Kids are as common a sight at state parks, music festivals and craft breweries in Colorado as all-weather hiking boots and state flag T-shirts.
But even with our generally laid-back, inclusive culture, being the parent of said children multiplies your travel considerations.
My wife and I have been lucky: our 2-year-old travels well, having been on more than 20 flights in a dozen cities in the first year of his life. Still, as he hurtles toward his third birthday — tantrums and all — our exit strategies grow ever more practical, and our planning considerably more efficient.
After all, if we’re spending the time to get somewhere, we want to get the most out of our investment.
With that in mind, here are a few tips for taking youngsters into the city, high country and beyond this summer.
• Start early. Most parents know this already, having witnessed the ridiculous amount of time simple tasks can consume. But giving yourself an extra few minutes in the morning, on the way and at your destination provides built-in benefits like extended exploration time, random bathroom/diaper breaks, and overall more sanity for the clan.
• High altitudes don’t simply decrease the richness of the air, they increase the intensity of UV rays — even on cloudy days. Six minutes of direct sunlight at higher altitudes is enough to burn unprotected skin, so be sure to pack waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher, and slather it on the little ones. Similarly, kids won’t be the first to suggest semi-regular rests during hiking and extended walks. Push water and pace yourselves to stave off altitude sickness, which quickly leads to dehydration, headaches and worse.
• Health and safety don’t end there. Hand sanitizer, insect repellent and extra diapers/wipes for younger kids are just as important as keeping tabs on where they are at all times. Set a centralized, easy-to-find meeting place in case you get separated and politely remind them of the rules of the land, whether it’s a bluegrass festival, mining museum or state park. Make sure to keep any medicine or equipment for special-needs kids in safe, easy-to-access places, and pack extra clothes for the changing weather and the inevitable food/diaper disaster.
• Younger children often snack at wildly random times, as any parents of toddlers know. But whether you’re planning for a picnic or a midafternoon snack, pack a small variety of healthy nibbles that keep well under hot temperatures. Fresh fruit and bite-size veggies, whole-grain crackers, bread and single-serving cheeses? Yes. Yogurts, milk and uncured meats — not so much (unless you’re toting a reliable cooler).
• Etiquette and safety often overlap, so outfitting kids with earplugs or headphones at concerts, and removing melting-down kids from quiet areas, reduce both the nasty looks and the personal shame.
• Free and cheap apps/maps for smartphones and tablets can help find the closest restaurant, hotel, park or hospital pretty much anywhere, so spend a few minutes with them before hitting the road. We’ll also concede that video games, movies and music on said devices are an effective (but not magical) distraction tool when necessary. Employ them sparingly to retain their power.
• Include your kids in what you’re doing — in a real way. Show them where you’re going and why. Research and plan a variety of activities to fill time. (You may find you don’t need them, but backups provide valuable emotional insurance.) Let kids take (and look at) pictures and videos during the trip. Keep a cool head and remember that your kids are looking to you for appropriate behavior and mood. You may even find, against all odds, that you’re enjoying yourself.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642, jwenzel@denverpost.com or
