Originally published in LLLI’s LEAVEN, December 1996-January 1997
When our children were ages one, four, and six, our family took a one-week trip to Washington, D.C. We used a sling and a stroller for our baby. But what about the older children? Although they could walk, they didn’t always want to walk and we planned to see lots of museums, monuments, and historic sites. How did we possibly do it?
We took our wagon!
If you plan to travel by car with young children to the LLLI Conference, you may want to consider this idea. We used a sturdy wooden wagon with large rubber tires, articulated steering, and removable slatted sides. My husband strapped it to the rack on top of our car when it wasn’t being used.
Touring with a wagon:
• Moves everyone at the same pace. The wagon puller sets the pace and everyone follows.
• Allows riders to watch the scenery. Children enjoy the visual delights of a big city when they don’t have to try to keep up with the adults.
• Provides a place to sit, an instant “camp.” Picnics and snacks can be enjoyed even when no benches are in sight. Mother will always have a place to sit and nurse the baby, too.
• Carries heavy or extra gear. A cooler, blankets, umbrellas, raincoats, sitting pads, and backpacks can all be accommodated.
• Can be used in some museums, stored in others. Our four-year-old took a long nap in the wagon as we pulled him through a large art museum. After walking on their own through the White House, the boys were thrilled to be able to get into the wagon for the trip back to the hotel.
• Fits on the Washington Metro subway. We did need to use the Metro elevators but the wagon helped us move quickly and efficiently in and out of the subway stations.
If you are unable to bring your own wagon, consider purchasing one at a Washington, D.C., toy or hardware store after you arrive and donate it to a local LLL Group when you leave. (You wagon won’t be allowed in the hotel conference areas, but you can leave it parked in your room.) Some creative problem solving may just help you enjoy the stroll from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. And you’ll really appreciate pulling—not carrying—your little ones all around the National Zoo!
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