One of the limits of poverty is that there is very little money to just go “do stuff”. For most people this would translate “entertainment budget”, but those who have been REALLY POOR do not have budgets, and entertainment may mean a rousing afternoon of notebook paper football. In any city though, there are a plethora of things one can do for free, alone, with kids, or in a group. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Free Museums- Not all museums have an admission fee, especially if they are sponsored by the state or municipality where you live. Leisurely strolls around museums can be be a great learning tool as well. When my oldest was very small, I was still a graduate student putting myself through school. Campus had a number of free events and places to go. One was a natural history museum, with talking and moving exhibits, a replica of a Florida cave one could walk through, and at the end of the exhibits was a ‘library’ full of drawers of fossils, insect and bird specimens, etc, that were glass covered, but that even children could pull out and examine. On college campuses as well as in many cities are Art Museums or Planetariums. Some may charge a fee, so check in advance. If one can’t afford nearby Museums though, an afternoon out looking at local land formations or monuments and other noteworthy places in town may be amusing. If your local ‘exploratorium’ or planetarium is too costly to take a group of kids to, then try with or without a telescope, taking them out in the night sky a little way from the city, and show them the visible constellations, using the time for a bit of learning, and talking about how big God is.
2. Public Computer Labs- In Chattanooga, there was an ELL or Environmental Learning Lab with a number of free computers for public use. They had in-house check out software for kids of all ages, with games, lessons etc, and attendants that would teach children how to use the software. My son when much younger learned to make rudimentary ‘movies’ close to 15 years ago!. Public Universities also have free, open to the public computer bays, some of which allow free time unless there are too many people waiting. One might have to pay for printouts, but the use of the net and Office apps are usually free, along with help desk information.
3. Free Musical Events- When times get tough and you are piecing together enough money for a 1.58 dinner, there simply is no money for the Symphony Season. This does not mean though that you cannot introduce your family to the arts of all kinds, for free, with a little ingenuity. One way is to contact local school, university or conservatory campuses, and get a list of their recitals. While many of their events throughout the year are costly, student and faculty recitals are often free, and some are remarkable, with information about the performer, the composer, the piece, and music in general. At the beginning of semesters, many schools have free concerts ranging from Rock and Roll(usually tame) all the way to the more highbrow. Churches often sponsor Gospel Music Fests or other more classical performances, all for free. Some cities sponsor free outdoor events such as folk music in the park, or during lunch downtown, and these also can be edifying. Check local papers for an ‘events’ or even ‘lifestyles’ sections as these often contain lists of free musical events as well as other opportunities.
4. Gardens- Walking in a morning in a cool and beautiful city garden, is a quiet and beautiful, and usually free way to start the day. Green Bay Wisconsin has an ‘Arboretum’/botanical garden which is gorgeous, and several other cities we have lived have also including Chattanooga, Columbus and others. The Green Bay Botanical garden charges, but is free on Wednesday with a bag lunch, and most evenings. (Check your local gardens for similar exceptions.) The Orlando area has garden-lakes, such as Lake Eola, free for strolling or walking, and if you have a small amount of money, they have swan boats. Almost all local communities have areas like this, and only a few charge. Federal State Parks often have free guided hiking tours, with education signs and pamphlets, and sometimes even ‘mini zoos’ on the walk. Gainesville Florida had a local place called the “Devil’s Millhopper”, a former dried out sinkhole overgrown with lush vegetation and cool trees, with a constructed wooden staircase with rails allowing easy walking down to the base. Take a picnic and make a day of it. Teach young people about flora, fauna, eco-systems and the care of God’s earth. Gardens are a fantastic place to talk about the Garden of Eden and what it must have been like. Even paid events and places, often have a free portion of exhibits for those who cannot afford the whole event.
5. Air Shows or Radio-flyer Shows. Did you know that while you may have to pay to be in close, many air shows can be viewed for free almost as well as buying a ticket? We live close to Lake Michigan and every year, there is a remarkable Air Show of old and new planes: some air shows have ‘The Blue Angels’. While private beaches and restaurants on the beach offer luxuries, one can go a little way down the beach and often find free picnic benches and parking with at least marginal restroom facilities, and watch the show from down the way. Private groups who do model airplane flying, remote-control/radio guided planes usually meet once or twice a year for meets and this can also be a treat even for some adults: rocketry clubs also may have similar meets.
6. Public Libraries.- Everyone knows this one: the great, almighty, irreplaceable Public Library: a haven for booklovers, children and a myriad of events all free, all year. Our local library is currently offering the following: “The Weird Science Show”, The Japanese Art of Fish Printing”, and the “Okoto Dance Troupe” along with Children’s Story hours, Computer Classes (e.g. How to use a USB flash drive), Film Pics (this month, “The King’s Speech”), and Book Discussions.homework help, ‘Mother’s Morning Out’, and a variety of other classes as well as books for all ages, computers, check out videos, cds and films, listening stations for records and CDs and our library also occasionally hosts recitals and performances. All Free or at least most free. Two universities I once taught at also had sheet music lending libraries and some have art lending libraries: worth the time checking it out.
7. Church- Local Churches, any more do not just sponsor Pipe Organ and Piano Recitals outside of their regular services! These days, one may find the Soweto Choir from South Africa singing, or the performance of a Christian band or singer. While I would not ever call it ‘entertainment’ because that is not the purpose, nonetheless, it is good clean fun to go to a potluck supper and Gospel sing, or sleepover for teens, with trusted adults, and usually, free. Some churches, for members also have free gyms, and other resources one might not think to look for. Call churches or synagogues you feel comfortable calling and ask if they could send you information on resources and upcoming events.
We will continue next time, with even more suggestions. For now, remember, “REALLY POOR” has nothing to do with a quality life, “REALLYPOOR” only represents creative challenges and opportunities to trust the Lord. ekb
1. Free Museums- Not all museums have an admission fee, especially if they are sponsored by the state or municipality where you live. Leisurely strolls around museums can be be a great learning tool as well. When my oldest was very small, I was still a graduate student putting myself through school. Campus had a number of free events and places to go. One was a natural history museum, with talking and moving exhibits, a replica of a Florida cave one could walk through, and at the end of the exhibits was a ‘library’ full of drawers of fossils, insect and bird specimens, etc, that were glass covered, but that even children could pull out and examine. On college campuses as well as in many cities are Art Museums or Planetariums. Some may charge a fee, so check in advance. If one can’t afford nearby Museums though, an afternoon out looking at local land formations or monuments and other noteworthy places in town may be amusing. If your local ‘exploratorium’ or planetarium is too costly to take a group of kids to, then try with or without a telescope, taking them out in the night sky a little way from the city, and show them the visible constellations, using the time for a bit of learning, and talking about how big God is.
2. Public Computer Labs- In Chattanooga, there was an ELL or Environmental Learning Lab with a number of free computers for public use. They had in-house check out software for kids of all ages, with games, lessons etc, and attendants that would teach children how to use the software. My son when much younger learned to make rudimentary ‘movies’ close to 15 years ago!. Public Universities also have free, open to the public computer bays, some of which allow free time unless there are too many people waiting. One might have to pay for printouts, but the use of the net and Office apps are usually free, along with help desk information.
3. Free Musical Events- When times get tough and you are piecing together enough money for a 1.58 dinner, there simply is no money for the Symphony Season. This does not mean though that you cannot introduce your family to the arts of all kinds, for free, with a little ingenuity. One way is to contact local school, university or conservatory campuses, and get a list of their recitals. While many of their events throughout the year are costly, student and faculty recitals are often free, and some are remarkable, with information about the performer, the composer, the piece, and music in general. At the beginning of semesters, many schools have free concerts ranging from Rock and Roll(usually tame) all the way to the more highbrow. Churches often sponsor Gospel Music Fests or other more classical performances, all for free. Some cities sponsor free outdoor events such as folk music in the park, or during lunch downtown, and these also can be edifying. Check local papers for an ‘events’ or even ‘lifestyles’ sections as these often contain lists of free musical events as well as other opportunities.
4. Gardens- Walking in a morning in a cool and beautiful city garden, is a quiet and beautiful, and usually free way to start the day. Green Bay Wisconsin has an ‘Arboretum’/botanical garden which is gorgeous, and several other cities we have lived have also including Chattanooga, Columbus and others. The Green Bay Botanical garden charges, but is free on Wednesday with a bag lunch, and most evenings. (Check your local gardens for similar exceptions.) The Orlando area has garden-lakes, such as Lake Eola, free for strolling or walking, and if you have a small amount of money, they have swan boats. Almost all local communities have areas like this, and only a few charge. Federal State Parks often have free guided hiking tours, with education signs and pamphlets, and sometimes even ‘mini zoos’ on the walk. Gainesville Florida had a local place called the “Devil’s Millhopper”, a former dried out sinkhole overgrown with lush vegetation and cool trees, with a constructed wooden staircase with rails allowing easy walking down to the base. Take a picnic and make a day of it. Teach young people about flora, fauna, eco-systems and the care of God’s earth. Gardens are a fantastic place to talk about the Garden of Eden and what it must have been like. Even paid events and places, often have a free portion of exhibits for those who cannot afford the whole event.
5. Air Shows or Radio-flyer Shows. Did you know that while you may have to pay to be in close, many air shows can be viewed for free almost as well as buying a ticket? We live close to Lake Michigan and every year, there is a remarkable Air Show of old and new planes: some air shows have ‘The Blue Angels’. While private beaches and restaurants on the beach offer luxuries, one can go a little way down the beach and often find free picnic benches and parking with at least marginal restroom facilities, and watch the show from down the way. Private groups who do model airplane flying, remote-control/radio guided planes usually meet once or twice a year for meets and this can also be a treat even for some adults: rocketry clubs also may have similar meets.
6. Public Libraries.- Everyone knows this one: the great, almighty, irreplaceable Public Library: a haven for booklovers, children and a myriad of events all free, all year. Our local library is currently offering the following: “The Weird Science Show”, The Japanese Art of Fish Printing”, and the “Okoto Dance Troupe” along with Children’s Story hours, Computer Classes (e.g. How to use a USB flash drive), Film Pics (this month, “The King’s Speech”), and Book Discussions.homework help, ‘Mother’s Morning Out’, and a variety of other classes as well as books for all ages, computers, check out videos, cds and films, listening stations for records and CDs and our library also occasionally hosts recitals and performances. All Free or at least most free. Two universities I once taught at also had sheet music lending libraries and some have art lending libraries: worth the time checking it out.
7. Church- Local Churches, any more do not just sponsor Pipe Organ and Piano Recitals outside of their regular services! These days, one may find the Soweto Choir from South Africa singing, or the performance of a Christian band or singer. While I would not ever call it ‘entertainment’ because that is not the purpose, nonetheless, it is good clean fun to go to a potluck supper and Gospel sing, or sleepover for teens, with trusted adults, and usually, free. Some churches, for members also have free gyms, and other resources one might not think to look for. Call churches or synagogues you feel comfortable calling and ask if they could send you information on resources and upcoming events.
We will continue next time, with even more suggestions. For now, remember, “REALLY POOR” has nothing to do with a quality life, “REALLYPOOR” only represents creative challenges and opportunities to trust the Lord. ekb
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