Things You'll Need:
- Imagination
- Patience
- Energy
- Willingness to try new things
- Crafts, games or paper
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Step 1
Plan ahead: Do you know when you'll have to entertain kids? If you have time to plan, then you will be able to effectively have the most fun. Find out their likes and research fun things to do in your area. Consider going to free community festivals, free movie events and free parks.
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Step 2
Have a list of ideas ready: consider a day at the beach, a picnic in the park, hiking in the woods, or another outdoor activity. Swimming, outdoor games and adventures are a low cost and effective way to spend the day with kids.
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Step 3
Rainy day? Have a rainy day list of ideas ready as well. Visit your local library and rent some kid-friendly movies and play "movie theater": have the kids make up tickets, set up the living room like a movie theater and pop some popcorn. You can also make up your own board game with knick knacks around the house, create drawing and coloring games, or do easy crafts.
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Step 4
Take advantage of ticket upgrades: It may cost a little more at the outset, but consider year-round passes for local attractions for a great way to spend the day. Your local zoo or aquarium may offer such a deal, as well as amusement parks and more.
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Step 5
Ask them what they would like to do: usually kids have great ideas! Just be ready to give them a free or low-cost option. For example, if they suggest going out for ice cream, consider buying ice cream and cones at the grocery store instead and heading to the park. If they want to go out for pizza, buy grocery items to make a pizza and turn it into an activity instead. A great imagination, and willingness to try new things, will help you go a long way, and help you stretch your dollar while entertaining kids at the same time.
