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Photo: P. Wilder
Family time away from home doesn’t have to mean costly entertainment. In any economy frugality makes sense, and it also means these outings can be enjoyed more often.
Whether you are on a budget as a single parent, couple, grandparent, or simply like saving money, here are some ideas for fun, free, or low-cost “day-cations” in North Carolina.
- There are 40 state parks located from the mountains to the coast. A few charge entrance fees (like Grandfather Mountain and Chimney Rock Park), but most have free hiking and picnic areas, and all of the parks are open year-round.
- Children’s Museums are scattered throughout NC, and many like Greensboro Children’s Museum and Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem offer designated Friday evenings as family nights and the admission charge drops to $3.00. Contact the individual museums to inquire about their special-pricing dates and times.
- 46 scenic by-ways in NC take you on lazy drives through some of NC's most beautiful areas from the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Pick a drive closest to you, gas up the car, turn off the radio, iPods, DVD players, and pack a picnic. Pick up a car game book or make up your own games.
- Most cities in NC have Parks and Recreation Departments that have detailed information about trails, lakes, activities, and events that are often free. Go online to your city’s site and plan your next family fun day without having to leave town.
- People who live in the Piedmont of NC have a special advantage of being within a day’s drive of the beach or the mountains. Wake the kids early one Saturday or Sunday for a surprise trip to splash in the ocean, walk the boardwalk, or discover a new waterfall or vista.
In this world of flashy amusement parks, high-dollar entertainment, and technology overload, sometimes the simple things bring the lasting memories and give us time to bond with our families.
Further reading about budget trips and the importance of children getting outside:
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