AFFORDABLE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL ENJOY

Many parents believe they must plan extravagant vacations or activities for their children to have fun, but this is a common misconception. Simpler outings that don't require much planning or resources allow parents and children to spend quality time together and build strong connections. This is particularly true for outdoor activities.

At AAA, we understand that family time should not break the bank, so we compiled a list of affordable outdoor family activities suitable for all ages. We also provide information about our partners, who offer discounts on everything from outdoor dining to theme parks and delivery services.

SAVE MONEY BY EATING OUTDOORS

Eating outdoors is fun for the entire family because it allows everyone to relax, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and take in the natural beauty of their surroundings. It can be a great way to get out of the house and explore new places or enjoy a backyard picnic with familiar faces. Plus, it's an opportunity to bond with each other over delicious food.

Eating outdoors also encourages creativity and allows families to try something new. For example, parents can teach their children how to cook over a campfire or make their own pizzas on a backyard grill. Not only does outdoor cooking provide an entertaining activity for everyone, but it also encourages families to come together in ways they may not have thought possible.

Backyard Barbeques

Backyard barbeques provide an opportunity to try new recipes and is a great way to get together with family and friends. They are an occasion where people can relax, tell stories, and enjoy each other's company in the warm summer air.

Grilling out doesn't have to be just hot dogs and hamburgers; you can cook many unique recipes over an open flame. From grilled vegetables to kabobs, the possibilities are endless. Plus, there's something special about cooking outside that adds an extra flavor to food.

The basic supplies you'll need for a backyard barbeque are:

• Grill
• Charcoal or propane
• Matches or a lighter,
• Tongs or a spatula
• Oven mitt or heatproof gloves
• Aluminum foil
• Paper plates
• Plastic utensils

You will also want to ensure you have enough food and drinks for everyone. But if you are like most busy families, you may not have time to get all this stuff yourself. Instead, consider having Gopuff do the heavy lifting for you.

Gopuff offers a fast and convenient delivery service for most household essentials. It's available in over 1,000 cities and uses multiple micro fulfillment centers to ensure fast and timely delivery.

With Gopuff, you don't have to wait for a store to open or for products to be back in stock. Instead, your essentials are always available and ready for delivery.

Landry's Kitchen

Another excellent option for busy families is Landrys' Kitchen, a premium food delivery service providing a one-of-a-kind experience. It combines the love of food and cooking to create unforgettable moments with loved ones at home.

The service offers high-quality steaks, seafood, desserts, and other delights, as well as culinary education to enhance the in-home dining experience. In addition, AAA members can save 10% on all purchases.

Hard Rock Café

Everyone dreams of being a rock star, and Hard Rock Cafe offers the chance to feel like one. The restaurant provides a unique experience with an impressive menu, outdoor dining at select locations, and frequent live music shows. AAA members can take advantage of discounts on food and non-charitable merchandise, making Hard Rock Cafe an affordable and exciting experience.

Landry's Restaurants

Landry's Restaurants offers some of the most exciting dining locations throughout the US, including:

• Joe's Crab Shack
• Rainforest Café
• Bubba Gump
• Claim Jumper
• Saltgrass Steak House
• The Oceanaire Seafood Room
• The Brick House Tavern + Tap
• Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse

Each restaurant offers a unique atmosphere and menu. Some even offer an outdoor dining experience. Inform your server that you're a AAA member, so you and up to six guests can receive a 10% discount.

PLAN A SUMMER CAMPING TRIP

Going camping with your children can offer numerous benefits, including disconnecting from technology and spending quality time together. It doesn't matter if you choose to go nearby or in your own backyard. Camping gives you a chance to bond and make unforgettable memories. To plan a summer camping trip, be sure to check out the campground search tool and download the AAA Mobile App.

National Park Week

From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the mysterious Mammoth Cave, our national parks are full of breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences. There's something for everyone; whether you're looking for a relaxing outdoor escape or an adventure of a lifetime, you can find it in our national parks. And with free entrance in April, there's never been a better time to explore and discover all our national parks have to offer.

This year, National Park Week will occur from April 22 to April 30. To initiate the celebration and promote people's enjoyment of national parks in person, the entrance fees will be waived on April 22, 2023. National Park Services, programs, and partners will organize various events and activities throughout the week.

PLAY TOURIST FOR THE DAY

Many people think they must go far away to explore new places, but that's not necessarily true. Depending on where you reside, you can drive for less than an hour in any direction and discover an attraction that you've never seen before.

By taking a day trip, you and your family can have a great time discovering new sights and gaining a newfound appreciation for your hometown. If you plan to visit a paid attraction, check out AAA Tickets to see if you can get a discount on the admission fee.

Take a Drive With the Top Down

If you want to breathe in some fresh air, take a scenic drive with the top down, whether it's just around the corner or across the country. The whole family will love the excitement of having the rush of wind in their hair while driving down the road.

No convertible? Not a problem!

You can use your AAA discounts at Hertz, Dollar, or Thrifty to rent almost any car, including a convertible. AAA members can also enjoy special offers and benefits, including deals on daily, weekly, and monthly rentals, and enjoy the ride without going broke in the process.

Visit a Theme Park

Visiting a theme park is an exciting experience for people of all ages. Not only can you enjoy thrilling rides, but you also get to explore and experience unique attractions. With each themed area, there's something new to explore, from the wildest roller coasters and water slides to interactive games and shows.

You can even find special events like parades, fireworks, and live entertainment. So whether you're looking for a place to take your family on vacation or want to have some fun on the weekend, visiting a theme park is sure to provide an unforgettable experience and save on all attraction tickets with AAA.

• Disney theme parks are among the world's most popular and iconic family destinations. From California's Disneyland to Florida's Walt Disney World, these magical places are filled with attractions that will capture your imagination and make you feel like you're in a different world.
• Universal theme parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience, whether you're looking for a fun family outing or an adventure-filled day out. From Universal Studios Hollywood to Universal Orlando Resort, these parks offer unique rides and experiences based on blockbuster movies and shows.
• Legoland is based on the iconic Lego brand. These parks are geared towards families with children ages 2-12 and feature attractions such as rides, shows, and interactive play areas.
• Busch Gardens combines thrilling rides with an up-close animal experience. You can take a safari on the Serengeti Express, explore the Jungala jungle, or enjoy one of the many high-speed roller coasters.
• SeaWorld brings the wonders of the sea to life. You can explore the ocean depths on boat rides, get up close and personal with marine animals at interactive exhibits, or watch amazing shows featuring dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures.