Making the Most of Nationals: Turning the Week into a Memorable Family Trip

You’ve packed the rhinestones, prepped the pep talks, and mapped out the venue like you’re directing air traffic at LAX. Nationals? You’re ready(ish). But what if—just maybe—this week didn’t have to feel like one long backstage shuffle?

What if Nationals could be a dance trip and a family vacation?

I know. You’re a busy, overwhelmed dance mom. The idea of “vacation vibes” might sound like a glittery hallucination. But hear me out: You’re already spending the time and money—why not squeeze every drop of memory-making goodness out of it?

Here’s how to blend dance, downtime, and just enough fun so that making the most of nationals is easy for everyone.

1. Treat the Destination Like a Mini-Vacation

Before you even step foot in that hotel lobby, scope out the good stuff.

Look up:

• Local landmarks (hello, selfies!)

• Family-friendly attractions (aquariums, zoos, museums, escape rooms)

• Highly rated coffee and dessert spots (you’ll need caffeine and bribery)

• Nearby parks or trails for a break from hairspray fumes

  
  

Schedule at least one fun thing that has zero sequins involved. Trust me, it’ll help everyone reset—and your dancer will love the change of scenery.

2. Build in Downtime (On Purpose)

Between rehearsals, performances, and post-dance adrenaline crashes, everyone’s going to need a break. Don’t try to fill every second.

Set aside time to:

• Lounge at the pool

• Have a quiet dinner just your family

• Watch a movie in the hotel room

• Take a real nap (not the pretend kind you try in the car)

Sometimes the best memories come from the most unplanned moments. (Like your dancer teaching you their full jazz routine in pajamas at 10 p.m. That happened. I have the bruises.)

3. Turn Team Time into Family Time

If your studio has a group meal or an afternoon off together, lean in—but make it count. Maybe find a way to include a fun family moment inside those team plans. Like a breakfast date before warmups or a walk around the venue with just your dancer.

Small pockets of connection go a long way when you’re living on granola bars and adrenaline.

4. Turn Your Hotel (or Airbnb) Into a Fun Zone

Let’s be honest: dance trips can feel like you’re just sleeping in a bed that’s not yours and digging through a suitcase for clean socks. But what if the place you’re staying was part of the fun—not just where you crash?

Here are a few ways to turn your temporary home into a memory-making hotspot:

🎲 Host a Family Game Night

Bring a travel-sized game kit or download app versions of family favorites.

Bonus points if you include silly dance dares between rounds (your dancer will live for this).

🍕 DIY Dinner Night

Order in or bring a few easy groceries and let everyone build their own tacos, mini pizzas, or sundaes. It saves money and gets you out of that “where should we eat” debate loop.

🎥 Movie + Munchies Mini Party

Pick a movie you haven’t seen 47 times. Pop popcorn, bring cozy blankets, and turn the space into your own little theater. Instant recharge for everyone.

🧘‍♀️ Zen Den for Dance Recovery

Set up a little “relaxation corner” with a foam roller, muscle rub, essential oils, and calming music. Invite your dancer in for some low-key recovery. Or sneak in there alone while the kids are distracted. I won’t tell.

📸 Insta-Worthy Photo Booth

Hang a backdrop (a cute scarf, sparkly curtain, or even a blanket will do), bring a few props, and let the kids (and, okay, adults) take silly pics throughout the week. Instant scrapbook content.

Make your lodging more than just a place to sleep—make it part of the experience. Trust me, it beats collapsing into bed with glitter in your bra and a granola bar for dinner. Again.

5. Don’t Forget Dad: Keeping Him (and His Sanity) in the Game

Let’s be real—he’s supportive, he’s present, but he’s not entirely sure what’s going on. And if he has to hear one more routine to “Let It Go,” he might.

Here’s how to help Dance Dad actually enjoy Nationals:

🎣 Find a Dad Escape Hatch

Scope out golf courses, breweries, fishing spots, or just a quiet spot with Wi-Fi and snacks.

📸 Assign the “Memory Maker” Role

Put him in charge of candid shots or video snippets. He’ll feel included and useful.

🧢 Create a Nationals Dad Uniform

Funny team shirt? Cool dad hat? Let him strut like the glitter boss he is.

🥩 Plan Something Just for Him

Let him choose dinner one night. Or sneak in a cigar or steak dinner while you and the dancer spa it up.

➡️ Want to really make him feel included? Download the Dance Dad Checklist to help him survive (and maybe even enjoy) the week with swagger. It’s equal parts practical and hilarious—just like him.

Bonus Tip: Create a Nationals Memory Kit (A.K.A. Sanity in a Ziplock)

Turn your dancer into a memory collector.

Pack:

• A mini notebook for fave moments

• A disposable camera or checklist of pics to capture

• A pouch for ticket stubs, wristbands, glitter clumps (we don’t judge)

• A tiny souvenir goal—keychain, sticker, pin

  
  

It gives the whole trip a “special adventure” feel, instead of just a chaotic marathon of costume changes and parking fees. Plus, it’s a great way to help your dancer process the experience—without needing a three-hour emotional debrief in the car.

Making the Most of Nationals: The Big Picture

You’re doing so much more than surviving this dance trip—you’re crafting core memories. By mixing a little vacation with the competition schedule, you can make Nationals feel less like a gauntlet and more like an adventure you actually want to remember.

So book that fun outing. Pack a real outfit for you. Give Dad his checklist. And don’t forget to laugh through the chaos—because this is the good stuff.

P.S. Want your partner to actually help during Nationals week?

Send them on a Choose Your Own Dance Dad Adventure! I created two blogs written just for dads— Quick Start or the Ultimate Playbook. Each one breaks down exactly how they can step up, make things easier for you, and help your dancer shine (without asking you a million questions). 💃👏

Which Guide Fits Your Husband Best?

• Quick Start = For the dad who needs a fast, easy read to start helping immediately.

• Ultimate Playbook = For the dad who’s all in and wants to fully understand how to be the best support possible during Nationals week.