Travel

/

Home & Leisure

Taking the Kids: 17+ things you didn’t know you needed for your next road trip/outdoor adventure

Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on

For those of you who hate using baby wipes outdoors or after a long plane trip, Tim Goalen has the solution — his Klean Freak body wipes are all natural, alcohol-free, biodegradable and individually packaged with scents like peppermint and citrus. (12 packs are $15)

I learned I could shop local with online convenience thanks to www.shopcityhome.com that connects you to local retailers whether you are looking for a new kids’ jacket, skis or whatever you need, a resource that helps independent shops compete with big box stores online.

Who knew a backpack could morph into a 4-inch-round ball for campground fun and games? The Ultra-Light Hacky Pack from Sylvan Sport ($39.95) does just that. As a backpack, it is big enough to carry a day’s worth of gear, whether you are sightseeing in a city or hitting a trail.

Who knew a hiking pole could also be a light source? The WayLight ($59.95) will light your way on an early morning or dusk hiking trail but it can also light up your campground with its LED lights. It even has slots for bamboo skewers for marshmallow roasting.

Everyone will love the brightz LED lights (starting at $9.99). It can light up bike wheels, a kayak, even your cooler and tent poles in different colors.

If you’re the parent who nags everyone to stay hydrated, check out HidrateSpark, tap water bottles that glow to remind you it’s time to drink. You can sync them to your phone, which can then track if you are drinking as much as you should. (Starting at $19.99).

For those of you visiting mountain towns, wrestling with smoky air from forest fires or allergies, take along a small cannister of BOOST Oxygen. It’s 95 percent breathing oxygen in lightweight and portable containers. They can provide aromatherapy, too. How about eucalyptus? (Starting at $8.99.)

A book is always a good bet, whether you want a guide to the national park you are visiting, hacks for van life, or an adorable “Do Princesses Make Happy Campers?” (All are from Falcon Guides, as is my new “Kid’s Guide to Camping”!)

 

Introduce kids to a new area before you get there with Advance Wildlife Education coloring books ($12), complete with stickers and fun facts to regions, including Hawaii, the Northwest, Pacific Coast fish and seabirds. A portion of the sales support local environmental groups. (You can also download as an app.)

If you have ever craved a frozen margarita or a smoothie on a camping trip, the hand-cranked Vortex Blender ($160) from GSI Outdoors is for you. Outdoor chefs will also love their Destination Kitchen Set 24, which has everything you need — cutlery sets, folding tools, a cutting board, knife, even spice shakers all in a compact nylon case. ($49.95)

Now that you are geared up, where are you going next?

========

(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia, the 13th in the kid’s guide series, was published in 2020, with The Kid’s Guide to Camping coming in 2021.)

©2021 Eileen Ogintz. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


(c) 2021 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

 

 

Comics

Loose Parts A.F. Branco Dog Eat Doug Darrin Bell For Better or For Worse Jeff Danziger