This morning turned into a lazy morning with the cold, cloudy weather. However, after nap time, we hope to get out for some family time together on the town. The weekends usually are packed with opportunities at least in our area for families to participate in fun activities and even free events.
This spring it will be nice to get out of the house again and do some fun activities yourself as a family. You just need to know how to find out about what is going on in your area and what you want to do first. At our house, we start by checking out the usual places for family activities to see what is going on around town and then look for ideas in unheard of places.
Watch closely for free family sponsored events around town when you are out. Your local library, your county and state fairgrounds, your local convention center, and other event type places like museums, malls, and even public parks will advertise events. Organizations will also advertise special events as they arise. Usually you will see these marketed by posters, fliers, or displayed on bulletin boards though so you need to pay close attention.
Think out of the ordinary to look for events. Public parks will sponsor outdoor and wildlife days as well as star gazing filled evenings. Non-profits will sponsor pancake breakfasts at minimal cost. Churches hold bazaars, concerts, and carnivals. Different ethnic groups host cultural fairs. Restaurants carry live music or wine tasting events. Craft stores and university extensions hold free classes to learn new techniques and skills. Communities have firework displays, parades, and city celebrations. Look for free symphony concerts outdoors. The possibilities are endless. You really just need to decide what you want to do.
Visit web sites with calendars. Some places that have activities listed by date in a calendar format are your local visitors bureau site, state tourist site, and city site. Most people do not think to look at these sites for reasons you are not visitors or seeking state and city services. These calendars not only offer an excellent listing of upcoming events but may provide special coupon deals for nearby attractions.
For those who do not have access to these sites, call your visitors bureau or state tourism office for a complete calendar booklet of all annual events. Along with maps and pamphlets, this booklet is sent to you by mail usually no cost.
Watch your local news listings. Most television stations host a news segment on upcoming events during the weekday. And most radio stations list upcoming community events. Magazines and newspapers will have advertisements events around town.
Word of mouth. You will be surprised hearing about events by word of mouth as friends tell about special events and post them online. Some events like community wide garage sales will share information to people via Craig's List or Face book. Face book has become a tool for inviting people to events as well as causes.
There is no need to sit inside this spring. Get out and enjoy your community with your family. By keeping your eyes and ears open, you will find plenty to keep busy and have fun. You will also be surprised by what your community has to offer in the way of economical and interesting activities.
As for us, I think we will go to the Healthy Living Fair at our local convention center. We found free tickets and they are hosting children's activities. See you on the town!
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