So, you want to spend some quality time with the family but you don't have the cash, or vacation days, to go to the Caribbean. What to do? Well, here are some summer activities for the family that don't require a whole lot cash or time.
The Race Track
Most race tracks in the country have "family days" during the summer, which means discounted admission. Also, at most tracks, kids younger than 17 get in for free. You're already saving money!
Nowadays, most race tracks are like a traditional sporting arena mixed with a county fair. There's good food. There's music. There's souvenirs. There's a chance at winning some serious money. The kids will have a blast looking at all the horses and cheering on their pick.
Who knows? You might even win enough money to put in your Hawaii fund.
Baseball Stadiums
Baseball, like barbecuing, is an inherent part of summer in the U.S.A. A day at the ballpark is a perfect weekend getaway for the family. Prices at major league parks are sky rocketing, but that doesn't mean you can't take the family to see a game.
There are minor league teams all over the country. There's a good chance that a minor league team is located near you. The level of play might be lower than a major league team, but the experience is pretty much the same.
The prices are significantly lower, too. You can find decent seats for $20 or less, which would never happen at a major league park.
National and State Parks
Teddy Roosevelt didn't campaign for national parks just so you could ignore them. A lot of people forget that the United States has an incredible network of national and state parks. There's sure to be a few in your home state.
Parks offer a variety of activities for families including: camping, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Plus, they're the best place to get some fresh air, exercise and family time.
Historic Sights and Museums
Much like national and state parks, people forget that they're around. Everyone knows about museums such as The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, but there are plenty of kitschy museums off the beaten track.
For instance, you could visit the Clown Hall of Fame in Baraboo, Wisconsin, Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, Idaho or The American Precision Museum in Windsor, Vermont. If those options don't grab you, you could visit a historical site such a Civil War battlefield.
Historic sights and museums are great getaway options because the kids can learn something while the family relaxes. Don't tell them that, though.
The Beach
No article about summer getaways is complete with out mentioning the beach. To experience the beach, it's not essential that you go to the ocean. You can go to a local lake or even a river.
You just need to slather on some sunscreen, pack a picnic basket and get down to a body of water.
Burk Krohe - I recently graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in magazine journalism and a minor in sociology. In the past I have ...
