The past couple days haven’t really been that smooth. I got in a fender bender … fully my fault. While making dinner yesterday, I sliced my finger on my newly sharpened knife…to the bone, I might add. The roast ended up being tough, the blueberry pie concoction turned into soup.

I can’t get my son Dylan to eat.  Tonight, it has taken me 1.5 hours to get my kids asleep. I did everything I usually do – bath, brush teeth, read book…but something about the universe isnt right. OHM, “I curse you Universe”…So, here I am on my blog thinking “I’M supposed to give YOU advice?!”

Then, I take a deep breath and realize I DO tend to be a bit overdramatic … sometimes I even think I missed my calling as an actress.  Honestly, i have a higher percentage of good days versus bad.  Blogging about all this though, has made me think of those good days…it usually involves a mini-adventure created by yours truly.

I’m always trying to come up with quirky things to do with my kids.  Here are some fairly inexpensive adventures.

• Drive-in movie theaters -  This site gives you locations and prices for theaters in Indiana.  This seems cheaper than trying to go to the INDOOR theaters anymore … bring your own snacks, wear pajamas, shoes optional…
• Museums -  I like to take my kids to Peru, IN to the Grissom Air Museum.  They love planes and it’s free for them to get in and $3.50 for adults.  There are picnic tables so pack a lunch.  LaPorte indiana has a train museum that is free admission. It is called the Hesston Steam Museum.  The Indianapolis Childrens Museum is free on certain holidays (be prepared for it to be crowded..Trust me, I took the kids on Presidents Day!)
• Take advantage of the many parks in Indiana. Missinewa is a great place to take kids.  It has a beach, places to grill, trails, country store.  It is only $4 on the weekdays and $5 on weekends for each vehicle.  Pack a cooler and make a day of it. Dont forget the sunscreen.  Take advantage of the In.gov site to  find out all the great parks in Indiana.  It doesnt even have to be a fancy park.  For small children, taking them to a new swing set on the other side of town can be good enough.
• Festivals - most festivals offer free entertainment and free admission.  Take advantage of this.
• Do something cooky. Plan a trip to see the Biggest Ball of Paint in Alexandria, IN.  Get your picture taken with this giant ball of paint.
• Make use of your Public Library.  I’m not just saying this because I work in one either.  Most libraries have programs that caetor to small children.

Sometimes, even the price of gas can be daunting.  So, don’t leave the house!

• Picnic outside. For some reason my kids eat better when I tell them we are eating outside.  My kids are 4, you can basically turn ANYTHING into an adventure.
• Movie night. Pick one of your old time Disney favorites and watch it with the kids.  Make popcorn, cuddle and enjoy the time together.
• Cook together. I LOVE to cook.  So, sometimes we make homemade pizzas, bread and all.  The kids LOVE to pick out their toppings and watch it come together in the oven.