My husband has been watching our 2 kids since May when he was laid off. He calls it "Daddy Daycare". Anyhow, he's been doing OK with them until now... he loves watching them and spending this time with them, but he's running out of steam and feels like he doesn't know what to do with them all day. I've suggested taking them to the pool, the library and even the mall to play in the indoor playground. He seems to think he has to spend money to have a good time! Not the best mentality when we're living on one income right now! lol
Anyhow, does anyone have any more suggestions? We just need ideas until our 5 year old starts school since he's going back to work after that.
Thanks
Well... things have been a little better. I found a great calendar of events to search through at: http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/category//free/activ...
He tied taking the kids to the free movie, but the baby was not very cooperative and they had to leave early. Today he is taking them to KSC since they have passes there. Why didn't he think of this before?!?! Anyhow, our daughter is finally swimming too so now he feels more comfortable taking them to the pool.
Just a couple more weeks till school starts...
Thanks, Ladies!
Downey Park Splashpad, beach, leu gardens free on Mondays, chik-fil-a playground. They have cute books at Barnes and noble on creative activities, etc. in the parenting area. Maybe buy the book and he can go through it and pick activities each day.
Fort Wilderness at Disney... you tell the parking attendant that is where you are going and you do not pay the 12$ fee. They have all kinds of neet things to do out there.
Sliderz open play times. You only pay for kids 3 and up adults are free. Its only 8$
The other ladies said my other options.
I live in East Orlando as well. The things we have been doing (or considering) are the book time at the library (both the Alafaya library and the Herndon library do story times), the splash park at CapeHeart Park, free movies at Waterford Lakes Regal Cinemas (he could take the 1 year old with snacks to keep him quiet while the 5 year old watches the movie!) and occasionally a trip to Monkey Joe's. (They are about to open a new monkey joe's on Lk Underhill near Waterford.) Monkey Joe's is the only one of those that costs anything, but they run specials throughout the week for discounted entry prices...they also send you a coupon for free entry if you sign your child(ren) up for their birthday club through their website.
We also get the free crayons and coloring books from Publix (their coupon kiosks at the front of the store usually have them) so he has plenty of things to color during the hottest part of the day when we are trapped indoors.
A $10 kiddie pool from Walmart and a hose go a loooooong way too. ;)
My husband used to take my kids on "big adventures". He would go to the Fire Station and the firefighters would happily show the kids the trucks or he would take them to the airport to watch the planes, stuff like this that is fun for Dad too. My hubby would throw the kids in the car with juice and snacks and go looking for offbeat opportunities and adventures. If you look, you can always find something. The kids always loved this and it is usually free or cheap. Once we rode on a Lynx bus so they could say they had been on a bus. Also, Lowes and Home Depot in East Orlando do a kids' building activity regularly like birdhouses and stuff that is cool. How about bike riding around the neighborhood or getting a sand box?
Some random stuff I like to do with my 5 year old daughter.
Story time at Leu Gardens
http://www.leugardens.org/events.html
Lake Lotus Park is awesome. The park rangers there are really nice. There's a big play area, trails and a dock to fish off of too.
Capehart park has a splash play area.
http://www.orangecountyfl.net/dept/cesrvcs/parks/ParkDeta...
I actually went onto the Orange county parks and recreations website and searched the parks by amenities.
I also started doing crafts... The craft store has some really awesome wooden models (cars, boats, choppers etc.) all for a dollar. My nephews love them.
It's not really about the money. Most kids will be more happy with the time you spend, not the money.
Let the count down til school begin!
Good luck and God Bless!
H. H
Regal theaters have free movies in the summer. Next week (8-4) is the last week, but Waterford Lakes has the movies on Tues, Wed, & Thurs. You can go on line to see what is playing. Just know that if you do go, the prices at the concession stand are very high.
