Eat’n Park and local Lincoln Mercury dealers are partnering to sweeten guests’ day on Friday, November 6 with Free Smiley Cookie Day, to kick off Eat’n Park’s 31st annual Caring for Kids children activities, benefitting children’s hospitals.
All guests who purchase a Mercury Milan Raffle Ticket, which benefits the Caring for Kids campaign, on November 6, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., will receive a Free Smiley Cookie, courtesy of local Lincoln Mercury dealers. The offer includes one Smiley Cookie per guest.
This year marks the 17th year of partnership for Eat’n Park and Lincoln Mercury, who annually donates a vehicle to the Caring for Kids campaign. The car raffle has generated $1.5 million for local children’s hospitals. This year, one lucky Eat’n Park guest will walk away with a 2010 Mercury Milan vehicle, courtesy of Lincoln Mercury dealers.
Eat’n Park’s Caring for Kids campaign has raised more than $7 million since its inception in 1979, thanks to the energy and dedication of Eat’n Park’s partners, team members and guests who are passionate about the success of this campaign.
According to Jeff Broadhurst, CEO and president, Eat’n Park, “We’re proud to be a part of the communities we serve and want to do our part. A big way we do that is to raise money for our local children’s hospitals to help support the health of the kids in our community. This campaign is really about neighbors helping neighbors in their time of need.”
Because of the uncertainty of the country’s economic situation, you want to find things that your whole family will enjoy this summer but that won’t break your family’s budget. Here are some ideas you may want to consider for children activities:
You don’t have to sit at home when the warmer weather hits, but it may not be possible to go to a park for a picnic due to rain. Instead, why not find some activities that will take you away from home and yet allow you to be inside to keep dry?
Many art museums offer a free day during the month. This would be a great way to get away from the house and introduce your children to a cultural activity at the same time. They might become fascinated by the artwork in the museum and find a new hobby they can enjoy.
Your city or town may have smaller museums or living history areas nearby. Often these are less expensive than larger museums or theme parks, but they can be just as much fun. These will allow your children to be out in the warmer weather and sunshine as well as expand their mind or understanding of local history.
Is there a botanical garden where you live or within close proximity? If there is, botanical gardens can be a great place to visit. Perhaps, while you’re there, you can find out about local hiking trails that you and your children can enjoy. Go out and enjoy the beauty of the area along with the new flowers that are budding or just starting to bloom.
If the weather permits, you may want to have a picnic in a local park. Be prepared, however, in case the weather changes which is normal during the springtime. Take along your family’s favorite foods - you don’t have to make it too elaborate. Fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, cheese, and bread are good, non-messy choices.
Plan a camping trip if you have a long weekend. Pack up items from home and put them in the camper or car. Find a camping spot at a local state park and get away from home. Camping in state parks is so much cheaper, and much more fun, than staying in a hotel.
The weather is warming up, so it’s time to think about things you can do as a family. There are so many inexpensive and fun activities that you and your family can enjoy this spring. Think local first. These will keep you from spending too much in gasoline and are often easier on your budget.
