Momaha July 2023

I SPY T I E

DYE

Four trendy tie dye activities to fi ll your summer break

VOLUME 14

ISSUE 7

JULY 2023

editor in chief KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com

402-444-1375

consulting editor COURTNEY BRUMMER-CLARK cbclark@owh.com

402-444-3118

contributor GRACE BELLINGHAUSEN designer EMILY WIRTZ

cover photo KILEY CRUSE

custom publishing sales coordinator NICK CAVALLARO nick.cavallaro@owh.com

402-444-1202

LET’S GET CRAFTY

instruction and inspiration, this book will guide readers of all experience levels to successfully execute and enjoy page after page of the whimsical and imaginative projects including: moon in your room, night sky ashlight, paper bag puppets and tie-dye tapestries.

‘5 STEP HANDICRAFTS FOR KIDS – CARDBOARD’

In just ve simple steps, children can make a variety of whimsical objects such as a snake, a watch, and gift tags out of cardboard. Fourteen projects make clever use of commonly available materials and simple tools, turning egg cartons, paper towel rolls, and card stock into lasting crafts and toys. Children ve years and older will develop ne motor skills, feed their creativity, and be encouraged to nd new uses for everyday objects.

‘THE 101 COOLEST SIMPLE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS’

You’ll have the time of your life conducting these incredible, wacky and fun experiments this summer. The handy mess meter, preparation times and notes on the level of

supervision will keep parents happy, and kids safe. Kids will be so entertained, they might not notice they’re also learning important things about the world around them. Some experiments to try: a balloon-powered car, CD hovercraft, creeping ink, bendy bones and paper helicopters.

‘THE HIGHLIGHTS BOOK OF THINGS TO DO’

This highly visual, hands-on activity book will banish boredom, foster imagination and unlock new interests. Your child can try engaging outdoor ideas like starting a bucket garden; tasty projects like making rock candy; science activities like building a water microscope; and so much more. Organized by interest and covering all aspects of childhood, chapters include: Things to Build, Things to Do in the

Kitchen, Things to Do with Color and more. The nal chapter, Do Great Things, encourages kids to become caring individuals, con dent problem-solvers, and thoughtful people who can change the world.

‘THE HANDMADE CHARLOTTE PLAYBOOK’

A magical treasure chest of fun- lled family activities with over 100 projects to do together throughout the year. From scrumptious holiday treats and mantleworthy craft projects to delightful games, this book is a must-have resource for parents seeking great ideas for family together time. Equal parts

‘CREATE YOUR OWN CAMPING ACTIVITIES’

This book has suggestions for fun things to do throughout your entire camping trip, whether you’re in-the-tent or on-the-road, around the camp re or at the picnic table, as well tips for exploring nature in and around the campground. With plenty of photos and step-by-step instructions, there are games to entertain the whole family, stuff that’s just for kids, things to do outside, and ideas for cold and rainy days. All you’ll need is your imagination and things that can be found around the campsite (or basic craft items like paper, pens and glue). Topics include: a basic guide to camping, camping games and activities, camping crafts, exploring the great outdoors, and camping survival skills.

Find these titles and many more by shopping locally at The Bookworm. Located at 90th and Center Streets, The Bookworm is an independent, family-owned bookstore with over 6,000-square-feet of space. The Bookworm offers an excellent selection of books, an outstanding children’s section and friendly, knowledgeable staff who know the books they sell. Learn more at

SIDS may have biological cause

Researchers explore how abnormal serotonin receptors may be a factor in infant deaths

The Kansas City Star

For a new parent, losing a child in their sleep is an absolute nightmare. Not knowing why adds to the anguish.

Thousands of parents in the United States experience this feeling each year after losing a child to sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.

SIDS is the “sudden unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant under 1 year of age that remains unexplained,” and the mysterious syndrome is the leading cause of infant death in the United States. Just under four out of every 10,000 infants in the U.S. die without any explanation, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology.

Among experts, there is debate about what could lead to SIDS, ranging from serotonin levels in the blood to sleeping positions and heart rate, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“Despite the initial success of national public health campaigns promoting safe sleep environments and healthier sleep positions in infants in the 1990s in the United States, rates of cases have remained the same over the last three decades,” researchers said in a news release. With behavioral changes not slowing the number of infant deaths, researchers started examining a potential physical cause.

Researching biology

One group of researchers wanted to take a closer look at a possible biological trigger for some infants to pass away unexpectedly, so they collected tissue samples from the brain stems of 70 infants who died between 2004 and 2011.

The researchers examined the tissue and tested it for potential abnormalities.

SIDS deaths are typically silent, with no struggle, and occur when the infant is asleep or during a period of arousal from sleep, according to the study.

When the researchers looked at the tissue samples, they found that a serotonin receptor in the brain was altered in cases of SIDS compared with infants that died from known causes.

Previous research into the receptor has shown it can contribute to arousal and autoresuscitation, a way the body makes sure the brain gets oxygen as you sleep, according

to the study.

By adding a biological element, the researchers created a model to explain how and why SIDS can happen.

First, the child must be in a “critical period of cardiorespiratory development,” which typically occurs during the first year of life for an infant. Second, there must be an outside stressor, such as sleeping in a certain position, that starts to deprive the child of oxygen. Then, lastly, with a biological abnormality making it difficult for the body to know when it’s not getting oxygen, the receptor doesn’t wake the infant up to breathe, and they pass away in their sleep.

“The work presented builds upon previous work by our laboratory and others showing abnormalities in the serotonergic system of some SIDS infants,” study author Robin Haynes said in the release. “Currently, we have no means to identify infants with biological

abnormalities in the serotonergic system. Thus, adherence to safesleep practices remains critical.”

Preventing SIDS

Until a test can be developed to test for a brain abnormality, the Mayo Clinic shares a few tips to help prevent SIDS in newborns:

„ Place your baby to sleep on their back until they are physically able to roll over on their own.

„ Keep the crib and infant sleeping area bare with a firm mattress.

„ Don’t overheat an infant by using an excess of blankets. Instead, try a sleep sack or other sleep clothing that can’t cover an infant’s head.

„ Keep the infant sleeping area in the same room as the parents, but in a separate crib or bassinet. Adult beds are unsafe for infants and increase the chance of SIDS.

„ Offer a pacifier to the infant without a strap or string that could become tangled.

IRENE WRIGHT

Thousands of parents in the United States experience losing a child to sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.

PEXELS

FESTIVALS Summer

GRACE BELLINGHAUSEN | Council Blu s Nonpareil

The communal atmosphere of summer festivals is truly unparalleled. While each festival has its own distinct character and charm, they all share a common thread — a celebration that transcends barriers and creates lasting memories.

Here’s a sampling of festivals in the area this summer.

JAZZ ON THE GREEN

Where: Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St.

When: Every Thursday July 6 through Aug. 10. The lawn opens at 5 p.m., pre-show at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

What: An unforgettable experience of live music and summer evenings! Bring along your loved ones, furry friends on leashes and everything you need to make the most of the event. Grab your lawn chairs, pack snacks and refreshing drinks or indulge in the delectable offerings from local vendors. Immerse yourself in the magical blend of captivating tunes and

the warm ambiance of summer nights. Beer and wine is ne but liquor is not permitted. Enjoy performances by blues guitarist Larry McCray on July 6, Xperience on July 13, Ron Artis II on July 20, Bobby Watson on July 27, Chad Stoner Band on Aug. 3 and Ana Popovic on Aug. 10.

Cost: Free

JOHN C. FREMONT DAYS

Where: Fremont, Nebraska

When: July 14-16

What: Community festival featuring living

history encampment at Clemmons Park, rodeo, children’s activities, historical parade, beer garden, Kennedy’s Cruisers car, truck and bike show, and more.

Information: johncfremontdays.org

CAMP HULLABALOO: ADULT SUMMER CAMP

Where: Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Road, Bellevue

When: July 21-23

What: Wet Hot American Summer meets School of Rock for three days of summer camp nostalgia with an adult twist. Enjoy a three-day camping experience with delicious all-inclusive meals from local vendors. Stay refreshed with beverages from Kros Strain Brewing Co., Keg Creek Brewing, Kinkaider Brewing Co, and Sideshow Spirits. Sing

your heart out during a live band karaoke, showcase your talents in a talent show, and join in on exciting activities like glow-inthe-dark limbo, slip and slides, basketball, pickleball, and yoga.

Cost: Tent camping, $99; RV camping, $149; glamping cabins, $199

Information and tickets: falconwoodpark.com/concerts-festivals

10TH ANNUAL RIBSTOCK MBA BBQ FESTIVAL

Where: Ralston’s Granary on the Green, 5500 Granary Plaza Ralston

When: July 22, 4 to 11 p.m.

What: Join thousands of Nebraska rib lovers and lager enthusiasts for an evening of music from local bands and eight of the top barbecue trucks competing for the coveted

EILEEN T. MESLAR/ THE WORLD-HERAL

Jazz on the Green

“People’s Choice Award.” Several Husker athletes and even Tom Osborne will be in attendance!

Cost: Adults $7; under 21, free; Lager Fest VIP admission, $55; and Lager Fest GA admission, $40 Information and tickets: ribstockbbq. com

GRETNA DAYS

Where: Gretna, Nebraska

When: July 27-30

What: Community festival featuring a carnival, antique tractor pull, golf tournament, parade, outdoor movie night, fireworks and more.

Ribstock BBQ Festival

ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD

Information: gretnadays.com

MAHA FESTIVAL

Where: Aksarben Village

When: Friday, July 28, gates open at 4 p.m.; Saturday, July 29, gates open at 2 p.m.

What: Annual celebration of music and discovery in Omaha. Headliners include Brooklyn-based indie rock group Big Thief, Baltimore punk rock band Turnstile, Toronto shoegaze band Alvvays and Vancouver-based indie pop group Peach Pit. Local vendors will also set up shop on the festival grounds with henna, hair braiding and clothing shops.

Cost: Two-day GA tickets, $120; Friday GA, $60; Saturday GA, $70; Two-day VIP tickets, $240; Friday VIP, $130; and Saturday VIP, $160

Information and tickets: mahafestival. com

HINTERLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Where: Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, 3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles, Iowa

When: Aug. 4, gates open at 2 p.m.; Aug.

Outlandia Music Festival

5, gates open at 10 a.m.; Aug. 6, gates open at 11 a.m.

What: The ninth annual Hinterland Music Festival returns to it’s three-day line up format after testing out four days in 2022. The festival features alternative and indie greats including Bon Iver, Wallows and Houndmouth, and rising stars in the music scene such as Orville Peck, Maggie Rogers, Yot Club, Zack Bryan, spill tab and more.

Cost: Ticket prices vary Information and tickets: hinterlandiowa.com

OUTLANDIA

Where: Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Road, Bellevue

When: Aug. 11 and Aug. 12, 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

What: Two days of music, community and adventure featuring top-notch indie and alternative artists Modest Mouse, Lord Huron, Jimmy Eat World, The Faint, Manchester Orchestra and more.

Cost: Single day GA tickets, $89; single day VIP, $249; two-day GA, $169; two day VIP, $449; tent camping, $100 per pass; car camping, $200 per car; and RV camping, $800 per RV.

Information and tickets: falconwoodpark.com/concerts-festivals

NEBRASKA BALLOON FESTIVAL & WINE FESTIVAL

Where: Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, Elkhorn

When: Aug. 18, 5 to 11 p.m. and Aug. 19, 3 to 11 p.m.

What: Experience the breathtaking spectacle of hot air ballooning while savoring exquisite wine tastings and exploring a variety of food vendors. Create lasting memories for

the entire family with the KidZone and family village. For those seeking an extra thrill, embark on a helicopter ride and take in the panoramic views of the festival grounds.

Cost: $17 in advance; $21 at the gate; children ages 5-12, $8; children under 5 are free; wine tasting package is $15 in advance and $19 at the gate.

Tickets: showofficeonline.com/ NebraskaWineBalloon

IOWA IS FOR LOVERS

Where: Stir Cove, Harrah’s Casino

When: Aug. 26-27, noon to 7 p.m.

What: Hawthorne Heights presents a twoday rock festival featuring performances by Mayday Parade, Silverstein, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Hawthorne Heights and more.

Cost: Ticket prices vary

Tickets: isforloversfestival.com/iowa

2023 MIDLANDS RENAISSANCE REVEL

Where: Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard, 19475 225th St., Council Bluffs

When: Aug. 19-20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What: Vikings, pirates and wenches, oh my! Enjoy all things Renaissance including two live joust shows, fire breathing, mead drinking, pony riding and, of course, giant smoked turkey legs.

Cost: Adult one-day tickets, $15; one-day child ages 6-13, $8; adult weekend pass, $22; child weekend pass, $12; Family pass, $80.

Tickets: midlandsrenrevel.com

OMAHA GREEK FESTIVAL

Where: St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 602 Park Ave.

When: Aug. 18, 5 to 10 p.m.; Aug. 19, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Aug. 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What: Opa! Immerse yourself in Greek culture, food and drink in the heart of Omaha! Experience lively entertainment, dance performances and talented musicians for an authentic Greek experience. Bring the entire family and guarantee a fun-filled experience with a wide range of engaging kids activities.

Cost: Adults, $5; children under 12, free Information: greekfestomaha.com

MIDWEST PIRATE FESTIVAL

Where: Bellevue Berry Farm, 11001 S. 48th St.

When: Aug. 26-27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What: The pirate fest is a high-energy, swashbuckling good time. Five stages with live music, scavenger hunts, pirate’s cave adventure, free pirate-themed crafts and activities, artisan shopping and festival foods.

Cost: Adults, $13; children, $8 Information and tickets: mwpiratefest.com

JOE DEJKA, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival

Maha Festival

MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD

Z LONG, THE WORLDHERALD

TIE DYE BEACH TOWELS

add more fun in the sun at the pool, beach or backyard

KILEY CRUSE World-Herald Sta Writer

We know that trends always come back around, so it’s no surprise that tie dye has been making a comeback over the past few years.

Creating your own tie-dye towel allows you to stay fashionable and have a stylish accessory that stands out at the pool or during outdoor activities.

This summertime craft allows you to unleash your creativity and express your personal style. It’s a craft that can be enjoyed by all ages (but be prepared to get a little messy).

All you need is a white towel, a roll of duct tape and a spray bottle tie dye kit (which we couldn’t nd locally and had to order online).

sprays dye on her towel. Her name has been taped o with duct tape. Spray bottles are perfect for tie dying towels.

Morgan Friesen

KILEY CRUSE PHOTOS, THE WORLD-HERALD

PERSONALIZED TIE DYE BEACH TOWELS

• Plain white 100% cotton towels

• Duct tape

• Tulip tie dye spray kit

• Gloves (the kit comes with gloves but they are way too big for kids so you may need to purchase smaller plastic gloves)

• Plastic table cloths or tarp

1. Wash the towels rst and dry without a dryer sheet.

2. Spell out the name in duct tape. For longer names you may need to use initials or nickname. Six letters was max for the towels we used. For rounded letters, cut very small strips of duct tape and overlap them to make the circular shape.

3. Create a work surface area. Plastic tablecloths or tarps work great. If it’s windy, you may want to do this in the garage so the wind doesn’t blow the dye onto anyone’s feet, legs or clothing.

4. Start spraying. Remind kids of the color wheel and what happens when you mix certain colors. (For example, don’t spray orange and green to close unless you want brown!)

5. Allow to dry in the sun.

6. Peel off the letters once dry. Wash in the washer with the towels ONLY. The color will fade a bit, but still be vibrant. Do not worry about the letters bleeding — they do not.

Spray bottles don’t oversaturate the towels with dye, allowing the duct taped o name to remain white when the dye has dried and the tape is removed.

ABOVE: Hallie Bolte and Morgan Friesen show o the final product.

Tie Dye MARSHMALLOWS

add colorful fun to summertime treat

KILEY CRUSE World-Herald Sta Writer

Or even better, they’ll add a pop of color and whimsy to s’mores at your next backyard re pit.

These colorful marshmallows are a fantastic way to add a creative twist to a summertime tradition.

TIE DYE MARSHMALLOWS

• 3 packages unflavored gelatin (¼ ounce packets)

• 1 ¼ cup water, divided

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 cup corn syrup

• 2 tablespoons vanilla

extract

• Powdered sugar

• 4 to 5 gel food colorings in bright colors

• 8- or 9-inch square baking dish

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add ¾ cup cold water and the un avored gelatin. Stir and let sit.

2. In a 2-quart pan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and remaining ½ cup of water. Heat over medium and bring to a boil. Once boiling, raise heat to high and cook until the mixture reaches 240 F.

3. Using a ne mesh sieve, completely cover the bottom of the square baking dish with a solid layer of powdered sugar. Have a bowl and spoon for each color of food coloring ready before whipping the marshmallow.

4. Turn stand mixer to low and carefully pour the hot sugar mixture into the gelatin. Gradually increase the speed to high, using caution to not splatter the hot sugar mixture. Whip on high for about 7 to 10 minutes. Add vanilla and mix till combined. (If making plain white marshmallows, continue to whip on high for a total of 15 minutes. In order to make and swirl the different colors, you need the marshmallow mixture to be a little softer, so be careful not to over whip.)

5. Once you have whipped the mixture, quickly divide the marshmallow into the bowls and color each one with the different gel food colorings. Work quickly. The mixture will set fast.

6. You will pour the marshmallow into the pan in layers. First, pour about half of each marshmallow color into different corners of the pan. Then repeat another layer adding marshmallow over the top of a different color. Use a rubber spatula to scrape out all the marshmallow into a third layer.

7. Using a stick of any kind (a chopstick works great), begin to swirl the colors into each other, careful not to completely mix the colors together.

8. With the ne mesh sieve, generously cover the marshmallow mixture with powdered sugar. Let sit uncovered overnight to set.

9. Run a knife along the edges. Remove the marshmallows from the pan and cut into squares.

10. The marshmallows are a bit softer than traditional, storebought marshmallows so be prepared for them to melt faster if making s’mores.

Tie-dye marshmallows are a fun treat on their own.

S’mores made with tie dye marshmallows.

KILEY CRUSE PHOTOS, THE WORLD-HERALD

Tie Dye Milk a ‘magical’ science experiment for all ages

GOT MILK?

KILEY CRUSE | World-Herald Staff Writer

Keep the learning going over the summer with this tie dye milk science experiment.

Though the science behind it will be over their head, this experiment is so easy even preschoolers will have fun doing it.

When you dip a dish soap coated Q-tip into a plate of milk that has a few drops of food coloring, magic happens. The food coloring will being to swirl all on its own. Touch the Q-tip in a few places and you’ll have a tie dye pattern.

WHAT’S THE SCIENCE BEHIND THIS TIE DYE MILK EXPERIMENT?

Milk is mostly water, but it also has proteins, fats and other molecules mixed in. Because it’s mostly water, it acts a lot like water and has many of the same properties. One of these properties is called surface tension. Surface tension is how resistant a liquid is to external force, or how strong the surface of the liquid is. (It’s a bit like the surface of water having a sort of “skin.” This is how some insects can walk on water.) Soap is a surfactant. It lowers the surface tension of a liquid. When we dip the soap in the milk, it lowers its surface tension and causes not just the water molecules, but fat and protein molecules, to move as they quickly rearrange themselves. By adding food coloring, we can see the movement caused by lowering the surface tension. The food coloring will swirl around in interesting patterns, as if by magic.

TIE DYE MILK SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

• Liquid food coloring

• Dish soap

• Q-tips

• Milk

• Pie plate

1. Pour the milk into the pie plate adding just enough to cover the bottom.

2. Add 4 to 6 drops of food coloring to the milk.

3. Dip a Q-tip into the dish soap and place in the milk (don’t stir!). Watch the food coloring move creating a tie dye look!

GOING ‘COASTAL’

Tie Dye Coasters a fun and easy DIY craft

KILEY CRUSE | World-Herald Staff Writer

This is my favorite kind of craft: super easy, inexpensive and fun. Another thing I love is there is no wrong way to make these coasters. Each will be unique and, if you don’t like how it turns out the first time, simply wipe away the design and start again. Each will be unique and, if you don’t like how it turns out the first time, simply wipe away the design and start again. For fun, we tried adding the alcohol over the marker many different ways: a small eye dropper, spray bottle, paintbrush, Q-tips, pouring on a small amount and blowing it with a straw. Some worked better than others. My personal favorite is the spray bottle, but be careful not to get too much alcohol on the tile or you’ll lose the tie dye effect and just end up with a muddled mess.

TIE DYE COASTERS

• White ceramic tiles (see note)

• Permanent markers, such as Sharpie or Bic

• Isopropyl alcohol, see note

• A dropper or small spray bottle

• Felt or cork pieces

• Spray acrylic sealer

1. First give each tile a little wipe down with the alcohol and let them dry

2. With your markers, color random designs.

3. When your tile is covered in marker, take the dropper and start dripping the alcohol all over the top. The colors will start to run and blend. You can lift your tile a bit if you want the colors to run a certain way, or just leave it flat and let the alcohol do its work. Alternately, you can spray the alcohol over the tile. Either way, be careful not to use too much alcohol.

4. Don’t like how it turned out? The beauty of this craft is that you can simply wipe your tile off with alcohol and a paper towel and start again.

5. Once you are happy with your designs, let the tiles dry overnight.

6. Spray a couple light coats of acrylic sealant over the tiles, letting it dry completely between coats.

7. When the tiles are sealed and dry, cut some felt or cork pieces and glue them onto the bottom.

NOTES:

„ Tiles can be found at area home improvement stores. Ours cost less than a quarter each.

„ 91% alcohol works best for this project but 70% will be OK.

CRUSE PHOTOS, THE WORLD-HERALD

4 But do pack a stroller

A toddler might not always want to sit in a stroller, Carter said, but a stroller can do so much more — free up your arms or hold bags, coats and just about anything else.

Then, when children are too tired to participate in a tour or other activity, they can doze in the stroller.

“A well-rested child is a happy child,” she said. “When he needs to sleep, I let him sleep.”

5 Be prepared

10 tips for traveling with young children

TINY TOURISTS

SARAH

BAHARI | The Dallas Morning News

Traveling with kids can be both an adventure and an occasional exercise in humiliation.

The prospect alone fills some parents with dread: visions of sleepless babies, cranky toddlers and long, tortuous flights from which there is no escape. But a Frisco mom wants to ease some of those fears.

Lesley Carter, who runs the travel blog Bucket List Publications, traveled with her 2-year-old son, Max Smith, to Antarctica this past winter. That trip made Max the youngest American to visit all seven continents.

Carter, 42, who is originally from Canada but lives in Texas, has loved to travel since she took a solo flight at age 8. Since then, she has visited more than 100 countries.

Having children didn’t slow Carter down. She has traveled with her kids around the U.S., Europe, Rwanda, Uganda, Dubai, Fiji and more. In addition to Max, Carter has a 10-year-old daughter, Athena. Here’s her advice for fellow parents.

1 Expect a little misery

Babies cry. They need sleep. They refuse to sleep. They won’t sit in the stroller. They refuse to get out of the stroller.

“You have to accept that sometimes you are going to be the parent with the screaming child. It’s part of traveling with a child,” Carter said. “Once you’ve accepted that, you’ll feel a little better.”

2 Accept — and ask for — help

While wrangling an infant and attempting to shove your suitcase in an overhead compartment, a stranger o ers to help. Always say yes, Carter said. If someone has not o ered to help, just ask for it.

“Most people are more than happy to help,” she said. “We just to have ask.”

3 Pack light, like really light

Carter said she never checks luggage, even for longer trips. For clothing, she recommends picking a color scheme and packing clothes to mix and match. Nearly everything else, including diapers, can be purchased at your destination.

But make sure to have essentials like snacks, water and comfort items like a baby’s blanket or favorite toy. And don’t forget to keep an extra change of clothes on you, even if you check luggage.

“There is nothing worse than having poop on your clothes because you forget to pack an extra pair of pants,” Carter said.

Carter always makes sure to bring plenty of Max’s favorite snacks, Cheerios and cereal bars, but she also brings extras in case of long flight delays. Also, bring extra formula or milk, books, a tablet, crayons and whatever else will help distract them.

6 Plan flights with your kids in mind

Carter’s son sleeps well on airplanes, so she loves a nonstop, overnight flight. Her sister’s child, however, hates long flights, so they try to break flights up with layovers. Once you know your children’s preference, it makes planning easier.

7 Break the rules

At home, you might restrict screen time and junk food. But consider loosening up a little, or a lot, while traveling. “If your child wants to watch TV and eat eight airplane cookies in a row, go ahead and let him,” she said.

Same for nap schedules. Let them sleep when they’re tired. Worry about restoring a routine when you return home.

8 Book early to save

Plan your trip in advance to take advantage of early bird deals and discounts on flights, hotels and activities. Booking in advance can help you save up to 50% on travel expenses, Carter said.

9 Save in the off-season

Prices soar in the summer and during other school holidays, like spring break, and many hotels even offer steep discounts in the off-season. Families can avoid crowds and long lines skipping the most popular seasons. If your kids are not school-age yet and have flexible schedules, take advantage of the deals.

10 Skip the restaurants

Dining out can be one of the biggest expenses when traveling, Carter said. Consider cooking your own meals or eating at street food stalls to save money.

ADOBE STOCK

Traveling toddler Max Smith, 2, in Chicago LESLEY CARTER

We’re Here with Specialized Care for Kids, Too

You know Boys Town for pediatric care and family services, but the medical home you to know and trust also provides life-changing specialty care for kids Backed by more than 40 years of research, the experts at Boys Town National Research Hospital provide patient-centered care with the most advanced treatments right here in Omaha!

At Boys Town Hospital, you’ll find the region’s leading pediatric specialists and clinicians specializing in:

• Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

• Craniofacial Care

• Critical Care

• Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics

• Ear, Nose and Throat

• Gastroenterology

• General and Thoracic Surgery

• Hearing and Balance

• Infectious Disease

• Neurology

To find a Boys Town pediatric specialist near you, visit boystownhospital.org or call 531-355-1234.

• Neurosurgery

• Ophthalmology

• Orthopaedics

• Rheumatology

• Speech-Language Therapy