Family Matters: Summer Staycations
Saturday, August 04, 2012
To beat the heat or get out of the rain
Bonus Activity: Have kids keep a log of all the venues you visit, listing their favorite thing they did or saw.
Mini-adventures close to home
Plan a hike with your kids. Start at the local nature center to gather maps of local trails. Central Massachusetts has a wealth of hiking and walking trails you can enjoy. These trails are free and open to the public and offer trails of different lengths and levels.Local parks also provide many places to explore. One of our favorite ways to explore nature is to go letterboxing or geocaching, activities that combines the elements of hiking and treasure hunting.
Bonus Activity 1: Make/Design your own letterbox.
Bonus Activity 2: Play backyard bingo
How to be tourists in your own state
Although kids may go on tours as part of a school field trip, you may be able to arrange a special outing for your family or for your playgroup friends to get a behind-the-scenes look at a local business. Call ahead to find out if the business is willing to give you a tour and make arrangements. Tours ideas include: fire stations, police stations,
Bonus Activity: Send a thank-you card. Have your kids draw, write, or include a picture of their favorite part of the tour.
Anisa Raoof is the publisher and founder of Kidoinfo, the parents' guide for Rhode Island and beyond.
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