What free or cheap things to do with kids in Atlanta area? I'm broke but have two bored kids here.?

We just did the park and library thing yesterday, I have a 6 and 4 year old. I'm a broke sahm, and trying to find something or somewhere to take them that is fun. Just found out the rolling rink would be almost $20! Can't spend more than $5. Don't start telling me I shouldn't have kids because I'm married to a providing husband, he does his best but doesn't make too much, just barely enough to pay for basics. I just got a new career started and haven't gotten first paycheck yet, that won't be till the end of the month. Just trying to entertain two kids and do somthing special for them. I feel bad that I can't do more for them right now. Any suggestions?

Answer:
Have you checked with your local library(s) to see if they offer different things each week. I'm about an hour north of Atl and our local, small town library offers a different class each day of the week, like Monday is mommy and me, Wednesday is kidsercise, ect.
Check with your local communinty center. I think a friend of mine used to go to the Smyrna Community Center for something.
I totally understand about the money. I'm a SAHM also. My husband also works (usually 60 hour weeks) and provides for our family. But after diapers, clothes, food (for 2 special diets for medical reasons!), my hubby's diabetic supplies (insulin is NOT cheap!), doctor bills, insurence pmts, rent, power, water, ect there isn't always lot left, and that doesn't make us bad parents. In fact, it probably makes for better parents, cause you have to actally spend time entertaining your kids rather than paying some one else to do it!

Here are some ideas.

Would they enjoy bakig a cake with mom? Great for teaching math skills!
Decorating store bought cookies?
Makeing thank you cards for all those Christmas gifts they got?
Picnic? They can help make the food to take.
Scavenger hunt? (you make the hut list-do it in your back yard or a walk around thte neighborhood)
There is a covered Bridge in Smyrna (near Concord Rd) that is a historical site, near by is a river and a walking trail. My friend's kid LOVED going there.
What about a chocolate Sundae from McDonalds (which usually has a playground)
Voulenteer at a local shelter or animal shelter (we may be broke but we can still help those who are in even worse situations!)
May I suggest (for future refrence) a season pass to something close by to you. such as the zoo or the aqurium ect. That way you'll have somewhere to go when you are broke. Most of the season passes are paid for in 2-3 visits. So it is well worth the money even if you only go 6 times a year!
Take them to the Varsity-lots of history there too
Atlanta has that board walk or whatever it is called downtown. It is a lot of fun when it is not busy like on the weekends in winter when it is cooler. Lots of things to do and you can get an ice cream or a hot chocolate or hot dog with the $5. Also, different parks have different things so you could look in the phone book and call parks and recreation and find out about free activities. We all know about being poor and hope both you and your husband get ahead in your careers fast enough to really spoil the kids. Good luck and take action.
Take them around Atlanta too see some famous sites or something like that.
I am not in atlanta but everywhere has a mcdonalds or burger king right? Mabey one with a playland. We take my son to Mcdonalds get him a sundae of the dollar menu and then let him play for hours on the playland. Also did you know that you dont have to get food at a chucky cheese and the games are only $.25 each so 5 or 10 dollars goes a long way. Try making the park alittle more special take a picnic Lunch. Also your kids are old enough to appericate board games and card games. That can be very special time with mom and dad. I am 22 years old and some of my most special memories are play war with my grandfather (a card game) and playing yatzee with a grandma. Also try going to a dollar store and spend that money on some craft items and sitting down and doing crafts with the kids. You dont always have to take them somewhere or spend alot of money to make it special. Good luck
Try an outdoor scavenger hunt if the weather permits. picnics are always fun ,,,, there are a ton of website that could help you figure out a way to pass the time with the kids ,,, you can make your own play-doh at home ,,, I'm not from Atlanta, but see if there is a children's museum in your area - our library has a free family pass that can be checked out for those of us that can't afford a 20$ trip to Chuck E. Cheese. Here are a few webistes I've used. I hope they help.
take them to the park, or mall to walk and look at things.
OMG! ATLANTA HAS A BOARDWALK! I'VE LIVED HERE ALL MY LIFE AND DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS A COASTAL CITY!!! I'LL BE DAMNED, AND I'VE BEEN JONESING FOR SOME OCEAN SCENERY, AND ALL I HAD TO DO WAS GO DOWNTOWN...LOL.
I'm assuming the first guy is talking about underground? Not a whole lot to do but site see. If you do anything it costs $$. Lake Lanier, Buford Damn some of the parks cost for parking, some don't-can be fun on the nice weather days for a picnic or just some lounging around.
Take up a hobby, such as Geocaching...www.geocaching.co... Great way to get out see some sites you wouldn't have known were in your area. Geocaching is like treasure hunting in a way. Its a great way to get out, get some exercise, do something as a family, learn about the environment, etc.
Parks and the malls
try painting or household games that make cleaning fun or read/make up stories try and make them have fun in things like that.

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