Things for Kids to Do

• Putt-putt golf at Icicle Village
• Pick out a silly hat at The Hat Shoppe
• Sledding on the hill in Front Street Park
• Take the Cow Train at Smallwood Farms
• Museum and Pioneer Village in Cashmere
• The Nutcracker Museum
• Go to the Gingerbread Factory for tiny gingerbread people
• Wenatchee River Salmon Festival in September
• Fish at the Trout Unlimited pond in Enchantment Park
• Swim at the Leavenworth Community Pool
• Find a new book at A Book for All Seasons
• Explore a world of old fashioned wood toys at The Wood Shop

Things to Carry with You In the Car

• Moist towelettes or wipes
• Paper towels
• Zip-loc bags: trash, dirty diapers and car sickness attacks
• Masking tape or pillows: stakes out territory for siblings
• Cooler to hold toys and drinks/snacks
• Baby safety mirror: clip on visor so driver or passenger can view baby without turning around
• Plush toys
• Sing-along tape with book of lyrics for whole family
• Auto Bingo or "I Spy" out-the-window games on highway
• Selection of absorbing books with large type
• Favorite comics, manuals, "Waldo" type books
• CD player or iPod with headset (Y-jack for siblings)
• Magnetic chess and checkers gameboard
• Deck of cards
• CDs or iPod collection to play on car stereo
• Nintendo DS or PSP and video games
• Treat Bag
• Packaged snacks
• Drink Containers

Making the Car Trip Easier

Let them know how long it will take before they ask
Younger kids can't tell time, so let them know how long it will take with a frame of reference they'll understand. When our kids were growing up, if something would take a half hour, we'd tell them it would be as long as one Muppets program. Or we'll get there just before the sun goes down. You know what your kids will understand.

Create a relaxed atmosphere in the car
Bring a stuffed animal or blanket. Have some pillows so they can doze; they're more likely do sleep if they have something soft to lean against. Let them wear slippers or just socks in the car. Put a large pillow between siblings to help avoid squabbles. Put up sunshades on the side window to avoid glare. It also helps keep car sickness in control.

Stop and stretch
Stop every hour for time out of the car. Stop at a park or rest stop and toss a Frisbee or a ball, or even just blow soap bubbles. A 10-minute stretch will put everyone in better spirits.

Keeps kids occupied
Give your child a map with the route marked and help them look for road signs and follow the route. Give them a notebook to keep a travel journal. Bring some new games to play in travel sizes. On the right side of the page are a bunch of coloring pages from Crayola® you can print out for the kids. Bring crayons, not markers, because if you bring markers, they will get on the seat.

Talk to your kids
These ideas can help keep the kids occupied, but vacation times are times to make family memories. Talk to them and get to know them. You have a captive audience; make use of it. The memories are what you will all take away from the vacation.

Top 10 Movies to Play in the Car on
DVD Player or iPod

• Home Alone
• Superman
• Babe
• Toy Story
• Lady & the Tramp
• Pinocchio
• Mary Poppins
• Star Wars
• High School Musical
• The Muppet Movie

How to Dress Kids for Snow Play

If you haven't spent much time in the snow, here are some tips for dressing kids for snow play. They will be much happer, and so will you.

Dress in several thin layers
If something gets wet or if they get too hot, something can be removed.

Waterproof pants & jacket
These will let them stay out longer without getting wet.

Boots
Easy to forget, but very important.

Waterproof gloves or mittens
Keep their hands warm and they'll have much more fun. Knitted mittens are cute, but soak up moisture like a wick.

Goggles or sunglasses with UV400 protection
The sun is much brighter on the snow, and there is less protection at higher levels.

Helmet (for skiing, snowboarding and sledding)
Nothing more to say here.

Plenty of sunscreen and chapstick
Yes, you can get sunburned in the winter. And at higher elevations, you can get burned more easily.