Have a vacation coming up and you would love to get away but it’s just not in the cards this year? How about planning a staycation? I’ll give you ideas on how to have fun and not go over budget!
Sunday - Have dinner at Aunt Chilada’s in Hamden. Kids eat free after 4pm and there is a magician.
Monday - Dinner at Friendly’s in North Haven. Kids meals are just $1.99 after 4pm.
Tuesday - Lunch at Plaza Azteca in Wallingford; Dinner at Moe’s or Ruby Tuesday. Kids eat free after 5pm.
Wedesday - Lunch or Dinner at TGIFriday in Hamden. Just make sure to ask for this promotion!
Thursday, Friday, Saturday - Dinner at IHOP. Kids eat free after 4pm.
Where to Play:
Kids Bowl FREE - Sign your kids up for 2 free games of bowling every day all summer long! All you will have to pay for is shoe rentals at each visit. There is also a family pass available for less than $30 and adults can bowl 2 games with the kids all summer long! Near by participating bowling alleys include Amity Bowl - Woodbridge, Lucky Lanes - Berlin, Apple Valley Bowl - Plantsville, Spare Time - Bristol, and Lessard Lanes - Plainville. Click on the place where you would like to bowl from this link and register. You will be emailed your passes weekly.
Mini Golf - The closest one is The Only Game in Town and I have seen deals on Groupon for this place if you prefer to stay super local. If you are willing to travel a little Putter’s Paradise in Berlin is only $5.75/person and the cheapest I found was Hidden Valley in Southington where you can play unlimited rounds from 10am-5pm Monday through Friday for just $5/person! **Please note they only accept cash**
Discounted Summer Movies - On Wednesday mornings the Cinemark in North Haven has movies for $1/person. Find the movie schedule here. Picture Show in Berlin also has movies for $1/person on Fridays, click here for the schedule.
For FREE:
Playgrounds and splash pads - find one to visit here.
Many state parks do not have parking fees during the week and there are quite a few with swimming areas like Wharton Brook in Wallingford and Wadsworth Falls in Middletown. Find the list here. *Check the library for the state park pass if you want to visit during a time when there is a parking fee*
Story times and library programs - Many library programs require registration, call ahead to see if there are still spots available. Check the Macaroni Kid calendar for some of the events taking place at the local libraries, bookstores and craft stores.
Westfield Meriden PlaySpace - it’s free and indoor so you don’t have to worry about the weather disrupting your plans
Drive up to Castle Craig in Meriden
Go for a hike at Sleeping Giant State Park
Go for a bike or scooter ride
Last but not least, schedule a play date with some friends. Grab some water balloons, a slip and slide or a sprinkler and have some water fun!
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