How to Enjoy a Staycation With the Kids – Five Quick Tips for Finding Local Entertainment

You have a vacation from work but not enough extra money to travel to a great vacation destination...or do you? The family budget is tighter than a tick on the dog, but there are many low cost ways to enjoy a vacation while staying near home. Taking short day trips can be a great way to create fun family memories while saving on accommodations. Pack a picnic lunch and you can also forgo expensive restaurant bills.

Here are five tips for finding local spots for entertaining the kids near home:

Find Fun Family Activities Near Home © Katrena

1. Ask friends/family members who live nearby. 

This is a great place to start because they often know your interests and may be able to give you the inside scoop on a nice variety of day trip ideas in the local vicinity. Many folks live within a few miles of a park, museum, ball field, or other recreational opportunity. Some of my friends may remark that they have never been to a place featured in one of my articles that is a short distance from their home.

Find Fun Local Places and Activities at Chamber of Commerce © Katrena

2. Check out your local Chamber of Commerce. 

Many counties, cities, and towns offer free services at the Chamber of Commerce. They often feature a calendar of events in the community and surrounding areas. Many have online services. I also like to visit the Chamber of Commerce in person and find brochures with coupons. Some offer free maps – I realize most folks have GPS now, but some maps include information about recreational activities.

Free Kids Activities at the Local Library © Katrena

3. Visit your local library. 

Many libraries offer free programs for the kids throughout the year. We have enjoyed a wonderful mix of activities at our library, such as Mad Science, animals, music, meet the author, magic shows, story time, and much more. Future library funding may be tied to number of participants, and it would be a real shame to lose resources simply because people were unaware of the great wealth of free programs offered at the public libraries. Libraries also offer books, videos, music, online resources, and much more.

Fun Outdoor and Indoor Activities at Local Parks and Recreation © Katrena

4. Look at your local Parks and Recreation Program. 

Many people look at the parks and recreation program only as a way to sign the kids up for sports. Local parks and recreation give the family a great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery and time together. It doesn't have to be fancy. Pack a Frisbee, athletic shoes, and a picnic lunch. You might also find classes and other interesting activities through these programs. If you haven't visited a local park in recent years, you may be surprised to find new resources awaiting!

5. Find your local Smart Start program. 

In my early years of raising kids, I avoided Smart Start. I thought it was another program altogether. Finally, someone clued me in on the wonderful resources at the Smart Start office that are available to local families with young children. Our office offers a great toy library where you can check out a themed box of toys. The kids play with the toys for a couple of weeks, and then we return the box and search for another one. They also have many other resources. This is where I signed my kids up for Dolly Pardon's Imagination Library, a program where the kids younger than 5 receive a book in the mail each month.

Equipped with these five resources, you can quickly transform a boring TV-watching staycation into an amazing time of family fun and adventure. By utilizing local resources, you may help your community to keep adding more opportunities for future generations while creating fun family memories to enjoy together without busting the pig.

Find more of Katrena's travel ideas and reviews at Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids.

Boomerang Bay at Carowinds – Fun for Kids of All Ages

Boomerang Bay Water Activities at Carowinds © Katrena

Boomerang Bay is a fun water park area in Carowinds, an amusement park nestled on the borders of North Carolina and South Carolina just off I-77. When I was a child, I remember when the water park at Carowinds first opened. They had a wave pool and people would suntan on the roof of a large building over there. At that time, they charged an extra fee to get into the water park, so I would simply look at this part of the park from some of the highest hills of the Thunder Road roller coaster in those early years.

Wading Pool and Splash Pad at Carowinds © Katrena

Several years back, Carowinds made the decision to include the water park free with admission to the park, but I tended to gravitate toward all the awesome coasters they offer and would usually skip the water areas. Now that I have kids of my own, we tend to split the day between land rides and water fun at Boomerang Bay.

See Thunder Road from Boomerang Bay © Katrena

The water park at Carowinds has shorter hours than the rest of the park. Check the Carowinds official web site for specific hours for Carowinds and Boomerang Bay because they change depending on the day and month. They do provide life jackets for free use while in the water park. Although people are no longer allowed on any roof, lots of chairs are positioned around swimming and water play areas for those who wish to take in the rays or simply sit down and rest for a few minutes. Large umbrellas are in some areas for those who wish to stay in the shade.

Lazy River Water Ride at Carowinds © Katrena

Boomerang Bay is a great place to cool off and relax, particularly if the kids are getting hot and grumpy. Our kids are ages 10, 8 and 4, and each of them found something that they particularly enjoyed in the water park. We let them take the helm on deciding what to do, and it was interesting to see how each child picked activities that tended to showcase her own personality.

How to Have Fun in the Water Park at Carowinds © Katrena

Tips for Enjoying Boomerang Bay with the Kids

• If you wish to avoid crowds, try visiting on a Tuesday or when it is cloudy (they do close water attractions if lightening is in the area).
• Changing buildings toward the back and side of the water park may be less crowded.
• Bring your own sunscreen and reapply as needed.
• Sandals or flip flops are very helpful when the concrete walking areas get hot.
• It helps to have more than one adult in the group if you have several children of different ages and interests, but there are quite a few fun activities that the family can enjoy together in the water park.

Below are some of our family's favorite activities at Boomerang Bay:

Fun Water Activities for Kids at Carowinds © Katrena

Kangaroo Lagoon and Wallaby Wharf

Kangaroo Lagoon and Wallaby Wharf are wading pools that have splash pad activities stationed in shallow water. All three of our girls loved this area. I believe the one in the back with the mushrooms is supposed to be designed for smaller kids, but all of my girls liked the one with the small slide and lots of different water sprayers. They do have areas where the kids can simply play in the shallow water without getting sprayed.

Kiddie Water Slide (Platypus Plunge) at Carowinds © Katrena

Platypus Plunge

Platypus Plunge is a kiddie water slide that offers tubes that an adult can ride in the back with a little one up front or kids between a height range can ride by themselves. All of my girls rode this one over and over. Even my 4-year-old was giggling all the way down. They have a lifeguard stationed at the top and bottom to help the kids get positioned and riding safely.

Water Playground (Jackaroo Landing) at Carowinds © Katrena

Jackaroo Landing

Jackaroo Landing is a big playground filled with water sprayers. A huge bucket fills and then will tip over onto a roof every so often. Many of the kids will station themselves so that they can enjoy the bucket's huge splash. Others may avoid that splash area at all costs! They do have a small water slide in this play area – this one tends to splash a bit more than the Platypus Lunge.

Relaxing Water Activities in North Carolina and South Carolina © Katrena

Crocodile Run

My oldest particularly enjoyed Crocodile Run, a relaxing and rather quiet water area. It is set up like a lazy river ride where you ride a water ring around a large circle. They do have a couple of spots where water will spray you from the sides and as you go under a bridge. I did not see any way to avoid the spraying, so you might want to walk to the bridge and look at the sprayers to determine whether or not the kids are ready for that surprise if you have little ones that might not like to get sprayed.

Best Water Slides in South Carolina and North Carolina © Katrena

Pipeline Peak

If you have kids that are all about adventure, head for the water slides near the back at Pipeline Peak. My 8-year-old was absolutely determined to try the biggest water slide Carowinds offers. The line on the right takes visitors all the way to the top of the tower, and riders do not use tubes. This is the one that drew my child. Be prepared for a climb, but there is a nice view from that tower. The guy at the top mentioned that the black slide on the left was his favorite. This water slide is very fast and dark. A few tiny lights are located in the slide, but for the most part, you have no idea which direction you will turn and water tends to splash in your face as you careen to the bottom. This is a water slide for thrill seekers. Yep, my 8-year-old is definitely a thrill seeker and was ready to go again as soon as she made it to the bottom.

Tips for Going to Carowinds Water Park With Kids © Katrena

Other Water Slides

Carowinds also offers a nice variety of smaller water slides for those who want a thrill but are not quite ready for the biggest and fastest water slide in the back. Down Under Thunder offers huge tubes that the whole family may be able to ride together. The line on the left of Pipeline Peak only goes about halfway up the tower and two riders can ride one tube, but it is still a pretty intense ride for some folks. Awesome Aussie Twisters and Sydney Sidewinder offer shorter water slides near the front of the water park that you might want to try first before tackling the larger slides at the back.

Wave Pools at Carowinds © Katrena

Wave Pools

Carowinds now offers two wave pools. A warning buzzer sounds before the waves begin. The one in the front has shorter, choppier waves while the one in the back features larger waves. They do have zero entry areas where the water is shallow. Smaller kids and non-swimmers need to wear life jackets in these swimming areas.

Boomerang Bay, a water park near the back of Carowinds, has a nice variety of water activities for all ages. Even the walkways feature sprayers and misters for folks who simply want to cool off.

If you are purchasing a season pass, you might want to check out the 2013 Carowinds Bring a Friend Dates article. The Carowinds official site has directions, current prices, and hours of operation. Readers may also enjoy finding practical tips for visiting Carowinds with the kids. Visit Love 2 Travel with Kids and Travel NC With Kids for more of Katrena's articles.

Carowinds – Practical Tips for Enjoying NC/SC Amusement Park with the Kids

How to Enjoy Carowinds With Kids © Katrena

Carowinds, a Cedar Fair amusement park located off I-77 at the North Carolina and South Carolina border, is an amazing and fun destination for families with kids. Carowinds has been entertaining folks since 1973.

Aerial View of Nighthawk (Borg) Roller Coaster at Carowinds © Tim

I remember visiting Carowinds in its early days when we could get discount tickets for $9.00 from my dad's employer. I recall standing in a huge line after the Carolina Cyclone roller coaster was first built and riding it nine times in one day. I have seen the park grow as I became an adult and now my own children also enjoy the thrills at this amusement park.

Lucy's Crabby Cabbie - Roller Coaster for Small Kids at Carowinds © Katrena

Tips Before Visiting Carowinds with Kids

I have found that I can save quite a bit of money and headaches by packing carefully when going to Carowinds. Here are a few items that I found most helpful:

• Tickets (you can skip a line and save money purchasing ahead of time – some employers offer discounts and the Carowinds web site offers special deals and discounts as well)
• Umbrella stroller (I tend to park mine in the stroller stroller parking area under the Carousel while the family is in Planet Snoopy)
• Diaper bag with plenty of diapers/wipes and a change of clothes
• Swimming suits and towels if planning to visit Boomerang Bay
• Sunscreen
• Cell phone (it is helpful for each adult to have a cell phone if planning to separate so that different aged kids can enjoy different rides)
• Comfortable shoes and clothes
• Rain ponchos (some rides and the water attractions will close if lightening is in the area – we took our chances even though storms were forecast and enjoyed a great eight hours at the park)
• Snacks and meals (you have the option to get everyone's hand stamped to re-enter the park if you wish to pack a cooler and save money on food by eating outside the park – ensure that you keep your ticket stubs in case the hand stamp rubs off!)
• Camera (lots of photo opportunities await - the characters will simply wave if the little ones are too scared to get close)

Lots of Fun Rides for Smaller Kids in Planet Snoopy at Carowinds © Katrena

Carowinds now offers many more rides that the smaller kids can ride, and most of them are located in Planet Snoopy. The Carowinds web site gives lots of details, including height restrictions on each ride, so it can be very helpful to do a bit of homework so that the kids will know what rides will be available as choices before entering the park. Planning the visit can add to the fun as the family can explore the web site together and decide which rides and areas will be priorities and verify park hours before setting a date.

Enjoy Shorter Lines at Carowinds on Tuesdays or When Rain is in Forecast © Katrena

I particularly like to visit Carowinds on a Tuesday. The lines for the rides tend to be much shorter. We last visited the park on a Tuesday, and there were many times when the ride operators would allow folks to ride more than once without getting off if no one was waiting for the seat. They will even run the rides with very few people on them during slow times as you can see from the photo above.

Flying Ace Aerial Chase at Carowinds © Katrena

Crocodile Run Lazy River Water Ride at Carowinds © Katrena

Tips While Visiting Carowinds with Kids

If you have kids of various ages, it is quite helpful to have more than one adult or a teenager along if you have children of mixed ages. Some of the smallest rides have maximum height restrictions while bigger rides often have a minimum height requirement or may require an older rider to accompany a child within a certain height range. The whole family might be able to enjoy a few attractions together, such as:

• Carolina Skytower (you can get some great aerial pictures!)
• Character Carousel (each horse has a name printed on the side – the horses on the inside do not go up and down)
• Snoopy's Junction (I remember seeing an albino squirrel while riding the train a few years back)
• Woodstock's Whirlybirds (I believe the limit is three on each helicopter)
• Flying Ace Balloon Race (this ride may make some people a bit nauseous)
• Kangaroo Lagoon & Wallaby Wharf (these water slides will appeal to the daredevils in the family)
• Jackaroo Landing (the water slide may scare some of the smaller kids in the water playground, but an adult can ride the Platypus Plunge water slide with a child – my 4-year-old particularly liked that small water slide)
• Crocodile Run (there are a few areas where water will spray you on the lazy river water area)

See Intimidator Roller Coaster While Riding Joe Cool Car at Carowinds © Katrena

After entering the front gate, kids can be measured and provided with an armband that is color coded and has their maximum height range listed – this can save time at the rides because the kids won't need to be measured before each ride, particularly if they are borderline on height. It can be helpful to pick up a brochure in this area that contains a map, show times, and height restrictions.

Pipeline Peak Water Slides at Carowinds © Katrena

My daring 8-year-old daughter wanted to try even the biggest of all the rides but was not quite tall enough. I mentioned that she could look forward to trying those thrills on a future trip. Height is measured with bare feet in the water area. My 8-year-old was delighted to be able to ride even the biggest water slides in the Boomerang Bay. You can easily spend a day at Carowinds and not even make it all the way around the park (which was the case with us) – yep, it is that big, so choose your plan carefully, especially if you are visiting on a crowded day.

Character Carousel at Carwinds © Katrena

Since my kids are small, we tend to turn left after entering the gate and head for Planet Snoopy. Carowinds has an air conditioned building behind the carousel for diaper changing, and the restrooms inside are available for kids aged 10 and younger. These did not have automatic flush, which can be helpful for some kids. Private areas for breast feeding are also located at this location.

Eat Lunch by Waterfalls at Carowinds © Katrena

My favorite location for eating at Carowinds is a cute and rather peaceful area beside a waterfall. If you head toward the bridge near the Snoopy Vs. Red Baron airplanes and make a right just as you are exiting Planet Snoopy, you can find this nice seating area. A mother duck and her two ducklings kept everyone entertained as we ate our lunch.

Great Splash Pad and Wading Pool at Carowinds © Katrena

If the kids are getting hot and cranky, it can be quite helpful to watch a show in an air conditioned building (these are generally in the afternoon and may be on the far side of the park, so plan ahead). Another great way to cool off is to play in the water at Boomerang Bay (opens about an hour after the regular park and closes before the rest of the park). The lifeguards are very attentive in the water park. I remember when visitors had to pay an extra fee to enter the water park – this area is now free with admission and offers a wide range of water-themed rides, play areas, and opportunities for swimming.

Carolina Skytower at Carowinds © Katrena

Family Fun at Carowinds

Visiting Carowinds can provide great fun for the whole family. My kids had a blast at this amusement park and would love to go back over and over again! Many of the staff members went out of their way to make everyone's visit to Carowinds special and upbeat, including a staff member named Haydon (picture below), who entertained visitors during a long thunderstorm. I hope you find my tips to be helpful.

Visit the official Carowinds web site for directions, hours, and loads of information about the park.  Readers may also wish to read Favorite Family Rides at Carowinds – Top 5 Picks. Check out my Carowinds 2013 Dates and What's New article too. Find more of Katrena's articles at the Love 2 Travel With Kids site map. Find lots more articles at the Travel NC With Kids site to find more kid-friendly travel ideas and tips in North Carolina.

How to Enjoy Carowinds With Kids © Katrena

Super Simple Travel Games for Kids: Silly Guided Tour!

Fun and Easy Travel Game for Kids © Katrena

Traveling with children can be quite a challenge when they are bored and you are far from your destination. Actually, any amount of remaining miles can be challenging when backseat whining begins. This can be a great time to start a guided tour. The game requires nothing other than an imagination.

How to Keep the Kids Happy on a Road Trip - Photo by Sten Porse at Wikimedia Commons

I love to start the silly guided tour as the kids are getting in the car, but you can always pick up midstream if necessary. As everyone is buckling up, you might start with "Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the world famous Cavalier Couch guided tour. My name is Rainbow Ruth and I will be your guide today. Please ensure that your seat belts are fastened securely. In case of emergency, exits are located to your right and left. Smoking, whining, and sudden screaming because you just saw a bug in the window are strictly prohibited. Once again, welcome, and we hope you enjoy your tour and please ensure that the car comes to a full and complete stop before unbuckling your seat belt." Now you'll have their attention.

Silly Guided Tour Travel Game - Photo by pdimages.com at Wikimedia Commons

You really don't have to know the area, but if you do, throw in some real life facts for the sake of education. Be creative! You might be traveling through Skunk Valley, Buzzard Boulevard, Moonshine Meadow, or Possum Crossing. Have the kids look in lots of different directions as you point out these amazing places. Maybe you will decide to pass a world-famous pothole, created by a falling asteroid that looked like a huge purple pumpkin or perhaps you'll see a chocolate factory that has been visited by tons of actors and royal families.

Simple and Fun Travel Game © Katrena

Make it wild, wacky, silly, and funny. Accents work well for getting farther into character while going more miles down the road. If you begin to run out of ideas, you can always mention that it is now time for intermission where the patrons can try their vocal cords on their favorite song. Try handing the tour over to one of the kids and let them have at it if you need to focus more closely on directions in unfamiliar areas. They will likely have some very creative ideas to share.

How to Make Vacation Travel Time More Fun © Katrena

My kids tend to be laughing before we get out of the driveway when I start a silly guided tour. This game has endless possibilities and can work for any length of trip. Everybody who smiles, giggles, or laughs wins!

I hope you have great results with this simple game. Find more creative travel games and articles about traveling with kids at the Love 2 Travel With Kids site map.

Super Simple Travel Games for Kids: Punchbug!

Games to Play in the Car - Photo by Entheta at Wikimedia Commons

I rarely ever go anywhere without at least one child in the back seat. Usually I have three little girls behind me as we head for the hills, ride to the coast, or simply run errands. Traveling with kids can create many great memories, but it helps to have some game ideas as you go. Cranky kids aren't much fun when traveling, but simple games can often help the miles go by much quicker!

Punchbug! is one of the simplest travel games ever invented. I remember playing this game with my grandmother while riding around the southwestern corner of Virginia in the Appalachian Mountains. I also played with my siblings. Every once in a while, I actually won because I would watch for those Volkswagen Bugs like a hawk.

Find VW Bug on Road Trips - photo by Adrian Pingstone at Wikimedia Commons

How to Play Punchbug!

1. Make sure the kids can recognize a Volkswagen Beetle (also known as a VW Bug).
2. The first person to see a VW Beetle calls out "Punchbug!" (10 points each, 50 points for red).
3. Other players cannot receive points for the same vehicle on that trip.
4. The player with the most points wins.

Of course, you can create many variations on this game. On St. Patrick's Day we decided that green Beetles would be worth 100 points. Orange or black ones might be worth more on Halloween. You might even pick a different 50-point color each trip.

Travel Game for Kids - Photo by Sven Storbeck at Wikimedia Commons

You might want to give extra points for convertibles, ones with dogs in them, other colors, etc. Points can start over with each trip, or you might want to keep adding points for a certain number of days. Make the game however simple or elaborate you wish – the kids may come up with some great ideas for added bonus points with this game.

VW Beetle Game - Photo by bukk at Wikimedia Commons

When I first taught my daughters this game, it took them a while to be able to recognize a VW Beetle, but now even the 4-year-old is getting pretty good at recognizing them too. She especially loves to find the bright yellow one that a friend drives to the Y.

I'll give you fair warning – once you start playing this game, you might just have a continuous game going every time you travel in the car!

Fun and Easy Travel Game - photo by Lars-Göran Lindgren at Wikimedia Commons

I hope you enjoy this super simple travel game that is kid-friendly. Find more of my articles at the Love 2 Travel With Kids site map.

Hunting Island State Park in SC – Great Family Vacation!

Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina © Katrena

South Carolina's Hunting Island State Park, near Fripp Island, Port Royal, and Beaufort, offers a great opportunity to camp at the beach for a reasonable price. My family has camped at Hunting Island several times, and this is one of our favorite vacation destinations.

Camp at the Beach in SC © Katrena

Camp at the Beach

One of the greatest assets at Hunting Island is the location. You can actually see the beach from some campsites, while others are a short walk from the shore. Loggerhead turtles typically come to this beach to lay their eggs, and a large number of volunteers help protect the natural beauty and natural habitat of this gem on the South Carolina coast.

Camp at the Beach with the Kids © Katrena

My kids have loved playing in the sand and going out and playing in the surf at Hunting Island. I would highly recommend wearing sandals or flip flops when going to the beach because the sand can get pretty hot on the dry spots. I've seen people of all ages fly kites, walk dogs, look for seashells or sand dollars or sharks' teeth, or simply enjoy the vast beauty of the ocean and Hunting Island State Park.

Learn About Wildlife at Hunting Island © Katrena

Outdoor and Indoor Educational Programs

The teacher in me loves all of the educational opportunities at Hunting Island. Campers have free entry into the state park that has a nature center where you can learn more about the lighthouse on the island and you might even catch a glimpse of the resident alligator.

Learn About Environment at Hunting Island © Katrena

You not only get a chance to learn about the lighthouse, but visitors may also climb to the top of it. They do have height restrictions (at least 44 inches), but those with smaller children can still walk into the lighthouse and look up to see the staircase majestically winding around the tower.

Hunting Island Lighthouse © Katrena

They offer quite a few hands-on learning opportunities while walking through the woods or on the beach. Groups can learn about marine wildlife while taking a walk on the beach or saltwater marsh and land wildlife while walking in the woods or at the boardwalk. Programs might focus on animal tracks or habitats, seashell identification, protecting the environment, nautical communication, tying knots, etc.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Other Wildlife at Hunting Island © Katrena

The park office by the fishing pier offers a nice variety of educational displays, some of which are interactive. My kids particularly liked seeing the baby loggerheads that were rescued and viewing the large collection of shark teeth.

Explore Saltwater Marsh at Hunting Island © Katrena

Many of the educational programs are free or offered at a small fee. A few require pre-registration.

Active Play at Hunting Island State Park © Katrena

Great Variety of Family-friendly Activities

The girls and I love to hop on bikes and ride around the campground. Other campers tend to be quite friendly, and many of them bring their dogs. My girls are particularly fond of the playground because my two youngest learned how to go across the monkey bars there.

Deer at Hunting Island © Katrena

Times near dawn and dusk often give you the opportunity to see deer that like to visit many of the campsites. Fishing, kayaking, and boating are popular activities at or near the park. I would highly recommend mosquito repellant and sunscreen for outdoor activities.

Playground in Beaufort SC © Katrena

Wardle Family YMCA Splash Pad © Katrena

Beaufort is about 30 minutes away, and they have two nice playgrounds, informative tours of the town, and a famous candy store called The Chocolate Tree. The Wardle Family YMCA in Port Royal has a splash pad with a wading pool that my kids loved.

Campsites at Hunting Island State Park © Katrena

Nice Campsites

We walked around the campground trying to determine favorite sites that we might pick for the next vacation. I ended up listing so many sites that I gave up! The vast majority of them are shaded with plenty of room. The campground also has quite a few bathhouses. The raccoons love to feast on any food that is left out at night, even if the food is in a cooler, so ensure that your food is properly stored before dark!

The SC state parks web site is quite thorough and gives detailed information about what each site has to offer. If you have a particular site in mind, you would be wise to make reservations many months ahead of time because the campground does tend to fill up quickly.

Fun Things to do at Hunting Island © Katrena

Overall, I would highly recommend Hunting Island State Park if you enjoy camping and the beach. Even those who prefer to camp in the woods will likely enjoy this campground because the sites in loop 6 in particular are wooded and many are quite spacious. Several primitive campsites are also available in more deeply wooded areas. They offer a wide variety of kid-friendly indoor and outdoor activities and the natural beauty is amazing.

Find more of my travel-related articles at the Love 2 Travel With Kids site map.