Staycation in San Antonio for Families with Toddlers and Children Up to Age 5

For many of us vacation this year with an uncertain economy means not traveling. If you live in San Antonio here are some suggestions for enjoying your staycation if your children are five years old or under. All of the choices are no-cost or discounted days you and your family can enjoy.

Monday it's family movie night or afternoon depending on bedtimes for your children. Get a secret code for a free movie rental online . You can find Red Box locations at most McDonald's. To find the location nearest you go to http://www.RedBox.com. All you have to do is pop the popcorn, put the DVD in and sit back with the family and enjoy. Your rental is due back the next day before 9pm.

On Tuesday it's off to the Witte Museum http://www.wittemuseum.org/after 3pm for family fun. On Tuesday afternoon from 3-8pm the museum has free general admission. Kids will enjoy the HEB Science Treehouse. There are lots of interactive displays and chances for even the smallest child to touch and play. You and your child can visit a treehouse, learn about sound and even see the creatures living in the river. Depending on your child's interest there are dinosaur exhibits, Texas animal displays and much more.

Wednesday take a trip to the public library. Many of the branches have special programs for little ones first thing Wednesday morning. Check the website http://www.mysapl.org/ and call the branch to check times. Even if you miss story time, there are all sorts of fun books to read. Maybe you want to check out some books about the dinosaurs you saw yesterday at the Witte or even buffaloes. Whatever your choice you can find it and more at the San Antonio Public Library. There are 25 different locations throughout San Antonio.

Wednesday night is children under 12 eat free with an adult meal night (5-10 pm)at EZ Brick Oven and Grill restaurants at six locations throughout the city. The kid friendly menu includes grilled cheese, pizza, cheeseburgers and chicken tenders. The menu is also great for adults with great pizza and rosemary chicken. We generally get either a 11" pizza and two side salads or the calzones. With drinks and a tip it's just under $28 or less if you don't have the brownie sundae. The staff is extremely kid and family friendly.

And if midway during your staycation, you're looking for some parent time, check out http://www.InsideRedbox.com . They frequently offer free rental codes for Wednesday's as well. Find a movie to watch while you sit back and relax, after the kids are safely in dreamland.

Thursday it's time for a picnic and a trip to the zoo. So don't forget to pack the sunscreen, the camera, a change of clothes and shoes for the kids, and the discount coupons from the website. The coupon is good for $1 off the admission for each person up to 6 people. http://www.sazoo-aq.org/ First thing is a trip on the miniature train which will take you around the park. Ticket cost is $2.25 for those 12 and up and $2.25 for those 3 to 11 years old.

Next it's off to the San Antonio Zoo. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children. (take off a dollar for each ticket with the coupon) With the little ones I suggest you visit the Kronkosky Tiny Tots Nature Spot. There are all sorts of games for the little ones to play. There are trained leaders ready to help your child learn more about water, animals and digging in the dirt. (Wet and dirty clothing is part of the participation.) The memories and learning are worth the wet clothes and dirty hands. You can quickly change the kids before you head home. I guarantee your children sleep soundly tonight that is after they finish telling you what they liked best at the zoo.

Friday is a quiet at home day. How about trying some kid's crafts like bathtub painting or planting a garden? You'll need some plant pots, seeds, newspapers and soil. This is great follow up to your visit at the Witte. Following the planting, it's probably time for a bath. Why not celebrate staycation with bathtub paints. No need to go to the craft store, the recipe is here. http://www.tinyeinsteins.com/kids_bathtub_paint_craft.html The kids will have fun and everything cleans up easily.

Saturday check the movies out at the Santikos Theaters. The theaters have a special from 4-6pm where all tickets for age 3 and older are $5. http://www.santikos.com/ticketpricing.html

Sunday take an early morning walk on one of the many trails in the San Antonio park system. Depending on your choice of trails you can either hike, bike or push the stroller.

Hopefully you've enjoyed these suggestions for a low cost, high fun staycation with your little ones in San Antonio. Happy staycation planning!