Families on the Road

Where to go? What to do?

Here you will find family friendly places to explore and things to do. Each activity has been explored and comes highly recommended by families who are on the road.

Online Information

Travel Information (US, Canada, Mexico)

Nationwide Passes

National Parks Pass - a mere $80 provides access for a year to spectacular sites and historical treasures for the entire family for a year. You will find a free guide to all 388 National Parks and more information at nationalparks.org

Science Centers and Zoos make great educational stops along the way. For the best deal get a membership with a museum that is part of ASTC.Then you will get free or reduced rates at reciprocal museums across the country. Zoos should be apart of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association ( AZA).

There are three locations (that we know of) that offer memberships to both Science Centers and zoos. Most others offer only one or the other. Both of these sites have a downloadable membership that you can mail in. Compare reciprocation lists to see which one serves your needs the best.

• Currently, the best reciprocal deal in the nation is Western Nature Center in Asheville, North Carolina, where family membership is $55 (AZA & ASTC)
• Happy Hallow Zoo in San Jose, California is $60 annual family membership. There are only a few San Francisco bay area museums that are blocked out. (AZA & ASTC)
• Boonshoft Museum of Discovery of Dayton, Ohio offers a family membership at just a bit more ($69). That also includes reciprocal admission or reduced rates to over 300 science museums, zoos and aquariums worldwide through AZA and ASTC.

If you decide to purchase a pass through another museum or zoo be sure to ask about teacher's discounts if you are homeschooling.

Theme Parks

Map of Theme Park Locations

View Larger Map

Six Flags offers a season pass. Get one online or pick it up at any park and use it any of the other 18 parks. Open weekends May 5-22, daily beginning May 23. Shop around for your "home" park as prices vary. However, you are also required to use your pass at your "home" park the first time.

Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks offers a yearly pass that will cover admission to: SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Sesame Place (PA), Adventure Island (FL) and Water Country USA (VA).

Taking Breakdowns in Stride

"I was worried about how my teens would feel watching their RV be towed away behind a giant tow truck. They completely loved it! To them - this is the Grand Adventure! One evening after a particularly awful day - the kids were tucking themselves into bed in a moldy hotel room in Santa Cruz reviewing their day and Sarah said to Dave "today was even better than if everything had worked the way Mom planned - it was so exciting!."

~Mary Ann (FOTR since 8/31/2007)

Educational Activities for Families on the Go

Jr. Rangers - While visiting your National or State Park ask about their Jr. Ranger programs. Which are free educational activities lead by rangers and staff (there may be a small supply fee or donation request). Your child may be given a booklet or page of questions to answer or your family may join a ranger on a hike or participate in a craft activity. No matter what the whole family will gain from the engaging experience and the kids will earn a souvenir badge or patch.

Jr .Rangers are highly recommended by a kid on the road

Geocaching -You need a GPS for this activity.And preferably a handheld one as you will going off the roads and highways to play this live action seek and find game.

To begin visit geocaching.com where you will find clues to secret stashes hidden around the globe and learn the ins and outs of the game (no muggles allowed!). Once you have your clues and coordinates in hand, the objective is to find the hidden treasure and then log your find on the web. You might even find a "travel bug" and be able to help him live his dream and reach his destination.

Meeting Others

FOTR

It's nice to know that you are not alone out there. The best way to catch up and meet with other FOTR is to post on the FOTR Forum .

If you'd like to meet other families IRL (in real life) just post your whereabouts or travel plans and see if anyone will be crossing paths with you - then arrange a meeting spot off list for safety sake.

Get a FOTR bumper sticker for your RV so other families can easily find you.

And check FOTR Rallies page for rallies and upcoming gatherings.

Local Homeschoolers

Connecting with other HSers in towns where you will be visiting is also relatively simple. Start by searching for groups at A2Zhomeschool or localHS then email or call the contact person for the group(s) that you think will be a good fit for your family. Most groups are very receptive if you explain your situation and will invite you to park day or let you know about other field trips and fun educational opportunities or get-togethers.

Churches

Another way to connect to a community is drop by the church of your choice and attend service or prayer meetings.

Read Church on the Road an article by Janet Hirsch

SCA

If you are interested in living history you may wish to get involved with the Society for Creative Anachronism which offers kingdoms all over the country. Invest some time into researching and making medieval clothing and wares.Then catch up with other enthusiasts at campouts and enjoy other time warping events.

Games

Carry a few of your favorite board games so when you get a chance to meet new people you'll have a fun ice-breaker ready to go. Try to choose games that can accommodate a large number of people and something that all ages will enjoy.

• Apples to Apples comes highly recommended by some of RVing Families. It is a card game that requires only minimal reading skills and is a great conversation starter. There is an Apples to Apples Junior Game for the kids and Apples to Apples for the adults and teens . Get a box of each and mix all of our cards together to even the playing field while keeping the adults entertained.