mom

Investing in experiences

March 29, 2019 /

While buying a new gaming system might sound like fun to your children, treating them to experiencing different things as a family will help build relationships and lasting memories. And it will probably be easier on your wallet too! We do have an old wii sytem that was given to us and the children do get limited time playing on it (we try to limit screen time to 45 min or so a day not including tv time which depends on the day). During weekends and school breaks we like to have some family fun. There might be an initial money investment but in the long run, it is money well spent. Here are some of the activities we have enjoyed in the past.

Memberships

I usually try to invest in one family membership a year. Here are some we have done in the past:

  • botanical gardens
  • zoo
  • science museum
  • state parks

Hiking or other outdoor activity

At the end of last summer, we invested in 2 4 person rafts (seahawk raft) so that we can float down the river either as a family or with friends. We were able to have 3 outings before the weather got cold but we plan to enjoy our rafts again once the weather permits. Hopefully the rafts will hold up to several years of use!

We are grateful for the river being only a few minutes from our house!

We are also close to several trails, a lake and a state park, so those are also repeated destinations. Search around your area to disover some outings for you and your family!

While my children may complain on our way to our hikes, their attitudes usually turn around and they enjoy the outdoors and explore (and sometimes even ask when we can go back, lol). In a world dominated with all kinds of electronic devices that are so easy to access, it is always easier if you introduce these outdoor activities to your children while they are young so that they develop a love of adventure and the outdoors.

Road trips

Another way to experience adventure is to go on a road trip. Last summer we visited friends in our state and out of state. The children were able to travel through different states and see how our country is diverse in its agriculture and architecture. They experienced close up encounters with animals and created new friendships. We plan to repeat our trip to Missouri this summer.

So take your children outdoors and discover the world around you! You will not regret it and it can be done on a budget!

A  bientôt!

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20 Comments

  • jodie filogomo

    March 29, 2019 at 8:41 am

    This is not only good for kids but us too!! Although we do better not getting a membership per se, but just putting it on the calendar. We like going to different museums and events as opposed to a membership to only one.
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • mimifce

      March 29, 2019 at 10:55 am

      Yes, putting things on the calendar definitely makes them happen for us! Probably no memberships for us this year since we will be busy enough doing other things!

  • Karren Haller

    March 29, 2019 at 12:32 pm

    Hi Mimifee, thank you for stopping by my blog and joining us to share your blog, it looks like you have a lot of fun visiting interesting places. I miss that so much.
    Hope to see you again soon! #omhgff

    • mimifce

      March 29, 2019 at 1:30 pm

      Thank you for stopping by too! Yes, we do like to travel but always on a budget! I will be visiting your blog again! Loving meeting new people and interests through the blogging communinity!

    • mimifce

      March 29, 2019 at 1:36 pm

      Thank you! We definitely are spending more time and energy on experiences and adventures. Fun memories! And hopefully the boys will look back at this moments and have good memories too!

    • mimifce

      March 29, 2019 at 4:26 pm

      It has been a while for us! When I lived in Birmingham, it was great because they are free there. Here in Atlanta, it is not a cheap activity!

  • Mother of 3

    March 29, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    We definitely focus on experiences in our house too. My kids also grumble a lot when heading out on a hike but once we start walking they are just fine! The last few years I’ve made a point of trying out new experiences with my boys and have made it a goal (and a blog post!) to try 52 new things each year. It can be something as small as a new recipe or a new museum or something as big as a visiting a new state. I’d much rather invest my money on travel, learning, and experiences than even eating out or going to the movies.

    • mimifce

      March 29, 2019 at 4:25 pm

      What a cool idea! 52 new things! I love that and should try to remember it for next year! This year is already half way gone and so crazy that maybe one new thing a month might be more attainable!

    • mimifce

      March 29, 2019 at 6:01 pm

      Thank you! We definitely do more some years than others but we do try to get out there and see what there is to offer!

    • mimifce

      March 29, 2019 at 5:59 pm

      I also print our pictures in photobooks so we can revisit our memories. Now if I could be as diligent with the rest of our pictures!

    • mimifce

      March 30, 2019 at 11:08 am

      Thank you for stopping by! I have been enjoying reading your blog for a while now. Love the adventure you have with your granddaughter! She is getting quite big!

    • mimifce

      March 30, 2019 at 6:35 pm

      We just came back from a 3 1/2 mile walk on a new path close to our house. Been fun discovering things and again while they complained before we went, they enjoyed it and had fun!

    • mimifce

      March 31, 2019 at 2:44 pm

      I really like too see how different zoos are in different towns! Different animals and habitats and you always learn something new! The last one we visited was the New Orleans zoo and we are hoping to visit a feline zoo when we go to France this summer!