• Movie theatres can cost a small fortune with their box office charges and their overpriced concession stands.  Why not pick a night once a week where you watch a favourite movie while munching on a big bowl of microwave popcorn?  Turn the lights down and the sound up and pretend you are in the theatre.  Let the children get into their pyjamas before the movie starts so that they can drift off to sleep if they get tired.

• Children love to build a fort of blankets draped over tables and chairs.  Do this with them helping them to create it, and being the inevitable fix it person.  They will be thrilled to have their parents be part of the fun.  While you are at it, enjoy a picnic lunch on a blanket spread over the living room floor!  Cut sandwiches out in shapes for added extra fun.

• Board games are always popular among families.  Everything from Candyland to Monopoly can keep the family engaged for hours!  When you tire of board games, switch to jigsaw puzzles.

• Go camping in your back yard.  Tell stories, cook hot dogs and toast marshmallows over your grill, then fall asleep telling stories.

• Try something productive and fun - go fishing!  Take a packed lunch and enjoy a day out in the fresh air and sunshine.

• Make trips to a local zoo or a science centre.  Often you will find hands-on opportunities for the children during special events.  A planetarium can inspire wonder and awe at our magnificent universe.

• For the active family, there are biking and trails in almost every community.  Go to parks and local lakes to enjoy activities, or spend the day relaxing. Feed the ducks and swans while you are there. Take a loaf of day-old bread and see who comes up for a visit!

• Professional sports can be very expensive to attend so why not become fans of local teams?  Semi-professional teams don't cost as much but you will see talented players who just might one day be in the All Blacks!

• If it's a pretty day and windy outside, go fly a kite!  Keep a kite on hand for these opportunities so that all you need is an open field or beach.  Kite flying makes a wonderful spur-of-the-moment activity.

• If you want to hang out in your back-yard let your children help you build a bird feeder.  You could also teach them some basic gardening by planting a garden of flowers or vegetables.

Article by Rachel Goodchild

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