Tips for Toddler Field-Trips

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE taking my children on field-trips and outings. We go on a minimum of two per week outside of "routine" places like the library and grocery store. Parks, the zoo, museums, play places, I love taking my children on outings. When we go through a period of bad weather or illness and we're unable to go places, I find that it impacts my productivity and even the moods in our house. We thrive on field-trips. (Note: My ideal is basically a half-day at home and a half-day out and about.) With three children under the age of five, I'm frequently asked how we do it... how do we go "so much."

Here are a few tips I've learned and put into practice for successful field-trips with my children:

1. You don’t have to do it ALL in one day. Leave the field trip while everyone is happy. When going on a local field trip, remember you can go back! It is much better with preschoolers to take several “short” trips rather than a long exhausting experience. Our family invested in Children’s Museum and zoo memberships so we can return often without feeling pressure to “get our money’s worth.” Many local venues are even free!

2. Eat in advance and bring snacks. We love going to the Nelson-Atkins Art Gallery (a great free trip). We spend 30-60 min. in the gallery then we take a snack break on the lawn and go back for another 30-60 min.

3. Relate to young interests. When we go to the art gallery, I don’t expect my toddler to appreciate the differences between Rembrandt and Bingham. We take her so she will begin to enjoy art. When Emily was just 2 years old, her fascination with everything princess was just beginning. She saw the Knight in Shining Armor and immediately squealed with glee at discovering “Prince Charming!”

4. Scavenger Hunts. This works on field trips and errands. Ask children to find objects one at a time. At the art gallery, I glance at paintings and spot familiar objects (cats, hats, wagons, etc) and ask Emily to find them. For older children, create a list using words or pictures or go on an alphabetical hunt finding objects that start with A, then B, etc. It’s also fun to play, “I Spy.” Hunts are especially good at museums, markets, or other places that aren’t instantly entertaining for tots.

5. Cameras are not just for Parents. Bring a disposable camera or inexpensive digital for children. Just be sure to observe rules. At many museums, for instance, you may not use a flash.

6. Finish with a treat. My girls know Winstead’s is within walking distance of the Nelson-Atkins Art Gallery. Have a treat at home or on the way home and talk about the fun you had together.

7. Be spontaneous. Keep a map and a few resources in the car (Kansas City Parent Magazine is a great FREE Resource to have handy). Refer to them often and be willing to go where the road takes you from time to time!

8. Visit your favorite places often. My girls know that we WILL return to Kaleidoscope, so they're not as disappointed when it's time to go when they're reminded we'll be back another day.