Little Idea...Big Fun

Sometimes it’s the little things…..like today. My niece is spending the week with us and I’m trying to fill the week with adventures without spending a lot. Yesterday’s adventure was going up to the hubby’s classroom for lunch and some Angry Birds on the Smart Board; followed by a short visit with the kids’ Gigi! Today, I felt like staying home, so I broke out the watercolors. Yeah, I know - watercolors, big whoop, right? But, of course, we had to do more than just watercolors.  Last week, we made a quick stop by the Dollar Store and picked up some poster board ($.50 each) and today I let the kids get creative.  They each got right to work on their masterpieces. I don’t think I’ve ever heard them so quiet!  I know it’s a simple idea and honestly, I feel a little silly taking the time to post this. But sometimes it’s those little ideas that are loved the most.  

Has Polka Dot Afro Fever hit your house yet?

Summer Fun!

Summer is here! And that means lots of free time. I know this totally freaks some moms out with thoughts of “Who are these creatures that keep calling me mom? And how am I going to entertain them for the next two months and not spend a small fortune?” Lucky for you, I have a few ideas. And just between you and me, I’m pretty cheap frugal so these will all be quite cost effective.  Most of these ideas are specific to the Jacksonville area. But if you don’t live around here hopefully this will at least give you some ideas for things to look for in your area. 

Movies

Did you know that during the summer most theaters re-run movies one or two days a week for about a dollar? Check out these pages for schedules and pricing.

Cinemark

10 shows for $5 (purchased in advance) or $1

Regal

$1 - 10:00am Tuesday and Wednesday

MUSEUMS

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Free admission Tuesdays 4:00 – 9:00 

I also found this fun little tidbit – Drop-In Art “Every Tuesday children ages 4 to 10 will have the opportunity to explore the galleries or gardens and experiment with a different art process. No pre-registration. Please arrive early as class size is limited.” Cost $5.

MOSH

$5 all ages all day Friday

MOSH is located right next to Friendship Fountain on the river. You can pack a picnic and have some run around time before going back into the museum.

Make it extra fun and park in the Kings Ave Parking Garage and take the Skyway over (get off at San Marco station)! Parking in Skyway lots is free after 5:00pm (pricing varies other times). Cost of Skyway is 50 cents per person (take change).  

MOCA

MOCA has several opportunities to visit for free. Check out the listings here.. 

Be sure to check on the exhibit before you go. Last time the hubby and I went, it definitely was not suitable for small children.

PARKS

With Jacksonville's extensive park system, we could be here all day. I’m going to save us all some time and  just link you up to some highlights.

BEACHES

Hanna Park   

          

Huguenot Park     

Make sure you check the tides before you go. You drive on the beach here and more than once we’ve had to leave sooner than expected because we didn’t check tide times first.

Little Talbot Island (and surrounding areas)    

 

HISTORIC

Fort Caroline  

                   

Kingsley Plantation          

PLAYGROUNDS

There are a crazy number of parks with playgrounds in Jacksonville. They are nestled in neighborhoods all over the place. We have three within five minutes of our house so the kids are never bored of the park.

                                   

Losco   

I've never actually been to Losco, but this is what a friend said on a recent evite 

invitation, "If you haven't been to this park, there are a lot of things to do...a playground for the kids, soccer fields, picnic tables, walking trails, and a ton of space to play, etc. It is a great park!" (Thanks Jaren!) :)

                  

Tillie Fowler           

We went here this year for our annual Easter picnic and it was beautiful! There’s a great playground and open field space, plenty of picnic tables, and a GORGEOUS nature trail.  

Tomahawk Park    

A nice little park with great shade over the playground. There’s also a cute little nature trail and ‘stream’ running through the park.

 Check out this page for more information on Jacksonville’s park programs. They offer a wide-variety of specialties - from leadership training to surfing to arts and crafts. 

 

MISC.

Library

 Don’t forget this beloved summer tradition.  You can spend an afternoon letting the kids get their fill, or just spend 30 minutes filling up a bag to take home.  Also, be sure to check out when your specific branch offers special programs.

Swimming

I don’t know that it’s like this everywhere, but here in Jacksonville, all the local high school pools are open to the public. If the thought of a public pool icks you out, I can empathize. But I have to say that I’ve spent many years working at a summer camp where we traveled to the local pools twice a week and can honestly tell you most of the facilities have been very clean. And while they aren’t usually too crowded, I will caution that it’s worth calling to see when summer camps are scheduled to come just to make sure.

Check out this link for times and locations in the Jacksonville area.

Bowling  - King Pins           

This is the only bowling alley we ever go to. It’s owned by a church here in town and is such a clean and family friendly environment that I wouldn’t even consider going somewhere else. They have a different special each day so be sure to check those out. My two favorites: 1) Kids ages 4-15 get one free game Tuesday-Thursday. 2) On Sunday you get one free game with a church bulletin and additional games are $3. (Shoe rental is not usually included in the specials and is $3 per person.)

 What about you? What are your tricks to keep the troops entertained and not break the bank?