Ok, so if taking a trip is out of the question- gas is too high, money's too short and everyone is frazzled- then think of what you can do for SUPER CHEAP!

1. Backyard Camping.
All you need: Sunny D, PBR, hot dogs, marshmallows and some good old fashioned ghost stories.

What to do:  BORROW everything, inlcuding a fire pit...if you don't have one. Set up in the yard. If you can't find a tent, you can rent one @ EMS.


2. Ferry Rides.
The kids are bored? Find the nearest ferry, drive or walk on and take a boatride across the lake, river, whatever. Kids love ferries. Ferries are cheap! Ferries rule. lol


3. Subway Rides.
Live outside a major city? Get the kids fired up for a subway ride. Park outside the city, travel from the park & ride into a major park, get a cheap meal or ice cream and ride home. Good times!


4. Boat Rides.
Get out there on Lake Winnepesauke or Champlain. Ride the Mount Washington. Have a shirley temple and cruise around, rain or shine! The kids don't care, mix it up!


5. Donut Picnics.
Wow, I figured out why "donut picnics" were a popular choice for me as a kid. I grew up with 5 kids in my family during a recession...hmmmm...creative points there! Anyway, get a a blanket, an activity like yahtzee or a book, stop at dunkin donuts. Get a dozen and spend the afternoon sugared up by the river's edge.


HAVE FUN!