Do you ever find yourself super stoked about the weekend only to have it come and go empty handed? It’s the WORST! Well beat those weekend blues for good with these tips.
5 Tips to Beat the Weekend Blues & Have Fun!!!
1. Research
Here’s the thing. You can claim there is “nothing to do” that your town is lame and boring or that you are broke and don’t have the cash to spend. But, those are all lies! There is plenty to do, many of which happen to be free and are a ton of fun!
Do a little research online. Check out activities near you. Some great sites I always check out are:
- RedTri.com (Check out SoCal & LA)
- LAist.com
- TimeOut.com (LA)
- ThingsToDoInSanDiego-CA.com
- SDCityBeat.com
- WhereLA.com (they have SD too)
- Tripadvisor (you would be surprised at what visitors find to do in your hometown)
- Yelp (did you know you can find things to do like hikes etc…)
- DealPalooza 50% OFF and they have great local restaurants and nearby family activities
You can also just google “things to do this weekend in ___________.” You will be surprised what you will find.
2. Plan Ahead
Research in advance, buy tickets in advance (always early bird pricing) and map out your directions in advance. It’s a HUGE help to ensure you actually get out of the house. Without plans my boys will sleep in, resort to video games or playing in the backyard. The girls will want to color and watch movies and before you know it they day has passed and, we missed out on all that awesome bonding time. It is SO different when we plan and get out into the world together. We are a team vs sitting at home compartmentalized to our own individual activities.
To plan ahead make sure you take into account the following things:
- Set aside time each week to check out local activities.
- This way you are the first to know about them and the first to grab the tickets
- (usually at the cheaper price, or at least before they sell out)
- Once you know where you are going then…
- What time will you need to leave by?
- If leaving early make sure kids are in bed on time.
- What items do you need to bring to ensure a good time?
- Does the car have gas or do you need to account for that time in the morning?
3. Pack
Packing is essential. I think it can make or break your family outing especially when kids are involved. Packing ensures everyone is warm enough, no one gets hangry and there are enough toys/ surprises to keep everyone entertained and happy!
I always try to have healthy snacks in tow. Things low in sugar so you don’t get the crazy highs & lows is a MUST. You also want to keep snacks that fill those little bellies so they aren’t screaming that they are hungry two seconds later. We are always looking for good high protein snacks that incorporate some good complex carbs. They always do the trick!
Here are some of our favorite healthy snacks when we are on the go:
- Mini Babybel with fruit or whole grain crackers- My kids love these little cheeses. They come in a variety of flavors, taste great, they are cute and fun + individually wrapped. We enjoy them with a fruit or some whole grain crackers.
- Ants on a log- Even my teen still loves ants on a log. We experiment with different nut butters and even cream cheese. I allow the mini chocolate chips vs the raisins bc chocolate makes everyone HAPPY!
- Individual hummus and veggie packs- I love grabbing the individual hummus tubs. Not only are they great for the kids to dip their veggie sticks or pretzels into. But, I use them to jazz up a plain salad I might grab while we are out too!
- Homemade Trailmix- Don’t you hate when the kids pick through the trailmix. Customize your own version with healthy ingredients your kids like. You’ll find some of our favorite easy recipes here.
- Homemade Protein Granola Bars- I hate all the artificial fillers you find in store bought bars so when I have time we whip these ones up. When I don’t have time I grab some bars from the store and don’t think twice about it! Moderation is key!
- Turkey Sammies- Its so easy to throw together some turkey and swiss sandwiches the night before. My hungry boys use them as snacks to stave off hunger in between meals.
*Not only does packing snacks and picnic ensure everyone stays in a good mood… it also saves you cash by not having to buy as much while you are out!
4. Just Go
You don’t have to go far in fact you can even stay in. The idea is to go and do SOMETHING together as a family.
Ideas:
- Build a fort together in the backyard
- Pitch the tent in the backyard and “Go Camping”
- Pack a picnic lunch and head to a local park
- Take a long walk and explore along the way
- Take advantage of whatever type of landscape surrounds you (we have wineries and a plateau nearby our home)
- Check out local events (be a tourist in your own town)
- Bake cookies together and deliver them to the fire station or convalescent hospital (call in advance to make arrangements)
- Visit a local museum
- Head to the lake or beach
- Check out a local festival
- Head to the movies (grab a matinee and save some cash)
- Rent a movie and pop some popcorn (we love add in flavors like these:
5. Enjoy the Simple Things
It really is true that in the end it was all the little things that mattered most. So, make sure you are taking the time to enjoy the simple moments with your family. You see its not the act of getting out that creates those memories. The memories are made by engaging in real conversations, laughing together, embracing each other and truly living in the moment. Recognizing how blessed you are!
Now #GetOutThere and Have Fun with Your Family!!
Do you have another great tip to help beat the weekend blues? If so please share it in the comments below 🙂
*This post was sponsored by Babybel Cheese. As always all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I would never share anything with you that I didn’t fully believe in and use in our own family.
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I rarely travel with people
Often we use the time to organize a BBQ party
Maybe I will think about this, I see your life is fun and wonderful. I want like you
Thank you
Yes, get out and experience the world. Start by looking up things right in your own neighborhood. You’ll love it!