This is a guest post by my reader Nancy who entertains her kids by going to the mall without spending a dime.
A part of my summer entertainment for my kids is going to the mall. I think I’m the only person I know of, though, that doesn’t spend a dime when we go there!
Malls (both indoor and outodor) are a great way to beat the heat and keep the kids entertained during the summer months. But can you go without spending any money? Here are some tips:
1. Check your mall’s website. Many malls have free entertainment during the summer. One of our local malls has clowns, magicians and musicians performing shows in the afternoon.
2. Set the expectations with your kids. If you are not going to spend any money there, tell your kids before you go so that they are not disappointed. I still do this every time with my kids. If they see something they are dying to have, tell them you can write it down and they can add it to their birthday or Christmas wish list.
3. There’s more to entertain than just the mall playground. Book stores are a great place to visit–our mall has a Barnes & Noble which has a great kids section with a train table and many interactive displays. The Lego Store always has play tables available. Does your mall have an ice skating rink? We’ve gone to watch a hockey game and to watch some talented athletes train for an ice skating competition. Many of the outdoor lifestyle malls have upped their kid entertainment offerings too–our nearby outdoor mall has a splash pad and a big sand play area.
4. Plan your time so that you are not there during a meal time. That way, you won’t be tempted to give in to hunger and go out to eat. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon works best for us.
5. Bring snacks. Inevitably, your kids will get hungry. Bring snacks, find a nice place to sit and eat them. Then you won’t be tempted to stop at the cookie store.
6. Stick to your budget. If your goal was to not spend any money, stick to it! Don’t be tempted by any great deals or sales you see. Leave without buying it. Sleep on it, ask yourself the next day if you still need it.
7. Vary your destinations! Don’t visit the same mall all the time. Are there other nearby malls or outdoor malls nearby?
8. Meet up with friends. The kids will love meeting up with their other friends there for a playdate. Just make sure they don’t sabotage your spending goals!
***Note: Most malls have candy machines for 25 cents. Although this post is about not spending any money at the mall, the candy machines can be a cheap reward for kids.
Stacy says
Other free or inexpensive things to do with children.
(1)Check out your local library for summer reading activities. Many times the activities are posted on the library’s website.
(2)Check out your local movie cinema or theatre. Many times they have great summer or afternoon prices on tickets. (put some juice boxes and snacks in a small bag and take it with you. This saves on purchasing food there. My hubby and I do that whenever we go to the movies…we just purchase a drink to share or bring a bottled tea or water.)
(3) check out a local bowling lanes. Many times they too will have special prices for children during summer months.
(4) Check out your local community or town for free summer craft activities for children to participate in.
Just be creative! With a little thought you can come up with some great free to low cost activites for the children!
elle says
Stacy, I am totally agree with you. Instead of going to the mall , the outdoor activities are the best choice for kids. Even doing a picnic at the park or next to lake and some game it is a much better choice.
Again, what ever people want… I would take my kid to the mall ONLY in case I am going shopping there, I am not driving there for nothing. Maybe once in a while… I don’t see much entertaining there, except Xmass or any other activities.
Stacey W says
I almost never go to the mall for fear of spending money or finding something I think we “need.” Last week I needed something fun and different that wouldn’t cost any money to do with my 3yr old and baby. We went to an outdoor mall where there are lots of beautiful fountains and even a small playground. I decided to bring a little coin purse with 10 pennies in it for my 3yr old to throw in the fountains. He loved it! We had so much fun and it only cost 10cents!
Kelly says
Just a note they tested those candy machines for Germs and they are the dirtest things going! Kids reach there dirty hands in there even when they are not getting anything!!
jennie says
The mall is almost totally out of the question now. They recently put in a train that rides thru the middle of the mall. It is super cute but totally pricey. Plus there is no track so i drives where we walk. No exactly safe for samll kids but thats my opinion