We are all feeling the pinch at the moment in this cost of living crisis yet we still have to keep our children entertained, stimulated and engaged in meaningful activities. Therefore, I am going to compile a list of my top 5 free activities to do with your little one!
1. Park trips
Given the choice between a full day out and a trip to our local park, my little boy would choose “park” every time! A simple park trip is often a lot easier on my fibromyalgia and because he is a little older now he can climb up and down things and generally run around the park without much assistance from me. He adores the park especially the swings and the slides and can often get at least half an hour if not more entertainment from parks alone. The great news is parks are free and we have at least 4 parks in a 20 minute radius of our house, so plenty to choose from. When it is raining, parks aren’t unfortunately much use but in cold weather or warm weather parks will always be there to protect the purse strings!
2. Walk to a local green space and have a picnic
Again, round where we live, we are not short of local green spaces, parks, forests and scenic areas. A walk is often something that can really help me with my anxiety, helps loosen my muscles up and in turn helps my fibromyalgia and is a cheap and easy thing to do. With a walk, you don’t have to go far to reap the benefits. A simple walk up the street looking at the flowers, leaves, grass, trees or birds is fantastic stimulation for your child or you could take it a step further and pop to your local park for a picnic or snack time in the park. My boy and I did this just last week and took a blanket, books, snacks and drinks, put some nursery rhymes on and had a nice time without cost.
3. Plan a play date at home with a friend
As parents, we know that days out come with big costs such as the entrance price to places, gift shops, cafes, added extras and much more. However, why not invite a friend round to yours to play? Or why not arrange a date at your friend’s house? Often, a trip round to a friend’s house or to yours can lead to extra stimulation for your child, a chance for your child to learn sharing, a great catch up for you and an easy to put together activity without lots of money spent.
4. Watching a DVD
I have wrote extensively about the joys of watching DVDs with your family and I still stand by that here in this free activities post! Please see my top 5 family film article for some ideas of what to watch.
5. Garden play
Again, the possibilities are endless with garden play and there is so much fun to be had in your garden. Be that water play, shiny object play, tuff spots, rock painting, home made obstacle courses or a picnic in your garden, utilise that space!
Other free activities to do
There are of course free local activities you could do in your community, too. Museums and gallery’s are often free as are Children’s Centres in the UK. Near us, we also have a horse and donkey sanctuary called Bransby Horses, which is completely free to visit and has a fab play park and a charity shop attached. You could also do junk modelling with your recyclables, painting, drawing, reading or visiting your local library. The possibilities are endless!
Mummy the Fibro Warrior Top Tip:
- Don’t break the bank entertaining your kids! Simple park trips, garden play or having a friend round for a play date is all your child needs 🙂
If there is one takeaway I’d like you all to remember today is that as long as your child is with you and spending time together as a family, it doesn’t matter the cost of an activity. I would rather have a fun filled free day than a bank braking day out that causes more hassle than pleasure. I need you to know you are doing the best you can, your child/children love you just as you are and you are Mummy the Fibro Warrior!
Until next time,
x
p.s. What are your go to free activities to do with your children when you are feeling the pinch? Do let me know in the comments below!
