Packing To Go To A Cabin
August 27th, 2007“Mommy, I’m bored.” I don’t know about you, but I cringe every time my children say these three dreaded words. I have all sorts of snappy comebacks but none of them has ever worked, except for, “Oh, then let’s practice your piano.” Hearing these words usually means that some kind of action is required on my part. When it comes to my kids, I find a good offense, being prepared, is better than a defense, trying to come up with something on the spur of the moment.
Recently, we spent a week at my brother’s cottage on Crooked Lake, Saskatchewan. Packing to go to a cabin always leaves me in a quandary, especially when it comes to deciding what to bring for the kids. Clothing is one challenge, toys and activities are another. This time I decided to let my children decide what they wanted to bring. Big mistake. Two hours into our visit and my son was already complaining, “There’s nothing to do.”
Here is a list of things I wished I had packed for them and didn’t. I would love to hear what other people take along to help keep their kids or grandchildren amused.
- More Puzzles - I found the adults loved doing the one puzzle we did bring
- Arts & Crafts Supplies - scissors, tape, glue, sparkly things from dollar stores, heavy construction paper and string for kite making
- Paint by Numbers - these are inexpensive and a great activity to pick up and put down
- A good chapter book to read out loud to the kids - Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder would have been ideal
- Play Dough - or the ingredients to make it.
- DVD’s like RV, Blue Planet, Happy Feet, Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz
- Read-Along stories either tapes or CD’s
- Bingo Game
- Dollar Store Prizes for scavenger hunts
- Sticker books
My sister-in-law, Nancy, saved the day with an over-sized purple ball she bought at the SuperStore for $0.93. We played a lot of soccer tag over the course of the week.
As you prepare for this Labour Day Weekend, hopefully these suggestions will help you with your packing.
Cheers,
Julie
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August 27th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Hi
Great to see another cottage blog. I love your ideas on packing and the other articles you have here and will include you in my blogroll. I also have a comprehensive Master Packing list on website at www.clrm.ca which might come in useful for folks.
August 30th, 2007 at 12:43 am
I noticed you put books on Tape on the list.
I use to pack those for my son for long car rides. They were great. Now people have DVD palyers in the car but I think books on print or on tape are better. Lets them use their imagination more!
August 30th, 2007 at 4:34 am
Thanks Anne, I agree. I also think it helps with their reading skills too.
September 30th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Don’t forget to add duct tape to the list. When all else fails tie them up and throw them in the closet. Don’t forget the squak box or its all for nothing.