Anytime Adventures

A Playing Smart Activity

Who among us hasn’t felt bored by the thought of taking the kids to the same old park, playground, or zoo? Now's the time to seek out adventure beyond the obvious. It doesn’t take money or extensive planning –- only a creative mindset. What I’m suggesting is going someplace ordinary and looking at the familiar in a new way.


Wherever you go, let your child’s curiosity shape the experience. Some children want to look over everything quickly, then zero in on something they find particularly interesting. With younger children, especially, it’s often best to limit yourselves to thoroughly exploring only a part of any attraction.


Forget about making each outing self-consciously educational. You don’t need to follow up an expedition with a detailed discussion – in fact, doing so risks making your child feel like he’s "on the spot." Instead, let him take the learning initiative by asking you questions. He may even ask for a return visit. Like many adults, children often get a deeper understanding of something from noticing details that they overlooked the first time. Remember, your own interest will ignite your child’s enthusiasm.


Where to Go and What to Do



  • Visit an animal shelter or your local branch of the Humane Society. The employees and volunteers will likely be eager to explain their jobs and introduce the animals. Call ahead for public hours or to ask whether a personal tour can be arranged.



  • Attend an auction. Check the phone book and the classified ads in your newspaper for times and locations. Arrive early so you and your child can rummage through the treasures. Auctioneers really do talk fast, so prepare your child. You might also warn your child to keep her hands down, unless you’ve decided in advance to bid on an item.



  • Seek out a couple of estate, garage or yard sales. Often these provide interesting glimpses into people’s lives. Talk about the reasons why various items are being sold. See if you and your child can figure out why the sale is being held at this particular time.



  • Attend a coin show or browse around a coin shop. Your child may see things like pounds of gold or 2,000-year-old coins. She might want to start checking your loose change for rarities.



  • Do routine things at unusual times to give your child a fresh perspective on the everyday, such as visiting the beach in the rain or arriving very early at a supermarket when the produce is being unloaded.



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