Planning a 'Staycation'

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Gas prices are just one factor keeping people close to home for vacations.

"We just couldn't afford it with the four kids," said Lisa Fowler, visiting from Ponca City.

Lisa Fowler's summer plans to head south of the state simmered as things turned sour.

"The increase in grocery prices and having your kids for the summer is going to cost even more and daycare prices, it's going to cost you too much to go on vacation this year," said Fowler.

More families are skipping vacation this summer and sticking to 'staycations' and you don't have to look or travel too far.

In the science museum, they've seen skyrocketing numbers during spring break and they're getting visitors from all over the state. Folks are looking to their own backyards to have fun.

"If money wasn't tight I'd be going to Florida and California. Now that no one really has money, we're just staying here but it doesn't really bother me, ‘cause I have friends and I'm still entertained," said Jessica Allen, visiting from Ponca City.

Entertainment can also be found at Frontier City, with rides and shows for the entire family.

"They don't have to get into a plane or the whole family to the other side of the country or even pile into their car or spend a night in a hotel and the hundreds of dollars that go into that," said Frontier City General Manager Stephen Ball.

The bad economy could mean good news for you, there are deals for season passes and
plenty of budget friendly family fares to save you big bucks.

"I'm glad that Oklahoma City has nice places for us to go and visit and has interesting things for my kids so they're not bored at home all the time," Fowler said.

Find deals and more information on 'staycation' spots.