Having a fun goal to reach when traveling can make the trip less overwhelming. PCS road trips, especially, are difficult when we’re already beginning stressed and exhausted.

So, whether you have five minutes for a rest stop or a few hours to take a break, consider one of these activities as options:

1. States and Capitals Photo Op and/or Tour:

A few years ago, my children just happened to be studying and memorizing all of the United States and capitals for school shortly before we had to PCS.

We were about to road trip across several states, so I printed out black outlined U.S. maps and asked each child to draw the path they thought we should take to reach our destination.

We then discussed which states and capitals we more accurately would drive through and made a goal to visit the capitals (at least the outside for a photo op)!

My husband and oldest son also had a goal to see college football stadiums too, but that’s beside the point! 

Time needed: 5 minutes up to an hour or so.

A capital stop could take only five minutes if you run out, snap a picture, load back up and go on your way. Or you could take some extra time to walk the grounds, as some capitals have interesting monuments to view and plaques to read, and you can schedule a tour of the inside if you are passing through at the right time.

Capital stops allow a quick stretch of the legs, provide some education in geography, and if you join a tour, it can provide education in history and architecture, and of course you can have your bathroom break! 

2. Eat at a Famous Restaurant:

My husband and I used to watch Adam Richman’s televised reality series Man v. Food, where Richman traveled across the country critiquing the best eateries’ popular dishes.

He would then participate in an eating competition with a local patron, and it was all very entertaining to watch!

My husband always remembered when we’d pass nearby one of those special towns highlighted in the show, or if we lived sort-of close and we’d make a special trip.

We’ve eaten pizza near Atlanta, Georgia, BBQ in Kansas City, Kansas, ice cream in St. Louis, Missouri, and steaks in Amarillo, Texas.

These were just fun stops to see the restaurants in person, eat some great food, and take a bathroom break!

Check out this site to find restaurants near you or on your PCS route! 

Time needed: Depends on the restaurant and how fast you eat! It would be wise to read some reviews on the restaurant to see if a reservation is necessary, if you should expect to wait in line, if there is enough seating inside…etc. 

3. Become a Jr. [Park] Ranger:

This is the most impressive educational program I’ve come to know! When visiting a National Park, ask a ranger for the Jr. Ranger activity booklets.

Children of varied age levels can complete activity pages corresponding to the specific park they are visiting.

Young ones will learn facts in history, geography, science and more, and they will then take an oath with a park ranger to protect the land, resources, and history of our parks. Finally, they are given their coveted Jr. Ranger badge!

I found out about this several years ago when my oldest participated with his friends one day, but we only started getting hooked a couple of years ago.

My youngest has finally reached the age where he can participate too, so it’s made it more fun for the whole family.

My children now have a small collection of Jr. Ranger badges, so we have been looking into all of the snazzy badge displays: park ranger vests, sashes and wall pennants. You can conveniently find them on Amazon and Etsy if you don’t buy them at the National Park gift shop.

To view a list of Jr. Ranger opportunities where you’ll be traveling, and to purchase other fun items, check out Ranger Trek.  

Time needed: 30 minutes up to a few hours. The older your child, the more activity pages he/she is required to complete in order to receive a Jr. Ranger badge. Completing booklets can maybe take up to 20-30 minutes. (There are options for completing work at home and receiving badges by mail too).

You can then take all the time you like to tour the National Park and possibly join a guided tour or participate in other activities offered at your location. This type of rest stop is perfect if you need a slightly longer break than just the restroom, or if you even want a couple of hours to rest, enjoy a new view, and learn a heap of interesting facts! 

Don’t forget about military privileges for entering National Parks!

Hopefully one, or all three, of these types of rest stops will make your PCS road trip more fun!

They will offer your children, (and you!) something to look forward to on those hard days. Comment below to let me know which of these you tried, or to offer other great suggestions for rest stop breaks!

*To read more from Lavaughn Ricci, visit her M:M Author Page.