Spring break may seem far off, but it will be here before you know it. As a parent, I understand how much kids look forward to this week of fun. Waiting until the last minute to plan, however, can lead to high expenses. Over time, I’ve found several ways to keep spring break affordable.
**Staycation:**
One of the most budget-friendly options is to skip traveling altogether. Staycations provide plenty of inexpensive local activities. We’ve enjoyed many local adventures during spring break while saving money.
**Museums:**
In our area, there are several free museums that we love visiting. Some of these museums are part of the ASTC passport program, which is definitely worth looking into. If you’re a member of one participating museum, you get free admission to others across the country. The trick is to find out which museums are part of the program and visit as many as you can that are within driving distance.
**Experimenting in the Kitchen:**
Our kitchen is a great place for the kids to get creative with their cooking ideas. Getting them involved in cooking during spring break can be a lot of fun. If you have more than one child, it gets even better as they work together to come up with recipes, present their dishes, and clean up afterwards. It’s a great way to build teamwork skills.
**Performing at Home:**
Putting on a show is another fantastic way to entertain the kids during spring break. Pick a favorite book or movie and have them recreate it as a live performance. In our family, one child usually acts as the director while the others take on acting roles and handle costumes and sets. This activity can keep them busy for an entire day. To make it more special, they can prepare some inexpensive snacks for the show.
**Exploring Locally:**
Exploring nearby areas is always a hit with us when we have extra time. We pack some healthy snacks and water bottles and head out to discover local spots based on the kids’ suggestions. You’d be amazed at what you can find close to home without spending much beyond gas money.
**Budget Traveling:**
If you decide to travel, there are several ways to keep costs down:
– For those who prefer flying, booking airfare early can save a lot of money. Tuesdays are often the best days to find cheaper tickets. Websites like Matrix Airfare Search, AirFare Watchdog, Fare Compare, Kayak, Priceline, and Skyscanner are great for finding deals.
– Driving to a nearby destination can save even more. The journey itself can be just as exciting as the destination.
– Accommodations can be pricey, but you can find deals on Hotels.com, Trivago, Expedia, and Travelocity. Cashback programs like Ebates can also help you save more.
– House sitting is another budget-friendly option for free lodging. TrustedHousesitters.com is a good resource for finding such opportunities.
There are so many ways to have a memorable spring break without breaking the bank. The key is to choose the option that best fits your family’s interests and start planning early to make the most of it.
When do you usually start planning your spring break to save the most? What are some of your most cost-effective yet exciting spring break experiences?