With EVERYTHING skyrocketing in prices lately, it’s hard to be frugal. It’s also hard to have fun with our kids when everything is so expensive. Here are some things we've done for fun on the cheap!
1. Air Pressure science experiment - What you'll need is a potato and a straw. First, try to stab the potato with the straw. You might get a little dent,but most likely it won't work too well. Now, cover one end of the straw with your thumb. Make sure you've covered the entire hole on one end. Stab that potato again. The straw will go completely through! It's all about the air pressure. Now take that straw out and make some hashbrowns:-)
2. Self Blowing Balloon - You'll need 1/2 cup vinegar, 4 Tbsp baking soda, 1 medium-sized balloon, and 1 empty water bottle. Pour the vinegar into the empty bottle. Then pour the baking soda into the balloon. If you can't get all 5 Tablespoons in, just fill the balloon as much as you can (it's easiest to use a funnel to fill it with). Then put the balloon onto the top of the water bottle. Get it on good. Lift the balloon up and allow the baking soda to fall into the bottle. Voila! That balloon will start blowing up all by itself!
3. Cooking activity Homemade Tortillas – gather and mix the following:
2/3 cup warm water
½ tsp salt
3 Tbsp canola oil (or vegetable oil)
2 cups flour
Mix together to form a dough. When formed, separate into 12 small balls. Roll each ball out flat (if you have a tortilla press, don’t roll them out). Cook in a lightly sprayed hot skillet (to avoid sticking) for a few seconds on each side, or until each side starts to brown. Serve plain warm, or add cheese or anything else for a fun snack!
3. Love the computer? Check out these web sites for free and often educational games:
http://www.pbskids.org
http://www.pbskidsgo.org
http://www.pixiehollow.com
http://www.disney.com
http://www.handipoints.com (GREAT motivator to get kids to do their chores!)
