| With the shape of the economy, families aren't taking | | | | stars", nature presentations, or fairs that you will all |
| as many vacations as normal and they aren't spending | | | | enjoy depending on the community and the types of |
| as much money on summer fun. Still, it's hard to stay | | | | entertainment that is normal for them. |
| at home with kids all summer without taking a break. | | | | Have story time every evening. Take turns being the |
| You can compromise by taking a "staycation" so you | | | | reader if your children are old enough and let them pick |
| and the kids have fun without having to spend a | | | | their own book to read. Most children never get too old |
| fortune to travel. | | | | to enjoy listening to a story! |
| One of the favorite things for families to do for | | | | Take advantage of your local tourist attractions. Many |
| vacation is to spend time at the beach. You can still | | | | people never even consider visiting these sites that |
| enjoy the water without having to make the trip. If you | | | | are close to home. You may find out that your |
| don't have a swimming pool, you can invest in one that | | | | community has a lot more to offer than you ever |
| is large enough for the adults and kids without having | | | | imagined. If you have any parks nearby, you are |
| to spend a fortune. If your children are too small for | | | | guaranteed to have some opportunities to take |
| the big pool, get them one of their own. Add a | | | | advantage of. Go for a nature hike and learn about |
| sandbox and you will have everything you need to | | | | the regional foliage, insects, and animal life. |
| enjoy some fun in the sun. | | | | You may also want to go to your local museums if |
| Take your kids fishing. Most places offer something | | | | they have fun things to see. If it is strictly educational, |
| nearby where children can learn how to catch a fish. It | | | | bypass it. Dinosaur exhibits and hands-on science |
| never fails to fascinate them when they pull in that first | | | | museums are favorites of kids. |
| one! You may also consider a boat rental to make the | | | | Try to resist the urge to make your staycation a |
| trip complete. Pack a picnic and it will be a day they will | | | | learning experience and focus 100% on fun. Allow |
| never forget. | | | | some time to just "lay back" and look at the clouds |
| Have a backyard camp out. Only do this if your yard is | | | | instead of trying to pack too many activities into your |
| secure. Include a campfire with roasted hot dogs, | | | | days. |
| marshmallows, s'mores, and ghost stories. This is one | | | | Try to choose activities that will be of equal interest to |
| adventure you can include the family dog on! | | | | everyone but if the guys want to play some basketball |
| Find out what types of local events will be available in | | | | while the girls take a "spa day" then everybody will still |
| your community. They may have "movies under the | | | | be happy! |