Photo via flickr / zach klein

Localtripper is all about going out and having fun locally. As I was reading a consumer report’s blog post, “Tips for the best staycation ever,” it seem to fit right in with our local theme.

The post, written like a true veteran blogger,  consists of an interesting, (but hefty) lead-in and then goes into the real meat of the post with ideas for a great ’staycation.’ I don’t know about all you readers, but I have the attention span equivalent of a pigeon, so the first thing that I did was scroll down to all the fun idea’s. (although you should read the introduction, considering he must have worked hard on it. I know I want my readers to read my intro’s).

Here’s the list of the staycation ideas directly from Tightwad Tod over at consumer reports:

Behind-the-scenes tours
Formal ones are available at company museums and factories, as well as at fire stations and police stations. But if parents ask nicely, they can also get their kids a tour of a movie theater projection room, the pinsetters at a bowling alley, or other places kids are curious about. Television stations, radio stations, and newspaper production facilities also offer tours.

Museums, observatories, planetariums
Art, science, children’s, aviation, history … there are lots to choose from, and most have areas dedicated to kids. My kids spent nearly two hours at just one exhibit involving golf balls rolling up and down hills to show the science of roller coasters. A new trend is the museum sleepover, a program aimed at preteens and teenagers.

Scenic train rides
Ranging from about 30 minutes long to day trips, they can be a romantic idea for adults but they also often cater to kids. Some have pretend “train robberies” and other shows.

Water parks
They’re easier to find now than they used to be, because many cities have built them as part of their recreation centers and natatoriums. Community swimming pools are another option.

Zoos and aquariums
Young kids love the zoo, of course, and there are some very good aquariums around the country. Many zoos also offer behind-the-scenes “VIP” tours and have special camp programs for kids.

The next five:
• Sporting events (as well as stadium tours)
• Camping (as well as hiking, biking, wilderness viewing areas, state parks)
• Regional amusement parks
• City festivals
• Family fun centers (with bowling, miniature golf, go karts, laser tag, that sort of thing).

Especially for adults
• Sunset cruises on lakes (usually with dinner)
• Wine-tasting and winery tours
• Community theater and touring Broadway productions
• Historic home tours
• Concerts
• Ski-lift rides in offseason
• Staying at a local resort for a few days
• In-town Bed and Breakfasts

If you want to read the full article, you can find it Here. Enjoy.

-Frank