Take your kids to get ice cream once in a while, just because! There’s nothing better than a quick stop at the ice cream shop while running around town. Extra sprinkles!
In Vancouver, WA I’d recommend Ice Cream Renaissance for all your hand-made ice cream needs!
Ages: 2+
This seems to be constantly overlooked by many parents, especially these days with so many accounts of child kidnapping attempts. Rest assured though, rates of occurrence for that happening are slim to none, and if you choose your playground right, you’ll be fine.
I recommend heading over to Google Maps, and entering the search for “Playground” or “Park” near your city. When selecting one, try to be mindful of major roads nearby, whether they are fenced or not, and (if you know the area well enough) how popular the playgrounds are.
Although more kids on the playground adds to the social interactions possible for your child, it may not be as safe, as a lot of other children may mean unpredictable situations and interactions (punching, kicking, spitting, biting, etc). While these are at times unavoidable, you can reduce the risk and increase the fun your child will have simply by choosing a playground that isn’t at or over-capacity on a regular basis.
Also, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Turn going to a new playground into an adventure. Add other dimensions to the adventure by grabbing another activity like giving your child a camera, and set them off on a great exploration expedition. Give them a goal to find something to take a picture of if they can find it. Guaranteed hours of fun!
Ages: 2+
Since I was into photography for so long, I decided I wanted to let my son try it out. The result was far better than I expected. Not only did he explore his environment in a new way, but I gained insight into his world. His photo album grew quickly once he figured out how everything worked, and just happily walked around snapping photos of anything and everything he wanted.
You can go two routes with this, a true child’s camera (which will last longer and gives you the option of digital pics over and over, but is more expensive), or a simple disposable camera. I recommend the former because of the durability, and ease of use for the child, but it’s not extremely important because kids are fairly adaptable.
Average cost for a children’s camera: $20-$50
Average cost for a disposable camera: $5-$12, plus developing
If you really want to see what interests your child, this is for you.
Ages: Toddler+
My son, like most children, loves the snow; and even though I can’t give him that year-round, there is an option to let him play in the cold safely. Go ice skating.
In Portland, there is the Lloyd Center Ice Rink.
Click Here for their schedule!
In Vancouver, there is the Mountain View Ice Arena.
Click Here for their schedule!
Although this isn’t the cheapest activity, your child will have a blast and most likely a good laugh too (especially if you take a fall or two!). Remember to dress warmly, and add a second layer of pants if possible (to cushion any falls). If your child is having problems staying up on the skates, ask for something to help support them (Mountain View Ice Arena gives you a kids chair to help them stand, for example).
Ages: 3+
Taking a trip to the Zoo is a lovely experience for both children and parents alike. Better yet, on the second Tuesday of every month, the Oregon Zoo offers $4 admission so even in this hard economy, it’s still a viable outing.
If you want to really add a level of fun to the trip, consider riding the MAX. Not only do your kids get to go to the Zoo now, but they also get to ride a train, ending in a station-exhibit displaying the various layers of the earth, set to a timeline of events. Additionally, riding the MAX to the Zoo grants you $1.50 off of admission to the Zoo.
Weather: Rain or Shine, but the better the weather, the more fun there is to be had. If you’re going in the rain, make sure to dress appropriately for being outside!
Click Here for the MAX Schedule Planner
Age Group: 2+
Source: oregonzoo.org
Ever find yourself feeling a bit cooped-up in your house, trying to figure out cheap, fun things to do with your child?
