Now Is the Time to Plan Some Family Outings
Family outings don't have to be costly to be fun
Family outings are a great gift to give to your family. You don't need a special occasion -- just pick a weekend or weeknight when you have no other plans, and get going. Or pick a day in advance, and don't book anything else on it. Experts tell us families need to slow down, turn off the electronic devices, and spend time together. A family outing is a perfect way to reconnect.
Picnic
Family outings don't have to be costly. Simple and inexpensive are important to most families these days. So pack a picnic dinner and some sports equipment (gloves, balls, Frisbees) and head to the nearest park. If you have some orange driveway cones, grab those and a kickball for a lively game of dodgeball. Get to know all of your local parks -- some may offer more adventurous family activities such as rowboat rental, shark tooth hunting, or fishing.
America's favorite pastime
Forget the expense of a trip to a major league ballpark, where the ticket price combined with concessions, parking, and gas fees render it less family friendly than it used to be. Instead, look for the minor league stadiums in your state. Look at local colleges, universities, and high schools as another source of local sporting events where the expense is minimal and the fun factor is high.
Theater
High schools and colleges are also a great place to find local theater presentations. Typically, there's one play a season and its run is short. My son's first grade class recently had a field trip to watch the high school's production of Cinderella. Not only were the kids mesmerized, but I'm still not sure who was more thrilled when the lead actor gave him an autograph -- my son or the high schooler. Community theater groups are another way to support your local arts.
Thrills and chills
If you've got a family of thrill seekers, plan a day to a local amusement park, explore a public cave, or go white water rafting. If you've got a bird fan, like I do, look to see if you have any bird sanctuaries in your state. Visit these places during migration (spring and autumn) to spot the most varieties of birds. History is all around us -- visit local museums that explain the history of your town or county, or look for wacky museums that showcase fun things like rocks, trains, or candy.
At this point, your head is full of ideas for family outings for any day of the week. Get going, and have fun!