With a recession on it is hard to keep taking your kids to the movies or buy them new toys. Here are some free ways that you can have fun with your kids without spending much money or any money at all!
One thing that most kids find fun is to go on a nature walk. Pick up natural items from the forest floor or the side of a stream and then when you get home create natural collages together. You can collect objects that are seasonal and make a collage about 'autumn' or collect objects near the ocean and make it about 'the seaside.' The artistic and educational options are endless and the kids learn things too.
Another way to have fun with your kids is to just go to the park and feed the ducks or squirrels. This teaches them to bond with small animals as well and to show respect for them.
You can also take your kid on a trip to clean up a local creek or park. Make them feel good about themselves by having them pick up litter. Make sure they wear gloves and explain how they are helping the environment when they do so.
If you have an overweight kid walks in the park can help take the pounds off. However nothing beats a few rounds of hula hooping to help trim that child's waste.
Older children enjoy being read to, especially if you take the time to read them some comic books.
Finger painting is a fun past-time for the younger child. On a rainy day just hand over the paper and paint and let them go wild.
One thing that kids of all ages enjoy is simply going to a park, blowing up balloons and giving them to other people who look like they need some fun or cheering up.
If your kid is a young entrepreneur set him or her up with a lemonade stand. This teaches them to cook and a bit about business. It also helps them to make a bit of money on the side to spend on a treat!
If your kid seems a little bit grumpy do some crazy things together like wear your socks on your hands and yoru mittens on your feet. Wear crazy socks and your shirts inside out. Kids today are very worried about things they should not be like money and environmental disasters. Being as playful as possible helps keep them motivated and in a good mood.