Every parent knows that kids have a great capacity for fun and learning, but they can also sometimes be bored and restless on the weekends, after a very structured school week. Here are some tips for finding good activities for kids that won’t break the bank.
Art, Science, and History Activities for Kids
Many museums do not charge admission; they are donation-based (the donation amount is up to the visitor). Even those that charge admission sometimes offer free weekends or family days. An Internet or library search will bring up details on local options. Local newspapers often feature weekly activity listings.
Displays that seem to be aimed at “grownups” may offer an unexpected opportunity. Of course, parents must be sure the material is appropriate for children. But parents are often surprised to see how interested children become in historical events, scientific concepts, or art that may have seemed too advanced at first.
Smaller exhibits, like historical societies or library displays, are also opportunities for fun and learning that are sometimes overlooked. Signing up for mailings from the most appealing options is a good step for parents who want to stay up to date. Local galleries that sell art can also be included the search for activities. The library may offer passes for reduced fees at local museums and other attractions.
Hands-on Activities
The Internet is chock full of free activities for kids, many in the craft arena. Websites include those intended to help teachers find learning materials and those meant to help parents who home school their children, so there are many kid-focused crafts to be found. A search using brand-name craft materials can often be productive. For example, the Crayola Website offers free coloring pages for printout, more than 1,000 craft ideas, and lesson plans for teachers.
Computer Activities That Embrace Learning
While it’s wise for parents to limit too much “zoning out” with video games or TV, the Internet provides many opportunities for free games that are educational and fun. For example, Highlights Kids (the same company that produces Highlights magazine) includes interactive “Games and Giggles”, “Story Soup”, and “Science in Action” sections. Parents must be sure to screen what their children are doing online. If they are old enough to “surf” the Web, parents might consider using parental control software that prevents children from stumbling on inappropriate content.
Free Activities at the Local Library
Libraries these days are so much more than just shelves of books and a “Quiet, Please!” sign. They often sponsor story times for kids and reading clubs. Computer use is usually free for patrons. Besides finding new books to enjoy, kids can choose audio books, music CDs, and videos to bring home. And younger kids often take great pleasure in using their own library card.
Don’t Forget Nature-Based Activities
This brief Suite101 article discusses the No Child Left Inside movement and includes links to more information on outdoor activities. Parents may hesitate when considering outdoor activities, especially if they are short on time or facing an iffy weather report. But there’s no need to commit to a long hike. Even a brief walk around the yard or a local park can yield discoveries like bugs, unusual leaves, icicles, or sightings of birds.
Small steps like checking a field guide out of the library can provide for hours of interesting activity. Bringing some of the outdoors in, with the aid of a shoebox or an inexpensive “bug catcher” container, is another way to promote learning and fun. Children can continue their nature adventure indoors, using the field guide (or an Internet search) to learn about their latest finds.
Parents may also find it useful to keep a “things to do” list. Searches for kids' activities are likely to uncover ideas that may be better saved for another day. When children participate in the list, it is likely generate lots of enthusiasm and to continue growing.
There are so many fun and inexpensive activities for kids to be found. A simple newspaper, library, or Internet search can yield a long list of possibilities, including crafts, exhibits, interactive learning opportunities, and outdoor adventures.
Katherine Hauswirth - Katherine Hauswirth works full time as a medical writer and publishes freelance creative nonfiction and poetry. Her topics of expertise ...
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