Please join K12Genie and Eastern Mountain Sports (Soho) for free clinics this November that will help you enjoy the winter and the outdoors with your family. These events will be fun and educational for parents, teachers, and kids of all ages!

Clinics are Free.  Feel free to attend any or all sessions. Space is limited, so an RSVP is requested. RSVP here.

SESSIONS:

SESSION 1:  Things to Know, Places to go for a Family Hike
Saturday, Nov. 14
1 PM – 2 PM
EMS SoHo, 530 Broadway at Spring St., Manhattan

Workshop Description:

• What to wear on your feet,and your body to stay warm and dry.
• What kinds of snacks to bring.
• How to stay healthy by treating your water and keeping clear of poison ivy.
• What’s inside a Guide’s first aid kit?
• Bringing the outdoors back home; photography while hiking.
• Respect for plants and animals you’ll find outside.

This clinic will be conducted by The New York Wilderness Guide Company. We’ve scheduled a separate hiking trip to Bear Mountain on Nov. 22nd for those families that are interested. See below for details.

SESSION 2:  Mom, do I need a Coat? Warm and Dry in Winter
Saturday, Nov. 21
1 PM – 2 PM
EMS SoHo, 530 Broadway at Spring St., Manhattan

Workshop Description:

• Staying warm and dry from head to toe
• Dealing with temperature changes between indoors and outdoors
• Staying healthy during the winter season

SESSION 3: Family Bonding Through Winter Sports
Saturday, Nov. 28
1 PM – 2 PM
EMS SoHo, 530 Broadway at Spring St., Manhattan

Workshop Description:

• Dressing for outdoor activity
• Skiing/Snowboarding and winter sports
• Family time, family moments

Space is limited. Please RSVP here. All clinics in this series are FREE but donations are accepted and help support our ongoing efforts to help families interact with each other and with the world around them.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the New York City Outward Bound.

Family Hiking in Bear Mountain

Sunday, Nov. 22
“Family Hiking in Bear Mountain”
8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Join The New York Wilderness Guide Company for a great hike up Bear Mountain.  The hike is an easy-to-intermediate hike in Bear Mountain offering an introduction to hiking for novices while giving veteran hikers an opportunity to enjoy a favorite local hike and great views from the top, weather permitting.

Tickets

There are two ticket packages, with transportation to Bear Mountain and without. There are also discounts for kids. For those needing transportation from the city, the morning starts at Grand Central.  The group will leave at 8:30 AM and return to the city by 6:30 PM. For those not needing transportation, the meeting location will be at Bear Mountain, with the exact location TBD. You can see more details and purchase tickets here.

ENTER A CONTEST FOR 1 FREE TICKET.  ENTER HERE.

About Bear Mountain: Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River and offers spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands, and Harriman State Park.  Click Here for more info.

About the Guide: Nathan Todd is the Chief Guide of the New York Wilderness Guide Company. He has traveled the Rockies, the Andes, the Appalachians, and loves to hike nearby destinations in New York.

For those persons thinking about the hike, please consider attending the Nov. 14th Session 1 clinic on family hiking.

ABOUT US

About K12Genie: K12genie provides families with school-aged children with education and activities that improve family relationships and encourage personal development.  We provide articles, activities, recipes, an online brag wall, local resources, and workshops that foster positive interactions and dialogue between siblings and between generations.

About Eastern Mountain Sports: Since 1967 EMS has been providing quality outdoor gear and outdoor skills training to customers along the East Coast. The EMS SoHo location is the New York City flagship store. (www.emssoho.com)

About The New York Wilderness Guide Company: NYWGC is an outdoor sports and recreation tour company that teaches beginners and seasoned experts the basics of life in the outdoors. We teach the camping, hiking, and outdoor skills needed to have fun and stay safe in mountains and parks just outside of the city.

From the Editor:

Welcome to K12Genie.com. October’s theme is “Family Fall Fun”. From rock climbing to Halloween decorating and cooking as a family, there’s plenty of fun this autumn.

-Fernando DeGuia, Founder and Editor

Table of Contents:

Articles

• 12 Movie and TV Character Costumes for Kids
• Halloween Decorations
• Halloween Decorating with the Family
• Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
• Homemade Applesauce
• Family Rock Climbing

1. Lawn Bags

As a family, spend some time playing and jumping in piles of leaves. When you’re done, rake up the leaves and put them into Halloween lawn bags- your kids won’t even realize they are helping to clean the yard! Once you’re done, proudly display the Halloween lawn bags on your property.

2. Carve Pumpkins

Plan a family day-trip to go pumpkin picking. If you don’t have the time, you can always buy a pumpkin from your local grocery store! When you get home, carve your pumpkins by using a pumpkin carver tool or carving kit and then put your new Halloween decorations outside! At night, show off your carved pumpkin by placing a tealight candle inside of it. Remember that kids should always have adult supervision when carving pumpkins and using candles.

3. Decorate Pumpkins

If there are members of your family that are too young to carve a pumpkin, or simply don’t like the idea of cutting one up, you can always paint or draw on one. You can get creative and use a pattern maker or simply draw your own face on the pumpkin. Decorating mini pumpkins are also a cute alternative, and they make great gifts for parents,  family members, friends, teachers, and neighbors!

4. Scarecrow

Making a scarecrow for your lawn can be done in a number of ways. Part of the fun is working together as a family and sharing ideas in order to make your own unique decoration.

For the scarecrow’s head, you can use the Halloween lawn bag or pumpkin decorating ideas listed above.

For the body, you can use old clothes stuffed with leaves or hay. Tie the ends of the shirt and pants together with string to keep the scarecrow’s stuffing in place. Decide how you want to position it: perhaps sitting on a lawn chair, propped up on the porch, standing up with the use of a stick, etc.

Then have fun being creative and putting your scarecrow together—it can look as scary or sweet as you want. Consider putting a straw hat on it’s head, old shoes by it’s feet, and maybe even a Happy Halloween sign in it’s hands.

5. Ghosts

Everyone in your family can contribute and make their own ghost decorations! All you need are small white plastic bags, old newspapers or leaves, permanent markers, and something to tie around the ghost.

Crumple up a few leaves or pieces of newspaper into a round shape about the size of a tennis ball and place it into the bottom of a plastic bag. Twist the bag tightly around the newspaper or leaves in order to form the ghosts head. You can secure the bag by tying it shut or placing a rubber band, twist tie, string or ribbon around its neck.

If there are handles on the bag, cut them off and slice the unstuffed portion of the bag so that it is uneven and flows in the wind. Then draw scary or funny face on the ghost. If you are using a bag that has writing on it, draw on the side of the bag that is white. To display your ghosts, you can hang them from a tree or bush in your yard. Another option is to attach a few to a string and drape them across your house, fence, mailbox, garage, etc.

6. Tombstones

Before you actually start making them, spend time together preparing ideas of what sayings to put on your Halloween tombstones. You may want them to be funny or scary depending on your family’s preferences. Then figure out if you want to use cardboard, styrofoam, plastic, or wood to make the tombstones. Use a stencil to trace and cut out the shape you want your tombstone to be (parents should always assist kids when cutting).

Paint the tombstone gray and add cracks and other imperfections with black paint or permanent marker to make it look textured and worn out. Attach a stick to your tombstone and put it on your front lawn or prop it up against your house. If you really want to make it look authentic, get a coffin to place near your homemade tombstone!

7.       Other Suggestions

If you don’t know how to get your kids interested in participating in family activities, simply ask them to help you decorate the house for Halloween. Even if you are simply hanging up store bought decorations, it can be a fun bonding experience. It’s interesting to see what ideas you can come up with together as a family! Don’t forget that using your child’s Halloween artwork from school can make great front door and window decorations for your home. Check out our other Halloween articles to get even more spooktacular ideas!

Get everything you need for some fun family Halloween decorating! See more items at the K12Genie Store at Amazon.

Do you like any of these ideas or have additional comments of your own? We’d love to hear from you! Speak Your Mind below or Contact Us to share your original article with the K12Genie Community!

Don’t forget to send this article to your friends and family by clicking on the ShareThis link!

Wednesday Night Climbs

DATES: September 16, 23, 30, and October 7, 14, 21

TIME: 5pm to 9pm

WHO: Open to public

WHERE: New York City Outward Bound (NYCOB), 2946 Northern Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101

SUBWAY: R, E, G, V train, Queens Plaza, use first car, exit up stairs on right to Northern Blvd.  At top of stairs, see NYCOB banner and follow the Eastern Mountain Sports sign to the right.

FEE: $24 tax deductible donation

GEAR: Provided. Helmets required. Optional: your shoes, harness, belay partner

RSVP/QUESTIONS: Arturo, Jesse or Adam at Eastern Mountain Sports NYC-SoHo, 212-966-8730.

NOTES: Kids must be 12 years old or older.  Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration for a particular date is recommended.

MORE DETAILS:   EMS SoHo
Are you ready to SIGN UP?    Register Here

Are you interested in building your own home bouldering (rock climbing) wall?  Click Here to find out how.

Be functional AND look great on the Rocks!

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Check out more items at

Did you attend this event or similar ones in your area?  Share your story and pictures.

You try to experience new and exciting things during the summer. You yearn for the thrill of experiencing that one new thing that will make the summer memorable. The new school year is about to come, and you will begin preparing to go back and hit the books once again. So have you had that one special experience? Have you succeeded in chasing a dream and truly having the summer of your life?

Looking for “Crazy Great”

I couldn’t wait for this summer! After a long and challenging school year, I was very eager for an escape. I began thinking about that one ultimate adventure that might be the one big highlight of the summer. In June, I took action and called my cousins in Ohio to plan a trip to go visit them and have an enjoyable time. I knew we would go fishing and kayaking, enjoy fireworks and bonfires, and maybe I would even have my first driving lesson. That all sounded great, but I was looking for “crazy great”. My cousin Nathan then told me about a ride at an amusement park called Cedar Point, near Lake Erie. It sounded awesome. That would be it. That would be the ultimate adventure.

Long Lines but Worth the Wait

On July 7th, I rode the Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster with my brother and three of my cousins at Cedar Point in Ohio. It is one of the fastest and tallest roller coasters in the U.S: 420 feet high and traveling 120 miles per hour. When I was pressed up against my seat waiting for my car to shoot out, I was extremely nervous and very scared. The two hour wait, though, was totally worth it. I will always remember the adrenaline rush I felt when the ride began, ascending straight up, curving over the peak, and then corkscrewing down as we plunged to the finish. My experience was so intense I was shaking from the thrill even after I got off the ride. Although the ride lasted only 17 seconds long, it was such a crazy experience that it absolutely made this summer unforgettable.

Still Time to Make the Summer Unforgettable

My family and I had a great time in Ohio, and the Dragster was more than I expected. I am certain that I had my special experience this summer. Have you? If you haven’t, make sure you get out there before the summer is over. Talk to friends and arrange something. Go online and find an adventure. Whether it is something like go-cart racing, white water rafting, or an insane ride at an amusement park, GO FOR IT! Do it locally or buy a plane ticket and explore. Just do something before you go back to school! Don’t be afraid to venture out and live on the edge. There’s still time for that last thrill of the summer!

—–
About the Author: Andrew Lacqua is 15 years old and is a sophomore at Xavier High school in New York City. Some things he likes to do are play tennis, hang out with friends, listen to music, and play paintball every now and then.

Related Articles: Brags–The-Dragster-Roller-Coaster-120-MPH

Discover More:

Are you interested in riding the Dragster or other world-class roller coaster ? Here’s some information to help you plan your trip.

• Things to Do in Ohio: http://consumer.discoverohio.com/
• Visit Lake Erie: www.shoresandislands.com
• View  Top Thrill Dragster Videos
• Visit Cedar Point:  www.cedarpoint.com
• Where is Cedar Point? Googlemap it.
• About the Dragster on Wikipedia
• Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks near you:  www.ultimaterollercoaster.com

Do you want to share the highlight of your summer? Share it with us.

Man-Made Lake and Delicious Treats

Lake Wallenpaupack, which means “the stream of swift and slow water”, is a large (13 ½ miles long), man-made lake developed in 1927 for hydroelectric power.  There are all kinds of water activities on and around the lake, but we took a nice leisurely boat ride.  It was relaxing, the scenery was beautiful, and even the boys enjoyed it (John had his iPod).  I love doing factory tours, so while we were up by the lake we visited Callie’s Candy Kitchen and Callie’s Pretzel Factory in Mountainhome.  They were fun and delicious, but not really a “factory tour”.  Of course, we bought all kinds of pretzels and very tasty chocolate.  If you have young children, there is a really nice little water park called Carousel Water and Fun Park in Beach Lake.  My boys are too big for it now, but they loved it five years ago.  There are two nice water slides and a pool, bumper boats, racing cars, batting cages, and a nice picnic area, so pack your own lunch.

County Fair and Flea Market

One of our very favorite things to do on vacation in the Poconos is to attend the county fairs.  We have gone to the Wayne County Fair in Honesdale and the Carbon County Fair in Palmerton.  There is actually a web site you can visit to find out if there is a fair going on nearby while you are vacationing, (www.countyfairgrounds.net). There are rides for all, games and prizes, delicious home-made foods, livestock, and lots of entertainment.  Last year we saw a demolition derby and stock car racing, and this year we saw the trotters racing.  The boys love to play the games, but who needs another stuffed animal!  The fairs are very reasonably priced, only $8 per person this year.

We have also stayed twice at Fernwood’s (time share) in Bushkill, which is more south.  There are endless things to do near here.  For those who like to shop, there is a fantastic indoor/outdoor flea market in Marshall’s Creek on Route 9.  There are all sorts of bargains (sneakers, socks, video games, jewelry, handbags) and more good eats.  There is a pretzel guy there with freshly grilled pretzels and great, refreshing brewed iced tea.  We spent a fortune!

Water Park and Micro Brewery Restaurant

The kids will love Camelbeach Water Park in Tannersville.  In the winter it is the Camelback Mountain ski resort, but come summer they turn it into a huge water park.  We had a great time, even though I am not all that fond of walking around in my bathing suit! You can take the ski lift up to the top of the mountain for great views, but don’t forget your shoes, there are lots of rocks!  As you leave the water park you have to pass the Barley Creek Brewing Company, also in Tannersville, a micro brewery and restaurant.  It is worth stopping for.  Also in Tannersville (and all over the Poconos) is a pay-to-fish lake.  Our boys had a lot of fun.  You just pay for what you catch, and they will filet the fish (trout) for you.  Daniel caught a golden trout and won a t-shirt!

Animal Park and Indian Museum

We also visited Claws and Paws in Lake Ariel, a large animal park with 120 species of animals.  The kids can feed the giraffes; there is a petting zoo, lorry parrots, reptiles– you just name it.  Remember to pack a picnic lunch. There’s a nice picnic area available.  There is also a very reasonably priced gift shop that you have to walk through to exit.  We also enjoyed the Pocono Indian Museum in Bushkill which details the history of the Delaware Indians.  There are lots of artifacts, history, and hand made crafts.  I bought a beautiful pair of beaded earrings (of course).

Waterfalls and Rafting in the Delaware River

Make sure you visit “The Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania”, Bushkill Falls.  There are 8 waterfalls, excellent hiking trails and bridges, and breathtaking views.  There are also exhibits: the Pennsylvania Wildlife Exhibit, the Native American Exhibit, and you can even take a paddle boat ride.

And don’t forget to do a rafting trip on the Delaware River.  We had never done one before. I was quite nervous, but it was fantastic. I am so glad I did not chicken out.  There are many rafting companies; we used Kittatinny Canoes in Milford.  We took the beginners’ part of the river. Everyone wears life preservers.  Our leisurely trip down the river took about three hours, and John and I used the oars.  It was relaxing, a lot of fun, and when we came to the rapids, sooo exciting.  The boys jumped into the river at the calm parts and swam around a bit, and there are places along the river where you can stop and have a picnic.

I can’t say enough about the Pocono Mountains for a fun, family vacation.  It is never boring; there is always something to do for kids of all ages and their parents.  You can relax, you can be busy– you can do whatever you like!  We all loved it!

—–
About the Author: Karen McGlynn lives in Bethpage, NY and has two sons, 16 and 11 years old. Thank you Karen for sharing your story with the K12Genie community!

Discover More

Thinking about visiting the Pocono Mountains? Visit the websites below to view more information about the area and see specific places that Karen mentions in her article!

• Where are the Pocono Mountains: View the location on Googlemaps
• Lake Wallenpaupack: www.lakewallyfun.com/
• Bushkill Park: www.bushkillpark.com/
• Bushkill Falls: www.visitbushkillfalls.com and www.bushkillfalls.com/
• Callie’s Candy Kitchen and Callie’s Pretzel Factory: www.calliescandy.com/
• Carousel Water and Fun Park: http://carousel-park.com/
• Wayne County Fair: www.waynecountyfair.com/
• Carbon County Fair: www.carboncountyfair.com/
• County Fair Information: www.countyfairgrounds.net/
• Fernwood’s Hotel and Resort: www.fernwoodhotel.com/
• Barley Creek Brewing Company: www.barleycreek.com/
• Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark: www.skicamelback.com/Camelbeach/Home.aspx/
• Flea Market in Marshall’s Creek: www.poconobazaar.com/
• Claws and Paws: www.clawsnpaws.com/
• Pocono Indian Museum: www.poconoindianmuseumonline.com/shop/
• Kittatinny Canoes: www.kittatinny.com/

Get everything you need for your next trip at The K12Genie Store at Amazon!
Do you have a story to share? You can submit it to K12Genie just like Karen did.  Send it to us.

One of the entrances to the park at Gansevoort St. and Washington St.

The Standard Hotel appears to rise from the park.

Old railroad rails are incorporated into the park design.

It's a meadow in the sky.

The new plantings get a little water from Kasper of the Parks Dept. on this hot day.

The park captures the attention of kids and adults alike.

A view of the Frank Gehry designed building for InterActiveCorp.

Photos by: the K12Genie Staff

Resources:

• The High Line official website
• Park information- hours and access points
• Schools Program- information about curriculum guides
• The IAC Building
• The Standard Hotel
• Highline 23 Apartment Building

13 Must-Ask Questions

Many beaches are governed by local or state regulations.  Here are 13 questions you should have answers to to avoid any problems that could prevent you and your family from fully enjoying the sun, sand, and surf.

1.    Are pets allowed?
2.    Is food allowed?
3.    Is the beach free to access or is there a charge for a day pass?
4.    Are there showers/bath houses, bathrooms, restaurants?
5.    Are glass bottles allowed on the beach?
6.    Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
7.    Is fishing allowed?
8.    What time does the beach open and close?
9.    Are Frisbees, footballs, kites, and other types of games allowed?
10.    Are there lifeguards on duty?
11.    Is barbequing permitted?
12.    Is parking free or do you pay?
13.    If someone in your family is in a wheelchair, does the beach have access and do they offer beach wheelchairs?

20 Things to Pack

Everyone wants to enjoy their time at the beach, so make sure  you packed all the essentials.  Here’s a suggested list.

1. A cooler
2. A leash, water, and other amenities (pooper scooper, treats) if you are bringing your pet
3. Beach chair
4. Beach hat
5. Beach towels
6. Beach toys—sand bucket, shovel
7. Beach umbrella
8. Boogie boards
9. Camera
10. Clean, dry clothes for the drive home
11. Flip flops or sandals
12. Lip balm with SPF protection
13. Plenty of drinks
14. Reading material
15. Snacks (for the beach and for the car ride)
16. Sunglasses
17. Sunscreen
18. Swim goggles
19. Swimsuit
20. Plastic bags for anything wet

With all of this stuff in the car, don’t forget to leave room for the family!

Related articles: Point Pleasant, New Jersey: a Photo Essay

Resources:

• Beach Information for New York City Beaches
• New Jersey Beach Guide
• Shop for Beach essentials

Do you have a beach or summer story you want to share? Contact Us.

Though the Northeast hasn’t had much “beach weather” to speak of this summer, this past weekend certainly brought out the crowds, at least at Point Pleasant, New Jersey.  Families from all over the region brought their kids, coolers, chairs, and their beach umbrellas to mark their spots.

Robert H., at his summer job as a game attendant at Jenkinson's Pavilion, watches the wheel with the crowd to see who will take home a prize.

Palm trees in New Jersey? It must be summer!

Strollers take a break from sunbathing to enjoy the rides, food, and games on the Jenkinson's Beach boardwalk.

Photo credit: Fernando DeGuia

Related articles: A Beach Guide: 13 Questions and 20 Thing to Pack

Resources:

• Where is Point Pleasant?  View on Googlemaps.
• Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
• Point Pleasant Beach
• Beach regulations for New Jersey Beaches
• Information for New York City Beaches
• Do you need something for the beach? Find it at the K12Genie Store

We welcome your submissions. Do you have a summer story or photos to share? Contact Us.

Just because you have little children doesn’t mean you have to be housebound until they’re the ones driving you. Sure, the more young children you have, the more challenging it is to move about in public places, but rest assured, the experience can be made a lot less stressful than you think. In fact there are a slew of places and opportunities your children can experience that can enrich their young minds, guarantee naps, and afford you the time to get your tasks done, too. It just takes a little planning and placement.

Malls

Malls provide a great place to exercise. I had been leery at first, having a 2-year-old boy running loose in an open area, but I’m learning that, despite his energies and curiosities, he can be directed without too much problem (and a good snack can also deter his ways, too). I take the double stroller out and strap my baby in, coaxing my toddler to follow. It is usually a wonderful nap inducer. I mean, you’d been tired too, if you’d walked an entire mall. Let’s not forget the special finds in a big mall like a central fountain display. At ours, it is common to see children tossing coins which can be a fun activity for both parties involved, not to mention, great for those unexpected Kodak moments.

Pet Stores

Pet stores are full of sights, sounds, and live animals that children can see up close. Consider it an indoor zoo that keeps its cleanliness. I usually let my toddler walk freely and guide him when I want him to move along to the next set of animals. Watch the cats in their cages on Adoption Day or the scraggly dogs in the back getting a fresh haircut and pedicure. Fish of all sizes and colors, swimming in constant motion, provide a visual delight, and the rodents of the store (gerbils, mice, and guinea pigs), running the exercise wheels, are always exciting things to see and talk about.

Hardware Stores

Hardware stores like Home Depot are surprisingly ideal places to take a curious toddler. You might not be as excited to cruise through the aisles of lumber and paint but there are plenty of textures, shapes and colors to keep your little one interested. Think of it like a “please touch museum.” If your child gets so into the nuts and bolts section, you can even buy a few for his amusement at low cost. In the paint department, there are numerous panels of paint colors. Take a few samples and make a color book….for free!

Grocery Stores

Grocery shopping is both fun for the kids and oftentimes, it’s a necessity anyway. It’s a lot easier with one child than two because of seating capacity but you can do it; you just might shop for less because your space is limited! When we go grocery shopping, my toddler sits in the front seat and my baby sits in his carrier on top of the cart. Food goes underneath the cart or in the cart under the baby. I can usually stuff food on either sides of my older son, and he doesn’t seem to mind. We’re always opening a box of something at least halfway through the trip which eases the sudden outbursts. And the deli counter ladies are always nice when we order; they’ll offer a free slice of cheese for the tasting, too!

Libraries

Make the most of your local libraries. So many libraries today have very child-friendly sections with alphabet rugs, puzzles, and stuffed animals that are the size of your living room sofa. My eldest child loves books so it’s a real treat to be able to sit next to (or on, as he sometimes does) those big bins filled with board books and picture books that don’t have to be properly re-shelved. Check your library for story times and your visit can be even more fulfilling with a free performance. Don’t forget to take souvenirs home—books, DVDs’, videos, CDs with your library card at the checkout.

Children’s Museums

Children’s museums are everywhere and what better place to take your children when the weather merits it. Usually at a reasonable cost, the museums provide ample opportunity for hands-on learning and interactions with other children and parents.

Play Groups

Play groups can be fun for parents and children as both provide a means for socialization and a chance to play with someone else’s toys. Check with your local church for playgroups, your school district, or become a member of your local moms’ club.

Errands

And although there are places to go, there are also always things to do, like those necessary errands to run. Get the mindset and just go, even if it takes some extra time with the children along. I’ve found that although it may be something minor, like picking up a bottle of shampoo from the drugstore, it serves the purpose—to get out of the house and DO something. Find a strip mall that can cover your needs in one parking space. Our post office is next to Dollar Tree so I can kill two birds with one stone, keeping my newborn and toddler contained in our double stroller while I quickly get my mailing and shopping done.

Plan ahead so that your trip works in your favor. What works best for me is when my toddler’s hungry and my newborn’s been fed. In that way, strolling through the aisles of Target won’t elicit screams for Elmo and Dora because my son is distracted, his head buried in a bag of Goldfish. And if you don’t have places that YOU need to get to but want the experience to be for your children, there are plenty of other options around town…

Drive Thrus

And if you need to just get in the car and drive without taking the children out of their car seats, enjoy a nice drive through town and take advantage of drive-thrus. Deposit those birthday checks at the bank, order some healthy choices from the fast-food window, and even pick up prescriptions from pharmacies that offer this great convenience. I even got reserved books delivered to me from a library parking lot once when I called ahead and gave the librarian my name and library card number. For that extra “thrill,” take your children for a drive-thru car wash and talk to them about giving your car “a bath”!

There’s no limit to the possibilities out there. Just plan ahead, take the kids, and start looking at ordinary places just a little bit differently…

About the Author: A former elementary school teacher of 11 years, Anne V. Thompson is a mother of two children and a freelance writer. Her work has appeared in the L.A. Times, Family Fun, Delaware Moms and Brain, Child magazines.