Play Games

This covers kind of a wide array, because games can range from indoor sit-down board or card games to outdoor runaround games like Tag. So, here is a short list of games that adults can play with their children:

Tag
Flashlight Tag
Board game
Card game

If you have anything to add to this list, simply comment below.

Printable Paper Dolls

There are many websites all over that have printable dolls and instructions that will kep your kids (mostly older, but not too old, girls) busy.

About.com has a decent wide array of printable doll links here.

Free or Nearly-Free Store Events for Kids

There are many stores in all areas that host kid-friendly workshops that cost little or no money. Call or search online for stores in your area.

Some major ones are:
1. Barnes & Noble
2. Toys R Us
3.Craft stores (AC Moore, Michael's)
4. Home Depot
5. Lowe's

Indoor Art Decorations

Looking through KidoInfo's blog, I found these amazingly neat ideas for an indoor winter art project to do with your kids.

Festive Garland

Cotton Ball Snowstorm

Colored Necklaces

Run Through the Sprinkler

Please only do during hot (or at least warm) days.

If you do not have a sprinkler that can be placed on the ground, then hold your thumb in the hose and spray your kids sporadically.

Get FREE passes from your local library

Besides offering a huge array of free movies and books for everyone to borrow, the library is also good to find free/discount passes to take your kids to local museums, aquariums, and even zoos.*

*Make sure you check online or ask the librarians their policies on these passes. Some can have extensive "fine print" involved with huge late fees.

PlayDate

Call one of your kid's friends over for a playdate.

Or if the other mother would rather, have your child visit them for a playdate.

Build a Snowman

Yes, this one is only good for snowy days and locations, but can be good for hours. Then when you are done, you can always have a snowball fight, and then settle down inside with some nice warm hot chocolate.

Make Something For Daddy

If you are a stay-at-home mom with the kids while Daddy is at work, then it can be perfect to keep them busy by having them make something for when he gets home.

Cards
Letters
Pictures
Any kind of artwork (finger paint, sponge paint, etc)

If you really have time and supplies, you can sit them down and have them create popsicle art or other kinds of in depth art projects.

Make a Puzzle

Depending on your child(ren)'s age(s) and attention span, try and make a puzzle together. For young children, use 5-10 piece puzzles (preferably the large piece ones). However older children can help with 50+ piece puzzles.

My grandma was always making 1000+ piece puzzles, and when I visited I would help her. It would only take us a few days to put one together. Now I love doing them when I have the time.

Cook Together

When your kids are old enough and capable, it can be fun to allow the to help with the cooking. If you find this stressful during dinner, try making it a once a week lunch thing.

Check out this website for some fun recipe ideas for kids.

Make a Tent

If the weather isn't permitting, make a tent inside out of blankets, tables, and chairs. Then you can spend time in there playing, talking, eating lunch, or even watch a movie with some butter popcorn.

Go Play at the Park

If you have a park on your street or in your neighborhood, then it is the perfect place to spend a few hours of fun time with your kids or catch up on some reading while they run around. Best part: After a few hours, most kids will pass right out, giving you an extra added break.

Visit the library

I loved visiting the library weekly with my mom and brothers.

Check out this website to find a local public library in your area.

About This Blog

I decided to create an ongoing list of things that you can do with your kids. My hope is that all of these things will be free, however some may incur a small cost for things like food, transportation, etc. It all depends on your situation.

Therefore I am including tags or labels on each post that has to do with the requirements. For instance, if this activity can only be done outdoors, or if you need a dog, or if it requires some kind of food. Some things may be easier for you and some may not, so in the sidebar, use the categories to search for content that is better available or interesting to you.

If you would like to contribute an activity to this blog, either comment on this post, or email me at mel.bail.mama {at} gmail {dot} com and I will be happy to include it (if appropriate). Also, if you have a contribution and would like it linked back to your own blog (maybe even a post about that activity) then email me all the details, and I will be happy to link it for you.

Happy Hunting!

Mel Bail
Wife, Mother, Blogger, Crafter, Creative Entreprenuer, and friend
Mama4Kids.blogspot.com
Twitter.com/Mama4Kids