Tips on Traveling with Kids

I have always felt that raising children is a privilege and an opportunity and when you travel with them the biggest opportunity to instill an adventurous spirit and an appreciation of the world they live in.   

There are way too many images out there of children always asking “are we there yet?’, or whining and being disrupted.    Well who can blame them – traveling in a car for hours is not fun.   As an adult I do not like it, so why do we expect children to do it.   And honestly it is not healthy to put that kind of pressure on your body.

So what do I suggest – plan – and share the plan with your children.  If you have very young children a lot of times they will sleep most of the time, but once they are toddling - time to put some effort into a trip. 

Number one – plan stops.  Do not travel straight through.  A good run at a park or wayside does amazing things for everyone.    As they get older let them help you plan the stops so the trip has more meaning because they picked a place to explore.  This method will make reaching your destination a bit longer but everyone will be far more relaxed when you get there.  Trust me.   

Number two – have a travel bag for your child that they can select things to keep them busy.  I always had extra crayons and activity books on hand as well.  When my son was growing up we gave him a state map so we could show him where we were going and then he could mark where he had been.  He is 33 and still has that map.   I have added pictures of bags I have made for friends out of recycled jeans or any type of tote will do.   The ones I make are called Kids Totes for the Road.  

Number three – pack snacks and makings for a meal (cheese, crackers, fruit, sandwich meat – you get the idea). Not only does this save you money – it’s more fun sitting on a picnic table, rock, or whatever enjoying a bite with your family.   

Number four – take the time to talk about what’s out the window.   What things are called?  What are the differences from one barn to another?  Give them a learning experience that will last a lifetime.

Amish Walmart

I know – your first reaction to the title is “what is she talking about?”  Every time I have mentioned going to the Amish Walmart facial expressions have gone blank and the first words are always- where????.

Yes there is a Amish Walmart located in the beautiful hills around Ontario WI.   This area in the mid-west section of Wisconsin is home to one of the largest Amish populations in the state as well as absolutely beautiful scenery and interesting places to visit going to and coming from.  

To get there travel Hwy 12 west to Hwy 33 through Reedsburg, LaValle, with a possible pit stop in Wonewoc and the Spiritualists Camp.   This camp was founded in 1874 and there has been spiritualist on site every summer since.   Drive through the camp or walk the grounds.  You can visit there healing tree or if you want an extended stay – they have cabins for rent.  They offer spiritual readings, workshops, and classes – if you have an interest in such things.   All in all interesting place and you feel a calming presence when you’re there.

But let us continue our journey.   From Wonewoc you have two options – follow Hwy 33 to Union Center to Hillsboro or take a more scenic detour via County Rd FF straight to Hillsboro.   The latter is hilly and a bit curvy but a might pretty.  A little side note – I took “the Ladies” to the Amish Walmart via this short cut but on that particular day the county crews were working on the right hand side of the road – so guess where we had to drive from – yes the left.   OMG – what an adventure. 

From Hillsboro you remain on Hwy 33 where you will find Wildcat Mountain State Park.   The park is one of the smaller parks but it has spectacular views of the Kickapoo River Valley and for a park - really clean bathrooms. 

 

From the park continue on Hwy 33 through Ontario to Hoff Valley Road (take a left) – follow that to Little Ridge Road (take a very sharp right).    Be prepared these roads are gravel and not always that wide.  As you come onto the rise the world opens up for beautiful scenic panorama with the Amish Walmart located at S301 A Little Ridge Rd.   

So what is the Amish Walmart – it’s an old barn type structure on an Amish farm filled with the new and the old.   I have bought old glass bricks, bandanas, tools, a miniature wood sleigh, and fruit.   They even had shopping carts for sale a while back.   You just never know what you may find at the “Amish Walmart”   Just a note - the Amish believe that having their picture taken steals their spirit.  Please respect that whenever you are in Amish country.  

 

While in the area be sure to stop in at “Down the Country Road” (12651 St. Hwy. 33 • Cashton).  A beautiful country garden setting dotted with unique gift shops built by the Amish.   Kathy Kuderer is the proprietor and not only manages these shops but provides Amish tours. Each shop is unique and they offer a variety of gifts, and goods.  I have enjoyed some wonderful picnics under their pagoda.  

 

 

To home we must go with our favorite route being via Hwy 33 through Westby and Viroqua picking up Hwy 14 in Richland Center then home through Spring Green.

Even if you do not go to the Amish Walmart - take the time to explore this area.  Beautiful scenery, and unique finds throughout.