I hope you get the chance to travel together this summer, locally or abroad. These tips are great for flights or day trips and even a night at Grandma’s when traveling with small children. Safe travels!
Buy the RIGHT luggage
The fun monkey head suitcase is adorable, but I hate to tell you that many children luggage brands are not practical. Don’t get me wrong, there is a brand or two out there that does children’s travel cases well, but I ditched the cute stuff years ago with our 10 year old because I needed to fit more and stay organized with it all.
What do I use? We happen to use the Expanse Wheeled Duffel Carry ON by Eagle Creek. I use an Eagle Creek wheelie myself as well as the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter On Board toiletry bag. Shout out to Eagle Creek in this post, they seriously do a great job with their bags and I recommend them for you and the kids!
Use Ziploc Bags for Clothing
I’ll never forget the look I got from my Mom when I dropped my son off for a stay with her years ago and as we opened the suitcase she saw my gallon Ziploc bag packing job. But, let me say that when I picked him up, they were all neatly re-stacked and refilled, dirty inside.
As I pack, I lay the bottoms, shirt, socks, underwear (in that layered order), fold all together in one set and put in a gallon ziploc and seal with air released. Put it in his duffel and repeat for all outfits. It is not only a folding space saver where I can stack many outfits neatly, but it is a time saver every morning. I (or whomever he is visiting and now himself) can grab a bag and head to get changed. It is all there. He shoves his dirty clothes back in, presses and seals. Smelly clothes are sealed and stay away from clean clothes and repacking to leave is so easy! Try it!
1 Bag + 1 Blanket + 1 Present
This is what comes on planes with us to the seat. I have one small backpack (bright colored so you can spot them if they get ahead of you) that he can wear and help me carry less with his snacks, entertainment, headphones and a small (noiseless) toy when younger. Now it is a tablet, his phone, book and chargers plus snacks. He carries his blanket and I always have a gift when he was younger to make the ride start off pleasant. The last one I bought him was a Pokemon neck pillow. He never took it off all flight or the next flight…..
Your Luggage Front Pocket
Chances are one of your luggage bags has that extra front pocket you never really know what to use it for. Grab 1 ‘special’ treat per child and a new thin book. Once you are done with the hassle off the plane, to a car or taxi, into a hotel lobby and finally checked in to your room you (and they) are beat! You have an urge to get organized, freshen up and plan the rest of the day and you have some exhausted kids.
Just wait for the magic as you unzip that pocket, pull out that special pick-me-up snack and quiet book(s). It will buy you some uninterrupted time. If you got in early enough a child or two may just doze off. Let them rest a moment or 2 and use that time! Then you’ll all be more relaxed, rested and ready to start your trip.
When you come back after a night you feel like you were gone a week! That is how I feel aftervisiting Great Wolf Lodge! Having visited several times I wanted to share stories, tips and hacks all in one place for you!
We will be staying again this month and I will be live and have some follow up photos and postings so stay tuned all month!
Our May 2019 Birthday Experience
Several weeks ago, Anthony came to me and asked if he could have an experience for his 11th birthday in May.
He said “…I have a lot of stuff and every year I have a big party with all of my friends. This year I just want to take a few friends to Great Wolf Lodge instead of presents or a big party…. I just want the experience…”
So at age 11 he gets that experience. We have a room that allows 6 people so my son, husband and I leaves 3 friends Anthony can invite and he immediately knew which 3 friends. Now I had the task of talking other children’s parents to trust me with their child for 2 days at the busy water park. They know us and trust us so there are 4 boys anxiously waiting for their fun weekend.
Booking your stay
When I am planning a Great Wold Lodge trip the first place I look is Groupon. Often times Groupon has great deals on packages. No luck?
Head to the website and make sure you are on their email list so you get notified of special rates. The best time to go is a weekday because it is cheaper and sometimes a little quieter. The weekends will always cost more, but so far I have gone during school year times so I don’t stay on weekdays.
When you are looking at rooms you will notice it may say – sleeps 4 or #. But, make sure you check the bottom of the description because the maximum occupancy is typically higher meaning that’s how many bracelets you can get per room. I have a room with 2 beds that says sleeps 4, however it has a sleeper sofa and in the description says that sleeps 2 and maximum guests allowed states 6! Everyone needs a bracelet to get into the water park and they do check everyone every time!
What is included with your room
When you book your room you get standard room amenities and your bracelet into the water park. Unless, there are perks or packages that came with your stay, a room means sleep and water park only. It also means you can participate in a few ‘free’ entertainment like story time/games at night downstairs and some venues have morning wake up shows.
When you enter Great Wold Lodge you will see so many extra things to do. There are kids running around with wands playing a scavenger game, there are arcades, gift shops, restaurants, Build A Bear and our GWL has an outdoor ropes course, indoor mini golf, mining station, ice cream parlor, candy store, buffet and restaurant (and a Starbucks too)! Those are all an extra cost, but I will tell you below the best way to afford them all!
When you stay at Great Wolf Lodge your room is guaranteed by 4pm and checkout is 11am, but……
On the day of arrival you can check in at 1pm, get your wristbands (those bands also double as your room key to scan) and enjoy the park. Once your room is ready you will get a text with your room number and someone can run to the car, grab the luggage and head up. No need to wait until after 4pm to start playing or to stand back in line at the lobby. When you check out by 11 you have no room access but are able to stay through closing (hours vary).
Packing for Great Wolf Lodge
Above I told you that you can check in at 1pm and start playing, but you may not have your room for a few more hours. Here is where how you pack will save you so much frustration.
First, you can bring your own food (meals) and a cooler. We also have ordered Pizza (our Dominoes delivers to the lobby) and they do not mind at GWL! You are free to eat how you wish just as in any hotel.
Here is how I pack:
Suitcase (for pajamas, toiletries, next day clothing)
Water bag. This is what you will grab to have with you because you have no room yet. In this bag you will want small snacks, diapering essentials, goggles, wipes, swimwear, phone charger and swim vests (anything you need on hand for a day at an indoor ‘park’. The parking lots are huge and you could get stuck parking a ways out so have a bag to grab and take because going back and forth will be a huge pain!
Have the kids fed a lunch before arriving! Trust me-they walk inside and absorb so much energy you will never get them to stop and eat, so have them fed a lunch! Bring a snack or 2 in your park bag. They’ll work an appetite up by dinner.
Cooler. The food isn’t cheap at GWL but is very convenient and you get tired fast! So, if money is no issue and you’d rather have the convenience all of your meals can be covered with great variety just fine inside. However, you can bring anything you need and because your food can sit in the car waiting for a room make sure you have plenty of ice on your cold foods. I typically bring sandwich makings for next day lunch, fruit and donuts for morning, order pizza for dinner. I have even had friends bring a crock pot, throw food like mac n cheese and let it cook and it is ready by dinner time.
Have the kids dressed to swim. The changing areas are hectic and you only want to carry around so much. Before leaving home and after some lunch, get them in swim clothes and flip flops then leave for GWL.
Once you get the text that your room is ready they have plenty of carts to grab and go get all of your other stuff for the room!
Avoid being Nickel and Dimed
Earlier I told you there is plenty of other fun indoor activities that all cost extra. Here is the best way to experience it because the kids WILL have to walk by all these games and venues between the water park and room so be prepared!
Wolf, Pup and Paw Passes
As a guest you have passes available to purchase that bundle the ‘other’ activities into one savings. The Wolf Pass is the largest pass with access to about every attraction. The Pup Passes and Paw Passes have several attractions and you can choose the one that best fits your child’s age. Typically the Paw Pass is great for the older child/tween and the Pup Pass will have the little kiddie events included. Activities included depends on location and season. Typically they run around $44-$59 and if you were to do the math on what is included it is a huge savings!
I love using the passes because it is a great way to give your kids a limit. My son could spend hours in the arcade or beg for multiple scoops of ice cream and candy cups. With a pass there is arcade credit and he gets a scoop of ice cream and candy and it is at a limit. They know this and typically just move on to the next activity on the pass when money or items are used up.
Add-Ons
There are also ‘unseen’ add-ons available. Such add-ons for an extra fee include birthday packages (sign on room door, party supplies, food, cake, balloons).
Packages for Mom and Dad such as a Wine Down Service. Salon packages (most locations have a kids salon too with packages available).
There is a Milk and Cookies package too where a character delivers to the room for time with the children.
Ask about your locations add-ons or visit their packages online.
New this Summer
This summer there is an all-new daily escape called Summer Camp-In. In just a few weeks (runs around May 24-September 2), families can expect the following brand new programming:
Trailblazer Challenge: Campers can win bragging rights by participating in different arts and crafts projects such as friendship bracelet making and rubber ducky decorating, as well as interactive games including family trivia and corn hole challenges
S’mores: A special s’mores dessert bar will be featured, served up by the resort’s very own culinary experts — s’moreliers
Pool parties: Complete with DJs, refreshments, limbo, rubber duck races, corn hole toss and a conga line
Camp Themed Guestrooms: Everything from pennant bunting and yellow gingham bed scarves to actual in-room tents and campfire lanterns
Campfire Ceremony: Wind down with family by a cracking fire with singing, face painting, s’mores, story-swapping, character shows and Story Time. Complete with a DJ-led dance party under the stars, guest can linger longer in the summer
Character Breakfast: Think camp counselor-led songs and dances and napkin twirling complete with Wiley and friends circulating throughout the breakfast for photos and autographs
BBQ: Mouthwatering BBQ anchors dinner menus at the resort’s main restaurant
I think that is all I can give you for now! Stay tuned as we visit and post more experiences from the Grand Mound, Wa location (not in time for Summer Camp to start sadly).
During a child’s well visit, the pediatrician will conduct a full physical exam, which includes reviewing your child’s weight and height, as well as body mass index, to determine if your child’s growth-rate, including any weight gain, is on track. Blood pressure, heart rate and breathing will also be checked and necessary immunizations and vaccinations will be administered.
During the well visit, your child’s doctor will ask questions. But a pediatrician is also able to address any concerns you may have, answer your questions or offer advice. Find out how to make the most of your child’s next well visit with these seven tips.
1. Plan to Be There
When you work outside of the home, it can be easy to ask your child’s grandparent or babysitter if they wouldn’t mind taking your child to his appointment — but that’s not usually the best plan. Your child will likely feel much more comfortable if you attend the appointment with him. Plus, there may be questions or issues that arise during the well check that someone else cannot effectively handle. And, last but not least, by attending the appointment, you’ll have firsthand information about your child’s health — instead of relying on your child’s grandparent or babysitter to give you all of the details.
2. Write Down Your Questions
Before you go to your child’s well visit appointment, take some time to sit down and think about any issues of concern you may have about your child’s health and development. If you write down your questions now and take the list with you to the doctor, there’s less of a chance that you’ll forget to ask.
Don’t be afraid to write down things you don’t think your doctor can help you with — such as emotional issues your child may be having. Your child’s pediatrician can not only serve as a resource for you but also as a referral to another health professional who is better suited to address your child’s particular need.
3. Be Aware of What Questions Might be Asked of You
If your child is younger, the pediatrician will definitely ask questions regarding his development. To help this part of the well visit go smoothly, you should research these questions in advance and consider your answers. By knowing what your doctor might ask in terms of development, you’ll be able to find out from your child what he can and can’t do — if you don’t already know.
For example, when children are 18-months-old, developmental milestones include being able to do things, such as stack three blocks, follow directions using “on” or “under” and be able to point to at least three body parts on command.
4. Prepare Your Child in Advance
Unless your child sees his pediatrician frequently, you might want to spend a little time preparing your child for the upcoming well visit. This is especially important if you have a younger child who might be scared about going to the doctor.
There are storybooks you can check out from your public library that can help ease your child’s fears. You can also help your child by planning a small activity after the appointment, such as going for ice cream or stopping by the playground. Having something to look forward to could make the whole experience less stressful for both you and your child.
5. Arrive on Time
Just as with any appointment, it’s important to be punctual. Doctor’s offices operate on schedules, and if you are late, you will potentially lose out on part of your appointment time. This could reduce the amount of time that you will have to ask questions.
Leave for the appointment early. Even if you choose to sit in the parking lot for a few minutes before going in, you’ll still be there and not stuck in traffic.
6. Avoid Potential Distractions
If you can, leave other children with a relative or babysitter while you are at the well-check appointment with your child. Other children will inevitably be vying for your attention appointment, and your focus should be on the child that’s having the well check and the pediatrician. Because these type of appointments occur typically only once per year, you might not have an opportunity to consult with your child’s doctor again until your child needs to be seen again.
If you happen to be seeing a new doctor for the first time, make an appointment for the well check instead of hoping for a walk-in appointment. This will allow the doctor’s office to prepare for your visit. According to Pediatriccenter.com, “Forms can be completed, insurance coverage can be verified, and the visit will go more smoothly.”
These 14 soft and colorful cubes provide simple suggestions for kids and adults to nourish the mind and body throughout the day. They also squeeze for stress management and release!
The themes of these cubes include:
Happy (Gold Cube)
Gratitude (Orange Cube)
Positivity (Light Blue Cube)
Affirmations (Red Cube)
Breathing (Blue Cube)
Coping Strategies (Purple Cube)
Feelings (White/Blue Cube)
Nourishment (Yellow Cube)
Play (Earth Pattern)
Principles (Green Cube)
Questions (Black Cube)
Yoga Poses White/Orange Cube)
Chakra (Multi-Color Cube)
Stressed Out (Light Green Cube)
These make excellent Teacher and Counselor gifts for your child’s school. Sometimes kids just need simple release. Like adults, kids can benefit from calm activities that just help them refocus and reorganize their thoughts.
With my son I always keep that in mind. At 10 years old he is very well adjusted and is an excellent friend and student. We always read before bed every night since he was an infant. He goes in and out of phases being an independent reader, but I mainly have kept reading before bed as a traditional me-time and a way to de-escalate at night.
I also give him days off! For sports season and school he gets a certain number of free passes ( 1 per semester at school and 1 per sport season). His free pass can be used at anytime he wants which means he gets to wake up and for no real reason say “not today”. He does not abuse it and has learned through the years to SAVE his free days when he looks ahead and realizes an event may happen where he wants or needs that day. Why? Because sometimes we just need to self care and to call in a day but not in ways that it becomes bad habits. I gave them to his step brothers when they were younger too and they remember it. Both older boys are excellent employees today and this ‘time off’ did not create bad habits for them but they learned to ‘slow down’ and ‘take a day’.
These Zendoway Cubes are excellent tools and every home and classroom should give them a try.
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