We are lucky, the lot and trailer belong to my nlaws. We maintain it and pay dues to be a member of the club, plus electricity. Even with the high gas prices we only spend about $30-$40 a week in gas. We do a lot of floating..lol. Our '95 Mastercraft has been debt free for several years. The river is only 20 minutes from our house so that is convenient, also.

When we can't go away for summer vacations, we try and plan some fun things to do near home. We bought a science museum family pass, went to Valleyfair, went to the beaches, etc. The whole week was planned out with fun things to do together. I think we are doing that again this summer. Otherwise, we may drive to Wisc. Dells for a couple days. Another thing is to buy something fun thats a little expensive that you wouldn't usually buy. It's usually cheaper than a vacation and fun at the same time.

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Daycare mom

We actually did this this last week. We went to Sea World twice (already had 2 of the 3 passes), zoo (again had passes), went to the county Fair, DH was pounting though because we didn't go to Knotts Berry Farm and spending a couple of days out of our house. DS spend one night at grandma's so DH and I could have a very long overdue date night - tried a new restaruant - really fun diner and then played cards it was a great night. I feel good because we had fun and saved money but I did start to feel sorry for myself having to clean house and do a few things around here. Next week DH is going to take another day off and we are going to a local aquarium or mini golf place and to the drive in.

We still spent money on eatting out and a little on gas but so much less than if we had gone out of town - we would have spent much more on admission prices, food for all three meals and hotel. With some of the money we saved we had some dirt removed - I also saved a couple hundred on that - DH was going to hire someone else - saved us $200 right there and technically that funded our week.