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• Aquariums - Aquariums can be an entertaining and educational outing. Many offer great benefits with a family membership (like reciprocal benefits with other aquariums and zoos). Check out the fine print to see if it's a good deal for your family. Look for discount days or coupons.

• Museums - There are a wide variety of museums available. Introducing your kids to art, science, and history in a fun and entertaining way can be invaluable. Many have changing, special or traveling exhibits. Check for discount days and coupons. Membership may also be a good deal if this is some place your family will frequently visit or if other membership benefits (check for a reciprocal museum listing) would be frequently used.

• Kitchen time - What kid wouldn't enjoy making cookies with mom or dad? As the child gets older their duties (taster, mixer, measurer, etc.) can change as they are capable of more. (NOTE: If you plan to taste the dough you may want to use Egg Beaters instead of eggs, since they are pasteurized.) As the children get older a special cake or other special family recipe can be taught.

• Library - Browse books together with your kids and share some that were your favorites when you were their age. Enjoy reliving the favorite times of your childhood and being young again. Share with your kids the books you enjoyed the most when you were their age. Many libraries also have special events (like book readings) that your family may be interested in.

• Volunteer together - If your children are older, volunteering to help others is a great and rewarding learning experience. This could be anything from helping out with a food drive, helping a neighbor in need, or getting involved at school, church, or the scouts. Check out Volunteer Match for some additional ideas that fit your interests. This web site allows you to search for a volunteer opportunity in your area that matches your skills and interests.

• Board games - Board games can be quite inexpensive and a great investment for hours of entertainment. The basics (cards, chess, checkers, Monopoly, Sorry, etc.) can usually be found on sale at Christmas time or even picked up second hand at a garage sale (make sure all needs parts are there).

• Enjoy a movie - Rent a movie from NetFlix (save on late fees and offers a great selection) or you may even be able to find one at the library for free. Pop some popcorn and enjoy the family time.

• Look for the cheap theatre - Most towns have a cheaper theater in town if you really want to get out for a movie. There are also matinees and movie coupons (check your Entertainment book or other local coupon book) to help out on the costs even further.

• Minor league sporting events - The minor league or women's leagues are much less expensive to attend and often offer a more personal experience too. This is a great way to get the kids to meet some athletes, which are often better role models than the major leagues also.

• Art projects - Many web sites have ideas for children's art projects. This is a great way to keep them entertained inside on a rainy or cold day, but also teaches creativity.

• Crayola.com - Crayola offers many free creative ideas. Free coloring pages includes over 1000 pages that can be printed off to color. Some are also educational. There are also sections for over 1000 craft ideas which offers crafts for many different holidays, a parents section , and an educators section which includes lesson plans.

• HP Activity Center - The HP Activity Center offers a wide variety of printable projects. You can make calendars, cards, scrapbook pages, invitations, and party decorations to name a few.

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