Activities for free?

We all want the best for the children in our care whatever our budget - Thankfully I have found several ways of having fun with the children in my care that don't make a big impact on the kitty.

• Sure start centres - set up in every town, sure start centres offer a variety of different activities such as baby yoga, arts and crafts, groups for children with special educational needs, lunch groups too - and all for free - they also put on outings like trips to the zoo!

• The library not only can you keep warm on a cold wet day in town but also they offer free books to borrow, free books to read whilst you're there and also story and song times for toddler and pre-schoolers.

• Check out your local art gallery - we are lucky enough at the moment for them to be operating a free art bus every Saturday where the children climb aboard a double decker bus and creat to their hearts content with a variety of art supplies.

• Children's scrap store - we have one of these in town - haven't been yet but for a nominal charge per year you can go in and pick up a variety of art resources for the children to use at home.

• The cinema runs a kids club every Saturday and Sunday - some places it's only a £1 others it's £2.50 but mostly parents/carers go free! Even if it's something you have on dvd - the cinema always makes it that much more exciting - but where to get your snacks now that Woolies has gone!!?!!

• See what the council has running - sometimes the museums have come and play sessions with free colouring pages or just a chance to touch exhibits or get dressed up in their clothes.

• Netmums is also fantastic - I have found out about free toddler walks at the local reservoires and parks.

Who says you have to stay at home to have fun for free!