This almost seems ridiculous, but GET CREATIVE when it comes to vacation activities! The country is covered with amazing natural recreation activities. There are creeks, lakes, ponds, rivers and beaches everywhere. We don't spend money taking our kids to amusement parks or water parks, we take them to the rivers and beaches instead and I promise you it does not require any additional planning or effort, but it is free. One of the kids most favorite vacation activities is swimming in a river and catching polliwogs. We hear memories about this activity all year long and the instant we mention a pending trip to Grandma's house they ask if they will get to go catch polliwogs again.
Today, we spent our second day in a row at the nearby river. The kids collected river clams and rocks. They floated in the river and they hunted for polliwogs (giant tadpoles) and crawdads. I'm not exaggerating one bit when I tell you those kids were in the river for 5+ hours without any comments concerning boredom. On other summer outings we take the kids to the beach, where they will play in the waves all day as well.
When planning your next vacation, think about free activities that might be available. Make some sandwiches and fill a cooler with ice and sodas and head out to fill those little minds with so many summertime memories they will be positively delighted! Think outside of the box, consider fishing, swimming, floating and hiking... kids love these things and you will enjoy all of the money you WON'T be spending.
