The biggest woe for any family would be what to do this year with the price of fuel going up. It is projected to be close to $5.00 a gallon by summer.
For our family we are going to be very creative this summer. Lots of trips to the parks, hiking even. What are some other creative ideas for family time this year? Have you taken any short trips around town that is a must see? Thanks Stacy
I know what you mean - we are planning a trip to Michigan and I'd love to try and go camping because the kiddos are finally getting to an age where they might enjoy going - but $5.00 a gallon might have us making other plans!
Last year my aunt took a "vacation at home" and she loved it. They spent a week or so cleaning up the house, gathering some of their favorite things to do like puzzles, etc. and stocking the fridge with all kinds of great foods and they just relaxed, took the phone off the hook and did local outings (like being a tourist in your own town) - She said it was awesome. Planing is the key to making it feel like a vacation.
Share any ideas you get!
Sincerely, Sarah
We are going to hit Branson this summer....not too awfully far away and TONS to do! I found a great deal for lodging on Orbitz. We'll hit Silver Dollar City and mostly just hang out at the pool.
We are all very blessed here in the metro area, however, in that there really are so many things that we can do around town for free or close to it. The zoo, the many parks, free films at Wehrenberg theatres, the Science Center, the free family Fridays at the Magic House, free days for St. Louis County residents at the Butterfly House, the many concerts at various parks around town, Grant's Farm, and Purina Farms are all free...just to name a few. The St. Louis Carousel is very inexpensive at $1 per ride. My kids also LOVE visiting the library...and I love bringing home books and movies for FREE! The minor league baseball games are also fairly inexpensive and loaded with family fun...check out a Rascals or Grizzlies game. I also recommend THE Entertainment book for anyone who does not have one. It runs about $30 or even less...and pays for itself right away. There are $30 worth of Shop N Save coupons in there for $5 of each purchase...so if you shop there...that alone will pay for it. But, at any rate, the book has many discounts and special offers for many if not most of the local attractions, restaurants, and more.
I think we can get creative and entertain our families locally this summer! No need to spend FIVE DOLLARS per gallon on gasoline to travel half way across the country! We may as well "stimulate" our own local economy! Let's keep each other posted of all of the fun, inexpensive things that we can do here in and around good ol' St. Louie this summer!