In my last post, I went on and on about how much fun it is to have older kids. This week, I'm realizing how hard it is to think of things to do that all four of those 'older' kids will enjoy.
In the past, our spring break (and summers and weekends and all other kinds of breaks) were filled with trips to local parks, Seattle Center's Whirligig, the Children's Museum, Jungle Playland, etc. None of those are things my older two would enjoy anymore (or in some cases, like Jungle Playland, are too old to participate in, even if they would still enjoy them).
So, do I take just my younger two out? My older two have 'been there, done that', so it would technically be 'fair' to let the younger two enjoy those outings, right? On the other hand, a drive to Seattle or Mt. Vernon is pretty significant now that we live in the boonies...I would really rather find something all four kids would like, especially if it means a long drive. Finding closer entertainment would even be better! And since it looks like rain this week (imagine that!), finding indoor activities would be ideal.
Roller Skating is on this week's agenda, so that's one thing, at least. We are also planning on a trip to the library, but that doesn't really count...that's really close and something we do all the time anyway. What else is there? A movie? Nah, we watch enough movies at home...we even have a projector for that movie-theater feel; we save our family theater trips for highly anticipated releases, none of which are happening this week. The Aquarium? Yes, we love the aquarium, but it's a once-a-year thing for us (due to the cost), and we prefer to go when the weather is nice, so we can also spend time at Pike Place and wandering the waterfront. So, that's probably not happening this week. The Zoo is also more enjoyable when it's not cold and wet outside. We just did the family swim thing...once in a while is okay, but the older two wouldn't be all that interested in going again this soon.
I'm stumped! If you have ideas of local activities, preferably not too expensive, that kids from 8 to 14 would enjoy, please share them with me :-)
