Frugal Family Fun
Frugal Family Fun Activities
The 4th of July long weekend will soon be here and those lazy, crazy hazy days of summer are now upon us. Every now and then we all need to take a break from our daily routine For ways to spend quality time and have some family fun while still keeping within the family budget, here’s some tips if you’re planning a family Staycation:
The Hubster’s family introduced us to camping at a family Connecticut campground when the kids were younger. It wasn’t long after that we ventured to sites on our own, out-of-state. Rather than taking a week’s vacation, sometimes taking long family weekend trips are more economical, while still enjoying a few laughs and getting out of Dodge.
We don’t take the kind of camping trips that require learning survival skills. Family members experienced in camping can help to guide you. Siblings, cousins and family friends can bond by making and roasting s’mores around the campfire, singing songs, and telling ghost stories.
My charming son-in-law is from Vermont, and everyone up there knows how to stoke a campfire, albeit, a necessary survival skill!
Other ways to enjoy frugal family outings are:
State Parks - These are great for daytripping. Many have playground equipment, hiking trails and picnic facilities. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch!
Miniature Golf – Admissions is normally reasonably priced and provides an opportunity for relaxation and family competition. Although my husband did end up in the ER with 4 stitches to his eye after my daughter swung the club as if she was using a driver – she was fresh out of sports camp!
Petting Zoos – Smaller zoos may not have exotic animals, like Disney World, the San Diego Zoo, the Bronx Zoo or Roger Williams Park Zoo may have, but the kids will enjoy feeding and petting the animals. We used to take the kids to the Catskill Game Farm, and they always enjoyed that!
Museums – Many offer cheap or free admission, while other admission prices may cost more. Check out season passes. Some of our favorite places that the grandchildren enjoy is Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium. If you live close to a museum, you can benefit by visiting all year long for one family admission price.
© C. Matthews 2010
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- Hersheys Syrup Summer Celebrations: How to Plan a Family Reunion Camping Trip
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- Family Fun in Connecticut – Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonassett State Park Review
- Family Activities: Dinosaur Train All Aboard Kids Board Game
- Savvy Savings for Family Friendly Activities and Educational Scholarships
About Moomettes
I love to find inexpensive ways to have fun with my family and especially my grandchildren. In the summer, when I’m out of school, I have each of my grandchildren, at a different time, spend the night with me. We go to the park, play games, read their favorite books, and do craft projects. I take lots of photos to remember their special day.
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Hi Grandma~
The grandkids are over almost every day and always enjoy taking photos of them! Wish I was retired so they wouldn’t have to go to daycare! We enjoy the new park nearby too! Stop by again!
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Long weekends and doing things that are close to home are fine with us. Petting zoos are usually something that my daughter enjoys more than seeing exotic animals because she can play with the animals instead of just staring at them. Anytime we’re together as a family is wonderful!
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Great list – this is very useful info seeing we all want to save money but we don’t want to skip on something as important as a family vacation! The San Diego Zoo is a good attraction to splurge on though, especially with kids in tow!
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