Spring Things to do With Your Kids

Now that we are working our way out of the winter thaw, I’m taking the boys out more and more to enjoy the beautiful weather we’re having.  Here are some free or inexpensive ideas for you to do with your kids before you can bust out the kiddie pools and slip ‘n slides:

  1. PARKS - Check out local parks in your area.  If there is a park in my county, I’ve been to it.  My kids love running around playgrounds and I’ve found more than a few good ones in our area.  I’ve also chatted up some other parents in parks who have told me about some of the more hidden ones in our neighborhood.
  2. ZOOS - We have a small, local zoo.  The entrance price is relatively inexpensive and you can spend all day there.  We have a family membership as my children love the zoo.  We visit on a regular basis and enjoying seeing the animals in all of their splendor.
  3. FARMS - There are some great farms in our area as well where you can often see and/or feed the animals for free.  Though - I caution you to be careful of the peacocks!  As spring approaches, you’ll also be able to start doing U-pick at the fruit/vegetable farms. 
  4. GARDENS - If you don’t have a local garden in your area, check out a local CSA.  Often you can reap what you sow.  A little elbow grease and a few dollars can get you lots of fruits/veggies.  Or why not start your own garden patch?  We’ve already begun cleaning out our garden for the next planting season.
  5. LIBRARIES - Our local library starts doing outdoor activities for the kids in the spring such as a bubble day and bug hunting days.  The local library is a great, free resource of activities ALL YEAR LONG.
  6. THE BEACH - Hit the beach before it is packed for summer and play in the sand.  Be sure to take along your shovels and pails  - and a jacket - it is often quite windy by the seashore in spring.
  7. YOUR OWN BACKYARD - Our backyard isn’t huge, but we love to go out with sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and balls.  There are so many wonderful, simple games you can play with a ball or a frisbee or a hula hoop!

Because Spring often comes in like a lion and likes to shower those flowers, here are some rainy day fun ideas:

  1. Check out places like Lowe’s, Michael’s and AC Moore - all of which offer free crafting days for kids.
  2. Check out your local Whole Foods.  Ours has a free or very inexpensive kids’ activity EVERY Wednesday.
  3. Go to the Pet Shop.  My kids love animals and we can always use some more food for our mutant county fair goldfish.  The kids love seeing the dogs being groomed, as well as all of the other animals in the shop.
  4. McDonald’s or BK - If your kids are like mine, they need an outlet for their energy.  Several McDonald’s and Burger Kings offer Play Areas.  You don’t even have to buy any food - though sometimes we’ll grab a post play ice cream snack!
  5. The Mall - our local mall has a play area for kids.  The kids can run and you can window shop (or mallercise with the stroller!)

Having fun doesn’t always have to be expensive.  Get out and enjoy some time with your kids!

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