For some families, spring break is almost here. Having a week or two off from school is the ultimate idea of fun for many kids, but for moms and dads the seasonal vacation can be dreadful, especially if money is tight.
Fortunately, you don’t have to drop thousands of dollars to make your child’s spring break memorable. With the price of gas hitting record highs, millions of families are opting to stay close to home this season. The idea of taking a staycation is even more tempting when you consider how much money you can save while still having a ton of fun. Relaxing at home with your children while periodically taking day trips to various local attractions can be as rewarding and fun-filled as jetting off to a tropical vacation destination. The trick is finding the ideal staycation spots. Some of the most popular include local children’s museums, roller skating or ice rinks, science centers, zoos, aquariums, wildlife preserves, art museums, and outdoor festivals.
Remember the success of a staycation relies heavily on making the most of each others’ company. If Mother Nature grants you incredible weather, gather the clan and head out to a local park. While there, have a picnic, go on a nature hike, bike along area trails or fly a kite. Another option is to visit a local botanical garden or arboretum, and then go home and plant your own garden.
If you live in a colder climate, consider having fun indoors. Check out a local thrift store and spend a couple of dollars purchasing odds and ends to create a play dress-up box. Give your kids a crash course in movie making; help them write a script, craft costumes and then have them use the family video camera to record their flick. Or, simply stay indoors and flex your creativity in the kitchen. Design an entire menu with your children, and then make all the goodies together using ingredients from your pantry.