Spending time as a family doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Spending time as a family can be difficult, but it is definitely worth the trouble. Because many parents work and worry about finances, finding family time that is affordable is important. Children who spend time with their parents are less likely to drink, do drugs or smoke cigarettes, according to Columbia University survey results reported by ABC News. Many activities are available to you and your children for little or no financial cost.
Planting a Garden
Gardening can be an ongoing family activity.
Planting a garden together can be exciting and yield some wonderful food to eat. Take your children to a local greenhouse to pick out vegetables and herbs to plant in your yard. If you live in a larger city or an apartment, consider starting a community garden with other families in your neighborhood. Spend time each evening watering and weeding your plants. You can use this time to teach your children about patience, hard work and botany. Choose an interesting dish to make with your new crop once it is ready to be harvested for a fun family feast.
Camping
Camping is an affordable way to have fun with the family.
You don't even have to leave your backyard to camp under the stars. Purchase an inexpensive tent, put it up in your yard and have a sleep-out. You can even roast marshmallows and hot dogs on your grill. If you are looking for a bit more adventure, find a campsite in your area to spend the weekend. Pack your camping essentials, bring your best ghost stories and build a fire to sit around. Camping helps you and your children leave behind modern technology and spend some quality time getting to know each other in a new way.
Amusement Parks
Many parks offer family night discounts.
Roller coasters and cotton candy bring out the kid in all of us. Spending the day at an amusement park can be exhilarating and inexpensive. Many parks offer family bargain nights or discounts throughout the season. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day playing games and riding the merry-go-round. Some parks offer free shows with the price of a ticket. Others may include a water park admission, which can help with the summer heat.
Family Game Night
Game night can bring a family closer together.
Board games can bring a family together and teach invaluable skills to your children. Classic games, such as Life and Monopoly, can teach your children money management and decision-making skills. For younger kids, Candyland and Chutes and Ladders still prevail. Set a date, order pizza and spend the night obtaining properties or becoming a superstar.
Trip to the Zoo
The zoo can offer entertainment to all family members.
A zoo can help your children learn about and appreciate the animal kingdom. Many zoos have interactive exhibits where you and your children can feed or pet certain animals. Other zoos offer educational sessions to teach your child about special or endangered species. Grab a zoo map and have your children circle the animals they want to see. Then plan a route and enjoy.
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