Everyone knows that Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer. Therefore, our family had to celebrate! Of course, we were looking for something fun...yet free. The answer was so obvious it was literally sitting in our front yard. What did we do? We turned on the sprinkler and let loose!
I remember being a child and visiting my cousin, Amy, who lived next door. We had no gym memberships, no video games, no netflix. What did we do? We threw on our swimsuits with old shorts over them, hooked up the hose, and got drenched. And that summertime staple still provides endless laughter and hours of cool, refreshing enjoyment. In fact, the minute our son went jumping over the sprinkler, neighborhood children started popping out everywhere to join the fun in our yard. And as an adult, there is nothing that will make you feel more like a carefree child all over again then dodging the water sprays as they oscillate in the yard. Moreover, as a parent there is something so wonderful about seeing your child enjoy an activity you enjoyed at that same age. And the best part? That activity doesn't require a monthly fee or an admission price.
Our schools have just a little more than a week until summer vacation begins. Therefore, we are feverishly planning and researching all the possibilities for free, inexpensive, and cost efficient fun. Realize these are completely different categories. We are prioritizing what we would like to spend money on and where it isn't required. One idea our family is considering is a cost efficient idea. We love to visit Emerald Pointe Water Park in Greensboro. However, it is expensive. Between admission, parking, and food, we can easily blow more than $150.00 for our family of three. However, we know it is our son's wish to visit this park as his birthday present, so we will make it happen regardless. But we are doing our best to research options that will trim the costs for us.
One option is to purchase our tickets at the State Employees Credit Union, teachers association, or other vendors that offer tickets at a discounted price. (This is an option for families wanting to visit Carowinds, as well.) That will trim nearly $40 off our family's price. Another idea we are considering is purchasing a season pass and going at least three times. If we are committed to visiting at least twice, we will have paid for the pass. If we visit a third time, it's like a getting a free visit. Plus, they offer days throughout the summer season pass holders can bring a friend for free. Another option we will definitely use is to pack a cooler and not purchase food at the park. There is a location to check in and keep your cooler and eat at a picnic table at the waterpark. By utilizing this service, we will save a lot of money and won't have to be concerned with our family's food allergies. Nothing could ruin a day at the waterpark like an allergic reaction and visit to the hospital! And we all know that's not cheap, either!
Take some time to visit www.visitnc.org for ideas on how your family can enjoy our great state! It's a resource that I use quite often both for planning family time and for considering field trips in the years I have taught school.
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