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Most of my cycling is with my 6 year old so I get little actual exercise out of it.

I was thinking of trying something like a runner's weighted vest, but that seems like it would put a lot of weight on my lower back when in a typical road bike posture. (And it seems more expensive than just putting bricks in my saddle bag.)

I imagine the best thing for handling would be to mount as low as possible and not have too much on either side of the bike.

Anybody have any experience adding weight to an upright road bike for training reasons?

Alternatively, any easier way to increase resistance without putting undue stress on knees?

Unless you are riding big hills, weight makes surprisingly little difference. Even on hills, you may be surprised how little effect it has.

You want to increase rolling resistance so you slow down when you stop putting in power. Fat knobbly MTB tires at low pressure slow me down more than enough on the road.... Those old school bottle dynamos work a treat. A left brain idea is some kind of parachute/sail to increase wind resistance.

One of those tow-arms that turn a kids bike into a tag along by lifting the front wheel might be an option ("Trail Gator" is one brand). Ride with your daughter till she is tired, then hook her up and tow her home.

With my kids, I found the best was to enjoy the rides with them for what they were - quality family time, then head out on my own for some quality 'dad alone' time which gave me the exercise. Even now (oldest is 14yo), I prefer to get my exercise solo at my pace.