Some Cheap Fun

In these difficult, financial times, we try pinching every penny, but that does not mean that it has to go at the expenses of having fun with our grandchildren. There are several activities which are great fun, keep the children busy and don't cost much, if any.

I stumbled upon several great ideas and thought I would share them with you:
- Organize a Trade-Day:
Set a specific date for trading unused toys and outgrown clothes with others in your neck of the woods. Swap them for free; the children will have great fun and it allows them to make new friends as well.

- Make a treasure chest:
Old shoe- or other small boxes are perfect for decorating. Anything will do; paper, stickers, buttons, yarn, markers, paint, beads, etc. The children can personalize their own treasure box the way they see fit. Once done, go on an expedition inside and outside the house and see what 'treasures' they can find and want to keep in their box.

- Make a puppet:
Don't trow away old socks or the one that is missing its other half; use them to make puppets. You can either do so yourself or have your grandchildren create their own. A bit of yarn and some buttons go a long way. It is even more fun to watch the show the kids could perform with them.

- Watch movies:
Nowadays, you can rent movies fairly cheap at your supermarket. Have your grandchildren pick out some movies they would like to watch, microwave a big bowl of popcorn or other treats they like and turn a rainy, dreary day in to nice and enjoyable family fun.

All these ideas don't cost an arm and a leg and I am quite certain you may have or come up with some other cheap, but fun things to do. Please, share; it is highly appreciated. Thanks! :-)