Minus 10 Must-Pay-For-It Experiences

Somewhere along the line I've taught my children that "fun" can only be achieved if you pay for it. I believe it stems from the many times they've pleaded "can't we do something fun today?" And I've answered, "Sorry, but I don't have any money." Whatever we end up doing (at no cost) obviously isn't any fun because it wasn't paid for.

When I think of things that are fun to do I automatically think of going to the movies, or the zoo, or a play, or a restaurant. (See, all things that you pay for.) Then I immediately think of all the bills that need to be paid. And so, more times than I care to admit to - we end up moping around the house, clicking through the plethora of cable stations, finding, yet again, nothing to watch.

But there's so much to experience in life that doesn't cost money. And, yes - it can be FUN! This challenge encourages you to Minus 10 Must-Pay-For-It Experiences and come up with a list of ten free things you and your family can try. What's to lose? It's not costing you anything.

Contact your local municipality - do they have free concerts in the park? Free gardening classes? Free self-defense classes?

Check with your local school districts, many have free cultural fairs, orchestra concerts, elementary school plays.

Investigate your neighborhood. Maybe there are walking trails nearby that you've never been on. Or an arboretum waiting in full bloom to be discovered. Perhaps there is a bike path you've heard of that you'd like to try.

What about going for a walk around the neighborhood? Going on a picnic? Creating your own scavenger hunt? (One friend of mine took her toddler out for a color scavenger hunt. They walked around finding items of a certain color, took digital photos of them, then printed out their own 'Color Book' at home.)

Make a list of 10 things you can do for free and make it a point to go. What Free Fun for your family did you come up with?

Life should not be about the amount of money we throw at an activity. Teach your kids (and yourself) that there is plenty to experience and appreciate without spending any money.