This morning I took my children to our local mall for a children's breakfast - there was coloring a mothers day card - coloring the inside paper for a flower pot - and a flower and a gift bag - milk - chocolate milk - orange juice - free carousel rides - musical chairs - and prize drawings (every child wins). We are a single income famiy with four children and going anywhere is expensive when you multiply entrance fees - food - snacks etc by six, however we have been able to find great free or almost free things to do that are fun and family centered.
Here are a few more ideas of places to check in your area - Home Depot has a child's craft time on the first Saturday of every month - check your local libraries - Michael's are other craft stores - Restaurants for Kid's nights (our Pizza Hut hosts one on Tuesdays - coloring, temporary tattoos, cookies, balloons, face painting) - movies for summer programs - restauranys are theme parks for reading programs - book stores for storytimes and crafts or our Border's has a bingo (prize a $5 Border's gift card) ~ local churches for Awana or Bible clubs - family Bible Study Nights and don't forget your park system.
Enjoy your children and your community. Word of caution don't over commit - Home is the best place to sing, read, do arts and crafts, play games etc.
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