Traveling with Children During Bad Weather

Recently we had to take a trip with our two children, aged 4 and 7. Although they are, by and large, good kids, expecting them to endure even a 4 hour road trip without breaks is a little much. But as the weather changes from the delights of summer, where just finding a decent rest area with a park set up, can be enough, into fall and soon winter, what can a parent do to find a place to burn off some energy in restless travel weary children?

Simple answer.

Burger King and McDonald's.

Many of these fast food places in these two franchises have play centers, especially close to the interstate. But what a lot of parents forget is this - those play centers can be a god send for restless kids and they are safe, enclosed and workable in all weathers.

"But what about the meals?"

Who said you have to buy the children or yourself, a happy meal? Or fast food meal in order to use them? You don't. The rules are you must be a customer. So buy a milk or soda for the kids, and a coffee, iced or otherwise for yourself. Yes, you have to buy something but if you don't want to give the kids junk food/fast food then don't. In all honesty if your kids are car weary the last thing they are going to want to do is sit down and eat. So use them and let them burn off the steam. The play centers are often open from 8am to 8pm which gives plenty of options for time out of the car whilst you regain your sanity and thirty minutes free from 'But Mom......'

Another option is a mall. Plan your route before heading through the door and take thirty minutes to go to a mall. If you've got older kids the play centers there with the video games, will at least get them out of the car for a bit. Yes, that option is going to cost you a little more, but again it's all weather friendly.

Wal-Mart's also often have family fun centers with video games. Those are open 24 hours and will give you a chance to stock up on soda, snacks, stretch your legs, and give you a chance to take that break.

Travel during summer is a lot easier with so many rest spots now sporting small playgrounds, but during winter there are plenty of parents who shudder at the thought of those long trips to see family. And even a four hour trip in the car can feel like forty if all you're hearing from the kids is 'but mom he's touching me'. Even if you have a car with a dvd player set up, being able to let the kids run for a bit is still a good idea. Anyone with young children will know all too well just how restless they can become and the mayhem that can follow when they get out of the car at grandma's or wherever after being in the car for so long.

The two fast food chains have these facilities set up so use them.