Spring Break is right around the corner, and what better way to make the most of it than with a “Staycation”. Our family LOVES staycations, and we have become quite the desert experts! We have stayed at 80% of the properties in our area. In the Valley we have every type of hotel/resort with various family-friendly amenities.
There are places with sandy beaches, lazy rivers, arcades, bowling, kids’ crafts, fishing, sports, water-slides, theaters and often times full agendas designed with kids in mind. Be sure to ask the hotel concierge if they have kids’ programming and read the options out loud asking the kids what they are interested in doing. Be sure to set alarms on your phone for the scheduled times so that you don’t miss them, mid-cocktail or novel.
With a staycation, it is easier to be prepared for kids’ needs with snacks and their favorite things. We actually bring a whole tote bag full of granola bars, rice crispy treats, goldfish crackers, you catch my drift, along with lots of water (we usually bring a case). We also have a small rolling suitcase, think carry-on size, which I actually have my boys put toys into and then I sift through and make sure they have the real favorites and those I know will keep them entertained.
I always pack lots of blank paper and will buy them new boxes of crayons or colored pencils or markers for drawing and playing games like tic-tac-toe and hangman. The great thing about a staycation is that you can literally pack your car if you are so inclined, because the car ride won’t be as unbearable as a long-distance trip. And the BEST thing is that if you need any of the comforts of home, or forget something, you are within driving distance!
