A fun day on the Tuckaseegee River, NC

 

On a recent trip to western North Carolina, we took our boys whitewater paddling.  Because kids have to be 9 years old (and ours are 5 and 8) to go on the Nantahala River (with Class III rapids) we opted for the Tuckaseegee, a fun, but somewhat tame Class I-II river for all ages fun.

 

We went with Tuckaseegee Outfitters (owned by a friend of ours, James); and all we had to do is show up in our swimsuits and we were outfitted with paddles, boats, PFDs, a safety talk, and a shuttle to the put-in.

This was great fun for our group, which included another family as well.  The perfect way to introduce kids to the fun and power of water!

The Trunki Train ...

While typically, we sell these TRUNKIs to those 3-6 years old, here are my boys, ages 5 and 8 riding their TRUNKIs (which they have had for 3 years) while 'Daddy' pulls them through the Charlotte Airport.  We surely got some looks - envious ones from other kids (and adults who were trying to carry THEM!)  It was pretty darn cute, and proves the longevity of these ride on luggage items for kids.  

Here's our youngest son, hamming it up 

More info on our TRUNKIs and ALL of the fun color options HERE  (which are currently on SALE!)

When it's good to FIDGIT.

Need something to keep little (or BIG!) hands occupied?  We have some great 'fidget' toys - packable, and ready to use anywhere.

First, the Tangle Jr. from Toysmith, a plastic multi-segmented toy that twists, bends, and morphs into many shapes (not to mention looks different in daylight, night time and BLACK light!).  The pieces come apart so there are endless possibilities for 'fidgeting'.  When connected it is 7" in length, but when disconnected it can stretch to 15".  In fact, if  you buy more than one Tangle Jr. it can  connect into even MORE possibilities.

Secondly, is the 12-segmented, multi-colored cube wooden fidget toy also from Toysmith. (this does NOT come apart).  It has an elastic in the center allowing it to bend into many 'cube' configurations. It's slightly smaller at total maximum length of 6".  A great toy for teaching geometry (kids won't even know!!)

Fidget toys make excellent travel activities and provide a great way to busy impatient traveling hands!