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This week, I am planning us a few weekend summer staycations. I want us to have a little fun before school starts for the boys in two weeks.
In the past, I would usually take a week off from work during Spring Break and plan out an entire week of fun. But, since I have used so much of my vacation time to travel, there will be no weeks off for this mama any time soon.
Instead of being down about it, I am thinking of creative ways to still able to enjoy the final weeks of summer affordably, but to also transition smoothly into the school year.
Thinking Back: Our 2015 Spring Break Staycation
In 2015, I planned us a 4 day and 3 night, Spring Break staycation. During that time, we rested, relaxed, and slept in. But, most of all we had fun and made lasting memories!
Some of our activities included seeing a brief showing at the Planetarium, having Baskin Robbins, going to the park, taking photos, and I rented movies and created an indoor movie theater complete with a concession stand. I mean, seriously, I made a tri-board with Christmas lights for $2.
So, get creative. But, before you get wild and crazy with ideas and over spend…
Consider these five questions while planning your summer staycation.
- What is our budget?
- How much time do we have?
- How far are we willing to travel in town?
- What will we eat?
- Have we checked our local Calendar of Events and Groupon?
When I think back to 2015, during Spring Break, my money was tight. But, that was not going to stop our fun and quality time together, so I made sure to include several free and low cost things to do.
3 Low Cost Activities to Consider
#1 Visit your local planetarium.
We spent an evening at the William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College. We were able to see Zula Patrol and stay afterwards to do some planet searching and star gazing. Believe it or not, we saw Jupiter, the Big Dipper, and some other constellations. Tickets for adults were $6 and children were $5. The evening was totally affordable.
#2 Have a picnic at the park.
We had a pizza picnic at the park. After eating, I let them run free until they were completely worn out and tired.
#3 Have a Family Movie Night.
For ours, I rented several movies and created our own Movie Concession Stand complete with lights, snacks, and DVD movie inserts as posters.
Our entire 4 day and 3 night 2015 Spring Break Staycation cost me wayyy less than $100.
So, what are you waiting for?
Get creative and get to planning!
