I would start by searching this website to see if you can find a play group in your area.
There are often a lot of "free" offerings if you know where to look. Try a new park (even if you don't actually live in the neighborhood no seems to notice) or play places. McDonalds and Burger King don't tend to care much and if they do then you can buy a small french fry.
Then there are the things that cost a bit more. A lot of the birthday party sites will offer reduced rates during the week. We have several jump house places that inflate and for $5 the kids can jump for an hour. Chuck E Cheese has great coupons if you sign up for their e-mails. If you buy one of their plastic cups you can re-fill it for free at future visits. I can often get 100 tokens for $15 and then with free drinks we can go after we eat lunch at home and before the dinner rush starts. I tell the kids that we leave when either the tokens are gone or it gets too busy.
If money isn't an issue a lot of malls have build a bear. You might be surprised, but my boys LOVE build a bear. And if you are already out shopping anyway head to a pet store. Even the ones that don't have cats and dogs still have lots of fun. My boys love looking at the rodents, fish and reptiles. We will often do this on long road trips because it is a great way for them to feel instantly recharged without having to stray into a big committment. Another good store just to browse is Toys R Us. Make a big deal out of leaving your purse in the car so your kids know the answer is no. We play games like, "Find the perfect gift for your brother," and then the kids are not playing the "I want" game all the time.
Hope some of these ideas help. |
