With the cost of gas at an all-time high and family budgets stretched to their limits, many Americans are choosing staycations over traditional vacations. Finding low cost, interesting, educational things for the entire family to enjoy may be as close as your area botanic gardens.
A perfect low-cost daytrip
Admission to most botanic gardens is free or under $5. And just about every major city has one. Acres of floral beauty and natural wildlife, wandering trails, fish-filled ponds and bridges are just some of the sites to see. Most of these gardens have nature centers that provide educational and interactive learning opportunities for children. An entire day can be enjoyed outdoors at very little cost. Most gardens have restaurants on site. But bringing a picnic lunch is always an option in gardens where benches, tables and meadows are abundant.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden
In North Texas, residents are fortunate to have the oldest botanic gardens in Texas right in their own backyard. The Fort Worth Botanic Gardens presents guests with 109 acres of organic splendor. This magnificent combination of 23 specialty gardens displays over 2,500 species of local and exotic flowers, trees and plants. Admission to the general garden is free. A very reasonable fee to visit the conservatory and Japanese Garden, $1 and $4 respectively, makes it affordable to include these gardens in your visit as well.
Special events and programs
Botanic gardens often promote special events scheduled throughout the year. In spring, many sponsor plant sales and seminars. Concerts, classes and craft activities for children and adults are common in summer. Fall is celebrated with all its glorious changing colors. The holidays are usually filled with light shows and themed crafts. Visiting the garden's website or calling ahead allows you to coincide your visit with an event or program.
Making memories
Bringing your camera on your daytrip to the gardens is advised because photo opportunities are endless. Family pictures will make your staycation visit to a botanic garden a wonderful way to preserve the day. Gathered groups of fallen leaves, nuts and other found objects can be included beside your family photos in a memory book, shadow box or photo album.
If funds are tight and you’re searching for a fun, outdoor daytrip to enjoy with the entire family consider your local botanic garden. It’s a great way to enjoy nature and spend the day together for very little money.
Susan Barton - Susan Barton writes articles, Web content and more. Please visit her at http://www.lovesleftovers.com and ...
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