How to Entertain Your Grandkids Without Going Broke

Author: Paul Michael / Source: Wise Bread

Having the grandkids over is great. It can also be expensive. A trip to the movies for a family of four can easily set you back $80 or more after the tickets and snacks. Entrance fees to water parks and amusement parks are just as expensive, and even a meal at a local restaurant can empty your wallet.

But if you get creative, you can give the grandkids a great time without fretting about the cost.

1. Head to McDonald’s

There’s always an outcry from a select set of people when you mention McDonald’s. Whatever you think of the golden arches franchise, it’s hard to deny the convenience and wonder of the PlayPlace. It’s completely free, it’s well-maintained, and the kids love it. It’s bright, it’s full of other excited kids, and grandparents can watch the grandkids from a comfy bench. You don’t even have to order a meal to access it. Split a coffee or bottle of water and watch the kids have a blast.

2. Check out a local playground

Most suburban housing areas have a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) that takes care of garbage, snow removal, and the upkeep of a safe, secure playground. They usually have some kind of climbing frame, swings, monkey bars, and lots of room to play.

You can often find several of these playgrounds within a few minutes’ drive from each other, so take the kids on a kind of playground treasure hunt. Drive around the neighborhoods, and when they find a park they like, go play! There are usually benches right there at the park for the parents and grandparents to take a load off while the kids run around.

3. Visit the local public library

Your taxes have paid for this essential resource, and over the years public libraries have become modernized multimedia learning centers. You’ll find all kinds of books, movies, and CDs that the kids will enjoy. Libraries also offer free activities for children, including readings by authors, movie screenings, puppet shows, crafts, science corners, and even poetry jams. Many libraries also offer refreshments at very reasonable prices, and have used books, DVDs, and CDs for sale at low prices. (See also: 7 Modern Reasons to Visit Your Local Library Today)

4. Take advantage of free days at national parks

While it usually costs a small fee, either per car or per person, visiting a national park on certain days of the year is actually free. Those days in 2018 are January 15, April 21, September 22, and November 11. So pack a picnic and go see the sights at a national park for $0. (See also: How to Save on National Park Visits in 2018)