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Wrap Up an Adventure!
By: Melissa Alcorn
Sure, everyone loves the penultimate family trip to Disney. But there are hundreds of adventures to be had just around the corner. All it takes is a little creativity and a spirit of adventure.
We recently asked the incredible community of Macaroni Kid Publishers to share a few memory-making ideas and before you head out to the store for one more toy, consider wrapping up one of these great gifts.
- Ever try Geocatching? Sam McDade Wray of Colorado suggests this outdoor treasure hunt that uses GPS to find (and hide) geocaches all over the world. Kamlyn Jurgensen agrees, "using your smartphone, it's a cheap, easy, fun scavenger hunt pretty much anytime."
- Camping, especially at the beach, is a favorite for the Rosenthal family of Camarillo, California. Kids will love sleeping under the stars and searching for natural treasures like cool rocks, shells, and little critters.
- Get grandma and grandpa into the act, suggests Laura Miller of Appleton, Wisconsin. Jammies, big meals with family, playing with cousins and more can make for a special treat.
- Take a hike, says Rebecca Babineau of New Bedford, Massachusetts.
- Find a local production of a holiday musical, suggests Kelly Pramberger of Springfield, Massachusetts, and make it an event! Get all dressed up, go out for dinner before and hot cocoa after.
- Get out of town, says Vincenza Keenan of Waynesville, North Carolina. "Checking out museums, parks, campsites, even a few towns away can feel like an adventure!" But Angie Appoo of Snellville, Georgia says you don't even need to leave town! "Plan a day seeing all the local sites you take for granted." To spice it up a bit, Jill Lynch of Cincinnati, Ohio suggests planning a highest and lowest adventure: "see if you can get to the top floor of the tallest building in town or the basement of a building in town," she explains.
- Diane Kehm of Kitsap, Washington loves to include annual zoo memberships in her holiday gift giving. Many zoo and museum memberships have reciprocal agreements with zoos and museums in other areas to offer discounts when you travel, adds Melissa Hucal of Peoria, Illinois.
- Cindy Lopez of Austin, Texas suggests creating a scavenger hunt of local sights. Your kids can learn a little bit of history about your area, and you might even find a great new hidden gem in your community.
- "Check out local resorts and hotels for holiday events," says Susie Belvins. Many host fun activities that are open to the public.
We'd LOVE to hear your ideas for inexpensive family adventures. Leave a comment below, letting us know what experiences you'll be putting under the tree this holiday season.
Comments
1) Lauren said:
Would be wonderful to be able to bring my daughter to meet her favorite person...Mickey Mouse!
2) Tracey Hively said:
Haven't had a vacation since my daughter was 7 months old. . .she is now 3. I had another baby and neck surgery that took away any chance of a vacation :( i could really use one!!
3) Crystal said:
This is Fantastic!! I have a blended family of 5 and with my Spouse laid off...we did not take a Vacation. My children have never been to Disney or the Beach. So glad for things like this to be offered! We would Love to Win this Family Getaway!! Now this is what I want for Christmas! God Bless!
4) JoM said:
We will be giving our kids season passes to our local water park. We went on the last day of school last year and the park was empty. Had it all to ourselves and go to go on almost every ride!
5) Ashley and Anthony Patterson said:
Would love to win a family vacation for my family of 3 to Disney. My daughter asks about going and she is 7 and My husband and I want to take her but we know so much about free stuff and doing inexpensive things. We have never had a family vacation as my husband is a 911 Dispatcher and works most weekends and holidays. We take road trips to DC, ride the Metro, go to the park, create art projects at home, anything inexpensive.
6) Holly Wilkins said:
I would have to say just getting out of the normal day to day is all I want... but this would be even better....
7) JENNIFER POHM said:
We just moved to Arizona this past summer, so we have explored the area by participating in free family events and going to the zoo and museums.
8) Susan H. said:
This won't be under our tree this year, but it is a super idea! This year for my son's birthday we went on a zip line tour on Camano Island in Washington state. It was amazing! A little scary at first (for me), but thrilling! We all had a wonderful time and it was a great experience to share.
9) Joanne said:
ever since I was young I wanted to go to the Thanksgiving parade in NYCity. Not sure if it will ever happen but would love to take grandchildren. I love parades and this is the parade to end all parades.
10) Stacy Hellenthal said:
My boys, 4 and 6 jut asked this year to go. I never thought I would have the desire to go, but just recently they have asked and now I am seriously thinking Christmas would be opportune as my hubby is a teacher and it would be best time for him to get off!
Have your say
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