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Cool Lizard Gear
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SHOP OUR STORE for unique items to help you explore Arizona in style and comfort.
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Every one of our travel reviews contains information on the destination's appropriateness for children. Is it a safe place for children? Is it educational? Fun? Are there restaurants, picnic areas and places to play nearby? The symbol on the right is located at the top of every travel review page. Click the symbol to go directly to information on traveling with children to that destination.
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Tips For Traveling With Children
Rule #1: Plan Ahead
Do your homework before starting out on your trip. Locate play parks and child-safe recreation, health clinics, and child-friendly hotels. Think ahead! Plan for exercise, meals and
restroom use.
WATCH FOR THIS SYMBOL ON EVERY REVIEW PAGE: Know conditions before you go. We include
a section for children on every review page.
Travel with Children
Rule #2: Include Your Child
Include your child when planning the trip. If your child feels he or she was part of the decision and planning process, chances for a successful trip increase.
Depending on the age of your child, packing might be at least partly your child's responsibility. This gives your child a sense of control, plus teaches skills.
We have made packing easier for you by providing FREE packing lists for children. There is a column for Mom or Dad to write in the quantity, plus a column for the child to check off the item
as completed. Add items and customize the list as needed. We have included lists for clothing and accessories.
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New clothing and toys help make the trip a very special occassion. This does not have to be expensive. A new pair of flip flops, sun glasses, hair accessories, ball or t shirt
can increase excitement for your child. Our cool lizard t shirts are very reasonably priced, and perfectly suited for travel. Wash, dry and go!
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Rule #4: Bring Water, Juice and Food
In Arizona, the fact that there is a dot on the map does not guarantee that a McDonald's or grocery store is available. Bring plenty of water. If you are not sure what might be available in the next town, bring food as well.
Children can become dehydrated very quickly. Be sure they are drinking plenty of fluids. Water and juice will help keep your child hydrated.
Keep a close eye on your child for signs of exhaustion, hunger and dehydration.
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Rule #5: Check Weather Conditions
If traveling to higher elevations, be prepared for quick changes in the weather. Thunderstorms roll in quickly in monsoon season (summer), bringing flash floods to many areas. Winter brings snow and freezing temperatures to higher elevations.
Stay safe!
Rule #6: Pack Appropriate Clothing / Hat / Shoes
Sunglasses, visors, hats and sun umbrellas all provide protection from sun and heat. Loose, cool clothing also helps
protect from heat. Remember sun screen. Children can become cranky if they are not comfortable!
Protect your child's feet from heat, sun and stinging insects with the use of appropriate shoes.
HEAT & SAFETY WARNING: NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED IN A VEHICLE.
Rule #7: Plan Exercise Stops
Help keep your happy and less stressed by providing exercise. Stopping by child-friendly rest areas or parks will
allow your child to stretch his legs and get in some play time while on long drives.
Rule #8: Be Aware of the Environment
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NEVER allow your child to stick his hands or feet into areas where they cannot be seen. That hole in the ground might look like a fun place to explore, but it is probably
the home of a stinging insect, venomous spider or snake. Keep your child on the trail and in sight. I have never had a problem while on a trail, but I once disturbed an angry swarm of stinging ants when I stepped slightly off the trail to take a photo.
I had to do a quick "two step" back onto the trail.
NEVER handle a bug or other critter that you are not familiar with (the bug on the right is a safe bug in Tennessee, not Arizona). Be aware - be safe!
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Also see:
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Travel FREEBIES
FREE Color book and lizard stickers, FREE packing lists, resource links, FREE projects plus articles
on travel with children or pets and accessible travel. Enjoy our free Arizona slide show.
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