Staycation Ideas

Archive for January, 2010

Here are the statistics: Children from families that regularly dine together are more likely to stay out of trouble in their teen years. And, kids that participate in preparing their own food often make healthier food choices. So here’s the plan: you’re going to schedule a Family Cook Night.

How to Make it Happen

Get the whole family involved from the beginning by letting everyone help plan the menu. Try to honor everyone’s choices. You may end up with several menus—just use them for future dinners. Some suggestions for easy group projects include pasta with salad and fajitas with grilled veggies. Assign everyone a task—even small children can wash veggies and mix a salad. Be sure and supervise young helpers when they are using the stove or sharp utensils. As you prepare the meal together, enjoy what happens. Talk, tease, laugh and share your lives.

Additional Activities

1. Pick a new recipe and try to make it.
2. Attend a Farmers Market together
   
3. Go out to eat. Many family-friendly restaurants offer kids-eat-free nights. (visit MyKidsEatFree.com)

Here’s a winter staycation idea you can do with your kids.  If you haven’t been to an art museum since your grade school field trip, you owe it to yourself to go back. Museums are whole different experience as an adult. If you are taking kids, rest assured that modern museums are much more interactive and kid-friendly then they used to be. Plan a day to visit an art museum near you.

How to Make it Happen

Do an online search to find art museums and fine art institutes near you. Check for hours of operation as many museums are closed on some weekdays. You should also check to see if there is an admissions price. Some museums will simply ask for donations instead of charging an admission.

If you remember art museums as stuffy and uptight, you’ll be happy to know that museums have become more interactive. Many museums provide kid-friendly exhibits and activities, and some even devote entire wings to children. Museums are developing creative ways to get people “into art.”

You should also consider visiting a local gallery. Many of these host artist receptions and display special collections as part of their business. You just might find that great work of art you’ve been searching for.

Additional Activities

1. If your local art museum offers classes, consider taking one.
2. If you discover an artist you really like, do research and learn more about him or her.
3. Express yourself. Choose your medium and create your own art.