Momaha June 2022 by Omaha World-Herald

VOLUME 13 · ISSUE 6

JUNE

2022

THE TRAVEL ISSUE 15 family-friendly day trip, weekend destinations

Find an appointment close to you.

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When and Where You Need Us Whether it’s a backyard baseball injury or ear trouble after a day at the pool, we want you to know that Boys Town Pediatrics is here for you with: • 24-Hour Appointment Scheduling

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531-355-1234 boystownpediatrics.org

June 2022

CONTENTS

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 6 JUNE 2022 editor in chief KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375

consulting editor CO U R T N E Y B R U M M E R - C L A R K cbclark@owh.com 402-444-3118

5 Be Well 6 Bookshelf 7 Travel Budgets 9 Get Organized 10 Car Snacks

12 15 Vacation Destinations 20 Educational Destinations 21 Road Trip Games 22 Traveling With Teens 23 Pet Road Trip Tips

MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034

contributors K LO E E SA N D E R A M A N DA S M I T H A M Y TO KO S S H E A SA L A D E E JA M I E W YA N T

KILEY CRUSE

Kimmel Orchard, Nebraska City

assistant editor

designer E M I LY S H U L L AW

cover photo A D O B E S TO C K

custom publishing sales coordinator N I C K C AVA L L A R O nick.cavallaro@owh.com 402-444-1202

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2022 by the Omaha WorldHerald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

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shaping the future of pediatric medicine to deliver the very best for kids.

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org or call 1.800.833.3100 to find a physician near you.

CARE

June 2022

ADVO CACY

RESEARCH

E D U C AT I O N

BE WELL KLOEE SANDER

ADOBE STOCK

HOW TO BATTLE

car sickness ON YOUR SUMMER ROAD TRIPS

rowing up, I was the child my parents always packed vomit bags for on road trips. I wouldn’t make it 30 minutes before puking. I

ruined many holiday dresses and car seats before my parents learned to wait to put me in my nice clothes until we got to my grandparents — a decision that saved both

time and money at the Seward Walmart. As I got older, I still got carsick even when driving across town to my dad’s workplace. Now, I can make it greater distances without motion sickness setting in, but I always bring puke bags on longer trips. Knowing this, you can imagine my horror when Methodist Hospital Pediatrician Dr. Mikail Kraft told me motion sickness is hereditary. “Car sickness is a form of motion sickness,” Kraft said. “It’s sort of a disconnect between the brain and the body’s balance system, which occurs in the middle ear.” Though genetics play a part in your sensitivity to motion sickness, some common car activities do make you more prone to motion sickness. Playing games on a phone, watching movies on a screen or reading a book (all things I enjoyed doing in the car growing up) can actually make you more

motion sick, Kraft said. “We think about a quarter of all people get some degree of it (motion sickness),” he said. Most children start experiencing car sickness around school age, but sometimes parents (like mine) report their infants getting carsick as well. Some children grow out of it, while others will experience it well into adulthood, Kraft said. There is no sure fix to motion sickness, but a combination of these tips might just help you avoid stopping at the Seward Walmart for new clothing and a car seat on your road trip this summer. Kraft said there are precautionary things parents can do before hitting the road with a carsickness-prone kiddo. He said to have your child sit in the passenger seat if old enough and or in the middle of the back seat. These two spots force them to look out the windshield and focus on the stable horizon. You should not feed your child big meals before hitting the road and make sure to offer sips of water to the child while driving. Sometimes, even precautionary measures won’t stop children from getting carsick, and they will start saying their stomach hurts and they feels dizzy. Acupuncture wristbands are proven to help combat motion sickness. They are cloth bands with a small plastic ball on the inside. The band is placed typically three fingers from your wrist bone. Some studies have shown pressure on that spot on the inner arm can reduce motion sickness, Kraft said. They can be bought online or at a local pharmacy. Herbal patches, fake horizon glasses and ginger lozenges could also help your child feel less sick in the car, but Kraft said acupuncture bands tend to work the best and have the best research proving their effectiveness. Dramamine, a nausea relief medication, can also be given to children with the proper dosage. “The most common side effect from Dramamine is feeling sleepy, falling asleep and fatigue. So depending on the car ride, that can be a good thing or a bad thing. If it’s a shorter car ride, you’re going to be at Grandma’s house, and you sleep the whole time, that’s kind of a bummer,” Kraft said. “But, if you’re gonna be in the car for eight hours, that can be OK.” Kraft said Bonine, another over-thecounter motion sickness medication, tends to leave users less drowsy and is another option for children over the age of six.

BOOKSHELF THE BOOKWORM

READING ON THE GO Find the perfect page-turner for your summer travels

hether you’re lounging by the pool, waiting for a plane or stuck in the car, summer travel offers the perfect opportunity to catch up on reading. For grown-ups, vacations offer much-needed down time to sit back with a good book. It’s never too late to catch up to that ambitious reading goal you set earlier this year. And for little ones, summer reading is an important tool to hone their skills while school is out. A good book — for reading, crafting or coloring — is a surefire way to reduce screen time while traveling. Here are nine titles curated by local booksellers at The Bookworm to add to your family’s summer travel reading list:

FOR OLDER READERS “BOOK LOVERS” by Emily Henry

Nora Stephens is a cutthroat literary agent with a beloved little sister with whom she agrees to go on a trip. But instead of picnics in meadows or run-ins with a handsome doctor, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a brooding editor from back in the city. As they are thrown together again and again — in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow — what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.

“SUPER HOST” by Kate Russo

Artist Bennett Driscoll is a 55 year old who’s wife has left him, he hasn’t sold a painting in two years, and his gallery wants to stop selling his work. He’s forced to move into his artist’s studio and list his house on a popular vacation rental

site. He struggles to find purpose. That all changes when three guests — lonely American Alicia; tortured artist Emma; and cautiously optimistic divorcée Kirstie —unwittingly unlock the pieces of himself that have been lost to him for too long.

“SHADY HOLLOW” by Juneau Black

Reporter Vera Vixen is a relative newcomer to Shady Hollow. The fox has a nose for news, so when she catches wind that a death might be a murder, she resolves to get to the bottom of the case. As she stirs up still waters, the fox exposes more than one mystery, and discovers that additional lives are in jeopardy. It seems someone in the Hollow will do anything to keep her from solving the murder, and it will take all of Vera’s cunning and quickness to crack the case.

“THREE HOURS IN PARIS” by Cara Black

Kate Rees, a young American markswoman, has been recruited by British intelligence to drop into Paris with a dangerous assignment: assassinate the Führer. Wrecked by grief after a Luftwaffe bombing killed her husband and daughter,

she is armed with a rifle, a vendetta, and a fierce resolve. But she has no formal spy training. When Kate misses her mark and the plan unravels, she is on the run for her life — all the time wrestling with the suspicion that the whole operation was a set-up.

FOR THE KIDS “THE LEFT-HANDED BOOKSELLER OF LONDON” By Garth Nix

Susan Arkshaw is looking for her father. Her search begins with her mother’s possibly misremembered surnames, a reading room ticket and a silver cigarette case engraved with what might be a coat of arms. Merlin is a young left-handed bookseller who is part of an extended family of magical beings who police the mythic Old World when it intrudes on the modern world. Merlin has a quest of his own, to find the Old World entity who used criminals to kill his mother. As he investigates, his quest strangely overlaps with Susan’s.

“100 SUPER PLANES TO FOLD AND FLY”

Featuring brand new paper plane models, simple fail-safe, step-bystep folding instructions and a suite of futuristic designs inspired by nextgeneration planes and spaceplanes, this book is perfect for young and old fans of paper planes books.

“MOST OF THE BETTER NATURAL THINGS IN THE WORLD” by Dave Eggers & Angel Chang

A tiger carries a dining room chair on her back.

But why? Where is she going? With just one word per page, in lush, color-rich landscapes, we learn about the features that make up our world: an archipelago, a dune, an isthmus, a lagoon. Across them all, the tiger roams. An enigmatic investigation of our world’s most beautiful places with beautiful illustrations.

“MY BUSY MAGICAL FRIENDS COLORING BOOK”

This busy coloring book is full of magical friends. Each page features a picture with bold outlines to help young artists improve their coloring skills. They can ride on a unicorn; meet a narwhal and a sea star; chase a friendly dragon; discover a mermaid and treasure at the bottom of the ocean; share sweet treats with fairies and elves; and make friends with the fish in the ocean.

“I SPY GOLD CHALLENGER” by Jean Marzollo

The popular I Spy series presents photographed setups of carefully arranged objects with riddles underneath each picture that encourage children to find particular objects in the photo. This series entry includes photographs that the author and photographer decided were their favorites from previous books, and substitutes more difficult riddles for the original ones, challenging children who like a truly vigorous search.

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 more than 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 www.bookwormomaha.com.

2501 S. 90th 402-392-2877 bookwormomaha.com 6

June 2022

Books for all ages and interests! Registration Recommended for Story Time.

7 tips for creating a

BUDGETFRIENDLY

TRIP

the entire family can enjoy PEXELS.COM

SHEA SALADEE

you to see just how long and where your trip will take you. Knowing where you’re going allows you to pre-plan for gas, food and lodging. These are all big money savers in the long run. It also allows you to customize your route based on your family’s needs. There are great website to help you map your trip, including AAA and Rand McNally.

trips is my grandparents packing a picnic to eat at a rest area. I’m sure it saved them a ton of money, and I remember it far more than any restaurant we may have ever stopped at. Bring a cooler full of waters and juices and pack nonperishable snacks to enjoy on your journey. This will keep gas station splurge purchases to a minimum.

3. CREATE A BUDGET

5. DON’T EAT AT HOTELS

I know flying is much more time efficient, but it is hard on the wallet. Even with higher gas prices, the difference in cost between a family of four driving versus flying from Omaha to California is an estimated $1,300. If you do drive, though, it’s best to make sure your car has had a tune up before taking it on the road.

Allot a certain dollar amount for the cost of your trip and stick to it. Plan meals, activities and travel costs around your set budget. Also, prioritize what is most important to you and your family as far as where spending should be allocated. Is a nicer hotel the trade-off for forgoing airfare? Is it better to splurge on food or fun? Keep track of spending and receipts as you go.

Unless your hotel provides breakfast, avoid hotel dining. The food is incredibly up-charged and usually mediocre at best. Also, consider opting for a hotel with a small kitchenette or renting a house on Airbnb, especially if you are staying a few days. It’s cost-effective to not have to eat out at every meal.

2. PLAN YOUR ROUTE

4. PACK SNACKS

The purpose of a tourist trap is to lure you in and take your money. Be careful not to get

or many families, summertime often means travel time. However, as the cost of travel increases, some families are discouraged from hitting the open road. However, there are ways to help your family have a budget-friendly trip this summer without sacrificing the experience. Here are some tips.

1. DRIVE

Planning your route ahead of time allows

One of the things I remember most on road

6. AVOID TOURIST TRAPS AND SOUVENIRS

caught at one of these. Additionally, avoid buying silly souvenirs that will take up space in your car, break, get lost or get shoved at the bottom of a drawer once you’ve returned home. Souvenirs use up money that could be better spent on experiences.

7. DO AS THE LOCALS DO When vacationing, there are two areas where I use the phrase, “Do as the locals do.” The first is food. What are the hidden (inexpensive) gems of the city? Think about Omaha’s food scene and how many we have. If the place is hoppin’, there’s probably a reason. The second area is entertainment and recreation. What are the parks, beaches, museums, etc., that locals deem weekend worthy? They’re probably onto something. You can find great food and fun entertainment for a fraction of the price this way.

JULY Y 2 | JULY Y4 JUL JULY 3 | JUL JULY

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record cord--sett setting ing to a re , from ma to a , and fro to nd rd th braska aska City is the place y! , Nebr place to to be for for the 2 , 3 , and 4 of Jul July!

Fi n d d e t a i l s at N e b ra s ka C i ty . c o m / f e s t i va l o r sc a n t h e Q R c o d e b e l ow !

June 2022

TIPS for getting organized for the

FAMILY

ROAD

TRIP ADOBE STOCK

AMY TOKOS

family road trip is filled with new sights, car games, family time and probably a little too much “mom” or “dad” being called from the back of the van. Organize your car so kids can help themselves. It creates independence and fewer interruptions between stops.

1. PACK THE BACKPACK Kids are better travelers when they’re entertained. But that doesn’t mean we need to keep them busy the entire time. Each traveler can pack a backpack with their entertainment for the trip. Mom and Dad are welcome to make suggestions, but let the kids decide what will be the most fun during the ride. There can be limits. For example, it has to fit in the

backpack and it can’t be messy. Kids also love to play on their electronics and watch movies during the drive. This is a great way to pass the time, but set some limits. A good road trip has activity time, movie time and an opportunity to experience our beautiful country while staring out the window.

2. SNACKS Car trips are a great time to have special snacks. Homemade trail mix is not only nutritional but also a great memory for kids as they grow up. When children are little, Mom is typically the snack dispenser. As kids get a little older, let them have snacks in their own bag. You can do this by giving them a morning round of snacks, which they can eat any time. Distribute the afternoon round later. This helps

them manage their snacks and keeps you free from being the dispenser.

3. STOPS We can shoot for the “iron butt” award, or we can take a little time to enjoy the drive. You can decide what kind of experience you want and when you do, communicate it to the whole family. If this is going to be a “Let’s get to Grandma’s as fast as we can” kind of trip, then everyone in the car needs to know that in advance. If you have a little time, make the stops and enjoy the journey. A welcome center will have brochures for all sorts of things to do while visiting. You might not be able to fit it all in, but you will learn a lot about what the state you’re traveling though has to offer.

4. MESS MANAGEMENT Cars and kids can get quite messy during road trips. Keep hand wipes and paper towels or napkins in the car to help with clean up. Keep a trash bag near the kids. Before each stop, have the kids collect all the trash in the vehicle and empty it at each stop.

5. SAFETY An emergency car kit is a must. Include a first aid kit, road flares, rain ponchos, jumper cables, flashlight and high-protein snacks. Always have a few extra bandages for scraped knees and elbows that kids typically get when they run around in unfamiliar places. In winter, blankets and fire starters are musts. Amy Tokos is a certiﬁed professional planner and the owner of Freshly Organized. Find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.

HOMEMADE CAR SNACKS E

TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

very long road trip requires packing good snacks, right? But finding snacks that are healthy, not too messy and yummy isn’t always easy. Luckily, we’ve got both a sweet and a savory option that check all three of those boxes.

BANANA SPLIT SWIRL ENERGY BITES Making these energy bites is quick and easy. And the results are a beautifully swirled, perfectly-portioned snack. A food processor makes quick work of mixing up the three flavors: strawberry, banana and chocolate. Then it’s time to get your roll on. Simply measure out a teaspoon of each flavor, squish them together and roll. • 1½ cup cashews (or any nut), divided • 6 dates, divided • ½ cup freeze dried strawberries • 1½ tablespoons unsweetened almond milk, divided • ½ cup dried banana chips • 1½ tablespoons cocoa powder • ¼ cup peanuts

1. For the strawberry flavor: In a food processor, pulse ½ cup cashews until they resemble coarse bread crumbs. Chop and add in 2 dates and the freeze dried strawberries. Pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Add in ½ tablespoon of almond milk (or more) and pulse until the mixture starts clumping up. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside. 2. For the banana flavor: In the same food processor, pulse another ½ cup cashews until they resemble coarse bread crumbs. Chop and add in 2 dates and the dried bananas. Pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Add in ½ tablespoon of almond milk (or more) and pulse until the mixture starts clumping up. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.

June 2022

3. For the chocolate-peanut flavor: In the same food processor, pulse the last ½ cup cashews until they resemble coarse bread crumbs. Chop and add in 2 dates, cocoa powder and the peanuts. Pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Add in ½ tablespoon (or more) of almond milk and pulse until the mixture starts clumping up. 4. Form the balls: Take one 1 teaspoon each of the strawberry, banana and chocolate mixtures. Bring them together in the palm of your hand and roll into a balls. Repeat until all mixtures are gone. Source: www.destinationdelish.com

Banana Split Energy Balls have no added sugar.

Homemade cheese crackers require only a couple of ingredients.

HOMEMADE CHEEZ-IT CRACKERS‌ This Cheez-It copycat recipe is made with just a handful of ingredients and are simple to make. And once you get the basic recipe down, you can have fun trying new flavor combinations. Try different cheeses or adding in some herbs. Snack time has never tasted better.

2. The dough will be dry after adding in the flour, so add in the water gradually just until the dough comes together in a ball.

• 1 teaspoon kosher • 2 tablespoons or sea salt cold butter, cut • 1 cup f lour into small pieces • 2 tablespoons ice • 2 tablespoons cold water shortening • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

5. Place dough on a floured surface and with your rolling pin roll your dough to be less than 1/8 inch thick.

3. Round out the ball of dough and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for one hour. 4. Preheat oven to 375 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

6. Using a pastry cutter or pizza cutter, cut 1-inch squares. Then use a skewer or toothpick to put a hole in the center of each cracker.

1. In a food processor, mixer, or a bowl with a hand mixer, mix the cheese, butter, shortening and salt together until blended. Then slowly add the flour. If you are using a mixer make sure it is on low speed or you will have flour flying everywhere.

7. Place crackers onto the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with salt and then bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until light brown at the edges. 8. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool. 9. The crackers will keep fresh for 3 to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. Source: www.midgetmomma.com

ter ly En tainme mi nt Fa

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THE WORLD-HERALD

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

15 FAMILY-FRIENDLY

ROAD TRIP DESTINATIONS

ONLY HOURS FROM OMAHA

JAIME WYANT

ummer vacation is here, which means lots of time for family road trips. We’ve compiled a list of my favorite day trips and short weekend trips from Omaha, as well as longer trips too. So if you’re looking to get away this summer, we’ve got a ton of great ideas for you below!

DAY TRIPS FROM OMAHA 1. Nebraska City, Nebraska. Nebraska City is well known for the yearly fall Applejack Festival, but it’s a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Nearly all of the orchards have other fruits to pick throughout the year, and there are many events going on all summer

June 2022

long. You can visit the Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, walk around the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and stop by the beautiful Lied Lodge & Conference Center. The Tree Adventure is an especially good place to go if you have kids; there’s so much learning and fun. For the history buffs, there’s the Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor’s Center, the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum and Mayhew Cabin with John Brown’s Cave. If you’re heading to Nebraska City with just adults, many of the orchards also produce wine you can taste and enjoy onsite. nebraskacity.com 2. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Nebraska. Mahoney State Park has enough attractions to last you a week. Campsites and cabins fill up months

in advance (especially for summer weekends), but there is no reason not to go visit for the day. There are plenty of big attractions — indoor play area, outdoor miniature golf and water park — but it’s their not-so-common things that make it shine. Paint pottery, climb the lookout tower or rent a paddle boat. You can also tackle the high ropes course or go on a trail rise. All of the attractions are very reasonable in cost. You’ll also need a $6 daily or $31 yearly Nebraska State Park permit. As a bonus, you could easily visit the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum or the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari while you’re out that direction. Both are less than a fiveminute drive from the entrance of Mahoney State Park. outdoornebraska.gov/mahoney

Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City

3. Lincoln. Lincoln is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s the perfect “staycation” for you and your family. The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is incredible for young kids. They are sure to enjoy the Lincoln Children’s Museum as well. There are eclectic restaurants to enjoy near the University of NebraskaLincoln, and a walk around the beautiful campus is a must as well. If you can visit Memorial Stadium — whether or not you’re a Husker fan — you’ll be in awe. The Historic Haymarket is vibrant, and the Railyard on Canopy Street features an ice arena in the winter and a large screen that shows movies or sporting events in the summer. Check out events coming to Lincoln before you go because there is always something to do and somewhere to walk to. lincoln.org 4. Platte River State Park in Louisville, Nebraska. Platte River State Park is located only 20 minutes south of Omaha. Known for its walking and hiking trails, you’ll find yourself shocked by the mini waterfall area you wouldn’t expect to find in Nebraska. The amphitheater shows free movies on many summer Saturday nights, and you can stop for a bite to eat or ice cream within the park as well. Platte River State Park also boasts an observatory, a spray park, a shooting range, horseback riding and paddle boats. This is also an excellent location for bird-watching. A daily or yearly pass will get you into the park for the day, or rent a campsite or cabin in advance if you want to enjoy the area for multiple days. Swing by the popular Soaring Wings Vineyard on your way back to Omaha to enjoy their live music on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. outdoornebraska.gov/platteriver 5. Willow Lake in Woodbine, Iowa. Located about an hour northeast of Omaha, Willow Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful place to visit in the Loess Hills of Iowa. The Nature Conservatory has live animals on display, and a 27-acre fishing lake (with boat ramp) is the perfect place to relax. A new playground is sure to entertain kids of all ages and the six miles of trails located throughout the park are perfect for families to explore. The trails are interactive and have QR codes that allow you to learn about the area as you walk. Events at Willow Lake this summer include a kid’s fishing day, three outdoor movie nights and an owl prowl. Don’t worry — if it’s too hot to walk the trails, head to their swimming beach instead for a fun day at the lake. mycountyparks.com/county/ harrison/park/willow-lake-recreation-area.aspx

LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR‌

Platte River State Park

THE WORLD-HERALD‌

Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, Yankton, South Dakota LEWIS AND CLARK RECREATION AREA‌

SHORTER WEEKEND TRIPS FROM OMAHA‌ 1. Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines has so many things to do and see, so you should definitely add it to your list. The Science Center of Iowa is amazing for families. From May-October, visit their farmer’s market, which is one of the top farmer’s markets in the U.S. The downtown and East Village areas are perfect for walking around and the restaurants are top notch. Check out an Iowa Cub’s baseball game while you’re downtown as well. Adventureland is a great choice all summer long, and if

June 2022

you’re visiting mid-August, be sure to stop at the famous Iowa State Fair for a giant turkey leg or fried Oreo. Des Moines is also a very bike friendly city, so check out any of the trails and you won’t be disappointed. Head north of Des Moines a few minutes and ride the rest of the way through the famous High Trestle Trail Bridge, which is beautiful day or night. catchdesmoines.com 2. Yankton, South Dakota. Yankton and Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is a can’t-miss place with young kids. If you have access to a boat, the smooth waters are

perfect for water skiing. Even if you don’t have a boat, the campgrounds are beautiful and offer frisbee golf, several playgrounds and bike trails. The campgrounds accept reservations for some spots but also have first-come, firstserve so it’s best not to arrive on a Friday if you don’t have reservations. Gavin’s Point Dam is spectacular to see and is an easy bike ride from the campgrounds. Also close by are an ice cream shop, golf courses and miniature golf. At a little more than two hours from Omaha, it’s an easy car trip. cityofyankton.org

3. Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City is just big enough that it has everything Omaha does not without having to break the bank on airline tickets. Union Station is fabulous for all ages, and walking around Crown Center or The Plaza are perfect for any weather. Legoland is a must-see attraction for those with young kids. And Boulevard Brewery is a perfect adult attraction. Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are great for a full day of entertainment. There are many things to keep you busy on the Kansas side as well. Ikea is a must-stop for the adults. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, check out Great Wolf Lodge for a wet and water slide-filled weekend, or take in an event at the Kansas Speedway — just don’t forget headphones for the little ones. For the soccer lovers, check out a Sporting KC match. There is so much to do in and around Kansas City, you could visit several weekends and still not cover it all. visitkc.com

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Indian Cave State Park

4. Indian Cave State Park in Shubert, Nebraska. About an hour-and-a-half south of Omaha, you’ll find Indian Cave State Park. It’s a hidden gem that is perfect for the campers in your life. This hilly campground is filled with 22 miles of hiking and biking trails that take you to the large sandstone cave the park is named after. There’s also a living history area that boasts a restored schoolhouse and general store. The living history area also does demonstrations and crafts on the weekends, which can include things like candle making. It’s super fun for the kids. Also worth noting is their Christmas in July event and their Haunted Harvest events in October. Both are worth taking a trip for. outdoornebraska.gov/indiancave 5. Ponca State Park in Ponca, Nebraska. Ponca State Park is one of Nebraska’s most visited State Parks. At just under two hours from Omaha, there is no reason not to check it out. Each summer, the Missouri River Outdoor Expo gives visitors a chance to try kayaking, archery, shooting sports and fishing at no cost. In the fall, actors are hired to enhance the spookiness of the haunted hayrack rides. On non-event weekends, the aquatic center, shooting center, golf course and horseback riding provide hours of entertainment. There are also two boat ramps that allow boaters and floaters to enjoy the Missouri National Recreational River and the bluffs that surround it. Biking and hiking trails throughout the beautiful hills are sure to enhance your experience as well. outdoornebraska.gov/ponca

Ponca State Park

THE WORLD-HERALD‌

LONGER WEEKEND TRIPS FROM OMAHA‌ 1. Honey Creek Resort in Moravia, Iowa. At just under four hours from Omaha, the Honey Creek Resort is a perfect spot for your next family outing. This resort boasts a hotel, individual cottages and an RV park that you can pick from for your accommodations. Additionally, the daytime activities are endless. Jet Ski or kayak on the lake, rent any type of bike imaginable to explore the trails, check out the 18-hole golf course and don’t forget the amazing indoor water park. Spend time making s’mores at a fire pit or just relaxing by the lake in the evenings. honeycreekresort.com

THE WORLD-HERALD‌

June 2022

Lake Okoboji

SIOUX CITY JOURNAL‌

2. Lake Okoboji in Dickinson County, Iowa. You’ll find the picturesque Lake Okoboji located about three hours northeast of Omaha. With or without a boat (or boat rental) you’ll find plenty to do. Fishing, swimming, boating, on-the-water restaurants, golfing and non-motorized water sports are all easily accessible. Rides and carnival games are aplenty at Arnolds Park amusement park, and miniature golf and go-kart rides are fun for all ages. The Pearson Lakes Art Center is perfect for the kids on a day out of the sun as well. Lodging fills up fast but with your choice of hotels, condo/house rentals and camping, there is sure to be something that will meet your needs. There are lots of live music events for the whole family to enjoy so be sure to check out one when you go visit. vacationokoboji.com

Lake Okoboji

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3. Valentine, Nebraska. Canoeing or tubing down the Niobrara River is a can’t-miss if you live in Nebraska. The trek to get there is a bit longer — a little more than five hours away — but it’s definitely worth it. This water trip can be done by the young or old, and is perfect for your next group outing. The peaceful and serene Smith Falls State Park is the perfect place to camp before and after your river adventure. The waterfalls in this area are beautiful and the whole family can enjoy hiking and biking around the trails. When you’re near Valentine, it feels completely different than the rest of the state. You truly will think you’ve escaped to a far-off land, even though you are only five hours from home. visitvalentine.org

Niobrara River

Smith Falls

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4. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minneapolis is the perfect summertime getaway. If you have a week, make sure to take some time to enjoy one of the many lakes and waterfalls in the area. However, if you’re just going for the weekend, here are a few things you won’t want to miss. A Minnesota Twins game at Target Field, in the heart of downtown, is the perfect family event. Visit any of the local restaurants near the stadium and enjoy the gorgeous Minnesota summer weather. Visiting Mall of America is a huge attraction also. If you want to go all out, stay at Great Wolf Lodge by the Mall of America. Otherwise, enjoy any hotel that is a short drive or walk away. Besides shopping, there are amazing restaurants, an Ikea, an amusement park (Nickelodeon Universe) and more. The Minneapolis Institute of Art is a can’t-miss also, and The Museum of Russian Art will round out your visit. minneapolis.org JAYME HALBRITTER FOR MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ART, COURTESY MEET MINNEAPOLIS‌

June 2022

Minneapolis Institute of Art

5. Lake McConaughy in Keith County, Nebraska. Craving white sand beaches without the distance and price tag? Look no further than Lake McConaughy in the Sandhills of Nebraska. An hour west of North Platte, Lake McConaughy is the largest lake in Nebraska. Due to the Sandhills location, the water is pristine and the beaches are full of fine, white sand. Known as “Big Mac,” the lake offers fishing, boating (power, fishing and sail), camping, water sports, picnicking, scuba diving, hunting and much more. For those who love less crowds than Lake Okoboji but just as much fun, head west instead of east and enjoy this remote Nebraska oasis. outdoornebraska.gov/ lakemcconaughy

Lake McConaughy THE WORLD-HERALD‌

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Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

CHICAGO TRIBUNE, INDIANAPOLIS STAR AND AP PHOTOS

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Museum of Science and Industry

Musical Instrument Museum

Pursuit of knowledge 5 educational family travel destinations LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES | FamilyTravel.com

upercharge your family’s brain power with a visit to these dynamic destinations. Here are five compelling museums and educational locations to consider.

U.S. SPACE & ROCKET CENTER

Huntsville, Alabama Experience the Discovery Shuttle simulator, feel the force of gravity in the G-Force Accelerator and peruse one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia in the world. Check out the Science of Guinness World Records exhibit, to uncover stories of talent and tenacity behind the longest, farthest, deepest or highest records on the planet. rocketcenter.com

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM

Monterey, California Monterey Bay Aquarium aims to inspire conservation through interactive activities and exhibits designed for families. Learn about the delicate marine balance that exists today and get an upclose look at curious creatures in the touch pool. You’ll all enjoy seeing playful sea otters, learning about wetlands and observing the Giant Pacific Octopus. montereybayaquarium.org

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

Chicago Encouraging curiosity and celebrating questions, this museum is the place to see a German submarine, understand how tornadoes and avalanches happen and explore the structure of the eye. Discover the mathematical patterns that surround us every day in the natural world — from the delicate, nested spirals of a sunflower’s seed to the ridges of a majestic mountain range, in a compelling exhibit called Numbers in Nature. Then make your way to the Whispering Gallery to understand how sound travels in different environments. A theater and handson exhibits further enhance the experience. msichicago.org

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS

Indianapolis Spreading 29 acres with more than 472,900 feet of exhibit space on five floors, this extraordinary nonprofit institution has been entertaining and educating families since 1925. Considered the largest children’s museum in the world, kids can learn about the day-to-day duties of astronauts and get inspired by the powerful stories of other children including Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, Ryan White and Malala Yousafzai. Families are charmed by a historic carousel and inspired by exhibits that explain how plant science can help the world by cleaning up oil spills and cultivating healthy food. childrensmuseum.org

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM

Phoenix This unique museum enables families to see and experience more than 3,000 instruments and artifacts from around the world. Live performances, family-friendly festivals and a wide array of lectures and classes are available. See the Steinway piano on which John Lennon composed “Imagine” as well as the instruments of Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and George Benson. Wireless headsets allow guests to see and hear exhibits throughout the museum. Kids will enjoy the Experience Gallery, where they can touch, play and hear instruments from far away cultures. themim.org

Lynn O’Rourke Hayes is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, on Facebook, or via lohayes.com or familytravel.com.

June 2022

4 GAMES TO PLAY ON YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP

SHEA SALADEE

hen I was a kid we used to drive 14 hours every summer to visit my grandparents in Indiana. This was long before iPads, iPods or other “i” devices existed. In order to pass the time, we played road trip games. I still use these games with my kids in the car, around the dinner table or waiting in line. Here are four games from my childhood that go beyond the classic “license plate” game.

1. NAME THAT TUNE‌

The game: Music trivia for the whole family The rules: Select a radio station that works for your family (or an iPod on shuffle). Play the

song. The first person to “buzz in” guesses the song and artist. If the player guesses incorrectly, other players have the opportunity to guess. For each correct answer, players are awarded five cents. The winnings can be spent at the next truck stop or travel center on your journey.

2. ABC’S‌ The game: A category game for all ages. The rules: Select a category that everyone in your car can participate. For example: school, the park, Disneyland, Christmas, Harry Potter, food, etc. Then you take turns going around the car naming something that begins with the letter assigned to the player. See

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below for some examples: If you choose school: Player 1: “Apple.” Player 2: “Backpack.” Player 3: “Chalk” Variation: Each player has to say something for each letter before moving on to the next. If you choose Christmas: Player 1: “Santa.” Player 2: “Snow.” Player 3: “Stocking.” Player 1: “Tinsel.” Player 2: “Tannenbaum.” Player 3: “Treats.”

3. MAGIC IF‌

The game: Imagination and creative thinking. The rules: You can designate one question asker (parent) or go around the car taking turns. One player asks the question “If you were a _______, what would you be? And why?” Each player (even the asker) fills in the blank with an answer and gives their explanation. Examples: Q: “If you were a beverage, what would you be? And why?” A: “I would be coffee, because I have a strong personality and am an acquired taste” A: “I would be Sprite, because I’m sweet and bubbly”

Q: “If you were a color, what would you be? And why?” A: “I would be yellow, because I’m always cheerful” A: “I would be bright orange, because I’m loud”

4. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE/ LEAST FAVORITE‌ The game: Getting to know you. Selfdiscovery. Good for all ages. The rules: You can designate one question asker (parent) or go around the car taking turns. One player asks the question “What’s your favorite _______? And what’s your least favorite _______?” Each player (even the asker) fills in the blank with an answer. Examples: Q: “What’s your favorite season? What’s your least favorite season?” A: “I love fall and I dislike spring.” A: “Summer is my favorite and winter is my least favorite.” Variation: You can always mix this one up by giving an either/or option Q: “Do you prefer dogs or cats?” “Rain or snow?” “Books or movies?”

AMANDA SMITH

aking the long and slightly mundane trip from Omaha to Denver in a car the size of a shoe box with two adults and three girls — ages 12, 13 and 14 — is anything but boring. After an eight-hour adventure like that you are bound to learn a few things. Should you find yourself traveling with teens, I’ve come up with a few slightly unconventional ways to keep the madness at bay. 1. Have only healthy snacks on hand. This was a trick I realized all too late. Thanks to my over consumption of liquid products, we stopped far more often than I intended. As a result, we picked up a few more snacks than we should have. In the future, however, I will stick to packing only fruits and vegetables and stopping only when absolutely necessary. If your arsenal contains only healthy snacks, they have no choice but to eat them. Teenagers get hungry often, and if they really want something to eat, they’ll eat the good stuff. 2. Leave early enough so they sleep most of the ride. It has been my experience that teenagers despise early mornings — and even more so in the summer. Unfortunately for us, this only worked on the way to Colorado. For some reason, the ride home turned into chat-thirty, but those

June 2022

TIPS FOR SURVIVING A LONG ROAD TRIP WITH

TEENS

first several hours we spent in silence were much appreciated. We knew it would get crazy sooner rather than later, so the early morning wake-up call helped us postpone the inevitable. 3. Turn on classic rock. Or some other radio station they aren’t particularly into. This may seem mean, but, while it didn’t start out as intentional, we did have to giggle at its effectiveness. When they weren’t fighting over who was singing what badly, they seemed to not argue as much. They each found something to entertain themselves with — whether it was sleeping, playing on an electronic device or reading a book. 4. Bring earplugs. Now, this isn’t a trick I tried, but it definitely would have proved useful on the ride home when they started getting wild. When you are riding with three teenage girls, things are bound to get loud. There isn’t much you can do to stop that — especially when you are in a small, confined space. Earplugs — or even headphones — would help mitigate the noise so you can still hear yourself think when you finally arrive at your destination. Sadly, I can’t say these suggestions will always work. What I can say is that our trip was unforgettable. There were a lot of laughs and even some happy tears. The fact that we all survived is just a surprising bonus.

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Happy trails 7 tips for easy road trips with your dog MOLLY SPRAYREGEN

Associated Press

an Francisco dog owner Ben Lowenstein loves to travel — and he never leaves his dog, Javi, behind. Together, the pair have driven to Chicago, Lake Tahoe and Los Angeles. They have hiked in New Mexico, Utah’s national parks and Colorado snow banks. The best part of traveling with Javi, says Lowenstein, is that his best friend is always with him. But road tripping with a dog isn’t all beautiful moments. It can be challenging for both the dog and owner. Here are seven tips for helping your four-legged pal succeed on the road.

TEACH THEM TO LOVE THE CAR

Long before your road trip, give your dog positive associations with the car. Take them on many local drives and give them treats and toys to make the car fun. If a dog is apprehensive, pet parents “can encourage further engagement with the car by rewarding all interaction directed toward the vehicle — such as looking at, sniffing, moving toward or stepping into (the car),” says Darris Cooper, national dog training manager at Petco. Bring along food and items that your dog is used to and finds comforting, says Erdem Tuncsiper, who runs P.A.C.K. Leaders Dog Training in Chicago.

KEEP YOUR DOG COMFORTABLE

“Make sure your dog is not stressed by the sights, sounds or movement of the vehicle,” says Dr. Natalie Marks, a veterinarian at Chicago’s VCA Blum Animal Hospital. “There are lots of additions that can help reduce stress, like playing classical music, spraying pheromones to help relaxation..., appropriate restraint device training, favorite treats, and not feeding at least two hours before the start of travel to help avoid nausea.”

Dogs also overheat easily, so provide good ventilation (and never leave them alone in a parked car). “If your dog pants a lot, he is hotter than you are and needs air,” Tuncsiper says. Excessive panting can also be a sign of anxiety. If your dog just can’t seem to get comfortable, speak to your vet about antianxiety medications, as well as over-the-counter chews and drops.

EXPECT THE TRIP TO TAKE LONGER

Dogs need regular stops to run around, relieve themselves and explore all the new, exciting smells. “We have a two- or three-hour drive-time rule in our family,” says Christina Howitt, co-founder of Find Your Blue, a Kansas City-based travel company specializing in dogfriendly itineraries. “We always make a point to add

frequent stops… We also try to avoid driving more than five or six hours total in a day,” she says.

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SAFETY FIRST

FIND DOG-FRIENDLY SPOTS IN ADVANCE

Dogs need a lot of stuff when they travel. Marks says the checklist should include medications, vaccination records, a canine first-aid kit, an extra leash and collar, their ID tag, a crate (in case you need to leave your dog alone where you’re staying) and collapsible bowls. Bring at least two days’ worth of extra food and water. There are water bowls that hook to your car so your dog can drink whenever they want. In case of emergency, map out veterinary clinics along your route in advance. And look into the many products designed to help keep your dog safe in the car. “Supplies such as a booster seat, travel carrier, crash-tested harness, seat belt adapter… are critical for road trips,” says Cooper, of Petco. “Restricting your dog’s movement helps decrease the chance of injury in an accident.”

Traveling with a dog requires more planning and less spontaneity. “Do your research ahead of time, especially for hotels and sightseeing,” advises dog owner Leksa Pravdic, who drove with her dogs, Scout and Pluto, from their home in Chicago to New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. “A lot of national parks don’t allow dogs or limit their access to certain small areas. Look for national monuments or state parks that allow dogs.”

TIP “Don’t make your big trip their first trip,” says Erdem Tuncsiper of P.A.C.K. Leaders Dog Training in Chicago. “Practice makes better.” Introduce your dog to car life with short trips to interesting places around town before your road trip.

ENJOY THE RIDE

“Have fun and introduce them to everything,” says Tuncsiper. “Let them smell the new things you buy and do.” Pravdic agrees. “Even though sometimes the logistics can be a hassle, taking road trips with my dogs has been 100% worth it,” she says. “They are happy to be with you, wherever you go.”

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June 2022

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Articles inside

Pet Road Trip Tips

Traveling With Teens

Bookshelf

Car Snacks

Get Organized

Educational Destinations

15 Vacation Destinations

Be Well

Road Trip Games