| There is nothing more rewarding for parents than | | | | things that interest them. When our son was 8 or 9 |
| spending quality time with the kids on a family vacation. | | | | years old he could spend what seemed like all day |
| Snapping pictures, exploring and discovering new | | | | observing reptiles and other animals at the various |
| territories while blazing new trails can make for great | | | | places on our day trips. It wasn't necessarily our idea |
| family fun. After all, isn't that what a family vacation is | | | | of heaven but today he is a Biologist preparing for his |
| all about anyway? Just being together, sharing, laughing, | | | | P.H.D. in Zoology. Who would have guessed? So let |
| talking - creating some of life's most memorable | | | | the kids pick a place or two to go visit. With a little |
| moments. All too often though, the hopes of a | | | | guidance from you, you may be surprised to find a |
| rewarding vacation or day trip with the kids can slowly | | | | P.H.D. in your kids too. |
| dwindle into a day of frustration and disappointment. | | | | - Create Family Memories: Pick up small mementos |
| The kids get hungry, then they're thirsty, they get tired | | | | along the way to remind the kids of the places they've |
| and cranky, now they want to argue and of course | | | | been and the great things they have experienced. You |
| the ever proverbial "are we there yet"...coming from | | | | don't have to break the bank. It's the small things that |
| the back seat of the car feels as though it will forever | | | | make a difference and are great conversation |
| be ringing in your ears. Is this bonding? Well...in a sense | | | | starters with your kids! |
| - yes. | | | | - Take Lots and Lots of Photos: When you get back |
| Certainly, years from now when the kids are grown | | | | home and are sitting around with the kids, looking at |
| you can reminisce and laugh about the trials and | | | | your photo collection, it will hit you. Arizona is so |
| tribulations of the family vacation and day trips you | | | | amazingly beautiful- sometimes it just doesn't sink in |
| used to take. But wouldn't it be more rewarding | | | | until you see it in print. |
| knowing that you can actually have fun with your kids | | | | - Don't Try to Beat the Clock: You can only move as |
| in the present moment! Why wait until they're all | | | | fast as the slowest one in your party. Different size |
| grownup to reminisce about the good ol' day trips | | | | families with kids of various ages travel at different |
| gone by. | | | | paces. Your family may want to spend more time at |
| When my family and I take an Arizona vacation or go | | | | one place or another or at one particular activity. Go |
| on a day trip we like to think about bonding with the | | | | with the flow and enjoy. Arizona's wonderful places |
| kids in the present moment. Have fun now, talk with | | | | have been around a long time and they will be there |
| the kids now and share in that hilarious belly laugh now | | | | tomorrow. Believe me, you and your kids will be |
| - so that when we all get home we can immediately | | | | happier enjoying the things you get to do than having |
| begin to reminisce about the fun times we had on this | | | | the day become a nightmare by trying to rush. |
| family vacation. | | | | - Travel Safe: If you are doing all the driving remember |
| No matter where your travels may take you and your | | | | to give your eyes a rest. There are plenty of scenic |
| family the following travel tips will help get you there | | | | areas to park and stretch your legs. Take advantage |
| with your peace of mind in tack so that you can enjoy | | | | of them. You are going to see some of the most |
| all of your wonderful "present moments" with your | | | | amazing natural beauty on Earth. Take the time to |
| family. | | | | drink it all in. July and August is monsoon season in |
| Advice and Tips for Arizona Travelers and | | | | Arizona and afternoon thunderstorms occur regularly. |
| Vacationers: | | | | Be prepared, they usually only last a short time. |
| - Check Your Vehicle: A breakdown could spell | | | | - Talk and Laugh a Lot: Talk to one another about the |
| disaster for a fun filled day. Whether you are in your | | | | things you are doing and the marvelous sights you are |
| own car or a rental, always take a look before you | | | | seeing. It's a great time for the kids to use their |
| start. Make sure the tires look properly inflated and | | | | imagination and express themselves. Listen to them. |
| check the windshield washer fluid. Fill your tank. You | | | | You will learn things about each other that may |
| can always go to Arizona Day Trails to find out where | | | | surprise you and you will be better off for the |
| to buy fuel in Arizona for the least amount of money. | | | | experience. Laugh, laugh and laugh some more! Leave |
| - Pack a Cooler: Purchase a small Styrofoam cooler | | | | your stress and cares behind and have fun. You owe |
| available in any grocery or convenience store for just | | | | it to yourself and your kids. Life will be waiting when |
| a few bucks. Pack it with bottled water and a few | | | | you get home. |
| light snacks. Avoid sweet drinks because they tend to | | | | - Bend the Rules: Extend bedtimes. Take an evening |
| dehydrate you in the Arizona heat. Water will keep | | | | dip in the hotel pool. Have that extra ice cream cone. |
| you hydrated and feeling good. Keep a box of | | | | Whatever it is that is different from the everyday. |
| crackers and Nilla wafers handy because they are | | | | Step outside late one night with your kids and look up |
| easy on the stomach. And drink plenty of water during | | | | at the sky. The night sky in Arizona is filled with stars |
| your day. Don't wait until you feel thirsty. | | | | to wish on so get out there and look up! City dwellers |
| - Dress Properly and Comfortably: Flip flops and | | | | will be amazed. |
| sandals are great around the hotel or pool, but on your | | | | We hope you keep these hints in mind during your visit |
| Arizona day trip wear durable, comfortable footwear. | | | | to Arizona or wherever you and your family may |
| Pack some sunscreen and wear hats. It doesn't have | | | | travel. My wife, Ronnie and I have spent over 30 |
| to be a Stetson; a baseball cap will do fine. The | | | | years traveling throughout Arizona and have found |
| Arizona desert can get cool in the evening and | | | | these tips to be true for our family. We know they will |
| downright cold at times so keep jackets handy. | | | | be true for yours too. |
| - Keep the Kids In the Loop: Rotate seats in the car so | | | | We'll see ya on the trail! And remember to always be |
| everybody gets a window. Let the kids help decide | | | | good to each other and your mother Earth. Take |
| things like where to have lunch and spend time at the | | | | nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints. |