Try some local fun on your spring vacation

By Connie Fields ECI Coordinator of Douglas County

Are you planning a spring vacation?

Sometimes family vacations make us feel that we need a vacation at home to recover when we return because it was so exhausting.

Many families are choosing ‘staycations’ instead of spending hundreds/thousands of dollars on travel expenses. We forget to look at what fun activities are available for families locally. When we do that, we fail to see what our community has to offer and we fail to support local businesses.

I’ve found some interesting gifts in some boutiques downtown Alexandria. Don’t forget to visit a local restaurant as well.

Children don’t need big fancy vacations to be happy. My son was always happy with the box that a new toy came in. So, look around and see what the Douglas County area has to offer.

Check out the following local organizations for family fun activities to do together. That is what your child/children really need and want is more of your time. Play together. Read together. Sing together. Have fun together.

Remember to call first to make sure the activities are available.

Here are some options:

► 22 city parks in Alexandria. Call City Hall at 320-763-6678.

► Douglas County parks. Call 320-762-2999.

► Shenanigans, 1410 McKay, Door 3, open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Easter Sunday.

► Andes Tower Hills. Call 320-965-2455.

► Erickson’s Petting Zoo, 11890 Hope Road, Osakis, 320-762-0184. April and May hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.

► Runestone Museum, 206 Broadway Street, Alexandria, 320-763-3160. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

► Legacy of the Lakes Museum, 205 3rd Avenue West, Alexandria, 320-759-1114.

► YMCA, 110 Karl Drive, Alexandria, 320-8349622, pool and gym passes available.

► Otter Cove Children’s Museum, 105 West Lincoln Avenue, Fergus Falls, 218-998-5437.