I'm on TV!!! (sound of Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc.)

Ok, I'm not as ecstatic as Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc., but it was kindof fun to see myself on the tube today. All those years behind the scenes and now I'm in front of the camera. Click here for the story.

The basic gist is that even if you haven't planned a big trip, you can still make spring break special. I'm most excited about our ventures to Chattanooga for the special behind the scenes events at the TN Aquarium and Ruby Falls. I'll post about our experiences in the next couple of days.

But there are also ways to save locally at some of my kids' favorite locations:

• Chuck E. Cheese: With a close vote between Bounce USA and Chuck E. Cheese, the big mouse won out today. I used a coupon from the paper to purchase 160 tokens for $25. I can spread these out to last us three trips. I played the ticket blaster game online before going to earn 30 free tickets for each child. Having 90 extra tickets gave us lots more options. Finally, I saved the most money by not eating lunch there; we arrived at 10:00 and left by 11:30.
• Bounce USA: If we have time this week, we'll be heading to Bounce USA (our favorite bounce house because of more options for the toddlers). They also offer lots of B1G1 coupons.
• Children's Museum of Oak Ridge: From Thursday, March 17 through Tuesday, March 22, the Children's Museum and AMSE will have FREE admission. This is huge! Both places will probably be crowded, but we will likely take advantage of this offer.
• Strike n Spare: Wednesdays are the best day to go bowling with the kids because it's dollar game day. If all four of us bowl two games, this saves us $14.16. With the $12 voucher I got from Half Off Depot for $6 awhile back, we can all have a day out for a bargain. Make sure you ask for the ramp assist and the bumper guards that can be programmed to go up for the kids and down for the adults. However, Bobby likes to remind me I would be a MUCH better bowler with the bumpers!

For a few more options, check out this blog on Knoxmoms. Where are you going this week and how do you plan to save?

Our big yet local spring break plans

Spring break is here and for those of us not already on a trip, there's the question: What do we do this week? I have a 7, 4, and 2 year old and have to find activities that interest and involve all three. When Ali posted the special activities in Chattanooga, I got excited about the "behind the scenes" opportunities for my kids.

Having looked at all the ideas with the boys, two stood out for us: the Keeper Kid program at the TN Aquarium and spelunking at Ruby Falls.

We haven't been to either and are hoping to work both into our schedule next week. You can choose 2 of 19 different Keeper Kid activities. They are free with paid admission to the aquarium but fill up on a first come, first serve basis. I'm thinking feeding the otters and releasing butterflies might be fun for my crew.

I love that Ruby Falls is Green Globe Certified and the only solar powered cave. Click here to learn all the measures they've taken to be more sustainable.

From Monday through Wednesday only, you'll have access to tour a portion of the cave normally off limits with a helmet light and lantern only. The kids get to keep the miners helmet with a working light. You'll also get a lighted tour of the main cave and waterfall, a fossil dig for children, and 10% off gift and food purchases.

Make sure you check out the coupon section for discounts to most attractions.

If you already have plans this week, many of the special events are going through mid-April.

What exciting plans do you have for the kids this week? What do you like best about the aquarium and Ruby Falls? Any must see parts?