3 Local Activities To Do With Your Kids When You Can’t Travel
I don’t take it lightly that it's a privilege to be able to travel, especially with your family. Even if you have the means, it can be hard to find the time and energy to plan and pack for a whole troop. But I think we often forget that there's always something fun and new you can do in your own backyard. My favorite thing to do when we aren’t traveling is to find local attractions or activities that make me feel like I’m somewhere new. And the bonus is that it costs way less than a flight and only takes up a day. These are some activities I like to do with my family that you can pretty much find anywhere you live.
1. VISIT A LOCAL FARM
My favorite pastime is visiting local farms. You will be surprised how many farms will show up in your area with a quick Google search. Many farms offer a pick-your-own service, where you can pick whatever is in season that month. I’ve also found that they tend to offer activities for kids, such as hayrides, playgrounds, and petting zoos/interactions with farm animals. They also usually have markets where you can buy locally made goods. It’s a great way to spend the day with your family. My kids absolutely love picking their own fruit, and bonus, if you have a picky eater, it may help them be more open to trying things when they feel accomplished that they picked it themselves.
2. VISIT A FLOWER FIELD
Just like the farms, there are often flower fields in your area that allow you to come pick your own flowers. Many times, they are connected to the farms, so you can have a day of farming and flower fun. Depending on the season, many areas have festivals. For example, in California, they have a Lavender Festival during lavender season. I love going to flower fields because the flowers vary with the seasons, so it’s a new experience every time. Also, like the farms, these locations will often offer family- and kid-friendly activities and food on-site.
3. EXPLORE A CASTLE
You will probably think this is the most random thing ever, but honestly, you’ll be surprised to find there is probably a castle near you. I love finding castles near me because usually they are located in areas with beautiful views and nature. And because they are a draw, they offer tours or activities to keep you and the kids entertained. At the very least, all the castles I have been to have open fields, which let the kids run around and burn some energy. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it's that kids will have the best time when given the freedom to just be out and run.
Oftentimes, these locations will take you outside of your immediate area, so it’s also a great opportunity to explore a different town, try some new restaurants, and really enjoy where you actually live. Traveling is fun and teaches you so much, but we sometimes forget that we can also learn a lot and gain rich exposure just by leaving our neighborhoods.