Maybe you have checked your single parent travel budget and figured out that there will be no vacation again this year. Well, maybe you can’t afford a luxury cruise or a pricey resort, but you can still have plenty of fun with your family. Fairs and festivals can be a great getaway, even if it is only for one day.
If you are lucky, you may have a state fair or other festival within a short drive from your house. If not, you will have to find overnight accomodations. Camping could be a possibility or maybe one night in a motel won’t hurt too much financially. You may also have friends or relatives in the area who could put you up for a night.
So why would you want to go to a fair or festival? First, admission is usually cheap or free. You can usually have plenty of fun without other expenses if you plan carefully.
If there will be amusement park rides at the festival, you have several options. You can limit the kids to a certain number of rides or tickets to spend on rides. Some events offer reduced prices if you buy your tickets ahead of time or if you attend at certain times or days.
Food and drinks can be pricey. If you do not mind pulling around a wagon all day, you can pack your own drinks and lunch and just roll it around with you. Weather-permitting, you may also be able to leave food and drink in your car and just return to it periodically. Another tactic is to promise the kids a meal at their favorite restaurant when you leave. Chances are, the prices and food are better there than what you will find at the event.
Depending on the event, you may have plenty of exhibits to look at. Fairs are reknowned for their displays of crafts and food items along with the animal exhibits. Festivals may include a section of crafts booths or other merchants to browse.
Usually you will have a variety of entertainment options. You can see live music, horse shows, contests, races, and more. Your family may even have the chance to participate in some events! You are sure to find something that will appeal to everyone.
For single parent travel, fairs and festivals can be a great, low-cost minivacation option.
The Single Parent Travel Handbook