Spring Break Travel + Libraries = Successful Car Trip (Giveaway)

{Contest Closed. Congratulations Samantha and Jaleesa}

Please join us in welcoming Gina Holt with the Kenton County Library. Gina has some great tips for preparing for a successful road trip
this spring break (or anytime really).

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Are you dreaming of laying on the beach with a cold drink in your hand while the kids play in the sand? Maybe you are longing for lunch with Mickey Mouse and his friends. Spring Break is right around the corner allowing those dreams to come true. But wait… there is one hitch. You have to get there. The thought of a 14 hour car ride or even a three hour plane ride with children can induce anxiety. Kids crying, asking “are we there yet,” siblings fighting and lots of bathroom breaks are just some of the downfalls of traveling with children.

There is one thing that can make it easier. It doesn’t take very long and is free. It’s a trip to the Kenton County Public Library. Anyone who lives in the Greater Cincinnati area can get a Kenton County Public Library card for free with a valid ID. So load up the kids and head to your nearest branch – Covington, Erlanger or Durr in Independence.

While you are there, you will want to pick out several books for the car or plane ride. I would go with books with lots of colorful pictures for younger kids and chapter books for the older kids. Be sure to also pick up a few books on games that can be played while traveling. Your family might enjoy “Are we there yet?” Travel Games for Kids by Richard Salter or “50 Nifty Super More Travel Games” by K.D. Kuch.

I also suggest picking up books about the city or area you are visiting. Your adult passenger or the kids could share fun facts and information about places to see while traveling.

You will probably want to pick up a few magazines for yourself, especially if you are flying. You can keep up to date on the latest trends and Hollywood gossip while flying or hanging out in the hotel room. Grab a few books for yourself too!

Books on CD are great for car rides. Pick something the whole family will enjoy like “The Indian in the Cupboard” series by Lynn Reid Banks, “Frindle” by Andrew Clements, the “Magic Treehouse”series by Mary Pope Osborne or the “Ramona” series by Beverly Cleary. You can also borrow music (CDs) for the car ride.

One thing you definitely want to borrow, whether you are flying or driving, is a Playaway View. Education meets entertainment with the all-in-one video player that goes wherever kids goes. The Playaway View shows multiple books and programs in a portable player including shows like “Max & Ruby, art, biographies, math and science skills, and PBS programs including “Between the Lions” and “Sesame Street.” The Views include fiction and nonfiction titles and programs for children in preschool through junior high.  They can be used with or without headphones (provide your own). It’s like having a personal TV.

All of these items – books, magazines, music and Playaway Views – can also help you have a great Spring Break at home. The Views will entertain your children when you need a few minutes to yourself, you can get craft ideas and recipes from magazines and books and read just for entertainment.

Visit www.kentonlibrary.org to put items on hold or stop by any of the three branches and browse the shelves.

* GIVEAWAY * GIVEAWAY *GIVEAWAY *

Enter to win your own Playaway View blanket and water bottle, perfect for your next road trip! Two lucky FFC readers will win, thanks to the generosity of the Kenton County Library. You have 3 ways to enter.  Please leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry ON THIS POST to enter. Only the first question is mandatory, the other two are bonus entries.

1. Tell us your child’s favorite book or series of books.
2. Subscribe to our e-newsletter (at the top of the right hand column).
3. ‘Like’ us on Facebook or join our community forums.

Note: You must be 18 to enter.  Contest closes Sunday, March 4 at 3 p.m. and two winners will be selected using random.org.   Winners will have 24 hours to respond.

Disclosure: Giveaway items were donated by the Kenton County Library.