I get it, life is crazy expensive these days and trust me when I say every little bit adds up. I’m a single mom of six and my math computing skills work differently than most of you.
Anything and everything I consider buying or doing, is X’s SIX!
So a seemingly harmless ice-cream cone on a squelching hot day isn’t just $1.50. For me it’s nine bucks! A simple night out for dinner isn’t twenty or thirty dollars, it computes to at least $40 and that’s because dessert isn’t allowed!
My concern arises when I want to do something big with the kids, like head to Orlando for some fun. Well I have to plan and planning includes forking out for a few big things to do and a lot more smaller ones.
Honestly, I haven’t got $5 000 extra to blow on keeping my little ones busy for a week. So what I do is plan for maybe one day at Disney World and one day at Busch Gardens or SeaWorld and of course I’ve got some discount coupons for these awesome attractions.
The other five days we spend doing a variety of things that cost little or no money. Seems impossible? Well it isn’t and here are a few ideas that will help you enjoy some of what life has to offer.
Gatorland
Never mind the kids, I loved this one and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg…literally! This place throws you right into rustic nature. With over three thousand gators, almost one hundred crocodiles, snake and bird exhibits, Gatorland is fun for everyone.
By seeing these amazing creatures close up, you learn to appreciate their awesomeness and for a couple of my kids, it helped them overcome their fears. This one gets a definite thumbs up from me.
Lake Eola Park
If you want to pack a picnic and have a relaxing day amongst nature and wildlife, than Eola Park is for you. It’s free, there’s a playground for the kids, clean washrooms, lots of birds, ducks and turtles, that are happy to get rid of your sandwich scraps for you.
Of course you can spend a little bit of money if you choose, as there is a fantastic Farmer’s Market, restaurant establishments and pedal boats.
Relaxing and a great change of pace from some of the ‘busier’ attractions in Orlando.
Blizzard Beach
This is an awesome spot to cool down on those steaming hot summer days. Blizzard Beach is essentially a water park with numerous slides and a very cool mini-park for kids.
Now this cool attraction costs a little more than some of the others but it’s well worth it! Have a look on-line for pretty hefty savings, that will make this experience that much more enjoyable.
The rides, slides and wave pool are just spectacular, leaving my little ones with huge tired smiles at the end of the day. Another fun adventure that you don’t have to spend any money on if you pack a lunch and stay away from any shops or food venues.
Wonderworks
No I haven’t been to this one but have heard rave reviews about it. It’s a amusement park for your head, containing over one hundred different demonstrations for people of all ages.
Try explaining the upside down house to a four year old! The best thing is that it’s very ‘hands on,’ meaning you get to try and experience a lot of weird and wonderful things. Proves just how powerful the mind is.
So you see, there are ways to have loads of fun in Orlando without emptying your bank account. There are hundreds more low-cost or free attractions to visit, you’ve just got to do a little research and implement your planning skills and you and your loved ones will truly make amazing memories that will last for years to come.
So you see, there are ways to have loads of fun in Orlando without emptying your bank account. There are hundreds more low-cost or free attractions to visit, you’ve just got to do a little research and implement your planning skills and you and your loved ones will truly make amazing memories that will last for years to come.
