There are many activities a family can do together without spending money.
Sure its fun to go various places for activities but these can cost you an arm and a leg.
But it's also great to share times for free.
The joy and lessons your family gains will stick with them forever.
1.
READ TOGETHER! Read a story or two together.
Choose stories that are appropriate for your children's ages.
Vote on which books to read.
Draw a picture of your favorite part of the story.
Or act it out.
2.
PLAY OUTSIDE TOGETHER! Have a family game of soccer, football, basketball,baseball or whatever.
You get the idea.
It doesn't even have to be a game just practice throwing, catching, kicking, etc.
This is good exercise for the whole family..
You can also play "hide and seek", tag, "follow the leader" or other games.
"Follow the leader" and "hide and seek" are also fun indoors.
3.
TAKE A WALK! While you're walking, talk and look for "treasures".
You can sometimes find interesting things.
Make it a nature walk.
Hop, skip or jump.
4.
TURN THE LIGHTS DOWN AND TAKE TURNS TELLING STORIES! It's OK to retell favorite stories or make-up your own.
Be creative!Made-up stories are fun to do and can be funny, scary or whatever.
Tell about stories when you were a kid.
Use candles and/or flashlights.
5.
GO TO THE PARK! This is always fun.
How about a picnic too?Playing on the equipment and looking for bugs, flowers and other things.
Take a ball.
6.
COOK TOGETHER! Cook something special.
Maybe a family favorite?Or an old family recipe you inherited?Homemade cookies are always fun to make.
7.
WRITE AND ILLUSTRATE A STORY TOGETHER! Brainstormideas for characters, setting and plot.
Work in something everyone says even if it doesn't seem like it will fit together.
Make it work.
Silly stories are more fun!Then let everyone have a part in illustrating your story.
8.
PAINT PICTURES TOGETHER! Use watercolors or maybe even acrylics.
Markers can be used if you have no paints.
Or chalk.
What about painting a project around the house? 9.
HAVE A SCAVENGER HUNT AROUND THE HOUSE TO FIND THINGS FOR AN ART PROJECT! Let the things you find determine what you make or do.
You may find craft items that you have lying around.
Scrap pieces of fabric or wood are nice.
Old odds and ends from this and that may be used.
It's your project.
10.
SHARE OLD FAMILY PICTURES OR TREASURES YOU'VE HAD TUCKED AWAY! This trip down memory lane promotes family stories and discussions.
This can be such a special time that will surely bring you closer.
Be creative and have fun.
There are many things a family can do together without spending money.
This in itself is a good lesson for children.