. Feel free to be as specific as you like, such as a vehicle’s make or model in a particular color.

Be sure to create numerous Bingo cards so you can keep this fun activity going after the first person gets a Bingo!

3. Tell a Group Story

Get back to our oral tradition roots as a society while you’re in the car.

Here’s how a group story works:

The first person starts a story and adds to it for about a minute. For instance, you might say: “There once was a bear who had two teenage bears who needed braces. To pay for the braces, he had to get a job and then…”

At this point, another individual in the car has to pick up the story and continue it: “… he went to the orthodontist. At the office, he found out that he needed braces, too! He was surprised, but not totally because…”

Another person then picks up the tale, and continues where the last person left off.

How do you know when to end the story? Usually, people run out of things to say. Then, the next person can start another one.

Remember that the point of this activity is to use the imagination and explore vocabulary. Best of all, it gets kids using creativity as well as memory.

4. Exchange Songs between Generations

Does it seem like everyone on your vacations has his or her earbuds in the whole time? Now, it’s time to share in the music!

Instead of having everyone listening to different songs, allow each person in a round-robin style to pick a song to showcase. It can be a favorite tune, or an experimental one.

This is one of those field trip activities that gives everyone a voice. Additionally, it introduces people to music styles and options outside of their comfort zones.

One note: Set the stage beforehand to ensure everything played is family-friendly, especially if there are young children in your vehicle.

5. Play “20 Questions”

Never played “20 Questions” as a kid? Now is the perfect time to enjoy this fun game that can be played anywhere, anytime.

The basic premise is that one person thinks of an item. The item should be specific, but not too specific. For example, a “violin” is fine, but a “blue violin with a broken string” is too challenging.

After the person has thought of an item, the others in the vehicle have 20 chances to ask “yes” or “no” questions to figure out what the thing is.

The first time everyone plays, they’ll probably forget and start asking questions that require long answers. Be sure to referee them and keep everything to “yes” and “no” answers.

The game ends when someone figures out what the item is, or when the 20 questions are up. (Incidentally, if you ask, “Is it a squirrel?”, you’ve asked one of the 20 questions.)

6. Create Origami Figures

Hands-on activities are perfect for long car rides, but not everyone knows how to do needlepoint, knit, or crochet.

However, just about anyone with a little dexterity can masterfully learn how to create origami birds and other items.

Pick up a packet of origami paper before you head out to your destination, and you’ll have all the supplies you need. The paper isn’t costly, and can keep kids occupied if the scenery is dull.

Obviously, origami road trip activities can only be enjoyed by passengers. The driver will have to wait until stopping to see the fruits of everyone’s labors!

Make Road Trips More Exciting!

As you become more comfortable with road trip activities, you’ll no doubt find plenty that your family will love.

Who knows? You might start hearing what no one expects: “Awww… we’re here ALREADY? Can you drive around the block a couple of times so we can finish the game?”

Don’t stop the excitement at your destination! Going to a place with lots of trees? Try leaf rubbing to heighten the fun.

The post Fun Road Trip Activities for Kids appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Camping offers many great benefits to the family. It’s a good exercise, it strengthens social bonds, and reduces stress levels. It also teaches you new skills and helps you rejuvenate after suffering from burnout.

Unfortunately, people don’t know how to plan a camping trip. Thus, they miss out on these great benefits. Keep reading to learn how to fix this.

How to Plan a Camping Trip

The beauty of camping trips is they can be an entertaining and educational vacation. You get to learn new things while bonding with your family. Moreover, these great experiences stay with you for the rest of your life.

Yet, some people struggle with how to plan a camping trip. Here are a few tips to help them:

1. Research the Destination

First, you have to figure out where you want to go. Research potential destinations and read reviews about each campsite.

Call the camp managers and ask questions. Seek feedback from friends or neighbors who you know traveled to one of the campgrounds.

Then, find out what it will take to get there. Will you go by plane, car, bus, boat, train, or RV? How much will it cost to travel there? Where will you stay when you get there?

Note all these costs and make your budget. Try to find cheap but quality alternatives where possible.

2. Get Outdoor Gear and Accessories

The next step is to choose the items you’ll need for your trip. These products include tents, sleeping bags, and foam mattresses. You’ll need folding chairs, camp lights, cooler bags, portable generators, and cooking gear.

Moreover, you’ll need mosquito nets, first aid kits, storage bags, and various tools. Make sure you write an inventory of everything and have it ready for the trip.

3. Consider Your Family Size

It would be a great risk to go camping without enough gear and supplies for your family. Your budget needs to reflect the needs of everyone in the family.

How many are there? How old are your children? Do any have special needs? With this in mind, carry enough healthy snacks, food, equipment, and tools for your family.

Consider the amenities as well. They must have clean bathrooms and washrooms. Check whether the campgrounds offer outdoor grills or if you can bring your own.

4. Check the Available Activities

Every campground has its own famed activities. Popular examples include hiking, swimming, and adventure. Others have fun activities such as ball games, rock climbing, and other sports.

These activities affect what you’ll pack. Take the right clothes for the day and cold weather at night. Be wary of the space you have in your bags. You might not be able to fit everything people want in your car.

Learn About More Activities For the Whole Family

These simple steps above show you how to plan a camping trip. Review the destination, gather the right gear, and carry the items you need. Remember, proper planning will make your trip go much smoother.

Check out activities we recommend for the whole family to enjoy!

The post How to Plan a Camping Trip Your Entire Family Will Love appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Did you know that infants can grow out of their first car seat as early as 6 months old? The requirement to transition to a toddler seat is dependent on your child’s height and weight. A toddler car seat is needed earlier if your child is growing faster than average.

Read on for 5 expert tips on buying a car seat for your toddler. With your child’s safety on the line, do not go shopping until you read these tips.

1) Determine If You Need a Rear or Forward-Facing Car Seat

Before you purchase a car seat, the first step is to determine if a rear or forward-facing car seat is needed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a rear-facing car seat until the child’s second birthday.

In addition, many states have laws on the books requiring children to remain rear-facing for a set period of time. In New Jersey, for example, children are required to be rear-facing until age 2 or exceed 30 pounds.

Many parents buy a forward-facing car seat on the child’s first birthday. However, this could be a bad investment depending on the baby’s weight and state laws.

2) Safety Features

Continuing with the safety theme, there are many added features to protect your toddler. Bells and whistles are nice, but the true objective of a car seat is child protection.

Start off by researching the car seat’s safety rating. The government requires car seats to be extensively tested before hitting the sales market.

Several safety features, such as side impact protection and a 5-point harness, come standard on most car seats. However, many parents elect to invest in advanced features like impact-absorbing bases and a steel frame.

3) Check the Height and Weight Ratings Before Buying a Carseat

There are a few different ways to screw up a car seat purchase. One common mistake is buying a car seat with a low weight rating.

Consider a scenario in which you purchase a forward-facing car seat at age 2. The car seat you selected has a weight rating of 40 pounds.

This car seat is not going to last very long until your toddler outgrows it. Instead, opt for car seats with a weight rating of 60 pounds or more for longer usage.

4) Splurge on Comfort

While safety is paramount, you do not have to settle for an uncomfortable car seat. The last thing you need is a cranky toddler on a long car trip that cannot fall asleep.

There are a couple of easy things to look for. Check the cushions to make sure they are comfortable. In addition, make sure the fabric is breathable for those hot and sweaty days.

5.) Measure the Available Space in Your Car

This is another important consideration to keep in mind. How much free space are you working with?

How many passengers typically sit in the back seat with your toddler? These questions are going to drive your purchasing decision.

Perhaps you have a small, 2-door vehicle. If this is the case, you should search for some of the best car seats for small cars.

Wrapping It Up

There are a lot of variables to consider when buying a car seat. Safety is the most important consideration.

Make sure to do your research before making a purchase. Check state laws to see when you can buy a forward-facing seat. Measure the back of the vehicle to make sure the car seat will fit.

If you enjoyed this article, check out our blog for other great topics.

The post 5 Expert Tips On Buying a Car Seat For Your Toddler appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Except now you have kids and you don’t know what to do and where to go with them in tow. Kids change the whole equation. The places you went to on your previous trip might not be suitable or enjoyable for your young ones.

You might be tempted to just leave them with Grandma and Grandpa for a few days. It’s easy to make the case against bringing the kids with you. But don’t worry, we’ll show you how to plan a European vacation your whole family can enjoy.

Prepare Your Documents

The first order of business is to make sure that everyone has their passports. Then check the expiry dates and renew if necessary.

Once you have a valid tourist passport, you can travel within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days without needing visas. For countries not on the list, such as Russia or the UK, you’re gonna have to apply for visas.

Driving through Europe can be fun so be sure to have a valid driver’s license. Some car rental companies will also require an international driving permit.

Save and Scrimp as Much as You Can

The biggest difference between traveling alone or as a couple and traveling with kids is the expense. A vacation with children can cost twice as much. During times when you are exhausted or irritated, you might settle for extravagant conveniences such as taxis, snacks, and toys to make them calm down.

This is why you want to meticulously plan your budget. Look for ways to cut costs as much as possible.

Your airfare is probably the single most expensive part of your Europe tour. Be on the lookout for airfare deals that appear at times.

And instead of staying at a hotel, renting an apartment or a house is cheaper since you also have the option of cooking your meals instead of eating out.

Don’t Just Check off Places to Visit, Have Fun

Guides on how to plan a European vacation usually just focus on the locations that you can’t miss. While a list of the famous tourist spots is helpful, especially while preparing your budget, it shouldn’t dictate the amount of fun you and your kids should be having.

When making your itinerary, include places that your little ones can play to their hearts’ content. Go on adventures and make lifelong memories with your children.

How to Plan a European Vacation the Safe Way

Nothing is more important than our kids’ safety. And the biggest danger when traveling is getting separated from each other.

Make sure that each child has a business card from the place you’re staying at.

It’s also important to have a backup plan when using public transportation in case something happens. Walkie-talkies, prepaid cell phones, and other means of communication like a whistle are very useful, especially in crowded places.

Did you like this post? You can also check out this article on the activities that will get the kids out of the house.

The post How to Plan a European Vacation for Your Family appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Flying with a child can be stressful for the parent, the child, and the other passengers. Kids can become easily frightened or agitated, which can cause them to be finicky or loud. And, while you may try to avoid it, sometimes flying is just the only way to get on your dream vacation or to a family reunion.

Luckily, flying with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By keeping these 10 tips in mind, you will be able to have a successful trip with your children.

1. Get There Early

If you’re used to flying on your own, you may have gotten in the habit of rolling up to the airport just over an hour before your flight. You breeze through security and get on the plane at the last second. This strategy won’t work if you are flying with kids.

Kids have little legs, so they won’t move as fast through the airport. They may also get overwhelmed going through security, so that process will take longer. Not to mention, don’t forget to factor in time for extra potty breaks. Given these challenges of flying with kids, it’s best to get to the airport with plenty of extra time.

2. Take Advantage of Pre-Boarding

Another benefit of getting to the airport early is that you will be able to take advantage of pre-boarding. Most airlines allow families traveling with small children to board the plane before other passengers do. This will give you additional time to find your seat and get situated before the plane gets crowded.

3. Bring Activities

Don’t expect that your kids will sleep through the entire flight. Most kids will be too overwhelmed by the new sensory experiences to fall asleep, and will, therefore, need activities to entertain them.

Bring a variety of activities, as kids will tend to get bored pretty quickly. At the same time, be careful not to pack things that take up too much room.

Good options are paper for folding origami, coloring books, or a portable DVD player. You can also plan to play some games that don’t require any setup, including 20 Questions or I Spy.

4. Bring Snacks

If you’re going on a long flight, a little baggy of airplane peanuts will not be able to satisfy their hunger. It’s smart to bring some non-messy, healthy snacks your kids will like. Good options include apple slices, pretzels, or raisins.

5. Plan Seating Strategically

Whether you book your flight directly through the airline or through travel affiliate sites, you typically have the option to pick your seats. When you do this, make sure to think strategically about where you want to sit. For instance, you may want to sit close to the bathroom if you suspect that your child will need to go.

Also, some parents find that it is more effective to seat one parent alone and the other parent with the children, rather than seating everyone together. This way, one parent can deal with the kids, and the other can have some peace. When a break is necessary, the parents can switch seats.

6. Think Before Lap-Seating

Some folks assume that, if their child is under age two, they will fly for free. This is only ever true if you have your child sit on your lap instead of in their own seat. For some airlines, they may charge a partial ticket price, even if the child sits on your lap.

Even if you do have the option of lap-seating your child, you will want to think about whether this is the best choice. It can get pretty uncomfortable pretty fast to have a toddler sit on your lap, especially in a crowded airplane seat. Additionally, lap-seating your child is not as safe as having them fly in their own seat with a booster.

7. Pack Wet Wipes and Pull Ups

When flying with kids, it’s a good idea to pack wet wipes and pull-ups, just in case. Even if your child is potty trained, you may not always have the opportunity to get them to a bathroom in time. By packing pull-ups you’ll be able to ensure you don’t have to travel with a messy kid.

8. Bring a Backpack

For parents traveling with small children, one of the options for a personal item is a backpack. Carrying a backpack will still give you access to both of your hands, making it easier to wrangle children. Airports can get busy, so you’ll want to hold your kid’s hand to make sure they don’t wander off.

You can also consider giving a small backpack to each of your kids. This way, they’ll be able to get into the traveling spirit and can even carry some of their own activities and snacks for the plane.

9. Know How to Pack Baby Gear

Typically, it’s not possible to carry on a stroller or a car seat onto an airplane. But you can take these items through security and check them free of charge before you get on the plan. Taking advantage of this option can be a good way to make sure all the baby gear you need gets to your destination.

10. Be Kind to the Flight Crew

Flight attendants have a very difficult job. They work irregular hours, are away from home a lot, and often have to work with unhappy people. As a parent of small children, it’s crucial to be kind to the flight crew, and try to make their experience as pleasant as possible.

If your kid makes a mess on the plane, make sure to clean up, rather than leaving it for the crew. Always thank the team at the end of your flight as well.

Make Flying With Kids a Snap

With these tips in hand, flying with kids will be easier than ever before.

What tips and tricks did we forget? Let us know your strategies for flying with kids in the comments below!

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