Summer Vacation on a Budget

 Julia the Crazy Mom is here! While schools are winding down and the kiddos are being let out for summer, I would like to reflect on the past 2 years! Most kids and parents have been stuck together indoors. Without a true summer vacation and stuck with the limitations of a COVID world, what can we do as parents to make this one of the best summer vacations for our kiddos?

While food and gas prices are at their all-time high, there are a lot of different resources out there that can be utilized to help ease the burden. If your children are anything like mine, they live in the pool all summer long. It can literally be 60 degrees and windy outside and they are still ready to jump in the pool. Go check out your local parks and recreation websites to see if they offer free or reduced pool passes and swim lessons. I wait every year for my local parks and rec to offer theirs, it saves me about $500 a summer, which is an amazing saving.

                Another thing to look out for is schools offering free summer lunches to grade school students and high schoolers. Many school districts have been awarded grants for their USDA food programs. These meals are available to all students no matter what the parent’s income is. So, look out for this benefit, it can save you a bunch of money especially if you have a van full of kids hauling to the pool. 😊

                 Let’s talk about Groupon! This site is amazing for family vacations. If you live in the PNW there is a magical place called Great Wolf Lodge. I was able to book a 2-night 6-person pass for less than $500. Now, yes this sounds pricey, but if you take 2 families and split it down the middle that is just $250 for a family of 3. Not bad to have unlimited water park time and a hotel for 2 nights. There are many other deals that are offered on Groupon. Like trampoline parks, water parks, and much more. Oh yeah don’t forget about yourself Momma, check out those amazing spa deals Groupon offers as well. And for those dads out there grab a Groupon to go detail your car.

                Some other things to check out are our local music in the park. Most of the time music in the park concerts are free. Check out the links below for concerts in the park in Portland, Hood River, and The Dalles. The Portland Zoo offers Zoo concerts, and they begin in July. Adult (12 & up) general admission is $24 per person, Children (2-11) are $19, and Infants under 2 years old are free.

Another thing to check out would be local farmer's markets. My daughter and I attended our local farmer's market on Saturday. It was so much fun, we signed her up for a free $2 token that she can use to buy fruit, vegetables, or a plant. She opted for a jalapeno plant, and she is so excited to grow some chiles for her dad. Children 12 and under can sign up at our local The Dalles farmers market on Saturday from 9am to 1pm. It is free and what an amazing program to get our kiddos eating fruits and veggies, or to learn how to tend their own garden. So check to see if your local city has a farmers market or downtown Tuesday night market.

The last thing you can check out would be local hikes. If you live in the PNW you know how amazing some of our hikes are. I personally live in the Columbia River Gorge, and we are blessed to have some of the most amazing hikes with waterfalls and views around. Multnomah Falls is a beautiful place to take the kids this time of year. Just be careful with all the tourist who is visiting from around the world. Other than that, the hike is amazing, and the waterfall is so magnificent. If you are not local and would love to take the kiddos hiking, I have had good luck Googling, “Kid easy hikes [your location]”. Most forestry sites in whatever state or area have different difficulty levels listed and they will have information about snakes or other things you should be aware of. Lastly, be sure to mark your calendar with free fishing days. There are days that your children can go fishing without a fishing license. The Forestry Department usually hosts 2 days a season for families who would like to fish. So, why not fish for free and take home a free dinner.

                I could add so many ideas to this article, but I would probably take up the whole newsletter. If looking for more ideas visit my blog. However, this summer should be all about unmasked family time. However, do not forget to stay safe, and still social distance. Keeping your babies and yourself healthy is still a #1 priority for our country. I hope everyone has a wonderful beginning to their summer.

Links: Summer Free for All - Events | Portland.gov

Tickets | Oregon Zoo

Best 10 Kid Friendly Trails in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area | AllTrails

Fishing opportunities for youth | Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (myodfw.com)

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