Family Outings on a Budget

Remember when you were a kid? Looking back, don't you wish you could just go back to that simplicity? Kids, especially young children, don't need all the fluff, the bells and whistles, or the bank account to run dry to enjoy the day with you. Here are just. Few things you can do with your children for those days out that won't cost you very much. Yes, some of them are simple, but if you are like me at all, you sometimes forget the easy things to do because they are just that... Easy! Remember that the most important part about a family outing, is the family. Take the time to be together, and learn everything you can about each other. It's the simple things that can make the best memories.

- Pack a picnic lunch and go to the park. Eat lunch and play on the playground equipment. Take a walk and enjoy the day.

- Back yard camping trip. Set up the tent, pull out the sleeping bags and get the fire pit ready! The best things about a back yard camp-out include:
1) No camp ground fees
2) Little to no packing
3) If you're busy, like we are, you don't have time to take work off for the whole weekend... But the back yard allows you the freedom to do a one night trip without having to miss work the next day.
4) Especially if you have very young children, your plumbing will beat an outhouse, let alone the near-by shrubbery, any day!

- A nature walk. Get a small note book (or make one of your own) and a pen for each child. Take the time to help them draw bugs, leaves and animals they see. You can even help them press a couple wild flowers between the pages. Enjoy the air and each other. When you get home you can even look up the things that the children liked the most and learn more about them.

-The Zoo, especially during off-seasons (as well as other times throughout the year) zoos, and other animal friendly exhibits, offer discounts or even FREE days! Check with your local zoo to see if anything is coming up.

-Take a tour of your city or surrounding area! This is a great way to explore something new. People who live in New York City often take for granted that they live there, and many don't go see the sites! What amazing things are there to see in or around the place you live? Are there tourist spots you've never visited? Is there a beach or mountains? Get your tourist gear ready and explore your home. Your kids will love it, and you might learn something too.