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| Florida Welcome Center
© Katrena
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Even if you arm yourself with a wealth of fun activities, rarely will you ever get from point A to point B without a few bumps on the ride. I have found that stopping at rest areas along the way can greatly increase the likelihood that we will arrive to our destination with all body parts intact.
Those who are traveling along major highways may notice blue signs for rest areas. Most people look at these as a quick stop to visit the restroom and maybe grab a snack. However many rest areas offer more options for those who are traveling.
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| Free Picnic Shelters at Rest Stops - Photo by jdurham |
This one takes a little prior planning, but can well be worth the effort. Rather than turning the car into a rolling restaurant, take the time to sit down and enjoy a meal together. Make eye contact. Converse. Enjoy.
Involve the kids in packing the food, drink, and supplies. Local farmers often offer roadside stands where you can purchase fresh fruits, veggies, and other edible delights. This can be a great opportunity to support local businesses as well as investing in quality time together.
If you really want to get serious about it, some rest areas may offer grills. Others may find that an electric grill powered through the car works well. Ensure that you pack an oven mitt and utensils for transferring hot foods from one place to the next if you decide to go with hot foods.
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| Fitness Opportunities at Rest Areas - Photo by veggiegretz |
Some rest areas now offer walking trails and fitness opportunities. Many trails that I have seen at rest areas are also handicap accessible. Taking a walk together can be a nice time to unwind while stretching everyone's legs. Some trails also include information about the local flora or wildlife. I'd love to see all rest areas offering playgrounds for children and adults in the future!
Take a few moments to pack small items in the trunk, such as bubbles, various types of balls, a Frisbee, sidewalk chalk, and a jump rope. If you don't have any of those items, many kids will immediately join in if you tell them that you'll race them to a spot and begin running or if you tap someone on the shoulder and say "Tag...you're it!" If you have older kids who look mortified, you can always mention that you could practice dancing the Wobble or doing yoga poses if they would prefer.
Sometimes the weather or environment may offer unplanned opportunities. I've been known to get in a few snowball fights and even a few pinecone fights with my kids. There's nothing quite like pelting the ones you love as you laugh and play. Sitting down and enjoying a beautiful rainbow or watching a blue heron fly over can be one of those unplanned moments that the kids might remember for years.
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| Veterans Memorials at Rest Areas Along the Interstate
© Katrena
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Many rest areas, particularly those that are on a state line, include a welcome center. A few visitor centers offer free samples of a drink or food that is popular in that state. I have discovered several fun activity ideas simply by visiting a welcome center in a rest area. Don't hesitate to speak with the people working in the welcome center – let them know your route and they will often be able to offer tips for family-friendly activities.
Free brochures are often available in welcome centers. Watch the kids to see what types of brochures attract their curiosity. Even if you do not have time to visit the area on this trip, you might make plans for future trips. If you do not have prior reservations, you might find some coupons for hotels in the area. Those who work at the welcome center might be aware of discounts for amusement parks and other popular destinations as well.
Some rest areas now feature veterans memorials. If you are traveling with a veteran, it would be wise to check first to see if seeing the memorial is okay with him or her. Many veterans do long to see memorials, and a smaller scale memorial at a rest area might be less intimidating to see than the larger ones. This could be a great time for the rest of the family to learn more about family members or friends who served in the military.
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| Enjoy Wildlife at Rest Stops
© Katrena
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It is easy to forget the importance of the journey in our rush to arrive. Taking a few minutes to rest, relax, unwind, and spend some time together is time well invested. We often want our kids to be relaxed, refreshed, and adorable; however, we often find it easy for ourselves to become rushed, irritated, and ready to take a vacation from the vacation. Our children learn much by what they see in us. Stop and enjoy the time while you can.
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