Doing fun things as a family for less

With summertime upon us, first look around your community! There are many things that your family can take participate in.

Your local opportunities might include:

· Visit the park or local community festivals.

· Go for hikes or bike rides.

· Have a family picnic at the park.

· Go swimming at the local pool.

· Take advantage of free programs offered at the local library, museums, community bands or other free community events.

· Check out books, music and videos for free from the library.

Fun entertainment can also be found at home:

· Have a family game night. You can play yard games like ladder ball, lawn darts, or bean bag toss. You can make your own or purchase these inexpensively.

· Rent or borrow movies, pop some popcorn and have a family movie night at home.

· Bake or cook together as a family. It is always nice to have leftovers too.

· Read stories to one another.

· Take an evening walk together.

Show your children new skills and ideas:

· Have a family garden. Let them plant some new vegetables to encourage them to put more into their diet.

· Teach a craft skill to your children and enjoy spending time doing these things.

· Volunteer at a community function. Involve the whole family.

Let your child learn about the environment, news, politics, helping others and be a part of the community opportunities. Watch the news together and then discuss it. Have a brainstorming session with the whole family and see what new inexpensive ideas you can come up with!

Reach Karen Slunecka at 605-626-2870 or karen.slunecka@sdstate.edu.