Today’s guest post, “Free and Cheap Things to Do With Kids” comes from Ariel and Michael Tyson, the couple behind the Instagram page @arielctyson and authors of the book, Jack’s Fantastical Circus
No matter how many things you have planned, at some point you’ll inevitably hear the words “I’m bored.” Most parents don’t want to just pop their kids in front of a screen for mindless entertainment, so it’s always nice to have some extra ideas of things to do with kids. This can be tricky if you have a wide age range, but here are some ideas that you can do for free (or almost free) no matter where you are!
First of all, there are the sort-of obvious basics that are pretty available everywhere – library story times, special kid-oriented activities at malls, and things like that. The availability of those (and the dates and timing) really depend on where you live, but it’s always worth checking out. Some libraries have partnerships with other area attractions to help you save money on museum admissions.
But what if you’ve already done those kinds of things, or they aren’t available in your area? What then? Here are things you can do at home that are easy to mix up and add variety to your days.
Scavenger hunts
These work great for kids of all ages. Even if you’ve done them before, you can mix up the theme and try them again. For older kids, you can try one of the scavenger hunt apps that are out there, or have them take pictures of the things you find. You can turn them into alphabet books or themed prints by object or color.
Themed meals
This isn’t exactly free, but since you’re paying for food anyway, it doesn’t cost much more. While there are a lot of cooking subscription boxes out there, you can also easily find ideas online. Consider adding a meal inspired by a different country or an event. Let your kids get creative with mixing flavors (what happens if you make a pizza taco or a hot dog gyro?) – even if the food doesn’t turn out to be a new family favorite, it encourages creativity and problem-solving.
Connecting with others
Letter writing is often overlooked, but it can bring a lot of joy to both parties. Connect with a relative or family friend who will be reliable at responding, and start up a habit of writing letters. They don’t have to be huge notes – just a few words or a picture on a card can brighten someone’s day.
Use technology well
Screen time isn’t all bad. You can capture your kids’ interests in art, music, and so much more by looking for free online tutorials and software for animation, game design, coding, and more. Google Earth also has Voyages which make great at-home field trips for rainy days.
You-be-the-boss days
Let your kids have a turn at making all the decisions. Set aside an afternoon, evening, or day where one kid gets to call the shots. Set guidelines for things that are safe for everyone, but this can be a chance to give one person a chance to play that game that other people maybe don’t love, but will play, knowing that they have a chance to pick the next time around.
Mix it up
Change one thing about the day. There’s a reason spirit days and dress-up days are fun at schools. They mix things up just a little bit. Consider things like cereal for dinner, eating dessert first, wearing clothes inside-out, or other ways to be just a little bit goofy.
With a little bit of creativity, you can avoid the boredom that comes from being in a rut. No matter what age we are, we like a combination of novelty and familiarity, and by having a few new activities, we can avoid the dullness that comes from always having the same routine. Changing things up can be a great way to find free and cheap activities for kids.
About the Authors
Over 600,000 people on Instagram and over 1 million on TikTok follow the Tyson family as they share the joys and realities of raising 6 (soon to be 7) kids. The pair is passionate about guiding children and helping them become the person they are meant to be. That is the inspiration behind Jack and the Fantastical Circus, which emphasizes these lessons in a fun, whimsical light.
In this dreamscape picture book, Jack and the Fantastical Circus centers around a young boy named Jack who finds himself on a Circus Train. As he makes his way through the train cars, he is introduced to new circus performers. Each performer shares with Jack their own lesson in virtue. Thus, showing children that virtue takes practice and dedication to grow.
Co-author Ariel explains, “Discovering virtue is so worth it and can be guided by mentors in our lives.” Author Michael shares, “It’s like a muscle. You have to keep practicing to help it grow strong. We want to teach kids this by showing them the distinct characters of the book and how they relate to areas where they may want to grow in their own lives.”
Jack and the Fantastical Circus will encourage children to explore their imaginations, learn critical lessons, and strive to grow in virtue. It will also hopefully inspire meaningful conversations between parents and children to discuss the importance of virtue.
Ariel and Michael Tyson have been married for 13 years. United by a shared passion for helping others, they have been serving their community since 2005. Ariel has a B.S. degree from Liberty University with an M.A. degree from there as well. She is a social media content creator, college counseling professor, and homeschooler. Michael is a graduate of Liberty University and has attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor and entrepreneur for 15 years. The role that Ariel and Michael are the proudest of; however, is their role as parents to their 7 children, who they are passionate about raising to be confident world changers! Michael and Ariel enjoy writing, exploring the outdoors with their family and spending time in the gym. They currently live in Tennessee with their growing family. Jack and the Fantastical Circus is their first children’s book.
About the Illustrator
Mary Manning is an illustrator with over 16 years of experience. She has a knack for bringing the imaginary world to life and a particular interest and talent in character development. Her talents have led her to work on many children’s books throughout her career as an illustrator, including Jack and the Fantastical Circus. Mary currently lives in Oklahoma with her beloved dog, Cowboy.
About Good & True Media
Good & True Media is a children’s book imprint of Good Will Publishers, Inc. Good & True publishes a boutique list of books, all of which are told upon a Christian foundation and aim to inspire children’s imaginations through works that promote classical virtues and wholesome examples of the moral life. For more information, visit www.goodandtruemedia.com.
