Get Out and Play!

Ahhhhh…the temperature is climbing, school will be out soon and families are itching to get out of the house. Read on for frugal ideas for outdoor fun the whole family can enjoy.

Kites You can buy a basic kite for a few bucks, or your kiddos can make one themselves using items you have around the house. Go to www.Kids.NationalGeographic.com/Kids/ and type “make a kite” in the search box for do-it-yourself instructions. Be sure to fly the kite in an open area, away from power lines.

Picnic Kids love out-of-the-ordinary meals; surprise them with a feast outdoors. You can picnic in your own yard or take the meal to a favorite park. Don’t forget the blanket and Frisbee!

Parks Sure, your family probably has its favorite parks, which are most likely close to your home. Why not branch out and visit some new parks? The kids will enjoy different playground equipment, and you will appreciate the change of scenery. Search for Kansas City’s best parks at www.KCParent.com to see a list of favorites and what makes them exceptional.

Nature Walk Spring is in full swing, providing numerous opportunities to view nature in all its glory. Take the family for a jaunt around the neighborhood and see if you can find an object for each letter of the alphabet: A is for ant, B is for bird’s nest, etc.

Water Fun Newsflash: kids love water! You don’t have to visit a pricey water park for kids to have a great time splashing around. Sprinklers, water balloons, kiddie pools, water guns, even small tubs of water with cups and bath toys can provide an afternoon of fun in your backyard.

Backyard Camping Spend the night under the stars right in your own backyard. If you don’t have a tent, perhaps you can borrow one from a friend. Another option is to buy an inexpensive tent; a neighbor or friend with kids might want to split the cost with you and share in the fun. Of course, no campout is complete without yummy s’mores!

Scavenger Hunt This is another fun activity to do during a neighborhood stroll. Make a checklist of items to find before you leave the house. Ideas might include a lawnmower, bicycle, garden hose, butterfly, barbecue grill, dandelion and lawn chair. See who can spot the most items during the walk.

Bike Trails There are numerous trails in the Kansas City area with gorgeous scenery to take in as your family pedals along. Many trails have playgrounds and creeks along the route, providing an opportunity to take a break for some playtime. www.KCBike.info/KCTrails/ has a list of area trails. Don’t forget the bike helmets!

Bubbles Who doesn’t love a little bubble fun? Dollar stores offer all kinds of inexpensive bubble wands and guns to add to the entertainment. Or try this: stir 2 tablespoons of tempera paint or 15 drops of food coloring into a half cup of bubble solution. Tape a large piece of paper to a tree and have your child blow bubbles against it, creating colorful circles and splatters. Be sure to have the kids dress in old clothes for this activity!

Flashlight Tag Outdoor fun isn’t just for daylight hours. Try a twist on the classic game of tag in the yard after dark. Designate someone as “it” and give him or her a flashlight. “It” counts to 20 while everyone hides. Instead of tagging people, “it” shines the flashlight on anyone he or she can find; the first person to be in the beam of light is the next “it.”

Photo Walk/Hike Kids love taking pictures—buy some disposable cameras (or give them one of your old cameras) and take them for a hike or a walk, encouraging them to snap photos of anything they find interesting. Adults can get in on the fun, also! Afterwards, everyone can arrange their photos in a collage or scrapbook.

Nature Centers Kansas City boasts a variety of nature centers, many of which offer free admission. Families can see live animals, participate in activities and story times, walk through botanical gardens, hike on nearby trails and even fish in ponds. www.KCParent.com has a complete list of nature centers in our area.

Tisha Foley and her family live in Belton. They love to hit bike trails on nice days.