Q: We’re in the middle of some house renovations, so needless to say the kids and I need to get out of the house. I’m having trouble thinking of things we can do together without spending money. Any suggestions?

The Mommy Panel’s Advice:

Kids and renovations definitely don’t mix, but even without your house being torn apart, it’s natural for kids (and adults to need a break from the great indoors. We’ve wracked our collective brains to come up with this list of fun things that will get you and your little ones out of the house — most of these activities are completely free and a few others cost under $5.

1. Since renovations have you out of the house, why not teach your kids a little about home improvement — sign up and attend one of the free workshops offered for children ages 5-12 at Home Depot.
2. Visit a pet store and see all the animals — fish, gerbils, hamsters, birds, cats, dogs. Ask your child to pick a favorite then go home and draw a picture of it.
3. Go to a store that sells hats, try them on and look in the mirror.
4. Play in the children’s area at a local mall or Ikea store.
5. Also at your local mall, ride the escalators (watch out for the end and elevators, letting your child push the buttons.
6. Go to a store with carts, but this time let your child push the cart.
7. Bring a basket or bucket on a walk and help your child start a rock collection.
8. Visit the library for story time. Let your child pick a topic (perhaps their favorite animal from the pet store and ask the librarian to tell you where in the stacks it might be. Then let your child pick a handful of books to take home and look through.
9. Tour your local fire station. Your kids will get a kick out of meeting the fire fighters, trying on their gear and checking out the big truck. Call ahead to see when visitors are welcome and be sure to bring your camera.
10. Pick up litter in your neighborhood, just be sure to wash your hands afterward.
11. During the day your local bowling alley is probably a ghost town — the perfect time to go in and ask to bowl with the bumpers.
12. Exercise together on the bike or walk paths near your house.
13. On bike or foot, race around the block or to the corner and back.
14. Take turns timing each other doing different activities — like running laps around the house, doing jumping jacks, whatever — the real fun for your child will be operating the timer.
15. Put your little ones in the stroller and go for a walk — if you have one, bring the dog too!
16. Explore all your nearby parks, depending on the weather fly a kite, swing or toss a ball.
17. Start a mommy playgroup with your church or neighbors. Set a specific time, day and place (say 10 am Tuesdays at the local park and meet up regularly.
18. Help your child plant and tend a small garden.
19. Visit the local senior’s center or nursing home. Call ahead for visiting hours and practice a favorite song with your children that you can sing to the residents on your visit.
20. Explore any state or national parks in your area, just because you’re not a tourist doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see the sites — you just get the perk of sleeping in your own bed!
21. Turn lunch into a picnic in your yard, park or even spread out the picnic blanket on the floor in your house!
22. When the weather is right, build a snowman or snow fort. Or if it’s leaves rather then snow on the ground, rake up a big pile and jump in them then have a big leaf fight!
23. In the summertime, visit a community park with sprinklers and play in the water. If you don’t have a water park, play at home with your hose or sprinklers.
24. Plant a garden.
25. Go to your local court house and explore a real court room. You might want to call ahead to see if there are set tour times.
26. Take a bag of bread (even stale bread will do! and feed the ducks at a local pond.
27. Blow bubbles — take turns being the blower and trying to catch the bubbles.
28. Go for a joy ride on the local bus or light-rail system.
29. Visit a local bakery and get cookies, sit down and enjoy the treats together.
30. Go to a local bookstore and look through books in the children’s section.

What did we miss? If you have a great idea for an inexpensive outing with the kids, please share!