Last week I was at an event in LA, and my husband was stuck with the kids. We were continuing on up the coast on a family vacation, so they all came along for the ride.

“I’ve got two hours to kill in the city with the kids. What should I do?”

Normally a question like this would spawn panic, arguments, and frantic internet searches. But this time I was prepared. I pulled my copy of Free LA from Free Fun Guides out of the glove box and handed it confidently to my spouse. “Knock yourselves out!” He looked at the book a little dubiously, and drove off. I crossed my fingers it would work out well.

Did it ever!

My husband returned to me a card carrying member of the LA Library, and raving about two new parks in the city that he had “discovered”. Free LA turned what could have been a stressful afternoon into an adventure. We can’t wait to head back and try out some of the other suggestions in this handy book. If you have kids, and are looking for something to do in the city, this book is sure to be a hit.

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Fine family eateries have long known the art of successful family dining is often about letting the kids make art on the table. And, no, not the food variety. Many restaurants offer crayons and write-on menus but you never really know what you are in for when you dine out. Is there anything worse than a lame menu and those waxy crayons that break and don’t work? What’s up with the places that give you a yellow crayon and a menu photocopied onto green paper to color on. Do they really want to hear that tantrum?

Best to BYO and take matters into your own hands and keep this Doodles at Dinner Pad in the car somewhere. It’s a whole stack of tear off placemats that promise to entertain. Not a lame one amongst them. Just be sure to pack some decent crayons to go with (we like this tin of high quality Stockmar crayons) and you may actually get to enjoy your own meal.

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If you are looking for inspiration on where to take your next family road trip – look no further than Journeys of a Lifetime by National Geographic. This gorgeous coffee table book is loaded with photos and information about over 500 memory-making trips worth taking. It includes detailed maps, planning tips and all sorts of fun travel trivia and destination activities that families will enjoy. Embark on an underground adventure in Montreal, or start a tally of how many bridges you can walk across this year.  You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need a passport to sample the adventures in this book. Many of the trips detailed are within driving distance of majoy US cities. Start planning today. The photography alone is sure to kindle wanderlust.

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