Cost Effective Fun Family Activities

Videos that are not just for your kids

2010-05-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

With all the technology that is out there, it is nice that they have finally made a toy that is fun for your entire family and you don't need to be a space pilot to figure out how to run it. Also their selection of games is not just shooters and weird games that your kids seem to like, but Olympic, golf and carnival games that keep everyone's attention.

The nicest thing about about the system is that the controller is motion controlled. You swing your arm like a bat and the system, somehow through the magic of technology, mimics your movement on the game. I have tried to play my kids games and I am sorry, I just cannot push all the little buttons that my kids do and win the game. This system on the other hand, this is something that I can get behind. Family nights just got a new group of activities.

A family who crafts together.... is crafty

2010-05-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

I wonder that at the beginning of Michaelangelo or Raphael's life that their parents sat around together for family time and did crafts together and that's why they became the Renaissance men that they did. All I know that it couldn't hurt if you tried out this theory.

No, but in all seriousness getting together as a family to do some arts and crafts is a fun and healthy way to bond with your kids. Help your kids express their creative side and in my opinion it is much better then family time behind the television.

Have some good old fashion fun!!!

2010-03-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

With all the crazy new experiences from indoor sky diving to 3d movies, your kids are missing out on some of the best family experiences that you can do. Visiting farms and going on horseback rides is how people have been enjoying family time for decades. I would rather do one of these activities then spend a bunch of money on some fancy movie.

It's my opinion is that our kids need to experience as much of the outdoors as they can because with the world changing as it is, some of my favorite national parks like Glacier are melting away. I want them to respect and understand how great nature is and the best part, it is pretty inexpensive.

Sporting Events are a cheap way to gather the family together

2010-02-26T13:23:00.000-08:00

In any city or town around the world, I promise you there is some sporting event that you can take your family to. If you are tired of your own town's team, go to a new city and cheer for someone you don't know. You can even do it when you are vacation, my family did it and it was a lot of fun.

The best part about sporting events. They are usually kid friendly, they are a bunch of parents there, supporting their kids and will keep and eye out on yours. There is action going on and who doesn't like cheering for a team. Often people think that they would feel uncomfortable just showing up at some town's baseball game. I find that people are there with welcoming arms... if you chose to support their team.

Do something cultural

2010-02-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

With the crummy weather that we are going through right now, you must be tired of being stuck in your house. Gather the family together and go do something cultural. The best things about things like museums and art galleries is that they are either ran by donations or with have cheap fees.

I loved it when my family lived in Manhattan, anytime we were in the need of family entertainment, it felt like there was an endless amount of culture to go to. Though, we usually at the Met. In any medium sized city, they have to have at least a few cultural destination and if they don't, make a trip to the closest big city to ya.

Winter has given you all the entertain you need

2010-01-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

While searching for someway to send time together as a family, it may just be as easy as walking into your yard or into a local park. We often overlook activities that will entertain your family for hours and all you need is snow. If you live in a state in that has seasons, bundle the family up and get out there.

Snow ball fights, snowman building or sledding will keep a smile on everyone's face and will give you the quality family time that seems so hard to arrange these times. After your snow time fun, get the family together for some Cider or Hot Chocolate to warm their bones.

Late season skiing is a great way for deals.

2010-01-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

If you want to go with your family up to the slopes, doing it late in the season is the time to go. The best thing about this is for the most part, the crowds have left the slopes because they won't have the best snow. It is better for getting deals now, because the resorts are aware that crowds are waning and they want to milk it for everything they can.

I know personally at the resorts I go to, that they have already started their two for one or kids ski free deals. I know as a parent, I would prefer to teach my kids how to go down the slopes when I don't have to worry about the huge crowds. And since we all know that our kids are the most important thing, I don't even go to the slopes until I feel like my kids are safe.

Done with the Cold, now bring in the games

2009-12-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

Winter is a glorious time of the year.. but also it reminds me of how much fun I can have in the warmth of my own home. After whatever holiday event that has pulled me an my family out of the house, I like to come back in as a family, make some hot cider and pull the family together for a board gaming time.

My family is in love with both board and card games. I am just happy that I can find a response for my family together and have fun together. So when your family get snowed in this winter, be prepared and have the board games ready!

The season of lights and cocoa

2009-12-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

Oh winter, the time of year where the family gets together for not just one large family holiday but two. Now, that we have gotten Thanksgiving out of the way, now we are geared up for Christmas. Finally, it is time for Christmas music and snow! A family tradition that we have been doing for years in going out as a family and seeing the lights.

Now, I know that people usually just do this from the warmth of the car but I feel that you lose something if you are not out walking in it. There is something surreal about walking around in the Christmas light world. So for this year, I recommend everyone go out, get all bundled up for the cold and make some hot cocoa. View the world not through the looking glass of your car but from the great outdoors.

Family Fun is Thanksgiving.... The Next day is not so fun...

2009-11-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

Well, it’s that time of year again, time for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, the two busiest days of my life. One day I spent cooking and eating the greatest food on Earth, then I have a midday nap and I get ready to stand out in the cold so that I can get amazing shopping deals. I don't why we are lucky enough to have both of these days, right after another but we do.
Though, I have figure out a way to even get more off on my Black Friday sales. My master plan this year is to get gift certificates that at a discount on sites like citydeals or others and then use them for payment on my items. This is what I call a double bonus, a genius move on my part! So if I am going to have to fight for gifts for my family and friends... I might as well, save a little bit more.

A great list to give you ideas...

2009-10-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

I would have loved to have come up with this list myself but sadly, someone beat me to it. It is a great list of things you can do out in outdoors that really won't break the bank but are still be pretty fun.

15 Fun and Engaging Family Activities For All Ages

Finding things to do with the entire family in tow is not always an easy feat. There are many reasons for this, one being agendas. A lot of times family outings end up with the children in tears and you wishing you were in bed, with the covers pulled up and a pillow over your head. Eventually, we develop a sort of mental block as to what is fun as a family and what can be traumatic for everyone involved.

Have no fear! The following is a list of engaging activities for you and your children to enjoy together. The list is long, so there are many options for you to try. Just remember, the goal is to enjoy yourselves (at least a little) if you want to have a successful family activity. This starts with smiling, read the studies.

F A M I L Y F U N

1. DANCE! Ever feel like going to the park with the kids and strutting your stuff on the dance floor all at the same time! Baby Loves Disco is your kind of place! With locations in dance clubs across the US, you can host a birthday party here or just go for an afternoon of dancing with the kids.

They play fun disco tunes and you can have snacks and drinks when you need to refuel. Check your local area to see if any clubs are holding Baby Loves Disco during the day. If you cannot find one, submit a location or area to the company and they will try to open one up! What a great way to spend an afternoon!

2. MUSEUMS. Local Art, Childrens or History Museums - Children like to go to museums, especially if it means having fun. Pack a picnic and plan on staying for a while. You can get a tour of the museum on headsets or just walk around together and point out what you like (or do not like) about the artwork or artifacts that you encounter.

3. ZOO. Animals are always a hit, especially with the young ones. Once there, look for petting zoos, primates and polar bears, for some reason kids go nuts over these little fellows. Also, make sure to bring snacks, water and a camera!

4. PARKS. Neighborhood Parks and Theme Parks possess great potential to entertain kids for hours. With lots of space, there is always room for releasing energy and stimulating activity. Make sure to hold on tight and stay together. Talk about what to do if someone gets lost before getting stuck in a crowd. Enjoy the outdoors!

5. FARMERS MARKET. There are wonderful opportunities to talk about health and to see new and interesting things at farmers markets. Take advantage of the platform to show kids how to find good fruits and veggies and talk to farmers about how they grow their crops. This is a great way to get kids interested in the foods that they eat and to discuss nutrition.

6. AQUARIUM. Fish are fun! They come in an abundance of beautiful colors, shapes, sizes and habitats. Lots of homes have fish as pets, but many kids have not had the opportunity to explore fish stores and aquariums. It can actually be a relaxing experience (as long as you agree beforehand that you are leaving all of the fish at the store!) The next time you are looking for a rainy day activity, put the slickers and goulashes on and go fishing at the aquarium!

7. MOVIES. If your child is over 3 years old, the movie theater can be a great treat. Pack some of your favorite healthy snacks, grab a sweater and catch a fun flick. IMAX theaters are in many cities across the US now and have great educational films for kids, not to mention the theaters are enormous and have incredible sound systems.

8. THEATER. There are many theater companies in even the smallest towns with childrens theater. Check your local playhouse to see if anything is coming up in your neighborhood. If so, buy some tickets and make a date. If not, create your own play, complete with script, costumes and makeup! Action!

9. LIBRARY. As long as your child is capable of being quiet, this should be a mandatory experience for children as someday it might be a thing of the past. Most local libraries have weekly story time, which can be a lot of fun for young kids. Many libraries even have staff lead songs and art projects. Check your local library for details.

10. CITY HALL. Do your kids know what government is? Probably not. However, City Hall can be a great place to talk to kids about the local lawmakers, while showing them the courts and politicians of the city. If your child is over 7 years old, schedule a class field trip for these future voters and politicians of America!

11. GOLF. Whether you go to a miniature golf course or a putting green, golf is a good, all around fun activity for the whole family. Plan to make a few hours of the game and enjoy it. Just make sure that all kids understand proper form and that golf clubs are held *differently* than baseball bats.

12. SKATING. Ice skating and roller skating are great activities for both boys and girls. Skating encourages motor skills and physical activity as well as family bonding as together, kids can fall down and hold each other up!

13. BOWLING. Strike-outs build self confidence and who does not love to wear those stinky shoes? Bowling is a good, old, all-American past time that all children should experience at least once! Do not forget to bring socks (unless you want to borrow socks from the alley).

14. ART. Make art! Use paper and supplies that you find around the house, yard or school. Create projects that involve nature and color. You can make self-portraits, a family painting or a family mural. Just remember that there is no wrong way to make art, except if you do not make it.

15. BASEBALL. Take them out to the ball game. Need I say more? Oh yes, bring a coat if it is cold out and be prepared to sing and eat peanuts.

So, now you have 15 activities to enjoy as a family. Each one can be done as many times as you wish, so if you try them all, you are bound to love at least a few of them! There are many fun activities that you can do with your family. Don't be afraid to get creative with your family adventures. Be prepared with food, warmth, money and your smiles and everything should be just fine.
Author Resource:- Britt Michaelian, MA is a family safety expert and CEO of Responsible Family Company, designed to empower families with safety, health and responsible living. Sign up for the newsletter, read the blog, order the award winning Emergency DVD and a Safety Consultation at http://responsiblefamily.com
Article From New Ezine Articles

Family Activities on a Budget

2009-09-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

We all know how it is. We want to have quality time with our families but are afraid that it may break the bank. I set this blog up hoping that I could share my ideas on how to have a good time with others and maybe a few people would throw back some ideas that maybe I didn't think of.