It’s count down time to the beginning of school and the end of summer and you haven’t had a vacation yet! What to do?
Perhaps, you are saving up for that dream trip next summer but you’d still like to take a break and have some fun this year.
How can your family and you enjoy yourselves without breaking the bank? The answer might be right in your own backyard!
Plan a staycation.
Rather than traveling out of the area, use your home as base and plan some fun activities – family game time, camping out in the backyard and making s’mores, or running through the sprinklers and having a water balloon
fight. Or just relax with a good book and a glass of lemonade or catch a few ZZZs under a tree.
The key is to turn off the devices, forget about work, and not worry about projects around the house – they will be there after you “return.”
Plan day trips.
These can be a part of your staycation, too.
If you live fairly close to the beach, pack the car and head out early to enjoy the surf before temperatures rise.
Make a day of it by enjoying the sunset before heading home. Neighboring cities may have bands in the park or “community walks” in their downtown areas.
State parks also offer hiking and biking trails, boating and canoeing, swimming, playgrounds, picnic areas, and other fun activities.
Alabama boasts of many state parks, trails, and historic sites around the state so your next adventure may be just a short drive away.
Oh yes, don’t forget a trip to the water pad if you have small children – they will love it!
Have a movie night.
You don’t have to leave your house to catch a good flick. Rent a movie—or even better—check one out from the library for free.
Pop some popcorn, buy chips and candy from the dollar store and you have all the makings for a great (and cheap) movie night.
Check out local events.
Libraries and museums often feature special exhibits for free or a nominal charge.
Libraries usually offer special entertainment for children during the day and an adult night once a week.
Be sure to drive over to our Coastal Community College and visit the Museum. Many times it has different exhibits and special personalities visiting.
It can be an enjoyable and educational afternoon! Be sure to contact your local library or museum for a schedule of summer program offerings.
Take part in a service project.
A number of families are opting to use some of their vacation time to help others in need in their communities – projects include yard work, painting, basic home repairs, assisting with a food pantry/clothes closet, and serving meals to the homeless.
These projects may be sponsored by a community service organization or church.
During this past spring, local media outlets reported on several groups of college students representing campus ministries, fraternities, sororities, and other organizations who volunteered their Spring Break time to assist with Hurricane Michael clean-up and recovery.
Participating in a service project as a family can be a meaningful way to give back to the community and make a difference locally.
Contact your place of worship or local service organizations for opportunities in your area.
This summer, “recharge” without a super charge to your wallet!
Source: Judy Corbus, Family and Consumer Science Agent
