Staycation: Save the Family Budget Without Sacrificing Fun

MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn., June 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With the weather warming up, kids getting out of school and summer plans coming into focus, many families are planning 'staycations' in addition to traveling to see family and friends. Staycations allow a family to save money while spending more quality time together and helping their local economy.

"With many of us trying to cut back on expenses, the staycation trend has become very appealing and a great alternative to a conventional vacation," said Jim Sathre, Senior Vice President, BMO Harris Bank. "In planning for the summer, there are a number of suggestions we have to help people save for the family fun that typically begins this time of the year."

If you're thinking that a staycation might be just what the doctor ordered and are ready to make some plans, Sathre offers you some great ideas.

Behind-the-scenes tours
Formal tours are available at museums and factories, as well as at fire stations and police stations. But if parents ask nicely, they can also get their kids a tour of a movie theater projection room, the pinsetters at a bowling alley, or other places kids are curious about. Television stations, radio stations, and newspaper production facilities also offer tours. Don't forget to ask the manager at your local bank to show your kids around and tell them about how a bank works.

Museums, observatories, planetariums
Art, science, children's, transportation, history … there are lots to choose from, and most have areas dedicated to kids.

Take a walk on the wild side
Kids love animals and fish. Many zoos offer behind-the-scenes VIP tours and have special camp programs for kids.

Take me out to the ballgame
What would summer be without a baseball game?  If you have a budding all-star, the Twins are offering a youth camp. Visit the Twins' website or contact the team directly for information.

H2O for everyone
Nothing says summer like playing in the water and finding a water park or aquatic center is an easy thing to do in the Twin Cities. There are all sorts of pools in community parks and plenty of large water parks. Or enjoy the simple pleasure of lounging on the beach on the Chain of Lakes.

Especially for adults
• Sunset cruises on lakes (usually with dinner)
• Winery tastings and tours
• Community theater and touring Broadway productions
• Historic home tours
• Concerts
• In-town bed and breakfasts

"To really make your staycation fun and enjoyable, plan it out, and make a budget. If you stick to your budget, you will be able to really take advantage of the many activities our community offers," added Sathre.

Want more? Go to www.minneapolis.org or visit planning a staycation at the Helpful Steps for Parents community website.

About BMO Harris Bank
Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 650 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida.  BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S.  Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank(SM) is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

SOURCE BMO Harris Bank

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