3 Fun Activities for your Kids that are Budget Friendly

By Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh

Freelance writer

Whether you are a new or seasoned Mom, it can sometimes be a daunting task to find fun, budget friendly activities for your kids. I’d like to provide some useful tips and activity ideas for different weather situations that can be fun for the whole family. These tips are great for both working and stay at home Moms, as there are events during the week and weekends.

Here are 3 fun activities for your kids that are budget friendly:

Library events

One of the best places to find events is right at your local library! Libraries also have great activities in the children’s section including puzzles, books, and computer games. It is a great way to stay active during the hot summer or cold weather. Check out the events online or on their Facebook page to find out the latest happenings. These free events are great for the whole family. With Halloween coming up, many libraries have costume parties, special themed story times, and trick-or- treating. Story time activities are great, and libraries generally have them for different age groups ranging from newborn through preschool age. Other library events include board games, open play, music and dance programs, and writing classes. Sometimes pre-registration with your library card is required prior to the events.

Parks

Check out your local parks when the weather is nice for outdoor activities! With slides and more these are great free activities for your kids that will help keep them active. Many parks also have splash areas for the kids to enjoy so feel free to bring your bathing suits! Like the Facebook pages to check out different park events. There may be holiday themed events that are free or have a nominal fee. Some parks also have community centers with science museums and theaters that have great family shows. Food trucks have become the latest trend at parks, so you can make it a family night out and not have to worry about dinner. Food truck prices generally range from $5-$10 per food item or you can bring your own snacks to enjoy at the park. Many parks also have free concerts with great music during the food truck events.

Indoor playgrounds and gyms

Indoor playgrounds and gyms have become the latest trend for kids. This is a great way for kids to stay active when outdoor activities are out of the question due to bad weather. The fee is generally $10-$20 per child with a discount for siblings, and adults are usually free. Many facilities have wrist bands for the adults and children with numbers that match and are checked upon leaving for added security. Indoor playgrounds will usually include access for the full day so you can stay for 1 hour or until closing! The facilities may also have mommy and me classes. Take it from me if you have little ones the adults will feel more tired than the kids after leaving! Adults can have fun too and participate in all of the activities with their kids, and there are also areas to sit and relax. These facilities usually have shoes off and socks on policies so be sure to pack socks for you and your kids! Ask about discounts for teachers, healthcare professionals, and military as many offer special deals. Also, you may be able to purchase a package of admissions at a discount that can also include free sessions if you plan to go frequently. Be sure to also like the Facebook page, as some places offer discounts on certain days if you provide a special code or word of the day.

Good luck on your search for activities!