Outings: visit an attraction, attend a show or event.
The Vacation/Big Day. Our family can't afford to take regular vacations, but we do plan one Big Day. This is a "big ticket" event, like a visit to a theme park.
Special Events. The State Fair, Fourth of July fireworks show, a music festival.
Regular Outings. Set aside a day, an evening, whatever suits your family. Each week, or a frequency that fits your schedules, take a break and get out of the house together. These outings are shorter and less expensive, or even better, free. Miniature golf, a children's museum, the beach, the community pool.
Slumming. Pack everyone in the family vehicle and see where the road leads you. Usually, the adults have a vague secret plan and prepare for the possibilities. For instance, if we're pretty sure we'll be gone most of the day, we pack a picnic lunch, snacks and drinks. Once in a while it's fun to take a twist on this. If you have older children, let them be the drivers!
Programs: ongoing, scheduled activities such as classes, library story time, hobby clubs.
Simple Pleasures: at-home hobbies, projects, family games.
Mark the Family Calendar with any set dates and your regular outing days. If you don't have a family calendar, I strongly suggest you start using one. Inexpensive desktop calendars with tear-away sheets make great family calendars. When the planned dates are visible on a daily basis, you are less likely to forget and/or schedule over them. Keep the list of other suggestions nearby for regular outing ideas or spontaneous excursions.
BE PREPARED
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Stock Up on the materials for family members' hobbies
and projects, and any others you think may interest
them. When the mood strikes or a rainy day limits
choices, they'll have all they need to occupy
themselves.
Don't Forget Your Computer. All sorts of downloads and printables are available on the Internet- games, puzzles, and crafts. Go to http://disney.go.com/ and http://www.nickjr.com for familiar characters.
Keep a Travel Bag stocked and handy. Yours might be a beach bag containing sun screen, a portable radio, sand toys. We also keep several items in our family
