It’s easy to get caught up in planning an extravagant family trip and forget what’s important: quality time with loved ones.
You don’t need to spend copious amounts of money or travel far to have a great time with your family. Whether you have the travel bug or desire quality family time, a day trip could be just what you need.
Want to plan a cost-friendly day trip? Here are five ideas the whole family will love.
1. Outdoor Adventures
Fun outdoor activities exist no matter where you live. Look up local and state parks that you could explore. Hiking or simply enjoying nature can fill up an entire day. Botanical gardens are also fun because you’ll see a lot of greenery you don’t typically observe in everyday spaces.
Depending on where you live, you could also drive to a nearby beach. The beach is a great activity for families because there’s something for everyone. Mom might want to work on her tan while Dad goes boogie boarding, and the kids can build sand castles. Pack lunch for everyone and you have yourself an entire day of fun planned.
Local parks are also great for families with kids. Find a park that you’ve never been to before to make the day special. Make sure it’s a park with lots of climbing, a metal swing set, and plenty more to keep kids occupied. The best part? Spending a day at a park won’t cost you a dime, but it’ll mean the world to a little one.
2. Cultural and Educational Outings
If your family’s idea of fun is learning and discovery, make a day of it. There are so many different cultural and educational outings to explore. Visit a museum or historical site in your city. Local zoos and wildlife centers are great daytime activities that are both fun and educational.
Search for discounts or half-day passes to make a cultural or educational experience more affordable. They often give discounts for large groups or special members-only discounts. Most museums offer discounted admission for children, seniors, students, and veterans. Also, consider packing your own food (if the site allows it).
If you’re visiting a historical site, many national parks and landmarks are free to visit. Think about what a tourist would do in your city — why not partake in those same activities? You might learn something new or even find it exciting. National parks get updated every so often. And if you haven’t visited in a while, you may have forgotten just how special these landmarks are.
3. Trips Packed With Fun and Games
Some families need a thrilling, action-packed day to have fun. Whether you and your family are thrill-seekers or simply enjoy staying busy, there’s no shortage of options. Amusement parks, arcades, bowling alleys, batting cages, and golf entertainment venues are just a few things your family might love.
Many families travel long distances to visit theme parks. Research whether any big theme parks are within driving distance. While a ticket to the park may seem expensive, you’ll save on travel expenses by just taking a day trip. Look up promo codes and coupons to make your day even more affordable. Also, pack your own snacks and water bottles.
If a theme park doesn’t sound fun but your family enjoys action and competitiveness, opt for an activity outing. An afternoon of bowling or mini golf might make for loads of family fun. Look for a place with multiple activities to keep your family busy all day. For example, some mini golf courses also have batting cages, go-karts, and other attractions.
4. Make Your Own Fun – DIY Ideas
Still unsure what to do? Make your own fun. Look for unique local spots and events in your area to get out and enjoy. Many cities have self-guided walking tours or scenic drives. Once you find these hidden gems, they can make for perfect destinations on your “do it yourself” day trip.
Self-guided driving or walking tours typically tell you where to start and give you a few other pointers. From there, the tour is what you make of it. Choose to enjoy the scenery, or, you can learn about the city’s history as you hit different stops.
Packing a picnic basket and scoping out a scenic lunch spot adds to the fun. Aside from buying food and refreshments, this is a no-cost excursion that’ll bring you together for quality family time. There are likely more pretty landscapes than you realize in your city, you just have to find them.
5. Explore Unfamiliar Neighborhoods
If nothing sounds new, exciting, or fun, explore an unfamiliar neighborhood. You never know what you’ll find. If you’re with your family and determined to have a great day, you’ll find a way to have fun.
When you go looking for fun in your own backyard, there are various ways to go about it. You could get in the car and just start driving. Use your GPS to see what’s nearby and get a general idea of where you want to go. You can also use social networking sites to check out what others recommend in your city.
On the other hand, there’s an app for everything — even for finding local things to do. From popular events to everyday activities or events based on your mood, it’s all available at your fingertips. To find local entertainment using apps, first determine what sounds fun. From there, you can find an app that suits your needs.
At the end of the day, it’s who you’re with that makes a trip special. You don’t need to spend a fortune for your family to get away. Affordable day trips can be as fun and memorable as a big vacation. Once the whole family is on board with an idea, you’ll be on your way.
