by Stephanie Epplett

Created on: August 19, 2009   Last Updated: October 20, 2011

Finding ways to keep your children entertained and active can be a challenge, especially if you are trying to do this on a budget. So how do you keep your children active, learning and save on your pocketbook? Here are a few ideas to help you do just that.

Make your own cards: Making your own celebration cards for Birthdays, Christmas and other holidays or needs can not only be entertaining it can be fun and cost just a fraction of what buying cards costs. You do not need any fancy papers, cut-outs or scissors. Just some plain paper, old magazines, construction paper, cheap paints, glue and plain scissors is enough to start.

Depending on what you are creating a card for, have the children decide on what they want to include in the card. If you are making a birthday card, you could have the kids look through various magazines for cakes, presents or decorations to cut out and paste on the card. Another option would be to allow the kids to draw and paint their own pictures on the cards. Give the kids creative design over their cards, this will not only make the cards more personal, but will be much more enjoyable for the kids. While this activity can be fun for all ages, it' important to remember that the three year olds Christmas tree will not always look like a Christmas Tree and that is what makes it a treasure that the receiver of the card will treasure forever!

Collages: Another great activity to do with children of any age is to make a collage. This can also be a cheap way to capture who your children are at any given age. All you need is a large piece of card board, poster-board or foam board, some magazines, scissors and glue. Assist your children with picking out and cutting their pictures and then allow them to create their own collage to represent who they are at that point in their lives. Once they have finished their masterpiece, assist them with hanging them up, you can find cheap frames at many stores including Walmart and Goodwill.

Seasonal Walks: Take a walk with your children and enjoy the differences the seasons bring. In the spring you can walk around and point out the change of season, the fresh buds on the trees, the flowers that are beginning to bloom and enjoy the smell of spring. In the summer you can learn about the different birds, grasses and leaves when they are green and vibrant on the trees. In the fall you can collect the leaves in all their brilliant colors, watch the deer move, visit a pumpkin farm. In the winter you can enjoy

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