INDIANAPOLIS, June 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With the weather warming up, kids getting out of school and summer plans coming into focus, many families are planning 'staycations' in addition to traveling to see family and friends. Staycations allow a family to save money while spending more quality time together and helping their local economy.
"With many of us trying to cut back on expenses, the staycation trend has become very appealing and a great alternative to a conventional vacation," said Tim Massey, Regional President, BMO Harris Bank. "In planning for the summer, there are a number of suggestions we have to help people save for the family fun that typically begins this time of the year."
If you're thinking that a staycation might be just what the doctor ordered and are ready to make some plans, Massey offers you some great ideas.
Behind-the-scenes tours
Formal tours are available at company museums and factories, as well as at fire stations and police stations. But if parents ask nicely, they can also get their kids a tour of a movie theater projection room, the pinsetters at a bowling alley, or other places kids are curious about. Television stations, radio stations, and newspaper production facilities also offer tours. Don't forget to ask the manager at your local bank to show your kids around and tell them about how a bank works.
Museums
Art, science, children's, railroads, history … there are lots to choose from, and most have areas dedicated to kids. Being home to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, often billed as the largest children's museum in the world, makes taking the kids somewhere fun an easy choice. But there are many other museums in the area such as the President Benjamin Harrison Home or the Connor Prairie Interactive History Park in Fishers that make great inexpensive family outings close to home. A quick search of the Internet gives a long list of interesting museums to visit.
Scenic train rides
Ranging from about 30 minutes long to day trips, they can be a romantic idea for adults but they also often cater to kids. The Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connorsville offers a number of specialty rides include a Wild West themed ride with dinner, and for all things trains in Indiana, visit the Indiana Transportation Museum in Noblesville.
Nothing says summer like a day at the park
You don't have to go far to find a good park in Indiana. These parks offer playgrounds, shelters for large family gatherings, walking trails, or swimming pools. There are neighbourhood parks, city parks and state parks scattered throughout the state. Visit www.in.gov/dnr for lots of information about Indiana State parks. And don't forget to check your local parks for free summer concerts.
Take me out to the ballgame
The great American pastime is also a great summertime activity. The Indianapolis Indians offers tours and special pricing for children to attend the games. For information, contact the stadium directly or visit the Indianapolis Indians website.
Especially for adults
- Wine-tasting and winery tours
- Community theatre and touring Broadway productions
- Historic home tours
- Concerts - check out your local area for free summer concerts in nearby parks
- In-town Bed and Breakfasts
"To really make your staycation fun and enjoyable, plan it out, and make a budget. If you stick to your budget, you will be able to really take advantage of all the local activities your community offers," added Massey.
Learn more about planning a staycation at the Helpful Steps for Parents community website.
About BMO Harris Bank
Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 650 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank(SM) is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.
SOURCE BMO Harris Bank
Share this article