Five Fun and Free Family Activities

We have four kids which means our family is loud, energetic, and busy.  It also means that there can be quite a cost involved with feeding, clothing, educating and entertaining them.  One way that we are able to save money is by providing numerous family activities that don't cost us anything.

Here are five fun and free family activities that we enjoy:


1. Pack a picnic.  Meals are a lot more exciting when they are out in nature!  We pack food along that we make at home and the kids can be as messy and as loud as they want to be.  Hot chocolate always makes it more exciting too.

{More information on this stove here}

2. Take a hike.  We love hiking–okay, Gary and I really love it–but the kids are great once we get going.  There are so many places to explore and it's a great way to keep your kids healthy and strong alongside expending that excess energy! No matter what they're age, there is a hike that can be done.  Here are my five tips for hiking with kids.

3. Participate in local city events.  We enjoy attending local park programs as there is usually something for every age from face painting to snacks!  Just this past weekend we helped plant a tree at a local park–I love that we'll be able to watch it grow over the years.

4. Local seasonal events.  A lot of farms, nurseries and parks offer free activities from pumpkin patches to meeting Santa Claus.  This fall we have gone to Willow View Farms and look forward to visiting Port Kells Nurseries again!

5.  Parks, beaches and playgrounds.  We live in a city (and neighbourhood) with many different playgrounds.  There is something to offer for each age group and our boys love to make up American Ninja Warrior courses or race their cars down the slide to keep things fun. Don't forget that there's always the option to geocache too!

The key is to mix it up as my kids would not appreciate a hike each weekend.  Also, providing choices always helps...and so do snacks!  What else would you add to the list?

Love,
Louise