I have a 5 year old boy, a 2 year old girl and a 6 month old. Hubs and I both work full time and every weekend all we seem to do is make mid-week meals and do washing etc. The kids (and us!) are BOOOOORED!!!! What do other busy parents do to get the kids out of the house on the weekend that doesn't involve a ton if planning and cost a fortune?
4 Replies
Picnics at a cool playground. You can take the newspaper or a book especially if it's fenced. Pack sandwiches and plenty of water. Literally used to take me 20 mins to get everything packed up. Used to leave a bag packed with the basics so I didn't have search for everything. I didn't spend any longer than I'd taking making lunch anyway and once we got there kids can burn off energy. Being out in the sun and fresh air made a huge difference.
Something my sister and hubby do is one of them will take the older kids out for a few hours to playground or similar while the other stays home and gets uninterrupted chores done. They mix it up so but also means in the Sunday they have more time for doing something as a family.
One day at home one family day out. Chores done sat morning 9- 12 then enjoy the weekend. One parent take kids out walkor parkor localshops or market or fair or library,cinema ( cheapones in the morning) or swimming. Sunday we go further, pack up car, drive, markets, fishing, swimming, walk in a rainforest, see something new. Home early for early dinner (5ish) baths & relaxing night.
We love our movie nights too.
Museums, art galleries - check both for kid friendly activities. Park, walks, bike rides. I find with my kids being so young it really is the simple things in life that keep them happiest. Movie night Saturday night is awesome to drag out the mattresses into the lounge room and have a sleep over there every couple of weeks it makes a change to normal routine I have noticed with out having to go out to the movies (my youngest wont sit still that long). Have a look around where you live, you would be surprised at the amount of free kid friendly activities. Depending on how active you feel even a small bush walk. Local pools, beach, fishing are all good to.