We are still going through a pandemic, so don’t add more problems to your life in 2021, stop right there. There is pressure for families wanting to get away, and the stimulus checks are hitting our bank accounts – but be realistic and make intelligent decisions. We are still trying to recover from 2020 and living with lost income. Three months ago, you might have been waiting in line to get a free box of food, stressed out about your next mortgage. You struggled to sleep. Don’t let social media fool you that you need to escape, don’t get hooked on those vacation deals you see pop up; take a deep breath right now, breathe, breathe, and relax.
We decided to do a challenge, not sure how it will go but we are in for it. The plan is to live off 40% of our income; I know what you’re thinking, no way. We already survived seven months with no income. It is doable – but only if you commit to the process. We have decided to minimize the cost of living.
This allows us to go on more adventures. We will live in a stationery RV resort for the next 12 months. This opportunity will let my family be closer to nature and keep the family safe and healthy, while taking inexpensive adventure – like hiking, biking, and camping. The past four years as a full-time mom, I have spent so much money on buying junk to fill in my 5 bedroom ranch. This pandemic has been a wake-up call. I’m on my way to redefine motherhood – like the Chris Stapleton song ‘Start Over’… that’s the song that really made me wrap up the chapter.
If you’re are looking to spend less money and go on more adventures, keep reading because there are so many things you can do in 2021 after you put your stimulus check in the savings account or pay off your debts.
WHERE TO START
Wisconsin is famous for the Great Outdoors, and vacationing in the Dells is some of Wisconsin’s affordable activities. I highly recommend hiking and camping and exploring Wisconsin State Parks. Many people are heading outdoors in 2021, so it’s going to be busier than usual. The outdoors industry is experiencing a low inventory because of the pandemic. But there are so many great activities you can introduce to the family this Spring/Summer!
WHAT DOES A FAMILY BUCKET-LIST LOOK LIKE
My bucket-list (Great-Outdoors Adventures in Wisconsin)
- Canoe and camping overnight in Wisconsin River
- Go kayaking in Madison area lakes, bring a kayak or rent one.
- Camp in a Dane County Park or Wisconsin State Parks
- Chase Waterfalls in Marinette County. You can do this over a weekend.
- Try tubing in Wisconsin rivers
- Hit the Beaches on Lake Michigan, it’s a longer drive but fun for the family.
- Bike the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.
- Sign up the whole family for a zoo run, the donation helps to keep the zoo open.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO PLAN
If you’re planning on this bucket list, get on your computer right now and start planning, no excuses, don’t wait, do it.
If you plan now and make reservations, you can avoid the disappointment of last-minute planning. It’s good for the family to start prepping, and it changes the moods in the family, go on more adventures, and explore Wisconsin while you still can. Make it an educational vacay for the children!
FIRST TIME CAMPER!
Some of you will be camping for the first time and bringing pets along; check with the park before you go or make reservations. I have written a children’s pictures book based on camping with dogs, it’s fun but comes with challenges. It might be frustrating to bring children and dogs camping simultaneously, but setting up rules can make the trip even better. There are several types of camping options – camping reservations can be done for the same day of your arrival or up to 11 months in advance. The state park pass is very affordable and they offer all kinds of activities that your family can enjoy, and every park is unique. My family has enjoyed hiking and camping in all these parks for the past few years and our plan is to finish the last 8 parks this spring. I have created this poster to challenge all the families to go out and find this parks!
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT HIKING IN THE SPRING!
Springtime is rainy season, so trails will be muddy – plan, bring extra clothes, wear waterproof boots for hiking, a raincoat, and a camera to photograph the signs of spring on the trails.
We want to explore every corner of Wisconsin in 2021! Turn up all the stones, take the less traveled road and find ALL the hidden gems. One of the best things about road tripping is finding a random park to stop and pop out a grill and make lunch on the spot while children are playing and exploring the playground.
The Wisconsin Dells are famous for family outings. Some incredible water parks are in the region, along with plenty of mini-golf and go-kart options. Shopping, restaurants, and cinemas sprinkle the area, ensuring all family members will have fun.
I will still choose camping near the river with my family, lounging in my hammock, and listening to the birds chirping on the trees over a trip to Cancun. That’s just my preference. Go ahead and do what’s suitable for your family – get outside, create memories and offer your children amazing adventures. It is okay if they don’t remember because YOU will!
