7 Frugal Activities for Bored Kids
by Cyndi Roberts
Christmas is over, but the kids are still home from school for a
few more days. You're all tired of playing the new games, but what else is there
to do? Try these fun, frugal activities!
1. Go to the park and feed the ducks. Bundle up and take along
some stale bread, rolls (leftover from Christmas dinner) or crackers. The kids
will love it and the ducks will be glad to see you!
2. Were you too busy before the holidays to bake and decorate
cookies? Bake "after-Christmas" cookies. It will still be just as much fun and
there's no added stress of finishing on time, etc.
3. Gather blank paper, stickers, markers, rubber stamps, etc.
and let the kids make their own stationery for writing thank-you notes.
4. Let the kids make a tent out of a card table with an old
blanket or sheet hung over it. You could even let them eat a picnic lunch
inside.
5. Make a beanbag toss game. Fill old socks partway with dried
beans and tie closed with twist ties or string. Cut a hole in a large cardboard
box. For older kids, make 3 different size holes and assign points to the
holes--i.e. more points for tossing your beanbag into the smallest hole.
6. Feed the birds. Cover a pinecone with peanut butter; then
roll in birdseed. Hang in a tree outside your window so the kids can watch the
birds as they eat.
7. Visit your local library and check out a new book or movie.
Never fear spoiling children by making them too happy.
Happiness is the atmosphere in which all good affections grow.
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly
newsletter and founder of the website of the same name. Visit
http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free
e-cooking book. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course
"Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".