What are some fun, cheap things to do with a 3-year-old?

Ok, so my boyfriend's daughter is 3 (she will be 4 in June) and since it is getting fairly close to spring, we are looking for some fun outings to go on with her when the weather warms up. We have just starting having her on a regular basis (you know the whole psycho-ex-who-didn't-want-him-to-know-ab鈥?situation applies here) due to his new-found shared custody schedule. We are kind of on a budget, so we can't afford to take her on very expensive outings. She loves the park and anything outdoors, so suggestions along these lines would be great. Also, we have her every other weekend Friday night through Monday morning, but my boyfriend works during the day until 5:30 on Friday and Saturday. Are there any deals or coupons for things like the Zoo that we can go to on Sundays? Thanks for your help!What are some fun, cheap things to do with a 3-year-old?
My son is 3yrs so i can kinda relate (since your is a girl):) My kids love walks, I ask him to find things that are red, blue, etc... He loves to hunt for treasure, I hide treats, paper treasure, whatever in backyard for him to find and sometimes he likes it when I make a map of their location. Go online to nickjr.com and look up ideas there too
Look on the internet under your township that you live in. There are parks which some have water sprinklers and animals and they are free. Also, there is always play-doh for those rainy days which all kids love even at that age. Also, libraries have things like storytime and craft time for a small price,What are some fun, cheap things to do with a 3-year-old?
You don't need to take her somwehere all the time! Do art, sing songs, dance, dress up, play games... just spend time with her, it is nice to play outside at least twice a day on nice days but that doesn't mean you have to go somewhere all the time!
Camping, hiking, bike rides! I'm sure she'll love these.
go to almost every website you can and sign up for email updates and you get free coupons and discounts on food or go to birthdayfreebies.com
Find out if there is a hands on museum in your area. She is the perfect age and would have a great time.
I am actually working on an article for my local paper about this- here are my suggestions (from personal experience)



1. Zoo memberships. It is a large(er) initial investment, but it is worth it. We bought a family deluxe one-year membership last summer. It cost $107. It paid for itself by the time we had visited twice AND we can bring 3 additional guests for free every time we visit. You could even purchase a membership with another family and split the cost. Our zoo has a huge park attached to it with hiking trails, a beach, several playgrounds, an old military fort, and many picnic areas. During the warmer months we make a day of it, packing a cooler and hitting the zoo first, then a barbeque picnic, then the beach, then the playground.



2. Check out your local community colleges websites. You might come across a free concert or event that is kid-friendly and best of all, FREE!



3. Google your local chamber of commerce. Most Chambers of commerce sponsor community events throughout the year. You can access a calendar of events form the website. Some examples of events in my area are:

Free concerts by the bay in the summer

Free guided wildlife walks 3 times a week for children under 12.

Free movies in the park on the weekends

You can pack a lunch or snack for any of these and they are fun and entertaining.



4. Access your state parks department website. You can search parks by amenity, so you can find parks that have trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, etc. Pack a lunch for the day and spend it exploring!



5. Geo caching! If you have a GPS, that is- it is so much fun for the little ones (and the big ones, too!) http://www.geocaching.com/



6. If you have a large, interesting national park in your area (Mt. Rainer, for example, is our "big" park), buy a season pass. We bought a season pass to get into any of Mt. Rainer's park areas last year for $30. We will be going up there soon to do some sledding and we go up occasionally to picnic and hike. It has been more than worth the $30.



7. Check out your local theaters and see if they have a special "classics" day. The theater here has $2 classics such as Snow White, Cinderella, etc- one day a week.



8. Many local libraries have free events that range from afternoon story time to pajama story night to free movie and pizza night.



9. Check out your local museums. If you aren't sure which museums are around you, google your county's historical society. Many museums have monthly family free nights. If you have any children's museums close by, you can visit their family free night. Some children's museums also do free satellite programs- they send a team to a community center in a few towns one day a week and do free activities for preschoolers.



As a student parent, I have had to come up with some really creative ways to keep my son active and involved for free or very cheap. He is 4 years old- he enjoys doing all the activities I've listed above. We always pack food and drinks with us in a small cooler. THen with the money we save on a regular basis, we do a "big" trip like a long camping trip to the ocean or a day trip to an amusement park.

I hope that helps you, and good luck!
The natural history museum (where my 2.5yo is pleased to spend the greater part of any day) nearish me has a little deal where you can pick up a free pass -- I think it's good for up to a family of four -- from the public library; you just check it out and back in like a book. There are probably loads of not very well advertised things like that. If you're looking at non-commercial attractions like museums and galleries, don't be shy about calling them and asking them what their free/discounted admission offers are.
Check with your local Children's museum and Zoo: they usually have some days or hours when you can go there free of charge.

Go to the library for a "story time". It's fun, and you can meet other parents/kids.

Do arts and crafts with her. Many ideas here: http://www.toddler-net.com/Games_art_cra鈥?/a>

See if there is a family friendly farm nearby. Some farms have small petting Zoo, or a maze, or some other fun activities.

Check your phone book for coupons!

Sign her up for swimming or gymnastics. It's not free but very important, and fun.
Be careful you don't overdo it with "outings" and fun stuff. She will come to expect it whenever she is with you and it will get larger and larger and cost more money as she gets older. Make fun stuff at home too. Preschoolers love it. Make play-doh- build forts with sofa cushions- open an umbrella and turn it upside down (so handle is sticking up in air) and toss rolled up socks into it from the other side of the room - play hide and seek in the backyard - flashlight tag at night - take flashlight walks at night - have a backyard picnic complete with basket and blanket and great snacks. The key is to keep it simple but fun and with you and her dad included she will have a blast.