Wife and I disagree on a vacation idea for kids?

Question

I have an idea for a family vacation for next summer that we have a disagreement on. We have twin 8 year old boys. I think it would be fun to drive cross country using mainly back roads visiting the small towns and old roadside attractions. We would camp along the way in the national and state parks. I think it would be good for the boys to see the country before it becomes nothing more than chain restaurants and stores and to see how scenic the western US is. Also the boys and I are building a model railroad and I think it would be fun to visit the small town to get ideas. We would take our time and have plenty of stops along the way. She thinks the kids would be bored. What do you think, would two 8 year olds be bored with that? They want to go too.

Answer 1

I agree with you. Your boys will be 9 and still have fun with parents. Do this before they turn 12!  

Answer 2

I think that would be a good idea. I am a 14 year old girl, and have always wanted to go out west. I wouldn't be able to stand the car ride though. I think it would be neat to go out west though. I would have liked to do that when I was 8 too. Here is just an option. You could go on a cruise. My family has been on 4 and they are great for families. You can see a lot of neat things. I have been on 2 Canada/New England cruises, 1 Eastern Caribbean, and 1 Western Caribbean. We might go on and Alaskan one nest summer. Your boys would probably like Alaska. I hear it is beautiful, nothing but wilderness. That's just an idea. I think it would be fun to go out west too.

Answer 3

I think your wife is too catering to your children in this "gotta have it now" world.  If I could afford the gas to go on a trip like that, I'd make my kids go for the educational value too.  I think it's wonderful that you want to do this.  Also, will she be going?  Are you sure she isn't using the kids' boredom as an excuse because she thinks she'll be bored?  That's a possibility.  The boys' age is just about perfect for a cross country road trip.  They're old enough to know when they have to go to the bathroom, and hold it for a few minutes if necessary.  They can sit still if necessary.  They can converse with you so you can bond during the trip too.  I only see positives for this trip--assuming gas isn't $10 a gallon next summer.

Answer 4

How about you guys sit down the boys and ask them how they would feel about it?

Answer 5

Well, they would be bored if you don't stop at any theme parks or petting zoo's and things like that along the way. Camping is fun and all but after a while it wears out. Make sure that they can take their bicycles too because if they get bored they can just ride around.

My parents used to do that with my brother and I. There's a 4.5 year difference between he and I but I still enjoyed seeing caves and hearing story's and all that.

Word of advice, get a carriers permit and log in some time at the range before you go. You can never be too cautious when you're in unfamiliar territory. My Dad always had one and never had to use it but to be on the safe side.

Just think about it.

Answer 6

well, by next year, your boys would be 9 (or almost), and most boys that age are more interested in video games and the internet than old railroads, national parks, and small towns. if you really think they will like it though, talk it over "as a family". get their opinions, and use that to help you decide.

Answer 7

Honestly i think no matter the age kids would be bored with that trip.  Long hours in the car  and  being crammed in the back.  It would be worse with teens though