free experiences

[nailit]

Anyone got any ideas for giving kids some free (and fun) experiences?
I have 2 kids aged 12 and 15.

[nailit]

I was still typing when for some reason it submited, hang on while I finish.

[maggiebee]

The hoover for the 12 year old - iron with ironing board and a pile of clothes for the 15 year old. You can then sit with your feet up and a cuppa.

[nailit]

As I was saying,
I have 2 kids aged 12 and 15. Ive always tried to do different things with them and to give them a sense that there is always something to do despite there been a lack of money.
In the past I have written to the local radio station asking for a personal tour of the station with the kids and met all the local radio presenters. Same with the fire station. We have visited Granada studios and been in the audience of a few shows (all for free) We have climbed mountains, camped, fished, absailed etc.
Just looking for some new ideas to fill in the upcoming easter holidays.
ANY ideas would be much appriciated
Thanks

[nailit]

maggie, that wouldnt be a bad idea...

[Buenchico]

Have you got a digital camera?

If so, why not encourage them to use it, perhaps with the objective of creating their own websites or photo galleries to tell people about their hobbies and interests (or, for example, to campaign against litter in your area). There are loads of free photo-hosting websites and blogging sites effectively provide free web space.

Have you got a local newsletter? The editors of such journals are usually desperate for articles. Perhaps you could persuade your kids to write something for it? (They'd probably love seeing their name in print!).

[nailit]

sounds good to me Buenchico, defo worth looking at.
Thanks.

[Barmaid]

What about pizza factory? Get them to make their own pizzas from scratch (OK so the ingredients cost a couple of quid). I've successfully done sleepovers with teenage girls and got them to make their own pizzas. (Beats cooking for the fussy mares).

[nailit]

Barmaid, my kids are both boys but have had 'cooking' nights before. Turned out to be a bit of a nightmare as one of them is a vegatarian and the other one eats meat with everything.

[karenmac60]

Check out your local library. We always run activities during the school holidays - this time we're doing a whole 'Lego Star Wars' thing with loads of different events over the whole week. Most libraries do quite a bit these days.

[owdhamer]

they can come and tidy our garden i will even pay them

[nailit]

lol owdhamer, I cant get them to tidy our own garden for any amount of cash.
karren, the libraries in our area tend to cater for the younger kids.

[karenmac60]

Even during the holidays nailit? That's rotten. We do things for the young ones during term time, but when the older kids are off we make sure they have plenty to do.

[nailit]

With all the local council cuts, I think that we are lucky to even have a library left karen.

[Maydup]

Geo Caching is the answer for your Easter holidays.

http://www.geocaching.com/

[douglas9401]

Around these parts we're lucky enogh to have qite a few country parks with a ranger service offering guided walks.
Now I know that right away you'll picture the standard teenage slouch/huff pose but we did it with our two ( 12 and 15 at the time) and they eventually got over themselves as everybody else joined in with questions and suggestions and we had a great day with elderberry cordial at the end of it. :)