Raising kids is expensive. Even if you don’t chase after all of the bells and whistles that consumerism tells you you have to have. There are school fees, diapers, more mouths to feed, clothes, and shoes! It seems my girls are always outgrowing their shoes. When it comes to really investing in our kids, it honestly doesn’t have to cost a thing. Now that’s not to say that you can’t bless your kids with experiences like sports teams, artistic and musical endeavors, and special gifts or trips; however, it is to say there are plenty of things to do without dropping a dime and instead, spending your time.
Three Things To Do With Your Kids For Free or Close to It
1) The Library: Many, many, many times I have mentioned the wonderfulness that is the public library. There are programs for all ages, books (I am a recovering bibliophile so checking books out is MUCH better than buying them), videos, and more all for free. Our library also has a play area for little ones that we used to go to for hours when the eldest princess was small. She would wander around and play with the other little ones and the toys there (How are other people’s toys always more cool than your own? I’m sure there’s an allegory in there somewhere.). Now she loves to play on the computers there and find things to check out books and movies. It offers so much for the entire family and I’m always glad we’ve gone.
2) Community Events: Our city holds all sorts of things for free. We love the annual Freedom Festival that includes many free children’s activities. The Community Center also offers free and well priced events and classes. Speaking of, I think I need to find a class for the youngest princess. 🙂 We also NEVER miss PBS Kids in the Park. Indianapolis has a fantastic free event every summer where you can meet many of your PBS favorites like Elmo, Arthur, and more! Since we don’t have cable, it’s like going to Disney for our kiddos. Check your local PBS station to see if your metro area has one, too. There are also plenty of bounce houses, face painting, and booths with give aways. But a word of advice, pack your own water and lunch so you don’t get ripped off by overpriced vendors.
3) Your Own Special Tradition: It’s so important to get special one-on-one time with your kids. Just remember, it doesn’t have to be anything razzle dazzle. Even if you make a habit of swinging for 15 minutes on the swingset every week with your kid (call it your Hang Time), going to a park every week for a couple of minutes, or even your routine errands of the week. Dress up the occasion by wearing silly hats when you go or getting a cookie from the bakery @ your local grocery store (the majority of them hand them out for free, just ask). The King faithfully does a Bible Study with the eldest princess most Saturday AMs. She so looks forward to that time and he usually spends less than a dollar to buy her a treat while they sit together and read the Bible. He didn’t drop a ton of a cash but you can bet he made an investment.
What about you? What are three ways you invest in your little ones without dropping a ton of cash?
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