Our family like to go on vacations where we stay in a hotel for several nights and do day trips using the hotel as our base. So while we spend a good amount of time away from our rooms, we also spend quite a bit of time in our rooms.
About three years ago I discovered the perfect way to make these trips less stressful – thrift stores.
Sometime on the first or second day we go to a thrift store where new-to-us books, toys, puzzles, games and sometimes clothes await.
This year we found two new-to-us games – “Cheese Louise” and “Octopus Dominoes”. Both of these games are fun and good for little ones.
We also bought a chess/checker set and an “I Spy” game that we have played before.
We also found books for all ages, a 24-piece puzzle, some “Cars” pjs for our youngest and a top for our youngest daughter. I also broke my “no stuffed animals” rule and let my little ones get a stuffed animal each. We also bought some pots for when we actually go camping. There was even a gift bought for an upcoming birthday.
Tonight has been much more peaceful as everyone enjoys their finds.
From another year… 
What is your best tip for staying in a hotel with children?
Linked to: Art of Home-Making
Intentional Simplicity 
Great post. Unique idea!
LikeLike
Great idea! I’ll have to remember that – not that we travel much :).
Micah sure is his brother Ezra!
This year for Christmas I’m buying Scotland Yard as their board game. I want to find it used, though, because the older edition looks like what we played.
Kids will love it, I think as they love the game of Clue.
LikeLike
Thrift stores are the answer to so much!!! 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us on the Art of Home-Making Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth!
LikeLike
Thrift stores are one of our favourite outings. 🙂 You never know what treasure you’ll find.
LikeLike
That is brilliant! I tend to take along a longer book (like the Little House on the Prairie books) that I read aloud a couple chapters at a time while we’re on the road, and then take it in the hotel to read a chapter before bedtime too. But next time we’re in the same spot along time, I will try to remember the thrift store idea for picking up something fun and new.
LikeLike
I just can’t believe it took me so long to come up with this idea. I’ve used it for about three years now, and it’s always fun.
LikeLike