Are you looking for ideas about what to do for the fall break this year? It will interest you to know that close to 50% of Americans prefer staycations and spending time exploring their own cities in place of traveling. Like the CNBC reports, several factors influence their decision. Some of them include the costs of taking a vacation, or family and work commitments. Then, there is the section of people who would prefer to avoid the stress of busy airports, scouting around and booking hotels, and working out itineraries. If you’re one of the 50% who prefers to stay home, know that your city probably has tons of family entertainment options you can try. Take a look at some of the best options.
1. Escape Rooms
First developed in Japan in the year 2005 as an indoor family entertainment option, adventure escape games have caught the fancy of people all over the world. Should you check for the escape room venues in your area, you might just come across a game appropriate for kids. Such games are a great way to have some family fun in a secure environment with themes that kids are familiar with and absolutely adore. For instance, take them to a room with the Harry Potter theme. You will be locked in the room with just 60 minutes to escape.
Before you enter, the game master will give you a short orientation where you will be told a story. Professor Dumbledore’s life is in danger. And, to rescue him you must find a specific object in the room you’re about to enter. But, you have just 60 minutes or it’s also the end of Hogwarts. You will have to unravel a set of clues to find the hidden object. If you’ve taken your kids for this family entertainment game, you can choose a low difficulty level. Though, the game master will be monitoring the activities in the room at all times and will give you hints to help you along if you get stuck.
2. Catch All the Movies You Want
In your day-to-day living, chances are that you never have the time to catch a movie. So, during this staycation, go ahead and watch all the movies you want. Did you know that according to WorldAtlas, the American Multi-Cinema (AMC) is the largest chain of movie theaters across the world? Having recently acquired other companies like the Odeon Cinemas, Carmike Cinemas, and UCI Cinemas, the chain now boasts of 661 halls across the country showing movies on 8,200 screens. Indulge in an afternoon of fun with loads of popcorn and tons of snacks and make this a memorable staycation for your family.
3. Visit an Amusement Park
It’s no secret that kids love amusement parks, but you will be surprised at the number of adults who openly admit that they enjoy spending time at one of these family entertainment venues. In fact, if you check around some of the dating advice sites on the internet, visiting a theme park on your date is one of the most interesting activities to indulge in. It might interest you to know that the most famous theme parks across the country are without a doubt, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. But, if you don’t have one close to where you live, you can also consider visiting some of the other parks that the kids are sure to love.
Some of the best options you can consider are the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment for viewing marine animals, Universal Studios Parks and Resorts, or Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. Aside from these avenues, your city might have its own zoo or theme park that is based on its historical background or some other attraction. Take your pick of the many family entertainment venues and enjoy your time with the kids.
4. Enjoy a Gastronomic Vacation
The exciting thing about having a staycation is that you can use the money you would have spent on traveling on other activities. Like, for instance, if you’ve always wanted to try the best food chains in the country, now is the time. Check out this feature on Forbes that gives you a list of the most famous restaurant chains that serve you some of the most amazing food ever. Begin with the Cheesecake Factory immortalized by The Big Bang Theory and go on to try all-time American favorites like the Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, and Red Lobster for seafood junkies. If steaks are your thing, you absolutely must try the Outback Steakhouse or the Longhorn Steakhouse.
5. Take Your Kids for a Picnic or Camping
This staycation, enforce a digital detox and tear your kids away from their video games, Play Stations, and tablets. Your city likely has lots of family entertainment venues that are outdoors in the fresh air. Plan a trip to the beach if you live close to the sea or a lake. A riverside destination also works just fine. Pack a picnic lunch and eat it out there on the grass. Play a few games or fly a kite. Now, here’s one outing that you can bring the family pet along for. Even if you can’t find a waterside location, a green park in the city could also be the perfect place to expose your kids to the outdoors. And, if you could plan a camping trip, that would be awesome.
This staycation, enjoy your time with the kids by choosing from the many family entertainment options in your city. You can use this time to bond with the kids in the comfort zone of your home without making an unnecessary dent in your pocket. All you need is a little imagination, and sometimes, camping in your backyard can also prove to be an exciting activity to do.
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