If you plan to drive on your next road trip, take along our travel tips to help kids work off some of that pent-up energy during the trip.

Besides using one of their guidebooks to get unique ideas for places to go, here are some other suggestions we offer.

1. PLAN  2 – 4 ACTIVITIES within a one hour drive time of each other. Base you choices on the season of year.
2. Know DIRECTIONS & PARKING INFORMATION before you leave. In addition to the site’s website, GPS are good resources for directions.
3. If in doubt, MAKE RESERVATIONS, especially for tours. Find out what is SUGGESTED TO WEAR, especially for factory or transportation tours. When in doubt, DRESS DOWN and DRESS IN LAYERS.
4. For the road, PACK SNACKS and BEVERAGES.  Also, PACK TRAVEL GAMES & TOYS and plenty of TOILETRIES. Click on the graphics below for some great suggestions like Travel Bingo, Magnetic Games, and Invisible Ink Books.
5. If your budget allows, have the VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A TV/VCR unit
6. PLAN PICNICS along the way. (Allow time for a rural/scenic route to take advantage of free, clean picnic facilities).
7. Choose FAMILY FRIENDLY LODGING.
8. HISTORY is easy, if you SNEAK IT IN! Engage your kids by learning state facts (people, places, history, etc) using fun and educational activity books found at many gift shops.
9. Gravitate to MUSEUMS that are HANDS-ON.
10. SOUVENIRS are fun for kids to pick out and keep as a MEMORY of your visit of favorite places. (They can even be practical, too!)