1. Go to the library, especially one with a good children's section. The kids can check out books (and so can Mom & Dad), play with toys/activities (if they have them there), and possibly even take in some educational computer games. If you want, you can probably even find a quiet spot in the children's area to do a read aloud with your kids.
2. Get on swimsuits and run through the sprinkler if you are watering your lawn anyway. We're bad about remembering to water our lawn, but when we can remember, this is a fun activity. (Personally, I don't that I would do it just for fun, if I really didn't think the lawn could at least use a bit of water. And, occasionally, I move the sprinkler so that new areas of the yard get water.)
3. This goes along with the item above, but we bought one of those molded plastic kiddie pools for $4.44 at Menards. Fill it up, and let the kids have fun! When you're done, give them buckets or watering cans to empty the pool water onto plants.
4. Check out your local movie theaters to see if they have free family movies on Saturdays. Eat right beforehand to avoid spending on concessions. Or, buy the whole family a big popcorn to share. At our local theaters, you can get popcorn refills for just $.25. (Soda refills are free.)
5. Have a picnic lunch as a family. No need to go all out, if you don't do this often, the kids will probably love the novelty of it, and will be happy enough with peanut butter and jelly.
6. If your kids are like mine, they want to cook/bake in the kitchen. Enjoy some time in the kitchen helping your kids make a meal. Then, let them play restaurant when it's time to eat. (Although this could run more than $10, depending on what you have them make, I figure dinner has to be made anyway, so that doesn't really count.)
7. Buy a pad of watercolor paper (real watercolor paper) and a container of Prang watercolors (we like Prang best of all the school supply type watercolor paints). Get a little container of water, and let the artists create. (I found a pad of watercolor paper at Hobby Lobby for $2, and then we used watercolor paints that they brought home from school. We were, of course, required to provide them as part of their school supply lists last year, and both boys brought them home having never been used at that end of the school year. Go figure!)
8. Rent a Redbox video and pop some microwave popcorn. (Amy at The Mother Load posts a free code for Redbox every Monday. Sure, it's only a dollar, but free is even better!)
9. Some museums have free days on certain every month. Check out if your favorite museum has one of these. Of course, they are busier then, so you have to decide if this is really preferrable to spending the money to go on a regular day.
10. Visit a local park that has fun play equipment. Another option that often isn't as busy is a local school's playground on weekends or during the summer.
11. Gather up everyone to join you in the room in your house with the most open floor space. Turn up the music and dance like you're in an iPod commercial.
12. Go to church. The kids may possibly argue if this is "fun" or not. But, it is an activity that we all enjoy together. And, speaking of church, watch for free activities at your church. Our parish has free movie nights during the summer, as well as a parish picnic with tons of games, etc. (once a year) that is totally free.
13. Visit a local Farmer's Market. Check out all of the locally grown vegetables, as well as lots of crafts and baked goods. While this activity can be totally free, why not splurge a couple dollars per child and let them pick out some homemade or home grown goodie?
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6 comments:
These are good ideas - thanks for the reminders!
good ideas, but i would have to get up off the couch :P just kidding hehe happy TT!
Great list! I've did a several of those when my babies were little, now they are grown and my daughter is doing several of these herself.
Have a great T13.
Great ideas as always.
Those are some awesome idea!
A great list. My kids are too old for most of them, but they still love some of them. And, on Sundays, they always want to spend the afternoon at church with their friends. They are so comfortable there that they would live there.
Happy TT!
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