Tuesday, February 2, 2010

My life is a staycation

I was reading some blogs about staycations and a lot of them mentioned things like painting a room. That’s not my idea of a vacation so here’s my list:

1. Take my Park Challenge- try to visit all local parks in your area. So far we’ve visited about 10.
2. Take advantage of your library’s free story times, magic shows, art displays…
3. Buy a year’s pass to your local state or national park (Lake Mead is only $20 for an annual pass.)
4. Cheap local museums (check websites and hotels for coupons)
5. Factory tours- also post office, fire station, police station, animal shelter, library…
6. Walk the mall and let the kids play in the play area and on quarter rides; (I never put quarters in or go into stores.)
7. Go to Chuck E. Cheese and just buy tokens (We went with a coupon from Chuck E. Cheese string cheese for 12 free tokens and bought $5 worth of tokens and it was enough for two kids.)
8. Buy a sundae at McDonalds and let the kids play (Bring something to do or the time will drag.)
9. Play dates- Visit a friend who has kids and invite them over for lunch. It’s always more fun to play with a friend’s cool toys and you get to have company too.
10. Classes at the recreation centers are usually cheap.
11. Go to local fairs and festivals.
12. Visit stores you normally don’t visit- Lowes, Bass Pro Shop, and pet stores are some of Alex’s favorites.
13. Use your imagination and the internet to get more ideas.
14. In our local parenting guide there are ads for first class free for stuff like karate, art classes, baby gyms… I have not tried this idea yet.)
15. Ask your kids what they want to do; Alex has been asking to ride the double-decker bus.

If you have ideas to add leave a comment.

Marie-Anne

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