Going out and having fun with your family doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Heck, sometimes it doesn’t even have to cost you a penny! Next time you’re sitting there with an empty wallet and a bored child or two, try perking up their interest with this fantastic and fun ideas!
Bike Ride
Going for a bike ride on a quiet street or through a park is not only great exercise for everyone (which will help tire out the kids for nap time or bed time!) but it really gets the family working together as a team. You can lead them to a “surprise location”, or as a special treat on a hot summer’s day, you can always surprise them with a visit to a local ice cream parlor.
Kite Flying
This may sound old fashioned, but getting out the kite leads to great family fun. You can also encourage your children to make their very own kites out of paper, toilet paper rolls, straws, ribbon, string, and what ever else they choose. Once they’ve crafted their creations, take them out for a test flight!
Scavenger Hunt
No matter how old your child is, they will certainly have fun on a scavenger hunt. Leave tips and hints inside and/or outside the house with a special surprise waiting for them at the end.
Movie Nights
Did you know that your library has stacks of free newly released movies lined on their shelves? Take your children to the library to choose a movie they’d like to see. You can then have a special popcorn movie night.
Puzzles
Whether it is a word, number, or jigsaw puzzle, working together to find solutions is a wonderful way to work your brains and bond as a family.
Board Games
Board games are one of the best investments a family can make. I played a wide variety of the classic board games with my parents until I was well into my 20s! Visit a toy store or a second-hand store and see what your kids are interested in – and keep the “staple” board games like Monopoly and Guess Who? at the top of the list.
Snow Fun
For those who live in snowy areas during the winter time, take advantage of the cold and help your kids build snowmen and forts, and find out where the best (and safest!) sledding spot is.
Go Local
One of my favorite things to do as a family is discovering just what we have around us! I was amazed at how many different sites were within a one hour drive. Visit the next town over, your local museum, or check out a beach or a farm.
When it comes to family fun, you don’t need to be a millionaire to show your kids a good time. Get creative and see what you all come up with!
photo by Chris Chidsey
