GRANDCHILDREN

FUN GRANDCHILDREN

ACTIVITIES THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK

By Angela Terry

So many family friendly places cost exorbitant amounts of money. This is fine for those who have plenty of cash flow and no financial worries. However, not everyone is in that position. Whether you are a senior living on a fixed income, or you are retired with plenty of spare cash, there’s no need to waste an enormous amount of money entertaining your grandchildren. The quality time they are spending with you is most important. Here are some fun things to do with your grandchildren that are easy on the pocketbook, as well as great places to create treasured memories. BOWLING: The local bowling alley is an excellent place to meet this need. Bowling is fun, inexpensive and creates special memories. Bowling alleys often offer one day a week with a discount rate. Take advantage of these offers, get a little exercise and enjoy. You may even find yourself getting some strikes. SWIMMING POOL: Plan a trip to your local swimming pool and recreation center. Pools boast many things in addition to swimming. There are water slides, surf pools, hot tubs, foam kayaks for the kids and many other features. Many centers also host birthday parties, movies that you can watch from the pool, play nights, aquatics lessons and gyms full of exercise equipment. Everything from yoga to step dance aerobics classes can provide a fun recreational opportunity for your family to partake in. LIBRARY: Gone are the days of libraries being meant to acquire books and be very quiet while there. Nowadays, libraries are fun and entertaining. Board games can be played. Movie nights are frequently offered. Computers can be accessed. Writing classes are hosted. Senior teas are held, as well as many fun-filled get-togethers. Arts and craft lessons are offered. Stop by to pick up a brochure or check your library's website to find opportunities for you and your family to spend some quality time together. GAME NIGHT: Order in your favorite pizza, wings or go for treats like potato chips, popcorn or nachos and dip. Pull out the board games or deck of cards. Challenge your family members to a game night. If you don't have any board games, you can grab a pencil and paper and play some old favorites like Tic-TacToe, Dots or Hangman. A game of charades always brings some smiles and laughter. SCAVENGER HUNT: Finally, an outdoor game of a scavenger hunt can be exhilarating and entertaining. Prepare a list for each participant. Depending on where the hunt will take place, items can include things like a smooth pebble, gum wrapper, something that starts with the letter S and a feather. Be creative when making the list of items to be found. Provide each person with a Ziploc bag to store their items in and set a time limit. You may even have a prize or two for the winner(s).

Hopefully, you will have your next family adventure very soon. Take time to bond and create some awesome memories.