Road Trip, Fun Tourist Traps

    

a road trip to Hartwick Pines, Michigan

      Last week I let you know how we traveled in the car as a family while the boys were young (Planning Family Vacations).  I mentioned giving the guys a chance to stop at some of those "amazing" stops along the roadway. If there are certain stops you know you just can't handle, then be prepared to cover the eyes of the kids who can read the abundance of road signs that advertise them. Be ready to distract and then be firm about your "No."  But remember that your trip is a family vacation so the kids need to have some input into what they get to see. When that happens they will be so excited to read every one of those obnoxious road signs (hurray for reading)!
      Here are a few of the ones where we've stopped over the years!!

     We had so much fun visiting different "stories". Kids loved it!

     We camped at Houghton Lake  and Higgins Lake in Michigan often. Zubler's is an amazing touristy shop in Prudenville outside the camp area where kids can browse for hours and pick up such delightful things as tomahawks, slingshots, carved wooden anythings, moccasins, ....seriously, almost anything you can think of...so be prepared to limit spending and/or number of items allowed :)  More on allowances in the future!

    The boys loved visiting the Deer Camp where they could see and feed the deer. Looks like Scott wasn't sure about that deer licking his fingers!!

     Do you have a Mystery Spot in your area? They really are fun...based on gravity and difference in perception. Chad was having fun being almost as tall as Dad!

     This was a maze built in the forest...with paths formed by ropes! It was actually a little scarier than we thought it would be. Chad and Scott had to stay together and keep within our sight so that we wouldn't freak out. Keep in mind that we were the overprotective types...and proud of it :)

     While traveling in the West, we went to Four Corners...the spot where four states actually touch. The 'spot' is on Native American land, so you pay a fee to enter and then there are several little shops if you want to go to them also. We mostly liked the photo opportunity!

     Here is Chad riding the 'jackalope' at Wall Drugs...you must have seen the signs for Wall Drugs if you travel anywhere in the western half of the country! It is easy to spend hours here if you do go, so plan on it. There are stores within stores, cafeterias, things for kids to sit on, lots of cool and silly things to purchase...so don't plan on a quick visit, unless you're ready for sad faces!

    The guys of the family decided they would pan for gold! Is it a tourist trap...oh, yes! But did everyone have fun? Absolutely!


      I hope this encourages you to at least think about stopping now and then just to have fun with your kids. Add a day of travel time if you need to, to make sure the stress of travel with your family can be relieved with silliness and giggles!


Happy Parenting!
D and C