Family Fun

We love to do things as a family, however, with five children "fun" can be pretty expensive. With a little research and planning I have managed to fill our months with great free or almost free activities. I know how important the budget and fun are to families, so I wanted to take a few moments to share some of my "secrets" with all of you. We live in different areas, have different resources and different interests, but I hope that you will find something that will bless you and your family.

The Library....this is the first place that I look for free fun. Libraries are great places for families. They typically have one or two programs per month for families to enjoy. Most libraries also have times set aside for children to come and listen to fun stories each week. Summer library programs are one of my favorite activities. These programs usually reward your children with prizes for reading books they would normally read in the summer anyway. Aside from their programs, libraries may have movies that you can check out for free; no need to rent a movie for the weekend, check it out from the library.

Free Days...check with your local museum and zoo. Most museums and Zoos offer free or discounted days during the year. These may take a good deal of researching, but they are available. Now, you might be thinking that a museum doesn't sound like much fun, but it is all in your attitude. Our children love the art museum...I know nothing about art, and probably would scare most art teachers, but we have fun. Let me encourage you to try something new and let your children's interests lead you. You may be surprised which parts of the museum become their favorite. Don't forget to check out the museums and zoos when you go on trips, we have even planned trips around free museum days in different towns. Great memories!

City Parks and Rec departments...many communities have government departments that plan activities for families all year round. These activities could include sporting classes or leagues, summer camps, holiday events, and special guest programs. Be sure to check the communities around you as well. One of our favorite community events is the Big Rig Gig. This is a time when kids get to climb in all the big trucks and machines that the city owns. Simple, but really fun.

Large Churches...churches are often planning community events like Easter Egg Hunts, Christmas plays, summer bible day camps (VBS), sports camps and fun retreats. Large churches typically are able to offer more of these events, but small churches often offer them as well. It does not matter if you regularly attend a certain church, I have never seen a church were being a member of their church was required for participation.

Farmers Market....there are many farmer's markets that have activity tents or special events to bring more people into the market. It is also a great way to expose your kiddos to produce you don't typically have in your home. Many of the farmers will give sample and/or allow you to purchase just one item to allow the whole family to try something new.

Serving Opportunities...a lot of family fun places, including most Christian ministries will give you a large discount or even a free "pass" if you and/or your family serves the organization while you are there. For example, a large Christian music festival in our area will give you a free ticket for the entire event if you volunteer a certain amount of hours. I also know of several Christian camps that will invite families to stay for free if they help them prepare for the season...not hard work, just painting, raking and light types of labor.

University Events....be sure to watch your local university. Most of them will have community events 3-4 times a year to get people interested in being on their campus. Many of them also have "fan clubs" for kids. Our local fan club sends the children free tickets to minor sporting events. Our family is able to attend volleyball, soccer, hockey and softball games only needing to purchase a $5 ticket for the adult.

Grand Openings and Sidewalk Sales.... many businesses will have large events when they are having a grand opening or sidewalk sale. We have attended some with bounce houses, pony rides, petting zoos, face painting and free food.

No matter how large your family may be, let me encourage you to look in the local paper, talk to friends and do some research on the internet. You will be surprised at the free or almost free activities your family will enjoy this summer. Do you already have some favorite free activities? Consider sharing your secrets with other readers, I know I would love to hear your ideas.