How to Survive a Family Trip to Costco

Taking two kids to Costco? It can be kind of crazy, sure. But with these tips for taking kids to Costco, you’ll be in and out in no time. (Maybe with a giant bear you didn’t need, but that’s besides the point). Read on for our best tips for shopping at Costco with kids!

It seems that every other weekend or so, my husband gets it in his head that we NEED something from Costco. A part of me seizes up inside because carts and samples and hot dogs and toys and clothes and so many things for the kids to ask for and so many places for them to get lost! Another part of me knows that I CANNOT send my husband alone because he will come home with a new TV, 96 beers, a giant tool chest, a squatty potty 2-pack and a gallon of potato salad. He will spend $800 and will not get the paper towels we were going for in the first place.

One might think, take a page from Jaymi’s playbook! Divide and conquer!! Check things off your list, girl! And I admit, that sounds good. But somewhere along the line we got into the habit of just being together all weekend. Even if that means five of us strolling through Costco trying not to lose each other. And for me, after five days of braving the day to day parenting alone, I want to attach to Chad like a barnacle and have him there to help deal with any tantrums, freakouts, blowouts, accidents, or injuries.

So most Saturdays, after our family breakfast, we drive through the car wash (another family favorite) and then head to Costco with two kids (or more) in tow. We’ve gotten it down to a bit of a science, so here’s what works for us – including a couple tips for shopping at Costco with kids that I KNOW you’ll love!!

two kids sitting in a costco shopping cart, wearing glasses

Don’t be shy about the samples.

I used to be so embarrassed to hover by the samples and get enough for Chad and the kids. No longer. I proudly announce that I’m with an entourage and take however many samples I need to survive until we get to the next aisle. Maybe even one for the road. It’s easier than having my kids throw a fit in the middle of the store.

And guess what? No one cares! Except maybe the other people hovering waiting for free food, but guess what? I waited my turn patiently (I’ll turn into the sample police when it comes to waiting your turn) and they can wait for theirs. There will be more. Grab your stash and carry on.

Set limits about toys/books/craft supplies early.

My kids go ape for the books and toys at Costco. And they often have giant bins of some sort of crafts for sale. Unless you want eighty thousand puff balls and 40 baggies of glitter all over your house, set limits before you even get out of the car.

I like to tell the kids they can get a book just to keep them happy. In our house we will (almost) always allow books. And a book or two is better than listening to my kids cry desperately for a GIANT BEAR THE SIZE OF MY CAR. We always give the bear a hug though. I’m not a monster.

Ask the cashier for an extra receipt.

Yeah, you heard me right, your kids do NOT have to fight until the end of days over who gets to carry the receipt to the door and get a happy face. If you ask nicely, your cashier will print out a little extra paper so that each kid has their own!!

This was maybe one of the most life-changing tips for taking two kids to Costco that I have ever received. So you’re welcome. Now, if your kids are like mine and decide to try to make the person working the exit play Pictionary with them I do not have help for you.

But I do know sometimes they’ll draw a fish if you ask nicely.

At the food court – ask the cashier to cut your pizza slice in half.

You know how the pizza slices at Costco are HUGE and your kids each want one and refuse to share? So you end up asking for a plastic knife and hacking through the thing like a bad slasher movie? No need my friends! If you ask, they will straight up slice your piece in half. AND give you an extra plate. You just gotta slide that over real stealth like and your kids have their own slice. I know. Life changing info here.

So yes, doing all the things as a family can be intimidating, but with a few tricks and tips, I promise it’s not as miserable as it sounds. And if it all backfired on you, the iced mocha at the food court isn’t half bad. You earned it.

costco

Costco Tips
Everything’s bigger at Costco – the toilet paper, the teddy bears, the TANTRUMS.

11 thoughts on “How to Survive a Family Trip to Costco”

  1. I love this! I can so relate to you wanting to have your significant other with you during parenting moments. I feel the same way with my 2 year old who has tantrums that are unbearable ever so often. It’s the fear of not knowing what can set them off. Haha! I truly enjoyed your post! it felt like a real conversation and I love the points you’ve made. Great job! 🙂

  2. What a fun post…I fully agree! We only started going to Costco recently. My sister and I went and split a smoothie with my 22 month old & her 14 month old boy. When I asked if they could split it, the guy handed me to small cups with NO lids…sorry that won’t fly is what I said LOL he then proceeded with the large containers WITH lids 🙂

  3. I loved reading the post. Both the bubs looks adorable. Lots of love from me. I must say yes the tips you shared are perfect easpecially wher moms face kids throing tantrums like mine does. 🙂

  4. Same with my Hubby, he always spends soooo much on unneeded stuff at costco if I let him go alone!! But they do have some good sangria and try the pre-made chicken noodle soup in the deli area. Its so yummy!

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