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What to Do With Kids - Fun Things That Won't Break Your Budget

Monday, February 10, 2014 4:43 AM Posted by Kids and Teens
By John Waren

With money tight, parents find themselves stretching every dollar; parents are wondering what to do with kids. Entertaining kids outside the home is expensive. Finding activities for the family is a challenge unless you have an unlimited budget. Most of us are not that fortunate. A simple outing at the bowling alley can set you back a hundred bucks or more by the time you pay for a few games, shoe rental, drinks and snacks. Taking the kids to see a movie is similar in cost. Do you find yourself wondering what to do with kids? The simple addition of a fire pit outside on the patio will open up new and exciting things to do at home with kids. For about the same amount of money that a single camping trip in the forest will cost, you can own a fire pit. This one-time investment will be spread out over many years and provide countless evenings of healthy family camaraderie.

Fire pits are readily available in many varieties and types. My preference is a wood burning fire pit because it brings the campfire home with all the wonderful benefits. Propane fire pits are also available, they have their advantages but they tend to be a bit pricier and you have the propane bottles to deal with. Either type will to the trick. Whether you choose a wood burning fire pit or a propane model, always monitor its use with children present and practice all appropriate safety precautions. Never leave a fire pit burning unattended.

Most fire pits are shipped complete with no assembly required. Once yours arrives at the door, within minutes you'll have your very own fire pit outside on the patio. The list of things to do at home with kids just got longer.

Most kids love to make campfire treats called s'mores. These wonderful little treats are believed to have been first created by campers around the turn of the 20th century. This was about the time that marshmallows were becoming popular and available commercially. Making S'mores is also a time honored tradition from the early days of scouting. The first official recipe was published in the 1927 Girl Scout Handbook. They are made by roasting a marshmallow in the traditional way over the open flame. Once the marshmallow is roasted to your liking, simply sandwich it between two graham crackers and a square of chocolate bar. Always supervise children when making these treats. Roasted marshmallows are hot and caution needs to be used when handling them.

Almost every kid loves to go camping. With your own fire pit you and your kids can go camping in the backyard. Like camping in the woods, camping in the backyard comes with many memorable benefits. The advantage is that you don't have to pack up the car and travel for hours. Camping at a campsite or in the forest is a wonderful thing to do. It is, however, expensive and time consuming. Many times a camping trip requires a long drive after work. By the time you arrive at your campsite it is already dark and you still have to unload the car and set up camp. While this is a wonderful adventure, it is not possible to spend the necessary time and money on a regular basis. You can however, plan a backyard camping activity on the spur of the moment and with little expense. With a portable bonfire pit, a camp tent, sleeping bags and a few camping supplies, you can transform the backyard into a genuine campsite complete with a campfire and all of its therapeutic benefits.

If you are in a neighborhood where the homes are close, consideration should be given to your neighbors. Kids will get loud and could disturb them. If possible include them. If they have children, suggest that you make it a neighborly backyard camping trip. The kids can play just as they would in the woods and the grownups can divvy up the cooking duties. One family cooks dinner and another does the breakfast. To make your backyard camping trip most enjoyable, make sure to cook the traditional foods that you would if you were in the forest. This really brings the camping experience home.

Sitting around the bonfire pit telling stories and jokes is a traditional favorite. Stories told around a campfire make lasting memories. Laugh and poke fun at each other. With this much fun and frivolity, you'll ask yourself why you ever wondered what to do with kids.

Activities for the family take a little thought and preparation. The time, money and effort spent finding things to do with kids will pay off in close knit camaraderie between parent and kids. Taking the time to create this interaction will create a bond that will likely carry families through the difficult teenage years. Eventually your kids will grow up and become parents. It is almost certain that they will remember your commitment to finding fun activities for the family. Backyard camping will likely become a tradition and you will be honored with a few backyard camping outings with your grandkids. Consider getting a portable bonfire pit and expand your list of things to do at home with kids. With your new fire pit you won't have time to wonder what to do with kids anymore, you will know.

John R Waren is owner of Waren Enterprises, LLC and operates an online retail site for the outdoor firepit enthusiast. Bonfire pits, firepots and firelights.

Contact info:
Waren Enterprises, LLC
5577 W Painted Cliff dr, Marana, AZ 85658

http://www.firepitboss.com

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