2. Sightseeing: This is another great thing to do with the family on a sunny weekend. We tend to take for granted the fantastic sights of our home state and focus on other places to see. Why not enjoy your hometown! There is plenty of sights to see. A stop by a local hotel can help you get a brochure and an idea on what to do. I have lived most of my life in Tacoma and I have never enjoyed stroll around Seattle (other then business related) and I am sure many can say the same. Try your best to park in a place where you will not have to pay a fee so you do not have to worry. Take lots of pictures and enjoy the time! Leave sometime to watch the sun go down and marvel at God's creation, not just man-made. Go out there, you might be surprised at what you find and you can remember why you still live in your state!
3. Museums and Zoos: I enjoy visiting these places. Some museums have are shows free of charge to enjoy. And some museums have art outside that you can admire without lifting your wallet. It is best to go early in the morning and then you can get your money's worth by walking around all day. Plus they give discounts for little kids and students. They also give group discounts if you want to take a whole group of families to enjoy the day. Try to pack water bottles and snacks for the small kids so you will not have to throw your money out on the overly-priced concession stands. For the drooling mouths of the toddlers looking at the cotton candy or popcorn, give them a reward by going out to the store and buying one candy bar or dollar toy before or after.
4. Window Shopping: We have a great time going to various shopping centers and walking around. For more fun, challenge yourselves to go in stores you have never thought to go into. We will go to furniture stores and admire the pieces and go to antique shops to look at different styles. You can drive through a huge housing development. We had mansion homes on tour a couple years back and it was really interesting to see this magnificent homes and the furniture. Later, we go to a pastry and/or ice cream shop to finish off the day. Some shops have family specials that you can ask about to receive discounts.
5. Pet stores: Sounds strange? With the variety of fish and hamsters in various pet stores, The kids will have a blast looking at them. Plus, most major pet stores are located in a shopping centers so you can stop by somewhere without going out of your way. (Bonus, sometimes they have dogs and cats on display for adoption! Who knows, you might even take a furry creature home!)
6. McDonald's Play Area: Even though I am not a fan of fast food, I can not keep the kids away from the brightly-colored tunnels that adorn every block of the city. The happy meals with improvements on health such as milk and apple slices can help mothers who can not keep children away from McDonald's. And salads or wraps for the parents can help monitor that sagging waistline.Going out once in a while to get dollar sundaes and letting your kids play for a while can be fun for them. I do not encourage going often to eat there because what kids grow up with, they will visit in their adult lives. A mother who encourages healthy foods is promoting healthy kids for life!
7. Stay home: Make a fun time at home designated for only family time. You can pick up a local Christian movie to watch with the family (Some of our favorites; Fly Wheel, Fireproof, Courageous, October Baby). Not a fan of movies? Try board games! They are a great way to laugh and connect with the family. You could also bake cookies or cupcakes together for a sweet treat afterwards with hot chocolate out on the porch. Even things to do around the house can be handled all together for more closeness. Things such as painting a room together, arts and crafts, washing the car together, etc!
8. Local Events: There are different types of carnivals or fairs that most likely open once a year in your area. You can afford to splurge once a year and not worry about the cost if you save up. Admissions for children and students is usually free. As a family, decide how many tickets or tokens each of you will get so you spend them wisely and there will be no asking for more. Plus, you will not keep buying tickets at what seems like a low price but builds up in the long run. Buy only what you need at the boutiques. There will be amazing kitchen utensils and make-your-life easier pedicure sets but you need to stop and think if you will ever use them. Some families are determined to take a picture each year at the fair. Maybe start a new tradition if the price is to much to handle. We bought a set of 25 small canvases that you can combine and change the pictures anytime you want, all from your home printer. Now we can take a picture with our camera and come home and print out on a canvas for a bigger, better, and cheaper frame! The food is always a tug on your wallet yet the mouth-watering smells are hard to resist. Try to pick one food stand that your family agrees on and buy a bundle there. It will be cheaper and you can mix it up with different varieties of food for everyone to try.
9. Restaurants: Eating out does not always have to be expensive. If it is done once in a while and in moderation, it is smart dining. You could try a buffet or small cafe. Some restaurants have specials available and some have extra savings if you sign up for their email list. Make sure you do not come to a restaurant starving after not eating all day. Everything on the menu will look good, even things you do not normally order. Order water or tea instead of those fancy drinks with the fruit on the side (except for special occasions like birthdays!) and order only one appetizer for the table. Since you end up taking a to-go box anyway, why not split your meal with the kids? Then you can get dessert. :)
10. Visit a farm or orchard: A great day can include a day at the farm. The kids will have a fantastic time learning about new ways of life that are not typical in the city and you will have fun as well! There are TONS of stuff to do at a farm! Petting farm areas, corn mazes, hay jumping, etc! Go in the late spring when the mamas have their babies to see little chicks and baby goats. Check out your local area, there are farms that give free tours and wagon rides! Some farms let you pick some organic fruits to take home. You might pay more for them then at the store but you get a huge box some of which you can take and freeze them for smoothies or pies later!
Marriage is not something one tries on for size and then decides whether to keep; it is rather something one decides with a promise and then bends every effort to keep -Leon R. Kass
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