Painting Rocks and Vacationing on the Cheap

So, we went on a vacation last week to Sleeping Bear National Park. It was awesome to get away and have some fun. We were VERY aware of our budget and we tried to get clever when it came to saving money while on the road. Here are a few things we tried.

We were taking the Ferry across Lake Michigan. There was a friends and family special earlier this spring, so we made sure to purchase early and get in on the 10% discount. The Ferry was pretty pricey but it would save us quite a lot of time in the car and be a great experience for our little guy. Always check for travel discounts!

First of all we made sure the tires on our car were full and at the right pressure. We wanted make sure we got the best MPR that we can get. There are lots of tips on line for getting the best mileage (with all the driving we do…we should really look into every tip and trick!)

Next up, we brought lots of veggies and cooking basics from home. We knew that we would be responsible for a couple of meals for the group that we were traveling with. I tried to make sauces, snacks and the basics for several meals.  We wanted to eat as many meals that we make ourselves as possible.
 
We brought arts and crafts supplies from home. One of my favorite tricks from my camp counselor days is painting rocks. Now, I understand that painting rocks does not sound thrilling, but it is really a fun activity for 3-10 year olds. First we go for a hike to find several rocks to paint. Then we hunker down in a shady spot outside and paint with kid friendly, washable paints. Then, when they are dry, leave them down the path way to the beach. You will be surprised at how everyone wants to join in.

Find the best deal for your state park or national park stickers and find fun activities that are included in your pass. There are many activities, events and even ways for kids to earn badges. The park that we went to has a great Jr. Park Ranger program with activities that encourage learning in a really fun way. You can check out events online or even call a head so you don’t miss a great (free) event.

Skip the gift shop. It is so hard for kids to understand that they cannot have everything in the shop. If you don’t know about it, you don’t want it. Avoid taking them to the candy shop/fudge parlor/T-shirt shop/arcade/toy shop/etc. as best you can.  Imagine your favorite shop…all the things you love the best…and then be told you can’t have any of it. Now amplify that times 10, with a messed up sleep schedule and being overstimulated – THAT is how your kid feels when you tell them they can’t have the candy/toy/t-shirt/stuffed animal/etc. It’s hard to be a kid sometimes!

The one item that we did buy was a kids book – it was about the local story of The Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. We had every one who was traveling with us write in the book and make a little note to Max about the trip. We read the book as a group and shared stories about the legend.

The final cheap-skate travel tip is to make your own souvenirs. You can bring your own t-shirts and make iron on/fabric paint shirts. You can make photo frames with items from nature and insert pix from your trip. You can bring home painted rocks or found ‘treasures’ like feathers or shells.

Or just make a lot of great memories that you can keep forever. 
 

Comments

[Cheryl T.]

Just jotted down the painting rocks idea for our next trip with the kiddos! Thanks!