Free and cheap indoor fun

When it’s too hot or too cold for the park but you just don’t feel like staying home, where do you go? Unfortunately, most indoor play places do require some type of payment, but I do have a few ideas here for you to use as cheap or even free indoor fun. Be sure to share your own below and check back tomorrow for more indoor fun ideas for a price.

The library. As simple as it sounds, there’s always something to do there, and there are often programs you can sign up for, too. Ask your children’s librarian about any programs where you live.

Your local conservation department. Do you have any indoor nature centers courtesy of the conservation department? We absolutely love the one closest to us and visit pretty often. There are live animals, fur exhibits, interactive models, books, and so much more to do there.

Skating. I’m going to include this as a paid activity tomorrow, but be sure to contact your local rink to find out about freebies and discounts. Ours has a ladies’ night where girls get in cheap, free nights where you can get in for the donation of a canned good, and other opportunities.

Local field trips. The grocery store, the hardware store, the pet shop… These all count! How often do you shop without the pressure of time or needing to buy something? Let your family know that you aren’t going to spend money and just use the time to find new things. The last time we did this, Wood Sprite got to hold a rat.

The mall. Malls often have an indoor play place. We like to get pretzels and just hang out there for a while, though I do fear that Wood Sprite is outgrowing the play area there quickly. (Sniff!)

The movies. Skip the expensive ones, though, and see if your theater has cheap or free shows during holidays, summer vacation and other opportunities. We also have a cheap theater that’s $3 all year; it just shows movies a bit later than other theaters do.

Photo of Fuego needing to get out of the house courtesy of Sara S.