By Andrew Housser
In today's economy, many families are opting to take their vacations at home. Staycations, as they're called, really can offer all of the things one would want in a vacation -- family time, fun, new sights to see and relaxation -- at a fraction of the cost of a real getaway. If your family is staying close to home this summer, think creatively for inexpensive (or free) things to do. Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing.
1. Become a tourist.
Stop by your city or state visitor center to pick up visitor guides and brochures that detail interesting attractions and things to do in your area. Often these guides will have money-saving coupons to local attractions, accommodations and even restaurants. You can also check the agencies' websites for printable coupons.
2. Stock up on online deals.
Deal-of-the-day sites like Groupon offer great values on activities and attractions such as miniature golf, zip lines, go-kart facilities, restaurants and more.
3. Explore the outdoors.
Local, state and national parks offer a variety of activities: fishing, boating, picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking and horseback riding. You can also splash in creeks or play on the playgrounds.
4. Host a film festival.
Let a different family member pick a movie to watch each night. Think beyond the newest releases to childhood favorites or movies from certain eras. Pick up some movie theater candy at your local drugstore and pop some corn. If you're fortunate to live near one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters, it's the time to pay a visit.
5. Dine and splurge.
Since you're saving money by eating most meals at home, go to a nice restaurant at least once during the week. Pick a place you don't normally visit, one you've been meaning to try out, or introduce your taste buds to something exotic and out of the norm. Remember, too, that if you dine at lunch, meals will be less expensive than at dinner.
6. Find the free days.
Zoos, museums and botanic gardens offer get-in-free days for everyone. Check the calendars on their websites for dates.
7. Visit the library.
Many libraries offer free passes to select attractions if you sign up for them in advance. For instance, Chicago Public Library patrons can obtain free passes to the zoo, aquarium, botanic gardens, museums and more. Check with your library on its offerings.
8. Try out a different mode of transportation.
You probably reach most of your destinations via car. Now's the time to try out the bus system in your area, the light rail, subway or even a taxi. Depending on where you live, you might be able to walk or ride bikes to get to where you want to go.
9. Get festive.
Find out if your town, or a nearby one, is hosting a festival of any type -- perhaps celebrating art, music or food.
10. Picnic in the park.
Let the kids pick a park or playground area they love (or surprise them by going to one they've never been to) and bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy under the shade of a tree.
11. "Travel" with friends.
Chances are you aren't the only ones watching your dollars. See if any of your local friends or extended family would like to get together for a cookout, a card game or a game of kickball. You also could meet up at an area attraction and make a day of it.
12. Cheer on the local teams.
Minor and major league teams often have family nights that combine tickets with meals or souvenirs.
13. Hit an amusement park or county fair.
Grocery stores often sell discounts to these types of attractions. Also check for coupons in your local newspaper.
14. Pitch a tent.
You can camp in your own backyard; fix s'mores on a portable fire pit (in a pinch, the microwave will work); gaze at the stars; tell ghost stories; and plan the next day's fun activities.
Kicking back at home might not be as thrilling as seeing the Grand Canyon or as relaxing as Hawaiian beaches. But you also won't go into shock when the travel bills start trickling in. With a little bit of creativity and enthusiasm, your family can create vacation memories to treasure for a lifetime -- right in your own backyard.
Let the kids pick a park or playground area they love and bring along a picnic lunch. (©iStockphoto/Thinkstock)
Andrew Housser is a co-founder and CEO of Bills.com, a free one-stop online portal where consumers can educate themselves about personal finance issues and compare financial products and services. He also is co-CEO of Freedom Financial Network, LLC providing comprehensive consumer credit advocacy and debt relief services. Housser holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University and Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College.
