Halloween weekend is just a few days away. I've already booked us up with activities.
With so many free activities to do in our area on the east coast of Florida, there is no way I'm sitting home. I already know I'm in competition with my son's obsession with ClubPenguin, a children's web site featuring penguins, which also is holding an online Halloween party. Staying home means watching him play on the computer for hours.
No, thank you.
The activities have already begun, with free events at Michael's Crafts to make and take masks and other art projects during the week. Trick-or-treating at the mall, Halloween parades and costume contests by the city recreation department, and harvest festivals at local churches also are scheduled this weekend.
"You know, he doesn't have to do everything," my husband remarked this morning as I was rattling off the list of activities for the weekend.
"I know," I responded. But inside I was thinking, "Yes, he does. If he wants to." He only will be little for a few more years. By the time he becomes a teenager, he won't want to do these fun, free events. Besides, most of these activities are outside, where he can have fun AND get some fresh air away from the computer.
And most of these activities are free, or low cost. I only spent $1 on his headless man costume, finding most everything else at the house.
Most cities in Florida are planning Halloween parades or costume contests on Saturday. Check with your city or local newspaper for time and location. Churches are a great place to find Harvest festivals with free bounce houses, candy giveaways and games.
You don't have to spend a lot of money at these events. But you will create a lot of warm memories.
Happy Daytripping! And Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Go Florida daytripping or do real work -- my dilemma this weekend
I love daytripping. And with work and my children's school, I don't have a whole lot of time to go Florida exploring during the week. So Saturday is my only day to really play.
If I had my way, I would not stay home at all on the weekends. I would always be on the go, whether playing close to home or visiting other areas in Florida. I've lived here about 20 years and I'm embarrassed to say I haven't seen the entire state yet. I've never been to the Keys or seen the caverns in the Panhandle. They are both on my to-do list.
But, being a grown-up, I also have to listen to my adult conscience and remember that someone still has to clean the house and do the shopping. And, with active children, weekends also mean soccer games or birthday parties.
That is my situation this weekend. I think I'm grounded. I have tons of errands that I have been putting off. I should clean the entire house and rid myself of mega-clutter. I really need to have a garage sale, perhaps to make money so I can go visiting Florida next weekend or during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Because, seriously, I would much rather spend my money on a great getaway than on any thing that is only going to take up space in my house.
I've decided to get my children involved in the yard sale. I've given them each two boxes and told them they must fill them with items from their room they want to sell -- of course, I have to approve those items. I wouldn't want someone to get the idea of selling his school uniforms or school books. On the yard sale day, the child will get his own little spot in which to set up his "stand." Whatever the child sells from his spot, he gets to keep the money.
I figure this will give my children part ownership and buy-in of this yard sale, as well as keep them out of my hair for most of the sale.
Those of you who are lucky enough to get out this weekend -- have a great time for me. I'll be dreaming of my next escape as I barter with strangers over my junk.
Happy Daytripping!
If I had my way, I would not stay home at all on the weekends. I would always be on the go, whether playing close to home or visiting other areas in Florida. I've lived here about 20 years and I'm embarrassed to say I haven't seen the entire state yet. I've never been to the Keys or seen the caverns in the Panhandle. They are both on my to-do list.
But, being a grown-up, I also have to listen to my adult conscience and remember that someone still has to clean the house and do the shopping. And, with active children, weekends also mean soccer games or birthday parties.
That is my situation this weekend. I think I'm grounded. I have tons of errands that I have been putting off. I should clean the entire house and rid myself of mega-clutter. I really need to have a garage sale, perhaps to make money so I can go visiting Florida next weekend or during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Because, seriously, I would much rather spend my money on a great getaway than on any thing that is only going to take up space in my house.
I've decided to get my children involved in the yard sale. I've given them each two boxes and told them they must fill them with items from their room they want to sell -- of course, I have to approve those items. I wouldn't want someone to get the idea of selling his school uniforms or school books. On the yard sale day, the child will get his own little spot in which to set up his "stand." Whatever the child sells from his spot, he gets to keep the money.
I figure this will give my children part ownership and buy-in of this yard sale, as well as keep them out of my hair for most of the sale.
Those of you who are lucky enough to get out this weekend -- have a great time for me. I'll be dreaming of my next escape as I barter with strangers over my junk.
Happy Daytripping!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Free Biketoberfest events in Daytona Beach Oct. 15-17
I'm not a biker. I've never even been on a motorcycle.
But Biketoberfest this weekend in Daytona Beach is offering a lot of free entertainment and fun, which makes me feel a little adventurous. For those people who are bikers, you may want to check out some of these events and activities.
Here is the complete schedule. Among the highlights, free admission to the Daytona 500 Experience and free demo rides at the Daytona International Speedway. Free admission to activities at the Wing House of Daytona Beach.
The events last from Oct. 15 through Oct. 17. Daytona is only about an hour away from Orlando, but that's driving in a car. I don't know what the motorcycle riding time is.
Happy Daytripping -- and if you are going to Biketoberfest, stay safe!
But Biketoberfest this weekend in Daytona Beach is offering a lot of free entertainment and fun, which makes me feel a little adventurous. For those people who are bikers, you may want to check out some of these events and activities.
Here is the complete schedule. Among the highlights, free admission to the Daytona 500 Experience and free demo rides at the Daytona International Speedway. Free admission to activities at the Wing House of Daytona Beach.
The events last from Oct. 15 through Oct. 17. Daytona is only about an hour away from Orlando, but that's driving in a car. I don't know what the motorcycle riding time is.
Happy Daytripping -- and if you are going to Biketoberfest, stay safe!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Four days and night free jazz and art activities in Clearwater this weekend
Jazz lovers will enjoy this idea: Four days and nights of free jazz entertainment at the annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Oct. 14-17.
The event coincides with the Clearwater Jazz N Art Walk on Saturday and Sunday, featuring an aart show and kids' activities.
I'm not into jazz, but I do like the idea of free music. Pack a lunch and you've got a great daytrip weekend without spending a lot of money.
The event coincides with the Clearwater Jazz N Art Walk on Saturday and Sunday, featuring an aart show and kids' activities.
I'm not into jazz, but I do like the idea of free music. Pack a lunch and you've got a great daytrip weekend without spending a lot of money.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Orlando Science Center has $5 admission on Saturday
Admission to the Orlando Science Center is $5 on Saturday, part of the center's special Greenovations event. Read about the event, which features kid's activities, speakers, exhibits and seminars here.
The Orlando Science Center is filled with hands-on activities and exhibits for children and offers incredible films on a giant screen. General admission usually is about $17 for adults, so Saturday's special price, sponsored by Wal-Mart, is really a bargain.
Saturday's hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Orlando Science Center is filled with hands-on activities and exhibits for children and offers incredible films on a giant screen. General admission usually is about $17 for adults, so Saturday's special price, sponsored by Wal-Mart, is really a bargain.
Saturday's hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Ghost hunting in Florida is a free daytrip and chance to make memories
October in Florida means the arrival of exciting Halloween events, such as a Boo at the Zoo at every zoo in the state, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween at Disney and Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. I've been to most of these events -- actually went to the first HHN when it cost less than $20 for tickets -- and they are great. But these days paying $50 to $75 for one night of Halloween fun just isn't in the family budget.
These things weren't in the budget for my family when I was a child in North Carolina. But my dad, the king of the cheap daytrip, found a way to make October and Halloween exciting. One Saturday night, he loaded us all into the car. As we drove, he told us the legend of a man killed by a train and who came back searching for his head along the railroad tracks. He said some people had seen his ghost or the lantern light shining in the dark -- and did we want to see if it was true? I'm not sure exactly where in North Carolina this was, but as young pre-teens, we were game for anything.
My dad took us to the railroad tracks and for the next hour we strained to see something, anything and took turns saying "Shh" or "What was that?" or "Is that him?" Truth be told, we didn't see any ghost or anything. But, we created a memory that stays strong some 25 years later.
Florida is another state rich with ghost stories and tales of hauntings. Many of the places rumored to be haunted are free to get into and open to the public. This site lists places throughout the state -- as of 2009 -- that have a legend or spooky tale.
Spook Hill in Lake Wales also is a free tourist attraction. Cars appear to drive uphill!
So keep your money to those high-priced Halloween events. Visit a real -- or rumored to be real -- haunted place for some real thrills and adventure. Just be careful and don't go by yourself, especially if you're visiting a cemetery. The spirits that inhabit woods and cemeteries could be real.
Happy haunting and daytripping!
These things weren't in the budget for my family when I was a child in North Carolina. But my dad, the king of the cheap daytrip, found a way to make October and Halloween exciting. One Saturday night, he loaded us all into the car. As we drove, he told us the legend of a man killed by a train and who came back searching for his head along the railroad tracks. He said some people had seen his ghost or the lantern light shining in the dark -- and did we want to see if it was true? I'm not sure exactly where in North Carolina this was, but as young pre-teens, we were game for anything.
My dad took us to the railroad tracks and for the next hour we strained to see something, anything and took turns saying "Shh" or "What was that?" or "Is that him?" Truth be told, we didn't see any ghost or anything. But, we created a memory that stays strong some 25 years later.
Florida is another state rich with ghost stories and tales of hauntings. Many of the places rumored to be haunted are free to get into and open to the public. This site lists places throughout the state -- as of 2009 -- that have a legend or spooky tale.
Spook Hill in Lake Wales also is a free tourist attraction. Cars appear to drive uphill!
So keep your money to those high-priced Halloween events. Visit a real -- or rumored to be real -- haunted place for some real thrills and adventure. Just be careful and don't go by yourself, especially if you're visiting a cemetery. The spirits that inhabit woods and cemeteries could be real.
Happy haunting and daytripping!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Looking for some easy, inexpensive ideas for this weekend? Here are some ideas
The weekend is coming up, and the weatherman predicts cooler temperatures. Or, at least, cooler temperatures for Florida. That means time to get outside for some free family fun!
Here are some ideas that have free admission:
The Youth Jamboree in Indian River County on Oct. 9 advertises free games, hay rides a karaoke contest and other fun for kids at the Indian River County Fairgrounds in Vero Beach.
The Lake County Folk Festival is happening Oct. 9 and 10 in Eustis and features arts, crafts, children's activities and games. Kids can make their own musical instruments!
Celebration Oktoberfest in Celebration -- near Orlando -- features free entertainment, hayrides and nightly falling leaves. The event is Friday and Saturday. Leaves fall at 7, 8 and 9 p.m.
What's great about these activities is that they go all day from about 10 or 11 a.m. and continue to about 9 p.m. That means you can run your errands or attend the soccer games and then head to some fun later in the day.
If anyone attends the Celebration Oktoberfest, send me some pictures of the falling leaves. It sounds cool!
Here are some ideas that have free admission:
The Youth Jamboree in Indian River County on Oct. 9 advertises free games, hay rides a karaoke contest and other fun for kids at the Indian River County Fairgrounds in Vero Beach.
The Lake County Folk Festival is happening Oct. 9 and 10 in Eustis and features arts, crafts, children's activities and games. Kids can make their own musical instruments!
Celebration Oktoberfest in Celebration -- near Orlando -- features free entertainment, hayrides and nightly falling leaves. The event is Friday and Saturday. Leaves fall at 7, 8 and 9 p.m.
What's great about these activities is that they go all day from about 10 or 11 a.m. and continue to about 9 p.m. That means you can run your errands or attend the soccer games and then head to some fun later in the day.
If anyone attends the Celebration Oktoberfest, send me some pictures of the falling leaves. It sounds cool!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Fall festivals make for great cheap Florida day trips
I love this time of year. Many cities, counties and non-profits sponsor fall festivals and street parties to welcome October. And while October in Florida often doesn't seem much different than September or even June, attending a free fall festival helps you pretend for just a little bit that the seasons could possibly change in the Sunshine State.
Here are a few free events to consider attending this weekend:
Stuckeyfest: I've never been to this before, but just the name sounds really interesting. Here is the info from the Lake County website:
Stuckeyfest is a free event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 2231 Taylor St., Mascotte. Family games such as Jello Jiggs, a parade at 4 p.m. and a block party from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Autumn in the Park: Twenty-third annual Artwork and crafts festival. The number of vendors and crafters often varies at this event, but there is usually a lot of different artists to make meandering around the event, sponsored by the Treasure Coast Pilot Club, worthwhile.
Autumn in the Park is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Riveside Park, Vero Beach.
Family Days: Carnival, parade, entertainment, bounce houses, games, crafts and community expo continuing through Sunday in Port Orange. Most of Family Days activities are free, except for the carnival rides.
Here are a few free events to consider attending this weekend:
Stuckeyfest: I've never been to this before, but just the name sounds really interesting. Here is the info from the Lake County website:
Stuckeyfest is a free event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 2231 Taylor St., Mascotte. Family games such as Jello Jiggs, a parade at 4 p.m. and a block party from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Autumn in the Park: Twenty-third annual Artwork and crafts festival. The number of vendors and crafters often varies at this event, but there is usually a lot of different artists to make meandering around the event, sponsored by the Treasure Coast Pilot Club, worthwhile.
Autumn in the Park is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Riveside Park, Vero Beach.
Family Days: Carnival, parade, entertainment, bounce houses, games, crafts and community expo continuing through Sunday in Port Orange. Most of Family Days activities are free, except for the carnival rides.
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