Hobbies And Interests
Beach Toys
The public beaches in Florida are free, and all it takes are a few sand-and-surf-friendly toys to make a day at the beach truly priceless. A Frisbee, or similar flying disc, can provide hours of fun on the beach, especially the flexible kind that folds up and fits in a pocket or beach bag. Even dollar stores and supermarkets offer good deals on traditional beach toys, such as pails, shovels and other sand-castle equipment.
Pool Toys
Kids in need in Florida may not have their own pools in which to splash around, but they may get opportunities at their local YMCA or other community swimming pool. These toys include inflatable rafts, dive sticks and Splashbombs, as well as goggles, flippers, snorkels and rafts or tubes. Toys that also hook up to sprinklers are fun for a group of kids to run through on a hot Florida afternoon.
Sports Toys
In keeping with the outdoor theme, a soccer ball or football can keep a group of kids occupied for countless hours. A volleyball also comes in handy, especially for those trips to beaches where volleyball nets are always in place. The big discount stores often have sales on bicycles, skateboard and scooters, which are especially popular in Florida, with its flat terrain. The bikes don't need to be fancy, as simple cruisers are as easy to get around on as expensive 10-speed models.
Electronic Games
Hand-held game systems, such as Nintendo's DS2, can be enjoyed by kids of just about any age, and the games that go in the systems can be shared and traded among kids who have similar game systems. The initial systems can be pricey if purchased new, but certain stores, such as Gamestop, deal in used games systems and individual games, too. So, if you shop around, you'll find you can stretch your toy-buying dollars for these popular gaming options.