5 things every parent should pack to stay sane on a weekend away

Packing for a quick little day trip or weekend adventure is usually a bit more involved with little ones in mind. I have compiled a short but sweet list of my fave 5 must-haves when organizing for easy-going traveling with my four and seven-year-old.

This weekend on our visit to Victoria, B.C. I was able to test out my Jute Shoreline bag. Super impressed with all it held. Four winter coats, hats, gloves, snacks, water bottles, books, and like a bazillion other randoms. Plus it doesn’t look like a purse, it is a legit bag. There were many times Levi carried it so I could attend to holding these two munchkins little hands walking down the streets, and he still looked super manly.

1. First and foremost snacks, snacks, and more snacks.

Of course put in the healthy stuff like oranges, apples or bananas. Hint: Put the fruit, especially, bananas in a ziplock bag just in case they happen to get smashed. At least that mess will be contained and you can simply throw the plastic bag away while everything else stays clean as a whistle. But truth be told I also totally load up on bribing treats. For example, pulling out a special treat these two don’t get every day like gummies or cheese puffs really helps curb the tantrums while waiting in lines or walking longer than they feel it is humanly possible. Some other great on the go options this crew likes are almond bars and popcorn. Although Henry would love yogurt 24/7 I haven’t figured out how to pack that treat as of yet…

2. Activities to entertain during downtime.

Eating out tends to be the prime time for meltdowns and category 5 hurricane behavior for our kids. I have learned over the years this is the time to break out all the stops. Sticker books, crayons, and plain white paper are the hero items right now. As soon as we sit down at our table they get to create with new crafts in my bag and excitedly ask for their supplies. Yes, they tend to take over the entire table and when the food does come, it is a mad dash to make room. But heck, sitting still in a new place when your hungry is hard enough for me, yet alone kiddos. I would much rather their brains working on their sticker books and drawing than simply slapping my phone or their tablets in their hands all the time. Not judging, we have tablets charged and ready for action at all times in case of emergency.

3. Water bottles!

Kids are always thirsty! And unfortunately, it can be all too easy to spend money and be tempted by a sugary drink here and there. When the kids need a break its nice to be able to find a place to sit or stand for a minute take a breather, have a sip of water and regroup. It seems to be getting more and more common to see places to refill water bottles as opposed to drinking out of the dreaded water fountains. I always envision the kids wrapping their mouths around the spigot just like the episode in Parks and Recreation.

4. All-weather supplies.

Not ever sure what the weather may bring, and we do a lot of walking on our adventures, I like to be prepared. In the winter I pack hats and gloves. In the summer sunglasses and sunscreen. Always I pack an umbrella (we live and explore quite a bit in the Pacific Northwest) and a lightweight blanket. I have found a blanket is handy in so many situations: someone gets tired and wants to snuggle, no seating and you don’t want the kids sitting on the ground, or this weekend while we were lacing up to ice skate all the benches were wet from the earlier rain and I was able to wipe them off and give us all a dry place to sit. My favorite blanket is from Sandcloud. It is super lightweight, large, and folds down to nearly nothing. Use this code: KILEIGHKNOTT657 for 15% off if you decide to get one for yourself.

5. Money for Buying a Souvenir.

I don’t know about you, but my kids used to constantly ask to buy any little toy or treat that looked awesome to them at that moment. Finally, I determined it was best during a vacation or trip away for them to each get to pick out one very special item to buy and take home with them. Once they complete their purchase whatever they decide upon is it, no whining or asking for something else. They choose anything from a 25 cent toy machine, dinosaur, kinder egg, or even a snuggly animal for their one souvenir. It really helped Claire and Henry think about what it really was they wanted and make an informed decision before just wanting and asking for everything in sight. I like to give them actual money for them to pay cash at the register. It helps them visualize and comprehend how much their item costs. Even sneak in a little math lesson on the change they should receive. When I pay using a card it doesn’t have the effect of using actual money. The appreciation and concept aren’t quite there for them yet that a card has to have money to work.

These are our fave five must-have items for our family weekend trips away. What about you? Any of these your tried and true methods? What items do you pack and find helpful?