Five Summer Getaways Every Kid Should Experience

It's that time again - Summertime!  And I don't know about your kiddos but mine are excited.  My eight year old is counting every day until school is out.  He has several things in mind that he thinks we should do this summer and I've been trying to think of some fun, frugal ideas as well.  Keeping money and memories in mind, here are five great getaways I think every kid should experience.

• A trip to Grandma & Grandpa's - My kids are very blessed to have both sets of grandparents living in our town.  However, I know most aren't as lucky.  But regardless if they are near or far, my kids never get enough of the grandparents.  There is a special bond between a grandparent and grandchild that is priceless.  A few days away with Grandma & Grandpa and your child will be creating some of the best memories of his/her life.
• Disneyworld - I know this seems like it is on the more expensive side, but if you put in a little work and plan ahead - you can have a great time on a budget.  Disneyworld is one of the kiddos favorite places.  If you've been there, words just can't describe how magical it can be.  You just have to experience it.  Disneyworld seems to offer dates in early and late summer that offer either a hotel sale or free dining with hotel reservations.  Another money saving tip is to visit Restaurant.com and use Orlando's zip code.  A lot of times they offer discounts to restaurants at some of the hotels on property.  Also, there is another blogger I read that provides lots of tips on Disney and points out some of the ways to save money.  Check her out at Couponing to Disney if you are planning a Disney trip.
• Camping - This is an experience for a little one that doesn't have to go any further than your backyard.  Watch the news for some good weather and pop a tent in the backyard and you'll be making a memory that will cost you little to nothing. 
• Great Wolf Lodge - There are several of these located around the United States.  Yes, you'll pay more for the hotel but it includes the water park which will provide hours of fun and entertainment.  My frugal tip on this one is to plan a stay during the week.  The price is usually significantly lower and the lodge is not as crowded.
• Somewhere related to your child's hobby - Ask your kiddos.  My child loves Legos.  He can't wait until we take a day trip to the Lego store located a couple of hours away.  Maybe your daughter is in to American Girl dolls and she wants to go to an American Girl store.  You'll be surprised that it doesn't take a lot to please your little one.  Sometimes it takes just a few dollars and a day trip to make a memory that they'll be braggin' about to their friends. 

The best thing to do is to sit down with your family and see what's on everyone's mind.  Take your kids interests and your budget to come up with a plan to please everyone and make a fabulous memory.  For example, my oldest would like to go to Legoland.  I don't think we will be able to afford that this summer but we may get to go to the Lego Discovery Center which is closer to home and less expensive.  Think about when you were a kid, what are your fondest memories?  Mine are those spent with my Grandma, and they didn't cost a thing.  And the trips we took, I remember the car rides to our destination the most...not the amusement park souvenirs.  When they grow up, they'll remember the experience - not what you spent on it.



I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25.  For more information on how your can participate, please click here.