Inexpensive Family Entertainment
     by Jonni McCoy
 

"Hey, Mom! I'm bored! Can we go somewhere?"
These are common words in most homes. Instead of paying a bundle to go to an
amusement park, we have found some creative activities that cost very little.
Most take some time and a little creativity, but your kids will love the time
you spend with them!

* Make face paint and use it one each other's face. To make the face paint,
mix together 1 tsp. cornstarch, 1/2 tsp. cold cream or Crisco, and 1/2 tsp.
water. After mixing, I divide the cream mixture into small portions, then add
different food coloring to each. This way I have many colors available. I use
either a paint brush or cotton swab to put it on.
 

* Make paper airplanes. My kids love making them, and we have a few books that
help with model designs and instruction. Many of the books come with paper to
fold. Here are some of our favorites:

 Amazing Paper Airplanes, Hui Edmond, PhD
 Best Jumbo Paper Airplanes, Campbell Morris
 Fantastic Paper Flying Machines, E. Richard Churchhill
 

* Have a game night. Pull out all of your board and card games, make some
popcorn, and have fun!

* Take a picnic basket to a park.

* Borrow videos from the local library. Search for the old classic movies or
old television series.

* Visit your local pet store -- it's like a mini-zoo. If you get to know the
owners well, they often let the kids play with the pets.

* Have a taffy pull. Make it together and then stretch it as far as you can.

* Build a gingerbread house. This can be a fun activity any time of the year.
Let everyone decorate a part of the house their own way.

* Have the kids put on a magic show or skit for the family. Have popcorn to add to the
fun.

* Take advantage of local museums and any free days that they may offer.

* Look into music concerts or local plays offered in your city. Many are free.

* Visit a factory that offers free tours or crafters in their studios
(pottery, glass blowers, etc.).

* Ride the public transit of your city, and see the town. I was amazed that
the kids loved this.

* Go star gazing. Many community colleges have free
observatory nights.

* Go miniature golfing or bowling. Look for 2-for-1 coupons in the local
paper.

* Take some old bread to a pond and feed the ducks.

* Do a jigsaw puzzle.

* Make water balloons and have a water balloon fight.

* Make sidewalk chalk (Plaster of Paris in paper cups) and cover the driveway
with art.

* Go on a treasure hunt or a scavenger hunt.
 

Dating Your Spouse

Even married couples need to go on dates. It can be a source of real enjoyment
and a needed break from busy routines at home and office.
It's not necessary to spend a lot of money on these dates - indeed, many can
be done free. Before movie theaters, snow mobiles, ski lifts, or even cars,
people had fun.

When my husband and I need some time alone, but can't usually afford the
combined cost of a sitter, dinner at a restaurant or movie theater tickets, we
find a cheaper alternative that is as fun. Some people complain that these
aren't as exciting as a dinner out or a movie. That may be true, but focus on
why you're going out in the first place - to be together. Romance is all in
your point of view.

Below are some of our ideas that we have tried. To add your own to the list,
think like a tourist: read the Sunday newspaper's travel section and get
ideas, or read the visitor's guide put out by your city.

Inexpen$ive Date Ideas
 

* Drive to the tallest place in the city and enjoy the view or drive around
the outer limits of the town.

* Rummage through a flea market.

* Visit a local art gallery or a local bookstore's poetry reading.

* Go out for coffee and dessert instead of dinner.

* Go to a matinee -- they are sometimes half price -- or find the cheap movie
theater in your area. They often cost $1 per person.

* Pull out the music you used to listen to and reminisce.

* Cook something together.

* Go square dancing.

* Go for a walk

This article copyrighted by Jonni McCoy 2006, www.miserlymoms.com