Summer will officially come to an end on Sept. 21st this year. Has your family had a chance to take a vacation together? With the economy in a slump, many families are faced with the decision to skip a family vacation all together. This brings the rising popularity of a staycation. According to wikipeadia.com, a staycation is “a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions”. There are plenty of staycation activities to fit into your plans, in and around Renton. Here are four ideas to give your family a day of fun and a break from the norm.
1.Farmers Market: Renton’s Farmers Market sets up shop in downtown Renton at the Piazza on South Third Street. Enjoy free entertainment, find local produce and crafts, fresh flowers, and a variety of food vendors. Stop by every Tuesday from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. through Sept. 15. To visit other Farmers Markets around the Puget Sound go to, www.pugetsoundfresh.org.
2. Wild Waves and Enchanted Village, Federal Way: Spend the day seeking thrills on the amusement rides and keep cool in the water park. There’s plenty to do at the Six Flag’s-owned theme park to make an entire day of it with the whole family. Get your discounted $21 tickets at various community centers. For more information call 206-386-1245.
3.The Great Outdoors: Take a camping trip to a local camp ground or in your own backyard. Set up a tent in the yard and grab your sleeping bags and blankets. Try cooking some hot dogs and roasting marshmallows for s’mores over the flame of your grill. Don’t forget the flashlights!
4.Be a Tourist in Your Own Neck of the Woods: Make a plan to spend the day or weekend visiting local landmarks, museums, and attractions. In Renton, check out the Renton History Museum, Jimi Hendrix’s memorial site at the Greenwood Memorial Park, or spend the day relaxing at Gene Coulon Beach. There are nearby attractions, such as the Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah and The Pike Place Market in Seattle. Bring your camera to capture the memories!
Happy Parenting,
Genova
Genova Hooks is a Renton native, graduating from Renton High School in 2002. Genova is a Youth Development and Parent Specialist at Renton Area Youth and Family Services for the Rites of Passage program. She has experience working with at-risk, low-income, ethnically diverse youth by helping them reach their personal and academic goals.
