Kids' Local Activities

Shopping with mom can be an activity for a baby.

If you have just had a baby, or moved to a new area, you will want to connect with other parents. Local kids' activities are great ways for parents and children to meet their peers and have fun. Best of all, many family-friendly activities are free or low cost, so families on a budget can entertain their kids without breaking the bank.

Publications

Most local parenting publications publish a monthly calendar with activities for almost every day of the month. If you get the paper at the beginning of the month, you can plan your activities for the rest of the month. Since most of these papers are free, they also tend to highlight free or low-cost activities. You can pick up these papers at pediatrician's offices, children's museums and public libraries.

Libraries

While public libraries may have free parenting magazines, they also host their own, usually free, activities. Story times, sing-alongs and children's concerts are just some of the special events offered. Some libraries also set up a rotating collection of toys where toddlers or older kids can make friends. Getting children to regularly visit the library, even before they can read, instills the habit of reading and can lead to school success.

Bookstores

Bookstores with large children's sections also regularly host free events. They offer story times and author readings. When a popular series has a new book published, bookstores also often host special events. When Harry Potter or the Twilight series had new books, book store chains and independent book stores hosted parties and costume contests.

Schools

Even if your child is too young for elementary school, he can still attend a special event there. Schools have harvest fairs, winter carnivals and spring get-togethers where you can find crafts, games, rides, concerts and even petting zoos. These events are designed as fundraisers for the schools, and public and private schools host them. Contact your local elementary school to get their calendar of events.

References

• Parenting Publications of America