10 Ways to Save Money and Have Fun with Your Kids

It doesn't take a lot of money to make your kids happy. The important thing is the time spent having fun together. Here are some things to do that are free and your kids will love it.

1. Get some old inner tubes, head for a service station to air them up and take the kids to the river or lake, and spend an afternoon floating down the river or paddling in the lake. You can pack your lunch in a cooler and take it with you.
2. If your kid's grandparents live far away, spend an afternoon helping the kid's record messages on a tape recorder to send the grandparents. The kids will enjoy doing it and the grandparents will appreciate it more than you can imagine.
3. Make a batch of home made clay for your kids and let them help. Mix together one cup of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon alum, 1/2 cup water, 1 to2 tablespoons shortening, 1/2 cup salt, and a few drops of coloring drops if you wish. When the kids have finished playing with it, store it in an air tight jar in the refrigerator.
4. Take the kids and some stale bread or cereal to a pond and feed the ducks. Children love feeding the ducks, and you will love joining in on the fun.
5. Take the kids to the back yard or a wooded area and let them gather kindling. Tie it in small bundles, hang in the garage and use it to start fires this winter, or have a wiener and marshmallow roast.
6. Check to see when there will be a book reading at the library. Children love going to the library and hearing stories read. Offer to pick up a friend to go along for the drive.
7. Camp out in your back yard. Roast wieners and marshmallows, sing songs and tell ghost stories or just stories in general. The kids will love it, and you are building memories for the future.
8. Give each kid a container and go out in the evening to catch fireflies. See who can catch the most then let them go.
9. Get the kids out on a hot day and wash the car. Put on your bathing suits, flip-flops and go for it. Let everyone get as wet as they want. While you're at it give the dog a bath too.
10. Choose something easy, according to their age and let the kids make a meal and serve mom and dad. Also let them clean up the kitchen. Surprisingly kids love to do it.

When you get into the mode you will think of ways to have fun with your kids, away from computer games and the TV. You and your family will all benefit. I guarantee it.