crowds, long lines, etc. It’s also smart to have a back up plan just in case. You never know what could go wrong, so especially if you’re making a long commute, have a back up activity in mind. This will ease the stress of having to plan something new on the road when the kids are starting to get impatient. PRICE Do some research ahead of time on the total price of the activity. Don’t let the issue of money deter you from having a fun outing. You can still find low cost or even free options. You don’t necessarily need to pay a lot to have an enjoyable experience. If you know which activities are on the pricier side, you can plan accordingly. Only attend those for special occasions when you really want to treat the kids. If you know which activities are low cost or free, plan more of those. The kids will be having so much fun that they won’t even be able to tell the difference. PICKING AN ACTIVITY Plan an activity that will interest your child. Pick up on clues regarding their hobbies. Is their favorite toy a train? They may be very interested in a train ride. Do they talk to their friends about animals, or show an interest in owning a pet? Then maybe an activity geared towards learning about and interacting with animals and sea life would be appropriate. Your child will be thoroughly engaged in the activity if it’s something that is right up their alley. On the other hand, keep in mind that it’s also fun to try something completely new. You may spark up a new interest or hobby in your child or in yourself. Even if it’s not something you would normally do, give it a try anyway. When you’re bonding with the family, you can never have a bad time. money. This may determine whether or not you plan an activity that’s far away or it could determine how often you embark on these excursions. Whether you go far away or stay close to home, it’s a good idea to bring some healthy snacks along. You may be in the middle of an activity, and can’t break away for lunch. Snacks will keep you and the kids satisfied without filling you up. HOURS OF OPERATION Imagine this: planning out your day trip to the opposite side of the island, getting the family together, making the long commute and pulling up to your desired adventure or activity. The kids are happy, you’re happy, and just then you notice the dreaded sign saying, “CLOSED.” To avoid this situation check the activity’s official website for the hours of operation. For even better results, because sometimes the websites aren’t up to date, give the company a call. As long as you have them on the phone, also ask what time of day is good to swing by. Maybe they are busiest during a certain part of the day and you would like to avoid large Sea Life Park is Hawaii’s premier marine experience park, offering fun and educational animal experiences for the entire family. “ It’s also fun to try something completely new. ” 142 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024
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