Looking over my folder crammed full of options, I can see …
20 parks on the Nebraska Great Park Pursuit
32 options in Lincoln: Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown
Several Lincoln places are on both lists: The Capitol, Morrill Hall, International Quilt Study Center and the Lincoln Zoo. That still leaves ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY EIGHT PLACES to go. This does not include all of the places that did not make one of the passport tours this year. Or the places from last year. Or the festivals that one can find in Nebraska (To find these fun events, check out this list by by Family Fun in Omaha compiled with help from The Walking Tourists ) Or the extra 21 places that just were added to our list of “must-go” places (thankfully there are a few locations that duplicate other lists! More on those soon!) And they say that there is NOTHING to do in Nebraska? I say there is TOO MUCH to do!
Just noticed this building, a part of the Lincoln skyline, and I am not sure I have ever been inside. Yet another place to explore!
To avoid being overwhelmed at all the possibilities, following these suggestions will help you.
First, set your goals. How many places do you want to visit? One or two per month? One per week? Several in one day ? We tend to do the latter now that my kids are older. At the same time, I am committed to spend at least one day per week at HOME! We need that to stay balanced. Another question: is going to the travel program places important to you? Last year, we traveled to Northwest Nebraska. Since we do not have long distance travel plans yet, I know that we will probably not get as many Nebraska Passport stamps this year. Because we are sticking close to home, we hope to hit 30 of the “Lincoln: Be a Tourist in your own Hometown” places. As we needed a challenge, we are going for the platinum level!
One of the 8 Lincoln passport stops we made today.
Second, pick a theme or a focus. Much to family’s amusement, I am teaching art at our cooperative this fall. While I am creative, my artistic skills might be lacking. Yet I know that I can improve and grow in this content area. Going to art galleries is a part of that process for me. Today we saw an original Warhol, and the kids were amazed at the price tag. This focus has been rather enjoyable ! Need inspiration? Check out the Nebraska Passport “tours” for suggested themes. Even if you cannot make their specific locations, possibly you have similar places near you.
Third, involve your children in the process. Ask them where they want to go, but at the same time, give them parameters. Would you rather go here or there ? Which place do you want to go first? Without giving them direction, you could end up on an unexpected three hour tour. Another necessity when traveling with children is to mix learning with play. Even our children, who have gone to countless places, would not handle going to multiple places without taking play breaks!
An impromptu short game of hide-and-seek. Can you see the children? Thankfully they did not hide very often. Not too keen on this particular activity in busy public spaces! 🙂
How do you narrow down your travel options? How do you pick your travel destinations? Wherever you decide to go, I hope your family’s journey is an enjoyable one!
Nicely written. Thanks for the good advice!
You take your children to so many interesting places, and so varied!
Thanks for the encouragement ! I do try to visit places intentionally.
Great tips! I would love to explore Nebraska with my family.