Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in nashville, TN

On the Road Again -- Travel Tips for Active Kids

by Shauna Reynolds

March 23, 2009

Your preschooler loves nothing more than to run, jump, and move. But in some situations there's no way to open the back door and let him run loose -- in a car or airplane, for instance. Here are some ways to keep your active kid happy when there are miles to go before you sleep.

In the car:

Long car trips are bad enough in the driver's seat -- can you imagine being restrained in a car seat with a limited view? Here are a few tips for helping your active child handle lengthy rides in the automobile.

• Sing

Your preschooler can't do somersaults or jumping jacks in the car, but she can still exercise her little lungs. Make a mix CD or iPod playlist of some of her favorite uptempo songs and encourage her to sing along as loudly as she can. 

• Make the most of your planned stops

Plan a picnic lunch at a park along your route. This will give you a chance to eat a healthy, non-fast food meal. It will also give your preschooler a chance to run around and burn off some energy. Pack a ball to throw or some bubbles to chase. 

• Take advantage of your unplanned stops

You never know when someone will need to go potty. It seems like most interstate exits have at least one fast food restaurant with an indoor or outdoor playground. Snacks in the car will make it easier to take a meal early or late during one of these unexpected restroom breaks. You can stretch out your legs a bit, and she can run, shout, and play.

On the plane:

Whether you're traveling internationally or to the other end of the state, air travel with small children can be super stressful. Hopefully these tips for flying with an active child will help you make it through the flight.

• Opt to stop

When flying solo, you probably want the fastest and most direct route to your destination. With a small child in tow, a well-timed flight change can work to your advantage. Many airports feature in-concourse play areas where kids can wear themselves out before you proceed to your next flight. Even if no play area is available, airports are great places to take long walks.

• Take the aisle seat

It's fun to look out the window, but it's not fun to have to climb over a stranger to get to the lavatory. If your family doesn't take up the entire row, do your fellow passengers the courtesy of sitting on the aisle.

• Bring entertainment

It's no substitute for moving around, but books, crayons, and travel games can go a long way toward keeping a flying kid occupied. 

I hope this advice helps you and your family on your next vacation or long trip. Happy traveling!

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How To Watch Planes Without Going Through Security

by Meredith Pelham

July 23, 2008

We just returned from a 2-week trip, and I'm not sure I'll ever do it again--no matter how exciting the airport action was to my preschoolers! My smart friend Tracy's kids love airplanes, too. But they've figured out a way to have all of the fun without any of the hassle. Here's how: "We make up a picnic lunch or dinner and head to a parking lot that borders the airport. We fold down  Read more...