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When you think of doing things with the kids, you may think of spending huge amounts of money on junk that you don’t need or want. Kids’ attractions are usually money traps because smart business people know that parents will spend the money on their kids if the kids are persistent enough. Just try to get out of an amusement park with any money left in your wallet and forget about a carnival or the circus. We once paid five dollars for a cup of lemonade! Fortunately, there are many things you can do with your children that don’t cost anything at all and these are the things that your children will look back and remember because it was quality time spent with you. Sure, the big parks are a blast, but there are so many activities going on that they hardly see you at all.
1. Feed the ducks. Feeding the ducks used to be one of my all time favorite kid things to do with my mom and dad. Mom would drive us to a nearby river or lake where some ducks made their home and we would bring a bag of our stale rolls, bread, cereal or crackers. Once you start tossing out a few pieces of food, you’ll have every duck in the pond at your feet making all kinds of racket. This is a great chance for your kids to see wild animals up close and ducks and geese are easier to find than ever these days.
2. Visiting historical monuments. Every state has historical monuments, whether they be from war times or just places where famous people passed through, lived or worked. You can find out where these places are from your state’s tourist office and take the kids to visit a bit of history. Historical landmarks are almost always free.
3. The old swimming hole. If you can find one, a secluded swimming hole has the makings for a wonderful day of family togetherness. Peace and quite and cool water on a hot day. Show off your diving tricks and skills!
4. Go on a nature walk. Put on your backpacks and load up with water and snacks. There are free parks in every state where you can walk through the woods and discover nature. See how many different kinds of wildlife you can find from frogs to caterpillars.
5. Biking. Get the whole family on their bikes and take a long bike ride somewhere you don’t usually go. Explore new roads you haven’t traveled on and don’t forget to stop into any interesting places you see on the way.
6. Visiting. Kids love to visit friends and relatives and it’s free! Get in touch with some folks you haven’t seen in a while, make a desert and head on over for a change of scenery and some good company.
7. The good old park. Find a nice big park that you don’t usually go to and pack a picnic lunch. Spend the whole day just lounging in the grass, playing Frisbee and swinging.
8. Build a fort. Find some old boards, some nails and a hammer and get to work! Find an old tree with a branch low enough to put a flat board on and build yourself a tree fort. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, the kids will love it whatever it looks like.
9. Movie night. Make a giant bowl of popcorn, get in your pajamas and bring all of the pillows and blankets out onto the living room floor. Have an old fashioned sleep over with the family while you watch your favorite movie and tickle each other until you’re exhausted.
10. Go to the library. Kids love the library and it’s educational too. Take the family to the library for a few hours and let the kids check out as many books as they like. Get something for yourself too!
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