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.
