With most of us currently feeling the rush during this current global recession and the prospect of endless vacations to entertain our children, are we really able to create fun and excitement for our children without spending a lot of money?
Here are some tips on how we keep our kids motivated without spending a fortune using the outdoors and indoor activities:
1. take photos
Nature gives us wonderful ways to have fun. Why not have the kids collect some leaves, petals, twigs, feathers, and any other items from nature outside that can then be used to make beautiful pictures. Our children and their friends enjoy copying pictures of insects using the collected items. They have made lovely pictures that include stick insects with twigs and butterflies and spiders with petals, leaves and twigs.
You can also make other pictures by placing a piece of paper on a tree trunk and rubbing it with different colored crayons. Children are amazed by the beautiful effect it creates.
2. Make wreaths, mobiles, wind chimes, or necklaces.
To make a wreath, simply take a strip of cardboard and attach a strip of double-sided tape to it and have the children glue various items such as leaves, petals, etc. on the crown and then look at their heads.
Mobiles can be made by tying pieces of string to a large piece of wood and allowing children to then tie various items to them such as flowers, twigs, leaves and feathers, etc. Then you can hang them in the garden. They make a lovely garden ornament and kids will love looking at and seeing their artwork.
If you have replacement kitchen utensil items like pans, spoons or ladles, etc., why not tie them to a sturdy piece of wood to make a wind chime and encourage children to experiment with the different sounds they will make. ?
Again, a necklace can be made by tying together items such as flowers, leaves, etc. to a piece of rope.
3. Create an adventure for a story
There is no better way to stimulate a child’s imagination than to create an adventure and then write about it. Our girls enjoy walking through a nearby forest and visiting a tree they call the “tree house” as it has a small door at the bottom of the tree. When we return from our walk, we individually write our own story describing who we think lives in the house. It is surprising the completely different versions that emerge. Our youngest daughter is not usually very interested in writing stories, but she loves writing these stories as we all participate and treat it as a great ongoing adventure and keep adding to the story every time we go to the forest. It’s also a good way to persuade them to go for a walk that they would normally find boring.
Instead, younger children could draw pictures to describe their adventure, while adults write the story based on children’s ideas.
4. make up a scavenger hunt
Kids love solving clues and finding hidden “treasures.” The treasure does not have to be expensive, it can simply be some chocolates or sweets. This game can be played indoors or outdoors and can be great for occupying children, especially when they have friends to play with.
5. Create a mini Olympics
When the weather permits, especially on long summer vacations, why not invite some friends over and create an Olympic Games? Involve the children in the preparation by having them make the medals and try to think of activities that all the children will enjoy and that each of them will have a chance to win a medal.
6. Cooking contest
Why not organize a cooking contest to decide who can create the best pizza face or the best cake, etc.? Most children enjoy being creative in the kitchen and will enjoy eating their creation later.
7. Create a cinematic environment
When the weather is bad or you just need to relax, why not rent a DVD, buy some popcorn and soda, draw the curtains and create your own cinema and relax.
There really are many exciting activities for kids that don’t need to cost a fortune and can be just as fun. It only requires a small investment of time on your part. Most children enjoy creating things and there are many different activities for children, including those listed above.
I am very fortunate to be able to spend quality time with my children, as both my wife and I Work from home So you can spend that time finding ways to do fun things to do with children. As we always strive to make them value money, we always try to make sure we teach them fun things to do without costing them a lot of money.