Eastern Carolina Parent - April 2009 - (Page 21) Visit your local bookstore. Take advantage of story hours and craft projects that are offered free to families. Bookstores such as Borders (borders.com), Barnes and Noble (bn. com), and others list their upcoming children’s events on their websites. Search through the Family Fun Planner in this magazine. Find unexpected free family events like nature walks, children’s plays, and art shows. Look for fireworks displays and free outdoor summer concerts. Stop into an area craft or home improvement store. Ask about upcoming children’s workshops. Home Depot (homedepot.com) and Lowes (lowes.com), for example, offer free Saturday morning programs where kids can build things like jewelry boxes, toy trucks, and games. The classes and supplies are free, and you can register your child online. 7 Clean, Safe, and Great Fun for Children Under 9! 8 3525-A S. Memorial Drive, Greenville www. greenvillemonkey.com Monday, 10:00-5:00 Tuesday-Thursday 10:00-8:00 Friday & Saturday 10:00-9:00 Sunday 1 2:00-5:00 252-752-5867 9 10 Organize a family movie night. Always a favorite, a family movie night is a time to put on your favorite PJs, pop some popcorn, and snuggle. Borrow free family movies, like Babe or Shrek, from your local library. Ask about a “summer movie exchange” with other families and friends. Martin/Pitt Partnership for Children’s 11 Plan a backyard camping trip. Print out a free stargazing map from KidsAstronomy. com, and pitch a tent in your backyard. Invite a friend with a telescope. Catch fireflies and then set them free. Listen to the crickets. Share silly stories and wake up to the sound of birds. Saturday, April 25, 2009 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Greenville Convention Center This FREE event features a variety of local agencies and businesses that offer programs and resources for young children and their families. “Celebrating Children & Families” Have a back-to-school supply swap. After you’ve completed the 11 steps above and had a wonderful summer, enjoy back to school “shopping” by inviting all of your friends, family and neighbors to a back-to-school swap. Many of us have perfectly good children’s clothes that no longer fit our kids. Ask everyone to come with items that might be used by another family. Or join with other families you know and buy discounted school supplies in bulk. With careful planning, getting ready for back-to-school can also be a great lesson for kids on saving money! Mary Jo Kurtz is a freelance writer living in the western suburbs of Boston. She and her husband, Gary, are the parents of two boys. Write to her at thebluehouse@charter.net or visit her website at maryjokurtz.com. 12 Art activities Face Painting Games Pony Rides Mascots Train Rides Toy Walk Chick-fil-A Bingo eastern carolina TM eastern carolina eastern carolina TM TM Sel St ah ables eastern carolina The Daily Reflector reflector.com www.easterncarolinaparent.com Eastern Carolina Parent : April 2009 2 http://www.greenvillemonkey.com http://www.reflector.com http://www.maryjokurtz.com http://www.easterncarolinaparent.com
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