The Groovy Mom's Guide to Family Fun That Doesn't Break the Bank

Family fun doesn't have to be expensive. Many options are free, or cost very little. With busy work and school schedules, it can be easy to fall into a rut and simply stay home to spend time in front of the television. However, it is important to find fun and interesting things to do as a family. Play time together is precious, because kids grow so quickly. Many moments can become teaching opportunities. Plus, spending time together allows a family to share stories and maintain strong relationships.

The great outdoors is a wonderful place for the groovy Mom to search for kid-friendly activities. Look for area parks and reserves. Take a hike together, go on a pick nick, or bring a ball and throw or kick it to each other. A nature scavenger hunt is also a great family fun idea. Kids can learn about the flora and fauna while running and playing. Outdoor games can also be a blast. Mini golf is always a crowd pleaser, and kids will never turn down an opportunity to ride go karts. While some cost is involved, it is typically minimal, compared to the time the activity lasts.

If the weather is poor, the family fun can be taken inside. A library is a great place to go. Kids can research their favorite authors and read about far away cultures. An arcade or laser tag park are also great options. Kids still get the same physical activity and fun level, but don't have to be in poor weather. Typically, prizes are offered at arcades, so kids go home happy with their loot.

Of course, a pizza party is also a family fun option. Parents that share meals with their kids have plenty of time to interact and exchange stories and make memories. Finding a place with a pizza buffet is best, so even picky eaters can find something they like. Plus, kids will appreciate something cool that they like to do.

If you would like to learn more about family fun in the Austin area, visit Austin's Park n Pizza Experience.

5 Facts About Batting Cage Safety

Going to the batting cages can be a lot of fun for kids and adults alike. It's a great way to build experience with hitting, as well as share stories and make memories. However, it is always important to know the rules and exercise caution. Both the bat and the ball can do serious damage. With a few smart steps, everyone can enjoy some time hitting imaginary home runs with no unwanted incidents.

1. Helmets protect

Safety helmets, and any other protective gear provided, should be worn at all times in and around the batting cages. The gear is there to protect sensitive body parts, in case a wild ball or bat gets lose. Just like a life jacket, it is precautionary gear that hopefully won't be needed, but can make a big difference in injury level if it is.

2. Swinging bats can become weapons

Especially for little ones, it can be tempting to mindlessly, or purposefully swing the bat around when not in the cage. Batting cages are constructed for a reason...to catch objects if they fly astray. No such protection is available while waiting in line. Unless batting in the cage, bats should be kept in their holders, or held at the side.

3. Horseplay can hurt

Batting is a lot of fun. It's a great way to play. However, unnecessary horseplay around the cages is a recipe for injury. Too many things can go wrong if a person is unaware of their surroundings and accidentally looses control or gets in the way.

4. Young children need supervision

While young children can often benefit from batting instruction, they should always be supervised when in batting cages and should never operate any equipment without an adult. For some, practice with a whiffle ball is a better choice.

5. Cages are for one at a time

Only one hitter should be in the cage at any time. The risk of injury is too high if more than that go in at the same time. The only exception is young children that need help. Even then, care should be exercised when using batting cages. By following a few simple rules, everyone can have a great time.

If you would like to learn more about batting cages in the Austin area, click here.

Arcade Games, Rides and More Great Ideas for Dads' Weekends

Sometimes, coming up with new and entertaining things to do on the weekend with the kids can be difficult. Things like arcade games or places with rides can help make great memories during the precious time with them. The goal is to find interesting options that facilitate family time. With so many activities and responsibilities in modern life, it can be easy to fall in a rut and not make much of an effort to plan. However, it is important to make time for quality moments, and planning for them can actually be enjoyable.

Watching movies at the house is an old standby, but it doesn't allow for much interaction or sharing. With limited time together, it is important to make the activities count. Finding options outside of the house for pure entertainment, like rides and arcade games, is always a hit. Kids love them, plus they spend their time interacting in a positive way with their family. Take turns watching each other play and cheering for the player, or play against each other for an all-night tournament (although it is a good idea to not get too competitive and hurt feelings).

Physical activities, such as going to the batting cages, mini golf, or laser tag, can be a lot of fun for kids of all ages. Likely, it has been a while since they have been, if ever. Plus, those situations can become great teaching moments for dads to pass along their pearls of wisdom about stance, strategy, and sportsmanship. Like when playing arcade games together, it also creates a perfect opportunity to share memories from the past, about Dad's childhood and those from when the kids were younger.

Of course, the perfect accompaniment for a night of arcade games is a pizza party. Sharing time over food is one of the quintessential human activities. With a pizza buffet, even picky eaters can find something they like. While eating, Dad can ask questions about the kids' school, hobbies, dreams, and life in general. Kids can relax and have fun telling Dad all of the stories they want to share.

If you would like to learn more about arcade games in the Austin area, visit Austins's Park n Pizza Experience.