Keep Kids Busy With Inexpensive After School Activities

"Mom, I'm bored."

It's an incessant complaint that spills from the lips of preschool to middle-school-aged kids, usually after they spend a full day in the classroom. As adults, it sometimes can be difficult to deal with the endless energy and constant curiosity that fuel children - especially if you let it dig deep into your wallet.

After school activities don't have to be expensive to be fun, educational and bonding. Here are some ideas ranging from backyard amusement to joining local clubs that will keep your kids busy in the afternoons.

Photography
Photography is an excellent way to get your kids thinking visually and creatively. And you don't have to travel farther than your own backyard or a local park to find a wonderful canvas. Photography is an excellent activity for many reasons. First, digital cameras are affordable, and with a home computer, your young photographers can instantly see the rewards of their work. Second, it is a great way to challenge your kids to see the world differently. Once your pictures are printed, lay them out so you can discuss what your child was thinking when he or she took the photo. Finally, consider dedicating a wall in your home as a way to show-off your kids' artistic abilities. To add variety to your photography outings, challenge the photographers by giving them a subject to concentrate on. For example, one day it might be flowers at the park or neighbors' pets.

Gardening
Here's a chance for your kids to get dirty and use their hands to learn how people use the earth to cultivate food and beauty. Gardening emphasizes provision, work and accomplishment. First, go to the local library and collect some basic gardening books. Have your kids look through and start to picture what they want to build. Consider rolling out a big sheet of construction paper so they can help map out where the garden will go, how big it will be and what vegetables, fruits or flowers you will grow. Once you have your plan, give your kids different responsibilities to demonstrate the importance of teamwork.

Model building and puzzles
Model building and puzzles test kids' resolve and offer an end product your children can display. You can buy a model kit, such as a car or dollhouse, or challenge your kids to create something out of toothpicks or Popsicle sticks. With puzzles, once finished, buy some spray-on glue to preserve the treasure and hang it on a wall. Displaying their artwork gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Puppet creation and performance
With some paper bags, socks, glue, beads, buttons and other materials found around the house or bought inexpensively, kids can create their own puppets. But don't stop there - have them create their own puppet show. If they are lacking a story line, go to the library and find a children's book they can act out.

Neighborhood share program
Even if you have a swimming pool in your backyard, your kids can still get bored doing the same activity every afternoon. Therefore, consider setting up a co-op with neighbors who might have a swing set, basketball court or trampoline, but no pool. Tuesday could be your kids' swimming day, Wednesday is reserved for the trampoline and Friday becomes basketball day. It's also a great way for adults to get some free time by having the parent who is hosting also oversee the activity and watch your kids.

Local retailers
Local retailers try to draw in patrons by offering activities for kids, and adults as well. Some Home Depot locations offer woodworking classes. Barnes and Noble has story time. Call or visit your local hobby shops, which often offer arts and crafts projects for your kids.

Sports
Although certain sports can be expensive, they are a great way to keep your kids exercising, practicing teamwork and staying busy. Regardless of the sport you want your child to play, here are some ideas to cut down on costs:

• Trade or purchase equipment from parents with older kids who have outgrown their equipment.
• Look for used, discounted equipment on Craigslist and eBay, and at retailers such as Play It Again Sports and the Goodwill.
• Participate in school-sponsored sports like flag football, which are typically less expensive than activities run by private companies.
• Check out your local community center, Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCA for ongoing afterschool activities. There you will likely find swimming, basketball courts, skate parks and organized activities for the kids. If you are a member of these organizations, the prices of the activities they offer are often discounted.

Local organizations
Don't overlook obvious places of interest that give the children a place to learn or play, such as a city zoo, local museum or state park. Check out the Internet to find bike and walking trails (don't forget your cameras!). Other organizations that typically offer inexpensive activities include churches, libraries and local parks.

Planning advice
Kids like to stay busy, and when they do, especially under the supervision of a parent, their experiences can be memorable, educational and satisfying. And for parents, well-researched activities can save you money and stress. Here are some final tips before making your afterschool activity calendar:

• Stay close to home to save gas, time and money.
• If you are enrolling at least two children or a child and a friend, always ask for a sibling or group discount.
• Buy a pass to save on future return visits.
• Make a list and plan your activities in advance. This will help save you the stress of quickly reacting to: "Mom, I'm bored!"

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