Family outings are expensive. Many families spend over $1,000 on family vacations in the summertime, as well as hundreds of dollars on activities for their children. These activities will not fill up all the hours of the day, either. Fortunately, there are a number of fun, free things your children can enjoy that will help you create meaningful memories without breaking your budget.
Read Together
Many reputable sources offer free books to readers of all ages. You can access free audiobooks or ebooks via online sources. You can also access free books at your local library. Take some time to pick out books with your child and read together regularly. This can help encourage your child to love stories and help you find out what types of stories they enjoy.
Walk
A stroller from www.strollerbuzz.com/best-strollers-for-big-kids is a great option that will enable you to walk with your child. Whether you have a younger child or an older child, Stroller Buzz offers a range of strollers with a lightweight design and superb suspension system that will provide your child with a comfortable ride. An umbrella stroller will shield your child from sun or rain. If you have more than one child you can purchase a double stroller so that you can all walk together.
Visit Parks
City, state and federal parks can provide you with an opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy nature with your child. Many have walking trails that you can explore. You can play games with your child or pack a picnic basket and have lunch together. Many parks have playground equipment, tennis courts and basketball courts. You can play with your child or schedule play dates so that they can enjoy the park with their friends.
Library Activities
Many libraries offer more than books. Summer reading programs are available to promote reading for people of all ages. They also offer contests and activities for free. You can sign up to attend performances, make crafts or try to find your way out of an escape room. Parents of older children can benefit from their library’s age-appropriate clubs that will help their teen connect socially and explore their interests throughout the summer months.
Build a Fort
Children love forts. You can use furniture, blankets and pillows to create a hideaway inside your home. You can also save cardboard boxes from deliveries and use them as blocks to create an indoor fort with your kids. If you have access to a wooded area you might also be able to find fallen branches that can be combined with plastic garbage bags or a tarp to make an outdoor fort.
Start a Collection
If you and your children like looking at leaves or flowers you can save samples of foliage, dry them and create a scrapbook or display. You can also opt to collect rocks. Find distinct rocks on your walks and trips and add them to your collection. You can use them to create a rock garden or add them to an existing garden.
Go to the Zoo
There are many zoos in the United States that offer free admission on family days and special occasions. Other zoos, such as the National Zoo, never charge an admission fee. You don’t have to worry about seeing all the animals in one day because you can afford to return to the zoo to see other animals another day, which gives your children something to look forward to.
Backyard Camping
Set up a tent in your yard and camp out for the night. Backyard camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors safely, without giving up access to your kitchen or bathroom. This can be an ideal option for families with young children who are still in diapers and it’s also something older children will enjoy. It is also a safe way of camping with family members who may have medical needs and find it challenging to be away from home overnight.
Tours and Activities
Some hardware stores offer free woodworking sessions for children. You can sign up and your child will receive a free project kit each time they attend. Many professionals also offer free tours of their worksites. This includes police stations, fire stations, bakeries and airlines. Pair up with other parents to schedule tours for your kids. This is a great way to educate your children about different professions. It’s also a fun, free way to spend time with other parents and children.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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