Things to Do With Children (For Free)

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It is no secret these economic times are stressful, and scary. Some families feel the effect more then others. Take time to escape the world, and spend quality time together as a family. Here I offer tips that cost nothing.

1. Write, illustrate, and reenact a play: Sit down with your children, and write a play.  Even if the children can not write let them come up with the ideas, and illustrate. When the masterpiece is complete grab various odds and ends around the house and act out the play as a family. It fosters creativity, quality family time, and endless possibility.
2. Have a picnic: Pack a basket of food, sprawl a blanket out on the floor, and light some candles. If weather allows go to an area park. A small peice of the day, and memories for a lifetime.
3. Go to the library: Story time, thousands of books for you and the kids, free DVD rentals. The library is one of the best free resources for children, and adults. Often times they also distribute information about free  upcoming community activities.
4. Read Books: Once your family returns from the library get together and read books. Even if they are older, and can read themselves read to them aloud. Its those simple moments that bring treasured memories that  never go away.
5. Have a sleepover: Stay up late. Sleep on the living room floor. Pig out. Do the things they like to do. Talk, laugh, be silly. Be a child for a night, and find yourself that much closer to your childs heart.
6. Turn off the tv: Whatever the family finds to occupy their time it will surely be quality time free of Americas favorite distraction.
7. Play hide and seek: A fun timeless game. Perfect for endless winter nights, and rainy days.
8. Go for a walk: When weather allows this is such a peaceful part of any day. It allows appreciation of nature, simple time, and it truley brings a family together. An added bonus is exercise for the whole family. Find a park somewhere on the way, and the kids are guaranteed to look forward to this part of the day.
9. Garden together: At the time it may not seem fun, but its important. Some of my happiest childhood memories involve helping my parents in the yard. Fresh air never hurt any child.
10. Pick out a recipe, and cook together: Let your child pick a recipe or dish they want for dinner, and make it together. This teaches important skills, and helps encourage children to try new things. Most importantly it turns a necessary part of a day into quality fun time, and increases self esteem.
11. Do a craft project with random things around the house: Start off with a scavenger hunt challenge. Each family member has 10 minutes to find 5-10 things that could be used to make an bridge, an picture, and collage, or whatever idea seems fun at the time.  Once everyone returns with their items start working together to make the object using all the found items. A creative, fun family challenge to say the least.
12. Volunteer: Such an amazing experience to share with your children. Their are plenty of places within a community in great need of volunteers. Another idea is to go through old toys, and clothes with your children, and take them with you to donate them. This teaches lessons about selfless service, community, and genorosity.

In hindsight quality time trumps quantity time.  Regardless of economic status each child deserves to grow up with memories of their parents which include fun, and laughter. This quote by an anonymous author offers perspective.

“Hush now cobwebs, dust go to sleep, I am rocking my baby, and babies dont keep.”

Enjoy your children. Enjoy your life.