Spring is already here and summer will be here before you know it, which means you're probably going to be in need of some fun family activities to keep you and your family busy. After all, no one wants to hear "I'm bored" day in and day out, right? Here are some things you can do with the entire family. The best part? They won't cost you a dime!
Call the Zoos and Museums
Most zoos and museums offer free family days a couple of times each year. Find out exactly when those dates are and then mark your calendar. With some of these attractions charging $10 or more per person for admission, free family days can save you a pretty penny or two.
In Fort Worth, The Amon Carter Museum, is devoted to American art of all media. Admission to the permanent collection is free; admission to most of the temporary exhibits is free, but not all, so check the web site. The Amon Carter Museum also sponsors family days with crafts and other activities, storytime for the younger set, and a variety of lectures, talks, and tours by experts, also free. The museum is located in the Fort Worth Cultural District.
Plan a Picnic
Picnics are one of the most tried and true fun family activities, and millions of moms and dads pack picnic baskets each and every summer. This year plan a picnic and pack a basket filled with your family's favorite foods.
Just remember, not all picnic locations are created equal. Find one that is family friendly and bring your Frisbees, balls, or croquet set. You can make an entire day out of a great picnic in the park.
Camp in the Backyard
If your kids are bored with the day in and day out drudgery of mundane life, they could probably use a vacation. But what if you can't take the time away for a family vacation (or you just can't afford one right now)? Then bring the vacation to you and pop a tent in the backyard. With some flashlights, a campfire, smores and a few spooky stories, your family's favorite vacation memories might just take place right outside your back door.
Hang-out at a Local Lake
Going to the lake for an afternoon is a great opportunity to teach your kids how to fish, learn how to swim or just have some quiet time watching the the sun dance on the water.
Let's face it - all families need to have fun. Fortunately for those of us who don't have money trees in the backyard, there are some fun family activities that don't cost a penny. The four things above are just the tip of the iceberg. Why not share a few of your favorite free family activities here and let others know what cool stuff you'll be doing to keep your kids happy and won't break the bank?
Copyright 2009 by Linda Bourgault, Double D Enterprises and lulugraphix. All rights reserved. Photos taken by Linda Bourgault and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Linda Bourgault, lulugraphix, Flower Mound, Texas. lulugraphix is a creative design and photography service for the real estate market, small to large companies, start-up companies and nonprofits.
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Linda, you're so right, we really don't take advantage of all the free or inexpensive things we can do as a family. One of my favorites is the campfire in the backyard by the river. Pa nights tend to be cool in the early evening and nothing beats a good campfire and smores.