Low Cost Family Fun Trips

Family day trips are a great alternative to the traditional one or two week summer vacations. Families can go on their own schedule to many interesting and fun places that are inexpensive or even free.

State parks are a good place to get out of doors all year long. They offer activities for the whole family. In Wisconsin a free booklet has age group activities parents and grandparents can do with children such as nature activities, scavenger hunts, games, hikes and crafts. Children as young as age three have the opportunity to earn state Explorer Patches.

Most states have a vehicle sticker fee for the day, or an annual fee which is a better bargain if you use the parks four or five times a year. Each state sets their own fees. There may be extra user fees for specific activities. Do a computer search typing in your state name followed by state parks. Is there a fee for hiking or biking though the park if you do not bring your vehicle?

Other search words for outdoor nature activities in your state are; nature preserves, nature centers, marshes, wildlife areas and discovery centers. Do the same search in bordering states if you live close enough for a day trip. Some states also have Audubon Centers which focuses on everything having to do with birds.

Most of the places on the list, whether or not they are under the management of the Department of Natural Resources, have their own unique activities for children. They may be offered daily, weekly or randomly though out the summer. All of them are geared toward nature education such as, Kids Birding Basics, How Flowers Grow, Raising Fish, and Kids Basic Tree ID where it is noted, participants should bring a tee shirt for leaf printing. Contact the place you would like to visit if you have any questions about the program and any associated fees.

Most state parks have at least one volunteer day during the summer to help fix trails. If you have older children it would be fun and educational to be a part of physically caring for these great state resources beyond paying taxes for their upkeep.

If you like fresh fruits and vegetables search your state for, Pick Your Own Fruit. You will find orchards in your state where you can pick your own fruit and farms that allow you to pick vegetables. Most of them charge by the pound although it can vary. Find out what they charge before you start picking.

Each state has unique features such as caves, deserts, mountains, everglades, glacier lakes, moraines or sand dunes. Take advantage of your states beautiful natural resources and spend a family day exploring them. If your children have questions you cannot answer, write them down and tell them you will find the answer together when you get home. Not all learning experiences have to be planned.

On trip day make sure everyone eats a big breakfast. Pack a large picnic basket including beverages and snacks. Being outside all day seems to bring out big appetites, or maybe the food just tastes better on a picnic especially in natural surroundings.

Even if you have been in a park all day, allow time for free play before heading home. There is always another day to enjoy another part of your state.