Close Encounters

For family adventure at reasonable cost...you are where it's at.
Beach lovers take your pick: Pensacola, Baldwin County, Dauphin Island, the Mississippi Coast.
Many State Recreation Areas, like Little River State Forest in Monroe County, or Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola have swimming areas. Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort has different attractions...frequently seen alligators!
If you don't want to be in the water you can get on it: rent a canoe at Gulf State Park...paddle over to one of their waterfront cabins you've also rented.
Exploring the easy way. Excursions into our beautiful Delta, by air boat or pontoon boat, available from commercial vendors on the Causeway. Even Blakeley State Park...mostly known for it's rich Civil War history, has regular boat trips.
Think boats are boring? The Hovercraft is fun alternative at the Five Rivers facility on the Causeway.
State Forests and State Parks offer all types of camping...from the ease of trailering to backpacking along a trail. Biking and hiking and places to picnic...views are included for free.
Even getting where you're going can be an adventure...travel with your family AND your car between Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan on the ferry.
And Fort Morgan, not only full of history...is full of cool tunnels...literally.
Yes, history can be fun. You can take a swimming break after inspecting archaeological remains at St. Stephens Historical Park in Washington County. Or talk to re-enacters at Pensacola's Historic Village. Most of us live within a few miles of a history, art, and science museum.
For upclose encounter with animals, the Gulf Coast Zoo will let you look all you want. There's a zoo in Gulf Breeze, Florida too. And you stand only inches away from fish, reptiles, and amphibians at the Estuarium, Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Or maybe it's flowers you want to inspect.
Meteorologist Jere Hough concludes, "And so close by...at least: 12 State Parks; dozens of museums; beaches & lagoons & lakes are everywhere; bike trails, walking trails, fishing piers & public gardens; camping & excursions; 5 forts, 2 zoos...and I've lost count of the many historic sites!"

IN ADDITION TO STAYING CLOSE TO HOME, HERE ARE SOME OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR SAVING VACATION DOLLARS:

CHECK FEE SCHEDULES CAREFULLY. Some destinations have a confusing variety of options. Make sure you pay only for what you intend to do.

ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS. For example, the threshold age for senior discounts varies widely from business to business. You need to mention it yourself…no clerk is going to suggest that you might qualify!

ASK ABOUT SPECIALS PRICES ON “LOW TRAFFIC” DAYS. You might find a bargain attraction on days when their business is traditionally slow.

CAR POOL. For kids-oriented day trips…you take a group of neighborhood youngsters one day. Next week another parent heads elsewhere with the group, and so on.

BROWN BAG IT ON DAY TRIPS. Pack a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and lots of inexpensive drinks…like the fruit-flavored powder that you mix yourself. Fill your empty water bottles with it to make distribution really easy.

MAKE LUNCH THE BIG MEAL. Most restaurants offer special prices on lunch menus.

FIND THE FREE BREAKFASTS. Many family motels offer a complimentary serve-yourself breakfast that includes cereal, milk, and fruit…perfect for kids.

SHOP AT GROCERY STORES. If you need to buy snacks on a trip, find a regular grocery store for a much better variety and cheaper prices compared to convenience stores and gas stations.

GET THE YOUNGSTERS USED TO BUDGETING. Set limits on what can be spent on souvenirs before you get to your destination.

TRY CAMPING. Begin with a park that has bathroom facilities, borrow or rent a tent for one or two nights. Plan to prepare all the meals at the site.