This promises to be one of the most challenging summers for Grandboomers when it comes to vacationing with their grandchildren. With the state of the economy, the volatile financial markets, the high cost of gasoline, food and other staples, taking the grandchildren on vacation this year probably poses a challenge.
Grandboomers recommends you continue to spend vacation time with the grandchildren, but look for opportunities closer to home. Here are some of ideas:
Outdoors
If camping is something you like to do, there may be a wooded state or community park near you that allows overnight camping. Look into the need for a permit and pitch your tent in a "wilderness" that's close to home. If the park is within a reasonable distance from your home, you might add a hike into the plan by backpacking everything you need and walking from your home to the tent site. If you know other grandparents who want to save some money this summer, see if they want to join your expedition and you can form your own camping group.
Check your local community for pools and other outdoor facilities. Many communities offer special programs free or at a discount to residents. The same is true of YMCAs, YWCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs and other such organizations. If there's a lake in your area, boating and swimming may be available there.
Visit a farm. Even if you live in the city, there's probably a farm within an hour of your residence. Today, many are open to the public and give your grandchildren the chance to see livestock up close and personal. Hayrides and other farm activities are usually offered at nominal cost. Perhaps it's an agricultural farm where they can learn where they can see how vegetables and grains are cultivated and grown.
Visit a city. If you live in the suburbs of a large city, take the grandchildren into the city. Even a day of just walking around provides good exercise and lots of sights to see. Remember, take the bus or other public transportation from your home and save on parking and gasoline. Before you go, check online or with the city for a listing of events. Many are free.
Take me out to the ballgame. There's nothing like an afternoon or evening at the ballpark and minor league or semi-pro teams provide all the excitement of a major league game at a small fraction of the cost of the big leagues.
Indoors
Grandboomers has discovered a gem of a recommendation for you. Chances are you live reasonable close to a college or university. Grandboomers has had excellent success getting on the email lists of local schools for programs they offer that are open to the public. These are not academic programs (which also also may be available), but they are free or discounted events on campus that range from live entertainment including plays and groups, to art shows, craft fairs and more.
If it's too hot to be outside, check with local movie theaters and see if they are offering any summer packages that discount the cost for grandparents with grandchildren.
Contact your local library. If it's anything like the one near me, they have a wealth of summer programs that keep kids (and you) cool while you have fun.
That gives you some ideas for starters. Don't forget about having a barbeque in your own backyard. Let the children help, but remember all the cautions regarding hot grills.
If you have any ideas we can add to these suggestions, send them along to letters@grandboomers.com and have a great summer with the grandchildren.
© 2012 Created by Myles Bristowe.
