Published: March 31, 2009 02:50 pm      

Stay-cations are becoming a popular alternative

With the fear of job losses and financial hardships looming, summer vacations are quickly becoming a thing of the past for many Hamilton County residents. But instead of spending that week away from the office vegged-out in front of the tube at home, why not do a little exploring in a few cool places right outside your front door?

Here are just a few ways to have an inexpensive – but entertaining – stay-cation in Hamilton County.

Get in shape

The Carmel Monon Center, under the direction of the Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Department, offers ample opportunities for recreation, fitness, and fun. The Monon Center is a multi-generational community-minded facility.

Encompassing more than 161 acres, it features indoor and outdoor walking/running tracks, natural wetlands, a fishing lagoon and boardwalk, a skate park, four miles of trails that connect to the Monon Trail, a woodland garden, groves of trees, a park area, a top-of-the-line fitness center, a gymnasium with three regulation courts, a dance studio, a café, an activity pool with water features, two water slides, a lap pool with six lanes, an outdoor water park, a lazy river, a kiddie pool, concession stands, childcare in the Kid Zone, a host of seasonal and special events for the community, and more.

Take a time-warp

Conner Prairie has long been an Allisonville Road staple, but the 1800s-throwback locale has loads of new family-friendly features. Perhaps the coolest new attraction is the “1859 Balloon Voyage,” which will include a 10- to 15-minute ride in a hot air balloon 350 feet above Conner Prairie’s grounds.

Kimberly Coon, a marketing assistant at Conner Prairie, says the hot air balloon rides are just one of many experiences available to families at Conner Prairie. “I think it’s also really the variety of experiences that contributes to our value in tough economic times,” she said. “Instead of going three different places to find things to do for three different kids, families can come to one place and create a unique adventure for each family member.”

For a full listing of upcoming events, visit the website at www.connerprairie.org.

Hit the beach

Yes, there is a beach in Indianapolis - and it’s available year-round, rain or shine. Caribbean Cove, located by the pyramids on the north side of Indianapolis, features Indiana’s only indoor water park. Combine the water park visit with a stay at the adjoining Holiday Inn hotel (rooms run around $200 a night) and you’ll get the vibe of a true vacation.

Soak in the outdoors

Put down the iPods and portable DVD players for a weekend and rough it in the country with your crew. Rural Indiana is chock-full of campgrounds, with nightly rates at state parks typically running less than $20. Booking your site is easier than ever through the website

www.indiana.reserveworld.com. If you’re in need of equipment, many sporting goods stores, like Dick’s, offer camping packages complete with all the essentials for under $200.