As the days get colder and the air chillier, it can be quite the task to figure out how to stimulate your child's adventurous spirit. Long walks around town, half-day playground sessions, and picnics in the park aren't so practical during the colder months, especially when you have small children, but that doesn't mean you're destined to spend every day behind the four walls of your home. There are actually quite a few outings you can embark on that will keep you at least mostly sheltered from the elements. And with the gift-giving season approaching, an added bonus is that most of them won't cost you anything at all. Here are six great free or dirt-cheap family-friendly outings:
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Mall playgrounds. These days, a lot of larger shopping malls will do just about anything to keep you on premises a little bit longer, including building sometimes vast indoor playgrounds perfect for the pre-school and younger set. But whether you actually have shopping to do or not, these play areas are generally free of cost and open to the public all day long. One of our local malls even has a carousel (with a small fee)!
Pet stores. A pet store can be a great place for your kids to learn about different animals and species. You are not obligated to buy anything, but your kids will likely be able to check out all sorts of live fish, reptiles, perhaps dogs and cats, as well as lots of small furry animals. Just make it clear to your child whether or not you intend on making any purchases before you set foot in the store.
The firehouse. You'll want to call ahead first, but most fire departments–especially those in small towns–will be eager to show off their gear to members of the community. Speaking to a real live firefighter and getting to tour the station and possibly the trucks and engines is sure to be a thrill for tikes of all ages.
Storytime. Once again, I come back to the public library. Check your town library's schedule of events regularly–most have storytimes for different age groups all throughout the week, and it's a great time for your child to get some social interaction while growing his love for reading. Plus, most libraries are packed with learning toys and age-appropriate computer games–all free of charge.
Food pantry. Whether you have a baby that you wear in a carrier while you help sort cans or a toddler that can assist you with packing boxes, volunteering at a local food pantry is a great way to pass an hour or two of your day. Not only will you get to spend time with other people, but your child will begin to learn the importance of helping the community. Just be sure to call ahead and make sure the environment is safe for children.
Academic museums. If you live near a public college or university, check to see if there is a museum on campus. A lot of the time, you can visit these for free or with just a small donation, and many even have special programs for young children as well as teens. If it's a larger university, you are even likely to find works be some world-renowned artists.
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