Got Small Kids or Teenagers? Spend Less on Spring Break This Year

This is looking to be a gorgeous spring already. If your bills have you stressed but you’ve promised your family some quality experiences on spring break, no need to panic. There is always an outdoor nature trail waiting to be explored, or a museum with online discounts available you’ve never visited.

Free, family friendly ideas during school breaks are pretty much endless this time of year.

Got Small Kids? Create Your Own Staycation Adventure in Illinois

There’s no reason to jetset anywhere with little ones in tow – especially if you’re trying to save money! Small children usually enjoy simple activities best anyway. Start with a list of activities you can do in the afternoon or morning, like visiting local zoos, aquariums, or their favorite playgrounds. Then make notes next to each such as whether there are free days or best times to visit.

Many Illinois cities have free or inexpensive options that appeal to adults, as well. When was the last time you headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago or the Brookfield Zoo just outside the city’s borders? While you’re at it, take a peek at the Chicago Children’s Museum website – which often has discounts – for exhibits and activities that might be fun.

Creative DIY Tip: Create a homemade passport

• Print out pictures of each person’s favorite travel destination.
• Have each child tell you about cultural facts they listed on their passport.
• Find a way to bring exotic places to you. For example, talk to your kids about local cuisine in their chosen country. Make tacos together or teach them about tapas.

Families with Teenagers: Explore Locally or Create a Budget-Friendly Road Trip

Planning teen-friendly activities doesn’t have to be that much harder. You may need to set budget limitations for that one kid who is always pushing for pricier options. Start by giving yourself a dollar amount for the week. Then plan an agenda with daily activities. Discuss with the family some nearby possibilities:

• Together, plan a short road trip to a nearby destination that offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Make sure your title, registration and stickers are up to date!
• Give your teen a prepaid debit card that allows them to rent a bike or enjoy a tour on their own.
• Include hiking or exploring a state park like Starved Rock or Matthiessen State Park.
• Research intriguing nearby historic or natural landmarks together.
• Consider going camping overnight if the weather permits.
• See who can find free guided tours and other free or low-cost activities online.

Host a Low-Cost Spring Break Challenge

Do certain family members thrive on competition? Set up a series of challenges or competitions at home. Clearly, this shouldn’t be a nightmare for the parent by involving expensive planning or too much cleaning up. Keep it simple, like a DIY obstacle course or sports competition in the backyard.

Want to teach your kids new skills? How about a cooking challenge, where each family member creates a dish on a set budget? Never underestimate the power of motivation. Teenagers can be very creative, and many love taking on leadership roles. Doing so allows them to plan and organize events – all while learning smart financial skills that will come in handy later on.

Fun, money-saving tip: Find out what you can do using what you already have at home for supplies. Consider creating decorations from items in your junk drawer or pulling out old costumes for a themed dinner.

Save Time Using Convenient Financial Services at Nearby Currency Exchange

Family fun can take place anywhere, but losing track of your expenses while on break is never enjoyable. Check out the many financial services that can help keep family spending in line at a local Community Currency Exchanges (CCEA). They include auto-related tasks like renewing your plates that are easy to overlook and result in tickets or fines.

Don’t overspend on spring break! Check us out online, or head to the closest CCEA location and see our smart financial services in action!