Quick Reminders: Affordable Activities...

[admin]

You Can Do With Children

Sometimes we forget that spending quality time with children doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Weekends and school holidays can mean extra costs, but planning ahead will eliminate any unnecessary or unexpected costs. There is no reason the family has to stay at home the whole time. Preparation can mean an enjoyable day without the empty wallet.It is advisable for parents to set weekend or school holiday budgets and stick to it. There are a number of activities that are low cost or even free.

Low Cost or Free Activities

1) Pack a picnic lunch whenever possible. That way, costly and unhealthy take away foods can be avoided. It may not be appropriate to take a picnic lunch to certain places. If this is the case, consider leaving after the family has eaten at home.

2) Taking children to the library can be fun, and they can borrow books for free.`

3) Organize outdoor activities. A trip to the beach is always a favorite, or go for a family bike ride in the park. You can also rug up and take a bush walk at a national or state park . Visit a local playground, throw a Frisbee around or play catch with a football or baseball.

4) If the weather is not suitable for outdoor activities, try playing board games or card games.


5) Have a baking afternoon.
What child doesn’t enjoy baking and eating cupcakes!


6) Teach children to craft.
They could try knitting, drawing, scrap booking, wood crafting or painting.

7) Find out if there are any free or low cost activities in the local community on weekends or during the holidays.

8) Rent movies instead of going to the cinema.
For example, if the children want to go to the movies, estimate the cost of tickets and snacks, and even gas and parking. If this is affordable, then great, if not renting a movie is another option.


9) Give them a small allowance if the budget allows, and spend the day at a flea market or going to garage sales. These places can be a treasure trove and children are likely to pick up a bargain and learn about barter and trade.

10) Away from Home
If you're planning to go away over the holidays, preparation and budgeting are crucial. Consider every aspect of the trip that may cost money, including gas, food, accommodation and activities. If possible, book a self-contained accommodation. This way all meals can be prepared saving the cost of eating out. Another option is to go camping, which is much cheaper than a hotel, and a lot of fun.


Weekends and holidays with the children aren’t about spending money. They’re about spending time together, and really, kids just want to have some fun.


By Roberta Goli

[Frank Gomez]

Great Suggestions. I have no kids but these things would have a positive impact on children's lives, improve their socialization skills, and even better help them learn about themselves and activities outside of the synthetic electronic world of video games and facebook.

Most important the all involve spending time (quality and quantity) with your child. What could be better?