Staycation Ideas that Save

As the economy creeps along, many are wondering what they can do this summer to keep the family happy, without spending much money.  Summer vacations are treats that most people cherish for years.  Videos, photos, memorabilia, and the overall feeling of being away – doing something different stay with you for years. Or at least till the next memorable vacation.

So what do you do without putting your family’s economy in the tank?  Where do you take the kids without breaking the bank – what little there is?  No kids?  Okay, what can you or the two of you do that will have the same effect as a Mediterranean cruise?

Well maybe not as much fun or as interesting as that cruise.  Here are some ideas that will give all of you a break from the day-to-day rat race, without costing a fortune.  Hopefully you can find one or more possibilities or ideas for a staycation that will be fun and memorable, too.

Water Parks:  It is summer and nothing adds to the fun of hot summer days than water.  So rather than a sprinkler on your front lawn, look for a water park in your area.  Many parks offer summer or seasonal discount tickets allowing you and your family to have several memorable days away from home enjoying the fun of cold water, slides, rides, and more.

Museums:  Yeah, I hear you right now.  Museums are stuffy and boring.  Are they?  Look around your area for museums that will be interesting to your kids.  Planetariums, Science Centers, Seaports, Art, History, Famous authors homes, civil war sites, etc.

Be creative and pull together a one day or several day visit to one of these sites.  Plan picnic lunches, do advanced research and have some family chats about the location you intend to visit.  Ask questions to help the kids learn more and get interested in the person or place.

Day Spa:  Just you and your partner?  Enjoy a day at the spa.  Get a total body massage, or try something a bit more adventurous.  Many spas have couples rates and offers.

Sports Camp:  Have a son or daughter actively involved in a sport?  Try involving the family in a sports camp.  Not everyone has to be into the sport either.  Many camps have family programs for all ages.

Spring Training:  Live near a spring training camp for a major or minor league team?  Many offer games and other activities for your kids or the entire family.

Behind the Scene Tours:  Ever wondered what goes on behind the camera of a news room?  What about the bowling alley or the movie theater you frequent?  Many of these facilities are or will offer a behind the scenes tour.  Ask your kids what they want to see.  Get them involved.  Then take action and check out your local area for tours to feed their curiosity.

Go Fishing:  Kids love to fish, especially if they have a chance of catching one.  Look into local fish and game clubs.  Many offer family days with contests, BBQs and other events.  One club in my area even stocks the lake to make sure the kids catch a fish.  Your kids will remember that day for quite sometime.  Make sure you take lots of pictures, too!

Farmers Markets: Many kids never see food outside their local grocery store.  Check out farms or farming coops to see when they have family farm days.  Not only will everyone learn about farming, they will have the opportunity to sample fresh produce, usually picked the same day.

Cruise to Nowhere:  Can’t get to the Mediterranean, go on a three day cruise.  Many cruise companies have weekend cruises or getaways at reasonable prices.  Three days of cruising might just be enough to satisfy your craving.

The ideas are countless.  The fun can be magnificent.   Your vacation doesn’t have to be boring.  With a little advanced research, you can plan out several interesting, inexpensive, and adventurous staycations.

For other living green ideas check out:

 

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