Is your kids' fall break coming up? Plan ahead now to have a great time while also saving money. Over Memorial Day weekend, more Americans traveled than had in the last 12 years, and we spent more on travel, too. If your family spent a lot of money then, you might want to save this fall. Luckily, fall is the perfect time for a family staycation—a vacation where you play tourist in your hometown.
Staycations are great because you can get to know new attractions in your own town, and you don't have to spend money on accommodations or plane tickets. If you'd like to do fun things as a family without spending a fortune, here are eight staycation ideas to try.
1. Participate in Agritourism
Many sections of the country will be in a harvesting period over fall break. For instance, in my native Indiana, fall break is a great time to pick apples and pumpkins, among other fall-harvested produce.
Check out your state's agricultural extension to find agritourism destinations in your area. The bonus here is that you often get a fun trip rolled in with a place to eat, which is great!
2. Visit Local Museums and Zoos
Has it been a while since you've checked out your local museum or zoo? A staycation is the perfect time to revisit them. You might also try a different type of museum that you've never tried before. For instance, some art museum exhibits can be surprisingly kid-friendly.
Or, check online for completely off-the-wall small museums in your area. For instance, my neighborhood has a tiny museum dedicated to Statue of Liberty figurines! These museums can make for a fun experience, even if they are a little cheesy.
3. Frequent Small Businesses and Restaurants
Have you neglected to check out your area's local restaurants and small businesses? A fall staycation is a great time to try them out. Local breweries and wineries abound these days, and they often offer kid-friendly menus, as well. You could also visit an area with lots of small businesses. Give your kids a little bit of spending money, and let them go to town.
4. Go Biking or Hiking
Fall is just about the perfect time, in most places, to go biking or hiking. It's not as hot as summer, and there may be fewer bugs. Check out some new trails and parks on your family vacation. You could even make it a point to check out two or three state parks with your kids during your fall break.
5. Go to the Library
Lots of local libraries offer additional programming during school breaks. Check out your library's schedule to see what's going on. Nothing special happening? No worries. Take an afternoon to stock up on books. Then, spend a cozy evening in, drinking hot chocolate and reading aloud as a family.