In these tough economic times, many families are giving up the traditional summer vacation to save money. Taking a road trip has become an expensive proposition with high gas prices and airline ticket prices can be downright hostile for families trying to make ends meet. That’s where the permanence cation comes in. It is an inexpensive alternative that solves the problem of spending quality fun time with your children without the high cost and hassle of traveling.

What exactly is a permanence cation?

My personal definition would be a period of time when your regular routine is temporarily suspended so that you can focus on having fun with your family. Kids really just want to spend time with you. They don’t necessarily care if that happens in a theme park or in their backyard. Full-blown travel vacations can be exhausting and overly stimulating for kids who often yearn for equality (you know what I’m talking about, you’ve read the same storybook to Joey 132 times and counting).

Explore and do things you wouldn’t normally do. Take the time to really see the best places your city has to offer. Your local tourist office or chamber of commerce can help pinpoint the most popular or overlooked places to visit. There are often cultural gems under your nose that you have forgotten. Try to think like a tourist. What would you like to see if you were only here for a week or two? “Mom, remember that time we got dressed and went to the Star Wars Convention. It was amazing!”

Some fun and easy ideas for stay-in-the-cation activities might include:

1. Focus on one topic. Imagine that you go to another country or state. Head to Hawaii for the day by renting a video on how to learn to Hula dance, decorate with fake tropical flowers from a party store, and wear Hawaiian print shirts all day. Try a backyard camping trip. Set up the tent, cook all your meals outside, and play Frisbee and other outdoor games.

2. Try a family project. Perhaps finding the best ice cream within a 50 mile radius would be the ticket. Have your children research and make a list of all the local ice cream parlors, and find and mark them on a map. Take a notebook with you when you visit each location, so everyone can jot down their favorite flavors and stores. Then you can vote in your first three places.

3. Get to know new destinations and activities.

• Museums and parks often have free events throughout the year. Everything from music programs, children’s art, and hands-on science exhibits can be fun and educational to start with.
• Public libraries often offer stories, arts and crafts, children’s music shows, and perhaps a puppet show.
• Don’t overlook local colleges. Community events and sports happen all the time at colleges. Go see what’s happening on campus.
• Community festivals are held throughout the year throughout the country. Maybe something is happening at your neck of the forest. They could focus on all kinds of things like Chilean cooking competitions, Blues music, Lavender and one of my favorites, Skijoring (being pulled on snow skis behind a galloping horse through an obstacle course – yes , people actually sign up to do this).

The family is alive and well. Your “trip” can be for a weekend or a few weeks. Get out into your town or even just your backyard and explore. Happy trails!