When planning a trip or a day activity, ask children for their input — if for no other reason than not having to shoulder all the blame for a lame time. Consider allowing each member of the family to pick one afternoon's activity, with the requirement that everyone must participate and refrain from complaining. Also, give children ages 2 and up their own knapsacks, with full autonomy to store whatever they want — coloring books, Super Hero Squad guys, a favorite hat, whatever. Kids won't just be excited by making adult-like packing decisions but will also get a literal feeling of carrying their own weight.