10 Free (or low cost) things to do with your Children

 

Winter recess is coming.  Bringing kids out to fun activities to keep them occupied can get expensive.  Keeping activities at low cost is often challenging.  Here is a list of things to do with your kids that are FREE or cost little money including places where children can eat free.  Free things to do with your children so you keep sane.

 

1. Home Depot–   The first Saturday of every month they offer a free workshop for kids.  They have building kits with all the supplies you need.  During some holiday’s they do seasonal crafts as well.  They provide hammers, glue, paint, a child apron as well as table and chairs to sit comfortably to do their project. My son loved this.  It was a special Daddy and son time he looked forward to every month. Here is a picture of my son at 2 ½ making an airplane at the workshop.

   

    

2. Libraries – Look into your local library for age-specific classes for your child.  Classes are free and all you need is a library card. If you can’t make a class, just go and get some new books.  Libraries have playrooms too. Many offer free concerts during the warmer months. Check your libraries website or go in and ask for a calendar of classes.

 

 

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3. Michaels– check your local Michaels for free classes.  They run specials at different times of the year that are free.  Around holiday time, they have a free Saturday class where you can decorate your own shirts. They also have a Kids Club on Saturday’s that costs between $2 and $5.  They supply everything you need for the craft. Visit the website and check for Kids Club by you.  http://www.michaels.com/classes

 

4. Parks– Go to your local park.  Check surrounding towns to see if you like their parks are better.  Personally, I prefer parks that are totally gated in.

 

 

5. Go Bowling– Look into the Kids Bowl Free Program in your town.  They allow kids to bowl 2 free games.  All you pay for is shoe rental.   We went bowling every week this past summer. After going so much I bought him his own Bowling Shoes.  Then we would go for free.  My son liked it so much that we signed up for a bowling league.  https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

 

 

6. Whole Foods– When you go to Whole Foods you should go and stop at Customer Service.  They give you a coupon for a complimentary apple, organic fruit leather or animal crackers. Whole foods want you to have an easy shopping experience with your kids.

They also offer Kids’ Club Cooking Classes on a monthly basis.  Visit the website to check for events.

 

 

 

 

7. Taking Pictures– Give your child an old digital camera or use your phone and take pictures of each other or your town.  This fosters creativity. Your children will love being behind the camera as they are usually the one asked to say cheese. Be prepared to smile a lot.

 

 

 

 

8. Go for a walk– Get out and get some fresh air.  Talk about different things you see.  You could also have a scavenger hunt while on the walk.  Kids love to find stuff.

 

 

9. Build a fort—I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s so fun.  Kids love building a fort.  Use the couch pillows and all those blankets hanging around.  Here is a picture of our latest fort.

 

 

 

 

10. Visit a Fire station—Many firehouses will let kids come in and give them stickers or coloring books. Call first before showing up.

Going out to eat is also quite costly.

 

Here are a few places that kids eat free.  Nothing is better than a FREE dinner.

 

Places Kids Eat FREE:

At all locations, restaurants require the purchase of an adult meal to get a FREE kids meal.

–Ruby Tuesday’s—Kids eat free on Tuesday’s

–Moe’s Southwest Grill– Each location has a different day where kids eat free.  Check out a Moe’s near you to find out which day.  This is one that we have used many times.  My son loves cheese quesadillas with bacon.

–IHOP– Kids eat free every night for dinner.  Since times vary at different locations so check near you.

–Denny’s- Day’s vary by location.

–Texas Roadhouse- Day’s vary by location.

–Friday’s- Day’s vary by location.

 

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You may also like 15 Terrific Ideas for Family Connect Nights

Check out 20 Questions to get your Child talking about School

Here are some of our families favorite books.

 

 

What does your family do for free activities for kids?  Please share below. I’d love to here.

 

 

 

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