My 4 year old already goes to Pre-K, gymnastics and soccer but...any tips for cheap/free activities other than park or library for 1 and 4 year old? Thx again!
Thx foir the tips. Most of the activities keep us out for only a few hrs and once we've done hours of playing and housework is done, I sometimes have the urge to go out for awhile before hubby arrives!
How about just having time to hang out at home? There is such a thing as being too busy. Dobson wrote a book entitled The Hurried Child that has some good points to think about.
Wow, I would think that is plenty!!! But here are some ideas for you anyway...
Outings:
How about feeding the ducks at a pond/lake? Both of your children would love that!!
Do you have a McDonald's Playland by you? You don't have to order much maybe just a coffee and juice or something off of the dollar menu. The one in my area has an infant section as well.
Do you have any nature trials in your area? Those are fun. Your oldest can walk/ride a bike while you push the one year old in a stroller.
I would just do a google search for "cheap or free activities" and the your city, state and see what pops up.
playgroups that you form with other moms. pet store. toy store. mall playland.
I agree with just playing at home. Down time is highly overlooked today -especially for our kids.
I agree with Marda. That sounds like a lot already and kids need time to just *play*!
We asked for membership to the childrens museum, the zoo, the science museum, aquarium, etc. for Christmas and birthdays. It's the gift that keeps on giving and doesn't clutter the house. We love our adventures to the various places.
L.
Check into your local YMCA or community center. Where I am in Texas, our city offers wonderful programs for toddlers, some your 1 and 4 year old can do together. For our area most of the programs range from $30 to $100 depending on what you want to do and for how long. Do you have an museums near you?
I agree with those who say that that is a lot for two young children, but I assume you're not doing that every day. I have a 1 and 4 year old boy and I love the games their big imaginations come up with when they have downtime and just play! But I also know in the dead of winter when they can't burn off energy, there will be lots of bickering and fighting if we don't leave the house! That being said, here are some of my favorites:
McDonald's playland, local fitness center indoor playground facility, ride the bus around town, ride a train/watch the trains at the train station, visit the pet store, play with trains/read books at Borders, playland at the mall, go out for a special treat (donut shop, ice cream parlor), see a movie matinee (at 1 year old's naptime). Don't forget the fun you'll have in the snow! Last winter was so hard for my little one, I ended up bringing buckets of snow inside for my preschooler to play in in the kitchen with big soup ladles and measuring cups. He had fun, and I mopped up the mess real quick!
I understand! We have preschool every single day, and ONE or TWO scheduled activities like soccer or music every single day. I cannot stand to be at home for too long because all the kids want to do is watch TV. I won't have that! We are busy, on the go, outside a lot, and tired at night.
I want my kids to grow up doing stuff, not watching TV.
For those who say kids just need to play at home, well, there are HOURS of that each day even with 3 activities in one day, trust me. If they play too long alone it always ends up with screaming and fighting. We have 4 little kids. Husband is not home until late, either. You can never have enough activities!
