The Cunninghams: We don't take vacations, but we still have fun

We never go on vacations. There are six of us. Can you imagine how expensive that would be? We would like to when we are able to, but for now, we do something in place of big week or so long vacations. When we get our tax refund back each year, we purchase memberships to Brookfield Zoo and a Chicago museum. Last year, our museum membership was at Shedd Aquarium. It was a lot of fun when we went, and the kids loved seeing the sea creatures.

February 2012 at Shedd. Micah was only 2 months old, so he was likely in the stroller or attached to me.

One of the things I love about being close to Chicago is we have access to so many different things. We wanted to alternate our museum memberships. We don't think our kids are ready for the Art Institute right now, and we think they might do ok at the Field Museum, but after talking to several people, the Museum of Science and Industry seemed to be the best option for us this year. There is so much they can do hands on! The last time I went was on a high school trip 15 years ago and I didn't remember much of it at all.

We bought our membership in February, and haven't had a chance to go, but finally went yesterday. It was so much fun. Micah really loved getting all wet in the Idea Factory. I made a mental note to take a change of clothes for him next time! The boys loved the room with the trains. The girls weren't impressed, but as soon as Micah saw the big train, he started yelling, "choo-choo!" They got to see some chicks that were still in eggs, one that was starting to hatch, some newly hatched chicks, and some that had been hatched a while. Kylee got to see the back of her hand under a microscope. I really loved the weather room. There was so much we still haven't gotten to see and do. We can't wait to go back on Father's Day! It was fun seeing the kids get involved in what they were seeing. I'm really hoping to see the Animals Inside Out exhibit next time!!! I added up the cost of tickets and parking (we get free parking with our membership) and it only takes two visits to pay for our membership, so it was a great deal for our family.

Right now, we don't do big vacations, but all the days that add up between the zoo and museum is a vacation all spread out. We also get to take an extra person to the zoo and the museum so other people can benefit too. We get to share these experiences with our friends and family!

Below are pictures from our zoo visit on Mother's Day and yesterday's visit to MSI.