My second Summer Family Food Column on CBC was aired last Friday and the topic was Road Trips! We go on a lot of summer road trips and planning can help to avoid the constant “I’m bored” and also help to curb those impulse buys!
Surviving Your Summer Road Trip With Kids
Portioning Out Snacks
Not only is making your own snack bags easy but it can help if you’re sticking to a budget. Portioning out snacks such as chips, veggies, fruit, meat, cheese, and cracker beforehand is a lifesaver – especially for when the hangry sets in.
One thing my kid’s love is frozen yogurt tubes which help with keeping the cooler cold and they are a great cool treat to enjoy afterwards.
Emergency Treats
If you were to ask me what is in my purse or glove box you’d find a treat of some sort and let me tell you they have come in handy more then once. Suckers with bubble gum in the middle and Belly Flops (which are misshapen jelly belly beans that you can buy at Dollarama) are a favourite these days. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not against bribes especially if we’re driving on a mountain with a steep drop on one side.
Drinks
Frozen water bottles are a great dual purpose to act as an ice pack when you need it and then also provides cold water to drink too! Every summer we spend some time in BC and hydration is key to help avoid heatstroke.
Frozen juice boxes are also a great way to pass the time and a good alternative to a Slurpee/slush drink when travelling. All you have to do it open/cut the top off and provide a spoon. Cooling off and passing time – insert fist pump!
We Always Have Baby Wipes
Suckers are sticky, food spills, and sometimes the coffee does too! Not only that but a visit to the beach never comes without sand and when you’re stopping to enjoy a snack in between lake sessions you’re going to want to avoid the sandy hands in the food. BABY WIPES!!!
Scheduled Stops
Before we embark on a road trip anywhere we always make sure to figure out where gas stations are as well as bathrooms. Not only does this give you some time to stretch out your legs but a chance to burn off some energy too – especially if I’ve had to pull out my candy bribes. For this very reason, I suggest putting a soccer ball or something else that helps to burn up that pent up energy and then if you’re lucky once you start back on the road the urge to nap generally hits the kids. Winning!
What are some of your tips for going on summer road trips with kids?
You can listen to my Summer Family Food Column on CBC radio every second Friday!