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I realized that we haven't really taken the time recently to be sure we are getting the best car insurance rate for the coverage we would like to have. We could be wasting money each month, which could easily be saved by checking out a low cost auto insurance resource. Low cost auto insurance can help you save extra money that can then be put into a family activity or something else fun!
I have linked to a great resource which offers a variety of information to help you make educated decisions about your insurance needs. They have state-by-state guides to help you figure out your state's laws and regulations, plus reviews of insurance companies. The website is easy to find your way around. Definitely worth taking a look at this resource when you are ready for low cost auto insurance .
Family Fun in South Dakota: 1880 Town
1880 TOWN
I-90 (exit 170), Murdo 605.344.2236
COST: $10 Adult / $9 Seniors / $7 Teens (age 13 - 19) / $5 Children (age 6 - 12) / 5 & under Free / discounted group rates / (Print Coupons here)
HOURS: Daylight hours during summer. Call for hours for the rest of the year.
This 1880 era town is laid out in a street style, so you walk from building to building. Many of the over 30 original buildings can be walked in. You can also walk through a display of movie props from the movie "Dances With Wolves". In the summer months, you can have lunch on the 50s Train Diner. Restrooms are located in the main building.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The street was well-laid out to seem like a real old-time main street. The kids enjoyed seeing the different buildings and props inside some of them. Some areas had hands-on aspects which kept even the younger children interested.
A Visit to Wall Drug in South Dakota
WALL DRUG STORE
510 Main Street, Wall 605.279.2175
COST: FREE
HOURS: Summer: 6:30a - 10p; Fall: 6:30a - 7p
With each trip across South Dakota we have enjoyed seeing the signs for Wall Drug Store. We finally decided we just had to stop and see what it was about....and it was worth it. Wall Drug Store is a block long old-style drug store mall with an amazing variety of little stores. From cowboy boots to homemade fudge, you will find it at Wall Drug Store. Besides that, there are plenty of photo opportunity props, such as the big jackelope that kids can climb up on or the old stagecoach. Don't miss the animated, roaring T-Rex that 'erupts' about every 10 minutes. If you have seen the signs, you know that Wall Drug advertises free drinking water (in fact, that is what put Wall Drug on the map back in the Great Depression). They still offer the free water in special free Wall Drug water paper cups. Restrooms are conveniently located in both the front and back buildings.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- It's FREE! Amazing shopping variety and lots of fun props to take photos with. The kids loved the free water in the free water cups (somehow free water at Wall is much more entertaining than free water anywhere else!).
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Parking is packed. Don't be surprised if you have to drive around if you want to be able to park close-by.
Family Fun in Keystone South Dakota: Mount Rushmore
MOUNT RUSHMORE-- Highway 244, Keystone 605.574.3198
www.nps.gov/moru
COST: $10 annual parking fee per personal vehicle
HOURS: May 9 - August 14: 8a - 10p (night lighting at 9 pm); August 15 - September 30: 8a - 9p (night lighting at 8p); October 1 - May 8: 8a - 5p
Just amazing! See Mount Rushmore from the overlook then walk through the museum. There is also a walkway that takes you closer down near the base, which includes guided tours. If you can attend the night lighting, you are in for a treat! Watch from the amphitheater as Mount Rushmore is majestically lit. Restrooms conveniently located in museum building near the overlook.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- During the summer there are some children's programs done in the Sculptor's Studio. There are activity books for both younger and older children. The kids also enjoyed the walkway lined with state flags; it was fun to find the flags for all of the states we had been to.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Younger children lost interest quickly so don't expect to spend too long there.
Family Friendly Lodging in Hill City, South Dakota-- Best Western
BEST WESTERN GOLDEN SPIKE INN & SUITES located at 601 E. Main St., Hill City, South Dakota Phone #- 605.574.2577
Located convenient to Mount Rushmore, this hotel offers a variety of rooms including a family suite. The family suite has a separate bedroom with king size bed, plus two queen size beds and a sofa sleeper in the main room area. Refrigerator and microwave in family suite. Room was clean, nicely decorated, and had very comfortable beds. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, as well as an exercise room. There is a restaurant on-site, and a coffee & ice cream shop in the lobby.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Clean, comfortable and tastefully decorated. Convenient parking. Family suite allows an affordable option for larger families. Pets are also allowed with certain restrictions.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- No breakfast included.
Find information on family friendly activities in South Dakota on our website
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Family Fun in Colorado Springs--- Pioneer Museum
PIONEER MUSEUM located at: 215 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs 719.385.5990
COST: FREE; donations appreciated
HOURS: Tues - Sat- 10 am - 4 pm
The Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area. The former El Paso County Courthouse has been refurbished and now hosts the museum. Wander from room to room and see a variety of displays. There is still an existing courtroom to visit too. Travelling displays change out; such as we saw a Rock and Roll display. Soon there will be an American POW Experience exhibit. The very friendly staff was happy to tell us about the museum and showed the kids how the old cash register worked. Though the museum is free, donations are appreciated and very much needed to keep the museum open. Parking is available in front of the museum; be sure to bring change for the parking meters.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Friendly staff. Well laid out; easy to follow the displays. Educational and interesting. Elevator available. Gift shop on-site.
Visit our website for more family friendly activities in COLORADO!
Perfect Family Vacation at Snow Mountain Ranch in Colorado
1101 County Rd 53, Granby 80446 (Hwy 40 between Winter Park & Granby) 800.777.9622
If you have the chance, definitely check out Snow Mountain Ranch. This YMCA Camp facility is full of family fun. Lodging options include lodge rooms, cabins, and vacation homes. There is also a campground. There are several dining options on-site. The great thing is you don't have to journey far to find something fun to do. In the winter, enjoy cross country skiing at the Nordic Center, sledding or ice skating. In summer, enjoy adventure programs (zip line, etc), mini golf, fishing and canoeing. Regardless of time of year, there is roller skating, basketball, ping pong, and bouldering available at the Kiva Center or swimming in the indoor pool. The Craft Center has a variety of reasonably priced projects to work on. Sign up for archery classes or rock climbing classes. Many of the activities are either included with lodging or very inexpensive. The lodging is great; we stayed in a vacation home which was spacious, clean and well-equipped. The staff was friendly and helpful. Snow Mountain Ranch really puts 'family' back into family vacation.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Great variety of lodging, reasonably priced. So much to do right on the property, so there is no need to spend a lot of money on other activities. Friendly, attentive staff.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Reservations can be difficult to get as this is done on a YMCA membership registration program. Members have first priority for reservations which are done as certain times of the year. Non-members can then fill in the remaining reservations. We did not have an issue securing reservations but this was primarily due to staying at on 'off' time. Definitely worth the effort to secure reservations though!
Great Family Hotel in Colorado Springs: Staybridge Suites
This is a great hotel for larger families. Their reasonably priced suites include a 2-bedroom suite with 2 bathrooms. The hotel offers an extensive breakfast (though we did find the breakfast area too small for the number of diners so we had to take our breakfast back to the room). There is free highspeed internet access, a fitness center, outdoor pool (summer only), a small library with board games and books to borrow, and a small convenience store with a variety of snacks available.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Great room size. Plenty of space for a family and luggage. The breakfast had a wide variety of foods. Staff was friendly and helpful.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Small breakfast dining area was too crowded to find a place to eat. This location is tucked back behind another hotel so it can be difficult to find.
Get an Entertainment Book Before Travelling
Before travelling we always look at what is available in the Entertainment coupon book for the city we are travelling to. We always find enough deals to save more than the purchase price of the book. Plus most of the books have National coupon sections which have deals we can use even when at home. If you want to see the deals in a certain book, visit their website to see which cities have books and an overview of the coupons found inside. Right now is a great time to pick up books for your area or your vacation destination; books are only $15 and have free shipping!