Step1
MAKE A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT. If you can't afford to spend any money, don't! There are plenty of free activities in every community, every weekend and many week days. If you do have a little money to spend, your choices are virtually unlimited. Let your kids know that you will not be buying drinks, sweets or paying for extras. Involve them in the planning! You will be surprised how frugal children can be, when their input is requested.
Step2
LIST YOUR CHILD'S INTERESTS. Make a detailed list of all the things your kids are interested in. No interest is too small! If you have a child who loves the wheels on a little car, put that down on your list. Does you child like to watch you put on make-up? These are the basis for fantastic outings.
Step3
CHOOSE FROM YOUR CHILD'S INTERESTS, ACTIVITIES YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY. Remember, you will be going with your children. Finding something you have a genuine interest in, will make it a fun day for everyone, including you, and keep you from feeling burdened.
Step4
THINK ABOUT WAYS TO COMBINE INTERESTS WITH ACTIVITIES. One of the most rewarding outings I've ever experienced was when I took a young friend who like toy car wheels, to a real tire store. To me, a tire store was something I visited when a tire blew out. But to the owner of the store, tires were fascinating friends. Showing them to my young friend, was a joy for both of them. Who else in the community, loves what your child loves? A department store or theater make-up artist? A truck driver? A pet store owner? Can you visit these people and have them share their knowledge with your child?
Step5
FIND AN ACTIVITY. Go online and check your local newspaper, for community events and no-cost recreation. You'll be surprised at how many wonderful things there are to do!
PARKS AND BEACHES have free concerts, celebrations, plays, cook-offs (especially in warm weather), and even when they don't, a day at the park is always a nice outing. At the beach, try kite flying and sand castle festivals, watch volleyball and surfing and see a real whale.
HIGH, MIDDLE AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS hold fund raisers, have free sporting events, concerts and plays. It's great fun to take older kids to a holiday concert at an elementary school. High school sports are usually free or low cost, and the athletic competition is exhilarating.
COLLEGES free art exhibits, and no-charge days for student plays. Kids can watch a first class performance at a dress rehearsal, with the gratitude of the student actors.
ART MUSEUMS have free ticket days, as do science and history museums. Some zoos have special days for close up and personal contact with the animals.
CHURCHS AND RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS welcome guests to free lectures, films, low cost fund raisers and picnics.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUBS hold park and beach cleanups, and nature walks.
FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS often have pancake breakfasts or spaghetti dinners for a nominal fee, and are a great way for your kids to meet their community helpers. For small kids, a visit to the fire department is fun (firefighters will show them the pole and let them climb on the fire truck), just be sure and call ahead.
VISIT LOCAL STORES AND SHOPS. Do your kids like trains? Train stores allow kids to visit and watch miniature trains run. A perfect day might be to start at a train shop, and then take a ride on the local commuter train. Think about ways you can combine your child's interests with community activities and local businesses. Dance schools, ice skating rinks, martial arts studios and bowling alleys often allow spectators to watch the pros practice. Imagine watching a hula class and then participating in a Hawaiian Festival! Combining activities based on interests creates days to remember.
SIMPLE VISITS FOR LITTLE ONES. If you have a preschooler who like cars, why not take him/her to a auto show room, a tire shop, a garage, or a rim shop? Rim shops are especially interesting, with shiny chrome plates cut in geometric designs by real artists. Believe it or not, you'll enjoy it too.
Step6
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. Call or go online and check the weather report. This is an essential step. In warm weather take extra water, in cold weather, warm jackets. Set out clothing that will respond to the weather and your kid's needs. Remember shoes should be comfortable if your outing involves walking distances. Take along hats, sun glasses and sun screen and diapers for the little ones.
Step7
MAKE LUNCH. If you're going on an outing that doesn't provide food, make brown bag lunches the day before. Keep the meals simple and nutritious, low in sugar and high in protein. This will help keep the arguments to a minimum, even when kids are tired. Make sure to include drinks and plenty of water, and healthy snacks. Remember that you will get hungry too, so don't forget to make a lunch for yourself. If you are going to picnic, a small towel can double as a tablecloth. You can carry what you need in a small ice chest, a diaper or book bag, or back pack. Carry only what you need, and keep an eye on the weight of your pack. Putting items in sandwich bags allows you to carry lighter versions of essentials.
Step8
TRY NOT TO DRIVE. Driving isn't the only option, and with the price of gas sky-rocketing, busses and trains can be a much better plan. Check out local public transportation. Most cities provide low-cost fares, day passes and monthly passes. Kids love the bus and a train ride is always exciting.
Step9
PARTICIPATE. Throw the Frisbee, do the hula, paint the picture. Ask questions, learn to listen to your child's point of view. Discuss the game, the play, the concert, without lecturing.
Request that your kids leave their cell phones, ipods, cd players, etc., at home. If you take a cell phone for emergencies, avoid the temptation to chat with friends when you are with your kids. Your commitment to their fun time, will be shared by your children, as they follow your example.
Take a camera if you can. These are the real treasures of parenting!
Step10
GO HOME EARLY. Think about how long your kids will have energy and try not to push them past that point. This will prevent fussiness and the need to carry sleeping children. Remember that you are human too, and allow for your energy as well. Nothing spoils a fun day like a tired mom or dad trying to deal with tired kids. Good planing and observation will help you end your day at the right time, without arguments or tears.
Novice 
