Even though the D.C. area is teeming with activities for children, we don't get out much. We don't cannot do a lot of events, activities, shows, play spaces and such. The reality is that many of these activities are cost prohibitive. Keep in mind that were are a family of five so a $10 admission fee translates to $50 just to get into a venue.
For instance, our family recently enjoyed a movie at AMC Theatres and the tickets cost $60. A stop at TGI Fridays for a treat for the kids, and an early dinner for the adults (one appetizer, one entree, and three desserts) was another $40. Just like that, and not including the cost of transportation, we blew $100 on a fairly ordinary outing. Thankfully, we were using AMC gift cards that we received for Christmas.
When we do get out, we seek out free activities that are close to home, because we have no car. Weather permitting, we take long walks around the neighborhood or spend time at nearby playgrounds. We are new to the area and used Google Maps to figure out which parks are within walking distance and found a few that were offthe our beaten path.
Our neighborhood Barnes & Noble offers free Children's Storytime, with coloring pages and stickers, twice per week We have also enjoyed special events such at the Lego Ninjago Build Event and Mini Maker Faire.
The fire station is always fun. We have visited during open house events and sometimes on a whim. The firemen have always been welcoming and are very polite when kicking you out if they get a call.
The children are eager to go to the grocery store if I task them with helping to pick out a new food to try, or flowers. This approach distracts them from asking for other things that I don't want to buy.
To get out of the neighborhood, we might take the Metro to the mall as the kids love riding the train. Mall outings are not shopping trips. We may stop at the Lego store to play a while and will often get a snack for the kids, they look forward to Auntie Anne's Pretzels.
Activities at home include free play, craft time, and screen time.
Amazon FreeTime Unlimited gives access to an expansive collection of Kindle apps, books, shows, etc for a monthly fee of $6.99 for Prime members and $9.99 for non-members. In addition, there is a wide range of children's programming available on Hulu which starts at $7.99 per month. If you are already an Amazon Prime subscriber, you will find many "included with Prime" viewing options.
Movie night at home is a regular feature. We bring out the floor pillows and allow a movie night exception to our "no food in the living room" rule so they can enjoy popcorn with the movie. For an extra treat, we might rent a newer movie from Amazon, usually about $5.
Free play is a fun time for all. The kids get especially creative and it is a treat to watch. Our Melissa & Doug Cardboard Blocks have been fashioned into forts, race tracks, vehicles, walls, and much more. Some of our favorite craft activities are Do-A-Dot Art, Perler beads, and pipe cleaners. We entered our "Dog" in our building's Howl-O-Ween competition last fall. His costume was fashioned from pipe cleaners.
My husband and I have always agreed that having the money and being able to afford something are not one and the same. We are determined to live within our means and stay out of debt in spite of this major lifestyle adjustment. This is not to say that we do nothing fun, we elect to spend our money on experiences that have the potential to make lasting memories for our family.
It is important to be honest with yourself, and your kids, about your finances. Setting priorities and realistic expectations is half the battle.
For instance, our family recently enjoyed a movie at AMC Theatres and the tickets cost $60. A stop at TGI Fridays for a treat for the kids, and an early dinner for the adults (one appetizer, one entree, and three desserts) was another $40. Just like that, and not including the cost of transportation, we blew $100 on a fairly ordinary outing. Thankfully, we were using AMC gift cards that we received for Christmas.
When we do get out, we seek out free activities that are close to home, because we have no car. Weather permitting, we take long walks around the neighborhood or spend time at nearby playgrounds. We are new to the area and used Google Maps to figure out which parks are within walking distance and found a few that were off
Our neighborhood Barnes & Noble offers free Children's Storytime, with coloring pages and stickers, twice per week We have also enjoyed special events such at the Lego Ninjago Build Event and Mini Maker Faire.
The fire station is always fun. We have visited during open house events and sometimes on a whim. The firemen have always been welcoming and are very polite when kicking you out if they get a call.
The children are eager to go to the grocery store if I task them with helping to pick out a new food to try, or flowers. This approach distracts them from asking for other things that I don't want to buy.
To get out of the neighborhood, we might take the Metro to the mall as the kids love riding the train. Mall outings are not shopping trips. We may stop at the Lego store to play a while and will often get a snack for the kids, they look forward to Auntie Anne's Pretzels.
Activities at home include free play, craft time, and screen time.
Amazon FreeTime Unlimited gives access to an expansive collection of Kindle apps, books, shows, etc for a monthly fee of $6.99 for Prime members and $9.99 for non-members. In addition, there is a wide range of children's programming available on Hulu which starts at $7.99 per month. If you are already an Amazon Prime subscriber, you will find many "included with Prime" viewing options.
Movie night at home is a regular feature. We bring out the floor pillows and allow a movie night exception to our "no food in the living room" rule so they can enjoy popcorn with the movie. For an extra treat, we might rent a newer movie from Amazon, usually about $5.
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| Monster Jam in our living/dining. |
Free play is a fun time for all. The kids get especially creative and it is a treat to watch. Our Melissa & Doug Cardboard Blocks have been fashioned into forts, race tracks, vehicles, walls, and much more. Some of our favorite craft activities are Do-A-Dot Art, Perler beads, and pipe cleaners. We entered our "Dog" in our building's Howl-O-Ween competition last fall. His costume was fashioned from pipe cleaners.
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| Douglas, the wizard dog. |
My husband and I have always agreed that having the money and being able to afford something are not one and the same. We are determined to live within our means and stay out of debt in spite of this major lifestyle adjustment. This is not to say that we do nothing fun, we elect to spend our money on experiences that have the potential to make lasting memories for our family.
It is important to be honest with yourself, and your kids, about your finances. Setting priorities and realistic expectations is half the battle.
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