Inexpensive Family Day Trips
If you cannot go on a long family vacation, a good alternative is to go on frequent short trips that last only for a day and can be planned less stressfully. Day trips are a good way to spend quality time with the family even for just a day and this can be a great opportunity to allow the kids to learn in a more relaxed environment while they are enjoying as well. There are many interesting and fun places where a family can go for one day without breaking an already overextended budget. Day trips save you money and at the same time give you the needed time for rest and relaxation without the hassles of planning a long distance trip that can be very exhausting.
Museums can be a cliché but they still prove to be a great destination for a family day trip. You can ditch the old museum with stuffed animals and mannequins because there are many other alternatives that can offer an educational trip for children. If you want to see them all, you can take day trips every week, every other week or once a month at a different town or city and explore their local museums with displays of history and culture. The different museums can offer different interests as well like art, history, science and marine life. Some museums have fixed rates for entrance fee while there are those that accept donations in lieu of fees.
If you have children of varying ages, you might want to think about which museum to go to as small children may be too active for a large museum. You can choose a museum that offers activities for small children so that they will enjoy and tire themselves out without being too dynamic in the area. You need to consider your children’s interests and check the amenities and activities offered by the museum so that you can orient the kids ahead of time.
You can search through the internet about the nearby museums or local places that can provide a good learning opportunity for children. Some places may not be an actual museum but can offer something interesting for children like a fire station where kids can learn about a fireman’s life, or an old factory where they can learn about how things are produced. These places can be fun for children and adults without incurring much travel expense. Be sure to call ahead of time to know the days and hours the museum is open and if they can accommodate your trip.
On the day of the trip, make sure to be prepared by eating a big breakfast to give you enough energy for the day. It is also better to bring lunch, snacks and beverages and pack it in a picnic basket so you are sure not to get hungry while on the drive. You can also prepare travel activities like quizzes, songs, or games that can be played in the car to get the kids amused especially on a long drive where they can easily become restless. If you still have time after the museum tour, you can take the kids for a picnic in a nearby park and allow them to play before heading back home. You might be amazed how these simple day trips can strengthen your bond as a family while incorporating knowledge and fun to your children.
read more