10 In-Town Summertime Activities To Do With Your Kids

Summer is the perfect time to get away and take a vacation; taking that week off and spending time relaxing and having fun with the family! However, whether it is due to cost, getting the time off from work or something else, for some of us, taking a vacation just may not be possible at this time. Does this mean that your summer is ruined? Do you think that the fun times are out of reach? Think again! With some great ideas from Living Well Spending Less®, we have 10 great in-town summer activities that you can do with your kids!  A family staycation can be just as fun and relaxing, without needing to take additional time off of work or spending an arm and leg. Just make some plans for special days throughout the summer, and your family can get the same enjoyment and satisfaction found in a traditional vacation. Now, in order to make this work, you may need to establish some guidelines to help you get out of your daily routine. Set the dates where the kids can live without video games and the parents can leave the housework and cooking on hold. Whether this also means no phones, television or internet, just be sure that the whole family is involved and on board. Remember, this is as much a getaway for you as it is for your kids. Here is a list of 10 ideas to get your staycation going:

1. Enjoy Your Local Theater

Check the local newspaper or theatre website to see what plays, musicals, concerts, or family-friendly comedy shows will be playing during your planned staycation time, then book tickets and plan for an evening at the theatre.

2. Visit a Nearby Amusement Park

While Disney World may not be in the cards this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a blast at a nearby theme park. Check out this list to find an amusement park in your own state or town.

3. Visit a Local Children’s Museum

If you’ve got younger kids it can sometimes be hard to find activities that the whole family can enjoy, but a great Children’s Museum can definitely fit the bill! Most have a variety of fun and interactive activities that can keep you busy the whole day. Check out the Association of Children’s Museums website to find one in your area, and consider purchasing a Family pass—you can usually get your money back in just two visits.

4. Visit the Zoo or Aquarium

Who doesn’t love seeing animals? Check out the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to find an AZA accredited zoo or aquarium in your area, then be sure to also check what special programs your zoo has available. Some offer Junior zookeeper programs or opportunities to feed the animals, while some others even allow you to spend the night in the zoo! Be sure to pack a lunch to save on pricey zoo fare!

5. Major or Minor League Sporting Event

While major league events are a lot of fun, they can get pricey quickly, especially for a family. Luckily almost every city has a minor league team these days, which can give you (almost) the same experience for a fraction of the price! Be sure to check out which days include special events, such as free caps or fireworks for added fun!

6. Host a Family Board Game Tournament

Invest in a few new board games, then set up snacks and drinks for a marathon board game tournament! For game ideas, check out some family-favorite board games here, or else just look at Amazon’s current bestsellers.

7. Camp in Your Own Backyard

Why not enjoy the great outdoors in your own backyard? Set up a tent and sleeping bags, build a fire (or use the grill) to cook s’mores, and take turns telling ghost stories. Then download the Night Sky app (make sure your device is GPS-enabled first!) to identify stars, planets, and even satellites in the sky.

8. Tour a Local Factory or Brewery

Is there a large manufacturing facility near your town or city? Most offer tours and even samples of their goods. Check the company’s website for details!

9. Get Wet

Spend the day at a local pool or waterpark, or just head to the beach! If that sounds like too much effort, simply set up a slip & slide in the backyard and have a family water day at home.

10. Host Your Own Film Festival

Pick a theme, allow each family member to pick a movie, then get comfortable for a day of movies. Be sure to provide plenty of snacks, and take breaks to discuss and rate each film. Want more ideas? Think local and try to find some hometown places, or those within a short drive away, that can make for a fun day with the family. Try places that you’ve never been and discover what you may have been missing. This article includes excerpts from 25 Awesome Staycation Ideas by Ruth Soukup http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2014/03/07/staycation-ideas/ ©2013 LivingWellSpendingLess.com