The Reason I'm a mom on the go..... Well, I found out 6.5 years ago when we had our first son that I was a stay at home mom who did not like to stay at home. I found myself at Wal-Mart 3-4 days a week (I can't believe I'm admitting that!) I decided to sit down and make a list of things to do and places to go. I have to first give much credit to my mother (Joyce Goodwin) she never failed to keep us busy and just a few things popped in my head that we Goodwin kids had done on a regular basis. I remember loving going on long walks and picnics on a regular basis. We collected leaves, bugs or would just lie down and look at the cloud formations. (Kids have wild imaginations, they will come up with some fun and crazy ideas of what the the clouds "look like").
During the first few years of motherhood I took lots of walks and searched for other moms with small children to "hang out" with. I found that I was always stimulated by talking and visiting with the other moms but I was always shooing away the children. I decided that there had to be times devoted to my children only. Don't get me wrong, I love to have friend time. I have ended up at Laurie Fox's house all three kids in tow added to her three and we send them all to the playroom. THIS IS OK!!! Don't feel bad about sending your kids to another room to play while you visit and have a cup of coffee. This is great when you feel you are at your breaking point or really can't think or, or have the energy to do anything!
Start with once a week! If you are not used to getting out everyday, start with one day a week of spending quality fun time with your kids. Dedicate that day, in advance, to really getting to know new things about your kids and really enjoying them. Oh how the time flies - The sweet memories we have of our children will be with us when they are grown and gone. Cherish the time haning out with them. Our kids think we are GREAT!! They love to be with us and learn from us. I also want to encourage you to pray in advance for patience, understanding, compassion and a dose of silliness!~! God knows how wearing kids can be, (Hello, He created us) ,asking Him ahead of time to bless this children's day will remind you that HE is in control, and will remind you to seek HIm when you are at your witts end.
Life isn't always a Picnic. I want to say before you start your Fun Day..... It may sound like we Northcutts just always have fun, glorious outings but let me assure you... I have had my share of disasterous outings. Just think of it as a learning experience and take a deep breathe!! Usually, when you start your day happy and excited about the day, your attitude will be contagious to your children, but when it isn't just remember kids have bad days too. Give your kids a break!
Ok, Now for some Ideas. First, I would like to recommend a great book that I found on my mother's book shelf. It is copywrited 1981, (I think it has been updated since, Check Amazon and ebay.) My mom got many ideas from this entertaining read. It has some great ideas for ways to keep busy, and lots of great little recipes. Keep in mind when you have preschoolers the whole year is like everyone else's summertime. (God bless you!!) You can use the book all year! The book title is Sanity in the Summertime by Linda Dillow and Claudia Arp.
For those of you on a tight budget, try to budget a certain amount for the week, whether it be $5 or $50. There are many free or low cost activities out there.
Print this section and post it on your fridge. Add your own favorite places or ideas.
- Zoo - We are animal lovers and buy a pass. We can go to any reciprocating zoo for free! We pack a lunch and go alot!!
- Museums - Cooks Museum in Decatur is Free and you can spend a quick 15 minutes or to an hour learning and enjoying watching your children discovering new things. Don't write off the Museum after you've been a few times. Our kids have gone through so many different interests. They just discovered the fossil section after visiting many times over the past 4 years. Try the visitors center in your town to get a list of surrounding museums. Sci -Quest in huntsville reciprocates with museums all over the country.
- McDonald's, Chic Fil A or any place with a "Play Place"
- The Mall - Give everyone $1 or $2 let them spend it on whatevery they choose. Carousel, cookie, ice cream, small item from the toy store. Help them decide, be patient and have fun!! (p.s. This isn't the time for mom to shop)
- Chuck E. Cheese - If you're on a budget, don't eat, give everyone a couple of bucks, have fun, then go home and eat. Warn your little ones ahead of time that you will not be spending the whole day.
- Library - They even have a great video section - You can check out kids and adult videos for FREE!
- The Local Park - Everyone has a few - Try them all for a new adventure everytime. Take a picnic or pick something up ( We live off of the dollar menu and bring water)
- Wildlife Refuge - Explore, collect bugs, leaves - Tell them a funny story about when you were little.
- The Local Bakery - We live at Mel's Sweet Treats. They are so "sweet", I know they must cringe when they see me coming. It must take hours to clean up our crumbs. While you're there pick up a dozen cookies for a new neighbor, new mom or a "just because gift." A dozen cookies wrapped with a bow will only set you back $6.
- Putt Putt Golf - This is a favorite for boys and girls alike!
- Water Park - Point Mallard gets our summer money every year! Buy a Pass and make it a weekly summer outing
- Pet Stores - We can spend hours walking through Pet Stores. Let your kids push their own little buggy and talk to them about all the little "creatures" Let them buy Fido a treat.
- Ice Cream Shop - Have ice cream instead of lunch or go after nap time. Don't forget the wet wipes!
- Books -A-Million - Read books to your children, let them play with the train
- Movies - Call local theatres to see if they offer free kid's summertime movies. I know the Huntsville theatres do on Monday and Tuesday mornings, first come, first serve.
- Harmony Park Safari - Huntsville - Drive through safari (who knew!) Check your local chamber of commerce. Many towns have animal reserves and rescue centers, no one knows about.
- KoolAid Stand - LemonAid, Tea or whatever you have in the pantry. If you have a table and some cups, you're ready to go. We even sell candy for .$25 - Use this as a way for your kids to give back. We are saving our summer Kool Aid stand money to buy blankets to send to the Voice of the Martyrs. They send the blankets with a Bible to those in need in Sudan.
- Make some cookies and visit your local nursing home. When I only had Taylor we would go weekly to visit. It was a great teaching tool of how to respect and think of others. If you have a whole clan of kids make it a holiday tradition. Take some treats and have your little ones sing a couple of Christmas Carols. You don't know how much this means, to them, especially to the ones who don't have regular visitors. In turn I think you will find that your family will receive just as much joy as you have given. This time spent will surely be blessed.
- The Bowling Alley was almost empty last week when we went! It was so much fun. If you haven't been with little ones, it has changed a lot since we were kids. It was clean for a start - And SMOKE FREE!! Yeah!! Even my 2 year old had a great time, she even got a spare (using the bumpers, of course:) It took her ball about 15 minutes to reach the pins, but when it did we all jumped for joy and she was so proud of herself. Bowling is a little pricey - We had a coupon for a free game (which was plenty). I think it normally runs about $3.50 per person. Shoes rented for 3.50 per person. I'm thinking if we really want to go more I might have to try to find some bowling shoes on ebay:)
- Splash Pad - Delano Park - Ok, I didn't add this one at first because I had a weird experience when I went the first time. Come to find out, after talking to other moms, you have to go EARLY!!! I won't go into specifics but trust me on this one! We have gone since at around 9:30 and it has been great! Everyone was probably under 7 or so and very friendly. I would recommend leaving by around 11:30 am. Just my advice - Take it or leave it.
- Minor League Baseball games - (huntsville Stars) Most games are around $8 per person and you can print the schedule off of their website.
- Feed the Ducks at a local park (Huntsville for example) this could take up a whole morning. Pack a lunch and make a day of it. Teach your kids or yourself how to skip rocks.
- Go fishing. Even if it's just in a creek. It's an experience they won't forget. Just the worms are an experience by themselves. Google earthworms and have a little science lesson while you are there.
- Go to thrift stores or yard saleing. Ok - this may sound weird or even gross to some of you. I love thrift stores and I've even gotten my boys liking it. One searches for sports equipment and books and the other is always working on an invention so little .25 cent pieces of this and that are quite exciting. (I'm still waiting to see what he's going to use those napkin rings for. )
- For you local families..... * The space and rocket center, *Veteran's park in Priceville, *Somerville? nursing home (about 10minutes on the other side of Hartselle) - there are emus, deers, etc. take saltines. *Russell Stover candy store, call ahead and see if there are any scheduled tours. *There are lots of state and private caverns within an hour or so drive. Great for older kids, not toddlers!
I hope these ideas get you started!! Remember God entrusted these children to you. They are only home with you for a short time. Teach them, embrace them and have LOTS of fun!!!
