Enjoy Your Child's Vacation Without Breaking the Bank

For those of us not fortunate enough to be on a sunny island sipping on a tropical cocktail as the kids frolic in the waves, don’t despair.  Affordable options are abundant in Connecticut and some are right in your backyard. 

The Big Apple

Take a day trip to New York.  Jump on an early Metro-North Train and pay only $1.50 for a child’s ticket under 12. While purchasing your Metro-North ticket also buy your subway ticket.  Just hold onto your train ticket because the back is your Metro card. Jump on the subway right in Metro-North and head over to Battery Park for a tour of the Statue of Liberty.  Adult tickets are $20 while kids 4-12 are $12. Then head over to Carmines for a family style feast of great Italian food at affordable prices. 

The Ocean State is Right Nextdoor

What about the ocean state?  The Roger Williams Zoo can be a bit too chilly for this winter so why not head to Providence Place Mall for a day of entertainment that suits the whole family.  Check out a movie at Feinstein’s IMAX Theater or choose one of 16 offered at Cinema World Lincoln Mall 16.  After the movie, let the kids run wild at Dave and Busters where every Wednesday features half price games.  Let the kids choose from hundreds of games while mom and dad relax in the restaurant.  Oh, and don’t forget the shopping!  Nordstrom’s, Ann Taylor, Macys, The Loft and more are all right there.  

Birthplace of Basketball

Ever been to the birthplace of basketball?  Springfield, MA is just North of Hartford and houses The Basketball Hall of Fame.  Adults are $16.99 and kids 5-15 are $11.99. Spend the day learning about the history of basketball and over 300 inductees while participating in shooting contests and other interactive exhibits.   

Barbie and Star Wars Camp at Blend

Want to stay more local and save money on gas?  How about a weeklong Barbie and Star Wars Camp at Blend?  Boys and girls alike will enjoy the break from winter as they read, design and build take-home projects based on Star Wars and Barbie themes. Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for children three and up. Sign up for the week or on a daily basis at 203-887-2872 or www.blendforkids.com. 

Take-Out Trips

Don’t forget if you would like to do local day trip in Connecticut the and the both offer museum passes that can save you money on admission.  Pick up passes for Mystic Aquarium and save $6 off adult admission and $4 off children.  You need your library card to sign out passes and they must be returned the next day.  Other museums include: The Children’s Museum in West Harford and Niantic, American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, Mashantucket Pequot Museum in Mashantucket, Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art and many more.