Fun Around Town This Labor Day Weekend

With gas prices skyrocketing this Labor Day weekend, it may be a good idea to skip the road trip and stay in town. That doesn't mean you can't have just as much fun though. Here are a few ideas you can try in lieu of that road trip.

Go for a Hike

Go for a day hike and pack a light picnic. Take your time; let the kids play along the way and use this opportunity to teach them about fauna and flora. Without everyday interruptions like TV and radio, you'll get to spend some quality time with your kids. Plus all of you will get some great exercise along the way.

If you and your family feel up to it, you can even plan to spend the night either in a tent, or see if you can rent a cabin along the trail. You can turn this into a fun 2 or 3-day mini-vacation. For more information on trails in your area, including thousands of maps, visit (insert trail affiliate link). You can sign up for a free 14-day trial.

Camping Trip When was the last time that you took the kids on a camping trip? This may be the perfect weekend for it. You won't need much in this warm weather; almost any tent and some comforters or blankets will do. Check out your local state parks for some free camping spots. Plan to get out there early, preferably Friday afternoon, or make a reservation if you can. Trails.com (affiliate link) not only provides info on hiking and biking maps, but also on camping spots. Join today for a 14-day trial (affiliate link again).

Spend the weekend exploring the area around your campsite, go for little walks or hikes and roast some hotdogs and marshmallows over the campfire at night. You'll be creating memories for a lifetime.

Spend the day at a local amusement park

Did you take the kids to a local amusement park or water park this season? If not, this may be your last good opportunity. Be prepared for a crowd and long waiting lines though. Your best bet is to go as early as possible and don't forget to designate a spot to meet at if someone gets lost.

Spend the day at the zoo

Load the kids in the car and head down to your local zoo. The zoo is not only a very fun place to visit, but it also gives you an opportunity to teach your children not only about the different animals, but also about geography, colors and shapes etc.

Take your time and plan for several breaks. Since consignment stand prices within the zoo can be pretty high, you may want to pack a cooler and go out to the car for a parking lot picnic before heading back to see some more animals.

A little planning can go a long way to make the most of your day at the zoo. Check the zoo's website for listings on feeding schedules, feature exhibits, etc are going on where and at what time, and make a list of the events you want to catch.

Go to a different Park each day

There are so many different parks in my city and every time I pass one, I tell myself that I should stop and check it out – one of these days. Why not take advantage of this long weekend and visit a different park that you've never been to each day. You may find some new favorites that you will want to come back to this fall. You never know what you'll find – a great new playground, a fun trail along the river, some statues and sculptures hidden in the park.

Check out some local museums

Look for children's or nature museums. Don't miss any special exhibits that may be going on that may interest your kids. You never know, there may be a special dinosaur, outer space, or even old toys and dolls exhibit that your child may be interested in.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. I'm sure you'll come up with plenty of fun stuff on your own as well. Think back about what you enjoyed doing as a kid. Tell your children about it and then relive the experience and share it with your kids. I'm sure you will have a wonderful, fun-filled Labor Day weekend.

Susanne Myers is the owner of http://www.kinderinfo.com, a site dedicated to having fun with your kids. She published the Kinderinfo Newsletter twice a month. Sign up at http://www.kinderinfo.com/newsletter to recieve craft ideas, kid-friendly recipes, articles, product reviews, recall info and even a "Just For Mom" section with a new spa recipe.