I get a whole lot of enjoyment out of doing some things that do not cost me a dime. To enjoy most of these activities I do not even need to leave my house or front yard. Dancing to a record or to music on YouTube is something that I do often. It is a great way to start the day. When I can get Darrel to join in, he takes it up a notch, for his interpretation of the latest dance is hilarious. I find it quite fun to entertain myself on my game system. I have a collection of games and activities that are challenging and fun. The balance games like the hula-hoop and the ski jump are my favorites. I can keep at it for hours. Cleaning out the garage turns into a half-day of playtime for me. I get a bit distracted with all of the grandchildren’s toys. I find myself taking a spin on Azariah’s bike or trying out Kevin’s skateboard. I will take a break from cleaning to juggle tennis balls, draw a hopscotch with Ezekiel’s chalk and blow bubbles. There are an assortment of balls, so of course, I have to shoot some hoops and work on my 3-pointer.

Some of my favorite sunny day activities are swinging on a swing with the sun shining down on me. I particularly like the big swings at nearby Can-Doo Park but, the one at home will do, especially when there is no grand-baby nearby rushing me so they can have a turn. I like to play my harmonica and read in the car. I get my water bottle and snacks, open all the car doors, put my feet up and read until I fall asleep. I like to hit tennis balls across the yard for grandchildren to catch, and go on walks with great-grand-daughter Zola leading the way. (How do her short legs move so fast?) I find it fun texting challenges to the teenage grandchildren and seeing who answers first. If the challenge has to do with finances or stock investing, I can count on EJ to be the winner.

For fun, Darrel likes to ride his bike or walk along the Delaware River. He enjoys fishing with his cousin Bunny aka Petey aka JT, who lives in Memphis. Neither one of them will forget the time Darrel fell out of the boat but managed to keep the camcorder rolling and out of the water. He really misses getting together and shooting the breeze with his buddies. (Oh, the stories they tell!) Darrel says playing tennis and chess with Guy, his friend since childhood, were some of his best fun times. Even though I consider it work, Darrel says working in the yard and garden are a form of fun. He calls it entertaining and relaxing.

We both agree that our absolute hands-down best fun and free times are our get togethers with family and friends. Large or small, impromptu or planned, we always have a lot of fun. When I visited cousin Skip and his crew in California, he set up a Wii bowling tournament at his house. That was the most fun and the best part of my entire trip. At my house, I hold the record in Wii basketball (take that suckas!) Whether playing Jenga, Uno, Taboo, or Steve Harvey Family feud with grandson Evan hosting, when together there is lots of noise, good eating, trash-talking, joke-telling, and laughing. We can always count on my sister Cheryl to entertain us. Challenging DJ to a dance off, bouncing off the floor while learning a dance from Azariah, or racing DeRel through the house, she leaves us in stitches and keeps everyone talking for years. Our family vacation to Florida was not free but our favorite activities were. Time spent in the hot tub, home theater, playing games, talking and laughing together are memories that we will always treasure.

Recently, my niece, Tanya hosted a Zoom Family scavenger hunt. She brought us back together in a completely new way of having great fun. I ran around my house at break-neck speed, laughing and looking for items. It was fantastic being together and seeing everyone again.

I must admit that after a year of disruption to our normal activities, I am ready to get back to our game nights and large cook-outs with family and friends. Also, I am more than ready to pack my bags and travel again. I am ready to hit the road and experience new places and new things. I have plans to travel near and to travel far when it is safe to do so. One thing for sure, whenever possible, I will add to my itinerary visits to friends and relatives along the way. I will be sure to pack in some of that priceless fun and free family and friends time whenever I can!

I would love to hear about your favorite fun and free activities. Please leave in the comments below.

Amanda