With the economy still struggling and gasoline prices on the rise again, many families may not want to spend what a vacation costs. The more economical stay-cation – time spent around or close to home — not only enables them to take a break, but also to enjoy the family bonding experiences that come with traditional getaways.

Goddard Schools offers some simple, fun and frugal ideas for turning a stay-cation into a great family experience:

No Cost Activities:

• Go on nature walks, hikes and bike rides. Collect rocks to paint, look through binoculars – even two toilet paper tubes offer a new view of the world.
• Go camping in your own backyard. Don’t forget flashlight tag and S’mores!
• Plan and prepare yummy goodies and enjoy a picnic together in a local park.

Some Cost Activities:

• Organize day trips to zoos and/or aquariums.
• Be a tourist in your own backyard. Visit museums, historic sites and/or see what else your town has to offer.
• Choose a miniature golf outing and enjoy a little healthy competition.
• Plan a family mini-spa day. Prepare a healthy lunch from your vegetable garden.

Don’t let the rain ruin your stay-cation. Rainy days are fun too!

• Play board games
• Assemble jigsaw puzzles
• Watch family movies

Here are a few things to remember for summer travel with the kids, be it a stay-cation or vacation:

• Pack for Safety:  Drinking water, sunscreen, hat, water to wash as well as wipes for hands, sneakers or other closed-toed shoes, a change of clothes or a towel for the seat for changing baby, small first aid kit for those little scrapes and a small trash bag to keep the earth litter-free are all important
• Expect to Get Dirty: Going outside is about the freedom to explore and the only way to explore is to touch it, and yes, it is dirty – it’s outside!  Dirty does not mean ‘germy.’  Roll in the grass, stomp in the mud, touch the frog and splash in the puddles.

Lastly, don’t forget to take pictures of your stay-cation to commemorate your experiences. Just because you haven’t traveled far for a vacation doesn’t mean these times aren’t worth capturing.

Enjoy the summer!!

For more family fun stay-cation ideas, or to suggest some feel free to email me at AskGoddardSchool@goddardsystems.com or send us your question in an @reply on Twitter. Our Twitter ID is @GoddardSchool.