Recreational & Family - Kids and Trailers

I recently got a trailer and was kicking around the idea of taking the kids to their swimming lessons in it. It's 20km (12.5miles) one way so the trip would take about an hour. Is it wholly unreasonable to expect kids to be in a trailer for that long?
My kids are 2 and 4. The trip itself is fairly scenic. It's about 5km on mups that parallel roads and then i hit the river valley system. From there it's 15km of paved mup right up to the pool!
Any ideas on keeping the kids entertained back there? I know that all children are different of course but any advice/personal experience would be appreciated.

Did that all the time. Give them toys and drinks and stuff and let 'em rip.

my kids have no prblem being in the traler for an hour.

I recently got a trailer and was kicking around the idea of taking the kids to their swimming lessons in it. It's 20km (12.5miles) one way so the trip would take about an hour. Is it wholly unreasonable to expect kids to be in a trailer for that long?
My kids are 2 and 4. The trip itself is fairly scenic. It's about 5km on mups that parallel roads and then i hit the river valley system. From there it's 15km of paved mup right up to the pool!
Any ideas on keeping the kids entertained back there? I know that all children are different of course but any advice/personal experience would be appreciated.

http://bikeportland.org/2008/07/03/biking-with-kids-tether-that-sippy-cup-and-bring-some-snacks/

Our kids usually have no trouble, tho' sometimes they require a break to run loose. Having a sippy cup in the trailer helps. If you use a tether, make it short - sometimes two kids can get tangled up in there if it's too long.

The 2 year old may give you the most trouble - shorter attention span. It helps if you are riding with a partner - when we rode in a pair, the "free agent" would drift back by the trailer and occasionally interact with the kids to keep them entertained. (like I would dump it into a lower gear and pedal really fast as if I'm racing them) :D

Our 4 year old has been in his trailer since he was one. Since he was 2 if we even think of turning around before riding for 3 - 4 hours he gets upset. With his books, toys, and water bottles he has a blast. One hour should be no problem. Just don't be suprised at how fast they fall asleep.

My oldest used to be happy riding in the trailer for hours. Then, his little brother got old enough to ride, and they seemed to get bored and fussy sooner.

How do your kids do on long car trips?

Now, we all ride on a tandem (little brother in the kids' seat) and everybody's happy!

I started my little guy in the trailer when he was one. At the time he would only last for about 20 to 25 minutes. He is 20 months now and is up to about an hour. He always gets a reward at the end (a playground of some sort) and I think that helps. As other's have suggested, he has his sippy cup, books, snacks etc.

I don't think the time frame you are suggesting is unreasonable.

It will take much less than an hour because they will keep urgeing you to go faster.

My son falls asleep before we are out of the driveway.... at 18 months.

I have a built in cheerleader with my 4 yr old. I get "Go daddy go! Go daddy go!" for at least 15 minutes before she starts chanting something else. God forbid someone should pass me, "Daddy, we're losing the raaaaaaaace!!!!"

Wow, thank you all for the replies with advice and experience... Much appreciated! I think i kinda blew it with a hasty ill-prepared trip on Sunday. The kids are kinda off the trailer after that. So i'm not going to take them to swimming in it. However, i'm going to take them for an epic trail ride after swimming with stops at parks and maybe an icecream stand. That oughtta repair the damage done and merge my only 2 real interests (god i'm boring).

"Epic" + tots = trouble.


We go for treats a lot, too.

:)

I have a built in cheerleader with my 4 yr old. I get "Go daddy go! Go daddy go!" for at least 15 minutes before she starts chanting something else. God forbid someone should pass me, "Daddy, we're losing the raaaaaaaace!!!!"

This is a classic. My daughter comes out with ... Daddy you're a genius! Nothing better in the world for your ego.