Summer Decision Help

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2008
Summer Decision Help
6
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 11:13am

Wondering if you guys can help talk something out with me. I have two little kids - 5 yo DS and a almost 2 yo DD. Each summer for the past three years we've joined our zoo. It costs us $84/year. The zoo is about a 30 minute drive and this past summer we didn't utilize the passes much because gas was over $4 per gallon. We went to the zoo probably about 5 times.


I was thinking for this upcoming summer to not renew our zoo membership and instead join our local pool. This costs $140/season for a family of four. Now, last year I put my son in swimming lessons which cost us $50. But, if we join the local pool I wouldn't sign him up for lessons - I would just make a point of taking him alone without my DD and getting him some lesson time. So:


$84 (zoo pass) + $50 (swim lesson) = $134


That is essentially the same price as the pool pass for the summer. AND the thing that's really getting me is the pool is FIVE minutes from the house. SO close. If we get there and one of the kids has a meltdown we can just leave and not worry that we are blowing our money.


Now, this is something I would never have even hestitated spending money on a year ago. Now that my mindset on debt/money has changed I want to know if you guys think this is a smart thing to do?? We can work this money for the pool into our budget and pay cash for the pass. We wouldn't charge it.


iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 11:18am

I think that makes total sense to me.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 11:23am

I just wanted to let you know that in my city the library carries free or hugely discounted passes to all the museums in the area. This includes the Boston Children's museum and the Boston Museum of Science. maybe your library does something similar? We recently went to a childrens museum for 8 dollars for the whole family.


I would say you may get more use out of the pool membership though. It's right next to your house...that's great...and maybe your kids are tired of the zoo anyway if you've always gotten the yearly pass.


Abbie

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 11:43am

Our city offers several free days at the zoo and several museums but I understand that they are crazy busy those days.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2007
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 11:48am

Do the pool


Mary Ann


iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 12:48pm

I say "POOL".

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-14-2008
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 2:55pm
POOL. I took my kids to pool last year, bought the pass. You can go twice a day if you want to even just for 20 minutes and not feel like you are wasting money. It tires them out, good ol fresh air and sun! Plus when relatives or friends are over it is a good option. Day rates are usually cheap for your guests, the kids get to spend time together, and you have already paid. Win Win.