Planning the Perfect Staycation

In order to save money during this financially uncertain time, try going on a “staycation” with your vacation time. Not getting on a plane can not only save you money, but save you the stress of traveling far and the money you would have spent on getting away. Just make sure to plan activities for yourself and your family that have nothing to do with work or chores every day, and turn off that Blackberry!

Here are some tips for going on a staycation that is fun and inexpensive:

·         Become a member of your local zoo or aquarium. Most memberships pay for themselves in just a couple of visits and you often get extra benefits such as behind the scenes tours and invitations to special events.

·         See a morning or matinee movie at the discount price and then ask if your family can have a tour of the projection room. You’d be surprised at how often you’re greeted with enthusiasm, and it’s an experience your kids will be talking about for days.

·         Take public transportation to your nearest city center and go to a museum. Kids love trains and buses, and science, aviation, art, history and children’s museums are all educational and fun. Most museums are inexpensive or even free.

·         Go camping for a couple days during the week. Campsites in state and national parks are inexpensive and often have access to swimming, fishing, hiking trails and nature centers with kids’ activities. Even private campsites often have reduced rates during the week.

·         If you’re not a fan of tents and camping, you can still get outside and make a day of it. Go on a bike ride around town or to your local park, and bring a picnic lunch. To make it more exciting you can create an adventure story involving a treasure hunt with the picnic at the end of it.

·         Attend a regional sporting event. Minor league baseball and professional soccer or lacrosse games are often much more inexpensive than the big leagues, but kids enjoy the experience just as much! To top it off, most stadiums and arenas have tours during the day, often for free.

·         Go to a state fair or city festival. These events often have rides, games, parades and all sorts of cultural events that will entertain your kids for less than a theme park and leave them just as satisfied.

·         Find a community theater in your area and attend a play. Often these theaters are inexpensive and many have programs for children during the day followed by more adult shows at night. It may not be Broadway but the cast will be enthusiastic and attending will be fun.

·         Beach it! Even if you don’t live near the ocean, a day trip to a local lake or river can have the same relaxing effect. Swimming and sun are inexpensive and easy ways to have fun for both kids and adults. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

·         Visit a farm and go fruit-picking. Kids love being able to look at the animals and farm equipment, and pick food they can eat themselves later. When you get home, bake something with them with the fruit they picked.