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What kinds of free activities/outings to suggest?

post #1 of 17
1/2/10 at 6:03am
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Last year when I did the spending freeze, I found the most difficult part to be simply staying home so I wasn't tempted to spend money. I live in Minnesota, so that paired with the fact that it was the coldest time of the year really gave me cabin fever!

This year, I'm determined to get out a little bit while sticking to the spending freeze. However, besides our YMCA membership for working out I'm not sure what else I'll be able to do. Any ideas?

What will YOU be doing to keep yourself entertained during the freeze?
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post #2 of 17
1/2/10 at 6:06am
I live in Florida, so even though it has been pretty cool here this week, we can still get out. I will be working in my garden for sure. It is starting to look really good. I also can take the grandkids to the park to play for awhile. My dh fishes alot so we always have tons of fish to eat, so next Sunday we are having some friends over for a fish fry and probably a bonfire also. That keeps the boredom and temptation to spend away here.
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post #3 of 17
1/2/10 at 6:17am
If it warms up a little here (MO), I plan to take my son to the park which he loves! Also, the boys ride their 4-wheelers and just love to be outside messing around. I picked up some wooden birdhouses to paint/decorate as an activity, too. I may even challenge myself to just go window-shopping and not take any money-esp. for a new fridge or some furniture that may be a future purchase to start comparing prices.

I actually am ok with staying home more as I work five days a week outside the home. I have xmas to take down, some organizing and decluttering to do, etc. that should keep me busy. Also, we like to turn the tv off at least one night a week and read or play games. My son got quite a few games for xmas, so he is always wanting to play those. I have a scrapbook retreat schedule for the middle weekend of this freeze, too, which I budgeted a little food money for and I already have the entry fee saved up so that will help me "get out" as well. That reminds me-I'll need to make up some meals for the boys to heat and eat while I am gone so they don't have the urge to eat out!!
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post #4 of 17
1/2/10 at 6:22am
the first thing I thought of and I am sure has been mentioned alot on the board is the library at ours the kids play on the computer while I catch up on my magazine they pick out books and movies while we are there. I know it can be challenging to find things to do outside while it is cold. If I think of more I will let you know.
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post #5 of 17
1/2/10 at 6:36am
Good question Kim!! I was trying to make a mental list this morning so I have something to pull from on those days that I feel this way. I am actually super happy that everything is starting new on Monday, DSs swim classes are Monday night, Wednesday we have MOPS, Thursday morning he has his gymboree type class at the YMCA. Thankfully we get two classes included each session in our membership so no cost to us!!

We also plan on:
Going to the Library for story time
Going to the YMCA for open swims as a family
YMCA for working out
Go to the mall to play at the indoor playground
Visit friends and family
Play outside in the snow and drink hot chocolate
Our church always has at least one pot luck/activity a month so we will probably go there
DS and I will meet up with a few other moms for playgroup
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post #6 of 17
1/2/10 at 6:51am
Our library has lots of activities that we'll sign up for. They have great classes for 'tweens' which suits us well.

We'll also schedule lots of play-dates and encourage the kids to invite their friends over. That keeps them entertained for ages.

We do some baking together .. nothing exotic or complicated (homemade pizza, bread, cinnamon buns, etc)

We'll have movie night using some movies we already own or trading with another family for the night.

We'll try and use up some craft stuff we already have in the house.

My kids also go to a free kid's club at a local church.

Love the idea of playing outside in the snow!
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post #7 of 17
1/2/10 at 8:22am
-We will utilize the library for new books and movies
-DD got a puzzle pack of 10 puzzles with almost 7,000 pieces total so we will set up a table to start on those.
-The reading program at school gives certifcates each month for those that participate and read the required amount. Last month they each got a free Happy Meal from McDonalds so we will do that one night and then they can play in the playland
-They also got many games to play so we are going to try and do a few game nights
-Crafts and organizing are also on the list we will do those first and when I feel like the kids are getting restless we will do the "out of house" activities
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post #8 of 17
1/2/10 at 8:22am
We'll be busy enough with Daisy Scouts that is already paid for the entire year.

But we will be going to the library and to church.

We're not much of an "outing" family. We enjoy our movies at home with some popcorn. When we go out it's because it's something we've budgeted or scheduled to be done.

Since it's cold here I think we'll be happy with the minimum of things.

Oh and I think I'll plan more playdates at our house this month than I usually do as the girls need it and lord knows I do too.
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post #9 of 17
1/2/10 at 8:33am
go to the library, take a walk, go outside and play in the backyard, go to grandma's house, play games inside, go to their cousin's house, go to a friend's house for a playdate
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post #10 of 17
1/2/10 at 8:54am
Library for story time and picking out books and movies. Mall to walk (as it's bitter here in MI) to walk and play at the indoor playplace. Plus our local gymnastics center has free tumble lessons at the mall on Tuesdays.
My mom is having some extensive surgery Monday so I will be spending a ton of time with my parents helping in her recovery.
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