Having children can be expensive if you let it, but it can also be lots of fun playing with your kids.  Below are some great places our family has found to have a fantastic time and we don’t go broke.

 

Library:

 

Our family loves visiting the library we have several branches near us.  As well as checking out books they also have fun things for the kids to do in the children’s area.

 

You library will probably have a calendar of events on paper and online.  They have regular story times, so many free classes and even concerts.  Last summer we visited our local library and saw a free concert for Justin Roberts a popular singer who appears on Noggin.  My kids were so excited they danced around to the great music, it was fun for me to see them so happy and it was free.

 

Parks:

 

Check out your local parks.  The local parks in our area have a pamphlet with the month’s activities in them.  The classes and activities are cheap or free and they are often educational but fun.  Kids will learn to love science while exploring animals, bugs, trees and many other things.

 

We also have several unique parks near us with water features, a living farm, statues, and so much more.  Do some research in your area by talking to others to find not only the big parks but the smaller ones with great treasures?

 

Pet and Aquarium Stores:

 

I can’t even being to tell you how much my kids love and request going to the pet and aquarium store near us.  They always want to pick out a puppy and/or kitten to pet and play with for free.  They have so much fun checking out all of the animals and fish.  The biggest problem with this activity is getting them to leave!

 

Museums:

 

Our museum is offering free admission for the month of August for everyone.  And when it’s not free all month you can get a good deal at least one day during the week.  It’s a great lesson for the kids about art and you may enjoy it too.

 

Discount Movie Theaters:

 

We have a few discount movie theaters in our area that offer even better deals during the day with snacks included for a few dollars.  All you need to do is check the website or check with other parents to see what the best time to go is and your kids would love an occasion trip to the movie theater. 

 

Local Treasures:

 

Do you have beaches near you?  The ocean, great lakes, or some interesting natural treasure?  If you do have some kind of beach, take your child, grab the beach toys, drinks and snacks and let them play for hours of entertainment.

 

Bowling:

 

This summer a friend gave us a link online for free bowling.  You can check your state for free bowling.  It’s almost over now but keep this for next summer or you may be able to get at least one session before school begins again. 

 

You can check your bowling alley for discounted times to bowl.  Another fun thing that some bowling alleys offer is, bowling in the dark with neon lights; this is fun for the kids.

 

Link to bowling for free:

 

http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

 

Pull out the old Board and Card Games:

 

It is priceless to spend quality time together as a family doing fun activities.  When was the last time you dusted off that board game and sat down together for some family fun?  Show the kids there is more to life than TV, computers, electronic games and fancy phones.  What about go fish, Uno or any other card game that your family would enjoy.  Why not teach your kids a new card game?

 

 

Book Stores:

 

Book stores often offer story times for kids.  We have one near us that goes all out; they read books, offer a snack, and the kids also to do an art project.  The book store also has different events during the year.  We went to several American Girl events where special guests came like a family speaking about Chinese New Year, a competitive ice skater, and so much more.  To find out simply ask your local book store if they offer any story times.

 

Dollar Store:

 

You can find great things at the Dollar Store and your kids will love going.  Perhaps they get an allowance or have a few dollars.  Why not go and let them pick out a few things.  In our store they have huge poster boards, big bags of stickers, and other art supplies as well as bubbles and so much more.  Pick up some art supplies for a few bucks and keep the kiddies busy for awhile.  Also check out the aisle with adult crafts, they have interesting items that the kids could glue on the poster board.  Or let them pick up some things from outside and use their imagination to make a natural picture.

 

Play Outside:

 

It doesn’t matter what the season.  Every season has something unique to enjoy.  Grab a ball or game in your garage and enjoy being together.

 

How to find more great places:

 

To find more great places to take your child, ask other parents, check your local parenting blogs and magazines.    

 

Check out the local tourist office in your city.  You may be surprised what local treasures you have over looked in your area.  It’s amazing what we ignore or don’t pay attention to when we live in a place.  We get comfortable passing by amazing things every day.

 

Get a book about your state and check out what is around you.  What is your state known for?

 

It doesn’t matter what activity or place you choose just play together as a family, laugh together and create wonderful memories to last a life time.  Your kids will appreciate it and so will you.