My Favorite Things: Free Fun

I love playing with my daughter, Nicole, but I can only build a block tower and watch her knock it down so many times without going insane. So, I love when I find free (or almost free) activities for us to do during the day so we can enjoy each other rather than playing jack-in-the-box for the 20th time and slowly killing brain cells.

Here are two of my favorite free things to do with Nicole:

1. PetSmart — I paid to go to the Salt Lake Aquarium, and while it was OK, I’ve found that Nicole is just as happy strolling the aisles in our local PetSmart. She loves to watch the fish, mimic the birds and make faces at the cats. And yes, sometimes I even let her play with the chew toys — hey, they haven’t been used yet. If you don’t mind feeling a little sheepish when that store clerk eyes you suspiciously and asks if you need help for the 10th time, it’s a great free activity.

2. Book Clubs — Nicole is still a little young to really enjoy book clubs for kids, but we still love going to them because she can socialize with other kids. And by socialize, I mean sneak up behind them and try to kiss the back of their heads while they aren’t looking. There are usually great book groups for all ages at your local library, but my favorites are at Barnes & Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com). There is always a theme with several books read and then an activity afterward.

I’m always looking for more free fun, so share some of your favorites!