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

Can you imagine planning a phenomenal vacation and finally making it to the entrance of the park you’ve waited your whole life to visit and the sign at the entrance says in bold print NO PETS ALLOWED? Worst case scenario, you’ll be scrapping your visit to the Park all together. Moral of the story, do your homework before you hit the road.

The NPS (National Park Service) offers a good deal of information on pet friendly parks recapping where your pet will be permitted, and the Travel Channel recently listed the Most and Least Pet Friendly National Parks .

Below we’ve compiled a brief overview of some of the more popular parks and what they do and don’t allow when it comes to pets. One commonality at all parks mentioned here, pets must be on a leash 6 feet or shorter and never left unattended.

• Acadia National Park : You can bring along your pet. Due to rigorous conditions, you’ll want to keep your pets off the beaches and more difficult trails.
• Arches National Park :  Pets are welcome, but you’ll find activities you can do with them to be limited. Nearby Devils Garden Campground is pet friendly as well.
• Glacier National Park : Feel free to bring your pets in drive-in campgrounds, along park roads open to motor vehicles, and in picnic areas. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on any park trails.
• Grand Canyon : When hiking the south rim, pets are allowed only above the rim. When hiking the north rim, they are only allowed on the bridle trail (greenway). While in Tuweep, keep in mind they are only permitted on established roads and in the campground. You cannot take pets on shuttle park buses so you must walk in and out. There is the South Rim Kennel for boarding if you want to hike the other trails.
• Grand Teton : A good rule of thumb here is that a pet may go anywhere a car may go. This includes roads and shoulders, campgrounds, picnic areas and parking lots. You cannot take pets on any trails.
• Great Smoky Mountains : Dogs are welcome on two trails (the Gatlinburg Trail & the Oconaluftee River Trail) as well as in campgrounds, picnic areas and along roads.
• Olympic National Park : You can explore six different trails and areas ( Olympic National Park Pet Friendly Trails ) in this gorgeous park. Because of the length of the trails, you’ll want to bring plenty of water for your pooch!
• Yellowstone National Park : You cannot take your pets on trails, boardwalks, in the back country or thermal areas throughout Yellowstone. They may accompany you in developed areas of the park (any area within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds, excluding thermal areas). Keep in mind there are no kennels in Yellowstone, but you may find boarding options in surrounding communities.
• Yosemite National Park : You can take your dogs on fully paved trails and roads. But not in the back country, beaches, meadows, on shuttle buses or in public buildings.
• Zion National Park : Pets may accompany owners on the Pa’rus Trail ONLY. All other trails and wilderness areas are off-limits to pets. You’ll find boarding kennels in surrounding communities.

Begin planning your next vacation to one or more of the incredible national parks. Just be sure you’re in the know about where your pet will have the best time as well!

Image by dogtrekker.com

 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

 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!

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!

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!