As of the time of this entry, gas where I live is $4.09 a gallon. It’s ridiculous and depressing all at once. Living on one income, it's difficult to afford groceries, let alone the expense of gasoline to drive anywhere.
On a day like today—blue skies, slight breeze, and 72° temps—I am depressed 10 times over. We sat around this morning, scheming and trying to come up with ideas of what we could do as a family to get out and enjoy the beautiful day. We soon realized that we had exhausted nearly all of our ideas of inexpensive or free things to do. I’m quickly beginning to acquire the Eeyore sentiment. My last hope of satisfaction today is to pass on some ideas that might suffice with your brood.
LIBRARY. Check out your local library. This is an invaluable resource, especially if you have small children at home. The older kids can find enjoyment as well, though. Throughout the year, our local library has story time. It is an occasion that my little ones look forward to each week. The times for specific ages vary. Many libraries also put on summer reading fairs and/or programs. Kids can sign up to do a specified amount of reading over the summer (typically only 20 minutes a day), and upon completion, have a grab at different rewards and prizes ranging from movie tickets, bowling passes, DVD’s, books, and restaurant vouchers. In addition to checking out books, you can also check out movies for free. Our library carries the latest new releases. Of course, you often have to get on a waiting list for them, but a little patience never hurt anyone. Because of the length of time to check movies out is about 5 days or so, the waiting list usually goes pretty fast. We, as a family, used to rent from the video stores. It’s cost $5+ for each rental! And the cost of renting even a few movies each month was adding up. Now we get all of our movies from the library. Even if there is an old favorite that comes to mind and your local library doesn’t carry it, you can request that they get it (the same goes with books). Pretty cool if you ask me.
MOVIE THEATRE. Hit up the theatre. There is always the $1 theatre to take full advantage of. The bigger chain in our town has free movies for kids in the summertime. Movie times are typically in the morning. Everyone knows (and if you don’t, you will now) that movie theatres don’t make their money from selling tickets. They make thier money at the concession stand. Why anyone would want to pay $5 for popcorn, $4 for a drink, and $4 for some candy is beyond me, but people do. And the movie theatres know this. Your in extra trouble with kids in tow. Kids seem to have radar for anything unhealthy. If they were to sell broccoli and peas, the theatre would be bankrupt in a week. So they know that the parents will come to the free movie with their kids and buy $50 worth of junk that would normally cost $5 elsewhere. Hitting the movie theatre helps the day go by when you have nothing else to do, and is a way to get out of the house. Just don’t be tempted to buy concessions no matter the amount of begging and pleading from your children.
BOWLING ALLEY. Perhaps it’s not free but it certainly can be cheap. Usually, when school is in session, the prices for a game of bowling and shoe rental are low because these are the bowling alley’s slow times. And in the summer, there are decent rates as well. Our local bowling alley has $1 days every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the summer. That means $1 shoe rental and $1 per game. And with the new laws passed recently, bowling establishments are now smoke free.
PARK. Why not head to the park. My kids would spend all day there if I let them. Make it a picnic while your at it. After lunch, send the kids off to play and catch up on your reading. Take along a bag of bread while you’re at it if there’s a pond nearby. If the ducks are in town, the kids will love feeding them. And the ducks will love them for it.
COUNTY FAIR. Again, not free but cheap, in comparison to the State Fairs. County fairs typically charge low admission and offer cheap ride bands. And entertainment is usually free with the purchase admission. This includes concerts, magic shows, and animal exhibits. At our local county fair, if you buy a ride band, all rides are unlimited. Be sure to keep an eye on your local newspaper or city publications. You can find valuable coupons and also find out which days are discounted. Its great to see the looks on your children’s faces as their whirled around and shouting with excitement. And it doesn’t have to cost a ton.
YOUR OWN YARD. If its a hot day outside and the kids need an outlet, set up the kiddie pool in the front yard. When I don't feel like being bothered from the neighborhood kids, we pull it around into the backyard. Otherwise, break out the sunblock and umbrella. The other kids on the street will see this and be over in no time. You'll have an instant block party, and the kids will have fun for hours. Be certain that they receive their parent's permission. And of course, keep a watchful eye.
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