Don’t be selfish . . .
I move way too often! But at least I know that there are some great resources waiting for me where ever I moving to.
I could make a much longer and better list if I were just posting about my area. But this is a list that covers MOST areas, with pretty basic free activities/resources.
Here are 5 that my family uses… a lot!
1. The Library.
I know that it sounds boring, but give it a shot.
Have you heard about a great new book? Go to the library. Is there a movie that you have been wanting to see? Check out the library. Want to get your kids into reading and meet other families doing that same? Check out your libraries programs.
My local library system is amazing! We go down to the library to join toddler time and story time almost every week. There is also educational play time on Fridays and friends of the library where they have animals or performances every now and then.
Sometimes we go to the library and let Elora pick a book and DVD and Dave and I pick one out for ourselves.
2. Join a Church!
I personally go to a great Seventh-Day-Adventist church that is very active. I run the family ministries for our church.
Every Sabbath we have Sabbath school (Sunday School) for Elora. Music, snacks, bubbles and friends. Like the idea of a Gymboree class but gasp at the cost? Church in the kids department is a lot like those expensive classes, but they are free! I keep thinking about joining a Sunday church as well just for the benefits for Elora.
They always say it takes a village… well church can be that village. You have people of all demographics who know and care about your family. They help mold your child’s character (if you let them)
Family Ministries sponsors camping trips, retreats, game nights, hikes and play dates. We also are doing a weekly mommy boot camp.
Give Church a chance, you might even get something deeper and more personal out of it 😉
3. Local, City, State and National Parks
Local parks often have playgrounds. You can get in a workout using the jungle gym while the kids play! Feed the ducks, go for a hike, take a picnic… utilize your near by outdoor spaces.
The parks in my city have free concerts in the summer and art fairs in the autumn. Some parks host Fairs and Festivals of all sorts including renaissance fairs.
State and National Parks often have Nature Centers with free children’s programs.
4. Historical Societies and Museums
Many towns are proud of their history and often have at least a small museum dedicated to the story they are a part of. Find yours. Take the family and teach your kids about the place they live. Many of these small museums are actually very surprising and offer a pretty good experience for children.
5. Clubs, Meetups, Groups
These can be harder to find. However, many times a good Google search will do the trick. Also, here is another good reason to join an active church.
You would be surprised how many groups of people are looking for others that are into the same activities or subjects that they are into.
There are free play groups, biking and running groups, cooking and crafting, sewing, camping and so on . . .
Be brave and join a group to help enrich your family’s lives.
Don’t be selfish . . .
I have seen where other bloggers have purchased bean bag covers from Bed Bath and Beyond or The Pottery Barn for a reasonable price and used them to store their kids stuffed animals. But I am CHEEP!
