What better way to spend time with the family and save a few extra bucks than a staycation? Skip the typical tourist destinations across town and follow these four tips to ensure you stay within a budget and keep the kids entertained - you’ll even have time to relax if you play your cards right.

1.       Plan Your Staycation with Another Family

Do you know another family with children around the same age as yours? Ask parents from groups and activities your kids participate in (sports, dance, school, etc.) to see what they are doing around the same time you plan on taking your staycation. “We did this last year and the kids loved it because they got to spend time with their friends and the adults got to take turn leading activities and taking breaks,” says Sheila James, Waterford Lakes mother of 7-year-old, Christopher.

2.       Let the Kids Figure Out the Budget

Sounds a little dangerous, no? “That’s what I thought at first,” says James. “But then I tried it and, boy, did it make a difference.” Instead of arguing over why you can’t go to mini-golfing, bowling and to a movie in one day, tell your kids exactly how much money is set aside for activities throughout the staycation. This way, they get to choose what activates are on the itinerary and learn about a budget as well.

3.       Take Turns Relaxing

Avoid the headaches that kids on vacation may present by taking turns relaxing with your significant other. Send one of you with the kids to a movie while the other heads for a massage. One parent hits the paintball field while another relaxes poolside. When you both want to go out, hire a babysitter while you enjoy a day together.

By taking turns, you’ll stay stress-free, and you’ll enjoy the time with just the two of you that much more. Remember: when you’re on your own without the kids, don’t use that time to check your e-mail or do chores - this is supposed to be a staycation for you, too.

4.       Document Your Memories

Just because you’re staying close to home, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be recording your memories. Take plenty of photos and video to laugh about in a few weeks or scrapbook. “My son loves looking at the pictures we took,” says James. “To him, fun is fun whether it’s on an island in the Bahamas or just down the road.”

There you have it, four tips to a fun-filled staycation with the family in East Orlando. Planning is part of the fun, so get your staycation started off right with a strong itinerary.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Article by Corey Gehrold