Affordable Fun and Activities

If you believe the hype, kids today need high tech gadgets in order to have fun. Fortunately, it doesn’t take a lot of money to find great entertainment for kids. Despite what most big businesses will try to tell you, kids don’t need an iPod or PSP to have fun. What kids need (and crave) is family time where they can express themselves, explore the world, and develop their creativity. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend time with your kids without spending a fortune, check out some of the following great ideas.

Have a Family Movie Night

Choose a day of the week when the whole family is free to spend some time together. Select a film or television program that you can all watch together. Set the VCR to tape programs you know your whole family enjoys and use this time to catch up on your favorite shows.

You don’t have to spend a lot on store movie rentals to enjoy a family movie night. Forgo the latest releases and check out the selection of older movies at your local video store. Ask about membership discounts, coupons, or specials. For example, one of our local video stores holds a 99-cent movie rental day every Tuesday.

Make movie nights an event to remember. Drag some blankets and pillows into the living room, get comfortable, and pop plenty of popcorn. With a little effort and very little money, you can establish a family tradition that you kids will love.

Check Out Free, Local Events

Call your local Chamber of Commerce to learn more about any free events that are offered in your community. Live music, picnics, and parades are all great ways to keep the kids entertained. Businesses and organizations also often sponsor events, classes, and kids clubs. For example, one business in my area recently offered free dance classes for children under the age of 18. Call around so you can be sure you don’t miss out on all that your community has to offer.

Join a Club

Many schools and churches offer clubs specifically for kids, so be sure to call around to see what’s available. Clubs devoted to homework, music, computers, crafts, and books are all great ways for kids to learn while having fun. If there are no clubs available in your area, consider starting your own. Discuss the possibility with other parents and have your children help spread the word to their friends.

What should your club be devoted to? Consider a homework club to help your children with their schoolwork, or perhaps a book club to encourage a love of literacy. Whatever you decide, remember that your goal is to create a fun experience without spending a lot of money.

_{Photo courtesy Chris Chidsey}