Toy expert shares picks for keeping kids entertained on fall road trips
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Marianne Szymanski, president of Toy Tips, joined us Thursday, Sept. 24 to share travel toy ideas as fall road trips, grandparent visits and holiday travel planning get underway.
The conversation covered toys suited for long drives, grandparent visits and solo travel, along with Szymanski's tips for planning family trips this season.
Hear more from Marianne by checking out Toy Tips online.
She shared the following article to accompany this visit:
TOY TIPS and Family Trips with Marianne Szymanski
Fall has arrived, and that means the season for long-weekend driving trips, chasing fall colors, and planning holiday travel is officially underway.
Whether you're packing the kids into the car for a weekend getaway, visiting grandparents, heading out on a solo adventure, or planning a long-haul family vacation, a little preparation can go a long way. And the right toys, games, and activities can help turn “Are we there yet?” into “Can we play one more round?”
Marianne Szymanski, President of TOY TIPS, recently traveled to the Violet Inn in Two Rivers and also took a solo trip to Italy with Villaggio Tours. She has some great ideas for making travel more enjoyable for the whole family — both on the road and once you arrive.
A Fall Getaway to Two Rivers
Two Rivers, Wisconsin, is less than two hours away by car and makes a wonderful destination for a fall day trip or weekend getaway.
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Two Rivers offers plenty for families to explore, including a farm museum, an arboretum, beautiful fall scenery, and, of course, an ice cream sundae — something the city is well known for.
And after a day of exploring, the Violet Inn offers a peaceful place to relax.
The newly renovated inn features six rooms and was designed with relaxation and rest in mind. It's a great option for family reunions, getaways, or even solo travel. It can also be a comfortable setting for a parent and adult child traveling together.
The city gives you plenty to do, while the Violet Inn provides a welcoming retreat at the end of the day.
Visit violetinn.com for more information.
Planning a Trip to Italy
Marianne's recent trip to Italy was a different kind of adventure — and long-haul travel requires a little more planning.
Villaggio Tours offers curated small-group trips to Italy that can work particularly well for families traveling together. Having an itinerary and local expertise already built into the experience can take some of the stress out of planning a major international vacation.
For more details about Marianne's Italian adventure, check out her article on restorative travel destinations at SheBuysTravel.com.
Now, Let's Talk Travel Toys!
Because let's face it: a snack can only entertain a child for so long!
When Marianne packs for a trip, she's looking for toys that are fun, easy to bring along, and give kids something to DO. Bonus points if they don't have a million pieces that mysteriously disappear under the car seat!
Here are today's travel-friendly toy picks:
? Smart Games Logic Lane
This one is for the little problem-solvers!
It's a compact brain teaser that asks kids to stack, think, match, figure things out, and try again. In other words, their brains are having a workout while they think they're just playing.
It's perfect for floor or table play, an airplane tray table or hotel room — and because it's a logic puzzle, there's no Wi-Fi required.
Mom and Dad might even want to take a turn!
? Thames & Kosmos Science Advent Calendar
Who says counting down to the holidays has to be boring?
This advent calendar puts a little science behind those daily surprises. Kids get to open a new activity and discover something along the way.
So instead of asking, “How many days until Christmas?”, they might be asking, “What are we experimenting with today?”
That's a win for parents — and a pretty fun way to sneak some learning into the holiday season.
? Hootenanny Games American Mahjong
This is where the whole family can get in on the fun.
American Mahjong is a wonderful way to get generations around the same table. Grandma knows the game, Mom wants to play, the kids want to learn — and suddenly nobody is looking at their phones!
It's especially fun for a family vacation because sometimes the best souvenir isn't something you buy. It's a new family tradition.
? Stanley Jr. Painter Set
Calling all little Picassos!
This Stanley Jr. Painter Set gives creative kids something to do when the weather isn't cooperating or you've got a little downtime at your destination.
Pack it for a rainy afternoon, a cozy hotel stay, or a visit with the grandparents.
And here's Marianne's travel rule: art supplies are wonderful — as long as somebody remembers to pack the wipes!
? Candlewick Press Where's Waldo? Santa's Sleigh Ride
You know the drill:
Where's Waldo?
And suddenly everyone is quiet.
That's one of the reasons search-and-find books are such great travel companions. They're portable, don't need batteries, and can keep kids busy while you're waiting at the airport, relaxing at the hotel, or taking a break from sightseeing.
And this holiday version adds a little Christmas magic to the search.
? Vango Toys Smack N' Cheese Card Game
This one brings the silly factor!
Smack N' Cheese is a quick matching card game that's easy to pull out when everyone needs a little entertainment.
It's compact enough for a suitcase or backpack, and because it's fast-moving, you don't have to commit to a 90-minute family game night.
Just be warned: things can get competitive and that smacking cheese is fun to squeak.
The Secret to Great Family Travel
The goal isn't to pack the entire toy store into your suitcase.
Instead, bring a little variety: a puzzle, something creative, a game everyone can play, and one quiet activity.
And remember, the journey itself can be part of the adventure.
Look for fall colors. Play road-trip games. Stop for that ice cream. Let the kids take pictures. And when everyone needs a break, pull out one of those travel toys.
Because sometimes the best family memories happen between the destinations.
For more toy ideas, travel inspiration, and family-friendly tips, visit ToyTips.com.