Activities

In a normal situation, that is living in a house or an apartment, there are plenty of activities you can do with your baby, but what do you do when your home is an 8 X 10 box? Here is a list of ideas.

1) Sight Seeing
Tools: Baby Backpack/ stroller (if you somehow manage to fit one into your truck - i haven't)
Now you knew this was going to come up. There are various places you can go sightseeing and different ways in which to do so.

The first and easiest way to go sightseeing with you little one is to stop at rest areas whenever you have the chance. These usually have bathroom access, some historical markers for which you can read, sometimes art, sometimes a garden and usually a path to walk on.

Next are the more interesting places.
-The statue of liberty
I recently have found that you can actually get your truck right up near the statue of liberty. Located in Jersey city is Liberty Park. If you go down to the end of Theodore Conrad Drive you can park in the culdesac and there is a small park there for which you can see the statue of liberty. You can also see NYC from here.
-Niagara falls
There is a service plaza along the I-90 corridor towards Buffalo NY that runs tours up to Niagara Falls.
Dodge City
Take a moment to visit the Boot Hill museum 3 miles walk from the Flying J along US 400 in Kansas.
-St Louis Arch
Unfortunately, there is no direct truck access to this monument, but it can be seen from the I-44 bridge that crosses the mississipi between Missouri and Illinois. There is a pilot nearby from which you can take a taxi.
- The Washington Monument
Ok, so for security reasons you cannot go into DC. I'm sure you understand, however if you are headed north or south and have to take the 495 loop around, take the eastern side of it. It adds on an extra 10 minutes, but you can see about as much of DC as you will ever see in a truck.
-United States Airforce museum, Dayton, Oh
Stop at the freightliner in Dayton, oh to get your truck repaired and while doing so stay at the Suburban hotel. They have a free shuttle for truck drivers to the local meijers and the us airforce museum.
Los Angeles
This really expensive I am guessing, but the TA in Ontario off of Milliken Drive has rental cars now. So you can do your LA sightseeing. This TA also has a mall within walking distance.
The Dalles
- The Pilot located on I84 at exit 104 in Oregon has some great walking opportunities.
Troutdale
-The TA at I84 exit 17 in Oregon has a small town which is great to walk around.
Flagstaff
- Awesome place to stop. Stop at Little America on I40 exit 198. Lot of little shops to walk around and the truckstop has hotel access and huge bath tubs. Great for relaxing in.
Mt Rushmore
If your ever along I90 in Rapid City, SD you should be able to at least go past the monument. You will also have to go out if route to see it so be aware. If you take US 16 (is truck rated) south of Rapid City, SD it will split of to Us 16A (not sure if truck rated). Take this to SD 244 (not sure if truck rated) west. It should take you by the monument. If this is impossible you should be able to rent a car from the pilot in Rapid City to take you there. I would be interested to hear if any of you manage to get your truck there.

Remember you are the tour guide, tell your little one about it all!

2) Watching TV
You can do this in the truckstops or in your truck. On your laptop or on your Tv if you have one.

3) Running
My little one likes to lay on his back on the bed after a couple of hours in his carseat and run. Why not join in? Get some exercise and the baby thinks your hillarious (so does your partner).

4) The interview
I like to prop my little one on a pillow and interview him and he likes to gurgle back. Do voices, be a comedian, practice your accents, pretend your awesome ;).

5) Singing

6) Lets Cook!
Tools: Baby Backpack
Put your little one in a baby backpack while your cooking. Explain it all to him/ her (even though they don't care), they will enjoy it all.

7) Tummy Time
That latest greatest fad recommended by all the experts! This can be accomplished by clearing all the blankets to one side of the bed and letting your little on wiggle on top of the sheets, Truck matresses are firm enough that he/she will be just fine.

8) Swords
When your little one can grasp at things give them a pen to hold and have a sword fight.

9) Dancing
Tools: Rattle boots (optional: can be purchased at walmart)
This is always fun. Blast your favorite music and dance. Tap the beat out for a couple of days and your little one will start to dance. They may or may not be into this. You can add some rattle boots into the mix for added fun.

10) Story time
I am told a lot of babies love storytime, although my son seems to prefer dancing (probably because I am a horrible narrator). There are plenty of books available for purchase, especially if you have an ipad or tablet.

11) Tablets
tool: tablet or ipad
open up the photos section on your tablet and place it at the end of the babies car seat. They may or may not have fun flipping through the pics.

Remember all babies are individuals so find out which activities work for you!