The children’s weeklong Spring break from school was fast approaching. We knew we did not want to spend too much on a vacation at this time, as we had recently participated in a weekend ski trip and had yet to plan for the summer break. New Jersey offers tons of incredible activities for children, and we were going to make plans with that in mind and check things off our bucket list.  I planned to stay away from work and focus my attention on wellness. 

Day 1

On Monday, they just wanted to laze around and absorb some extra screen-time, basking in the fact that they were allowed to use their electronics this week. Periodically they would take breaks and play in the yard. In the afternoon, we participated in a family swim at the local YMCA. In the evening, we started a game of Monopoly that lasted for a few days.  Cost $0 

Day 2

Tuesday, we had plans to play golf with friends. There was a new venue that I heard about, so I looked it up on the internet, and saw that they had availability on Tuesday, as a bonus their rates were half off. Unfortunately, I had ignored the voice in my head to book an appointment and when Tuesday rolled around there was no longer any availability for the time we wanted. What the heck!  Are you kidding me! There must be a glitch. The next time slot available was on Wednesday. I could feel the beat of my heart in my mouth, I had totally messed up our date. The kids would be so disappointed. 

I exercised the breathing technique I had been learning in my morning meditation, and decided to come up with a plan that would not derail our spending for the day, but still allow us to visit someplace new. 

Plan A. Visit the event space and see if they would take us as a walk-in – the website said that they would. 

Plan B. Look at alternative attractions in the area and see if any would be a viable option,

Upon arrival we were told that the wait to get a booth was 1 – 1 hr. 30 minutes. We waited in the lobby in front of the televisions and watched sports. The ambience in the place was great and I was happy to know we would get to play. In 45 minutes our bay was ready, and we settled down to a great game of golf and good eats. The weather was perfect at 60 degrees with clear blue skies. We had a blast playing for 2 hours, enjoying each other’s company. We split the bill. Cost $120 2 adults, 4 children and lunch. 

Day 3

Wednesday, I used my parenting network to arrange a meet up at the local park. The kids played for several hours. We offered ice pop, and some energy drinks to keep them refreshed while they improved on their basketball and socialization skills. Cost $10 for ice pops and other thirst quenchers for 6-10 children. 

Day 4

Thursday, with much creativity we loaded the bikes in the back of the SUV so that we could begin our adventure ride in the great outdoors. The kids decided on a bike trail, and I allowed them to lead the way. Their excitement of the freedom in the fresh air, brought them happiness and delight. Later in the evening, we had our family swim at the local YMCA. Cost $0 or rather the gas in the vehicle. 

Day 5

Friday was our movie night. We treated them to a movie at the theater, watching a family friendly flick which promised action, adventure and comedy. 3 Adults, 2 kids plus snacks, Cost $70

Total cost for our affordable staycation was under $200. We had a great time creating memories as a family at an affordable price and I did not allow myself to close-off to the opportunity because things did not appear to be going my way. I opened myself up, even with some amount of fear, to see how far I would go and what was on the other side. So often when a situation seems daunting, we are ready to give up. Helen Keller said it best, “ When one door of happiness closes, another opens.

Affordable Staycation vacation

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