• RVing With Kids Can be Fun for Everyone

    Kids can often be challenging to travel with. Are we almost there? This is boring! Tell him to stop touching me! Most anyone with children can relate to these common statements heard while traveling.

    Kids…it’s all about them!

    If you can put yourself in their frame of mind to plan out your travel, it’ll make the trips more fun for everyone.

    First, what are their ages?

    Depending on how old each child is, you’ll want to be sure to tailor basic things around this factor.

    Packing.

    Teens are going to bring more clothing. Teens and tweens want to look cool and so you can count on needing more suitcase space for the. Younger siblings will bring more “stuff,” so make sure they have a bit more space in the vehicle.

    Activities

    Your teens will expect to have alone time, even when they’re with the rest of the family. Ear buds, smart phones and pillows are must-haves.

    Tweens and younger kids may be more open to watching movies and playing games while on the road from one destination to another. Having a portable DVD player or individual ones for the kids can be a real life-saver when you’re traveling long distance.

    Playing games with the whole family while on the road still seems to be the most popular way to make the time fly by! Let’s take a look at some of the most popular games to play while traveling.

    1. Name a food with every letter of the alphabet – everyone takes a turn at naming a food that starts with an A, then B….you get the rhythm.
    2. Find all the state license plates – this is a team game that can be spread out over the course of the entire trip. Designate your “teen” (if you have one) to be responsible for logging each state. There are even FREE apps to make this game fun for everyone. You can even add some trivia about each state as you add it to your list!
    3. What Am I? – Start with one person who thinks of an animal. Others rotate, taking turns asking one question at a time. Pay attention to narrowing down what the animal may be. If you ask a question, you can’t guess what you think the animal is. You have to use your turn for a single question or a guess.
    4. The Sign Game – Each person has to shout out a word they see on signs that begin with each letter of the alphabet, in order. This game goes by fast and can get loud, but it’s FUN!
    5. Word Association – One person begins with a word, and the next person has to name a word that’s associated. This continues from person to person until someone messes up. Then the game starts again.

    With all these ideas the trip with kids is sure to be enjoyable for everyone! If these ideas aren’t enough, check out these other games on BuzzFeed.

    When you get to your destination, ask in the RV office what activities they offer for kids. Stonebridge RV Park in Sweeny, Texas, offers corn hole, catch-and-release fishing, swimming and many more fun things.

     

  • Arriving and Setting up Camp at an RV Park

    Most RVers and campers have stories to share about obnoxious families who create such havoc and unrest while setting up. You don’t want to ruin the ambiance for everyone else. This article will help you plan your arrival and your set-up strategy, so your neighbors will invite you around the campfire instead of telling stories about you behind your back.

    The Quiet Arrival

    Realize how you handle your arrival when there are others nearby will set the tone for your entire experience. Some parks have arrival cut-off times, be there by a particular time or you must wait until the following day. The rest of the parks probably allow for arrivals at any time, such as Stonebridge RV Park.

    The impression you make by arriving quietly will go a long way towards good relations with others nearby. The folks who are already there may be in the middle of a family meal, a nap or other activities that require consideration. People appreciate thoughtfulness.

    It’s a good rule of thumb to plan on arriving at any location well before sunset. There are a couple of  reasons for this helpful guideline. First, you’ll need plenty of light to get parked correctly at your site. Seasoned RVers can vouch for all sites being different and many times this requires some pretty skilled parking maneuvers. Oh the stories that can be told after kicking back on a Friday afternoon and watching the arrival of 100 RVs and trailers pouring into the busiest of parks near popular tourist destinations.

    Also, day light is necessary to familiarize yourself with your site amenities.  Hooking up your amenities in the dark is no fun. Securing your site and ensuring safety for those who will be walking around the area is important. Once you’re connected to the services, it’s time to personalize your site for comfort and enjoyment.

    Setting Up Requires Thoughtfulness and Planning

    As you’re customizing your spot with rugs, chairs, table, cooking supplies, lighting and whatever else you like to bring along, keep in mind, setting up quietly and efficiently is key to being a good neighbor. Assigning tasks will result in a quicker set-up, when everyone helps it’s much faster! We love this good tip from GoRVing which is a running list of supplies to remember each time you hit the road. In all your excitement planning for the trip, it’s easy to forget important items that can make camping better.

     

     

  • Kids and Camping – Take This List Along and Create Some Fun!

    After a full day of traveling, your kids are bound to be in search for some fun when you finally stop for the night. You’re not alone when you start thinking about what to do after you get hooked up. You can bet the kids are thinking the same thing.

    Rather than listening to all the complaining, pack up these ideas and take them along on your next road trip

    1. Corn Hole Contest – You can buy these game sets out of a variety of materials, but some of you handyman types may want to make your own. This Old House provides easy DIY instructions for building your own corn hole set & fun ways to personalize it. All ages can play.
    2. Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest – If your kids like watermelon, they’ll love gathering the seeds and spitting them as far as they can. You get the watermelon, you set the rules, and get ready for some laughs!
    3. Rock Painting – Let the kids take a walk in search of smooth rocks (big enough to paint or write on) while you get out the markers and/or paints. Have the kids wash the rocks in a bucket outside and dry them. Everyone can enjoy this activity, they make clever gifts for friends or family!
    4. Balloon Challenge – All you’ll need is a blown-up balloon (bring a bag of extras for when they pop). The challenge is to keep the balloon from hitting the ground. It can be played with two or more people. Hit the balloon from person to person, counting the number of hits until it touches the ground.
    5. Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt – A little competition and just plain fun, there are many ways to play this game. One of our favorites is from The Joys of Boys site, called Eye Spy Nature. Click HERE to link to their free printable list, or better yet, make your own. The items on your list should vary depending on the ages of your kids.
    6. Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss – For less than $10 you can find this night-time game at most Walmarts and it will provide hours of fun for the whole family.
    7. Build a Campfire – Everyone should learn to build a campfire, and all the safety tips too. Be sure to check first if campfires are allowed at your campsite. You’ll need tinder, kindling and firewood which you should be able to find in your surroundings. Don’t forget to brush up on your campfire songs.
    8. Make S’mores – Once you have a nice fire burning, get the kids to find a few 2-3′ sticks. One of the older kids or an adult can whittle one end of each into a point for the marshmallows. Your camping s’mores kit should include graham crackers, chocolate & marshmallows in one gallon baggy. Mmmm good!
    9. Flashlight Tag – This is the classic game of hide and seek, but played with flashlights.
    10. Fun Campfire Recipes – Your family will never tire of the kid friendly camping recipes that we found on the Dating Divas website. The meals are nutritious and super fun to put together. Let your kids pick the meal and do the cooking.
    11. Tin Can Lanterns – Don’t throw away all those tin soup cans, wash them out, file down any sharp edges and put them in a craft bin/bag with a couple permanent markers, a small hammer, a couple of nails, and some tea lights or votive candles. The kids can make a design with dots on the outside of their can and then take the nail and place it on the dots and lightly hammer the nail until it makes a hole in the tin. Once it’s dark, light a candle inside and they’ll be delighted with their handiwork. The lanterns will add ambiance to any campsite.
    12. Wiffle Ball – The game has been around for decades and is the perfect outlet for pent-up energy. The bat is light enough for kids of all ages and the perforated plastic ball keeps players safe. Play in a field, shallow water or on pavement. Remember to yell WIFF whenever someone swings and misses.
    13. Round Robbin Storytelling – A round robin story is one that each person adds to. It’s most common to create a story sentence-by-sentence, going around in a circle. This is a fun way to end a day while sitting around the campfire.
    14. Map Making – Understanding what a map is, and how to read one is a great skill for kids of all ages. The area surrounding your campsite is a perfect spot for your kids to try and make their own map. You can talk about landmarks and teach them about directions. All they’ll need is some some paper, pencils and crayons.
    15. Arts & Crafts – Just like at home, it’s a good idea to pack a bin of arts & crafts when you travel. Some of the items that can be used to make a variety of crafts include string, beads, popsicle sticks, markers, glue, scissors, pipe cleaners, feathers, colored paper, pom poms, ribbon, sequins, shells and whatever else you want to include. Add to these items things the kids can pick up around your camp site like leaves and twigs and let their creativity run wild.

    Plan your next family vacation at Stonebridge RV Park and use this list to help pack and your kids will undoubtedly make lots of memories!

    Photo by Alaric Sim on Unsplash

  • Try It Before You Buy It – Renting is the Way To Go!

     Try it before you buy it…there is no better way! Have you ever bought something and realized soon after that you wish you would have bought a different model? A different size? A different color? When it’s something small it’s not that big of a deal, but when you’re spending big bucks, it’s a huge deal. Buying an RV or trailer is one of those big things that you absolutely want to try it out before committing to the purchase. Being able to really check it out takes some time, and that’s why we LOVE the idea of renting out RVs and trailers. There are so many choices when it comes to RVs and all the models, amenities and options. Unless you’re an RV guru, it’s literally impossible to make an informed decision. Which RV or trailer to buy requires some serious consumer research.

    NADA Guides lists over 2,000 RV manufacturers. Each manufacturer typically makes multiple models and within each model there are multiple sizes, all with varying options and amenities. The decisions and choices are endless. Type A Motorhomes, Sport Utility Trailers, Travel Trailers, Type B Motorhomes, Folding Camper Trailers, Type C Motorhomes and Fifth Wheel Travel Trailers are all sold by recreational vehicle dealers. Prices range from $10,000 to well into the millions, and everything in between. No matter your budget, you can find an RV that fits your wants and needs.

    If you’ve decided to try RVing, chances are you’ve seen RV parks where you live, where you’ve traveled, or where you want to travel. If you’ve gotten a little more serious about getting an RV, maybe you’ve stopped by Camping World , RV Station , or one of the hundreds of other crazy-big RV dealerships throughout the US and already started shopping. So many people get to this point and begin to get overwhelmed by all the choices and end up taking a step back. But there is a better way! Login to Easy RV and scroll through the listings near you and rent an RV or trailer first. Try it before you buy it!

    One of the many reasons Easy RV was established is to assist consumers in the try it before you buy it strategy. Renting an RV let’s you experience all aspects of the RV over a period of time. Spend the night in the great outdoors with your family. Tow it to the beach and enjoy sitting under the awning. Whip up some lunch while you listen to the waves roll in. Head to the mountains and leave all your worries behind.

    Renting gives you time to check out all the gadgets and how everything operates.

    Is the space to big? Too small? Can you fit in the bathroom? Is it easy to drive? Is there enough storage space? Can your vehicle tow it safely? Do you want more features and options or do you prefer just the basics? Renting allows you the freedom to try before you buy without diving right into a major, long-term financial commitment.

    There are many obvious reasons why renting is a good first step before buying.  Stonebridge RV Park partners with Easy RV allows you to scroll through hundreds of listings & photos, communicate with RV owners, and check out how much money YOU can make on the side by renting your RV once you’ve settled in and made that purchase!

    Image by Gorving

  • RV Rental – The Ultimate Beginner’s Lifestyle

     You’ve made the exciting decision to rent an RV, so now what?!! You’re about to join millions of others who are stepping away from the traditional hotel and houses to embark on accommodations that are way more fun and more adventurous. There are many reasons for renting an RV, the most popular…a family vacation. These tips will get you off to a great start for creating memories that will last a lifetime.

    1. Have a destination in mind. Explore any restrictions that may be in place. Reserve a rental site with full hook-ups (fresh water, electricity, and sewer). Without hook-ups, you’ll be operating off the grid , and unless you’re an experienced RVer, it’s not advised.
    2. Plan your route, including stops for fuel.
    3. Book your rental well in advance so you can find the perfect RV that fits your wants and needs.
    4. Create a checklist and get answers directly from the owner (What are the cancellation & refund policies when renting? What is required to tow a trailer? Can the awning be used? Can our pet come along? What are the pick-up and return times? Are kitchen items and bedding included? Is there a generator? Is there A/C and/or heating? What happens if something breaks down?)
    5. Ensure you, or the owner, has reliable RV rental insurance.
    6. Take time with the owner to learn all features, systems and operations of the RV, internal and external.
    7. Know all the fees involved (mileage fee, generator fee, dumping fee, cleaning fee, pet fee, etc.) and don’t hesitate to bargain for unlimited mileage or free generator use. Do keep in mind, owners have many expenses to upkeep their RVs.
    8. Last, and most important, take your time, vow to laugh, relax, and enjoy your adventure!

    Here are a couple other of our fave sites for helpful tips:

    https://www.tripsavvy.com/tips-for-first-time-rv-rentals-2912598

    http://familyrambling.com/rv-tips-fun-family-vacations/travel/camping-rving/

    Do you have an RV rental story to tell? Share it here!

  • RV Vacations Will Create Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

    As a parent, one of the funnest things you can do with your kids is to take them on vacations. RV parks, such as Stonebridge RV Park in Sweeny, Texas, offer beautiful scenery and great opportunities for family bonding time.

    When you watch this video, you will learn all about the benefits road trip vacations offer to young families. One of the most appealing things about traveling in an recreational vehicle is that you don’t have the added high costs of staying at hotels, and having to eat out for all your meals. You can pack food that you know your kids like and have them help you make some really fun campfire meals.

    Most families rent an RV close to where they live. Owners list them on sites like Easy RV, where the payment is handled safely, and all the details is worked out between the owner and renter directly. Once you have an RV or trailer reserved, you’ll plan your trip using tools such as RV Trip Wizard. Planning your trip route, stops and fueling are all important when traveling in an RV.

    Be sure to pick stopovers and a final destination that offers things your entire family will enjoy. You’ll want full hook-ups for water, electricity, and sewer. Room to run, play and swim is important for kids. What other activities do you want to enjoy? Hiking? Crafts? Bonfires? If you’re bringing along a pet, you’ll want to be sure you reserve spots at parks that are pet-friendly.

    When you hit the road, you will have the opportunity to bond with your kids like never before. So start planning your vacation now!

  • Essential Information About Stonebridge RV Park

    Whether you’re seeking quality short or long term RV lodging, look no further than Stonebridge RV Park.  As the leading RV park in Sweeny, TX, we offer all of the amenities and services that you need to feel right at home. Some of the amenities we offer are a family-friendly swimming pool, on-site laundromat and stocked fishing ponds. You’ll also find a fire-pit, a community pavilion for BBQing, and and a lodge where you can settle in with a good book.

    Many spots are shaded by huge, beautiful Oak trees and others are in the open to allow for night-time stargazing.

    All sites are concrete with full hook-ups.

    There is plenty of room for two vehicles at each site and there is overflow parking throughout the grounds as well. At Stonebridge, we ensure the comfort and safety of our guests with a series of rules and regulations that are clear and easy to follow.

    rv - park

    Free WiFi and cable are offered to every guest. Although many RVers choose to use their own hotspot and satellite TV.

    We are pet-friendly! There is a large open area behind one of the ponds where dogs can run around without a leash.  In all other areas of the park, we ask guests to keep their pets leashed.

    The laundromat is new and clean. There is a TV and magazines so you can pass the time in comfort. You’ll have lots of fun at our two fishing ponds, which are catch and release, so all ages can participate. There are ducks to feed and all kinds of Texas birds to watch.

    Guests will find our staff to be friendly and customer service oriented, which you can tell by all the reviews on Google. Feel free to call ahead to reserve your spot, or email us at info@stonebridgervpark.com.  We hope you’ll be our guest soon!

  • Signs RV Life Is Right for You

    If you want a new adventure, then head to your nearest RV resort near Sweeny . RV life can open up a world of possibilities for you and your family. With RV park amenities, as well as the sights you see traveling the highways and byways, you’ll create a lifetime of memories.

    RV-resort

    You Love Traveling, But Not the Hassle…Try RV Life!

    One of the biggest hassles of traveling is getting up early just to sit at the airport for hours. Sure, a plane can get you somewhere fast, but going through the hustle and bustle of airports and airplane travel can be exhausting. If you love traveling, but the idea of one more airport makes you feel stressed about your trip, then you may want to look into purchasing or renting an RV. You can travel anywhere your vehicle can go, which is most places in the world. As long as you can find an RV resort or somewhere else safe to park your RV, then you can have great vacations at your own pace without all the hassle.

    You Want to Save Money While Traveling…Try RV Life!

    Many people create a budget for their vacations; they figure out what they can spend at each restaurant, how much they can spend on activities, etc. What if you did not have to worry about restaurants, and you created your own fun in the great outdoors? With RV life, you can stock your onboard refrigerator and portable cooler with everything you need during your vacation. If you are taking an extended vacation, then stop at a grocery store. You will save hundreds compared to eating at restaurants throughout a vacation. Check out what Axle Addict has to say about analyzing whether you can save money living in an RV.

    You Desire More Outdoor Fun…Try RV Life!

    The idea of “fun” has changed over the past few years. Now, fun seems to be found only in expensive theme parks, fancy electronics, and social networks. If you want to bring your family back to a simpler time, then take them RV camping. They will find joy in hiking, canoeing, and roasting s’mores around a fire. Even traveling the open road in your RV can be a lot of fun as you see sites and landmarks around the country.

  • Helpful RVing Tips

    Whether you are new to the world of RV camping, or you are a long-time expert, learning some new tips & tricks can always come in handy. Watch this helpful video by RV Geeks for great reminders when traveling on the road or stopping at an RV resort.

    Let’s recap some additional tips a little later in this article that will be helpful as well.

    Inside the RV:

    • Stack your dishes with cloth napkins in between. This will keep them from rattling or breaking. You can wash the napkins after using them at an RV laundromat, like the one at Stonebridge RV Park in Sweeny, Texas.
    • Keep baking soda handy. The open box can sit in your refrigerator, removing bad food odors, and you can use it as a non-toxic cleaner.
    • A cooler dedicated to holding lots of ice.
    • Hand sanitizer, wipes and lots of towels.
    • Make all areas and items into storage space (sitting areas should open for storage inside; hang things on the backs & insides of doors & cabinets).
    • Bunge cords help keep cabinets from opening while enroute.
    • Shelf liners keep things from sliding around.
    • A can opener, a wine opener, coffee pot, coffee cups & filters, a sharp knife, a cutting board, aluminum foil, baggies, and heavy duty trash bags.
    • Bins and drawers for inside cabinets creates many more compartments for storing different items.
    • A good mattress pad will make every night and day better.
    • Keep tanks smelling fresh right from the start by cleaning often and dumping regularly. The fresh water tank can be sanitized regularly with a mixture of bleach and water. Find the best black water tank cleaner on the market, and use it as often as recommended.
    • Put screens over all drains to prevent food and other debris from going down the drains.
    • A fire extinguisher.

    Outside the RV:

    • To keep your BBQ grill clean, put tinfoil pan underneath. This will keep grease and food from building up. Rubbing a lemon half over the grill surface will keeping food from sticking.
    • An outdoor rug or mat will create an outdoor living space for entertaining and relaxing.
    • Bring some good chairs and a folding table.
    • Store a few wood blocks that be can used to help with leveling.
    • Keep your fresh water hose and sewer hose in separate, marked bins.
    • Always keep the black water valve closed.
    • Must have tools in your kit should include a cordless drill, a cordless screwdriver, extra charged battery packs, a socket set, tape, bungee cords, string, rope, a lighter, latex gloves, a water pressure regulator, an electric plug adapter and a surge protector.
    • Keep a high-powered flashlight handy.
    • Two-way radios or walkie-talkies will come in handy for numerous undertakings.

    Now some tips on the more personal side:

    • LED candles help create an awesome ambiance without having to worry about a fire hazard.
    • Find basic toiletries that everyone can share (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion); less is more.
    • A varietal play-list and a blue-tooth speaker.
    • Must have items include hat(s), a backpack, sunscreen, water bottles, rain ponchos or umbrellas, rain boots, swim-suits, flip-flops for community showers and a first aid kit.
    • Cards, games, fishing poles and a miscellaneous craft box (if you have kids).
    • Toilet paper! (bio-degradable)

    Whether you’re just beginning or your very experienced, RVing is a lifestyle that can be enjoyed by anyone!

     

  • The Good Life at Stonebridge RV Park and Resort

    At Stonebridge RV Park , we’re committed to making sure that life for each one of our long-term guests is comfortable, enjoyable and hassle-free. Our extended-stay RV park offers affordable nightly, weekly and monthly RV camping rates. At this time, we do not allow tent camping. We also offer extensive amenities that will allow you to live in a quality atmosphere while saving money.

    Let’s look at each of our RV campground amenities.

    First, there is the sites themselves. Each one is level concrete, with full hook-ups (30/50 amp). Each guest has access to fresh water, electricity and sewer. These vital services allow our guests to live comfortably.

    Staying connected to to family and friends is important as well. Free WiFi is available to all guests. If you’re working remotely, we realize the importance of this service. Cable TV is also available free of charge. No need to miss your favorite shows or your best team playing.

    One of the amenities it’s always nice to have close by is a laundromat. Guests at Stonebridge love the spacious laundromat that is open 24/7. There is also room to watch a little TV or play a game of cards while you wait.

    You’ll find our on-site swimming pool to be a favorite place for all of our guests to mingle and enjoy floating around or playing water games. There is no better place to be in the hot Texas weather than in a refreshing pool. Adjacent to the pool you’ll find our hot-tub, the perfect place to help you wind down from your day.

    Guests are always welcome to grill out at their own site, but if you have a large group or want to invite friends and neighbors, there are two BBQ grills under the big pavilion where you can spread out. The picnic tables are just right for lunch or dinner. If you’re in the mood for a little competition, you’re welcome to set-up the corn hole game boards that are stored near the grills.

    Housed in the pavilion area, you’ll also find showers, restrooms and an exercise room. All are open 24/7.

    Kids will love making s’mores by the fire-pit, so don’t forget to stock up on graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows!

    Two stocked fishing ponds will provide fun for all ages, so don’t forget your fishing poles. We practice catch and release, so there is plenty of action for everyone.

    Last, we are pet-friendly. Many RVers travel with pets, so we provide an open area out beyond our big pond where dogs can run around and play without bothering anyone within the camp sites. As most all parks, we require pets to be leashed inside any of the park grounds (except the back run), and require owners to be with their pets any time they are outside.

    One of the best articles to read about RV life is by Heath and Alyssa, who wrote a blog back in 2014 entitled The 29 Best Reasons Why Living in an RV is Better Than Living in a House…it’s sweet. It may make you wanna try it out!

    Our many resort amenities ensure that you and your family don’t have to waste time and money going elsewhere. We want you to kick back and enjoy life.

    So don’t wait to call us to reserve your spot, 979-245-1200. You’ll find our staff to be welcoming and focused on keeping our guests happy. You can also contact us at info@stonebridgervpark.com.

    See you soon!